TOP STORIES
Motor vehicle infrastructure still dominates Devon transport spending despite climate claims
2022-23 roads spending remains unchanged at 87% of total as county council diverts rail money to increase active travel capital expenditure by just 1%. Full story here.
Exeter employment rate second lowest in South West for second year running
Economic inactivity levels related to large student and retiree population remain high, creating recruitment challenges from healthcare to refuse collection, but council celebrates top retirement destination ranking as ‘more good news’. Full story here.
Just Stop Oil protest puts university fossil fuel financing under spotlight
University of Exeter tops UK fossil fuel funding table following £14.7 million deal with Shell but has more than one close relationship with major emissions producers. Full story here.
EXETER IN BRIEF
County council to sell land and buildings worth up to £10 million to raise money and cut costs
Wedding venue Larkbeare House and gardens, County Hall residential development land and Compass House, home of adult mental health service Talkworks, among assets for disposal as part of property rationalisation programme. Read more here.
Southgate development of up to 200 new flats on Magdalen Street car park to alter Western Way gyratory
Screening opinion concludes no significant environmental impact will result from Liveable Exeter scheme. Read more here.
ON THE AGENDA
Plans for flats in back gardens of Longbrook Street student HMOs submitted for approval
Application for six-bed three-storey block on what is now car park used by commuters does not address neighbourhood plan community balance concerns. Read more here.
Revised proposals for Summerland Street ‘co-living’ block submitted
Developer of 147-bedspace six storey scheme on city council land claims it will contribute to local housing need, ensure ‘mixed and balanced communities’ and enhance the local conservation area. Read more here.
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ON OUR RADAR
Food on Film // Exeter Phoenix
The programme’s autumn season concludes with a screening of Babette’s Feast. Sunday 22 October. More details here.
Rock Against Extinction // Exeter Phoenix
An evening of music, poetry and more in aid of Climate Action Hub Exeter. Thursday 26 October. More details here.
Isca Ensemble celebration concert // Exeter Cathedral
An evening of classical music celebrating the life of Joanna Leach with soloist Ben Goldscheider in aid of local charity Hospicare. Saturday 28 October. More details here.
Kidical Mass Halloween special // Belmont Park
Kidical Mass Exeter is holding its sixth family bike ride as part of an ongoing campaign for safe cycling routes for children, young people and families. Sunday 29 October. More details here.
Spork! Dead Poets Slam // Exeter Phoenix
An October spoken-word poetry special featuring poet and slam champion Rick Dove. Sunday 29 October. More details here.
An Audience with a Ghost Hunter // St Nicholas Priory
An immersive after dark theatre experience in Exeter’s oldest building. Tuesday 31 October to Saturday 18 November. More details here.
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