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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 is an accredited UK press card holder, a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and the Society of Editors and holds a masters degree in Journalism with distinction at Birkbeck, University of London.

Stories by Martin Redfern

Empty student accommodation block retail unit conversion plans submitted

Proposals to convert empty ground floor retail units to additional student accommodation units in the Central Living student block that replaced the Honiton Inn at the foot of Paris Street have been submitted to Exeter City Council for approval.

Exeland house “co-living” conversion plans submitted

An application to convert Exeland House in Tudor Street to a 38-unit “co-living” block has been submitted to Exeter City Council for approval.

Exeter City Council 2020-21 external audit report cover

Exeter City Living put council at “significant financial risk” after £2.2 million loss in first two years

Missing business plan, lack of transparency and conflicts of interest among senior council directors prompt board resignations and governance review at council-owned and funded company.

University promotes “People and Planet” ranking despite Shell sponsorship deal

The University of Exeter is promoting its sixth place ranking in the 2023-23 People and Planet university league table, citing its “efforts to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis”.

Student houses in multiple occupation to let in Raleigh Road, Exeter

Information Commissioner to investigate university over student accommodation numbers refusal

Compliance failure follows university admission that nearly 39,000 students based at Exeter campuses in 2021-22, suggesting around three quarters of city’s private rented housing stock occupied by students.

Devon County Council 2022-24 capital transport programme allocations

Motor vehicle infrastructure continues to dominate Devon transport spending

New active travel infrastructure to receive just 5% share of capital allocations this year and next, with new roads capital expenditure to increase from 74% to 86%.

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