Plans for proposed development and creation of public open space in St Leonards to be unveiled at public consultation event

Plans to transform Mount Radford Lawn in St Leonards into a boutique housing development with new public open space will be discussed at a public consultation event on Tuesday 7th May at Dean Clarke House, Southernhay East.

UK charity, the Exeter Deaf Academy, has released ownership of Mount Radford Lawn, St Leonards, Exeter, in preparation for a move to its new premises in Exmouth.

To ensure that value can be generated for their beneficiaries to assist with the creation of a new deaf academy, the charity has selected Burrington Estates as its preferred partner to redevelop the site.

The development, which has been named St Leonard’s Park by the Burrington Estates team, will introduce eight new family homes to the local area.

Exeter Deaf Academy’s Director of Development, Stephen Morton, said: “The Deaf Academy has an ambitious and exciting vision to transform the lives of vulnerable young deaf people, not just in Devon but across the UK. Our move to Exmouth is just the first step towards achieving that vision and it is through working in partnership with other organisations that we will achieve this.

“As with all of our assets, it has been a priority to find a partner who will help the Academy generate the financial return from each opportunity as this will ultimately help make our vision possible – the site at Mount Radford has been no exception.

“Burrington Estates have been selected as a partner because they showed a genuine interest in supporting our vision and made a financial offer which fairly shares the proceeds of a successful planning application. This is a truly enabling partnership which will help us change the lives of vulnerable young deaf people.”

Stephen continues, “As long term residents of the area, we have been mindful of our neighbours in St Leonards and it is the Charity’s judgement, and those of our advisors, that the proposed development by Burrington Estates – which commits to providing new public open space for local residents – can only enhance St Leonards and we hope that those living in the area will consider the project with an open mind.”

On Tuesday 7th May, from 3pm-8pm, Burrington Estates will host a public consultation event at Dean Clarke House, Southernhay East, Exeter, to view their plans and welcome comments before submitting its formal planning application. For those unable to attend the public consultation event, this information will also be available to view and comment on at www.burringtonestates.com/stleonards from 7th May at 3pm.

As with all of Burrington Estates’ developments, homes at St Leonard’s Park have been designed to an exceptional standard. The design incorporates a substantial part of the site to be made available for public open space for dog walking and enjoyment for all local residents.

The existing long-distance views of Haldon Hill ridge-line will not be impacted, and the view of St Leonard’s Church will also be maintained as a central feature. The style of the houses will look to complement and enhance the surrounding area.

To emphasise the natural beauty found at this superb location, existing protected trees will be joined by additional trees and landscaping to create a tree-lined avenue around the park.

The majority of existing car parking will not be altered, and disabled parking will be unaffected. The new scheme will see the generation of nine additional parking bays along the St Leonard’s Place boundary of St Leonard’s Park for use by the local community.

Mark Edworthy, Group Managing Director and Founder of Burrington Estates, said: “Being able to acquire this site and knowing funds will go towards helping provide ongoing support for deaf children in Devon was a very important factor in our decision to pursue the site.

“As a direct neighbour of the site, this has presented as a brilliant opportunity to work collaboratively with both Exeter Deaf Academy and local people to produce a legacy development that set new standards in architecture, design and quality. Also, we are pleased to be able to provide public open space on a site that all local residents have had to look at through a metal fence for so long.

“We’re excited to share our plans on Tuesday 7th May and following the public consultation, our team will review feedback to fully understand the views of local residents and the public. We will then refine our proposal considering these comments and submit for a full planning application.”