Further public consultation launched on the Exeter Plan

Published: 20 October 2023

Residents, visitors and those working or studying in Exeter are getting another chance to help shape the future of their city.

Exeter City Council will be launching further public consultation on the Exeter Plan from Monday 23 October until 15 January.

The Council has written the draft Exeter Plan which looks at how the city will evolve over the next 20 years.

Once adopted, the Exeter Plan will replace the current planning policies for the city and include the locations of many of the developments which will be seen in future.

Councillor Emma Morse, Lead Councillor for City Development, said: “We are consulting on the Exeter Plan with all of our communities, businesses and partners across the city. The plan will touch the lives of everyone living in the city as well as those working, studying or visiting Exeter, so everyone needs to own it and have a say.

“Last year we had responses from so many people across the city, and their comments have been integral to developing the next version of the plan.

“Writing a plan of this kind is a significant and time-consuming endeavour but, as we are getting closer to a final version, I would encourage even more people to get involved this year and have their say on the future of Exeter.”

The consultation has been designed to allow people to feedback in a variety of ways. People can visit https://exeterplan.commonplace.is to find out more information and then fill out short surveys on one or more chapters.

Council policy officers are also running several exhibitions across the city, including:

• Oct 25 - Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre, Haven Banks, EX2 8DP, 1pm to 6.30pm
• 2 Nov - Exeter Community Centre, St David's Hill, EX4 3RG, 1pm to 7pm
• 9 Nov - St Thomas Cricket & Social Club  Grace Road, Marsh Barton, EX2 8PU, 1pm to 7pm
• 13 Nov - Matthews Hall, Fore Street, Topsham, EX3 0HF, 12.30pm to 6pm
• 20 Nov - The Guildhall, High Street, EX4 3EB, 1pm to 7pm
• 27 Nov - Emmanuel Hall, Emmanuel Road, St Thomas, EX4 1EJ, 1pm to 7pm
• 5 Dec - Alphington Village Hall, Ide Lane, EX2 8UP, 1pm to 7pm
• 7 Dec - Positive Lights, Sidwell Street, EX4 6RD, 1pm to 7pm
• 12 Dec - Newcourt Community Centre, Blakeslee Drive, EX2 7FN, 1pm to 7pm

Liveable Water Lane

Consultation will also begin on 23 October for the Liveable Water Lane supplementary planning document (SPD).

Water Lane, near Exeter’s historic canal and quayside, is a one of the largest brownfield sites in the Liveable Exeter initiative.

The Draft Liveable Water Lane Supplementary Planning Document includes:

• A Vision for the future of Water Lane
• A Development Framework for Water Lane
• A Design Code for Water Lane

These elements will ensure that development proposals are co-ordinated across the area, well designed, supported by necessary infrastructure and of high quality. Once adopted, the document will be used by the City Council to help make decisions on planning applications for high-quality development at Water Lane. 

The public consultation on the Liveable Water Lane SPD runs from 23 October to 4 December. To find out more and share comments visit https://exetersays.commonplace.is 

Water Lane public consultation events will be held on:

25 Oct - Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre, Haven Road, EX2 8DP, 1pm to 6.30pm

Nov 6 - Custom House, The Quay, EX2 4AN, 1pm to 7pm

The Householder's Guide: Design of Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

This document is also due for update and the Council is holding a public consultation on proposed amendments.

The amendments cover detailed planning issues related to extensions, solar panels and dormers amongst others. 

The consultation runs from 23 October to 4 December. To find out more attend any of the Exeter Plan exhibitions or visit https://exeterhouseholderguide.commonplace.is

Copies of all documents can be viewed in the reception area at the Civic Centre, as well as in libraries across the city.

Queries can be made by contacting the Local Plans team on 01392 265080 or at planning.policy@exeter.gov.uk