None of them can be delivered in isolation and all will contribute to the overall wellbeing of West Devon residents.
We know that we cannot achieve our ambitions for West Devon alone and so we will work with our communities and key partners in delivering this strategy.
You can read all about our priorities in The Council Plan:
West Devon Council Plan.pdf (PDF, 2.78MB)
Our Priorities
Natural Environment
Climate change and biodiversity loss are big threats to our area. We will lead by example and encourage everyone in our communities to play their part. We declared a Climate Change and Biodiversity crisis in 2020 and we want to cut our carbon emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
We have secured funding to deliver a number of projects including developing plans for active travel schemes, supporting our agricultural sector to consider regenerative sustainable ways, and incentivise renewable energy projects such as solar panels and wind turbines.
Built Environment
Devon has a built environment of global importance through the World Heritage Site. We aim to conserve and maintain this by preserving existing historic buildings and reflecting locally distinctive features in the design of buildings, layouts and landscapes.
West Devon, together with South Hams and Plymouth, have a strategic plan for the area (Joint Local Plan). We will work with our communities to produce new visions for all our towns and will look to reflect these ambitions in the future Joint Local Plan. We will also develop Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans, and work with our communities to support the development of Neighbourhood Plans.
Housing
We are striving to tackle the ‘housing crisis’. There is high demand, but not enough housing as well as high prices that locals can’t afford. The cost of energy is placing an ever-greater strain on income, leaving many residents in fuel poverty, and the energy efficiency of our housing stock needs improving to reduce carbon emissions.
We will put our efforts into where the biggest challenges lie and look to improve housing outcomes that make the greatest difference to our residents.
Health and Wellbeing
We will support healthier, safer and fairer communities through a range of measures with our partners to help residents achieve a better quality of life and remain as independent as possible in their own community.
A range of Council services will support this, such as inspecting food premises, carrying our environmental protection schemes and responding to concerns about private sector housing standards.
People and Community
Our communities are the beating heart of West Devon. We want to enhance community action and to support local groups to deliver their own ambitions. We will increase our ability to support our communities to bring forward projects that are important to them including promoting arts and culture within the Borough.
Looking to our own services, we will ensure that our frontline services keep West Devon’s open spaces tidy and enable them to be enjoyed by residents. We will also lobby organisations responsible for issues outside our control, such as the condition of roads and the provision of youth services.
Economy and Jobs
We will create the environment for all sizes of business to flourish. We will strengthen our visitor economy and identify opportunities to lobby for our agricultural sector. We will seize future opportunities to attract additional funding, improve the infrastructure and create more higher earning jobs.
We will also support town plans to shape the economy of West Devon and help to promote cultural, heritage and sport activities to draw people into the area.
Performance and Resources
At the core of delivering these ambitions, is the need for us to deliver good quality services that respond to the needs of our residents whilst demonstrating value for money.
We will lobby Government for fairer funding for rural authorities and invest in training and support for our employees so they can deliver the best service for our residents. We will also make sure we make the best use of Council assets, including our buildings.
Accessibility and Communications
Most West Devon residents can interact with us online. We have taken steps to make it as easy as possible for them to get the support they need and carry out tasks with the Council 24 hours a day, seven days a week, online.
However, for residents without internet access, we will do all we can to help them access Council services in alternate ways – putting our community at the centre of our communications.
