East Devon District Council

East Devon Residents' Update – Friday 26 September 2025

East Devon District Council sent this bulletin at 26-09-2025 03:31 PM BST

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Credit: The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary (scheduled for Wednesday 5 November 2025)

In this week's newsletter, read about these stories and more:

  • 👷 Seaton coastal protection work underway
  • ♻️ Do you know the truth about these recycling myths?
  • 🐦 Adopted Masterplan sets out a natural future for Seaton
  • 🕺 East Devon Dance Academy to join renowned professional dance company on stage
  • 🎨  Get creative at a Thelma Hulbert Gallery workshop this Autumn

White bell icon on a red banner

Seaton coastal protection work underway 

Henry Middleton, Cllrs Marcus Hartnell, Paula Fernley, and Paul Arnott on Seaton beach with diggers behind

Left to right: Henry Middleton (South West Flood and Coastal), Councillor Marcus Hartnell (EDDC Ward Councillor for Seaton), Councillor Paula Fernley (EDDC Assistant Portfolio Holder for Environment - Operations), Councillor Paul Arnott (Leader of EDDC).

Improvements will strengthen the coastal defences between Seaton Hole and West Walk, reducing erosion risks and shielding 41 homes, including a care home, from cliff falls and sea damage.

The project—part of a £1.4 million joint scheme between East Devon District Council (EDDC) and South West Flood & Coastal— is expected to be completed by November. Sections of Seaton Hole beach will be closed periodically for public safety.


Are you heading to the beach this weekend?

Views of East Devon beaches

Just a reminder that restrictions on dog walking remain in place in Beer, Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Seaton and Sidmouth, until next Tuesday, 30 September 2025.


Do you know the truth about these recycling myths?

Electric recycling vehicle

To mark Recycling Week, the team have been sharing advice about the importance of recycling small electrical items, including batteries, on the council's social media pages.

For day five, they've busted myths that you may have heard about recycling small electrical items, including:

Myth one: batteries can go in the regular bin. 

Truth: Batteries contain harmful chemicals and can cause fires if disposed of incorrectly. They should always be recycled in your green recycling box or at a recycling centre. 

Myth two: if it’s broken, it’s useless.

Truth: Even broken electricals contain valuable materials like copper, aluminium, and rare metals that can be recovered and reused. 

Myth three: recycling one item won’t make a difference.

Truth: Every item counts! Recycling even one phone or battery helps reduce pollution and conserve resources. 

If you're unsure about whether an item is recyclable, visit the helpful A-Z search tool.


Hand holding phone with 'get the app' text on the screen

Have you downloaded our free East Devon app yet?

Join more than 60,000 residents using our smartphone app and get simple personalised recycling and waste collection reminders, the latest collection updates and tell us about a missed collection. You can download the app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.


Adopted Masterplan sets out a natural future for Seaton

An osprey shakes water from its feather as it catches a grey mullet on the Axe Estuary

Credit: Peter Twamley

A new vision to put Seaton’s unique natural environment at the heart of the town’s identity and future has been formally adopted by East Devon District Council’s Cabinet.

Seaton benefits from a rich mix of natural and heritage projects – from the award-winning Seaton Wetlands, which attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, to the South West Coast Path and nearby sites such as Beer Quarry Caves and the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve. The masterplan sets out a joined-up approach to showcase Seaton’s incredible natural and cultural assets, helping the town strengthen community connections, attract visitors, and support long-term regeneration.


Events in East Devon

Witness winter murmurations: nature’s sky ballet

Murmuration at sunset above silhouetted trees. A starling on a branch

Large numbers of starlings arrive from the continent, drawn by the relative warmth of our island climate. As dusk descends, these birds prepare for their nightly ritual, a communal roost that transforms the skies into a living, breathing work of art.

Wrap up warm, arrive at least half an hour before sunset, and let the spectacle unfold before your eyes. Colyford Common at Seaton Wetlands is a great local spot to witness this magical experience.

Keep in touch with the Countryside Team on Facebook and Instagram.


East Devon Dance Academy to join renowned professional dance company on stage

Four dancers in a line at an angle with legs straight up in the air

Richard Chappell Dance Company will be performing a mixed-bill contemporary dance show at Sidmouth's Manor Pavilion Theatre, on Saturday 11 October 2025 from 7.30pm. They will be giving free workshops to the local dance school, East Devon Dance Academy and students will open the show for them. Working alongside leading professional contemporary dancers will inspire and motivate the students.


Get creative at a workshop this Autumn

Three metal bangles hanging off a branch

© Nicky Thompson

Whether you're looking to try out a new hobby, or create festive gifts, book tickets to take part in Thelma Hulbert Gallery's fantastic programme of upcoming art events: 

Creative workshops

  • Saturday 25 October 2025 - 11am - 4pm: 3D Paper Jug Workshop
  • Wednesday 15 November 2025 - 11am - 3pm: Silver Jewellery Workshop
  • Saturday 29 November 2025 - 11am - 3.30pm: Festive Foil Cyanotype Workshop

Family workshops

  • Saturday 1 November 2025 - 11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm: Half Term Clay Workshop
  • Saturday 6 December 2025 - drop in 11am – 3pm: Gifts and Garlands

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com


Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website


Active consultations and surveys

Left: seating outside a restaurant. Right: aerial view of Cranbrook

Aerial view of Cranbrook (c) Still Imaging

  • Share your views on the draft Pavement Licensing Policy - deadline: 5pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025
  • Comment on the governance arrangements for Cranbrook and surrounding development areas - deadline: 5pm on Friday 24 October 2025
  • Budleigh Salterton Town Council invites local sports clubs, community groups, and residents to have their say on how developer contributions could be used - deadline: 4pm on Thursday 30 October 2025
  • Have you visited the Exe Estuary or Pebblebed Heaths recently? Share your experience in the South East Devon Wildlife visitor survey

If you, or someone you know, is unable to complete an online consultation or survey, request a paper version, by emailing engagement@eastdevon.gov.uk. Please submit this request at least four days before the consultation closes, so that the response is received before the deadline.


Council meetings dates

Over the next week the following East Devon District Council meetings are taking place:

  • Monday 29 September 2025 - 9.30am - Asset Management Forum
  • Tuesday 30 September 2025
    • 10am - Strategic Planning Committee
    • 6pm - Overview Committee
  • Wednesday 1 October 2025 - 6pm - Cabinet
  • Thursday 2 October 2025 - 6pm - Scrutiny Committee

You can watch public meetings live on the council’s YouTube channel.


You may be interested in

  • This week's planning applications and decisions
  • Met Office warnings affecting South West England - sign up to our weather warnings and flood alerts for updates in your inbox
  • Careers with East Devon District Council


Next edition

We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 3 October 2025.

Please forward this email to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.

You can also share this update on social media and in any online groups you're part of by using the view it as a web page link at the top of the page.

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