West Borough Council Conservative Group

West Devon Borough Council

Submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission

For (LGBCE)

Re : Boundary Changes for Borough Council

Submitted by Councillor Mike Benson, Conservative Group Whip

1) The conservative group have due consideration that the principle wards with large variations are in the north of the borough and whilst equality of voters per ward is important ,due consideration should be made for the sparse populations and geographical issues around 2) The group agrees with WDBC that the splitting of parish boundaries to create new wards should be avoided and consideration of parliamentary constituencies should also figure in any new ward changes . 3) The group feels that creation of a new ward member rising from 31 to 32 should be given serious consideration .This will assist in covering wards in the north of the borough . 4) The group feels that Hamlets should not be split between two wards ,as their natural ties are with Okehampton West . 5) The group was sceptical of the voters numbers provided and felt that so many people wish to move to the South West of England that all wards will see an increase in voters not just those indicated to do so . 6) The group considered that the ward, because of its unique location with boundaries comprised on three sides by the tidal Rivers Tamar and Tavy ,should be retained as a two member ward. Of its 18.75 mile boundary ,some 17.3 miles are made from these rivers .Over time the Bere Peninsula, Bere Ferrers parish has developed independently from adjacent wards and parishes. is the largest village in Devon and since 1991 the number of homes has risen by over 320. 7) The conservative group would prefer single member wards in rural locations.However it would support multi member wards where there is a natural synergy in the locations concerned .

With these points in mind we would advocate the parish -ward suggestions listed below. Move parish from ward to Exborne ward, this would reduce North Tawton by 130 voters .

Move Highhampton parish from ward into Lew Valley ward ,this would reduce Hatherleigh ward by 285 voters .

Lew Valley ward would become a two members ward and the be removed from it

Okehampton Hamlets and Okehampton West becomes a three member ward

Okehampton East ward should remain as it is currently .

South Tawton ward should comprise , and parishes.

Drewsteignton ward should remain as it is currently.

Chagford ward should remain as it is currently.

Bridestowe ward should remain as it is currently.

Thrushel ward should remain as it is currently.

Milton Ford ward should remain as it is currently.

Tamarside ward should remain as it is currently.

Bere Ferrers ward should remain as it is currently.

Buckland Monochorum should remain as it is currently.

Lydford parish should remain with Dartmoor Forerst parish in the ward.

Mary Tavy ward should remain as it is currently .

Samford Spiney parish should be moved into Burrator ward

Horrabridge parish should become a single member ward

Whitchurch parish should be moved into South ward with the Walkam

Ward being abolished . Tavistock North ,South and South West wards should continue to have seven members amongst them ,although street boundaries should be adjusted.

We hope you will give these views due consideration in the boundary review .