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THE EXETER DIGEST
Exeter Digest #50: 2024 local elections special
This year’s ballot promises to be the most unpredictable contest in years. Our comprehensive elections guide has got you covered and our briefing has all the how-to-vote details you need.
ANALYSIS
2024 Exeter local elections guide
City council elections take place on Thursday 2 May. Our comprehensive guide covers who’s standing where, wards to watch and the backdrop to this year’s ballot, which promises to be the most unpredictable contest in years. Read it here.
BRIEFING
When, where and how to vote in the 2024 Exeter local elections
Our guide to casting your ballot in person, by post and by proxy as well as voter ID requirements and new regulations for postal votes. Read it here.
SPRING 2024 COMMUNITY SHARE OFFER
Exeter Observer celebrates five years of local public interest news publishing
Invest in our Spring 2024 community share offer to help us deliver all the independent journalism Exeter needs and make it five more. More details here.
Exeter City Council is about to seize the helm of Exe estuary maritime life: will it steer it onto the rocks?
Charges for waterways access are set to be imposed from the quay and canal basin to the coast under proposed Harbour Revision Order powers after six years of rising costs propelled by pursuit of Port Marine Safety Code compliance. They risk driving away craft of all sizes, from kayaks to yachts, while redevelopment threatens canalside land – but it’s not too late to change course.
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More stories
Plans for six-storey Summerland Street student block submitted for approval
Spinnaker Estates application for full planning permission for 180-bed redevelopment would increase number of student beds in immediate area to 1,754.
Devon County Council funding cuts set to reduce core library opening hours by 30%
Public consultation on changes explores possibility of closing some branches altogether despite claims to the contrary while Libraries Unlimited contract extension decision scheduled for six weeks before consultation ends.
Exeter City Council adds 813 more student and “co-living” beds to city “housing” supply with Heavitree Road approval
Complex of seven blocks up to six storeys tall on site of police station and magistrates court to bring purpose-built temporary accommodation tally to 3,250 beds in Newtown alone – while failing to meet local plan minimum building separation policy.
Exeter College and Petroc merger to go ahead in January
Further and higher education colleges with Barnstaple, Tiverton and several Exeter sites will become Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group after year-long process including public consultation showing two-thirds in support.
Exeter City Council approves 54 more dwellings in Topsham gap on former golf driving range
Greenfield development follows council approval of plans enabling driving range relocation to privately-owned land in Ludwell Valley Park.
McCarthy Stone amends Heavitree school playing field retirement complex plans to trigger second public consultation
Developer makes minor adjustments to proposals for 36 retirement flats which have prompted concerns about loss of green space and adverse impact on historic character of conservation area.
On Our Radar
TUESDAY 6 TO FRIDAY 30 JANUARY 2026
January Sessions
A programme of creative workshops, classes and events including poetry and music performances.
EXETER CITY CENTRE
FRIDAY 16 JANUARY 2026
Sidwell Street wassail
An evening wassail with music, singing and hot soup.
ST SIDWELL'S COMMUNITY CENTRE
TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2026
My Heart Was a Tree
An evening of poetry and music with Michael Murpurgo to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Farms for City Children.
EXETER CATHEDRAL
Spotlight
Labour and Conservative councillors join forces to block Exeter city centre antisocial behaviour initiative
Rejection of voluntary and community sector calls for more inclusive response follows thirteen-year council failure to comply with legal duties under crime and disorder legislation in relation to Exeter Community Safety Partnership.
