The South Devon & Dartmoor Unitary Authority concept, called Putting Our Rural Communities First, has been submitted at the invitation of the Boundary Committee which has been tasked by Secretary of State for Local Government Hazel Blears to recommend an alternative local government arrangement for Devon.

Our concept is one of a dedicated rural unitary council covering the areas currently administered by South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council and West Devon Borough Council. It has been agreed by West Devon and South Hams Councillors and features within the concepts proposed by Teignbridge District Council. Our Members strongly endorse the need for a robust authority able to represent the interests of rural villages and market towns in South Devon and Dartmoor.

"These communities are at the very heart of the area and their specific needs and interests should be served by a local council which understands how unique they are."

The South Devon and Dartmoor Unitary Authority concept document is available here (3.68 MB)

Following our submission of our concept proposal to the Boundary Committee they asked us a series of questions, as they did with most people who submitted a proposal. The following is their questions and our responses.

 Response to the Boundary Committee questions (185 KB)