HEADLINES
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
ON OUR RADAR
Kalevala // St Nicholas Priory
Katy Cawkwell and fellow storytellers present tales from Finland’s national epic poem in Exeter’s oldest building. More details.
Exeter Seed Bank seed swap 2025 // Sidwell Street
Third annual event also includes hands-on activities, stalls and displays with talks on composting, welcoming wildlife and community medicine gardens. More details.
Exeter Bach Choir // Exeter Cathedral
A performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor to celebrate the choir’s 30th anniversary. More details.
2025 International Women’s Festival // Exeter Phoenix
A free one-day festival celebrating women with live music, art, workshops, panel discussions and more. More details.
Four Seasons // Emmanuel Hall
Little Bulb uses music, puppetry and clowning to tell a Vivaldi-inspired family-friendly tale. More details.
BELOW THE FOLD
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
