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Councils’ electric vehicles drive towards cleaner air and lower emissions

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Councils’ electric vehicles drive towards cleaner air and lower emissions
Issued 12 September 2025
South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councils are delighted to announce they are including 11 brand new electric leased vehicles (EVs) to their shared fleet, further strengthening their commitment to sustainability and the fight against climate change.

This significant step comes from a highly successful EV trial last year, which demonstrated both the practical benefits and environmental impact of transitioning to cleaner transport solutions.

The expanded fleet will be used across a range of council services, helping to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and set a leading example for others. Residents will soon see the new EVs in action on the streets, marking another stride towards the Councils’ targets of becoming a low carbon organisation, which will safeguard the environment, local communities and the air.

Cllr Nadine Dommett, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Decarbonising the Council, said: “As a council we are serious about leading by example. The purchase of these electric vehicles underlines our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon emissions, and I hope residents can see the changes we are making, both large and small, and will be inspired to join us in making their own greener choices too. Our successful trial last year proved that EVs are reliable, cost-effective, and vital in reducing our carbon footprint. This investment is a win for the environment, for our communities, and for future generations.”

West Devon Borough Council’s Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity, Cllr Chris West, said: "We are committed to leading by example in our efforts to combat climate change. The addition of electric vehicles to our fleet is a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices within our community. By investing in electric now and in the future, we are not only improving air quality and reducing emissions but also demonstrating the practical benefits and reliability of EVs. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to creating a greener future for all."

The Councils’ EV initiative is part of a wider programme of climate action. Recent measures include the rollout of solar panels on council facilities, investment in community composting schemes, projects such as new woodland in Hope Cove, leisure centre solar panels, our ‘Clean Marine’ programme, EV charging, e-bikes in Totnes, along with the successful Wildlife Warden Scheme, the Councils continue to put climate action at the forefront of local policy.

These schemes bring together communities, environmental groups, town and parish councils, and other bodies to network and create greener opportunities for our region.

The Councils now encourage everyone in the community to get involved and discover how even small actions can make a big difference towards a sustainable future.

Find out more about the Councils’ climate change initiatives at:

South Hams Way launch event Sunday 14th September POSTPONED

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The opening ceremony and Section 1 mass walk of the South Hams Way scheduled for Sunday 14 th September is postponed due to a forecast of heavy rain and high winds.

We aim to rearrange the event for Saturday 11th October.  Full details will be confirmed nearer the time but assume for now that the day will take the same format, i.e. ceremony at 10:30am in Borough Park, Totnes followed by a mass walk of Section 1, Totnes to Buckfastleigh.

Although the launch is postponed, the trail is, of course, open for use any time.

Alan and Debbie

South Hams Ramblers

SHW

Fusion Community Family Fun Days

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Fusion, the provider of leisure centres across Devon, is delighted to announce a series of Community Open Days. These events are designed to bring families together for a fun and active day out.

Highlights include:

  • Taster sessions with local sports clubs
  • Family-friendly swimming sessions
  • Fitness and activity classes
  • Gym introductions for young people

We would be very grateful if you could share this information with all your contacts so they can take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a family-oriented community event.

Below is the table of when the centres will have their community open days.

Dartmouth Leisure Centre Sat 13th Sept 09:30 - 16:00
Ivybridge Leisure Centre Sat 13th Sept 09:00 - 15:30
Meadowlands Leisure Centre - Tavistock Sun 14th Sept 09:30-15:00
Parklands Leisure Centre - Okehampton Sun 14th Sept 09:00-15:30
Quayside Leisure Centre - Kingsbridge Sun 14th Sept 9:00 - 16:00
Totnes Leisure Centre Sun 14th Sept 10:30 - 15:00

Community and club to benefit from major clubhouse overhaul

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

Community and club to benefit from major clubhouse overhaul

Issued: 26 August 2025

Rugby and sport in the Brixton area is to become more inclusive and reach even more people, thanks to a major project supported by South Hams District Council.

 

To help meet its priority of supporting South Hams’ communities, the council has provided £57,500 of S106 funding to Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club to go towards the club’s new fitness and wellbeing suite that is open to both club members and the wider community. The project also supports the council’s strategic playing pitch policy.

 

The suite acts as both a gym and indoor space to do strength and conditioning training, away from the elements in bad weather. The club is also encouraging people in the area to come and use the facility to stay fit themselves.

 

The creation of the wellbeing suite is part of a wider project to improve the whole clubhouse. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has also provided the club with a £50,000 match funding grant from their Impact ‘25 programme toward the redevelopment of their four new changing rooms.

 

Each of the changing rooms is RFU-compliant, with privacy doors and in-built showers. The new separation between changing rooms means that for the first time, the club can run men’s, women’s and youth games all at once, making the club more inclusive than ever before.

 

The RFU Impact ’25 programme will drive growth thanks to a number of initiatives including the improvement of facilities at community rugby clubs such as Plymstock Oaks. The facilities grants are designed to break down barriers to participation and make the sport more accessible for women and girls across the country.

 

 

As well as the support from the council and the RFU, the rugby club did its own fundraising to complete the project.

 

Among those to attend the opening event of the new facilities were South Hams ward members, Cllrs Julie Carson and Alison Nix.

 

John Dobson, President of Plymstock Albion Oaks RFC, said: “The new fitness suite and changing rooms means so much to the club. It’s been a project five years in the making.

 

“Players will be able to do strength and conditioning training whatever the weather thanks to the wellbeing suite, and it provides us so many opportunities to open up to the community too and help local people to stay fit.

 

“We’re an inclusive club – it’s a central part of who we are. Having changing rooms that allow us to put on all sorts of games at the same time is huge for us. Rather than having women’s and girls’ matches on a different day, we can run games for men, women and children all at once, with no safeguarding issues.”

 

Cllr Julian Brazil, South Hams Executive Member for Community Services, Operations and Leisure, said: “Supporting our communities across the entire South Hams is an important priority for the council. I’m happy that we’re able to support Plymstock Oaks in a way that will benefit so many people.

 

“We know how important sport is, not just physically, but also for people’s mental wellbeing and socialising. The new fitness suite will keep their players strong and hopefully, members of the community will use it too and the wellbeing benefits will be even wider.

 

“The wider project at the club, which includes the creation of the new changing rooms, have transformed it and will bring together more people than ever before.”

 

Alex Teasdale, RFU Women’s Game Director, said: “Impact ’25 is an important part of our ongoing commitment to growing the women and girl’s game. We are totally dedicated to creating more opportunities to play rugby and we believe that the tournament and its Impact Programme will really take the game in this country to the next level.

 

“We firmly believe hosting this tournament across England will be transformational for the women’s and girls’ game, bringing thousands of players, volunteers and spectators to our sport.”

 

The council funding has come from Section 106 money provided by two different local housing developments.

 

The council also enjoys a strong and effective relationship with the RFU. The RFU Local Delivery Team and the council have worked in collaboration proactively to link Section 106 monies to rugby clubs’ facility projects that have been prioritised through both the PPS Action Plan and Devon RFU facility planning process.

We welcome your views on the future of council services

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

We welcome your views on the future of council services

Issued 30 July 2025

South Hams District Council is holding a series of events in September and October to give our residents and local communities the opportunity to help shape the future of Devon.

The government has set out its plans for re-organising local government.  As a result, the way council services are delivered will be changing and you are being invited to attend any of the 15 public engagement sessions to discuss our proposals, ask questions and help inform our thinking https://www.southhams.gov.uk/lgr-events

The government asked for our initial ideas earlier in the year which is set out below.  Our 1:4:5 plan, which is South Hams District Council’s preferred choice and is supported by most Devon Councils, would see the creation of three councils which would deliver all the services in their area (unitary authorities).

  • Plymouth Unitary Authority - on its existing footprint
  • South West Devon Unitary Authority - West Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Torbay.
  • Northern Devon and Exeter Unitary Authority – East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter.

We have been asked to submit final proposals for new structures by 28 November 2025.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “In the future South Hams District Council will no longer exist because national government has decided to change the way local government is structured. We are a Council that delivers good services in our area, so it will be sad to see it disappear, but I am committed to getting the best deal possible for our residents and communities.

“I believe our 1-4-5 proposal is the best option for everyone in Devon – not just those of us who live and work in the South Hams. It is big enough to harness opportunities efficiently, but small enough to stay connected to our communities and respond to local needs, while meeting all the Government criteria.

“We are working hard to create a final plan that works for everyone. That is why it’s so important to hear the voices in our communities, they are at the heart of what we do now and this must continue in the future. We are talking with our town and parish councils and other stakeholders and we would like to hear from you, so we can understand what is important to you. This will help shape a final proposal which works for the South Hams and the whole of Devon.

“So please fill out our survey, and book on one of our engagement events– we want to know what matters to you.”

These engagement events will start at 18:15 and end at 20:00 with doors opening at 18:00:

  • 09 September 2025 – Shaugh Prior Village Hall, Shaugh Priory
  • 16 September 2025 – Sparkwell Parish Hall, Sparkwell
  • 17 September 2025 – The Watermark, Ivybridge
  • 19 September 2025 – Yealmpton Community Centre, The Great Hall, Yealmpton
  • 23 September 2025 –Newton and Noss Village Hall, Noss Mayo
  • 24 September 2025 – The Crooked Spire, Ermington
  • 25 September 2025 – The Woolwell Centre, Woolwell
  • 30 September 2025 - Rose & Crown, Yealmpton (For Brixton residents)
  • 01 October 2025 – War Memorial Village Hall, Wembury
  • 02 October 2025 – Kingsbridge Community College, Kingsbridge
  • 07 October 2025 – Cliff House, Salcombe
  • 08 October 2025 – Flavel Centre, Dartmouth
  • 09 October 2025 – Follaton House, Totnes

Several daytime drop-in sessions have also been organised:

  • 22 September 2025 – The Village Shop, South Brent. 10.00 - 12.30.
  • 22 September 2025 – Modbury Memorial Hall, Modbury. 14.00 – 16.00.

Any additional events will be added to our webpages when confirmed. To find out more and to book a place on one of the engagement events please visit https://www.southhams.gov.uk/lgr-events

Please have your say on South Hams District Council’s website. This includes the survey and more information on local government reorganisation https://www.southhams.gov.uk/your-council/local-government-reorganisation-and-devolution

 

Devon councils unite behind devolution push

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Tel: 01803 861368 / 01822 813648 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Devon councils unite behind devolution push

Issued 28 July 2025

Council leaders across Devon have joined forces to call for the creation of a South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), representing 1.2 million residents and an economy worth over £25 billion a year.

The Leaders of Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and district councils across Devon, including South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council, have written jointly to Government ministers to further develop enhanced powers and funding for the whole county of Devon through a comprehensive devolution agreement.

The proposed South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority would replace the existing Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and create what the leaders describe as an "economic powerhouse" capable of accelerating the Government's growth mission.

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "Plymouth's role as a regional economic hub, combined with our vital national security responsibilities at Devonport, makes this devolution proposal essential for our future. The £4.4 billion MoD investment over the next decade, alongside our strengths in advanced manufacturing and marine technology, demonstrates why we need the enhanced powers that only a mayoral strategic authority can provide. This is about ensuring Plymouth continues to punch above its weight on the national stage."

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, said: "This is about giving our communities the tools they need to thrive. A mayoral strategic authority would unlock our region's exceptional potential in environmental intelligence, marine innovation and clean energy. We have world-class research institutions and innovative business clusters that, working together under local leadership, can position the UK as a global leader in these critical sectors."

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said: "The £2 billion tourism economy and the 33,000 jobs it supports across Devon and Torbay show what we can achieve when we work together strategically. A coordinated approach under a mayoral strategic authority would enable us to leverage all our tourism assets more effectively whilst addressing the housing pressures our coastal communities face. This is about creating an integrated approach that benefits all our residents and businesses”

Councillor Mandy Ewings, Chair of the Devon Districts Forum, said: "This devolution proposal recognises that we need strategic coordination whilst preserving the local connection that makes our communities special. The mayoral strategic authority would enable us to tackle challenges like housing affordability and transport connectivity that cross traditional boundaries, whilst ensuring decisions remain rooted in our local democratic traditions."

The leaders emphasise that their approach remains inclusive, with the door remaining open for Cornwall Council to join the authority in future. They highlight the region's combined strengths spanning environmental assets, research capacity, tourism, advanced manufacturing and clean energy sectors.

Key priorities for the proposed South West Peninsula MSA include:

  • Maximising the region’s environmental and marine innovation potential
  • Creating an integrated transport network connecting rural, coastal and urban communities
  • Developing coordinated skills provision for key growth sectors
  • Addressing housing affordability and availability
  • Supporting national defence infrastructure at Devonport dockyard

The joint letter represents a significant step forward in Devon's local government reorganisation discussions, with the leaders committed to working at pace with Government officials to develop their proposals further.

Council investment secures Babcock’s Expansion in the South West

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

Council investment secures Babcock’s Expansion in the South West

Issued: 21 July 2025

Babcock International Group’s ambition to create an Integrated Logistics Hub and Advanced Manufacturing Base has become a reality with South Hams District Council, one of the founders of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, recently buying an 18.8 acres site at Sherford.

The Council has been working to secure the site to ensure Babcock, a strategic partner and key employer, can increase both their premises and capacity as they expand and gear up as part of the Government’s defence review.

The site will ultimately be home to a 30,000 sq. ft. cutting edge building and add much needed capacity for non-dockside work.  The site, chosen for its strategic location within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, has excellent access to the A38 and is part of the new town Sherford. It will be the first major employer to have premises in the town, when it opens.

This land purchase aligns with the Council's key priorities to transform the South Hams' economy to deliver inward investment, fostering business growth, and creating high-quality job opportunities.

The base will produce opportunities for new employment for growth through high-skilled jobs both directly through Babcock and openings arising through the wider supply chain.

South Hams District Council’s, Cllr John Birch, Executive Member for Economic Development; Commercial Strategy; and Governance, said: “By buying this land, we can help facilitate the expansion of Babcock and directly influence the provision of employment within the South Hams.

“Supporting high-value engineering and manufacturing businesses is important for a thriving and resilient economy. It will attract further funding for projects that provide more opportunities for our residents and the businesses who supply the base now and in the future.”

Richard May, CEO of PASD Freeport, says: “Babcock’s announcement is a major vote of confidence in our region. It’s the kind of high-impact investment the Freeport was designed to unlock to create quality jobs, new opportunities, and real momentum for our industrial growth.”

Peter Sadler, Managing Director of Vistry Cornwall South West – part of the Sherford Consortium – and Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Board member, says: “We’re proud that Sherford has been chosen as the location for this landmark investment. As the town continues to grow, welcoming a major employer like Babcock marks a significant step in shaping Sherford as a place where people can not only live, but also work and build their futures. This aligns with our long-term vision for Sherford as a thriving, well-connected, and economically vibrant community.”

John Gane, Site Managing Director at Babcock’s Devonport facility, said: “As part of the Defence Dividend, Babcock is proud to be expanding into Sherford with the support of South Hams District Council. Establishing an integrated logistic hub and advanced manufacturing base marks a significant milestone in not only boosting local job creation, driving business growth and investment across the region, but in delivering greater operational efficiency and capacity at our Devonport site.”

For further information about the Freeport and its economic advantages, go to:

www.southhams.gov.uk/plymouth-and-south-devon-freeport

Celebrating Biodiversity: The Success of Hope Wood

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

Celebrating Biodiversity: The Success of Hope Wood

Issued: 18 July 2025

South Hams District Council is delighted to celebrate the achievements in biodiversity creation, a core priority for the Council.

The highlight of efforts so far, is the wonderful Hope Wood in South Brent, a testament to the power of community involvement and dedication.

When Hope Wood was named earlier in the year, many volunteers of all ages helped to plant trees and the site bustled with energy as planters came together to make a difference.

Over 10,000 trees were planted, and they have done extremely well in their first season considering the dry spring and summer.

Attention is now turning to the second year of planting at the site, with around 12,500 trees to be planted, including broadleaf woodland, wood pasture and orchard trees. It promises to be a varied season of planting between November and March at Hope Wood.

To celebrate all the hard work and achievements, Sustainable South Brent are hosting a ‘Planters Picnic’ in early July. This is a celebration of the work achieved so far and is an opportunity for the community to come together to help maintain the site.

In further biodiversity work supported by the Council, ParkLife South West, in partnership with South Devon National Landscapes, have carried out some brush harvesting of Yellow Rattle seeds planted last year with volunteers and apprentices.

These will help create beautiful meadows within South Devon, providing valuable habitats for both plants and animals. The Yellow Rattle once established, will create a vibrant yellow splash of colour during the summer and is the first step towards reverting grass to meadow. As the flowers fade, ripened seed pods give a distinctive rattling sound, which gives them their name.

Cllr John McKay, South Hams District Council's Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: "Hope Wood is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for biodiversity.

“The dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved, but especially the South Brent community has been truly inspiring, and their efforts are creating a thriving woodland and parkland that will benefit both people and wildlife for generations to come.

 

“We are excited to continue our work with more planting activities in the winter tree-planting season and look forward to seeing Hope Wood flourish."

South Hams District Council extends heartfelt gratitude to the South Brent community for their unwavering support and involvement.  Together they are making a significant impact on the local environment and creating a legacy of biodiversity for future generations.

More planting activities are scheduled for the winter tree-planting season both at Hope Wood, and in other projects as part of the Plymouth and South Devon’s Community Forest partnership. This will further enhance the biodiversity of the South Hams and ensure its continued growth and vitality.

For more information on how to get involved with tree planting opportunities, please contact: office@parklifesw.org.uk

Council boosts support for care leavers and vulnerable groups

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

Council boosts support for care leavers and vulnerable groups

 

Issued: 17 July 2025

South Hams District Council is supporting care leavers and other residents who need a helping hand, through a new package of financial support made possible through the Government’s Household Support Fund.

Part of a national £742 million support scheme, £297,896 has been allocated through Devon County Council for the South Hams. The District Council has chosen to prioritise direct support for care leavers, carers and help low-income families buy school uniform. Thereby investing and supporting local organisations and communities.

Recognising the rising costs of buying school uniform, the Council has promised direct support to low-income families to help with buying school uniform and new shoes for the coming year. Vouchers of between £60 and £150 will be provided depending on the child’s age.

Identifying the particular challenges faced by young care leavers, the Council has pledged £500 direct support payments in both July and December 2025 to all eligible care leavers living in the district. Those identified after July will also receive the same level of support through to March 2026.

Councillor Nicky Hopwood, Executive Member for Cost of Living, at South Hams District Council, said: “If you’ve ever had to buy a child’s school uniform, then you’ll know just how much it can impact a sometimes already stretched budget. That is why we have pledged to provide support for parents and carers on a budget as they approach the new school term.

"With average school uniform being so expensive, it's no wonder this is a significant burden. One which we are delighted to help ease some of the pressure.

“We are also helping our district’s care leavers, many who don’t have a support system around them to cope with financial challenges. That's why we are going over and above to provide the kind of practical support necessary to help them meet challenges head-on.”

The Council will also provide £150 in financial support to:

  • Residents with caring responsibilities receiving a Council Tax carers discount. They will receive two payments – one in July and another in December 2025 – helping to ease financial pressure through the year.

The Council is also providing targeted grants to community organisations that support residents most in need:

  • £5,000 to Homemaker Southwest – to offer benefits advice, debt support, and budgeting help.
  • £10,000 to South Dartmoor Community Energy – to continue their vital work addressing energy efficiency, damp and mould, and heating issues.

Cllr Hopwood continues: “We are fortunate in the South Hams to have exceptional groups who are dedicated to supporting our residents. Through financial support for these groups, we enable them to reach more people who need help with practical solutions for real-life issues, offering change that lasts.”

The remaining the Household Support Fund will be released in 3 stages throughout the year. This open application scheme means residents can apply for help when they need it.