THE EXETER DIGEST

Exeter Digest #28: Exeter election results - Council leader code conflicts - Community grants cuts redux

Read all about the 2023 Exeter local elections in our in-depth analysis then check out Maketank’s Make Your Own Book festival and a retelling of Romeo and Juliet at Poltimore House.

TOP STORIES

EXETER ELECTORAL TECTONIC PLATES RUMBLE AS POLITICAL LANDSCAPE SHIFTS

Labour takes second Conservative seat in Topsham but loses in St Thomas to Liberal Democrats as Green wins in Heavitree, St David’s and Newtown & St Leonards place party second in 2023 city council elections. Full story here.

HOW FAR DOES THE COUNCIL LEADER HAVE TO GO BEFORE HE SEES A PLANNING COMMITTEE CONFLICT OF INTEREST?

Phil Bialyk led charge against application to develop site 160 yards from his house despite conduct codes and LGA planning probity guidance. Full story here.

COUNCILLOR FALSELY LABELS COMMUNITY GRANTS CUTS STORY “MISINFORMATION”

Labour’s Martin Pearce brands Exeter Observer “opposition propaganda” at full city council meeting, earning rebuke from Lord Mayor and putting council at risk of code of practice breach during pre-election period. Full story here.

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ON OUR RADAR

TUESDAY 2 TO SATURDAY 12 MAY // MAKETANK

Make Your Own Book festival: an exhibition exploring local independent book and art creators with a weekend of storytelling, illustration and book-making workshops. More info here.

WEDNESDAY 17 MAY // ST SIDWELL’S COMMUNITY CENTRE

How can Exeter Observer help our city to thrive? Come along to one of our informal events and share your ideas on how we might grow the independent journalism Exeter needs. More info here.

SATURDAY 27 MAY // POLTIMORE HOUSE

Romeo and Juliet: Troubadour Stageworks presents an accessible, family-friendly production of Shakespeare’s tragic romance. More info here.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

ALPHINGTON WORST REPRESENTED WARD AS COUNCILLOR ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS VARIES WIDELY ACROSS CITY

Consistent commitment to participation in democratic decision-making by some councillors in contrast with poor attendance rates of others. Full story here.

DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL ADMITS “SERIOUS, MATERIAL, WELL-EVIDENCED” GOVERNANCE FAILURES

Deficient SEND and children’s services combine with threat of section 114 bankruptcy notice to prompt “root and branch” review aimed at restoring “external confidence in the council’s democratic legitimacy”. Full story here.

More stories
Save Northbrook Pool campaigners dressed in black outside Exeter City Council's offices on 24 June 2025

Labour councillors dive deeper into denial in decision to abandon Northbrook pool

Exeter residents mourn as council suppresses destructive consequences of creating St Sidwell’s Point complex that looms in leisure service shadows like a leviathan.

Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority draft local growth plan infographic

Devon & Torbay CCA keeps quiet about 2025-35 Local Growth Plan as it takes charge of regional development agenda

Combined County Authority privately selects unspecified stakeholders to co-author document setting out strategic priorities but with little of substance to say on addressing region’s structural challenges.

Northbrook pool

Exeter City Council fields false prospectus in determination to close Northbrook pool

Ian Collinson reports double down on misrepresentation, material omission and flat denial as council plans to rend more of city’s fabric from its roots.

Clifton Hill sports centre redevelopment site

Second undervalue sale of Clifton Hill sports centre site after buyback loss leaves city with £3m less than initial market value

Council sold land for £2.14m – at £2.11m discount – then bought it back for £3.037m before selling again for £3.375m at £425,000 discount with £225,000 sweetener after also agreeing to spend net £600,000 on preparation, marketing and disposal costs.

Mary Arches car parks redevelopment site aerial view

300-bed “co-living” blocks to trump social housing vision for Mary Arches car parks

More people could be crammed into Eutopia Homes complex than current car parking spaces after Exeter City Council commits to “homes for the people of Exeter” on Liveable Exeter North Gate site.

Exeter Public Spaces Protection Order boundary map

Exeter City Council renews Public Spaces Protection Order for three more years

Measure introduced to curb anti-social behaviour in 2017 extended to 2028 following consultation limited to selected consultees.

On Our Radar
Signals of the Sea in rehearsal

SUNDAY 6 JULY 2025

Signals of the Sea

Theatre Alibi hosts a Paddleboat Theatre production that follows a lighthouse keeper as he uncovers the secrets of the sea.

EMMANUEL HALL

Illustration of Hansel and Gretel by Arthur Rackham

SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025

Fairy Tales in Opera and Piano Music

A fairy tale-themed concert for children and their families.

ST NICHOLAS PRIORY

St Thomas churchyard

SATURDAY 19 JULY 2025

Love St Thomas Summer Festival

New community event launches with live music, talks, workshops, stalls, refreshments and family-friendly activities.

ST THOMAS CHURCHYARD