The project to restore a much-loved Exeter landmark to its former glory is expected to clear another hurdle next week.
Members of Exeter City Council’s planning committee will consider plans for the Royal Clarence Hotel, which was gutted by a fire in October 2016.
Local company Nooko has been working to prepare the site on Cathedral Green since collecting the keys from previous owners Akkeron in April last year. Permission was granted as long ago as October 2022 for 25 new high-quality apartments on the site, most with views across the green to the cathedral. Prices will...
Coastal Recycling is raising awareness of the increasing dangers posed by discarded lithium-ion batteries, following a fire at its Torrington recycling facility earlier this month. The blaze, which began on 14 October 2025, was caused by a single lithium-ion battery and escalated within seconds, fuelled by surrounding waste.
Thanks to the facility’s heat-resistant concrete storage bunkers, the fire was contained, and no injuries were reported; however, without these protective measures, the entire building could have been destroyed. Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue responded...
Dartmoor National Park Authority is urging visitors to help prevent wildfires as hot, dry conditions continue. Lighting fires is illegal, and people are being asked to leave barbecues at home to protect habitats and wildlife.
Recent weeks have seen an increase in fire incidents and damage caused by barbecues, prompting the reminder to follow leave-no-trace principles. These simple steps play a vital role in keeping Dartmoor safe for both people and nature.
Poltimore Music & Arts Festival will go ahead as planned on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May, despite a major fire that started in the library and ripped through the whole building last week.
The festival was originally being brought back after a five-year break to help with fundraising for the next stage of renovations at Poltimore House, following 20 years of restoration work.
As the Emergency Services have installed a 10-metre exclusion zone around the building, the festival will now take place exclusively in the grounds of Poltimore House and will transform 13...
Exeter’s historic Royal Clarence Hotel, destroyed in a fire six years ago, could finally be restored and turned into luxury flats.
The city council’s planning committee will consider the plans at a meeting next week, with officers recommending approval.
The iconic Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1769 and overlooks Exeter Cathedral, was ravaged by the blaze in October 2016 that started in neighbouring buildings and spread to the hotel.
A previous plan to build a 74-bedroom hotel on the site failed to materialise. It was then sold to Southwest...
Plans to restore Exeter’s iconic Royal Clarence building and bring life back to this much-loved historic landmark in the heart of the city are being unveiled today.
The Grade II listed Royal Clarence, which occupies an important site facing Exeter Cathedral, was devastated by a fire in 2016.
Proposals to sensitively restore the 18th century building and enhance its setting in Cathedral Yard have been prepared by leading property developer Akkeron Group, on behalf of South West Lifestyle Brands, which acquired the site in August 2020.
The new Revamped and Rockin show will be a celebration f the 25 years and will include an amazing amalgamation of acts, driven by a rock n roll sound scape, a show that will have you on the edge of your seat when not falling off with laughter.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has begun a new partnership with fire services in the region to boost its Covid-19 emergency response this winter. The mutual aid project, which first ran from April to August, will see fire personnel from Cornwall, Devon & Somerset, Avon and Gloucestershire fire and rescue services supporting the Trust from Sunday 1 November for four months. Under the agreement, firefighters will support ambulance crews by driving vehicles and work alongside clinicians to provide care and assistance to patients. The initiative is part of a...
Dartmoor National Park and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have issued a warning for people not to light barbecues and campfires after an increase in wildfire incidents. Soaring temperatures and hot weather, which is set to continue in coming days, means the fire severity risk on Dartmoor is forecast as ‘high’. Anyone planning a trip to Dartmoor for some fresh air, a picnic or a family day out is asked to be vigilant against wildfire by not lighting a barbecue or campfire. Andrew Watson, Head of Recreation, Access and Estates said: “We want people to come and enjoy Dartmoor,...
Visitors to Dartmoor are being urged to help prevent wildfires as the dry weather continues.
Of particular concern are discarded cigarettes, Chinese lanterns and disposable barbecues.
Broken glass, camping stoves matches and lighters are also highlighted as potential dangers.
The call for vigilance has come from the Dartmoor Wild Fire Liaison Group, a body representing land owners, the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).
The wider partnership also involves Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall...
