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Formal Parish‑Council Statement: Impact of Devon Governance Reconfiguration on Proposed Boundary Change

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:21:07 GMT

Information about the new boundary changes

Public Statement

Rockbeare Parish Council notes the recent announcement concerning the reconfiguration of democratic structures across Devon , including potential changes to district‑level governance and the future role of principal authorities. This development has significant implications for all ongoing boundary‑related processes currently being undertaken by East Devon District Council (EDDC).

In light of this announcement, the Parish Council, again, formally records its position that the proposal to remove part of Rockbeare parish in order to augment Cranbrook is now inappropriate, ill‑timed, and procedurally unsound. The proposal is rooted in a Community Governance Review (CGR) initiated under the existing district‑council framework. However, the Government’s stated intention to restructure local government across Devon introduces substantial uncertainty regarding:

the future powers and responsibilities of EDDC;
the validity and continuity of CGR processes undertaken under the current governance model;
the potential transfer of decision‑making authority to any successor unitary body; and
the strategic context within which parish boundaries will be considered in future.

Given this emerging landscape, it is neither prudent nor justified to proceed with a boundary alteration that may be rendered obsolete, reversed, or materially altered under a new governance structure. Any such change risks creating administrative confusion, undermining community identity, and imposing unnecessary disruption on residents at a time when wider structural reform is under active consideration.

Rockbeare Parish Council therefore continues to oppose the proposed boundary change on the (inter alia) grounds that:

The governance environment in Devon is undergoing significant review and potential reorganisation;
The CGR process may not remain valid or binding under any new authority;
Decisions made now may conflict with, or be superseded by, future county‑wide arrangements; and
It is not in the public interest to implement parish‑level boundary changes during a period of structural uncertainty.

The Parish Council will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide further updates as more information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to remain engaged and informed as the wider reconfiguration process progresses.

Carolyn Y. May LLB(Hons), M.A. (Finance & Investment), B.Sc.

Clerk and RFO Rockbeare Parish Council

Public Announcement: Formal Complaint Issued to East Devon District Council

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:21:00 GMT

This is the continued story of fighting the proposed incorporation of part of Rockbeare parish into Cranbrook

A formal letter of complaint has been issued to East Devon District Council (EDDC) regarding ongoing failures to respond to statutory Freedom of Information requests, unanswered correspondence, and concerns relating to the Council’s handling of previously submitted complaints.

The escalation follows a prolonged period during which multiple enquiries, FOI submissions, and formal complaints have not received substantive responses. The letter requests full compliance with statutory obligations, clear timetables for outstanding matters, and a formal explanation for the delays.

The complaint has been addressed to the Chief Executive and includes notification that, should the Council fail to respond within the specified timeframe, the matter will be referred to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for further action.

This announcement is provided in the interests of transparency and to keep residents informed of ongoing governance concerns affecting the parish.

Carolyn Y. May LLB(Hons), M.A. (Finance & Investment), B.Sc.

Clerk and RFO Rockbeare Parish Council

Planning Application for Industrial Units near The Grange: REF 25/0965/MFUL

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:05:44 GMT

Possible encroachment on neighbourhood plan green wedge

Please check out the planning ref in the blog title on the East Devon Council planning website to take a look at this planning application. It does not seem to be appropriate as it encroaches on the neighbourhood plan 'green wedge' intended to preserve Rockbeare parish as a separate entity. This will be discussed at a forthcoming Parish Council Meeting mid-July 2025 - details on the website Home page.

Want to know more about what a Parish Council is responsible for?

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 09:31:35 GMT

Understand what we do and how to get involved

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Ford Oaks Solar Farm August 2023 Consultation Results

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:52:27 GMT

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Land Adjacent to Telephone Box owned by Parish Council

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:12:36 GMT

Ownership Clarified for land adjacent to POst box (see plan)

Many parishioners have asked about some clarification about the ownership status of the land adjacent to the Telephone box where 'Residents Only' parking signs have been erected. Land Registry records confirm that this land is owned by the Parish Council and as such anyone can park there with the Parish Council's permission. This is particularly important for school drop off and pick up. All the Parish Council would ask is that parking times on that land be kept to the minimum in the interests of all. The Resident Only signs will need to be removed. An excerpt from the Land Registry record showing boundaries is given below.