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.
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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
More stories
Exeter is for Everyone event attendees outnumber anti-migrant marchers 14:1
Around 850 people took part in city centre event held under “Unite Against the Far Right” banner while “Unity March Exeter” attendees numbered around 60.
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.
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
WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2026
A Response
An evening performance exploring the connection between music, travel and the natural environment.
ST NICHOLAS PRIORY
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.
