650 people attend bus station forum

Around 650 attended an open forum to have their say on plans for a brand new bus station for Exeter.

Exeter City Council said the turnout was "impressive" and that everyone's views would be analysed to help inform the next phase of detailed design.

A resolution to grant outline planning permission for the site was obtained in January, subject to the completion of a legal agreement.

Cllr Rachel Sutton, Lead Councillor for City Development, said that nearly 450 feedback forms had already been completed and that the online version would be available on the City Council website until the end of Friday (11 March).

"The City Council has stepped in to find £6m for a new bus station and now we are identifying the needs of bus and bus station users from Exeter and wider Devon. It was fantastic that so many people came to have their say - 650 people is a very impressive turnout and their views will help us shape the final design when it is submitted this summer.”

Cllr Sutton said that the main issues raised were around the use of the bus station by National Express coaches and the provisions made for people with disabilities and visual impairment.

"People also want to see appropriate facilities for passengers using the bus station," added Cllr Sutton, " and I have asked the project team to do further work to address these issues."

A further exhibition will be held on Wednesday 18 May from 8am to 7.30pm at Exeter Guildhall allowing people to have their say on the detailed design before a reserved matters planning application is submitted in the summer.