THE EXETER DIGEST

Exeter Digest #46: Southgate SoS - County council cuts - Stagecoach SW losses

Upcoming community and culture highlights include Topsham Music Festival and St Petrock’s Big Night Out.

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Secretary of State overturns council decision to waive Southgate site Environmental Impact Assessment

Proposals for up to 200 flats in high-rise tower blocks have potentially significant impacts on Exe Estuary avian flightpaths, Exeter Cathedral skyline, listed buildings and ancient city walls placing protected landscapes and heritage assets at risk. Full story here.

£50 million county council 2024-25 service delivery cuts concealed by £93 million costs increases

Figures essentially unaffected by budget scrutiny process during which councillors sought details of where and how cuts would fall but received few proper answers. Full story here.

Stagecoach South West posts largest losses in sector despite greatest growth in journey numbers

Lowest year on year revenue rise compounded by above average staffing costs increase as £2 bus fare cap continues to prop up passenger demand. Full story here.

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ON OUR RADAR

Brillsville Market returns // St Thomas

Community-run market launches 2024 season with goods from local producers, workshops and more. Saturday 9 March then monthly. More details here.

Topsham Music Festival // Various venues

Three day event features instrumental music by upcoming professional solo and chamber ensemble artists. Friday 5 to Sunday 7 April. More details here.

St Petrock’s Big Night Out // Somewhere safe

Exeter homelessness charity invites people to sleep out under the stars, or in another safe location, to help raise money for rough sleepers. Friday 12 April. More details here.

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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