Residents have second chance to have their say on town and parish proposals

Houses in Barnstaple

Communities in North Devon have another chance to have their say on proposed changes to some town and parish councils.

North Devon Council is continuing its Community Governance Review in which it reviews the boundaries and electoral arrangements for towns and parishes to ensure they are effective, fair and reflect the needs of their communities.

A number of town and parish councils put forward initial proposals, which were consulted on between July and September. Having considered the feedback received, a further consultation is now taking place until the end of January 2026.

The proposals being put forward are:

  • Fremington and Tawstock - realigning the boundary to follow the A3125 and adjusting the border between Chestwood Avenue and Beechwood Close to run along property boundaries, and extending the Fremington boundary to incorporate Birch Lane to Old Bideford Road, following the road up to the roundabout
  • Barnstaple Town Council and Pilton West – There are three options for consideration regarding Shearford Close and Trayne Heights and whether they are moved into Barnstaple or kept in Pilton West
  • Barnstaple Town Council and Landkey – Moving the boundary to coincide with the boundary of the Mount Sandford development
  • Tawstock Parish Council – merging the two existing urban wards into a single ward
  • Ilfracombe Town Council – re-establish Ilfracombe Central ward, giving the town three wards
  • Fremington Parish Council – revising ward names and boundaries for fairer representation and efficient administration
  • Barnstaple Town Council – to establish six wards within Barnstaple: Newport, Central, Pilton, Yeo Valley, Forches and Westacott, and Longbridge

Residents in the affected parishes are encouraged to take part in the consultation, which is open until 30 January 2026.

Councillor Christopher Norman, Chair of North Devon Council’s Governance Committee, said: “Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to participate in the Community Governance Review to date. The views of those who responded to our first round of consultation have played a vital role in shaping these proposals.

“If you live in one of the areas brought forward by these proposals, then please take this new opportunity to share your thoughts and help ensure our local councils best reflect the needs of our communities.”

Residents can view the detailed proposals and take part in the consultation by visiting northdevon.gov.uk/lets-talk and completing the survey that affects them. Comments can also be submitted using the following methods:

  • By email to consultation@northdevon.gov.uk
  • 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.)

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.