Leigh Curtis

Leigh Curtis is deputy editor of Exeter Observer and a director of its publisher Exeter Observer Limited.

She writes many of our community and culture stories and also contributes to news, features and investigations.

Leigh holds a degree in Fine Art at Goldsmiths, University of London, and leads on design and marketing as well as Exeter Observer’s financial and administrative management.

She is also an accredited UK press card holder and a member of the National Union of Journalists.

Stories by Leigh Curtis

Former Firezza in Sidwell Street to become adult gaming centre

24 hour year-round Sidwell Street “adult gaming centre” allowed at appeal

Planning inspector finds no evidence that “increase in crime and disorder” or “serious detrimental impacts on the health of local residents” would result from change of use from restaurant and takeaway unit.

Haven Banks development illustrative aerial view

Twelve months temporary church use extension sought for Haven Banks Liveable Exeter development site units

Second year of “worship and ancillary uses” for retail park units to follow December 2023 planning approval for ultra-high density build-to-rent scheme for which neither planning permission nor consent notice yet published.

Exeter College in Hele Road

Petroc and Exeter College governors agree “merger in principle”

Further and higher education colleges with Barnstaple, Tiverton and several Exeter sites will now consider consequences of creating what would be largest college group in South West with public consultation due on plans before November decision.

Corner of Fore Street and West Street with St Mary Steps church in the background

Planning inspector upholds decision to refuse fifth additional storey in build-to-rent scheme above Crankhouse Coffee

Twelve year-old permission to add one full and one stepped-back storey to West Street elevation and remove all commercial space nevertheless remains extant.

Suspended Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable Will Kerr

Criminal investigation into suspended Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable dropped

Will Kerr to remain suspended while IOPC resumes previously paused conduct investigation and interim chief constable James Vaughan continues to lead force.

2024 duration in hours of monitored spill events at water company overflow sites bar graph

South West Water bills rise by a third following worst performance in sector with 550,000 hours of sewage spills

Tariffs increase as Environment Agency publishes damning data after South West Water owner Pennon Group issues £24.5 million in dividends to shareholders.

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