Stories that explore key issues behind the headlines
Liveable Exeter “garden city” branding is about government funding, not green space
New Exeter Local Plan policy “principles” have little in common with historic vision revitalised for 21st century by TCPA for government programme, while consented Haven Banks scheme and proposed new town near Exeter Airport have even less.
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 of Exeter promotes social mobility “silver awards” after being ranked 92nd in HEPI index
Higher Education Policy Institute social mobility ranking follows landmark study placing university 103rd in higher education social mobility league table, while South West young people are least likely to attend university in the country.
Exeter has 3,100 vacant and empty second homes, nearly 6% of city’s housing stock
ONS also finds South West has 183,000 unoccupied dwellings with another 200,000 in use as second homes in the region, of which more than 4,000 are in Exeter, as statutory homelessness increases and rough sleeping doubles in city.
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.
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