A tightly fought vote has cleared the way for a 10‑storey block of almost 300 student flats in a city, despite some concerns the building will loom over a neighbourhood.
Councillors approved the plan for the Western Way site in Exeter, Devon, which currently houses the city’s JobCentre.
Manchester-based developer Zinc Real Estate will demolish Clarendon House and replace it with purpose-built rooms for Exeter University students. The company had first suggested a much taller, 20‑storey tower in 2023, but scaled it back after criticism.
Historic England expressed worries about the design but did not object formally.