Democracy doesn't work when people don't know Upgrade to paid
NEWS
Rydon Lane McDonald’s drive-through approved
Leigh Curtis
Exeter City Council planning committee has approved the construction of a McDonald’s restaurant on a section of unused car park beside Rydon Lane Tesco in Russell Way.
The restaurant will provide facilities for drive-through and eat-in, with 42 car parking spaces.
There were 26 public objections to the plans, which raised concerns about potential impacts including litter, odour, traffic and anti-social behaviour.
Limits on late-night opening hours will be determined separately by council licensing.
Democracy doesn't work when people don't know
Public interest news that holds power and influence to account is more important now than it has ever been.
Democracy doesn't work when people don't know who is deciding what on whose behalf and what the costs and consequences of those decisions will be.
Exeter Observer was created to deliver the independent investigative journalism our local democracy needs.
It exists because people who think what we do matters are willing to chip in each month to help cover our costs.
We need more of our readers to contribute like this so we can keep producing and publishing our essential reporting.
140 of the 300 paying subscribers we need have signed up so far. Join them today to help us reach our goal.
If you value the work we do please support our work from less than £2/week. It's a small investment for a very big return.
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.
Five-day hospital doctors strike follows failed talks on pay and training provision
British Medical Association calls thirteenth round of industrial action in ongoing dispute with the government.
Exeter homeless death rate highest among English cities featured in annual Museum of Homelessness campaign charity report
21 people died while homeless in Exeter in 2024, nearly three times as many as previous year, but council says nothing despite report publication during city homeless awareness week.
Heavitree Road police station student accommodation and “co-living” scheme consultation extended
Developers revise application for full planning permission for 813-bed seven-block complex submitted in May as similar proposals proliferate across city centre.
Unique retro games arcade to create new Sidwell Street venue after long search
Boneyard arcade seeking permission to change use of empty Brighthouse retail unit after making way for “co-living” block at previous Red Lion Lane location.
Mary Arches “co-living” developer resists “miniscule” room size criticisms as design revisions prompt further consultation
Changes include increased building footprints and removal of twelve rooms to provide eleven communal kitchens – between residents of 297 studios – while gates obstruct pedestrian thoroughfare and site’s historic setting and significance essentially ignored.
On Our Radar
EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY
Exeter Stories
In-depth audio interviews with individuals from organisations and initiatives across the city.
PODCAST
SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2025
Sacred and Profane
Medieval music with Steve Tyler, Marco Cannavò and Katy Marchant.
ST NICHOLAS PRIORY
SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2025
Winter Fore Street Flea
Market selling vintage items, handmade craft, food and drink with live music from local artists returns for a winter edition.
