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New Leader elected at South Hams District Council

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

New Leader elected at South Hams District Council

Issued: 16 May 2025

South Hams District Council has appointed its new Leader at this year’s Annual Council meeting.

 

Cllr Julian Brazil, stepped down as Leader of the Council today to focus on his role at Devon County Council as the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats following the recent elections. He’ll remain on South Hams District Council’s Executive and as a councillor representing the Stokenham ward.

 

Cllr Brazil said: “It’s been an absolute privilege, honour and pleasure to be Leader of South Hams District Council and I am proud of what we have achieved.

 

“We’ve shown in the South Hams that you can do politics in a different way through consensus and compromise - it’s worked well here. Of course, on occasions we disagree but that’s how it should be. This maturity in debate is an ethos I hope will continue here and be taken on elsewhere.

 

“I’d like to thank all council officers and councillors, and particularly my group, for putting their trust in me. By working in such a constructive way we’ve achieved many things. There is still much to do, but our main priority now and in the future must be to continue working for our communities.”

 

Cllr Dan Thomas was elected by his fellow members as South Hams District Council’s new Leader.

 

He said: “Thank you all very much for the trust you put in me – it is an honour. I will do my very best for the people of the South Hams.

 

“We will keep our communities at the heart of what we do and continue to deliver our core priorities - supporting our local economy, tackling the housing challenges, providing high quality services for people in the South Hams, fighting climate change and preserving our area’s rich biodiversity.

 

“I’d like to pay tribute to Cllr Brazil for all his efforts as our Leader for the past two years. Julian always made sure that every voice was heard in our council chamber, regardless of their political persuasion. I would like that culture to remain, to ensure that our communities in the South Hams are truly represented. We will continue to serve our residents to the best of our ability.”

New E-bike scheme coming to Totnes

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New E-bike scheme coming to Totnes

Issued: 8 May 2025

A new fleet of hireable electric bikes will be available on the streets of Totnes in June.

The new “Catbikes” are being introduced as part of South Hams District Council’s commitment to promoting cycling. The bikes will provide people visiting and living in Totnes the chance to travel around the town and surrounding areas in a greener, more sustainable way.

Electric bikes will be available from several key places across the town and accessed by a mobile app 24/7. We’ll be providing further information on the Catbikes – which stands for “Cycles Around Town” - closer to the scheme’s launch.

Cllr Victor Abbott, South Hams Lead Member for Community Services, Operations and Leisure, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching the Catbikes scheme. Totnes is a town that is known for its commitment to sustainability, and this exciting project will give people living and visiting here to get around sustainably.

“The e-bikes are a fun way to travel, and the extra boost that you get from an e-bike should make cycling up hills and around town a breeze. When the scheme is up and running, we hope that it will encourage more people to cycle.”

Cllr John Birch, South Hams Executive Member for Economy, said: “As well as the environmental benefits, we hope that the Catbikes scheme will bring visitors into Totnes who want to explore the town, look around our shops and spend time in our markets, visit the castle, enjoy delicious local food and everything else that the town has to offer.

“It’ll be straightforward to sign up, and we really hope people embrace the opportunity to cycle around town.”

New bike racks will be popping up across the town ahead of the scheme’s launch at busy spots across the town, including at:

  • Shady Gardens
  • Rotherfold Square
  • Steamer Quay
  • Weston Lane, Bridgetown

There will also be new signage going up showing the locations of Catbikes at a number of existing bike racks:

  • Totnes Train Station
  • Totnes Pavillions
  • Follaton House

If you’d like to find out more about the e-bikes, South Hams District Council will have representatives showing off the bikes at the Transition Town Totnes’ Energy Wise and Eco-Homes Show at Totnes Civic Hall on Sunday 11 May, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Active Devon will be at the show with the Council, offering the chance to ride the Catbikes for free.

Council leader challenges Government on local government reorganisation

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Council leader challenges Government on local government reorganisation

21 March 2025

The cost of reorganising councils in Devon will cost the taxpayer an estimated £100 million and we haven’t seen any evidence that the changes will deliver the projected savings. That’s the message from the Leader of South Hams District Council, Cllr Julian Brazil, as a joint plan outlining how local government could be reorganised in Devon is submitted today.

As requested by Government, a joint proposal has been submitted on behalf of all the Devon District Councils, except Exeter.

Known as the 1-4-5 plan, it proposes:

  • Retaining Plymouth unitary authority.
  • A unitary combining the South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon areas with Torbay.
  • A unitary including East, Mid, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter.

Multiple other proposals have also been submitted to Government by Plymouth, Exeter, Devon County and Torbay.

Leader, Cllr Julian Brazil, said: “I am really concerned with both the process and timetable of Local Government Organisation that is being imposed on us.

“Our financial sustainability is already compromised following the recent financial settlement and the withdrawal of the Rural Services Delivery Grant. The idea that local government reorganisation will solve financial sustainability is fanciful. There is little or no evidence that projected savings will be delivered. If there is, we’d like the Government to supply it with relevant real-life examples.

“If it is confident that the savings can be made then Devon’s estimated £100 million costs should be paid upfront – the Government can then recoup the money from the supposed savings in future years.“I do believe efficiencies and savings can be delivered, but we are best placed to do that. Ironically, the upheaval of working towards these proposals has curtailed our on-going work of integrating services - particularly around waste and leisure centre provision.

“The joint 1-4-5 proposal we have submitted today will not resolve the financial challenges that councils across Devon face, but we believe it is the best solution for the whole of Devon, not just selected areas.

“We are confident we can deliver changes which really benefit our communities and welcome the opportunity to do this.

“A number of other proposals are also being submitted by other councils. I am particularly concerned about Plymouth’s plans to expand into the South Hams and the potential impact this will have on our rural communities and towns.

“Over the coming months we will continue to engage with our communities so we can understand what they want, and this will help us develop a more detailed business case for our 1-4-5 proposal. Our main focus must be to continue to deliver quality services for our residents in the South Hams and across the rest of Devon.”

Council celebrates its community heroes

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Council celebrates its community heroes

21 March 2025

Congratulations to the South Hams Community Award winners for 2025.

For the second year running, South Hams District Council has been shining a spotlight on organisations and individuals who are doing great things for their local communities.

On Thursday, 20 March, Council Chairman Cllr Bernard Taylor presented the awards to some of the worthy winners.

Valerie Stevens collected the Community Champion Award. Valerie has dedicated a lifetime to helping the community of East Allington, supporting the local football club, school and church, and is currently the caretaker of the village hall – a huge part of the community.

The Dads Network CIC picked up the Community Organisation of the Year Award, making a huge difference to not only local families, but many across the country. Their event ‘Dad Fest’ is now run nationally, making it the only festival in the country just for father figures and their children.

With supporting the environment, a top priority for the Council, this year, two winners were also announced for the Climate and Biodiversity Champion Award. Peter Brown for bringing people together to address local climate issues in and around Newton and Noss, and Ross Kennerly of Sustainable South Brent for his tireless work to drive forward the delivery of Hope Wood, a joint project with the Council to plant a new woodland in South Brent along with Sustainable South Ham’s own community market garden and orchard.

Kai and Willow Wakeling were also recognised as joint winners of the Under 18s Community Award, who over the past few years have helped to keep the Kingston Playing Fields in Kingsbridge clean and tidy.

Chairman of South Hams District Council, Cllr Bernard Taylor said: “It is so important that we recognise those who work hard for our communities.

“We had an overwhelming number of nominations this year, which is testament to the amazing work our people and organisations do across the South Hams – congratulations to all of our winners.”

 

New solar panels and changing rooms for Kingsbridge’s Quayside Leisure Centre

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New solar panels and changing rooms for Kingsbridge’s Quayside Leisure Centre

Issued 18 March 2025

Big improvements are on the way at Quayside Leisure Centre in Kingsbridge that will benefit users and safeguard the long-term future of the facility.

Plans are moving forward to install 238 solar panels on the leisure centre’s roof. The panels will drastically reduce Quayside’s energy bills, helping to make the centre more financially sustainable, while also being thought to save around 27 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. That is the equivalent of planting around 1,222 trees annually. Helping the environment is a key priority for South Hams District Council.

The financial savings made from energy costs will help to secure the long-term sustainability of the centre so it can continue to benefit the community.

At the same time, new dry changing rooms are also being created at the centre. These new changing rooms are for the use of school children from Kingsbridge Community College, but the additional changing facilities mean that for the first time, daytime users of the leisure centre will have access to dry side changing.

Pre-existing changing rooms currently reserved exclusively for use of school children during the school day will be made available for centre users who up until now, have either had to change at home or use Quayside’s wet changing room facilities.

South Hams District Council has committed to funding the solar panels and the new changing rooms. The Council is also looking at how it can improve its other leisure centres in the South Hams in similar ways.

Cllr Victor Abbott, South Hams Lead Member for Community Services, Operations and Leisure, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see this project progressing. Rising energy costs are a crucial issue affecting the long-term viability of leisure centres across the country.

“By producing their own electricity, these solar panels should lower the effects of rising costs for Quayside Leisure Centre. As well as protecting the centre from risk of closure, the panels should help keep membership and entry prices as low as possible for users.

“The introduction of new changing rooms is also a boost to users. Providing wet changing only for daytime users has likely been a nuisance to those wanting to use the gym or daytime classes, so having the additional dry changing space will remove that headache.”

Tina Graham, Principal of Kingsbridge Community College, said: “The new changing room facilities at Quayside Leisure Centre are a fantastic addition for our students and the wider community. For our college, having access to safe, modern changing spaces is crucial for safeguarding and supporting our students during physical education activities.

“Additionally, the upgraded facilities will enable smoother access to the sports hall, making it easier for our students to enjoy a full range of physical activities. These improvements not only benefit our students but also enhance the overall experience for all users of the leisure centre, supporting their health and well-being.”

Anthony Cawley, CEO of Fusion Lifestyle, said: “We are really excited about the upgrades at Quayside Leisure Centre. The new solar panels will make the centre kinder to the environment, help keep costs down for centre users and future proof Quayside for generations to come.

“Fusion’s focus is on community health and making our facilities accessible for all residents and the new school changing rooms will make a big difference to our centre users.

“This will mean all gym and group exercise users are able to access dry side changing rooms during the day, ensuring they have a cooler area to change that is closer to the centre areas they use making it more convenient for them.  This will also allow us to upgrade locker facilities in the dry side changing rooms too.”

 

South Hams District Council Rejects Plymouth’s Boundary Expansion Plans

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South Hams District Council Rejects Plymouth's Boundary Expansion Plans

Issued: 17 March 2025

A firm rejection has been issued by the Leader of South Hams District Council in response to recent plans on Plymouth City Council’s reorganisation proposals.

The City Council released information about proposed plans to expand their boundaries into the South Hams on Wednesday 12 March. This is all part of a shake-up of local government two tier council structures, following the Government’s recent White Paper on devolution and local government reorganisation.

If the City Council’s proposals are accepted by Government, 13 South Hams’ parishes, many of them rural communities, and around 30,000 residents, would be swallowed up into the city's boundaries.

The Leader met with the 13 town and parish councils affected to brief them on the Plymouth proposals and to answer any questions they might have.

A further meeting on Thursday 27 March will provide all South Hams’ town and parish councils with the latest information on the proposals being developed jointly by the 7 Devon District Council’s proposals and the timetable for government reorganisation.

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, firmly rebuffed the proposals: “I do not support the extensive land grab by Plymouth in the South Hams. Perhaps someone could explain to me how an urban city council is best placed to deliver services in a rural area?

“The whole thing is a nonsense. If Plymouth wants to expand it should look west to Saltash and Tor Point. Government says it wants us to find better ways of delivering local services. This will do exactly the opposite.”

Find further information on the English Devolution White Paper at the Gov.UK website.

 

Building on Hope Wood’s Success: South Hams District Council’s ambitious new initiative

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Building on Hope Wood's Success: South Hams District Council's ambitious new initiative

Issued: 6 March 2025

After the recent success of Hope Wood in South Brent where 8,000 trees have already been planted, South Hams District Council is making significant progress towards its goal of planting a tree for every South Hams’ resident by mid 2027.

With a further 2,000 trees on track to be planted this year, and another 12,000 planned for next year at Hope Wood. This serves as a testament to the Council's ongoing commitment to meet its 2019 Climate and Biodiversity Emergency pledge, while improving the physical and mental wellbeing of local communities.

At today’s Executive Meeting (Thursday 6 March), the Council unveiled its new plans to expand, protect and improve trees, woods, and hedges, along with how they hope to inspire local communities and individuals to get involved too.

Cllr John McKay, Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, explains why the Tree, Woodland, and Hedge Plan for 2024-2029 is important for us all. "We all have a reason to care about the future of the environment. We see environmental and weather crises and disasters from across the world on the news every day. To anyone passionate about the climate as I am, planting trees and caring for their future as shown in this plan covers so many things we need to be doing to address the huge climate challenges we face.

“The contribution of trees, woodlands, and hedges to both urban and rural communities is greatly significant. They provide not just visual beauty, but essential habitats for different species, they help to control flooding and are a vital role in capturing carbon, to name just a few benefits."

"The brilliant achievements so far at Hope Wood show just what we can achieve when we work together in partnership with others, and what we have done so far is just the tip of the iceberg, with so much more to come in future years.

This ambitious plan involves planting 86,000 trees by mid 2027, delivered by the Council and through essential partnership working and by influencing local community groups, schools and residents to help support their efforts. The Plan clearly records how the Council will manage its existing trees, and recognises the importance of protecting existing trees, woodland and hedges.

Cllr McKay added: “This must be a united approach to get the most from a plan such as this, we must work together. No single one organisation, group or person can affect change alone.

Join in this important initiative to create a greener, healthier South Hams for future generations with opportunities to support tree planting coming over the coming months.

 

To find out about tree planting volunteering, contact ParkLife SW at office@parklifesw.org.uk

You can watch the Executive meeting at: www.youtube.com/@SouthHamsCouncil

Council invests more into its own housing stock

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Council invests more into its own housing stock

 

6 March 2025

South Hams District Council is investing in more council homes for rent as part of its drive to tackle the affordable housing crisis.

The Council’s Executive Committee has agreed today (6 March) to purchase the three remaining properties at Holywell Meadow in St Ann’s Chapel, Bigbury. Originally planned for the open market, the three 3-bedroom homes will now be available for rent, supporting the Council’s drive to help local people who have a housing need.

St Ann’s Chapel, an area highly affected by the dominance of second homes and holiday accommodation, will benefit from three new energy efficient homes offered to those with a local connection to the area.

The Council has ringfenced £300,000 of second home council tax income to help fund projects such as these. This money will be used to address housing challenges across the South Hams and support local people who suffer the most from second homes.

At the same meeting, the Executive also approved the proposed Housing Action Plan for next year, demonstrating its commitment to deliver the right homes in the right places for its communities.

As well as creating housing at Holywell Meadow, the Council has been taking huge strides to help ease the pressure on temporary accommodation – it will soon open the doors to its new unit in Kingsbridge. The Council has purchased 17 homes under the Local Authority Housing Fund scheme, and a number of housing projects are underway to deliver more even more affordable homes for local people.

Councillor Denise O’Callaghan, Exec Member for Housing at South Hams District Council said: “We are thrilled to be using the second home council tax income to offer more affordable homes for local people, particularly in an area highly affected by rising house prices.

“We want to make the biggest difference for our communities, and we know these three properties will go a long way in helping local people who are struggling to find an affordable home.”

Much like the eight existing council owned homes at Holywell Meadow, the three new properties will also benefit from state-of-the-art energy saving technology. The homes are highly insulated, triple-glazed units, with underfloor heating and ventilation systems, helping tenants save money on their energy bills.

Each home also offers two parking spaces, an electric charging point and access to green spaces for the whole community to enjoy.

The homes will be available via Devon Home Choice in the coming weeks.

Cllr Bernard Taylor, Ward Member for Charterlands said: “There is still such a high need for more affordable rental properties in the area so we are delighted that more new homes will be available for local people.

“The properties at Holywell Meadow are fantastic, so we know its new residents will be very happy there.”

 

Careful Financial Management Keeps South Hams District Council Resilient

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Careful Financial Management Keeps South Hams District Council Resilient

Issued: 17 February 2025

Despite increasing pressures, South Hams District Council is setting a balanced budget for 2025/26 thanks to careful financial management.

 

On Thursday 13 February, Council agreed its budget for the next financial year.

 

The Council is forecasting a £3.40m budget gap by 2026/27, mainly due to the Local Government Finance Settlement announced in December 2024 and rising cost pressures.

 

The Government withdrew the Rural Services Delivery Grant (RSDG) and with it a £0.5m funding grant which had compensated rural Councils for the fact that it costs more to deliver services in rural areas. This year will also be the last for the New Homes Bonus payments, a vital source of income for councils. The unexpected rise in employer National Insurance contributions has also been another blow to the already stretched finances, with only a third of the cost being covered by Government funding.

 

The withdrawal of these key funding streams has resulted in a significant loss of funding both now and in the future, so the Council has had to make some difficult decisions that in other years it might not have wanted to make. As a result fees and charges have had to increase to maintain the delivery of quality services.

 

Councillors agreed to increase South Hams District Council’s share of the Council Tax by £5.70 for the year. This means residents living in a Band D property will pay £196.66 a year to the District Council for all of its services, less for residents living in bands A, B or C, more for bands E and above.

 

This increase is less than 11p per week - a rise of just 2.99%.

 

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “We’re doing a lot with very little, especially after the poor financial settlement from Central Government. Prices have gone up, and utility companies and businesses have had to raise their prices in recent years and unfortunately, we must do the same. If you want to balance your books, you must cut your cloth accordingly.

 

“We’re doing all we can to make sure we meet our housing ambitions. We bought 17 homes under the Local Authority Housing Fund scheme and have attracted Government grants of £2.5 million in match funding. We have numerous housing projects in the works, bringing both social rented and temporary accommodation to those who need it, with more in the pipeline. The decision to ringfence the second homes income for the very people who are impacted by the lack of available housing in the area shows our commitment to the housing crisis. This money will be used for housing initiatives.

 

“The Waste service is working well with improving recycling rates. Combine this with how we’ve reduced our carbon footprint by increasing the amount of EV chargers and the planned installation of solar panels on our leisure centres, along with the huge new planting which has begun at Hope Wood in South Brent, and we’re making excellent headway on our climate and biodiversity aims.

 

“We’re doing everything we can to support our residents and deliver the services that matter the most to them. That’s what we were elected to do and that’s what we’re using our finances to do.”