Local Issues

I was so sad to see that planning permission was refused for the proposed new football facilities for Honiton Youth Football Club at Tower Hill, near Honiton Golf Club. After all the work they have put in, it must be devastating for all the people involved that permission was refused because of the risk from stray golf balls.

Trying to work out what each local council does in Honiton what can be a complete nightmare. What is the split of responsibilities between Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and Honiton Town Council? How might this change when Devon’s local government is reorganised?

Grab your popcorn for a gripping tale of local politics. Read how I nearly managed to get a cinema company to bid for the Honiton Beehive lease but was blocked by those determined to avoid an open tender.

When I stood for election to Honiton Town Council, I promised to oppose pay and display parking meters on the High Street – and I kept that promise. Working with the Chamber of Commerce and local shops, we rallied the community, and thanks to everyone’s strong opposition, Devon County Council dropped the plan.

Things like Local Plans can sound a bit technical – or even boring, but a Local Plan is important because its like a rulebook or roadmap for how a town or area will grow and develop over the next 10–20 years. If done well, it can protect important green spaces and historic sites.

In 2021, East Devon District Council decided to stop funding the King Street public toilets in Honiton, citing budget pressures and the availability of other nearby facilities. Honiton Town Council has taken them over – but was there an alternative solution?

Honiton Town Council faces a financial crisis with reserves barely covering three months’ expenses. Despite a 33% tax rise, ongoing costs – like underwriting the Beehive and new public toilet management – the council has done nothing to bolster its own inadequate reserves.