The Community Governance Review for Cranbrook and the surrounding areas has concluded, with changes to parish boundaries due to take effect from 1 April 2027.
The review began on 1 August 2025 and considered whether the existing community governance arrangements continued to reflect local communities and support effective local government. Consultations were held throughout the review, giving residents, town and parish councils, and other interested groups the opportunity to comment on the proposals.
Participants were able to share their views on the proposed parish boundaries and future arrangements for the affected areas. The responses were considered against the review criteria and helped shape the final recommendations, ensuring that local views formed an important part of the decision-making process and that the decisions made were in the interests of existing and future residents.
At the Full Council meeting on 17 September 2026, councillors approved the East Devon District Council (Reorganisation of Community Governance) Order 2026.
The Order was made on 29 September 2026, and when it takes effect, it will see parts of the parish areas of Broadclyst, Clyst Honiton, Rockbeare and Whimple transfer to Cranbrook, as shown on the maps included with the Order. Most changes will take effect on 1 April 2027, while the elements set out in Article 1(3) will come into force on 15 October 2026.
What the changes mean
The new boundaries and electoral arrangements will apply at the parish elections in May 2027. The changes are intended to provide clear and effective governance arrangements as Cranbrook and the surrounding communities continue to develop.
Town and parish councils provide local services and are funded through a precept collected as part of Council Tax. If a property moves into a different parish area, the council providing those services may change, along with the amount of precept paid.
Further information
The report considered at the Full Council meeting on 17 September 2026, along with the meeting minutes and recording, is available online. These documents provide further details about the recommendations, the decision and the consultation process. The Order and plans can also be viewed online or in person at Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ.
Residents with questions about how the changes may affect them can email cranbrookCGR@eastdevon.gov.uk

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