Martin Redfern
Martin Redfern is editor of Exeter Observer and a director of its publisher Exeter Observer Limited.
He writes many of our news stories and features, leads on investigations and maintains the Exeter Observer website.
Martin holds a masters degree in Journalism with distinction at Birkbeck, University of London.
He is an accredited UK press card holder and a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and the Society of Editors.
Stories by Martin Redfern
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.
Heavitree Road police station and magistrates court redevelopment appeal dismissed
Devon & Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner and offshore development partner sent back to drawing board after attempt to overturn city council decision to refuse two huge student/co-living blocks fails.
Council plans huge allotment fees increases to claw back cash from 1,500 city gardeners and growers
Plot holders provided with incomplete picture as consultation held which does not comply with council’s own charter and delayed scrutiny report that omits key survey findings suggests council aims to turn profit from allotment provision.
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