HEADLINES
University study finds decarbonisation slowing as city council continues to pursue failing Net Zero Exeter 2030 plan
Exeter also set to miss national 2050 target on current trajectory while aviation, shipping and other excluded scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions mean annual city carbon footprint likely to be triple territorial total. Read more.
Paternoster House developer takes on Royal Clarence Hotel rebuild after sale agreement reached with previous owners
Completion of restoration plans for five floors of luxury flats above ground floor and basement commercial units scheduled for April 2027, more than decade after historic Cathedral Yard building burnt down. Read more.
Revised proposals for 310-bed Clarendon House student accommodation complex remove six storeys from tallest block
Second informal consultation follows council decision that development does not require Environmental Impact Assessment. Read more.
Multiple-choice survey on £3.5m budget cuts follows auditor criticism of council public consultation methods
Move to replace resident views on key decisions and policies with opinion polls and selective questionnaires follows serial failure to uphold own consultation charter. Read more.
James Vaughan appointed as interim Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable
Appointment follows suspension of acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, recruited following suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr, as force pays salaries of all three. Read more.
Wonford community hub planning consent sought
£7m demolition, construction and refurbishment of facility remains unfunded after £1m+ project development process as council explores “a number of funding sources” including up to £2m from Sport England. Read more.
ON OUR RADAR ~ UNTIL THE NEW YEAR
Winterwood // Emmanuel Hall
A family-friendly, interactive production set in a festive forest by Theatre Alibi, Angel Exit Theatre and Above Bounds. More details.
Dayzee and the World of Tomorrow // Exeter Phoenix
Quirk Theatre presents a festive family-friendly adventure about a magical future. More details.
Christmas Carol movies // Exeter Phoenix
A trio of festive films based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. More details.
Fairytale New Year’s Eve // Exeter Phoenix
An enchanted, fairytale-themed New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome in 2025. More details.
CHRISTMAS APPEAL
St Petrock’s appeals for funds to support its work with rough sleepers
Exeter homelessness charity’s Christmas 2024 fundraising campaign features a short film depicting the fictional tale of a rough sleeper in the city’s streets. Read more.
ON OUR RADAR ~ FROM JANUARY
Dido and Aeneas // St Nicholas Priory
A performance of Henry Purcell’s only true opera in Exeter’s oldest building. More details.
Time // Exeter Cathedral
An immersive sound and light show by Luxmuralis that spans the dawn of time to the present day. More details.
Let’s Talk About: Digital Media Literacy // Exeter Library
A series of free seminars aimed at tackling misinformation and information overload in the digital world. More details.
BELOW THE FOLD
Council consults on Riverside Valley Park land sale without admitting heat plant proposals contravene local plan policy
4.5 acre Grace Road Fields plot “most suitable” for development despite Belle Isle Depot brownfield site location beside river on heat network distribution route. Read more.
Council aims at Frasers Group Citypoint partnership after retail leaseholds sold as part of Princesshay deal
Mike Ashley-owned sports goods and retail group became Paris Street and Sidwell Street landlord in October, prompting council to rethink options for former bus station while revisiting comprehensive redevelopment of site stalled since 2017. Read more.
Exeter City Community Trust survey misses mark on King George V playing fields development plans
Council promised “wide-ranging, fully open public consultation” on future of 40 acre public open space when decision made to transfer land to trust, while outcome of statutory consultation on disposal remains unpublished. Read more.
