Features
Stories that explore key issues behind the headlines
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Exeter Energy plant replaces rationale for Grace Road Fields location near River Exe with reliance on air source heat pumps
Developer nevertheless seeks planning permission to build in Riverside Valley Park, claiming public open space “not bound” by local plan policy, as scheme ambition and city council environmental leadership claims begin to drain away.
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
University study finds decarbonisation slowing as city council continues to pursue failing Net Zero Exeter 2030 plan
Exeter also set to miss national 2050 target on current trajectory while aviation, shipping and other excluded scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions mean annual city carbon footprint likely to be triple territorial total.
ECONOMY & ENTERPRISE
Council aims at Frasers Group Citypoint partnership after retail leaseholds sold as part of Princesshay deal
Mike Ashley-owned sports goods and retail group became Paris Street and Sidwell Street landlord in October, prompting council to rethink options for former bus station and revisit comprehensive redevelopment of wider site stalled since 2017.
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Council consults on Riverside Valley Park land sale without admitting heat plant proposals contravene local plan policy
4.5 acre Grace Road Fields plot “most suitable” for development despite Belle Isle Depot brownfield site location beside river on heat network distribution route.
, updated
ECONOMY & ENTERPRISE
Exeter real-terms wages fall while increasing in neighbouring districts
Devon Public Health Intelligence index also scores several Exeter neighbourhoods among highest combined relative poverty risk areas in county.
DEMOCRACY & GOVERNANCE
2024-25 SEND overspend rises to £45.8m as government “safety valve” deal target breach doubles to £14.7m in two months
County council breaches Local Government Act by failing to publish budget documents in time for scrutiny and cabinet meetings and councillors complain about missing financial information and being “kept in the dark” about SEND delivery.