Comedian Josh Widdicombe Joins Exeter Residents' Fight Against Council Housing Plans
Television comedian Josh Widdicombe has thrown his support behind a residents' campaign opposing a council proposal to build houses on a plot of land in Exeter. The 42-year-old star of The Last Leg was photographed alongside local protesters and Green Party members outside a council cabinet meeting on Wednesday, demonstrating against the development planned for the site at Devon County Council's headquarters.
Local Roots and Recent Relocation
Widdicombe, who grew up in the nearby village of Haytor Vale, recently returned to his Devon roots in January after leaving London with his producer wife, Rose Hanson, also 42. The couple and their two young children moved into a £2.95 million Grade II-listed five-bedroom home on one of Exeter's most prestigious streets. They sold their £2.3 million London townhouse last summer, seeking more space and proximity to Widdicombe's childhood home.
Council Decision Postponed Amid Public Outcry
Following a significant wave of complaints from local residents, the council executive has unanimously voted to postpone the decision on selling the County Hall grounds to developers. According to BBC reports, the council will revisit the issue once new plans are drafted to ensure the site is not developed for the open market. Specifically, the council wants measures in place to guarantee the creation of affordable housing and homes for key workers and care leavers.
Liberal Democrat council leader Julian Brazil stated there is a cabinet consensus that securing this type of housing is paramount. He emphasized exploring legal or contractual agreements to dictate the properties built on the land. The matter will return to the council executive on an unconfirmed date, with any plans requiring approval from Exeter City Council's planning authority.
Environmental and Community Concerns
The Matford Offices site, once home to council buildings, has been a local controversy. Now largely grassy with some concrete remnants, residents have raised various concerns about losing green space. Nature campaigners worry about tree removal and the closure of walking routes. Interestingly, an existing approved planning application, as reported by Torbay Weekly, states the land should be grassed over now that the offices are demolished.
Protesters have expressed mixed views:
- One protester noted they are not against the project but have environmental concerns and question the council's financial management.
- Another local remarked, If they are happy to build on green spaces, then they are happy to build anywhere.
- A resident added, You don't need to keep building because up and down the land, the councils are screwing over residents and rushing these through.
- Some have raised questions about potential nimbyism, asking if opposition stems from a dislike of social housing.
Widdicombe's New Home and Historical Connection
Widdicombe's involvement in the protests follows his move to a 7,500 sq ft family home in Exeter, which features five en-suite bedrooms, a separate coachhouse, and amenities like a grand piano, log fire, gym, and wine cellar. The property was previously owned by TV personality Noel Edmonds, who purchased it for £1.36 million in 2006 and sold it in 2008 after renovations and a legal dispute over unpaid building work.
On the Parenting Hell podcast, Widdicombe clarified that his new home is not the fictional Crinkley Bottom from Edmonds' shows, though co-host Rob Beckett humorously noted its history. The Exeter home is three times larger than the couple's previous London residence, and they also own a holiday home in Cornwall.
Devon County Council has been contacted for comment on the ongoing situation.
