TOP STORIES
Maketank community arts centre closes after more than four years at the heart of Exeter cultural life
Crown Estate unwilling to renew lease after problems with roof preclude repairs in block scheduled for demolition as part of Citypoint redevelopment. Full story here.
Heavitree & Whipton Active Streets trial consultation to restart as taxi bus gate use introduced
More than 4,000 responses submitted in first eleven weeks with 1,650 people attending public exhibitions on scheme intended to reduce motor vehicle through traffic and increase walking and cycling. Full story here.
Seabrook Orchards development plans submitted one house short of key planning condition threshold
Residents group says Bloor Homes application does not address pedestrian and cycle connectivity and is ‘seeking to actively avoid delivery’ of agreed transport infrastructure. Full story here.
PLANNING POLICY FOCUS
City council holds consultation on full draft of new Exeter Local Plan, set to guide development to 2040
Second major consultation begins as government introduces sweeping national planning system reforms including transfer of powers to Whitehall and changes to scope of local plans and local plan-making processes. Read more here.
Water Lane SPD consultation opens in parallel with local plan survey
Policy intends to provide development framework and design code for 90 acre site on which 1,600 new dwellings plus employment space expected by 2040. Read more here.
City council seeks comments on draft Householder’s Guide to extensions and alterations
Policy covers size and position, materials, boundary relationships, loft conversions, dormers, solar panels and roof terraces, among other residential development design considerations. Read more here.
Planning inspectors uphold decisions to refuse illuminated city centre advertising screens
Appeal dismissals conclude JCDecaux ‘multifunction hubs’ would materially harm character, appearance and visual amenity and have ‘very limited’ benefits in Sidwell Street, Paris Street and South Street with High Street hub decision to follow. Read more here.
Planning inspector upholds Union Road HMO back garden student block refusal
Appeal against city council decision dismissed as similar application by same student landlord in Pennsylvania Road HMO garden under consideration. Read more here.
HELP US GROW
New leaflets to promote Exeter Observer to new readers arrived last month. Let us know if you’d like some to share with your friends and we’ll pop them in the post.
If you’d like to distribute a bigger bundle door to door, to help us reach a wider audience, let us know how many you might be able to drop off and we’ll suggest some streets we’d like to leaflet.
Or you could share this newsletter with your friends and invite them to subscribe free.
ON OUR RADAR
The Big Exeter Feast // Exeter Community Centre & other venues
A ten day programme of field trips, talks, workshops culminating in a conference exploring how food can be accessible, affordable and sustainable in Exeter. Monday 13 to Thursday 23 November. More details here.
PRISM Exeter speakers event // Exeter Library
Academic researchers share their experiences as part of this year’s LGBTQ+ STEM Day. Tuesday 21 November. More details here.
Exeter Seed Bank seed packing // Exeter Phoenix
A pair of seed-packing workshops to prepare for distribution next spring. Sunday 19 November & Sunday 3 December. More details here.
Reclaim the Night 2023 // Exeter city centre
A protest against sexual violence and harassment of women and girls in public space. Thursday 30 November. More details here.
MISSED EXETER DIGEST #38?
Read it on our website where you can help us reclaim local journalism from £8.50 per month.
