Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were made by Members.

The Principal Project Manager (Development) (HS) presented the application for approval of the details of the layout, scale and appearance of the buildings, the means of access thereto and the landscaping for: Paris Street (Parcel P) and commercial developments (Parcel C).

Members were circulated with an update sheet - attached to minutes.

The Principal Project Manager (Development) reported the reserved matters for which approval was sought being means of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale. He stated that scale and layout of the development had been substantially established at outline stage as set out in the approved parameters plan and advised that a Traffic Order relating to extinguishment of vehicular rights and stopping up of highways including the upper part of Paris Street was the subject of separate applications to the Secretary of State.

He detailed the proposals for the five new blocks of development (named Block A to E), varying between two and three commercial storeys (between 12.0 and 23.0 metres) arranged around a terraced central open amphitheatre space and pedestrian routes that connect the space directly with surrounding streets and the public space in Paris Street (between Dix’s Field and High Street). Details of three single storey kiosk units in Paris Street were included, as were details of the formation of a service yard at the rear of existing buildings on Sidwell Street accessed via Bampfylde Street from its junction with Cheeke Street.

He responded as follows to issues raised by Members:-

• whilst cycle usage through the newly provided pedestrian area at the upper part of Paris Street as well as the rest of Paris Street would be permitted, the central area would be pedestrian only, details to be secured by means of a Section 278 agreement;
• wheelchair access to the terrace overlooking the amphitheatre would be possible with sufficient space at the end of the seating area;
• issues raised by Living Options, such as the size of lifts serviced by the development and the nature of the handrails, could be achieved through building regulations;
• further discussion to take place on the final detail of the Dix’s Field/Paris Street/Exeter Community Transport Association facilities;
• the importance of an appropriate finish to the lower Paris Street frontage, including the Cinema, was recognised, given its gradient and the challenge of providing suitable window dressings for the lower floor. There was, however, only limited outlook onto this frontage;
• a suitable electric and water supply for the amphitheatre area would be provided together with further thought on the nature of the grassed area; and
• Local Plan Policy T2 referred to in the January 2016 report, but not this one.

Mrs Lant spoke against the application. She raised the following points:-

• there are huge difficulties experienced by those with little or no sight in navigating city centre landscapes and it is important therefore to have regard to the practicalities and daily experiences of this cohort in visiting this new development;
• many aspects of the design present practical difficulties such as curved buildings, obstructive street  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.