Following a request from Cranbrook Town Council, East Devon District Council is currently conducting a ‘Community Governance Review’. The review will seek feedback on the current Cranbrook Town Council area with a view to establishing whether an expansion of the current town boundaries is considered to be appropriate.

A letter has been sent by EDDC to all relevant consultees within the affected area, this includes plans with the boundaries marked and the formal Terms of Reference for the review.

Councillor Sarah Jackson, East Devon District Council portfolio holder for Democracy, Transparency and Communications said:

It is important that the boundaries of any Parish or Town Council be defined as appropriately as possible in order to assist the Town or Parish council to deliver consistent services to all of their residents, as well to ensure that households fall within the boundary of the community that they most closely identify with. For these reasons, it is entirely understandable that Cranbrook Town Council would seek a boundary review in anticipation of the growth expected for Cranbrook over the coming years. However, it is also just as important that the views of the smaller parishes and long-established communities which surround Cranbrook are properly considered prior to any changes to parish boundaries. Therefore, I would wholeheartedly encourage all those living in Whimple, Rockbeare, Broadclyst, Clyst Honiton and Cranbrook to engage with the consultation and take this opportunity to make your views known in the interest of ensuring the long term sustainability of every one of these unique historic villages and the vitality of East Devon’s newest town.”

Further information can be found on the council website: Cranbrook Governance Review.pdf (eastdevon.gov.uk)

If you would like to submit your views over this matter or should you require any further information please contact EDDC by emailing mpearce@eastdevon.gov.uk by 16 September 2021.