THE EXETER DIGEST

Exeter Digest #41: Clifton Hill & Mary Arches discounts - King Billy upended - Bus service cuts - St Luke’s redevelopment

Our top stories plus other news with curated cultural Christmas crackers including events at Exeter Custom House and the cathedral.

TOP STORIES

Revised proposals to sell council land for co-living and high-spec housing discount site viability issues

Council leader’s Clifton Hill and Mary Arches car park sale amendments agreed by Executive without discussing financial consequences, including multi-million pound value losses compelling sale of other assets to cover Exeter City Living debts. Full story here.

Sixth planning application for Longbrook Street development frames major changes to scheme as minor alterations while accompanying documents reveal unauthorised removal of protected 14th century structure near ancient city walls. Full story here.

OTHER NEWS

Exeter bus services cut by nearly 42% since 2010, largest fall in area

Many of worst-affected neighbourhoods in areas where major developments planned or being built, some in Heavitree & Whipton Active Streets trial area. Full story here.

University seeks views on St Luke’s campus redevelopment

Eleven acre teaching and research site between Heavitree Road and Magdalen Road to become ‘health and wellbeing’ campus and may include student accommodation. Full story here.

CHRISTMAS APPEAL

St Petrock’s Christmas appeal to raise funds to support its work with rough sleepers

Exeter homelessness charity’s fundraising campaign features short film exploring how it feels to be homeless. Read more here.

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ON OUR RADAR

Christmas at the Custom House // Exeter Custom House

A series of festive events including craft workshops, midwinter poetry and a performance by a local choir. To Saturday 16 December. More details here.

Five Children & It // Exeter Phoenix

Quirk Theatre presents a festive family-friendly adventure about a magical creature that grants wishes. Sunday 17 to Thursday 28 December. More details here.

Spork! Christmas special returns // Exeter Phoenix

Spork! presents poetry, comedy and live music from Elvis McGonagall, Josie Alford and BopaRhys, with carols from the Exeter Railway Band. Monday 18 December. More details here.

Viennese Christmas Spectacular // Exeter Cathedral

An evening of classical music by candlelight performed by chamber ensemble London Concertante. Friday 22 December. More details here.

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More stories
Northbrook Swimming Pool campaign demonstration Exeter Guildhall 13 May 2025

Campaigners compel Exeter City Council to reconsider Northbrook pool closure with 2,250-strong resident petition

Pressure on council intensifies after freedom of information request responses confirm £3.5 million budget cuts included potentially unlawful decision to close swimming pool without public consultation or impact assessment.

Wild camping on Dartmoor

Supreme Court rejects Dartmoor landowners’ attempt to prevent wild camping on their land

Judges unanimously dismiss appeal by Alexander and Diana Darwall against 2023 ruling upholding Dartmoor Commons Act as campaigners call for enhanced public rights to access nature pledged by Labour when still in opposition.

Child on park bench

Ofsted finds Devon County Council children’s services remain “inadequate” with rating unchanged since 2020

Inspection report highlights “serious weaknesses” that are “leaving children at risk of harm” as failings echo poor Special Educational Needs & Disabilities provision.

Mid Devon District Council headquarters at Phoenix House in Tiverton

Mid Devon District Council mischarged 2,865 social housing tenants £15.5 million in rent over twenty years

Housing regulator identifies “serious failings” in application of rent standard as council discovers dozens of evictions in which “rent arrears were the sole, or contributory factor”.

Dartmoor wildfire on 5 May 2025, photo by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Dartmoor National Park warns of continued high fire risk after wildfire destroys 1,230 acres of moorland

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service took nearly 24 hours to extinguish bank holiday weekend blaze that followed warning of uncontrolled moorland fire risk.

Former Firezza in Sidwell Street to become adult gaming centre

24 hour year-round Sidwell Street “adult gaming centre” allowed at appeal

Planning inspector finds no evidence that “increase in crime and disorder” or “serious detrimental impacts on the health of local residents” would result from change of use from restaurant and takeaway unit.

On Our Radar
Steve Tyler and Marco Cannavò

SATURDAY 31 MAY 2025

Love, Devotion and Harmonious Melodies

Steve Tyler and Marco Cannavò perform medieval music on historical instruments.

ST NICHOLAS PRIORY

Exeter Respect Festival

SATURDAY 7 & SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2025

Exeter Respect Festival 2025

The annual celebration of Exeter diversity returns for its 28th anniversary with live music and performance, food stalls, community and campaign groups.

BELMONT PARK

Exeter City Of Literature literary map

SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2025

The Book Market 2025

Exeter City of Literature event features independent booksellers from across the county with author talks, stalls, food and drink.

CATHEDRAL GREEN

Exeter Custom House

SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2025

Heritage Harbour Festival 2025

The maritime-themed event returns for a third year with steam boats, exhibitions, talks, live music, film screenings and more.

EXETER QUAY

Art Week Exeter 2025 graphic

MONDAY 9 TO SUNDAY 15 JUNE 2025

Art Week Exeter 2025

Festival returns with exhibitions, film screenings, talks, workshops, performances, social events and an art car boot sale.

EXETER CITY CENTRE

Pipe organ keyboard in St Mary's Church, Throwleigh by Andrew Abbott

SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2025

Lost and Found (Keyboards Revoiced)

Exeter Contemporary Sounds and Ian Summers perform works on rescued, repurposed and reimagined instruments.

EXETER LIBRARY