[Press Release] NooKo Submits Minor Amendment to Enhance Approved Plans for The Royal Clarence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EXETER, UK – 13th August 2025 – Specialist developer NooKo today announced the submission of a planning application for minor amendments to the fully approved scheme for The Royal Clarence on Cathedral Green. The application, largely a technicality, proposes sensitive internal adjustments designed to better showcase the building’s historic remains while retaining the exact external structure of the current planning permission.

The proposed enhancements will showcase and blend the old with the new within the Grade II listed building, respectfully honouring its past while creating sustainable, high-end homes and a vibrant commercial space for the future of Exeter.

This milestone has been achieved through a proactive and overwhelmingly positive collaboration between NooKo, Exeter City Council, Historic England, and design and construction consultancies Kirkham Board Associates and Expedite. The proposals represent a thoughtful evolution of the consented scheme, enhanced with the signature ‘NooKo touch’ to improve buildability and engineering (to allow the build to progress quickly, minimising build time and disruption).

A key feature of the refined design is a more versatile interior layout that highlights the building’s remarkable historic elements, which were scarred by the 2016 fire. A redesigned internal staircase and light well will wrap around these features, illuminating the preserved burnt timbers, which will serve as a visible, poignant connection between old and new from within every apartment.

“We believe this connection between the building’s dramatic history and cutting-edge new design is what will make The Royal Clarence so special,” said Max Sayers, Director at NooKo. “Our vision is to retain the drama and feel of the original building while employing the very best modern construction methods to ensure the new homes are safe, energy-efficient, and of the highest quality.”

The interiors will be curated by Letty Sayers, part of the NooKo family, who will champion the use of reused, recycled and sustainable materials sourced from the existing building and locally to create the finest homes on Exeter’s Cathedral Green. Responding to local demand, the design retains all apartments, with an increased number of two-bedroom units.

Collaborative Spirit Drives Project Forward

The project team has praised the collaborative spirit that has defined the process. NooKo has worked in lockstep with officers from Exeter City Council at all levels.

“The team at Exeter City Council has been absolutely brilliant to work with,” said Max Sayers. “Their proactive and supportive stance throughout the pre-planning application has been fundamental to reaching this stage on time.”

The team from Historic England played a key role in the internal redesign process, ensuring the site’s heritage was respected and celebrated. The technical expertise and collaboration between Mike Board of Kirkham Board Associates and Simon Lancaster of Expedite were crucial in realising a scheme that makes sensitive enhancements to the interior while leaving the approved exterior unchanged. This new approach builds on the monumental work previously completed by Akkeron and KTA in securing the initial planning consent.

Support for the project has been widespread. “Everyone involved, from the local area including the businesses on Cathedral Green, has been overwhelmingly positive,” Max Sayers added. “We are incredibly proud to get to this point and are excited to start work on this huge piece of work, delivering a landmark development for the city of Exeter.”  

A decision on the planning application is due in November.

About NooKo

NooKo is a property development company with a passion for creating exceptional living and commercial spaces. With a focus on sustainable, high-quality design and a deep respect for heritage, NooKo is committed to enhancing the communities in which it works.

Sales Inquiries

For all sales inquiries and further information regarding the exceptional homes at The Royal Clarence, please contact Knight Frank. Louise and Daniel are available to assist you at daniel.harris@knightfrank.com

Contact: 

Simon Hoe 

press@nooko.co.uk 

https://nooko.co.uk/press-pack/