Totnes Town Council: Key Decisions and Developments from March 2026
Totnes Town Council met several times through March 2026, with Full Council, Council Matters and the Planning Committee each tackling a wide range of issues shaping the town’s future. Discussions covered everything from community funding and staffing changes to planning applications, public realm concerns and updates from county and district partners.
Community Audit: Spotlight on Local Needs
Councillors received an early briefing from the Devon Community Foundation on the draft Community Audit, which aims to map local needs and identify gaps in services. The report explores “funding streams coming into the volunteer sector, local provision around the condition of housing, and volunteer opportunities” . Members have requested a dedicated workshop to dig deeper into the findings before the final report is presented to Full Council.
Budget, Reserves and Policy Updates
The Council Matters Committee carried out its annual review of Earmarked Reserves, recommending several adjustments to support upcoming projects. These include:
- An additional £40,000 for Emergency Capital Repairs
- New reserves for Community Economic Fund, Transport Feasibility, and Active Travel initiatives
- The Committee also approved or recommended updates to several policies, including the Business Continuity Plan, Community Funding Policy, Civic Budget, Mayoral Allowance Policy, and revisions to the Working Time & Leave Policy.
Staffing & Communications: Restructure Ahead
A significant organisational change was agreed: Visit Totnes will be repositioned within a broader economic development function, with some tourism tasks outsourced to improve efficiency. The council notes that this shift aims to place “more focus on Civic Communications” .
From October 2026, two new part‑time roles will be created: A community communications officer (24 hrs) and A business & economic support officer (24 hrs)
Interim arrangements will run from April to September.
Local Government Reorganisation: Totnes Responds
Full Council agreed to delegate the Town Clerk to submit Totnes’ official response to the Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Local Government Reorganisation consultation. A separate letter to Government will accompany the response, shaped by the Devolution Working Group.
Public Realm, Assets & Environment
Several ongoing infrastructure and environmental issues were reviewed:
- Guildhall Wall: Remedial works were approved in principle, pending quotes and listed building consent.
- Boardwalk: Concerns about slippage and accessibility are being escalated.
- Air Quality: Discussions continue with Public Health, while flooding reports are still awaited.
- A wider review of council‑owned assets was noted in a confidential session.
Planning: Heritage, Trees and Neighbourhood Plans
The Planning Committee dealt with a varied set of applications, supporting several listed building proposals but objecting where evidence was lacking—particularly in cases involving tree works “due to lack of justification” .
The Committee also submitted feedback on the Harberton Neighbourhood Plan, emphasising sustainable transport and collaboration through the Traffic & Transport Forum.
A pavement licence for Butterwalk was supported, with conditions to protect pedestrian access.
County & District Updates
Councillors received updates from county and district representatives, including:
- £650k for libraries, £4m for potholes, and £15m for roads from Devon County Council
- Ongoing challenges around the Slapton Line, now estimated at £18m to repair
- Progress on local 20mph proposals
- Waste‑bin storage enforcement issues
- Community safety updates
- A new rough sleeper procedure will also be circulated.
Looking Ahead
Next Full Council: Monday 13 April
Council Matters: Monday 20 April
Planning Committee: Monday 27 April