THE EXETER DIGEST

Exeter Digest #52: Active travel test - Howell Road PBSA - Crankhouse Coffee scheme

Upcoming community and culture highlights include four festivals and a book market plus an invitation to hear more about our plans to expand our team.

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Plan to convert language school to nursery to test credibility of city council active travel policy

Exeter Academy sits near top of steep hill 250 feet above city, far from accessible bus and rail routes, but developer claims local plan compliance in ‘demonstrably sustainable location’ which is ‘conducive to sustainable modes of travel’. Full story here.

26-bed Howell Road garage site student accommodation block allowed at appeal

St James Neighbourhood Plan community balance aims discounted and council policy and evidence deemed insufficient in inspector’s decision to overturn planning committee refusal. Full story here.

Developers claim council planning committee refusal was ‘if not malevolent, certainly misguided’

Appeal against decision to deny fifth additional storey in build-to-rent scheme above Crankhouse Coffee accuses councillors of seeking to ‘appease the weight of objectors’ orchestrated opinion’ against amendments to eleven year-old consent. Full story here.

INVITATION

The independent journalism our city needs

We’re hosting an informal event on Wednesday 12 June to share our plans to deliver all the local news that matters.

It includes a short presentation followed by a Q&A in the round with time for ad hoc discussion afterwards.

We will outline Exeter Observer’s development over the past twelve months, explain why what we’re doing is needed more than ever and explore how we might grow with the help of our spring 2024 community share offer.

Places are limited so please register to secure a spot.

ON OUR RADAR

Poltimore Festival 2024 // Poltimore House

A two-day outdoor festival featuring live music, workshops, food stalls, secret cinema and a craft market. Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 May. More details here.

Exeter Comedy Festival // Exeter city centre venues

Locally Sourced presents a two-day festival featuring Mike Wozniak, Josie Long, John Hegley and many more. Friday 7 & Saturday 8 June. More details here.

Exeter Respect Festival // Belmont Park

The annual celebration of Exeter diversity returns for its 27th year with live music and performance, food stalls, community and campaign groups. Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June. More details here.

Heritage Harbour Festival // Exeter Quay

The maritime-themed festival returns for a second year with tours, boat trips, films, workshops, music and more. Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June. More details here.

The Book Market // Cathedral Green

Exeter City of Literature event features independent booksellers from across the county plus literary activities, food and drink and more. Sunday 9 June. More details here.

MISSED EXETER DIGEST #51?

Read it on our website for in-depth analysis of Exeter’s local elections plus full details of the results.

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