Miles Davis

Exeter City Council has approved amended plans for Cygnet Health Care to build a 54-bed mental health hospital in Birchy Barton, near St Nicholas Primary School. The project, first approved in 2018, attracted 235 objections over its location, while supporters cited growing local demand for mental health facilities and the benefits of local treatment. Changes include removing some windows and glazing and making minor access and parking adjustments; construction must begin within three years. The facility is expected to employ about 150 staff and provide round-the-clock care.

Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay will expand to absorb surrounding areas under a major reorganisation creating new unitary authorities across Devon. The plan, announced by the UK government, removes district and county councils and consolidates services under fewer, larger bodies. Devon County Council’s leader criticises the move as costly and damaging to services, while leaders in Exeter and Plymouth endorse it as a way to strengthen local accountability, improve services and support economic growth. Elections for shadow councils will occur in May 2027, with the new authorities taking full control in April 2028, followed by a Boundary Commission review and the potential creation of a strategic authority led by a directly elected mayor.

Devon County Council approved plans allowing companies to install 5G equipment on lampposts for annual fees, aiming to improve rural connectivity and generate revenue. Coverage in the county remains well below the national average, and officials argue that access to council-owned assets could accelerate rollout. Some councillors raised concerns about insufficient research into potential health impacts, while council officers cited evidence showing no adverse effects. The decision reflects differing views on safety, equity of coverage, and local control over infrastructure deployment.

Dryden Road in Exeter will reopen to all traffic after six years of closure meant to support cycling, following a public consultation in which 73% of nearly 3,000 respondents supported reopening with cycle lanes. Devon County Council rejected an alternative cycle-focused plan and approved a motion to revoke the motor vehicle ban while developing traffic-calming and safety measures. Local political figures expressed differing views, with some arguing the decision neglected cyclists and others calling it a democratic victory. Traffic regulation orders for the changes will now be issued.

Ilfracombe was shortlisted in the UK Town of Culture contest, emerging as the only town from south west England to advance among nearly 400 entries. Bid coordinator Charmain Lovett described the recognition as a significant boost for a community that often feels overshadowed by larger regional centres. The town will receive £60,000 to develop its bid ahead of a final decision in 2027, with the government emphasising the competition’s aim to promote local investment, pride and cultural engagement. An existing cultural landmark, Damien Hirst’s Verity statue, was noted as part of the town’s artistic appeal.

East Devon District Council planning officers warned that proposed new grounds for Honiton Town Youth Football Club might be unsafe due to the risk of golf balls from the neighbouring Honiton Golf Club, recommending refusal without a formal risk assessment. The football club argued the golf club should be responsible for any safety measures and criticised the reasoning as unreasonable. While officers acknowledged the project’s community benefits, they raised concerns about safety, sustainability of the location and landscape impact. The planning committee will review the application on Tuesday, with the club hoping for approval.

Public consultation results show strong support for reopening Dryden Road in Exeter to two‑way traffic with cycle lanes after six years of restrictions. Devon County Council officers instead recommend a new “Cycle Street” design that maintains cyclist priority while allowing motor vehicles, including speed controls and a raised crossing. The option would cost up to £650,000 and seeks a compromise between traffic access and active‑travel safety. A final decision will be made by the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee on 13 July.

Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil urged Andy Burnham to support establishing England’s first directly elected mayor in Devon, arguing it would bring greater funding and local control ahead of possible 2027 elections. Leaders of Torbay and Plymouth also backed the idea, while Cornwall councillors maintained they want devolution without a joint regional mayor. The push comes amid a nationwide reorganisation of local government, with competing proposals for redrawing authority boundaries and a final government decision expected in July.