“A series of unfulfilled pledges by a housing developer has seen a historic former school remain visibly untouched for five-and-a-half years, but assurances have now been given its transformation could be completed by 2021.
Former girls’ school St Margaret’s in St Leonard’s, Exeter, was granted planning permission to be turned into housing in 2014.
Grenadier Estates promised to turn the Grade II listed building into an ‘exclusive development’ of 35 apartments and four town houses, by winter 2019/20.
Work was due to begin in the summer of 2017, but instead it has remained boarded up and shrouded in scaffolding and plastic.
Last June, the developers said work would begin on the first phase that month.
Among the reasons stated for the delay was making it a sustainable development, and seeking further planning permission.
At that time no date was given for when the project would be completed due to ‘sensitivities of preserving the historic building, suppliers and ensuring the selected construction techniques are appropriate’.
However, Grenadier has announced today it estimates the project will take a further two years to complete.
Its new vision is to provide a mix of 38 high-quality apartments and three individual townhouses which will be high-quality and energy efficient homes.
The Exeter-based developer has pledged not to compromise the historic character of the property by using the latest advancements in building techniques and technology. …..”
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/eight-year-wait-former-exeter-3076220
East Devon Watch 