Residents invited to shape Newtown plans

Residents of the Newtown area in Exeter are being encouraged to share their thoughts on draft improvement plans for the Newtown Community Project, which aims to enhance everyday life and journeys in the area.

The project, part of the Live and Move programme, is being led by Exeter City Council in collaboration with Devon County Council and is funded by Sport England.

It focuses on improving safety, access to green spaces, and sustainable travel options for all residents. 

The consultation follows an initial survey conducted in April 2021, where residents were asked for feedback on various aspects of life in Newtown, including community spaces, transportation, and accessibility.

The results showed that while there is a strong sense of community, there are areas for improvement. 

The 2021 survey revealed several key themes from local residents: 

- Strong community spirit, but limited community spaces, events, and activities. 

- Parking congestion concerns, although residents felt there was enough parking for the current number of cars. 

- Limited opportunities for play and recreation, particularly for children and young people. 

- Public transport and infrastructure improvements are needed, particularly in terms of street design, public spaces, and green spaces. 

- Safety and accessibility issues for pedestrians and cyclists, with many residents wanting safer walking routes and better-connected cycling paths. 

Based on these responses, Exeter City Council and their partners have drafted a set of proposals to address these concerns and make Newtown a more accessible, vibrant, and sustainable place to live. 

The draft plans aim to make it easier and safer to walk, wheel, and cycle around Newtown, as well as improve access to green spaces.

At six key sites in the area, the proposals include: 

- Enhancing green spaces: Creating small parks and increasing the amount of green space to make them more attractive and useful for residents. 

- Improved pedestrian and cycling routes: Making it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel, and cycle through Newtown and connect with local destinations. 

- Improved wayfinding: Helping residents and visitors navigate Newtown with clear signage to key destinations within the area and beyond. 

These proposals are intended to help improve the overall quality of life for residents while encouraging healthier, more sustainable forms of transport, and addressing climate change goals. 

As the plans are still in draft form, Exeter City Council is actively seeking feedback from the community to ensure that the final proposals reflect local needs and priorities.

Councillor Matthew Vizard, City Councillor for Newtown and St Leonards and Portfolio Holder for Climate, Ecological Change & Communities, emphasised the importance of local involvement: 

"It’s important to emphasise the word ‘draft’ here because these plans are not set in stone, although they are based on what residents said back in 2021. I’m in no doubt that everyone living in this area of Exeter will have a view on what changes they might like to see in Newtown. Whatever those views are, we’d really like to hear about them so that we can ensure decisions are made by the community and for the community."  

In addition to improving daily life in Newtown, the project aligns with Exeter’s broader sustainability goals. The initiative is expected to help residents contribute to tackling the climate emergency by making the area more pedestrian and cycle-friendly, reducing reliance on cars, and improving green spaces. 

Devon County Councillor and Newtown resident Su Aves also expressed support for the consultation: 

"As a resident of the Newtown area myself, I’m really pleased to see that plans are in place to engage with the community around these proposals. I encourage anybody who lives in the area to have their say and speak up about the changes they’d like to see." 

Residents are invited to view the draft plans and share their thoughts via a digital survey, available on the Live and Move website. Larger copies of the plans will also be displayed at the Civic Centre and during public information events over the coming weeks. Feedback from local organisations and stakeholders will also be gathered as part of the consultation process.  . 

By working together, the community of Newtown has the opportunity to shape the future of their neighbourhood and contribute to the creation of a safer, greener, and more connected environment.