The updated design 

Contents

On the following pages, you can find out more about the updated design, including:

• Site context and layout (page 1)
• Architectural Design - Plans (page 1)
• Architectural Design - Elevations (page 2)
• Architectural Design - Visuals (page 2)
• Architectural Design - Sustainability (page 3)
• Travel & parking (page 3) 
• Landscape and biodiversity (page 4) 

There are opportunities to give feedback on each page.

Site context and layout

We have reduced the size of the development on the site and are now proposing a single block of 24 affordable homes (rather than the 30-39 homes in the initial proposals). The homes will be arranged in one 4-storey block on the south side of the site, adjacent to the medical centre. An improved crossing will be created between Greenview Court and Lakeside Avenue and there will be a new public pathway to the Lakeside Avenue Park.

Key design drivers

• Affordable housing offering homes with minimal energy costs
• High quality architecture throughout
• Keep existing trees, especially the leaning walnut tree
• Climate ready, sustainable design, Passivhaus or Net Zero Carbon
• Accessible accommodation for all ages and needs
• Shared surface giving priority to pedestrians
• Green Transport: allocated bicycle storage and access to CoBikes
• Better connection to the Lakeside Avenue Park
• Promote connection to nature with well considered landscape design

Architectural Design - Plans

The 24 new homes will be affordable homes for rent, with two wheelchair accessible homes on the ground floor. The homes will be a combination of one and two bedroom. Each home will have a private balcony or garden and have windows facing at least two different orientations in order to maximise natural light throughout the day.

We are currently investigating with the Council's Housing Team the opportunity to introduce a Local Lettings Policy to allocate a proportion of the new homes to local people in housing need. 

Architectural Design - Elevations

What The Building Will Look Like

The Design Team have studied the buildings and materials in the local area, the design looks to incorporate high quality redbrick with detailing used to break up the scale, allow light into the building and add interest to the facade.

Elevation Study

Architectural Design - Visuals

Click on the 'next' button below to find out more about Sustainability

Architectural Design - Sustainability

All homes will be Passivhaus or Net Zero carbon and will be extremely energy efficient with PV panels and other renewable low energy technologies.

Travel and parking 

In February 2019 Exeter City Council declared a climate emergency and pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. As part of this policy the Council set up Exeter City Living as a limited company in 2018 with the aim of investing in the local communities in Exeter to help create inclusive and sustainable local neighbourhoods. To complement the desire to reduce carbon dioxide pollution levels the Council would like Exeter City Living to build car-free developments when the surrounding areas are suitable for travel by walk, cycle and public transport modes. 

In the case of the proposed Glasshouse Lane development it is considered that the accessible and sustainable nature of the site is appropriate for a car free development. As shown in the site plan below, the parking associated with the site consists of two allocated spaces for the wheelchair accessible homes on the ground floor and one drop-off space for deliveries. The allocated spaces and drop off area could also be used by attending nurses visiting future residents.

Prospective residents will be made aware of the car-free principle being promoted when they first view the development, and therefore it is unlikely that they will choose to reside in this location if they have a car. To complement the car-free principles it is intended to install a Co Bikes site adjacent to the shopping area which will be available to both new residents and all existing residents in the area. The electric bikes are already available throughout Exeter and can be hired for between 6p and 12p per minute depending on various purchasing options. Co Cars are also available at various sites through Exeter and may be an option which will be considered in the future. 

Although the development will be promoted as car-free it is still possible that some residents will choose to own a car either when moving in or at some time in the future. These vehicles will then have to park on-street in the same fashion as do many other residents in the area who do not have on-site parking provision. A number of parking surveys have been undertaken within 400m of the site to understand local on-street parking capacity. The surveys showed that there are over 100 spaces available within walking distance of the site, and at least 20 spaces were consistently available close to the site.

Exeter City Living is exploring whether DCC Highways will provide consent for additional on-street parking on Glasshouse Lane by changing the current parallel spaces adjacent to the site into chevron parking (as indicated on the above site plan).

Click on the 'next' button below to find out more about Landscape and Biodiversity

Landscaping and biodiversity

Landscape concept

The Landscape Concept is to maximise the opportunities on site for biodiversity and to encourage wildlife, whilst creating a pleasant place to live for the residents and the wider community to enjoy. To achieve this a forest garden is proposed that will provide opportunities for food growing and maximising biodiversity. 

Forest gardens are layered systems with plants at different heights, mimicking that of a young natural woodland, incorporating plants which directly and indirectly benefit people through most of them being edible. We will create informal paths through the forest garden alongside opportunities for play. 

Private gardens for the ground floor flats are proposed with secure boundary treatments and raised planters for gardening.

Landscape Proposal

Biodiversity & Ecological Enhancement

Providing enhanced biodiversity and ecology is integral to the proposal at Glasshouse Lane. This enhancement will include: planting of native trees, shrubs, plants and wildflower beds and species rich grass mixes, supporting important species such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths, birds and bats. A Sustainable urban drainage system will keep water on the site and enhance urban living by providing a stimulating and healthy environment for all inhabitants. The introduction of dead wood in the Forest Garden and the inclusion of bird and bat boxes around the site (including within the structure of the new building) will create a refuge for insects, birds and bats. Wildlife friendly habitats such as hedgehog highways and bat corridors will be retained for native wildlife, which will contribute to the wider ecological network. 

Site Section

Thank you for taking the time to view our updated proposals. Please let us know what you think of the updated scheme using the options below.