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.

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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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More stories
Aerial view of Wonford community learning centre and sports centre

Plans for unfunded £7 million Wonford community hub redevelopment approved

Exeter City Council approves own planning application to demolish, rebuild and part-refurbish existing community and sports facilities beside Ludwell Valley Park.

Existing Exeter area parliamentary and district council boundaries map

Will Devon’s eleven councils find common ground as local authority reorganisation deadline looms?

A county-wide consensus is gaining traction with most Devon councils already on board and only Exeter City Council standing in its way while County Hall has yet to make up its mind.

Exeter bus corridors map keyframe

Devon County Council plans more bus priority schemes aimed at improving journey times in Exeter arterial roads

Schemes in Alphington Road, Barrack Road, Cowley Bridge Road, Honiton Road, Topsham Road and at Exe Bridges gyratory to follow Cowick Street, Heavitree Road, Pinhoe Road and New North Road changes.

Grace Road Fields Exeter Energy plant main building indicative render

Exeter Energy plant replaces rationale for Grace Road Fields location near River Exe with reliance on air source heat pumps

Developer nevertheless seeks planning permission to build in Riverside Valley Park, claiming public open space “not bound” by local plan policy, as scheme ambition and city council environmental leadership claims begin to drain away.

Heavitree and Whipton Active Streets Trial scheme map

Devon County Council admits Heavitree & Whipton Active Streets trial led to “lack of trust” in County Hall decision-making

Focus groups held following termination of controversial trial find broad support for safer travel but also reveal perception of “downward spiral” in Exeter highways management while county council confirms it has no plans for new schemes in area.

Devon County Council leader James McInnes

Devon County Council plan to postpone local elections fails as government rejects devolution fast-track application

County council leader James McInnes sought ministerial approval for proposals despite Devon falling short of devolution white paper eligibility criteria.

On Our Radar
Joukhainen's revenge by Akseli Gallen-Kallelan

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2025

Kalevala

Katy Cawkwell and fellow storytellers present tales from Finland’s national epic poem in Exeter’s oldest building.

ST NICHOLAS PRIORY

Exeter Seed Bank seed swap envelopes

SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2025

Exeter Seed Bank seed swap 2025

Third annual event also includes hands-on activities, stalls and displays with talks on composting, welcoming wildlife and community medicine gardens.

SIDWELL STREET

Exeter Bach Choir

SATURDAY 8 MARCH 2025

Exeter Bach Choir

A performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor to celebrate the choir’s 30th anniversary.

EXETER CATHEDRAL