HEADLINES
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
Devon and Exeter pre-Christmas hospital strike goes ahead after “too little, too late” from health secretary Wes Streeting
Fourteenth round of industrial action follows vote to reject speciality training places offer which British Medical Association says would not increase number of working doctors. Read more.
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. Read more.
ON OUR RADAR
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.
New Year’s Eve party // Exeter Phoenix
A movie-themed celebration to mark the tenth anniversary of independent cinema Studio 74 while welcoming in 2026. More details.
The Storytellers // Exeter Cathedral
An immersive Luxmuralis sound and light show depicting literature through the ages. More details.
Sidwell Street wassail // St Sidwell’s Community Centre
An evening wassail with music, singing and hot soup. More details.
BELOW THE FOLD
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.
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.
