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THE EXETER DIGEST
Exeter Digest #64: Flowerpot Fields challenge - Topsham gap housing - InExeter ballot - Stagecoach South West real-time journey information
Plus a special Halloween community and culture events selection.
HEADLINES
Exeter College ploughs on with Flowerpot Fields classrooms construction amid mounting public anger
Exeter Civic Society cites Court of Appeal judgements to challenge legality of unapproved River Valley Park scheme revisions as protestors disrupt Exeter City Council Guildhall meeting. Read more.
Topsham gap greenfield development application submitted for approval
Proposals for 54 dwellings on Exeter Golf and Country Club Topsham Golf Academy driving range enabled by city council approval of replacement driving range in Ludwell Valley Park. Read more.
Exeter Business Improvement District seeks third five-year term to April 2030
Eligible city centre businesses to decide by ballot whether InExeter should continue providing services and support in return for 1.25% levy charged against premises with £7,500+ rateable value. Read more.
New rules compel Stagecoach South West to introduce real-time onboard bus journey information
Around 40% of company’s Exeter fleet requires accessibility improvements including automated screens and announcements by next October, with remainder due in following twelve months. Read more.
ON OUR RADAR ~ HALLOWEEN
Audience with a Ghost Hunter // St Nicholas Priory
An immersive after dark theatre experience in Exeter’s oldest building. More details.
Spork! Dead Poets Slam 2024 // Exeter Phoenix
A Halloween spoken-word poetry special featuring poet and artist Ella Frears. More details.
Día de Muertos // Daily Bowl
Live music, food and drinks in celebration of the Day of the Dead. More details.
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.
More stories
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.
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.
, updated
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.
Princesshay seeks permission for outdoor market stalls for four months each year
Planning application follows shopping centre acquisition by Frasers Group which said it intended to enhance the shopping and leisure offer in Exeter city centre.
Honiton Road “Moor Exchange” retail park plans set for approval
Final revised proposals for 12,400 square metre “town centre facilities” with 376 car parking spaces in Honiton Road trigger another public consultation five years after Exeter City Council granted outline planning permission for development.
Exeter is for Everyone event counters anti-migrant city centre march
1,200-1,500 people participate in hope and unity march, outnumbering British Unity nationalists by more than ten to one as significant police presence maintains order except for few minor clashes.
On Our Radar
SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2025 TO SUNDAY 4 JANUARY 2026
The Wintertime Hotel
An immersive family-friendly production by Theatre Alibi and Angel Exit Theatre.
EMMANUEL HALL
SUNDAY 14 TO SUNDAY 28 DECEMBER 2025
Ernie and the Sea of Ice
Quirk Theatre presents a festive family-friendly adventure set in the snowy South Pole.
EXETER PHOENIX
SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 2025
Festive Quayside Farmers’ Market
Monthly market returns to offer local produce, hand-made goods, plants, cakes and more for Christmas feasting.
PIAZZA TERRACINA
Spotlight
Council denies data and contrives criteria to dismiss community balance concerns in third King Billy student block approval
Exeter Observer analysis finds more students living in city centre than residents as council bid to include PBSA in housing delivery figures weakens local planning policy – but does not remove it from decision-making altogether.
