Stories by Martin Redfern
£1+ million for Wonford community hub project development but £7 million build finance not yet found
City council presented £750,000 “feasibility proposal” as progression of existing plans despite having to start again after three years to cut costs, with Exeter City Living awarded £550,000 project contract.
Secretary of State overturns council decision to waive Southgate site Environmental Impact Assessment
Proposals for up to 200 flats in high-rise tower blocks have potentially significant impacts on Exe Estuary avian flightpaths, Exeter Cathedral skyline, listed buildings and ancient city walls placing protected landscapes and heritage assets at risk.
Liveable Exeter Placemaking Charter consultation skewed towards only one of five “core tools”
Private developers’ forum and other major components of new charter not mentioned in council communications, but transparency and new “culture of openness” to “help build trust in the planning system” emphasised throughout.
The Gorge stands 70% empty nearly six months after opening as mounting council tax liability looms
Council development director claims developer interest demonstrates need for co-living in Exeter but works have yet to start on all other such schemes.
Top to bottom King Billy student block redesign waved through as minor variation to consented plans
Council throws out Design Review Panel interventions and reneges on commitment to planning committee while developers claim unauthorised destruction of protected medieval wall justified on safety grounds.
Judge quashes planning permission for 350 homes at St Bridget Nurseries in Old Rydon Lane
High Court judgement finds city council did not properly discharge duties or take material considerations into account, council officer seriously misled planning committee and county council failed in statutory local highway authority role.