The people of Devon are well-known for caring deeply about the place that they call home. It’s therefore no surprise that when they feel it is under threat, they will take action.
It has been another year of bitter disputes across the county over all kinds of issues, ranging from sewage to road changes and planning applications. People have been busy taking to the streets, filing objections and even taking legal action in a bid to make their voices heard.
As the year draws to a close, we look back on some of the biggest controversies and local battles that shook Devon in 2024.
For some, the battles remain ongoing, while others have already reached a decisive conclusion:
Exeter’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood
Exeter LTN protests at County Hall
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
The Heavitree and Whipton Active Streets Trial was controversial from the very beginning and it wasn’t long before locals began to protest the scheme. ‘Stop the Block’ protests, which called for an end to the LTN trial, began in 2023 and continued well into 2024.
Meanwhile, those in favour of the scheme staged their own protests against those who were ignoring the restrictions and driving through bus gates. Nonetheless, the trial was scrapped in June.
Exmouth vs South West Water
Tankers parked up in Maer Road car park in Exmouth as South West Water carries out work to repair a burst sewage pipe in Maer Lane
(Image: DevonLive)
When a sewage pipe burst in Exmouth on August 14, locals and traders in the seaside town had decided they had had enough of repeated pollution incidents at their beloved beach. In October, they made history by becoming the first group to take legal action against a water company, claiming that South West Water’s sewage pollution led to a downturn in tourism.
Brixham vs South West Water
South West Water staff and volunteers distribute water to the public at a water collection point on May 18, 2024 in Brixham
(Image: Getty Images)
An outbreak of cryptosproidium was first suspected in Brixham in May after residents began reporting feeling unwell. After initially saying tests for the parasite had come back clear and advising people to continue using water as normal, South West Water then said it had found traces of the parasite and advised large parts of the town to boil their water before drinking it.
Affected customers were initially offered just £15 in compensation from the water company but this was later increased after backlash.
Despite the boil water notice being lifted in July, residents remained angry with South West Water and some said they still feared drinking tap water.
Exeter restaurant’s anti-social behaviour woes
Francisco Montes Gomez, owner of La Lola restaurant in Exeter closed his business in protest against Devon & Cornwall Police and Exeter City Council’s handling of street crime in the city centre
(Image: Mary Stenson/DevonLive)
After a year on Fore Street, Francisco Montes, owner of La Lola restaurant and tapas bar, launched a scathing attack on Devon & Cornwall Police and Exeter City Council. He displayed a huge sign in the restaurant’s window, calling on the authorities to bring an end to violence and anti-social behaviour in the city centre and closed in protest.
Queen Street, Newton Abbot
Protest in Queen Street, Newton Abbot
(Image: Queen Street Traders and Residents)
A proposed new traffic scheme for Queen Street divided opinion in Newton Abbot. Changes will include widened pavements, extra provision for buses and bicycles, a 20mph speed limit, new waiting, parking and loading restrictions and closing off several roads to anything other than through traffic.
In May, traders and locals from the ‘Save Queen Street’ campaign group protested the plans, with some fearing that the restrictions introduced would lead to a downturn in trade.
Dartmoor wild camping
Right to Roam campaigners hold a demonstration at Hound Tor, Dartmoor to protest for the right to wildcamp on the Moor
(Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)
In 2023, a legal case brought by landowner Alexander Darwall was successful in overturning the right to wild camp, claiming that campers pose issues for livestock and the environment. This was later reversed by the Court of Appeal following huge backlash.
The case reached the High Court earlier this year as Darwall contested the decision to reinstate the right to wild camp. Hundreds gathered on the moor in protest ahead of the case being heard.
North Devon offshore wind farm
Save Our Sands protest in Braunton
(Image: Simon Ellery)
Locals have continued to fight against a floating wind farm off the North Devon coast. The plans involve the installation of an onshore cable route at Saunton Sands.
Protesters say the cable would have a significant impact on the local economy and tourism with up to 90 HGVs using roads through Braunton and could also harm the environment. As of September this year, almost 1,000 objections had been lodged against the plans.