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
Planning inspector upholds Union Road HMO back garden student block refusal
Appeal against city council decision dismissed as similar application by same student landlord in Pennsylvania Road HMO garden under consideration.
City council holds consultation on full draft of new Exeter Local Plan, set to guide development to 2040
Second major consultation begins as government introduces sweeping national planning system reforms including transfer of powers to Whitehall and changes to scope of local plans and local plan-making processes.
, updated
Water Lane SPD consultation opens in parallel with local plan survey
Policy intends to provide development framework and design code for 90 acre site on which 1,600 new dwellings plus employment space expected by 2040.
, updated
City council seeks comments on draft Householder’s Guide to extensions and alterations
Policy covers size and position, materials, boundary relationships, loft conversions, dormers, solar panels and roof terraces, among other residential development design considerations.
, updated
Motor vehicle infrastructure still dominates Devon transport spending despite climate claims
2022-23 roads spending remains unchanged at 87% of total as county council diverts rail money to increase active travel capital expenditure by just 1%.
Exeter employment rate second lowest in South West for second year running
Economic inactivity levels related to large student and retiree population remain high, creating recruitment challenges from healthcare to refuse collection, but council celebrates top retirement destination ranking as ‘more good news’.
