1. About the Community Governance Review: Cranbrook and Surrounding Development Areas
Why are we conducting a Community Governance Review of the Cranbrook and surrounding development areas?
Back in 2021, East Devon District Council received a request from Cranbrook Town Council to undertake a Community Governance Review. Cranbrook was an area experiencing significant development and the Town Council wanted to have the current boundaries assessed in anticipation of the planned expansion areas coming forward for housing and related development which extend into neighbouring parishes.
At that time, it was considered that a Community Governance Review was premature pending the adoption of the Cranbrook Plan.
In December 2024, following the adoption of the Cranbrook Plan, the Cranbrook Town Council, having reviewed the content of its previous request, made a new request to East Devon District Council to undertake a Community Governance Review.
The matter was considered at the 26th February 2025 full Council meeting and it was resolved to undertake a Community Governance Review of the current Cranbrook Town Council area with a view to establishing whether expansion of the current town boundaries is considered to be appropriate. A copy of the report that went to full Council and the minutes from the meeting can be found here Agenda for Council on Wednesday, 26th February, 2025, 6.00 pm - East Devon
What will the review focus on?
In carrying out this review, East Devon District Council must ensure that community governance arrangements reflect the identities and interests of the community in the area, and that they are effective and convenient.
This means that in looking at the boundaries of Cranbrook Town Council, we will also include the boundaries of the four parish and town councils which are adjacent to it in the review. These are:
- Broadclyst Parish
- Clyst Honiton Parish
- Rockbeare Parish
- Whimple Parish
As well as looking at the boundaries, we will also consider other governance arrangements such as warding and the number of councillors representing each area.
More information about the remit of the review and what it will focus on can be found in the Terms of Reference for the review.
How will the review be carried out?
The timetable sets out each stage of the review.
Before making any recommendations or publishing final proposals, we must consult local government electors for the area under review and any other person or body, including any local authority, which appears to us to have an interest in the review.
This is your chance to have your say on how your local community is represented as part of the democratic process. There will be two stages of consultation to the review; Information about the first stage of consultation as well as how to respond can be found on consultation page.
Questions about the Review?
We have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Cranbrook Area Community Governance Review which can be found on the FAQs page.
If you still have a question about the review you can contact us at CranbrookCGR@eastdevon.gov.uk.