 Final proposals to reshape and reimagine the future of Devon's local services published
 East Devon District Council have been working closely with Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge, and West Devon to outline a new model for local government. The aim is to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for our county and its communities. Torbay Council has collaborated in the process but will be pursuing its own submission to remain a unitary authority.
The districts’ proposal, known as the 4-5-1 model, includes:
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Exeter and Northern Devon - a new unitary authority for East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, and Torridge
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Torbay and Southern Devon - a new unitary authority for South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay, and West Devon
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Plymouth - remaining as a standalone unitary authority
Study aims to ensure future developments don't compromise water quality
 A major new study aims for future development across East Devon to take place sustainably, without compromising drinking water supplies, wastewater management, or the health of local rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters.
The work follows serious concerns raised by East Devon District Council over wastewater capacity and repeated pollution incidents. Councillors passed a vote of no confidence in South West Water in February 2024.
 Events in East Devon
Join Exmouth’s free Community Clothes Swap
 Do you want to refresh your wardrobe sustainably? The Community Clothes Swap takes place on the last Tuesday of every month at Sea Dog Art Gallery and Bar. Drop off your items from 5.30pm on Tuesday 25 November 2025, and take part in the swap from 6pm – 8.30pm. Bring along any clean, good-quality clothes, shoes, or jewellery you no longer wear — and swap them for something 'new to you'.
Come along to Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's Winter Fanfare
 7.30pm - 9.15pm on Thursday 4 December 2025 at St Mary's Church in Axminster
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's Brass Ensemble will take a festive frolic from days of old, through favourites from near and far, and over into contemporary cinema soundtracks.
 Don’t miss Gifts and Garlands - wreath making, mince pies, and discounts
 Drop in between 11am - 3pm on Saturday 6 December 2025.
Free (donations welcome)
Create a mini decorative wreath, ideal to adorn your home or give as a festive gift. Enjoy mince pies and apple juice. There's also a 10% discount on gifts and decorations in the exhibition and shop.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com
 Festive workshops at Seaton Wetlands
Get into the holiday spirit with a hands-on, woodworking experience
 10am - 2.30pm on Saturday 6 December 2025(£30 per person)
No carving experience? No problem. Starting with an axed-out blank, you’ll use straight and curved knives to craft a wooden spoon - perfect for Christmas gifts, cosy winter kitchens, or just a fun festive keepsake. Wild East Devon's friendly ranger, Ben will guide you through safe and correct green wood carving techniques, giving you plenty of time to practice your new skills and add your personal touch. All tools and materials are included, and you can warm up with tea, coffee, or delicious hot chocolate.
Join a morning of Christmas crafting
 10am - 12pm on Sunday 7 December 2025 (£15 per person)
Create a Christmas reindeer from (mostly) natural materials gathered from our beautiful nature reserves. No experience is needed - just bring your enthusiasm and creativity. Your reindeer will stand about a foot tall, and you can decorate it to suit your own style.
Enjoy a cosy atmosphere with a warming hot drink, a glass of mulled punch, and a delicious mince pie included.
Keep in touch with the Countryside Team on Facebook and Instagram.
Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website
 Jingle all the way to the food waste caddy
 Season’s greetings from the Recycling Team
This Christmas, we hope your festive feasts leave little waste, but even the most careful shoppers and talented cooks will have a few scraps after the celebrations.
Food waste is a gift that keeps on giving. When recycled, it generates green energy and produces fertiliser for local farms. Capturing food waste is like wrapping up a present for our economy and environment.
Keep your indoor food caddy merry and bright by using any single-use plastic bag. Did you know that you can use bread bags, cereal box liners, and vegetable bags? Don’t worry, these bags are removed by special equipment before processing.
Thanks for helping make this a greener, cleaner Christmas.
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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.
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 New Neighbourhood Plan set to bring more homes and infrastructure improvements
 Clyst St Mary and Sowton (Bishops Clyst) Neighbourhood Area
After receiving strong backing from local residents, a new Neighbourhood Plan for Bishops Clyst has been formally adopted by East Devon District Council.
Have you taken part in East Devon's active surveys and consultations?
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:
You can watch public meetings live on the council’s YouTube channel.
 You may be interested in
Next edition
We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 28 November 2025.
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