Exeter & East Devon News from Sunday, March 22nd, 2026

Developer contributions for Exeter homes could help fund a £6m Wonford leisure centre revamp. Sport England may add a third, creating a new hub in the city’s most deprived area with poor health and low activity levels.

Proposals have been submitted for a major Ottery St Mary site to allow storage, offices, professional services or light industry. East Devon District Council’s planning committee will debate it on 24 March amid local disagreement despite officer approval.

Staff at Exeter City Council are celebrating after being Highly Commended at the Exeter Sustainability Awards. The team was recognised for working with Great Western Railway and partners to encourage train travel to the city’s green spaces.

Exeter has secured £20 million in Pride in Place funding to strengthen communities. The investment will be spent over ten years in Whipton and Heavitree, giving residents a central role in decision-making to reflect local needs, ideas and ambitions.