Consultation and engagement

Background

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We recognise that to deliver effective services and to make decisions that meet the needs of its residents, business and visitors we must consult on the formation and development of our services and policies.

In March 2026 we adopted the Consultation and Engagement Strategy, which sets out our aims and focus areas for this type of work across the Council, and how we will implement improvement. 

In July 2021 we adopted a Consultation Charter which sets out why, how and when we will consult.

 

Open consultation and engagement activities

Small Land Sales Adjacent Clarendon House

Land adjacent Clarendon House, Western Way, Exeter EX1 2DA. Notice is given that Exeter City Council intends to sell two small areas of land to the owners of Clarendon House to enhance the re-development of the site.

Local Active Lives: 2026 survey

This is an important piece of research that asks residents about how easy they find it to participate in physical activity, their overall wellbeing, and their views on the local community. 

 

Proposed consultations

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More information on these proposed consultations will be available when they launch.

Annual Consultations

• Resident Survey: Complete
• Budget Consultation: November 2026
• Parking Places Order Consultation: TBC
• Local Active Lives: Now live 

Other Expected Consultations for 2026-2027

• Air Quality Strategy Consultation: Complete
• Customer Standards: October/ November 2026
• Housing Residents Strategy: TBC
• Exeter City Centre Strategy: Complete
• Exeter Cultural Strategy: Complete

 

Closed consultation and engagement activities

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Resident Survey: 2026

The 2026 Resident Survey helps us to understand the views people have about the local area, the Council and Council services, communication, and community safety.

This is now the third year we have ran a resident survey, and the findings help us benchmark against previous years so that we can build a more accurate view of how people are thinking and feeling in Exeter.

8 July - 19 August 2026

Consultation: Improving Air Quality in Exeter

Exeter City Council is consulting on its draft Air Quality Action Plan (2026–2030) and draft Air Quality Strategy (2026–2030).

3 July - 14 August 2026

Consultation: Pre-application Advice Charging Schedule

ENGAGMENT ACTIVITY: Improvements to play areas in Exeter

The City Council is carrying out focussed public engagements in three specific parts of the city and is keen to get the views of local families, children and the wider community. 

It is hoped the views of local people will help shape the redesigned spaces at the following sites: 

• Heavitree Pleasure Ground play area 
• Harrington Lane play area 
• Horseguards play area 

Hyper-local public engagements are being carried out over a six-week period, closing on Friday 24 July. 

12 June - 24 July 2026

Exeter Cultural Strategy: 2026-31

Exeter City Council is seeking views on its draft Cultural Strategy for 2026–31, which sets out a vision for culture, creativity, heritage and wellbeing in the city. The strategy aims to make Exeter a place where everyone feels creative confidence and can access, enjoy and take part in cultural life.

18 May - 29 June 2026

Exeter City Centre Strategy: 2026-2031

Exeter City Council is seeking views on its draft City Centre Strategy, covering 2026–31, which sets out a vision for its appearance, safety, its economy, living and connectivity.

18 May - 29 June 2026

Grant of Easement over amenity land, eastern end of St Peters Mount, Redhills

Land eastern end of St Peters Mount, Redhills. Notice is hereby given that Exeter City Council intends to:

• Grant an easement right across amenity land at the end of St Peters Mount, Redhills.

Consultation: Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levey (NCIL)

Neighbourhood CIL is a portion of the funding collected from new development happening in Exeter. It helps neighbourhoods manage the impact of growth in their area and is directed through engagement with local communities. In non‑parished areas like Exeter, the City Council allocates this funding on behalf of residents, to help benefit local communities.

13 February - 30 March 2026

Consultation: Balanced Budget 2026/27

Every year Exeter City Council must agree a budget which balances the money we spend on services, with the money we have. This means that the money we spend must balance with what we receive from Council Tax, Business Rates, government grants and income from our chargeable services.

19 November - 31 December 2025

Green Circle Survey 2025 - (Engagement Survey)

The Live and Move team is exploring public awareness and perception of the Exeter Green Circle in Exeter. The Exeter Green Circle is a 12-mile walking route that can be broken down into shorter walks, taking you through five of Exeter’s six valley parks.

5 November - 17 December 2025

Developing Exeter's Culture Strategy - (Engagement Phase)

Exeter City Council is developing an ambitious Culture Strategy to meet the needs of you - the city’s residents and communities. In this survey we’ll explore how you experience creativity and culture in the place you call home, and you’ll be able to share your thoughts to help us imagine what’s next for Exeter.

3 November - 15 December 2025

Draft Consultation & Engagement Strategy

As part of the Council’s commitment to strengthening our engagement with people and communities in Exeter we have now reached a key milestone in that process, with the introduction of our Draft Consultation and Engagement Strategy. 

23 October 2025 - 4 December 2025

Harbour Revision Order (HRO) - External Consultation

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) consultation on the proposed harbour revision order for the Port of Exeter.

Public open space disposal - Land at Grace Road Field

25 September 2025 - 6 November 2025

Exeter City Council intends to dispose of a parcel of land at Grace Road Field, Clapperbrook Lane East, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8QA which comprises open space land, by the grant of a long lease, and grant easement rights for underground pipes from Grace Road disposal site across the Riverside Valley Park and Belle Isle Nursery and along Water Lane.

Parking Places Order 2025

23 July - 4 September 2025

We are amending some aspects of car parking across the city. The proposed changes support the delivery of our Corporate Plan, in supporting a Balanced Budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan. 

Residents Survey 2025

Closed 20 August 2025

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving resident engagement and insight, we have asked Enventure Research to conduct research into residents’ perceptions of the Council and the local area. Telephone and in-person interviews will be accompanied by an online survey.

Local Active Lives survey 2025

Closed 12 August 2025

An annual survey carried out by Live and Move.

Corporate Plan 2025 - 28

Closed April 2025

Residents and stakeholders are being invited to share their views on the final draft of Exeter’s new Corporate Plan 2025-2028.

This important document sets out what we want to achieve in the years ahead and how the Council will deliver its vision for a happy, healthy and fully engaged city in the future.

Northbrook Swimming Pool

Closed April 2025

At the budget-setting meeting on 28 February, Council backed a £3.5 million package of measures necessary for the authority to set a balanced budget for the next financial year.

As a result, a consultation will now take place on Northbrook Swimming Pool, and we will assess the impact of closing the facility.

Public open space disposal - Land at the far end of Exeter Arena Car Park

Closed April 2025

Notice is hereby given than Exeter City Council intends to dispose (by way of a lease of up to 3 years) of a 35m2 (approx.) compound, to temporarily accommodate a mobile telecommunications mast at the far end of Exeter Arena Car Park, which is effectively open space land.

Public open space disposal - Disposal of site for temporary mast Exeter Arena

Closed April 2025

Notice is hereby given than Exeter City Council intends to dispose (by way of a lease of 10 years) a 17m2 (approx.) compound, to accommodate a mobile telecommunications mast at Exeter Arena Car Park, which is effectively open space land. 

Public open space disposal - Hamelin Lane

Closed April 2025

Notice is hereby given than Exeter City Council intends to dispose (by way of a 10 year lease) a 35m2 (approx.) compound, to accommodate a mobile telecommunications mast St Georges Field, at Hamelin Lane Playing Fields Exeter EX1 3AG, which comprises open space land. 

‘Publication Draft’ of the Exeter Plan

Closed February 2025

Following approval by the City Council’s Executive at a meeting on 3 December, the final draft version of the Exeter Plan has now been published.

Newtown Survey

Closed January 2025

The Newtown Community Project is a collaboration between Live and Move, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council and is funded by Sport England.

The project aims to improve everyday lives and journeys for people in Newtown, by making it easier and safer to get around and giving better access to green spaces for everyone

Delivering a balanced budget

Closed January 2025

As a Council, setting a balanced budget which allocates resources towards our priorities is one of the most difficult but important responsibilities we have. Each year, we weigh up pressures including increased demand for services, reduced central government funding, and competing commitments, priorities and ambitions.

Public open space disposal - Land at Exhibition Fields

Closed December 2024

Notice is hereby given that Exeter City Council propose to enter into a short term lease of land at Exhibition Fields, Exeter EX4 8NT to Rugby World Cup (England 2025) Ltd (RWC) to enable their exclusive use of Pitch 1 (the premises) for training purposes connected to the Rugby World Cup event being hosted in the City in August and September 2025.

Public open space disposal - Land adjacent 17 Albert Street

Closed December 2024

Notice is hereby given that Exeter City Council propose to sell the Land Adjacent 17 Albert Street, Exeter EX1 2BH.

Parking Places Order 2024

Closed November 2024

We are amending some aspects of car parking across the city. The proposed changes support the delivery of our Corporate Plan, in supporting a Balanced Budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan. Car park income supports the delivery of a wide range of our services that attract people to live, work and visit Exeter, as well as keeping Council Tax low for residents of the city.

Public open space disposal - Land at Millenium Wood, Newcourt Road

Closed November 2024

Exeter City Council intends to dispose of an area of public open space, by way of granting an easement, at Millenium Wood, Newcourt Road, Topsham, Exeter to National Grid Electricity Distribution South West Plc.

Residents' survey

Closed August 2024

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving resident engagement and insight, we have asked Enventure Research to conduct research into residents’ perceptions of the Council and the local area. Research is likely to take place over the summer.

Public open space disposal - Land at Exwick Playing Fields

Closed August 2024

Exeter City Council is considering the leasehold disposal to the Exeter College of two parcels of land totalling 2.68 and 1.96 acres at Exwick Playing Fields, Exeter to facilitate a programme of investment in the facilities on that land. The land will remain accessible to the public.

Please see a full list of comments received, and our responses, in relation to this consultation.

Public open space disposal - Land At King George V Playing Fields

Closed June 2024

Exeter City Council is considering the leasehold disposal to the Exeter City Community Trust of a parcel of land totalling 39.85 acres of land at King George V Playing Fields, Exeter to facilitate a programme of investment in the facilities on that land. The land will remain accessible to the public.

Draft Street Trading Policy

Closed May 2024

We are carrying out a consultation on the draft Street Trading Policy and we would appreciate your views to shape the new proposed policy. The draft policy is seeking to replace the current regulations which the Council adopted in 2015.

The consultation results were published on 3 September 2024 and discussed at the Licensing Committee on 10 September 2024.

The Licensing Committee recommended approval at Council, and it was duly approved by Council on 15 October 2024.

Housing Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy & Policy

Closed April 2024

This strategy sets out our approach to preventing, tackling and resolving Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in our homes and communities. Your answers will be really useful in shaping the strategy and will help us respond to the wishes and aspirations of residents wherever we can.

Allotment Fees and Charges Review

Closed March 2024

We are inviting existing allotment holders and Allotment Associations to feedback proposals to supplement allotment income or reduce allotment costs to help achieve a cost-neutral budget.

Liveable Exeter Placemaking Charter Consultation

Closed February 2024

We will be inviting views on a new Liveable Exeter Placemaking Charter. We will be seeking feedback from developers, planning agents, architects, community groups and other interested parties.

Full Draft Exeter Plan consultation (autumn 2023)

Closed January 2024

The Exeter Plan is the new name for the Local Plan. It will shape the future of Exeter for the next twenty years, to 2040, and will be the main planning policy document for Exeter.

Householder’s Guide: Design of Extensions and Alterations planning consultation

Closed December 2023

The Householder’s Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is well established having been in existence since 2008. It provides a clear set of principles that guide Exeter homeowners and planning agents to design their planning proposals for extensions and alterations in a way that will help their planning application succeed.

Liveable Water Lane planning consultation

Closed December 2023

Water Lane, near Exeter’s historic canal and quayside, is a one of the largest strategic brownfield redevelopment sites proposed in the City Council’s Liveable Exeter initiative and Exeter Plan.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2024-25 Consultation

Closed December 2023

We want you to share your views on a proposed plan to give care leavers a 100 per cent discount on their council tax. The aim of the plan is to financially support them whilst they develop independent lives and life skills.

Green Circle Survey

Closed December 2023

We are asking for your views on Exeter’s Green Circle – a 12 mile circular route of footpaths and cycle paths around Exeter.

By understanding how the Green Circle is currently used, we can ensure that more people know about it and are able to use it in the future.

Council Housing Strategy

Closed October 2023.

The Housing Strategy will set out our vision and plans for our Council Housing Service over the next 5 years.

Digital Customer Services

Closed September 2023.

We would like your feedback on the Council’s proposed new Digital Customer Service Strategy.

Draft Article 4 Direction and Houses In Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Consultation

Closed July 2023

The consultation will enable local residents, business and other stakeholders to have their say on proposed revised versions of an Article 4 Direction that restricts permitted development rights from dwellings to HMOs and a related HMO SPD.  The consultation will predominantly be online, but there will be two public exhibitions.

Live and Move: Local Active Lives Survey

Closed April 2023

We are asking residents in Exeter and Cranbrook to take part in a voluntary survey so that we can learn more about physical activity levels and health & wellbeing.

Taxi penalty point scheme proposal

Closed April 2023

Proposed Penalty Point procedure proposed to deal with minor breaches, infringements of legislation or unacceptable behaviour committed by those licensed as drivers and operators and vehicle proprietors.

Proposal to vary maximum fees

Closed March 2023

It is proposed to vary the maximum fees specified in Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 section 70(2).

Community Infrastructure Levy review

Closed January 2023.

The Exeter Plan outline draft consultation

Closed December 2022.

Homelessness and rough sleeping prevention strategy consultation

Closed December 2022.

Neighbourhood Strategy Consultation

Closed July 2022.

We have recently produced a brand new Neighbourhood Strategy. This draft strategy is based on the responses we had from the first survey and consultation.

At its heart this strategy is a comprehensive plan to guide us in how we manage and invest in the neighbourhoods in which we have our council homes. It is about communities and how we can best support them to create positive, healthy and enjoyable environments in which to live.

New Exeter Local Plan - Issues Consultation

Closed November 2021.

We are starting work on a new Local Plan. This plan will shape the future of Exeter for the next twenty years and will be the basis for how the city continues to evolve and meet the needs of the community. It will be the main planning policy document for Exeter, setting out where development should take place and it will be vital in making decisions on planning applications.

We will use your comments to shape the first draft of the plan which will be consulted on in 2022.

New Exeter Statement of Community Involvement – Draft Consultation

Closed November 2021.

We have produced a draft consultation version of the Exeter Statement of Community Involvement. This is your opportunity to send us your initial feedback.

Heavitree Pools & Play Area Refurbishment

Closed September 2021.

The paddling pools and play facilities in Heavitree Pleasure Ground are set to get an exciting new make-over! The popular pools are nearing the end of their life and Exeter City Council is planning to carry out a full refurbishment of the pools and play area to provide new, modern facilities.

The plan is to keep the pools open throughout this year and next summer and start construction in the autumn of 2022, minimising disruption.

Community Asset Transfer

Closed August 2021.

We are running a Community Consultation Survey to gather feedback on our proposed Community Asset Transfer Policy and Process.

Northbrook Approach consultation

Closed May 2021.

Northbrook Approach is an important part of the network of green spaces in Exeter; not only is it a 'green corridor' along Northbrook stream but it also connects Ludwell and Riverside Valley Parks.

The golf course closed in October 2019 and we now want your views on the future of the area. Exeter City Council and Devon Wildlife Trust have presented a joint vision for Northbrook Approach as a wild arboretum and community space, a crucial link between the city’s largest Valley Parks, for wildlife and for people.

We want to know what you think about our proposed vision. In addition, we want to hear your ideas so that everyone can shape the future of this special site.

Tree and Woodlands

Closed December 2020.

In our role as a landowner, we are one of the largest tree owners in Exeter. Through our planning controls, the public sees us as the guardian of the city treescape. As such, the council is the key organisation in developing a framework to protect and sustain the city’s trees.

Play Strategy

Closed December 2020.

The ability and opportunity to play outside is something that is often taken for granted. Yet, for many people, those opportunities are limited. We want our children to be active, but in a safe environment. We have to decide how we are going to provide play opportunities for the future.

Parks and Green Spaces

Closed December 2020.

We are determined that valued community greenspace will not be lost to development, and that biodiversity and climate change management need to be central to measures to manage greenspace within Exeter and beyond. As Housing density increases and garden space decreases, especially for those families that are most in need, the values of public greenspace increases.

We are looking for answers to these questions.

• How do we ensure our Parks and Green Spaces meet the needs of Exeter’s communities?
• What should our priorities be in the light of continuing funding reductions?
• How do we ensure that we can maintain our Parks and Green Spaces for and with the community, particularly as the community will be an important part of parks management?