“Post-democratic” government is not unconcerned with what you think or want or need. But it doesn’t require your participation. But what if we replaced politicians… Read More »Participatory democracy

“Already opposition is rapidly mounting – and not just from the usual suspects.” At present, elected councils draw up ‘local plans’ and then decide whether… Read More »Planning and local democracy: of zoning laws and revolt

Devon County Council cites ‘pushback’ from traders as schemes are scrapped. “Coronavirus exposes council failure to deliver Exeter transport plans.” . Exeter wants to make… Read More »New cycle lanes and wider pavements: abandoned in Exeter

“We are disappointed that ministers have missed this opportunity to strengthen local democracy and have instead opted for policies that circumvent local communities.” Nonetheless, Downing… Read More »Planning and local democracy

Greenscreen Project aims to recover shoreline plastic rubbish and turns it into roller blind fabric. . Plastic pollution is getting worse: Coronavirus and plastic pollution… Read More »Turning plastic rubbish at sea into products

“This book is an invitation to explore Sidmouth’s wonderful collection of trees.” . The Sid Vale Association has just published a book on the trees… Read More »The Trees of Sidmouth

The link between biodiversity loss and the emergence and spread of infectious disease is well-established. The Dasgupta Review on the economics of biodiversity seeks to… Read More »The economics of biodiversity

Today’s ‘Planning for the Future’ white paper will change the way development happens. “… unlike anything we have seen since the second world war” .… Read More »The ‘planning revolution’ in house building – consultation launched

Balancing demands for radical change and fears of uncontrolled development . East Devon is about to refuse to take responsibility for providing most of Exeter’s… Read More »The ‘planning revolution’ in house building

… to protect people and the countryside . People are being asked by the police to act responsibly when on holiday or out on a… Read More »Visitors and locals in Devon: please take your rubbish home!

‘Green Pavements’ and cherishing our urban flora . There’s a push to leave our grass verges to the bees: Letting grass verges grow – Vision… Read More »Letting the pavements grow

“After years of uncertainty, England’s first wild breeding population of beavers for 400 years has been given the permanent right to remain in their East… Read More »On the River Otter: beavers here to stay

The past and future of the GESP . The District Council is about to take a huge decision: East Devon set to reject Greater Exeter… Read More »East Devon set to reject Greater Exeter Strategic Plan – analysis

“a mission to establish an exciting environmental education project to enhance the Byes” . The Byes Environmental Education project was set up some ten years… Read More »Friends of the Byes: ten years on

… for a ‘new golden age for cycling’ . The government is very keen for us to get on our bikes – and has introduced… Read More »Government cycle schemes