TOP STORIES
UNIVERSITY SAYS 39,000 STUDENTS – NEARLY 30% OF CITY’S POPULATION – BASED AT EXETER CAMPUSES IN 2021-22
Freedom of information request reveals 11,500 more students than published FTE figures with major implications for council planning policy but university refuses to disclose numbers in PBSA vs residential housing stock.
STAGECOACH PROPOSES FREE TRAVEL AND FAST-TRACKED INFORMATION UPGRADES TO COMPENSATE FOR SERVICE FAILURES
West of England traffic commissioner holds Exeter’s principal bus operator to account at public inquiry, with final decision on performance expected this week.
HEAVITREE ROAD DEVELOPER GETS SIXTH PITCH FOR STUDENT/CO-LIVING COMPLEX
Eight design iterations, six council meetings, four consultation rounds and two deferrals combine to impede public participation in planning process on key Liveable Exeter site and increase chances of decision being overturned at appeal.
ON THE AGENDA
NEW EXETER LOCAL PLAN
A consultation on the outline draft version of the new Exeter local plan, which will guide development in the city until 2040, is now taking place.
At the same time national planning system reform is on its way, threatening major changes that would require significant revision to the new plan before it is submitted to the inspectorate.
ON OUR RADAR
SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER // MAPPING OUR EXETER
A free Being Human festival event exploring historic maps of Exeter and inviting contributions to a new digital map of the city.
SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER // ST. THOMAS WINTER MARKET RETURNS
The community-run event combines artisan traders with music, entertainment and workshops to create a family-friendly festival atmosphere.
WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER // REFUGEE SUPPORT DEVON FUNDRAISER
Luca Rossi, Trikkeballakke and La Tarantella perform Southern Italian music and dance in aid of Refugee Support Devon.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
FLOOD RISK THREATENS TO SINK HAVEN BANKS REDEVELOPMENT PLANS
Proposals for 434 rental units accommodating up to 1,167 people on 1.7 hectare Liveable Exeter site would deliver extreme housing densities that deny amenity to prospective occupants while inflicting significant impacts on existing residents.
WILL COUNCIL SEEK INVESTMENT ZONE STATUS FOR LIVEABLE EXETER SITES?
Government growth plans combine tax breaks with planning deregulation, putting affordable housing provision and environmental protections at risk with little evidence that promised investment zone benefits would result.
COUNCIL BORROWING NEARLY TRIPLES IN THREE YEARS AS PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT LOANS MOUNT
Freedom of information request reveals five paragraph “outline business plan” for £55 million Guildhall shopping centre investment.
