North Devon’s Local Government Redrawn: What the Parish Boundary Changes Mean for You
Imagine your local council suddenly encompassing new streets, new homes, and perhaps even new neighbours. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s the reality unfolding across North Devon as a comprehensive Community Governance Review prompts significant proposed changes to parish and town council boundaries. Driven by shifting populations and new developments, this review is more than just a bureaucratic reshuffling – it’s a fundamental reimagining of local representation, and your voice in this process is critical before the consultation closes on September 30th.
The Driving Force: Reshaping Governance for a Modern North Devon
North Devon Council’s ongoing review is a proactive measure to ensure that local governance remains efficient, effective, and truly representative. As communities evolve, so too must the structures that serve them. Population growth, the creation of new housing estates, and natural shifts in settlement patterns necessitate periodic evaluations of parish boundaries and electoral arrangements. The goal is to create clear, defined boundaries that accurately reflect local identities and facilitate convenient local government, whether that involves creating, merging, or altering existing parishes and their election systems.
Councillor Christopher Norman, chair of North Devon Council’s Governance Committee, underscored the importance of resident participation. “The Community Governance Review is a crucial opportunity for residents in North Devon to help shape the future of their local town or parish council and ensure they are representative of the developments that have taken place in the area in recent years,” he stated. “We encourage everyone in the affected areas to take part in the consultation, which will help ensure our local councils truly reflect the needs of our communities.”
Barnstaple’s Expanding Horizons: A Glimpse at Proposed Boundary Adjustments
Barnstaple Town Council is at the heart of several proposed boundary realignments, aiming to better integrate new developments and address existing ward imbalances. These changes could significantly alter the geographical footprint of the town council’s jurisdiction.
Key Proposals Affecting Barnstaple:
- Shit (likely a typo and intended to be a specific area name like “South”), Shearford Close & Trayne Heights: Proposals include bringing these newer developments within Barnstaple’s administrative boundary, potentially absorbing parts of Pilton West parish.
- Landkey & Mount Sandford: The plan involves shifting the boundary along the A361 to incorporate the entire Mount Sandford development into Barnstaple.
- Sticklepath/Tawstock: Changes could see Petroc college, settlements around the old Bideford road, and new housing on Old Torrington Road brought under Barnstaple’s purview.
- Roundswell/Sticklepath/Bickington: Multiple boundary options are on the table, including following the road from Roundswell Roundabout to Cedars Roundabout, or specific sections like Oakland Park South and Lower Cross Road, or Tews Lane.
These specific proposals directly impact residents in the Fremington, Landkey, Pilton West, and Tawstock parishes. Beyond boundary adjustments, Barnstaple Town Council is also considering changes to its number of councillors and ward structures to ensure a more equitable distribution of electorate per councillor, aiming for wards with 1,000-1,500 residents each.
Ripple Effects: Changes in Fremington, Tawstock, and Beyond
The proposed changes aren’t confined to Barnstaple; neighbouring parishes are also involved in significant adjustments:
Fremington Parish Council:
A proposed boundary change at Chestwood Avenue aims to realign with the main road leading up to Beechwood Avenue. This adjustment directly affects the border with Barnstaple Town Council.
Furthermore, Fremington Parish Council is looking to rename its wards to better reflect their communities and rebalance the number of councillors to ensure a more equitable representation of residents per councillor.
Fremington and Tawstock Parish Councils:
An alignment proposal suggests adjusting the parish boundary to follow the highway along the B3232, A3125, and Old Bideford Road, potentially creating a clearer, more logical division between these two areas.
Tawstock Parish Council:
A simpler consolidation is proposed here, with the potential merger of the Tawstock Northern Urban and Tawstock Southern Urban wards into a single ‘Tawstock Urban’ ward.
Ilfracombe and North Molton:
Further afield, Ilfracombe Town Council is proposing a return to a three-ward structure (East, West, and Central). North Molton Parish Council is considering adding one additional parish councillor to better reflect the recent increase in housing in its area.
Your Voice Matters: How to Participate in the Governance Review
The success of this Community Governance Review hinges on active public engagement. Residents in affected parishes are strongly encouraged to share their views on any proposals that concern them. The consultation period is your opportunity to influence the future of your local governance.
Here’s how you can have your say:
- Online Survey: The primary method is through the survey available on the Let’s Talk North Devon website.
- Email: Send your comments to [email protected].
- Post: Mail your feedback to North Devon Council, PO Box 379, Barnstaple, EX32 2GR.
- In Person: Pick up a paper copy of the consultation document at the Town Centre Hub in Barnstaple’s Green Lanes Shopping Centre, the Ilfracombe Centre, or the Amory Centre in South Molton. (Check council website for opening hours).
North Devon Council will meticulously review all feedback received. Draft and final recommendations are expected by April 2026, with any implemented changes taking effect in time for the town and parish council elections in May 2027. This is a unique chance to shape how your local government operates for years to come.
What are your thoughts on these proposed changes to North Devon’s parish boundaries? Share your perspective in the comments below!
