THE EXETER DIGEST

Exeter Digest #61: Devolution deal approved - Decarbonisation plan dumped - Heavitree Road student/co-living redux

Other stories include central and eastern corridor bus lane changes and a St Bridget Nurseries planning appeal, with a curated selection of community and culture events.

Welcome to The Exeter Digest. Thanks for subscribing. Help us grow by sharing this newsletter with a friend and inviting them to subscribe free.

Exeter Observer can deliver the independent journalism our city needs because it is funded by readers like you. Support our work from £5 per month: it’s a small investment for a very big return.

NEWS & COMMENT

Government approves new Devon local government layer but says it still wants elected mayor

Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority expected to be first step towards regional governance structure as Institute for Government recommends absorption of Plymouth – and even Cornwall – into South West peninsula devolution deal. Read more.

Developer appeals St Bridget Nurseries non-determination following High Court rejection of previous planning approval

Second Waddeton Park application for controversial site remains undecided after city and county councils both criticised by judge for failing to discharge duties. Read more.

£7.3 million RAMM and Riverside Leisure Centre decarbonisation scheme to be scrapped

City council says neither project deliverable within required timeframe or budget and that it hopes to recover £550,000 so far spent. Read more.

Devon County Council holds second consultation on Heavitree Road, Honiton Road and Pinhoe Road bus lane changes

Statutory consultation on proposed changes including bus lane operation times and removal of parking spaces follows informal consultation earlier this year. Read more.

New Heavitree Road police station site student accommodation and “co-living” redevelopment plans published

Public comment sought on pre-application proposals for 738 rooms in eight blocks with ground floor commercial space following February appeal dismissal of previous 955-room scheme. Read more.

Subscribe to The Exeter Digest - Exeter Observer's essential email newsletter

Your personal information will be processed and stored in accordance with our GDPR-compliant Privacy Policy.

ON OUR RADAR

Exeter Contemporary Open 2024 // Exeter Phoenix

Annual exhibition featuring fifteen contemporary visual artists from across the UK. More details.

Salmon Run 2024 // River Exe

Community runs along the River Exe highlighting the significance of salmon and the species’ relationship with the waterway. More details.

An Evening with Guy Shrubsole // Waterstones

Local writer and campaigner discusses his new book about landownership in Britain. More details.

Brillsville Market // St Thomas

Regular community-run market that offers goods from local growers, makers and traders with a repair cafe and more. More details.

Folk music night // Daily Bowl

Live music, food and drinks at regular Friday night event. More details.

Isca Ensemble 2024 celebration concert // Exeter Cathedral

An evening of classical music celebrating the life of Joanna Leach with soloist Kacper Nowak in aid of local charity Hospicare. More details.

MISSED EXETER DIGEST #60?

Read it on our website where you can find all our public interest publishing.

Exeter Observer is a new kind of independent news publisher that holds power and influence to account while helping our city's cultural and community life to thrive.

Our not-for-profit publishing has real-world impact while delivering the public interest journalism Exeter needs. Become a member from £5 per month.

More stories
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services logo

Inspectorate closes one of three “causes of concern” raised for enhanced Devon & Cornwall Police performance monitoring

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services says Devon & Cornwall Police has improved its 101 call response but crime recording and investigations standards both still require improvement.

Vulcan Estate boxpark illustrative view

Water Lane micro-brewery “boxpark” bar and rental units proposed

Application to install fifteen shipping containers in car park beside Vulcan Estate warehouse submitted to Exeter City Council for approval.

Paternoster House flat 26 floor plan

Paternoster House flats described as “blueprint for Exeter’s future” marketed for rent at up to £3,500 per month

Standard minimum earnings eligibility threshold to rent each of four city centre flats so far completed ranges from £71,500 to £104,000 per annum, three times Exeter median wages, while best-paid 10% in Devon earn £52,400.

High Court rally

Dartmoor landowner seeks Supreme Court ruling to prevent wild camping

Alexander and Diana Darwell, owners of 4,000 acre Blachford Estate, aim to overturn appeal court ruling restoring access rights championed by Dartmoor National Park Authority and campaign group Open Spaces Society.

Site of demolished changing rooms at Flowerpot Fields

Exeter College seeks to replace planned Flowerpot Fields sports pavilion with dedicated teaching facility

Revisions to consented scheme that includes fencing, floodlighting and replacement of publicly-accessible playing fields with artificial turf no longer reinstate demolished changing rooms or provide equipment storage or pitch viewing facilities.

Institute for Government devolution deals options maps

Government approves new Devon local government layer but says it still wants elected mayor

Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority expected to be first step towards regional governance structure as Institute for Government recommends absorption of Plymouth – and even Cornwall – into South West peninsula devolution deal.

On Our Radar