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
Exeter territorial emissions vs linear trajectory to zero by 2030

University study finds decarbonisation slowing as city council continues to pursue failing Net Zero Exeter 2030 plan

Exeter also set to miss national 2050 target on current trajectory while aviation, shipping and other excluded scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions mean annual city carbon footprint likely to be triple territorial total.

Royal Clarence Hotel in September 2024

Paternoster House developer takes on Royal Clarence Hotel rebuild after sale agreement reached with previous owners

Completion of restoration plans for five floors of luxury flats above ground floor and basement commercial units scheduled for April 2027, more than decade after historic Cathedral Yard building burnt down.

Interim Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan

James Vaughan appointed as interim Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable

Appointment follows suspension of acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, recruited following suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr, as force pays salaries of all three.

Clarendon House proposals versus Exeter building heights comparison graphic

Revised proposals for 310-bed Clarendon House student accommodation complex remove six storeys from tallest block

Second informal consultation follows council decision that development does not require Environmental Impact Assessment.

Exeter City Council consultation charter

Multiple-choice survey on £3.5m budget cuts follows auditor criticism of council public consultation methods

Move to replace resident views on key decisions and policies with opinion polls and selective questionnaires follows serial failure to uphold own consultation charter.

On Our Radar
Winterwood trees graphic

SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2024 TO SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2025

Winterwood

A family-friendly, interactive production set in a festive forest by Theatre Alibi, Angel Exit Theatre and Above Bounds.

EMMANUEL HALL

Fairytale New Year's Eve

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2024

Fairytale New Year’s Eve

An enchanted, fairytale-themed New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome in 2025.

EXETER PHOENIX

Luxmuralis' Time in Salisbury Cathedral interior

TUESDAY 7 TO SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2025

Time

An immersive sound and light show by Luxmuralis that spans the dawn of time to the present day.

EXETER CATHEDRAL