South Hams District covers an area of 350 square miles and has 60 miles of coastline. With its southerly aspect sheltered by the granite uplands of Dartmoor, the South Hams enjoys one of the mildest climates in the whole of mainland Britain. Indeed, the South Hams name comes from the old English word "hamme" meaning an enclosed or sheltered place.
The South Hams is a rich natural area and 130 square miles (337 sq.km.) of the district is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with 30.86 square mile coverage of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There are 62 miles (100 km) of coastal path and 16 miles (26 km) of beaches. Approximately 30 miles (50 km) of coastline is owned by the National Trust and 47 miles (75 km) is designated Heritage Coast.
The South Hams has a population of 80,000. It has six market towns and main commercial centres. These are Totnes, Dartmouth, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Modbury.
Council aim and priorities 2002-2008 - To improve the well-being of the people of the South Hams.
Priorities and measures
- Secure a supply of housing for local people at affordable levels
- Create the conditions for the growth and maintenance of quality economic activity
- Maintain a clean environment
- Maintain the district's distinctive environment whilst enabling access and sensitive development
- Work with others to improve access to key services
- Improve core service performance in a cost-effective way
Council commitments
In pursuing all its functions the Council is committed to:
- Equality of opportunity and particularly targeting hard to reach and vulnerable groups
- Sustainability
- Community involvement and community vibrancy
- Effective partnership
- Communication, consultation and openness
- Value for money
Latest Census Results
Welcome to the South Hams