Stories by Martin Redfern
City council scrutiny board enabling illicit obstruction of democracy
Essential safeguard against misuse of power misdirected by Executive members and senior officers while backbench councillors persistently denied rights to examine high-risk schemes and citywide climate crisis response.
Revised proposals to sell council land for co-living and high-spec housing discount site viability issues
Council leader’s Clifton Hill and Mary Arches car park sale amendments agreed by Executive without discussing financial consequences, including multi-million pound value losses compelling sale of other assets to cover Exeter City Living debts.
Medieval wall demolition discovered on King Billy site as developers seek to upend student block consent
Sixth planning application for Longbrook Street development frames major changes to scheme as minor alterations while accompanying documents reveal unauthorised removal of protected 14th century structure near ancient city walls.
University seeks views on St Luke’s campus redevelopment
Eleven acre teaching and research site between Heavitree Road and Magdalen Road to become ‘health and wellbeing’ campus and may include student accommodation.
Clifton Hill sports centre site - with adjacent green space - and Mary Arches car park set for sale for PBSA
Reversal of policy to prohibit Purpose Built Student Accommodation on city council land proposed to cover expected £9 million outstanding Exeter City Living debt, with £800,000 budget proposed for site disposal costs.
