Communities in North Devon are being asked to have their say on proposed changes to some parish and town councils.
North Devon Council is reviewing the boundaries and electoral arrangements of some parishes within the council area as part of a Community Governance Review.
This review is a way for district councils to make sure that, at parish level, governance arrangements are working as efficiently and effectively as they should be.
They can be undertaken periodically and provide an opportunity to put in place strong, clearly defined boundaries which reflect local identities and facilitate effective and convenient local government. It considers the creation, merging and alteration of parishes, and their election arrangements.
A number of local parishes have put forward proposals due to population changes and shifts in natural settlements caused by new development, with details of the proposals below.
People living in the affected parishes are encouraged to have their say on any proposals that affect them by taking part in a consultation, which is open until September 30.
Councillor Christopher Norman, chair of North Devon Council’s Governance Committee, said: “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.
“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.”
The council will oversee the review and will produce draft and final recommendations following the consultation.
The final recommendations will be approved by full council before a Community Governance Order is made.
Final recommendations are expected to be published in April 2026 and will come into effect the following year ahead of town and parish council elections in May 2027.
The proposed changes
Barnstaple Town Council
Proposals for changes to parish boundaries include:
* Pilton – Bring Shearford Close and Trayne Heights developments into Barnstaple, bring in land east of Bradiford Water, or absorb the whole of Pilton West parish.
* Landkey – move the boundary along the A361 to bring the whole of the Mount Sandford development into Barnstaple.
* Sticklepath/Tawstock – move the boundary to bring in Petroc, settlements around the old Bideford road and new developments on Old Torrington Road.
* Roundswell/Sticklepath/Bickington – move the boundary to follow the road from Roundswell Roundabout to Cedars Roundabout. In addition, a boundary through Oakland Park South, or a boundary following Lower Cross Road. A further proposal includes moving the boundary to Tews Lane.
These proposals affect the Fremington, Landkey, Pilton West and Tawstock parishes. Have your say on these proposals by completing the survey on the Let’s Talk North Devon website, via the button below.
READ MORE: Plan for 450 new homes on the outskirts of Barnstaple back on the agenda
Community Governance Review – Barnstaple boundaries
Barnstaple Town Council is also proposing to change the number of town councillors it has, to ensure it does not have single councillor wards and has an electorate of 1,000-1,500 per councillor. This would also bring a change to the number of wards and their boundaries.
Community Governance Review – Barnstaple governance
Fremington Parish Council
Proposals for change to the boundary at Chestwood Avenue to follow the main road up to Beechwood Avenue.
This proposal affects neighbouring Barnstaple Town Council.
Community Governance Review – Fremington
Fremington Parish Council is also proposing changes to the names of its wards to make them representative of their communities, and adjust the number of councillors to ensure an equal amount of residents per councillor.
Community Governance Review – Fremington Governance
Fremington and Tawstock parish councils
Proposals to adjust the parish boundary to align with the highway along the B3232, A3125 and Old Bideford Road.
Community Governance Review – Fremington and Tawstock
Tawstock Parish Council
Proposal to merge the wards of Tawstock Northern Urban and Tawstock Southern Urban to create Tawstock Urban.
Community Governance Review – Tawstock
Ilfracombe Town Council
Proposal to return to three wards for Ilfracombe – East, West and Central.
Community Governance Review – Ilfracombe
North Molton Parish Council
Proposal for one additional parish councillor to reflect additional housing in the area.
Community Governance Review – North Molton
Other ways to have your say
Alternatively, you may also submit your comments using the following methods: By email to [email protected] or by post to North Devon Council, PO Box 379, Barnstaple, EX32 2GR.
Completing a paper copy, which is available at the Town Centre Hub in Barnstaple’s Green Lanes Shopping Centre, the Ilfracombe Centre and the Amory Centre, South Molton (opening hours are available on the council’s website.)