SPECIAL REPORT
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.
HEADLINES
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
St Petrock’s launches fundraising appeal as number of people sleeping rough in Exeter continues to rise
Campaign film underscores dedicated homelessness charity mission as demand for its support services grows. Read more.
Haven Banks retail park use extended as controversial build-to-rent development not expected in next five years
Bowling alley expansion and padel tennis facility to replace temporary evangelical church use of existing buildings as redevelopment decision notice still not published two years after Exeter City Council approved ultra-high density scheme. Read more.
ON OUR RADAR
Magdalen Road Christmas Fair // St Leonard’s
Community-run market returns for thirteenth year with festive food, music and gifts. More details.
The Wintertime Hotel // Emmanuel Hall
An immersive family-friendly production by Theatre Alibi and Angel Exit Theatre. More details.
Ernie and the Sea of Ice // Exeter Phoenix
Quirk Theatre presents a festive family-friendly adventure set in the snowy South Pole. More details.
BELOW THE FOLD
Special report – 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.
Exeter homeless death rate highest among English cities featured in annual Museum of Homelessness campaign charity report
21 people died while homeless in Exeter in 2024, nearly three times as many as previous year, but council says nothing despite report publication during city homeless awareness week. Read more.
