Totnes Town Council has unanimously rejected the Government’s current plans for reorganising local government in Devon, amid concerns that proposed boundaries could split the Bridgetown community between two unitary authorities.

The decision was made at an Extraordinary Meeting of Totnes Town Council, attended by a significant number of residents from Totnes, Bridgetown and surrounding villages.

The council’s most immediate concern is the proposed boundary between Totnes and Berry Pomeroy Parish, which would see part of the Bridgetown community placed within Torbay, a separate unitary authority area.

Councillors unanimously agreed to seek an amendment to the proposed boundary so the whole of Bridgetown remains within a single authority.

The meeting heard evidence from Bridgetown Alive about a recent survey of residents who could be affected by the proposed changes.

Information presented to councillors indicated that all responses received so far supported retaining Bridgetown as a single community within one unitary authority.

Residents raised concerns about the potential impact of dividing the neighbourhood between different authorities, including the effect on community cohesion, access to local services and funding for community and voluntary organisations.

They also highlighted the practical implications of different council responsibilities applying within what is currently an established community.

The town council welcomed the survey and recognised Bridgetown Alive’s work in gathering residents’ views.

Wider concerns were also raised during the meeting about the proposed boundary and its potential impact on community identity, local services, voluntary organisations, health and social care, transport links, environmental stewardship and partnership projects.

Councillors and residents also questioned the practicality and long-term sustainability of the Government’s proposed unitary arrangements for Devon.

Concerns included democratic representation, the delivery of services across a large geographical area and the potential effect on rural communities.

Following the discussion, councillors unanimously decided not to support the Government’s current Local Government Reorganisation proposals for Devon.

The council then considered the matter further in confidential session and unanimously agreed several actions.

It will write to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, copying in local MP Caroline Voaden, setting out its concerns about the proposals and the Government’s recent decision.

The council will also contact Ms Voaden, parish councils, district councils and county councils to seek support for an amendment to the proposed boundary between Totnes and Berry Pomeroy Parish.

Its stated aim is for the entirety of the Bridgetown housing estate to remain within a single Devon unitary authority area, which it says would help maintain community cohesion and support effective service delivery.

The council also agreed to write to Devon County Council and South Hams District Council to express its support for their proposed judicial review challenge to the Government’s decision.

It will also publish a public statement setting out its position and the reasons behind it.

Longer-term concerns were raised about the future protection of community assets, green spaces and natural habitats, including Longmarsh and the River Dart.

The council also warned that future unitary boundaries could have implications for neighbouring rural communities and established partnership working across the area.

Residents wishing to make their views heard have been encouraged by the council to contact their elected representatives, including Ms Voaden and Devon County Councillor Jacqi Hodgson.

A recording of the meeting is due to be made available in due course, while formal minutes will be published on the Totnes Town Council website following approval.