Key organisations from across the city discuss the Exeter Plan
Published: 11 October 2022
Leaders of organisations and businesses across the city have been given an introduction to the Exeter Plan, the city’s vision for future development.
Members of the Liveable Exeter Place Board were asked how their organisations can support the policies of the Exeter Plan to meet the needs of communities in the city.
The Place Board brings together all the major organisations in the city, including the university, health service, County Council and Chamber of Commerce, as well as private and voluntary sector figures.
Chair of the Place Board Sir Steve Smith said: “It’s an incredibly exciting plan. It’s exciting for two main reasons. Firstly its ambition, it seeks to bring together everything to do with the future of the city - jobs, transport, health, housing, etc.
“But the second thing is it’s really consultative. The plan is a draft plan. We want people to be involved in commenting. This is everyone’s city. It’s not the city of a small group of people making a decision.
“This is the City Council trying to get as many people as possible to give their views on the potential for growth and housing, development and transport in the city. So I found it a really great presentation. But the crucial point is people now need to respond.”
The Exeter Plan consultation, which launched on 26 September, is an opportunity for everyone in the city to have their say on a document that will be the blueprint for future of Exeter.
It highlights important issues like housing, climate change, economy and jobs, the future of the high street, transport and infrastructure and design quality, the Exeter Plan builds on the city’s vision to be healthy, inclusive and sustainable.
Cllr Phil Bialyk, Leader of the City Council, said: “As the local planning authority for Exeter, the City Council has a statutory duty to prepare a planning policy for the city - the Exeter Plan. But this plan needs to be Exeter’s Plan.
“By bringing the Exeter Plan to the Liveable Exeter Place Board, we’re spreading the word and asking the city network to spread the word about what a huge opportunity this is for everyone in the city to work together and to have their say about the city’s future.”
Residents, community groups and businesses will be able to comment on how they’d like to see the city develop during the consultation, which lasts until December 5.
It has been designed to engage with residents and those who work, study in or visit the city, and those views will be crucially important in preparing the Exeter Plan.
People can feedback in a variety of ways including via an interactive and easy to navigate online survey platform.
The survey platform allows users to read the Exeter Plan and complete a variety of short surveys at their leisure https://exeterplan.commonplace.is/
The full list of exhibitions across the city is:
- Tuesday 11 October - Alphington Village Hall, Ide Lane, 1pm-7pm
- Thursday 13 October - America Hall, De la Rue Way, Pinhoe, 1pm-7pm
- Monday 17 October - Wonford Methodist Church, Burnthouse Lane, 1pm 7pm
- Thursday 20 October - Matthews Hall, Topsham, 1pm-7pm
- Tuesday 25 October - The Beacon Centre, Beacon Lane, 1pm-7pm
- Tuesday 1 November - St Lawrence Church and Community Hall, Lower Hill Barton Road, 1pm-7pm
- Thursday 3 November - St Thomas Church Hall, 54 Cowick Street, 12.30pm-6.30pm
- Tuesday 8 November - Custom House Visitor Centre, The Quay, 1pm-6pm
- Monday 14 November - The Thatched House, Exwick Road, 1pm-7pm
- Monday 21 November - Park Life Heavitree Hub, Heavitree Pleasure Ground, 12noon-5.15pm
- Tuesday 22 November - St Sidwell’s Community Centre, Sidwell Street 1-7pm
- Thursday 1 December - St James’ Church Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, 1pm-7pm
Copies of the plan 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