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Exeter City Council is about to seize the helm of Exe estuary maritime life: will it steer it onto the rocks?
Charges for waterways access are set to be imposed from the quay and canal basin to the coast under proposed Harbour Revision Order powers after six years of rising costs propelled by pursuit of Port Marine Safety Code compliance. They risk driving away craft of all sizes, from kayaks to yachts, while redevelopment threatens canalside land – but it’s not too late to change course.
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Exeter College and Petroc merger to go ahead in January
Further and higher education colleges with Barnstaple, Tiverton and several Exeter sites will become Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group after year-long process including public consultation showing two-thirds in support.
Devon and Exeter pre-Christmas hospital strike goes ahead after “too little, too late” from health secretary Wes Streeting
Fourteenth round of industrial action follows vote to reject speciality training places offer which British Medical Association says would not increase number of working doctors.
Exeter City Council approves 54 more dwellings in Topsham gap on former golf driving range
Greenfield development follows council approval of plans enabling driving range relocation to privately-owned land in Ludwell Valley Park.
McCarthy Stone amends Heavitree school playing field retirement complex plans to trigger second public consultation
Developer makes minor adjustments to proposals for 36 retirement flats which have prompted concerns about loss of green space and adverse impact on historic character of conservation area.
Princesshay seeks permission for outdoor market stalls for four months each year
Planning application follows shopping centre acquisition by Frasers Group which said it intended to enhance the shopping and leisure offer in Exeter city centre.
Honiton Road “Moor Exchange” retail park plans set for approval
Final revised proposals for 12,400 square metre “town centre facilities” with 376 car parking spaces in Honiton Road trigger another public consultation five years after Exeter City Council granted outline planning permission for development.
On Our Radar
SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2025 TO SUNDAY 4 JANUARY 2026
The Wintertime Hotel
An immersive family-friendly production by Theatre Alibi and Angel Exit Theatre.
EMMANUEL HALL
SUNDAY 14 TO SUNDAY 28 DECEMBER 2025
Ernie and the Sea of Ice
Quirk Theatre presents a festive family-friendly adventure set in the snowy South Pole.
EXETER PHOENIX
SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 2025
Festive Quayside Farmers’ Market
Monthly market returns to offer local produce, hand-made goods, plants, cakes and more for Christmas feasting.
PIAZZA TERRACINA
Spotlight
Labour and Conservative councillors join forces to block Exeter city centre antisocial behaviour initiative
Rejection of voluntary and community sector calls for more inclusive response follows thirteen-year council failure to comply with legal duties under crime and disorder legislation in relation to Exeter Community Safety Partnership.
