Simon Bowkett together with Saxon Spence and Moira MacDonald attended the recent consultation events about the proposed new Link Road for Exhibition Way that were held by Devon County Council at Pinhoe and St James Schools.

Now that planning approval has been given for the development of the Ibstock brickworks to provide 230 much-needed homes and a 72-bed care home for our vulnerable elderly residents, a new road is essential. Added to this development, there is additional housing proposed for the Monkerton area, and of course East Devon District Council’s development of the eastern border with the city. All of this adds up to a huge extra strain on our road infrastructure. “No road” is simply not an option.

The question for the consultation was which proposal was best for local people, trying to achieve a balance between the needs for viable transport, open and green space, and cost to the local tax payer. Four options for the road were put in front of people, each with its merits and drawbacks; and similarly there were four choices for the style of bridge needed in Exhibition Way.

Simon, Saxon and Moira talked to many people over the two days, and reported that the vast majority were entirely pragmatic about the need for the road. Exeter – despite the national gloom under this government – is a growing, prospering city. More people means more homes, but more residents will also mean more traffic. The full outcome from the consultation is expected in later in the year.

Simon Bowkett said, “The consultation events were very well attended with close to 350 people visiting over the two days. It has been very interesting to hear the views of local people as together we seek to balance the needs for homes, viable transport, and open space.”