Campaigners hail ‘victory’ as plot of land in city will not be developed

THE fate of a controversial piece of land at Exeter’s County Hall appears to have been decided, with Green campaigners claiming victory.

- by BRADLEY GERRARD

The Matford Offices site, a parcel of land at the Devon County Council headquarters on Topsham Road, has been the focus of an ongoing saga over whether it should be grassed over or used for development.

Local residents were vocal in their opposition to potential plans to build on the site, and their most recent demonstration at County Hall in March was supported by TV comedian Josh Widdicombe, who lives nearby.

Exeter’s Green Party posted on its website that its councillors and campaigners had “succeeded in persuading Devon County Council not to pursue development of the site” after a multi-year wrangle.

The council said it had been exploring options to create accommodation for young people in or leaving care, but that it would not now be able to take this forward given other pressures facing it.

Councillor Andy Ketchin, whose Exeter City Council ward includes the County Hall site, said it was a welcome decision.