Exeter City Council has issued a fresh batch of planning applications for developments across the city, inviting residents and interested parties to submit their views. The public notice, published on Thursday, 8 January 2026, opens a 24-day consultation window for representations on a range of proposals, several of which are in sensitive heritage locations.
Key Applications in Heritage and Conservation Areas
The latest list includes several significant applications that require careful consideration due to their location. A notable proposal is for a new temporary single-storey mental health research and development facility at Wonford House Hospital on Dryden Road in the Priory area. This scheme, referenced as 25/1792/FUL, involves the demolition of existing temporary buildings and is subject to both listed building and conservation area notifications. A separate listed building consent application (25/1793/LBC) has been lodged for the same development.
Other applications affecting conservation areas include plans for a replacement carport and extensions at 2 Higher Riverdale on Exe Street in Topsham (25/1785/FUL), and a single-storey side extension at 8 Penleonard Close in Newtown and St Leonards (25/1791/FUL). Further proposals are for a two-storey rear extension and garage in Duryard and St James (30 West Avenue, 25/1796/FUL) and the replacement of an outbuilding at 92 Fore Street, Topsham (25/1696/FUL), the latter also impacting a listed building.
Listed Building Consent Sought
In addition to standard planning applications, the council is also considering three separate listed building consent requests. These are for retrospective repair works at The Bungalow on Mount Wear Court, Countess Wear Road (25/1797/LBC), and for the aforementioned projects at Wonford House Hospital (25/1793/LBC) and 92 Fore Street, Topsham (25/1697/LBC). Such consents are required for any works that affect the character of a nationally protected structure.
How to Have Your Say on Exeter's Development
The council is actively encouraging public participation in the planning process. Individuals who may be affected or wish to comment can submit representations of objection, comment, or support. All submissions must be received within the 24-day period following the notice's issue date of 8 January 2026.
Interested parties can engage in the following ways:
- Online via the Exeter City Council planning portal.
- By emailing the assigned case officer, whose details are listed on each specific application.
It is recommended to quote the full application reference number (e.g., 25/1792/FUL) when making an enquiry or submission. All plans and supporting documents can be viewed on the council's planning pages by searching these reference numbers.
Once the consultation closes, planning officers will assess each application against local and national policies. They will consider all public representations before making a determination, either under delegated powers or at a planning committee meeting. Final decision notices will be published on the council's website.
