The independent public interest journalism Exeter needs

Maketank community arts centre closes after more than four years at the heart of Exeter cultural life
Crown Estate unwilling to renew lease after problems with roof preclude repairs in block scheduled for demolition as part of Citypoint redevelopment.

Heavitree & Whipton Active Streets trial consultation to restart as taxi bus gate use introduced
More than 4,000 responses submitted in first eleven weeks with 1,650 people attending public exhibitions on scheme intended to reduce motor vehicle through traffic and increase walking and cycling.

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.

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

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’.