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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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Devon County Council funding cuts set to reduce core library opening hours by 30%
Public consultation on changes explores possibility of closing some branches altogether despite claims to the contrary while Libraries Unlimited contract extension decision scheduled for six weeks before consultation ends.
Exeter City Council adds 813 more student and “co-living” beds to city “housing” supply with Heavitree Road approval
Complex of seven blocks up to six storeys tall on site of police station and magistrates court to bring purpose-built temporary accommodation tally to 3,250 beds in Newtown alone – while failing to meet local plan minimum building separation policy.
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.
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
WEDNESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2025
New Year’s Eve party
A movie-themed celebration to mark the tenth anniversary of independent cinema Studio 74 while welcoming in 2026.
EXETER PHOENIX
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.
