Temporary Traffic Notice - KINGSBRIDGE ROAD, A3121, TOTNES ROAD, Ermington, Ugborough (TTRO2563759)
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Longmarsh Boardwalk open as part of Saltmarsh Project
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Longmarsh Boardwalk open as part of Saltmarsh Project
03 June 2025
A new boardwalk connecting paths around the saltmarsh at the end of Longmarsh is open allowing residents and visitors to complete a peaceful and beautiful circular walk around the marsh.
The boardwalk creates easy access to view the important habitat and skirts the fragile marshland to protect it. Interpretation signage helps users to understand more about the important saltmarsh habitats on the River Dart.
Funded by the Environment Agency and landowners, South Hams District Council, the boardwalk is part of the wider Saltmarsh Project, which is a collaboration between 13 separate partners and led by the Bioregional Learning Centre.
The Project studies, conserves and restores the saltmarsh along the Dart Estuary between Sharpham and Totnes.
Saltmarshes are habitats along the edge of estuaries which are lie between the highest spring and high tide water levels. As wetlands are tidal, the saltmarshes have a unique range of flora and are very important habitats for young fish, bird and insect species. They also help to improve and filter estuary waters by locking up carbon from the atmosphere and organic matter from the river. They are a protected feature of the estuary’s Marine Conservation Zone.
Watch the boardwalk opening event at https://youtu.be/_9YizDF4DW0
To find out more about the project, get involved or information on River Dart saltmarsh trips from www.dartharbour.org/the-saltmarsh-project
Council secures prosecution for illegal tree felling
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Council secures prosecution for illegal tree felling
23 May 2025
We’re committed to coming down hard on those who disregard the environment. That’s the message from South Hams District Council, following a successful prosecution at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court
Mr Richard Symons pleaded guilty at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court to unlawfully felling a mature Holm Oak tree in East Portlemouth, which was protected by a woodland Tree Preservation Order. He has been fined, and with legal costs ordered to pay £2,984.
Mr Symons claimed in his defence that the tree was dangerous and needed to be removed to prevent it falling onto a road. However, South Hams District Council disputed this, noting that officers hadn’t seen any evidence to support this during a site visit after the felling. The Council also challenged Mr Symons’ qualifications to assess the tree’s safety.
Councillor David Hancock, South Hams District Council’s Lead Executive Member for Planning & Strategic Planning, said:: “Protecting the environment and tackling climate change is one of our top priorities, and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who fells protected trees illegally. We hope this prosecution sends out a clear message.
“Tree felling can have serious consequences—it’s dangerous, damages the environment, and disrupts local wildlife. That’s why it must be done lawfully and responsibly.”
New Leader elected at South Hams District Council
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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.”
