Somerset County Council Electoral Review submission November 2011

For further information contact :

Julian Gale Community Governance Resources Directorate County Hall, Taunton. Somerset. TA1 4DY. Tel: 01823 355025 Email : [email protected]

1 AN ELECTORAL SCHEME FOR SOMERSET

Submission by Somerset County Council

1 Introduction

1.1 This submission sets out the Council’s response to the LGBCE’s first consultation stage on division patterns in the electoral review of Somerset County Council. This was on the back of the ‘minded to recommend a Council size of 55 members for Somerset County Council’ decision of the Commission set out in their letter of 23 August 2011 to the Council. 1.2 The Council welcomed the Commission’s decision concerning the Council’s proposal on Council size and the opportunity to submit proposals for division arrangements. 1.3 The Council’s submission has been developed by a cross-party group (referred to elsewhere in this submission as the Electoral Review Task & Finish Group) of county councillors meeting with delegated authority from the Council to oversee the Council’s input into the electoral review process. The Council further delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive to submit the Council’s submission for an electoral scheme for Somerset. 1.4 It is hoped that the LGBCE supports the Council’s submission as the basis for formal consultation during 2012 and for subsequent approval in time for their adoption and use for the next County Council elections in May 2013.

2. Process used to arrive at the Council’s submission

2.1 The submission has been informed by:- • Individual councillors’ views in response to invitations to input into the process individually and collectively on a district by district basis; • Informal feedback from officers of the LGBCE on interim proposals submitted by the County Council. • The development of proposals on a district by district basis – in some cases driven by the existing county councillors using their extensive knowledge of local areas • Information provided by the district councils on electorate numbers and projections to polling district level • The LGBCE’s criteria and guidance for electoral reviews • A public consultation process on the Council’s draft proposals which primarily focused on local councils in Somerset • Meetings of the Electoral Review Task & Finish Group who assimilated all of the available information and reached conclusions on proposals for each district area over several meetings to which all members were invited and 76% of members participated. • The Electoral Review Task & Finish Group sanctioned additional in- depth investigations concerning the urban areas of Taunton, Yeovil and Highbridge, involving officers and members of the areas

2 concerned because of the particular challenges facing these urban areas.

3. Somerset – the place

3.1 Somerset is a special place, with a history that is older than that of England itself. Its landscapes are diverse and beautiful and include the rich farmlands in the south of the county, the levels and moors of central Somerset, the Mendip Hills in the north and the Blackdowns, Quantocks and Exmoor further south and west. The importance of many of these landscapes is recognised by special designations to conserve the county’s rich natural environment.

3.2 Somerset’s market towns and villages share the county’s long history and are, as always, proudly individual. The county is made up of this patchwork of distinctive communities, which has fostered a strong sense of local leadership and resilience.

3.3 Somerset’s long history continues to shape the county today as it faces the challenges of the 21st century and seeks new opportunities. It is now home to over 528,800 people, 31% of whom live in market towns and larger villages. Many are from long-established Somerset families. Others have retired here or are among the small but increasing number from European Union countries, Bangladesh, China, India and Africa.

3.4 In terms of transport links, Somerset is divided east to west by the M5 motorway and the main rail link from the South West to Bristol, London and the north. In addition to the motorway there are a number of trunk roads including the A38 and A303 that are arterial routes and which impact on the design of electoral divisions. However, Somerset is largely a rural area of small settlements and market towns linked by a comprehensive network of country lanes which are often the primary transport links between small settlements.

3.5 Some key facts about Somerset:

• It covers 3,452 square kilometres or 1,333 square miles. • 76% of the county is classed as rural. • The majority of the Exmoor National Park lies within Somerset. • People aged 65 years and older make up over 20% of Somerset’s population.

3.6 Mendip - Each of Mendip’s five market towns of Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street and Wells has its own characteristics and identity, which local people value and are proud of. Mendip’s towns are unique - whilst Wells operates as a market town it is in fact a city, whilst Street has the status of a village, with its own parish council. Mendip has about a hundred villages and hamlets.

3 3.7 Sedgemoor - The District is centred on the town of Bridgwater and has unique wetlands forming the Somerset Levels. Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge is the second largest town in Sedgemoor. Although there are two distinct centres and significant functional differences the town is physically and socially integrated as a single urban area. The District is predominantly rural encompassing two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), the Somerset Levels and Moors and a host of other international, national and local nature conservation areas. Sedgemoor has the fastest growing electorate of the five Somerset district according to the electorate projections through to 2017. Most of this growth is focused in a relatively small area around Bridgwater.

3.8 South Somerset - South Somerset is one of the largest Districts in the South West, forming the southern side of the County of Somerset. It accounts for nearly a third of the County's area, covering an area of 958 sq km (370 sq miles) and is predominantly rural in nature. South Somerset is a fast growing District, with population growth being almost twice the national average over the past 10 years with even larger increases predicted over the next 10-20 years. Yeovil is home to approximately a quarter of the District's total population and other larger settlements include Chard, Crewkerne, Wincanton and Ilminster. However, over 40% of the District's population lives in settlements of fewer than 2,500 residents.

3.9 Taunton Deane - The Borough is predominantly rural, with the main centres of population being Taunton and Wellington and with a number of smaller towns and villages. Taunton Deane is situated in an outstanding landscape of natural beauty, extending from the Somerset Levels along the River Tone, with the Quantock Hills to the north and the Blackdown Hills to the south.

3.10 West Somerset - West Somerset District covers 280 square miles (725 square kilometres). Two-thirds of West Somerset is covered by the Exmoor National Park. The majority of West Somerset is made up of small rural villages and hamlets with the main settlements at Minehead, Watchet and Williton.

4. The Council’s Rationale

4.1 Part of the Council’s submission on Council size broke down the 55 electoral divisions (based on single member divisions) between district council areas as follows:-

• West Somerset – which retains 4 county councillors because of the unique challenges facing this area • Sedgemoor – which retains 12 county councillors on the basis that it is the fastest growing district in Somerset through to 2017 • Taunton Deane – which reduces from 12 to 11 county councillors • South Somerset – which reduces from 18 to 17 county councillors • Mendip - which reduces from 12 to 11 county councillors.

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4.2 The aim from the outset was to agree and submit a single proposal for each district council area with as broad a range of cross-party support as was possible to achieve. At all stages in the development of the proposals the councillors have been reminded of the Commission’s criteria against which the Council’s proposals will be judged. The Electoral Review Task & Finish Group have actively tested the proposals against these criteria and what became clear early in the process was that the particular circumstances in each area made each proposal the best possible compromise that could be achieved through balancing the requirements of the various criteria.

4.3 One of the challenges that the Electoral Review Task & Finish Group faced was the issue of improving coterminosity with district ward boundaries. The district ward arrangements across Somerset range in age from 2011 to 1998 (South Somerset). South Somerset presented a real problem for members as the ward boundaries do not fit local community interests in many areas and also do not fully reflect recent or projected changes to demography. Members in developing proposals have tended to focus on using parish council boundaries and reflecting community interests all set against the key requirement to balance electorate numbers. In many areas members have tried to align district ward boundaries and county electoral division boundaries and this has resulted in improvements in the alignment of many boundaries The coterminosity map which forms part of this submission indicates that the proposals have resulted in 24% of the county showing total coterminosity where the district ward boundaries completely align with county electoral division boundaries. This only shows part of the overall picture as it does not reflect all of the alignment of boundaries that has taken place.

4.4 From the outset of the Somerset Electoral Review process the Council has been ensuring that all local councils across Somerset have received information about the process. In addition, and at an early stage in the process, the Council established a group of local council representatives through which to test ideas and proposals. The assistance of the Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC), which represents the majority of local councils in Somerset, was vital to the establishment of this group and has assisted the Council with its communications with this sector. The local councils group met during the development of the council size proposal and met again to discuss the Council’s proposals for the design of the 55 divisions. These meetings have been very useful in explaining the Council’s proposals and getting feedback on everything from the Council’s overall rationale for developing proposals through to very local considerations.

4.5 During the design phase of the 55 electoral divisions, the Electoral Review Task & Finish Group took an early decision to include a consultation phase with all local councils and other partners prior to the submission of the proposals to the Commission. In taking this step,

5 the Council realised that the consultation period would have to be short because of the Commission’s deadline for the submission of proposals. Short deadlines cause problems for parish councils many of whom do not meet on a very frequent basis but it was still felt to be worth undertaking the consultation. Other consultees during the design phase included the district councils, health and the police. Responses ranged from one sentence to the submission of detailed proposals for whole sub-district areas. Many of the comments received from local councils had already been made by Council members and were considered by the Electoral Review Task & Finish Group. Response rates for local councils by each district area were:-

Taunton Deane - 11 of 48 local councils in area (23%) Mendip – 6 of 62 local councils in area (10%) South Somerset – 12 of 121 local councils in area (10%) Sedgemoor – 1 of 48 local councils in area (2%) West Somerset - 2 of 42 local councils in area (5%)

The Council also received some individual responses to the proposals and these are set out in the appendix with the local councils’ responses.

4.6 When considering any modifications as a result of the consultation phase, the Electoral Review Task & Finish Group were aware from the development of the proposals, of the potential for minor modifications to result in a ‘ripple effect’ which leads to wholescale redesign of an area proposal. In view of the LGBCE deadline, any substantial changes to the Council’s proposals would have presented real difficulties in terms of testing any alternative design thoroughly or to undertake further consultation on amended proposals.

4.7 The Electoral Review Task & Finish Group considered the responses to the consultation phase prior to finalising its proposals and these are picked up in more detail in the detailed proposals. The Council is also aware that a number of local councils have written direct to the Commission during this consultation process.

4.8 The Council has also developed web content within its website including the interactive maps of the proposals which form part of this submission.

5. The Council’s submission

5.1 The submission is based on a majority vote decision of the Electoral Review Task & Finish Group. It was not possible in two of the five district areas to achieve complete consensus within the Group for a single proposal but the submission comprises the preferred option for each area.

6 5.2 Attached for the consideration and approval by the Commission are the proposals for the five district areas as agreed by the Electoral Review Task & Finish Group. In terms of documentation attached are:-

• Word documents comparing the current electoral divisions with the new electoral divisions proposed. This includes a breakdown of parishes and district wards within each division currently and projected and including headline electorate figures. It also includes a brief description of each electoral division proposal which as well as giving an outline of the proposal also responds to views received during the public consultation process (Appendices A1-A5). • Interactive maps for each of the district areas and including detailed maps for the main town centre areas (Appendices B1-B5). • A summary document of views received during the public consultation process (Appendix C). A hard copy of the full responses to the consultation process has been forwarded in the post. • Details of the current electorate averages and divisions for each District Council area compared to the Council’s proposals (Appendix D). • Maps showing the current electoral variances and the improvement in electoral variances via the Council’s proposals (Appendices E1 and E2). • A map showing the impact of the proposals on coterminosity across Somerset (Appendix F).

5.3 The Council’s primary focus was to address the issue of electoral variance across Somerset that was raised by the LGBCE at the outset of the electoral review. The LGBCE highlighted that the current position has 36% of divisions with an electoral variance of more than 10% from the average and one division (Ilchester) which has 40% more electors than the county average. In addition, in developing its proposals the Council has paid close attention to the need for the proposals to reflect community identities and interests and provide effective and convenient local government.

5.4 The Council’s proposals meet the key criteria of achieving electorate figures per electoral division of +/-10 of the Somerset average of 8137 in all district areas with the exception of West Somerset district. Only 4% of the new divisions have an electoral variance of more than 10% from the county average. In 2 of the 4 electoral divisions proposed for West Somerset we have been unable to achieve electorate figures in line with the requirements of the Commission. The highest variance of a division to the county average within the Council’s proposals is -16% in the Dulverton & Exmoor division. The Council is asking that the Commission accepts West Somerset as a special case. Detailed comments are set out in the Appendix covering the detail of the 4 West Somerset electoral divisions but the justification for a special case for this area in summary is:

7 • The lower than average electorate for the District division’s of 7428 as compared to the County average of 8137. The low electorate and slow rate of electorate growth in this area is unique in Somerset and results primarily from the Exmoor National Park designation and limitations on planning approvals. However, in what is primarily a very rural area with small villages spread across a wide area there are concentrations of electorate in the three significant settlements of Minehead, Watchet and Williton. This restricts the ability to shift significant numbers of the electorate between electoral divisions to balance electorate numbers. • The unique geography of the district which presents as a long thin area bounded by the sea to the north, the county boundary to the south and the boundary between Taunton Deane Borough and West Somerset District to the east. This therefore limits the boundaries between electoral divisions that can be adjusted to move numbers of electors. • Some rebalancing of electorate numbers over the 4 electoral divisions has been achieved but even these changes have been made at the expense in some cases of a true reflection of local community interests. To achieve the Commission’s electorate requirement in all 4 electorate divisions would, in the opinion of the Council, have a much more damaging affect on community interests in a way that the Council could not support.

8 Appendix A1 - Mendip Electoral Division Proposal Final Submission (14 th November 2011)

Target average electorate = 8137 for each County Councillor in Somerset

Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

FROME NORTH PROPOSED NAME CHANGE: FROME Revisions to the current ED are proposed (2017 electorate projection – 7,542: -7% to VALE as a consequence of reviewing the average) adjoining Frome South, Frome Selwood Proposed electorate projection = 8,333 and the split of the current Mendip North (+2% to average) East ED between Mendip Central and North East and Frome Vale. Changes proposed: • Beckington, Berkley, Lullington, Norton Whilst having their own identities, the St Philip (including Farleigh Hungerford), villages to the north of Frome look to Rode and Tellisford to be moved from Frome as their market town. This has Mendip North East ED. informed the design of the new ED. • Frome Berkley Down to be split (polling district CM to stay in Frome North ED, The Council’s proposals have reviewed the polling district CL to move to Frome whole of the Frome area to develop a Selwood ED and polling district CN to comprehensive proposal for the town and Current Parishes and Parish Wards: move to Frome South ED) surrounding rural parishes. Frome Berkley Down (Part of) Frome College Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: The proposed change of name seeks to (Part of) Frome Market Beckington (from Mendip North East ED) reflect the new ED’s identity combining Berkley (from Mendip North East ED) parts of Frome north with surrounding rural (Part of) Frome Berkley Down (polling villages. district CM) Frome College Lullington (from Mendip North East ED)

1 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Norton St Philip (including Farleigh Hungerford) - from Mendip North East ED) Rode (from Mendip North East ED) Tellisford (from Mendip North East ED)

Proposed District wards: Frome College Rode and Norton St Philip Current District wards: (Part of) Beckington and Selwood Frome Berkley Down (Part of) Frome Berkley Down (Part of) Frome College (Part of) Frome Market

FROME SELWOOD FROME SELWOOD The Council’s proposals seek to increase (2017 electorate projection – 6,923: -15% to Proposed electorate projection = 7,910 the electorate for this ED to within the +/- average) (-3% to average) 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors for Somerset. Changes proposed: • Frome Berkley Down polling district CL There is a need to increase the electorate to be moved from Frome North ED. for the current Frome Selwood ED. The • Part of Frome Market (polling district CX) Council’s proposals have reviewed the to be moved from Frome South ED whole of the Frome area to develop a • Part of Frome Oakfield (polling district comprehensive proposal for the town and CY) to be moved from Frome South ED. surrounding parishes. • Part of Frome Park (polling district DA) to be moved to Frome South ED. Whilst having their own identities, the villages around Frome look to Frome as their market town. This has informed the design of the new ED.

2 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Selwood Frome Market Communities across the division use the (Part of) Frome College Frome Oakfield main roads like the A362 to access Frome (Part of) Frome Market Selwood and several B roads and minor roads to (Part of) Frome Oakfield (Part of) Frome Berkley Down (polling cross from east to west. (Part of) Frome Park district CL from Frome North ED) The proposals improve co-terminosity with Current District wards: Proposed District wards: district ward boundaries. (Part of) Frome College Frome Market (Part of) Frome Market Frome Oakfield (Part of) Frome Oakfield (Part of) Beckington and Selwood (Part of) Frome Park (Part of) Frome Berkley Down (Part of) Beckington and Selwood

FROME SOUTH FROME SOUTH The Council’s proposals seek to increase (2017 electorate projection – 7,330: -10% to Proposed electorate projection = 8,596 the electorate for this ED to within the +/- average) (+6% to average) 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors for Somerset. Changes proposed: • Frome Berkley Down polling district CN There is a need to increase the electorate to be moved from Frome North ED. for the current Frome South ED. The • Part of Frome Market (polling district CX) Council’s proposals have reviewed the to be moved to Frome Selwood ED whole of the Frome area to develop a • Part of Frome Oakfield (polling district comprehensive proposal for the town and CY) to be moved to Frome Selwood ED. surrounding parishes. • Part of Frome Park (polling district DA) to be moved from Frome Selwood ED. The proposals improve co-terminosity with district ward boundaries.

3 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Frome Keyford Frome Keyford The proposed new division falls within the (Part of) Frome Market Frome Park boundaries of Frome and therefore is well (Part of) Frome Oakfield (Part of) Frome Berkley Down (polling served in terms of transport and (Part of) Frome Park district CN from Frome North ED) community facilities..

Current District wards: Proposed District wards: Frome Keyford Frome Keyford (Part of) Frome Market Frome Park (Part of) Frome Oakfield (Part of) Frome Berkley Down (Part of) Frome Park

GLASTONBURY PROPOSED NAME CHANGE: AVALON The Council’s proposals seek to increase (2017 electorate projection – 7,318: -10% to the electorate for this ED to within the +/- average) Proposed electorate projection = 7,808 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 (-4% to average) electors for Somerset.

Changes proposed: There is a need to increase the electorate • Part of Street North (polling district BD) for the current Glastonbury ED and to deal to be moved from Street ED. with a need to achieve a reduction in the electorate for the adjoining Street ED. Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Glastonbury St Benedict’s Glastonbury St Benedict’s The proposal is to move one of the Glastonbury St Edmund’s Glastonbury St Edmund’s northern most polling districts of Street Glastonbury St John’s Glastonbury St John’s North ward into the new Avalon ED. The Glastonbury St Mary’s Glastonbury St Mary’s Street North polling district recommended (Part of) Street North (polling district BD to move to Avalon contains part of the

4 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) from Street Division) fringe of Street and is predominantly rural. It also contains the lowest number of Current District wards: Proposed District wards: electors amongst the Street North polling Glastonbury St Benedict’s Glastonbury St Benedict’s districts. Its proposed inclusion into the Glastonbury St Edmund’s Glastonbury St Edmund’s new Avalon ED is thought to provide the Glastonbury St John’s Glastonbury St John’s best balance to achieve the necessary Glastonbury St Mary’s Glastonbury St Mary’s electorates for the Street and Avalon (Part of) Street North although the preference of the relevant local councils is to leave the arrangements as they are. To do so would mean Street ED would remain in excess of the +10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors.

The proposed addition of part of Street North is connected to the Avalon division via the A39.

It is recognised that this proposal has been a significant challenge for the Council.

The proposed name change seeks to reflect the redesign of the current ED.

MENDIP CENTRAL AND EAST PROPOSED NAME CHANGE: MENDIP The Council’s proposals seek to increase (2017 electorate projection – 6,155: -24% to CENTRAL AND NORTH EAST the electorate for this ED to within the - average) 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 Proposed electorate projection = 7,410 electors for Somerset.

5 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) (-9% to average) The proposed removal of the adjoining Changes proposed: Mendip North East ED helps to increase • Buckland Dinham, Coleford, Great Elm, the electorate for this ED to within the Hemington, Mells and Whatley to be target electorate levels required for moved from Mendip North East ED. Somerset. • Lamyatt and Milton Clevedon to be moved from Mendip South ED. The new ED continues to reflect the • Holcombe, Leigh-on-Mendip, Stoke St previous ED’s identity as being made up of Michael and Stratton-on-the-Fosse to be predominantly rural villages and parishes. moved to the Mendip Hills ED. It is recognised that in terms of market towns the parishes look in several Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: directions outside of the ED. Batcombe Batcombe Cranmore Buckland Dinham (from Mendip North East The new division covers a large area and Doulting ED) communities use main roads like A361, Downhead Coleford (from Mendip North East ED) A359, A362 and A366 to link to the main Holcombe Cranmore market towns that serve the rural Kilmersdon Doulting communities. In addition there are a Leigh-on-Mendip Downhead myriad of B roads and country lanes that Nunney Great Elm (from Mendip North East ED) connect communities north to south.. Stoke St Michael Hemington (from Mendip North East ED) Stratton-on-the-Fosse Kilmersdon (inc Writhlington) The proposals also improve co-terminosity Trudoxhill Lamyatt (from Mendip South ED) with district ward boundaries. Upton Noble Mells (from Mendip North East ED) Wanstrow Milton Clevedon (from Mendip South ED) The proposed new name for the division Witham Friary Nunney seeks to reflect the merge of the former Trudoxhill Mendip Central and East ED with the Upton Noble Mendip North East ED.

6 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Wanstrow Whatley (from Mendip North East ED) Witham Friary

Proposed District wards: Ammerdown Cranmore, Doulting and Nunney Current District wards: Postlebury (Part of) Ammerdown (Part of) Coleford and Holcombe (Part of) Ashwick, Chilcompton and Stratton (Part of) Coleford and Holcombe (Part of) Cranmore, Doulting and Nunney (Part of) Postlebury MENDIP NORTH EAST (2017 electorate projection – 6.635: -19% to Changes proposed: Under the Council’s proposals this ED average) • Beckington, Berkley, Farleigh is to be removed to achieve the Hungerford, Lullington, Norton St Philip proposed reduction to 11 Electoral Current Parishes and Parish Wards: (including Farleigh Hungerford), Rode Divisions for the Mendip area by May Beckington and Tellisford to be moved to Frome 2013 . Berkley North ED. Buckland Dinham • Buckland Dinham, Coleford, Great Elm, This ED is split between the new Coleford Hemington, Mells and Whatley to be Mendip Central and North East ED and Great Elm moved to Mendip Central and North East the new Frome Vale ED. Hemington ED. Lullington Mells Norton St Philip (including Farleigh Hungerford)

7 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Rode Tellisford Whatley

Current District wards: Rode and Norton St Philip (Part of) Ammerdown (Part of) Beckington and Selwood (Part of) Coleford and Holcombe (Part of) Cranmore, Doulting and Nunney

MENDIP NORTH WEST PROPOSED NAME CHANGE : MENDIP The Council’s proposals seek to increase (2017 electorate projection – 7,184: -12% to HILLS the electorate for this ED to within the - average) 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 Proposed electorate projection = 7,383 electors for Somerset. (-9% to average) The proposals seek to align the new ED Changes proposed: predominantly around the Mendip Hills • Holcombe, Leigh-on-Mendip, Stoke St (Area of National Beauty) communities. Michael and Stratton-on-the-Fosse to be This approach is reflected in the proposed moved from Mendip Central and East new name for the ED. ED. • Part of St Cuthbert Out (polling district The new division covers a large area AJ) to be moved to Mendip South ED. across the Mendip Hills on an east/west • Rodney Stoke and part of St Cuthbert orientation. The communities use main

8 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Out (East Horrington) to be moved to roads like A39 and A37 to link to the main Mendip West ED. market towns that serve the rural communities. In addition there are B roads Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: and country lanes that connect Ashwick Ashwick communities east to west such as the Binegar Binegar B3134 and B3135. Chewton Mendip Chewton Mendip Chilcompton Chilcompton Emborough Emborough Litton Holcombe (from Mendip Central and East Priddy ED) Rodney Stoke Leigh-on-Mendip (from Mendip Central and St Cuthbert Out East East ED) St Cuthbert Out South Litton Ston Easton Priddy Ston Easton (inc Clapton) Stoke St Michael (from Mendip Central and East ED) Stratton-on-the-Fosse (from Mendip Central and East ED)

Proposed District wards: Current District wards: Ashwick, Chilcompton and Stratton Chewton Mendip and Ston Easton Chewton Mendip and Ston Easton (Part of) Croscombe and Pilton (Part of) Coleford and Holcombe (Part of) Rodney and Westbury (Part of) St Cuthbert Out North

9 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) MENDIP SOUTH MENDIP SOUTH This ED continues to reflect the previous (2017 electorate projection – 7,810: -4% to Proposed electorate projection = 7,344 ED’s identity as an area made up of average) (-10% to average) predominantly rural villages and parishes. It is recognised that in terms of market Changes proposed: towns the parishes look in several • Lamyatt and Milton Clevedon to be directions outside of the ED. moved to Mendip Central and North East ED. • Croscombe to be moved to Shepton The proposed changes to this ED assist Mallet ED. with increasing the electorates for the • Part of St Cuthbert Out (polling district adjoining Shepton Mallet ED and the AJ) to be moved from Mendip North Mendip Central and North East EDivision. West ED. The proposed new ED represents an Current Parishes and Parish Wards: improvement on co-terminosity with district Baltonsborough Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: ward boundaries. Butleigh Baltonsborough Croscombe Butleigh The new division covers a large rural area Ditcheat Ditcheat covering the southern part of Mendip. The East Pennard East Pennard communities use main roads like A361, Evercreech Evercreech A37 and A371 to link to the main market Lamyatt Lydford-on-Fosse towns that serve the rural communities. In Lydford-on-Fosse North Wootton addition there are B roads and country Milton Clevedon Pilton lanes that connect communities east to North Wootton Pylle west. Pilton (Part of) St Cuthbert Out (polling district AJ Pylle from Mendip North West) West Bradley West Bradley West Pennard West Pennard

10 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

Current District wards: Butleigh and Baltonsborough Proposed District wards: Creech Butleigh and Baltonsborough The Pennards and Ditcheat Creech (Part of) Croscombe and Pilton The Pennards and Ditcheat (Part of) Postlebury (Part of) Croscombe and Pilton

MENDIP WEST MENDIP WEST (2017 electorate projection – 5,870: -28% to Proposed electorate projection = 7,960 The Council’s proposals seek to increase average) (-2% to average) the electorate for this ED to within the - 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 Changes proposed: electors for Somerset. • Rodney Stoke and part of St Cuthbert Out East (East Horrington) to be moved Increasing the electorate of the current ED from Mendip North West ED. is constrained by factors such as its Current Parishes and Parish Wards: boundaries adjoining two other District Godney Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Council areas to the south and west, Street Meare Godney to its east and Wells to its north east. St Cuthbert Out North Meare St Cuthbert Out West Rodney Stoke (from Mendip North West The design of the new ED continues to Sharpham ED) reflect the previous ED’s identity as an Walton St Cuthbert Out East (East Horrington from area made up of predominantly rural Westbury-sub-Mendip Mendip North West ED) villages and parishes. It is recognised that Wookey St Cuthbert Out North in terms of market towns the parishes look St Cuthbert Out West in several directions outside of the ED into Sharpham adjoining District Council areas as well as Walton within Mendip. Westbury-sub-Mendip

11 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Wookey The proposals achieve full co-terminosity with district ward boundaries. Current District wards: Moor Proposed District wards: The communities across this rural division Wookey and St Cuthbert Out West Moor use a range of B roads and country lanes (Part of) Rodney and Westbury Rodney and Westbury to connect with other parts of the division (Part of) St Cuthbert Out North St Cuthbert Out North and with their market towns. Wookey and St Cuthbert Out West

SHEPTON MALLET SHEPTON MALLET This is a relatively self-contained market (2017 electorate projection – 7,725: -5% to Proposed electorate projection = 8,238 town and the proposed inclusion of average) (+1% to average) Croscombe reflects its connections to Shepton Mallet . Changes proposed: • Croscombe to be moved from Mendip Croscombe is located to the west of South ED. Shepton Mallet and is well connected to Current Parishes and Parish Wards: the town via the A371. Shepton Mallet Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Croscombe (from Mendip South ED) Shepton Mallet Current District wards: Shepton East Proposed District wards: Shepton West Shepton East Shepton West Part of Croscombe and Pilton

12 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

STREET STREET The Council’s proposals seek to reduce (2017 electorate projection – 9,348: +15% Proposed electorate projection = 8,858 the electorate for this ED to within the + to average) (+9% to average) 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors for Somerset. It is recognised that Changes proposed: this proposal has been a significant • Part of Street North (polling district BD) challenge for the Council and that the local to be moved into Avalon ED. council would prefer the ED to stay as it is. Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Street North Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: The proposal reflects the intention to move Street South (Part of) Street North one of the northern most polling districts of Street West Street South Street North ward to the new Avalon ED. Street West The Street North polling district Current District wards: recommended to move to Avalon contains Street North Proposed District wards: part of the fringe of Street and is Street South Part of Street North predominantly rural. It also contains the Street West Street South lowest number of electors amongst the Street West Street North polling districts. Its proposed inclusion into the new Avalon ED is thought to provide the best balance to achieve the necessary electorates for the Street and Avalon.

The proposed new division is located within the boundary of Street and as such the communities are well served in terms of transport and community facilities.

13 of 14 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

WELLS WELLS This is a self-contained urban area which (2017 electorate projection – 8,850: +9% to Proposed electorate projection = 8,850 has ‘City’ status in spite of its small size. It average) (+9% to average) is therefore unique and no change is proposed to the current ED as it meets the Current Parishes and Parish Wards: needs and interests of the local Wells Central Current Parishes and Parish Wards: community. Wells St Cuthbert’s Wells Central Wells St Thomas’ Wells St Cuthbert’s The proposed new division is located Wells St Thomas’ within the boundary of the city of Wells and Current District wards: as such the communities are well served in Wells Central Current District wards: terms of transport and community facilities. Wells St Cuthbert’s Wells Central Wells St Thomas’ Wells St Cuthbert’s Wells St Thomas’

14 of 14 Appendix A2 - Sedgemoor Electoral Division proposal final submission (14 November 2011)

Target average electorate = 8137 for each County Councillor in Somerset

Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

BRENT BRENT No changes are proposed to this (2017 electorate projection – 7993: -2% essentially rural ED including part of the to average) No changes proposed. Levels and Moors and which is based around the A38/A370 trunk roads and Current Parishes and Parish Wards: M5 motorway but stretches across to Badgworth the coast. It is well within the target of Berrow +/- 10% of the projected average Brean electorate figure for Somerset of 8137 Brent Knoll electors by 2017. Burnham Without (Brue Ward) Burnham Without (Highbridge and The current area is also felt to represent Burnham Marine Ward) local communities of interest well at Burnham Without (Edithmead Ward) parish level. Chapel Allerton Compton Bishop East Brent Lympsham Weare

Current District wards: Berrow (Part of) Axevale

Page 1 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) (Part of) Burnham Central (Part of) Highbridge & Burnham Marine (Part of) Knoll

Page 2 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

BRIDGWATER EAST AND BAWDRIP BRIDGWATER EAST AND BAWDRIP This is a mixed urban / rural ED. (2017 electorate projection – 7798: -4% to average) Proposed electorate projection = 8981 There is a need to redistribute electorate (+10% to average) in this area to reduce the size of the rapidly growing North Petherton ED. Changes proposed: Having looked at options it was agreed • Include whole of Westonzoyland Parish that the most sensible move was to (1518 electors) from North Petherton relocate Westonzoyland Parish into the ED. Bridgwater East and Bawdrip ED so Current Parishes and Parish Wards: • Move Stawell to King Alfred ED. bringing the whole of the Kings Isle Bawdrip district ward into a single ED. This Bridgwater Without Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: improves the alignment between the Chedzoy Bawdrip district ward and ED boundaries. (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council Bridgwater Without (Dunwear No 1) Chedzoy The increase in the electorate as a (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Dunwear result of the Westonzoyland parish (Fairfax No 1) No 1) transfer is partially balanced by moving Stawell (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Fairfax Stawell Parish into the King Alfred ED to No 1) unite both parts of the West Polden Current District Wards: Westonzoyland (from North Petherton ED) District ward in a single ED. (Part of) Kings Isle (Part of) Bridgwater Dunwear Proposed district wards: With these changes in the electorate (Part of) Bridgwater Fairfax Kings Isle this ED remains just within the target of (Part of) West Poldens (Part of) Bridgwater Dunwear +/- 10% of the projected average (Part of) Bridgwater Fairfax electorate figure for Somerset of 8137 electors by 2017.

Page 3 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

BRIDGWATER NORTH & CENTRAL BRIDGWATER NORTH & CENTRAL This urban ED taking in the central and northern areas of Bridgwater is (2017 electorate projection – 8542: +5% No changes proposed. considered to represent the locality and to average) community well and no changes are proposed to the current arrangements. Current Parishes and Parish Wards: (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council Based largely around the A38/A39/A372 (Dunwear No 2) arterial roads as they leave Bridgwater (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council this ED is predicted to be well within the (Eastover No 1 and No 2) target of +/- 10% of the projected (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council average electorate figure for Somerset (Fairfax No 2) of 8137 electors by 2017.

Current District wards: (Part of) Bridgwater Dunwear Bridgwater Eastover (Part of) Bridgwater Fairfax

Page 4 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

BRIDGWATER SOUTH BRIDGWATER SOUTH This proposed urban ED unites two (2017 electorate projection – 6933: -15% Proposed electorate projection = 8870 District Council wards – Bridgwater to average) (+9% to average) Hamp and Bridgwater Westover in the South of the town. It reflects local road Changes proposed: patterns and centres around the A38 • Make co-terminous with Bridgwater and A39 arterial roads as they leave Hamp and Bridgwater Westover wards. Bridgwater to the south and west of the Current Parishes and Parish Wards: town. (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Hamp Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: No 1) (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Hamp No The area proposed is also felt to (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council 1) represent local communities of interest (Westover No 1 & 3) (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Westover well. No 1 & 3) (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Westover In spite of the increase in the electorate No 2 & 4 – from Bridgwater West ED) this ED is predicted to still be within the (Part of) North Petherton (Hamp No 2 – from target of +/- 10% of the projected Current District wards: North Petherton ED) average electorate figure for Somerset (Part of) Bridgwater Hamp of 8137 electors by 2017. (Part of) Bridgwater Westover Proposed District wards: Bridgwater Hamp Bridgwater Westover

Page 5 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

BRIDGWATER WEST BRIDGWATER WEST The Council’s proposals bring the (2017 electorate projection – 9725: Proposed electorate projection = 8744 electorate for this ED to within the -10% +20% to average) (+7% to average) threshold of the projected target average of 8137 electors for Somerset. Changes proposed: • Make co-terminous with Bridgwater Again this proposed urban ED unites Victoria and Bridgwater Wyndham two District Council wards – Bridgwater Wards. Victoria and Bridgwater Wyndham. This • Bridgwater Westover Ward electorate will impact on the new housing moved to Bridgwater South ED. development which is within the • Remainder of Durleigh area moved to boundaries of Wembdon Parish but is Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Cannington ED. included within Bridgwater Victoria (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council Ward. The proposal therefore improves (Victoria No 1) Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: the alignment between district ward and (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Victoria ED boundaries. (Westover No 2 & 4) No 1) Durleigh (inc Wyndham Ward) (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council Nor does the proposed ED include the (Part of) Bridgwater Town Council (Wyndham No 1 & 2) part of district ward of Bridgwater (Wyndham No 1 & 2) (Part of) Durleigh (Wyndham Ward) Westover which is currently within the (Part of) Wembdon (Victoria No 2 – from Bridgwater West ED. This area Current District wards: Cannington ED) transfers into the proposed Bridgwater (Part of) Bridgwater Victoria South ED so uniting both parts of (Part of) Bridgwater Westover Proposed District wards: Bridgwater Westover in a single ED so Bridgwater Wyndham Bridgwater Victoria improving the alignment between district (Part of) Cannington & Wembdon Bridgwater Wyndham ward and ED boundaries.

Page 6 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) The recently constructed Northern Distributor Road (NDR) and the local road network links the two district wards and brings them together into a cohesive ED.

There is a narrow neck joining the two halves of this ED together. The ‘neck’ is currently the subject of new build housing and as we understand it access will be limited to common access to the NDR.

Page 7 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

BURNHAM NORTH BURNHAM NORTH No changes are proposed to this urban (2017 electorate projection – 7627: -6% No changes proposed. ED which takes in an area of coastline to average) and is well within the target of +/- 10% of the projected average electorate Current Parishes and Parish Wards: figure for Somerset of 8137 electors by (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC 2017. (Burnham East) (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC Although there is a need to rebalance (Burnham West) the electorate between the EDs in the (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge and (Burnham North) Huntspill areas, it is felt that the current boundary between this ED and the Current District wards: Highbridge & Burnham South ED (Part of) Burnham Central reflects local community interests. Burnham North

Page 8 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

CANNINGTON CANNINGTON This is essentially a rural ED to the north (2017 electorate projection – 8961: Proposed electorate projection = 7877 (- and west of Bridgwater. It takes in the +10% to average) 3% to average) A39 arterial road and a significant part of the Quantock Hills AONB. The Changes proposed: Council’s proposals seek to decrease • Part of Bridgwater Victoria ward moved the electorate for this ED to bring it to Bridgwater West ED. further within the - /+ 10% threshold of • Broomfield moved to North Petherton the projected target level of 8137 ED. electors for Somerset by 2017. • Gain part of Durleigh area from Bridgwater West ED. It is proposed therefore to reduce the • Goathurst moved to North Petherton ED electorate by moving the part of Bridgwater Victoria ward that is currently Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: in Cannington ED to the proposed Broomfield Cannington Bridgwater West ED. This enables the Cannington Chilton Trinity separate parts of this District Council Chilton Trinity (Part of) Durleigh (from Bridgwater West ED) ward to be united in one ED so Enmore Enmore improving the alignment between district Fiddington Fiddington ward and the ED boundary. Goathurst Nether Stowey Nether Stowey Otterhampton and Combwich In addition, the proposed transfer of Otterhampton and Combwich Otterhampton and Combwich (Steart Ward) Goathurst and Broomfield Parishes into Otterhampton and Combwich (Steart Over Stowey the North Petherton ED is felt to better Ward) Spaxton reflect community interests although Over Stowey Spaxton (Aisholt and Merridge) Goathurst Parish Council have argued (Part of) Wembdon (inc Bridgwater the opposite case. The Parish Council’s

Page 9 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Victoria No 2) Spaxton (Charlinch) representations were received too late Spaxton Stockland Bristol for consideration by the Council and Spaxton (Aisholt and Merridge) (Part of) Wembdon were not taken into account. Spaxton (Charlinch) Stockland Bristol Proposed District wards: The inclusion of part of Durleigh Parish Cannington and Wembdon into this ED brings this area into line Current District wards: (Part of) Quantocks with changes made recently to District (Part of) Bridgwater Victoria ward arrangements and only has a (Part of) Cannington & Wembdon small impact on the size of the (Part of) North Petherton electorate although this is not the Quantocks preferred option of Durleigh Parish Council. .

Page 10 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

CHEDDAR CHEDDAR No changes are proposed to this ED (2017 electorate projection – 7647: -6% No changes proposed. which focuses on Cheddar and its to average) hinterland including part of the Mendip Hills AONB. This is a self-contained Current Parishes and Parish Wards: ED and is well within the target of +/- Axbridge 10% of the projected average electorate Cheddar figure for Somerset of 8137 electors by Cheddar (Nyland Ward) 2017. Shipham I*-t is felt that the current boundaries of Current District wards: the ED reflect local community interests (Part of) Axevale well. Cheddar & Shipham

Page 11 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

HIGHBRIDGE & BURNHAM SOUTH HIGHBRIDGE & BURNHAM SOUTH The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 9533: Proposed electorate projection = 8973 decrease the electorate for this urban +17% to average) (+10% to average) ED to within the +/- 10% threshold of the Changes proposed: projected target level of 8137 electors • It is proposed that the southern part of for Somerset by 2017. polling district WEO (Highbridge Ward Polling District No 1) be moved to the As explained earlier, the boundary Huntspill ED (560 electors) comprising between the Burnham North and the following roads: Clyce Road (101), Highbridge & Burnham South ED’s is Smith Way (47), Sparks Way (28), felt to reflect local community interests Somerset Way (69), Market Street (33), so it not proposed to alter this. Walrow (86), Walrow Terrace (35), Soutwell Crescent (40) and Huntspill Instead, the proposal is to transfer some Road (121). electorate from the southern boundary Current Parishes and Parish Wards: of the Highbridge & Burnham South ED (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: (part of the Highbridge and Burnham (Burnham Central and South Ward) (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC Marine Ward) into the Huntspill ED to (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC (Burnham Central and South Ward) boost the electorate figure in this ED. (Burnham Marine Ward) (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC Although crossing the natural boundary (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC (Burnham Marine Ward) of the river, the area transferred is not (Highbridge Wards) (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC felt to compromise community links (Highbridge Wards) although the proposal will split the Current District wards: Proposed District wards: Parish of Burnham-on-Sea and (Part of) Burnham Central (Part of) Burnham Central Highbridge. It also impacts on the local (Part of) Highbridge & Burnham Marine (Part of) Highbridge & Burnham Marine polling district WEO, Highbridge Ward Polling District No 1.

Page 12 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

HUNTSPILL HUNTSPILL This is essentially a low-lying rural area (2017 electorate projection – 6644: -18% Proposed electorate projection = 7808 (- based around the A38 and M5 to average) 4% to average) motorway and the linked local road network and includes part of the Levels Changes proposed: and Moors. • Cossington moved to Huntspill ED from King Alfred ED. The Council’s proposals seek to • It is proposed that the southern part of increase the electorate for this ED to polling district WEO (Highbridge Ward within the +/- 10% threshold of the Polling District No 1) be moved to the projected target level of 8137 electors Huntspill ED from Highbridge and for Somerset by 2017. Burnham South ED comprising the following roads: Clyce Road (101), Smith The proposal to include Cossington Way (47), Sparks Way (28), Somerset Parish from the current King Alfred ED Way (69), Market Street (33), Walrow brings the whole of the Puriton and (86), Walrow Terrace (35), Soutwell Woolavington district ward together in a Crescent (40) and Huntspill Road (121). single ED as well as boosting the Current Parishes and Parish Wards: . electorate figure. It is also felt to reflect East Huntspill local community interests and links. Pawlett Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Pawlett (Stretcholt Ward) (Part of) Burnham & Highbridge TC It is proposed to further boost numbers Puriton (Highbridge Ward) by the transfer of a small area of the West Huntspill Cossington (from King Alfred ED) existing Highbridge & Burnham South West Huntspill (Alstone Ward) East Huntspill ED (part of the Highbridge and Burnham Woolavington (North and South ward) Pawlett Marine Ward) into the Huntspill ED. This is not felt to compromise local

Page 13 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Pawlett (Stretcholt Ward) community links although it crosses the Puriton natural boundary of the river and will West Huntspill split the Parish of Burnham-on-Sea and West Huntspill (Alstone Ward) Highbridge. It also impacts on the local Current District wards: Woolavington polling district WEO, Highbridge Ward (Part of) Highbridge & Burnham Marine Polling District No 1. Huntspill and Pawlett Proposed District wards: (Part of) Knoll (Part of) Highbridge & Burnham Marine (Part of) Puriton and Woolavington Huntspill and Pawlett (Part of) Knoll Puriton and Woolavington

Page 14 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

KING ALFRED KING ALFRED This rural ED covers an extensive area (2017 electorate projection – 7948: -2% Proposed electorate projection = 8853 on the eastern side of the district much to average) (+9% to average) of which is low-lying and part of the Levels and Moors. It contains a number Changes proposed: of rural settlements and offers scope to • Middlezoy and Othery s moved from rebalance electorate figures with North Petherton Division to King Alfred neighbouring EDs. ED (+1174 electors). • Cossington moved to Huntspill ED (-604 The proposal to transfer Cossington electors). Parish into the Huntspill ED brings the • Stawell added from Bridgwater East & whole of the Puriton and Woolavington Bawdrip ED. district ward together in a single ED and Current Parishes and Parish Wards: boosts the electorate of Huntspill ED Ashcott Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: although further reducing the electorate Burtle Ashcott numbers in this ED. Catcott Burtle Chilton Polden Catcott Adding Middlezoy and Othery Parishes Cossington Chilton Polden into the King Alfred ED reduces excess Edington Edington numbers from the North Petherton ED. Greinton Greinton Mark Mark Similarly adding Stawell unites both Moorlinch Middlezoy (from North Petherton ED) parts of the West Polden District ward in Shapwick Moorlinch a single ED and reflects local Wedmore (inc Blackford and Theale Othery (from North Petherton ED) community interests. Ward) Shapwick Although now a large rural ED the total

Page 15 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Stawell (from Bridgwater East and Bawdrip projected electorate by 2017 is within ED) the target of +/- 10% of the average Wedmore (inc Blackford ward and Theale electorate figure for Somerset of 8137. Ward) Current District wards: East Poldens Proposed District wards: (Part of) Puriton and Woolavington East Poldens Wedmore and Mark (Part of) Kings Isle (Part of) West Poldens Wedmore and Mark West Poldens

Page 16 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

NORTH PETHERTON NORTH PETHERTON This mixed urban / rural ED based (2017 electorate projection – 10221: Proposed electorate projection = 7657 (- around the A38 and M5 corridor will +26% to average) 6% to average) expand rapidly in the period to 2017 as a result of significant new build between Changes proposed: North Petherton and the urban area of • Move Middlezoy and Othery to King Bridgwater. Alfred ED (-1174 electors). • Move Westonzoyland to Bridgwater East The Council’s proposals seek to and Bawdrip ED (-1518 electors). decrease the electorate for this ED to • Add Broomfield from Cannington ED. within the +/- 10% threshold of the • Add Goathurst from Cannington ED projected target level of 8137 electors • North Petherton Hamp electorate moved for Somerset by 2017. This requires the to Bridgwater South ED. removal of significant areas into neighbouring EDs which can be Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: achieved without significantly Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Broomfield (from Cannington ED) compromising community interests. Lyng Goathurst (from Cannington ED) (Part of) North Petherton (Hamp No 2) Lyng The addition of the low electorate areas Middlezoy North Petherton (North Newton) of Goathurst and Broomfield reflects North Petherton (North Newton) North Petherton (North Petherton No 1 and local community links and has only North Petherton (North Petherton No 1 2) limited impact on electorate numbers. and 2) North Petherton (Northmoor Green No 1 and North Petherton (Northmoor Green No 1 2) and 2) Thurloxton Othery Thurloxton

Page 17 of 18 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Westonzoyland Proposed District wards: Current District wards: North Petherton (Part of) Bridgwater Hamp (Part of) Quantocks (Part of) Kings Isle (Part of) North Petherton

Page 18 of 18 Appendix A3 - South Somerset Electoral Division Proposal final submission (14 November 2011)

Target average electorate = 8137 for each County Councillor in Somerset

Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

BLACKMOOR VALE BLACKMOOR VALE The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 7,132: -12% to Proposed electorate projection = 7342 increase the electorate for this ED average) (-10% to average) to within the -10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors for Changes proposed: Somerset. • Rimpton to be moved from Castle Cary ED Current Parishes and Parish Wards: The design of the ED reflects the Abbas & Templecombe Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: predominantly rural communities in Charlton Horethorne Abbas & Templecombe the current ED with the only change Compton Pauncefoot Charlton Horethorne being the inclusion of the adjoining Corton Denham Compton Pauncefoot rural parish of Rimpton from Castle Henstridge Corton Denham Cary ED. Holton Henstridge Horsington Holton Communities across this rural Maperton Horsington division use the main roads like the Milborne Port Maperton A357 and A303 to link to their North Cheriton Milborne Port market towns outside of the North Cheriton division. In addition the communities Rimpton (from Castle Cary ED) use B roads like the B3145 to cross Current District wards: the division. Blackmoor Vale Proposed District wards: Milborne Port Blackmoor Vale Milborne Port (Part of) Camelot

1 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

CASTLE CARY CASTLE CARY The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 7,008: -14% to Proposed electorate projection = 7328 increase the electorate for this ED average) (-10% to average) to within the - 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors for Changes proposed: Somerset. • Chilton Cantelo to be moved from Ilchester ED • Bratton Seymour and Pitcombe to be moved The design of the ED reflects the from Wincanton and Bruton ED predominantly rural communities in • Rimpton to be moved to Blackmoor Vale ED the current ED with the changes being the inclusion of adjoining rural Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: parishes. Alford Alford Ansford Ansford Babcary Babcary Castle Cary Bratton Seymour (from Wincanton and Bruton ED) Lovington Castle Cary Marston Magna Chilton Cantelo (from Ilchester ED) North Barrow Lovington North Cadbury Marston Magna Queen Camel North Barrow Rimpton North Cadbury South Barrow Pitcombe (from Wincanton and Bruton ED) South Cadbury Queen Camel Sparkford South Barrow West Camel South Cadbury Yarlington Sparkford West Camel Yarlington

2 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Proposed District wards: Current District wards: Cary Camelot (Part of) Camelot Cary (Part of) Ivelchester (Part of) Tower

CHARD NORTH CHARD NORTH No change proposed to the current (2017 electorate projection – 8,039: -1% to No changes proposed ED as it meets the needs and average) interests of the local communities.

Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Buckland St Mary Chard Avishayes Chard Combe Chard Crimchard Combe St Nicholas Wambrook Whitestaunton

Current District wards: Blackdown Chard Avishayes Chard Combe Chard Crimchard

3 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

CHARD SOUTH CHARD SOUTH No change proposed to the current (2017 electorate projection – 8,344: +3% to No changes proposed ED as it meets the needs and average) interests of the local communities.

Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Chard Holyrood Chard Jocelyn Tatworth & Forton

Current District wards: Chard Holyrood Chard Jocelyn Tatworth & Forton

COKER COKER The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 6,619: -19% to Proposed electorate projection = 7766 increase the electorate for this ED average) (-5% to average) to within the -10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors for Changes proposed: Somerset. • Part of East Coker (Wraxhill Ward) and part of West Coker (Sampsons Wood Ward) to be The Council’s proposals seek to moved from Yeovil South ED align Barwick with the town of • Montacute to be moved from Ilchester ED Yeovil rather than the village of • Norton-sub-Hamdon to be moved from Martock Coker. Similarly the Council’s ED review identified the desire to return • Barwick to be moved to Yeovil South ED the parts of East and West Coker Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Parish Councils within the current Barwick Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Yeovil South ED to Coker Division. Chiselborough Chiselborough

4 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Closworth Closworth The inclusion of the rural parishes (Part of) East Coker East Chinnock of Montacute and Norton-sub- East Chinnock East Coker (whole Parish: Wraxhill Ward from Hamdon help the Coker ED’s ability Hardington Mandeville Yeovil South ED) to meet the electorate thresholds Haselbury Plucknett Hardington Mandeville levels for Somerset. North Perrott Haselbury Plucknett Odcombe Montacute (from Ilchester ED) The design of the ED reflects its West & Middle Chinnock Norton-sub-Hamdon (from Martock ED) composition of predominantly rural (Part of) West Coker North Perrott communities. Odcombe West & Middle Chinnock Communities across the division West Coker (whole Parish: Sampsons Wood Ward use the A30 to access Yeovil and from Yeovil South ED) other market towns in addition to a Current District wards: range of B roads and minor roads Coker Proposed District wards: within the division. Parrett Parrett (Part of) Coker (Part of) Hamdon (Part of) St Michael’s (Part of) Yeovil South

CREWKERNE CREWKERNE The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 7,254: -11% to Proposed electorate projection = 7809 increase the electorate for this ED average) (-4% to average) to within the -10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors for Changes proposed: Somerset. • Wayford and West Crewkerne to be moved from Ilminster ED The proposed amendments seek to Current Parishes and Parish Wards: reflect community linkages with the Crewkerne (Ward No 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: market town of Crewkerne.

5 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Misterton Crewkerne (Ward No 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) Misterton Communities across the division will Wayford (from Ilminster ED) use the main roads like the A30 and West Crewkerne (from Ilminster ED) A356 together with the B3165 to Current District wards: connect to Crewkerne. Crewkerne Proposed District wards: Crewkerne (Part of) Windwhistle

CURRY RIVEL (2017 electorate projection – 6,654: -18% to Changes proposed: Under the Council’s proposals average) • Ashill, Broadway, Donyatt and Horton to be this ED on the western edge of moved to Ilminster ED the District Council boundary is Current Parishes and Parish Wards: • Beercrowcombe, Curry Mallet, Curry Rivel, to be removed to achieve the Ashill Drayton, Fivehead and Hambridge & Westport to proposed reduction to 17 EDs for Beercrowcombe be moved to Curry Rivel and Langport ED the South Somerset area by May Broadway • Ilton, Isle Abbotts and Isle Brewers to be moved 2013. Curry Mallet to South Petherton and Islemoor ED Curry Rivel The current ED is made up of Donyatt predominantly rural parishes. Drayton Fivehead The current parishes and parish Hambridge & Westport wards are proposed to be added Horton to a new Curry Rivel and Ilton Langport ED, revised South Isle Abbotts Petherton ED and a revised Isle Brewers Ilminster ED.

Current District wards: Curry Rivel Islemoor

6 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Neroche

ILCHESTER PROPOSED NAME CHANGE: BRYMPTON The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 11,128: +37% to reduce the electorate for this ED to average) Proposed electorate projection = 8051 within the +/- 10% threshold of the (-1% to average) target level of 8137 electors for Somerset. Changes proposed: • Chilton Cantelo to be moved to Castle Cary ED This new ED is located to the west • Montacute to be moved to Coker ED of Yeovil, which is the principal • Ilchester, Tintinhull and (part of) Stoke-sub- market town in South Somerset. Hamdon (Stanchester Ward) to be moved to Martock ED The proposed change of name seeks to reflect the design of the Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: new ED with the principal Brympton (Ward No 1 and 2) Brympton (Ward No 1 and 2) community being in Brympton. Chilthorne Domer Chilthorne Domer Chilton Cantelo Limington Communities across the division will Ilchester Yeovilton use the main roads like the A37 and Limington (Part of) Mudford A3088 to access Yeovil and other Montacute market towns. In addition Tintinhull communities are connected by Yeovilton several B roads and minor roads (Part of) Mudford across the division. (Part of) Stoke-sub-Hamdon (Stanchester Ward)

Current District wards: Proposed District wards: Brympton Brympton Ivelchester (Part of) Ivelchester St Michael’s (Part of) St Michael’s

7 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

ILMINSTER ILMINSTER The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 6,907: -15% to increase the electorate for this ED average) Proposed electorate projection = 8425 to within the +10% threshold of the (+4% to average) target level of 8137 electors for Somerset. Changes proposed: • Wayford and West Crewkerne to be moved to The proposed amendments also Crewkerne ED seek to reflect the community • Ashill, Broadway, Donyatt and Horton to be linkages with Ilminster as their main Current Parishes and Parish Wards: moved from Curry Rivel ED market town. Chaffcombe Chillington Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: The design of the new ED Cricket St Thomas Ashill (from Curry Rivel ED) comprises a majority of rural Cudworth Broadway (from Curry Rivel ED) parishes that connect to the market Dowlish Wake Chaffcombe town of Ilminster. Ilminster (Ward No 1 and 2) Chillington Kingstone Cricket St Thomas Knowle St Giles Cudworth Wayford Donyatt (from Curry Rivel ED) West Crewkerne Dowlish Wake Whitelackington Horton (from Curry Rivel ED) Winsham Ilminster (Ward No 1 and 2) Kingstone Knowle St Giles Whitelackington Current District wards: Winsham Ilminster Windwhistle Proposed District wards: Ilminster

8 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Neroche (Part of) Windwhistle

LANGPORT PROPOSED NAME CHANGE: CURRY RIVEL The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 6,618: -19% to AND LANGPORT increase the electorate for this ED average) to within the +/- 10% threshold of Proposed electorate projection = 8897 the target level of 8137 electors for (+9% to average) Somerset.

Changes proposed: The proposed new ED brings • Beercrowcombe, Curry Mallet, Curry Rivel, together rural parishes surrounding Drayton, Fivehead and Hambridge & Westport to the Curry Rivel and Langport which be moved from Curry Rivel ED are the two main settlements in the • Barrington, Puckington and Stocklinch to be new ED. moved to South Petherton and Islemoor ED • Long Sutton to be moved to Somerton ED Communities across the division will use the main roads like the A378 Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: and A372 to access Curry Rivel and Aller Aller Langport and other market towns, Barrington Beercrowcombe (from Curry Rivel ED) together with a network of B roads High Ham Curry Mallet (from Curry Rivel ED) and country lanes. Huish Episcopi (inc Wearne & Combe Ward) Curry Rivel (from Curry Rivel ED) Kingsbury Episcopi Drayton (from Curry Rivel ED) Langport Fivehead (from Curry Rivel ED) Long Sutton Hambridge and Westport (from Curry Rivel ED) Muchelney High Ham Pitney Huish Episcopi (inc Wearne & Combe Ward) Puckington Kingsbury Episcopi Stocklinch Langport Muchelney

9 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Pitney

Current District wards: Proposed District wards: Burrow Hill (Part of) Burrow Hill Langport & Huish Curry Rivel Turn Hill (Part of) Islemoor Langport & Huish (Part of) Turn Hill

MARTOCK MARTOCK (2017 electorate projection – 6,994: -14% to Proposed electorate projection = 8796 The Council’s proposals seek to average) (+8% to average) increase the electorate for this ED to within the +/- 10% threshold of Changes proposed: the target level of 8137 electors for • Norton-sub-Hamdon to be moved to Coker ED Somerset. • Ilchester, Tintinhull and (part of) Stoke-sub- Hamdon (Stanchester Ward) to be moved from The proposed amendments seek to the Brympton ED reflect rural community links with Martock as the main town within the Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: new ED. Ash Ash Long Load Ilchester (from Brympton ED) Communities across the division will Martock (inc Bower Hinton) Long Load use the main roads like the A303 Norton-sub-Hamdon Martock (inc Bower Hinton) and a network of B roads to access (Part of) Stoke-sub-Hamdon Stoke-sub-Hamdon (whole parish; Stanchester Martock and other market towns. Ward from Brympton ED) Tintinhull (from Brympton ED)

Current District wards: Proposed District wards: Hamdon Martock

10 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Martock (Part of) Hamdon (Part of) Ivelchester (Part of) St Michaels

SOMERTON SOMERTON The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 7,248: -11% to increase the electorate for this ED average) Proposed electorate projection = 7963 to within the +/- 10% threshold of (-2% to average) the target level of 8137 electors for Somerset. Changes proposed: • Long Sutton to be moved from Curry Rivel and The proposed amendments seek to Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Langport ED reflect rural community links with the Barton St David market town of Somerton. Charlton Mackrell Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Compton Dundon Barton St David The majority of the new ED is Keinton Mandeville Charlton Mackrell similar to the current ED with the Kingsdon Compton Dundon only change being the addition of Kingweston Keinton Mandeville the rural parish of Long Sutton. Somerton Kingsdon Kingweston Communities across the division will Long Sutton (from Curry Rivel and Langport ED) use a range of B roads and country Somerton roads like the B3153 to access Current District wards: Somerton and to connect to main Northstone Proposed District wards: roads to other market towns. Wessex Northstone Wessex (Part of) Turn Hill

11 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

SOUTH PETHERTON PROPOSED NAME CHANGE: SOUTH The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 6,326: -22% to PETHERTON AND ISLEMOOR increase the electorate for this ED average) to within the +/- 10% threshold of Proposed electorate projection = 7913 the target level of 8137 electors for (-3% to average) Somerset.

Changes proposed: The proposed amendments seek to • Ilton, Isle Abbotts and Isle Brewers to be moved reflect rural communities links with from the Curry Rivel ED the market town of South Petherton. • Barrington, Puckington and Stocklinch to be moved from the Curry Rivel and Langport ED The proposals also seek to maintain the following clusters of parish Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: councils : Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Barrington (from Curry Rivel and Langport ED) • Ilton, Isle Abbotts and Isle Dinnington Dinnington Brewers Hinton St George Hinton St. George • Barrington, Puckington and Lopen Ilton (from Curry Rivel ED) Stocklinch Merriott Isle Abbots (from Curry Rivel ED) Seavington St Mary Isle Brewers (from Curry Rivel ED) Communities across the division will Seavington St Michael Lopen use the main roads like the A303 Shepton Beauchamp Merriott and a range of B roads o access South Petherton (inc Stratton) Puckington (from Curry Rivel and Langport ED) South Petherton and other market Seavington St Mary towns. Seavington St Michael Shepton Beauchamp South Petherton (inc Stratton) Stocklinch (from Curry Rivel and Langport ED)

Proposed District wards:

12 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Current District wards: Eggwood Eggwood South Petherton South Petherton (Part of) Burrow Hill (Part of) Islemoor

WINCANTON & BRUTON WINCANTON & BRUTON The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 9,085: +12% to reduce the electorate for this ED to average) Proposed electorate projection = 8642 within the +/- 10% threshold of the (+6% to average) target level of 8137 electors for Somerset. Changes proposed: • Bratton Seymour and Pitcombe to be moved to The design of the new ED Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Castle Cary ED comprises a majority of rural Bratton Seymour parishes surrounding the two Brewham Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: market towns of Wincanton and Bruton Brewham Bruton. Charlton Musgrove Bruton Cucklington Charlton Musgrove Communities across the division will Pen Selwood Cucklington use the main roads like the A303 Pitcombe Pen Selwood and A359 along with a range of B Shepton Montague Shepton Montague roads to access Bruton in the Stoke Trister Stoke Trister northern part of the division or Wincanton Wincanton Wincanton in the southern part of the division. Current District wards: Bruton Tower Proposed District wards: Wincanton Bruton Wincanton (Part of) Tower

13 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

YEOVIL EAST YEOVIL EAST The Council’s proposals have (2017 electorate projection – 8,868: +9% to reviewed the whole of the Yeovil average) Proposed electorate projection = 7353 area to develop a comprehensive (-10% to average) proposal for the town and surrounding parishes. Changes proposed: • Yeovil East (Ward No 3) to be moved to Yeovil The proposed move of Yeovil East Current Parishes and Parish Wards: North & Central ED Ward No 3 polling district area (on (Part of) Mudford the southern edge of the ED) to the Yeovil East (Ward No 1, 2 and 3) Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: adjoining Yeovil North and Central (Part of) Yeovil Without (Lyde) (Part of) Mudford ED is necessary to ensure that the (Part of) Yeovil East (Ward No 1 and 2) ED is within the +/- 10% target Current District wards: (Part of) Yeovil Without (Lyde) electorate levels. Yeovil East (Part of) Yeovil Without Proposed District wards: (Part of) Yeovil East (Part of) Yeovil Without

YEOVIL NORTH & CENTRAL YEOVIL NORTH & CENTRAL The Council’s proposals have (2017 electorate projection – 8,848: +9% to reviewed the whole of the Yeovil average) Proposed electorate projection = 7674 area to develop a comprehensive (-6% to average) proposal for the town and surrounding parishes. Changes proposed: • Yeovil East (Ward No 3) to be moved from Yeovil The proposed move of Yeovil East East ED Ward No 3 polling district area to • Part of Yeovil Central (Ward No 2 and 4) to be the Yeovil North and Central ED is Current Parishes and Parish Wards: moved to Yeovil South ED necessary to ensure that the ED is Yeovil Central (Ward No 1, 2, 3 and 4) within the +/- 10% target electorate

14 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) (Part of) Yeovil Without (Combe) Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: levels. (Part of) Yeovil Central (Ward No 1 and 3) (Part of) Yeovil East (Ward No 3) The proposed move of Yeovil Current District wards: (Part of) Yeovil Without (Combe) Central wards 2 and 4 to Yeovil Yeovil Central South ED is felt to reflect the (Part of) Yeovil Without Proposed District wards: communities better connection with (Part of) Yeovil Central Yeovil South. (Part of) Yeovil East (Part of) Yeovil Without

YEOVIL SOUTH YEOVIL SOUTH The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 6,959: -15% to increase the electorate for this ED average) Proposed electorate projection = 8455 to within the +/- 10% threshold of (+4% to average) the target level of 8137 electors for Somerset. Changes proposed: • Part of East Coker (Wraxhill Ward) and part of The Council’s proposals have West Coker (Sampson’s Wood Ward) to be reviewed the whole of the Yeovil moved to Coker ED area to develop a comprehensive • Barwick to be moved from Coker ED proposal for the town and • Part of Yeovil Central (Ward No 2 and 4) to be surrounding parishes. moved from Yeovil North and Central ED • Part of Yeovil South (Ward No 4) to be moved to The review felt that Barwick’s Yeovil West ED communities had a greater • Part of Yeovil West (Ward No 2) to be moved connection with Yeovil South than Current Parishes and Parish Wards: from Yeovil West ED Coker. Similarly the review Yeovil South (Ward No 1, 2, 3 and 4) identified the desire of local (Part of) East Coker (Wraxhill Ward) Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: communities and local councils to (Part of) West Coker (Sampson’s Wood Ward) Barwick (from Coker ED) return the parts of East and West (Part of) Yeovil Central (Ward No 2 and 4 from Coker Parish Councils within the

15 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Yeovil North & Central ED) current Yeovil South ED to Coker (Part of) Yeovil South (Ward No 1, 2 and 3) ED. (Part of) Yeovil West (Ward No 2 from Yeovil West ED) The relocation of the communities Current District wards: within Yeovil West ward no 2 to Yeovil South Yeovil South reflects the view that Proposed District wards: these communities relate more to (Part of) Coker the other communities in Yeovil (Part of) Yeovil Central South. Conversely, the same case (Part of) Yeovil South is presented for the relocation of (Part of) Yeovil West communities in Yeovil South ward no 4 to be moved to Yeovil West.

The proposed inclusion of Barwick to Yeovil South is supported by its connection to this part of Yeovil by the A37 and other B roads.

YEOVIL WEST YEOVIL WEST The Council’s proposals have (2017 electorate projection – 7,600: -7% to reviewed the whole of the Yeovil average) Proposed electorate projection = 8834 area to develop a comprehensive (+9% to average) proposal for the town and surrounding parishes. Changes proposed: • Part of Yeovil South (Ward No 4) to be moved The relocation of the communities from Yeovil South ED within Yeovil West ward no 2 to • Part of Yeovil West (Ward No 2) to be moved to Yeovil South reflects the view that Yeovil South ED these communities relate more to Current Parishes and Parish Wards: the other communities in Yeovil Yeovil West (Ward No 1, 2, 3 and 4) Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: South. Conversely, the same case

16 of 17 Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed Explanation of the County Council’s proposals for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) (Part of) Yeovil Without (Brimsmore) (Part of) Yeovil South (Ward No 4 from Yeovil South is presented for the relocation of ED) communities in Yeovil South ward (Part of) Yeovil West (Ward No 1, 3 and 4) no 4 to be moved to Yeovil West. (Part of) Yeovil Without (Brimsmore) Current District wards: Yeovil West Proposed District wards: (Part of) Yeovil Without (Part of) Yeovil South (Part of) Yeovil West (Part of) Yeovil Without

17 of 17 Appendix A4 - Taunton Deane Electoral Division proposal final submission (14 November 2011)

Target average electorate = 8137 for each County Councillor in Somerset

Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

BLACKDOWN AND WELLINGTON BLACKDOWN AND WELLINGTON EAST This is a mixed urban / rural ED and EAST Proposed electorate projection = 7,553 the only change proposed is to (2017 electorate projection – 7,631: (-7% to average) remove the part of the Wellington -6% to average) Rockwell Green and West Borough • Changes proposed: . Council ward currently within the ED. Current Parishes and Parish Wards: This has only a very small impact on Churchstanton Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: electorate numbers but enables the Otterford Churchstanton whole of that Borough Council ward to Pitminster Otterford be brought together in Wellington ED Sampford Arundell Pitminster to improve coterminosity. Wellington Town East Sampford Arundell (Part of) Wellington Town West Wellington Town East Aside from this change the current Wellington Without (inc Thorne St Wellington Without (inc Thorne St Margaret) Blackdown and Wellington East ED is Margaret) West Buckland felt to meet the needs and interests of West Buckland local communities well. Proposed District wards: Current District wards: Blackdown Blackdown Monument Monument Wellington East Wellington East (Part of) Wellington Rockwell Green and West

1 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) LYDEARD PROPOSED NAME CHANGE TO: LYDEARD (2017 electorate projection – 7,669: AND BISHOP’S HULL The reduction from 12 to 11 county -6% to average) electoral divisions across the Taunton Proposed electorate projection = 8,857 Deane area required a fundamental (+9% to average) reworking of some existing EDs. The Changes proposed: size of the Taunton urban area • Ash Priors, Cotford St Luke, Lydeard St electorate means that to remove an Lawrence and Tolland to be moved to Upper ED it is essential to remove Tone ED proportions of the urban electorate • Bishop’s Hull and part of Taunton (polling from the built up area and link them to district AB) to be moved from Taunton West ED a rural area. Having examined the Current Parishes and Parish Wards: options the Council decided on Ash Priors Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: balance that there was justification to Bishop’s Lydeard Bishop’s Hull (from Taunton West ED) link Bishop’s Hull parish with the Combe Florey Bishop’s Lydeard essentially rural area north west of Cotford St Luke Combe Florey Taunton. This proposed ED is Cothelstone Cothelstone comprised mainly of three large and Lydeard St Lawrence Norton Fitzwarren generally self-contained individual Norton Fitzwarren West Bagborough communities each with their own Tolland (Part of) Taunton (polling district AB from Taunton identity but all having close links with West Bagborough West ED) Taunton.

Proposed District wards: The Council is aware of the historical Current District wards: (Part of) Bishop’s Hull and existing community links between Norton Fitzwarren Norton Fitzwarren the Bishops Hull and Comeytrowe (Part of) Bishop’s Lydeard (Part of) Bishop’s Lydeard areas as reflected in the current ED (Part of) Milverton and North Deane and referred to in the responses from

2 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) local parish councils. However, the Council feels that this change is justified by:- • The fact that Bishop’s Hull and Comeytrowe are distinct and relatively self-contained communities • The excellent and improving road link (A358 / Silk Mills Road) between Bishop’s Hull and the wider Lydeard ED areas. This road is an important arterial link from South and West Taunton and is the focus for this ED proposal. • The current major housing and commercial growth taking place between Bishop’s Hull and North Fitzwarren alongside the A358/ Silk Mills Road on the old Norton Trading Estate. This development will provide similar challenges and opportunities for both communities.

The areas of Tolland, Lydeard St Lawrence, Ash Priors and Cotford St

3 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Luke are on the boundary between the current Lydeard and Upper Tone EDs. Lydeard St Lawrence and Tolland are served by one Parish Council and links with Wiveliscombe and Milverton are very strong especially for schooling, surgery and shops. It is therefore proposed to transfer these areas into the revised Upper Tone ED which keeps the projected electorate for the Lydeard and Bishop’s Hull ED within the 10% of the average electorate figure of 8137 by 2017. This also improves coterminosity by bringing together the whole of the relevant Borough Council ward into one ED.

The new name proposed for the ED reflects the geographical area which makes up the new ED and the distinct community of Bishops Hull.

4 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

NORTH CURRY NORTH CURRY (2017 electorate projection – 7,838: No changes proposed No changes are proposed to this rural -4% to average) ED as it is projected to be well within the target of +/- 10% of the average Parishes and Parish Wards: electorate figure for Somerset of 8137 Bickenhall electors by 2017. Burrowbridge Corfe The communities fit logically together Creech St Michael and the motorway forms a strong Curland boundary. Durston Hatch Beauchamp Options to change are limited by the North Curry ED being contained by South Orchard Portman Somerset and Sedgemoor district Ruishton boundaries. Staple Fitzpaine Stoke St Gregory The ED is also coterminus with 3 Stoke St Mary district wards. Thornfalcon West Hatch

District wards: Neroche North Curry and Stoke St Gregory Ruishton and Creech

5 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) No changes are proposed to this STAPLEGROVE STAPLEGROVE current ED as it projected to be well (2017 electorate projection – 8,716: No changes proposed within the target of +/- 10% of the +7% to average) average electorate figure for Somerset of 8137 electors by 2017. Parishes and Parish Wards: Cheddon Fitzpaine (inc Cheddon and This ED forms a natural arch across Maidenbrook wards) the rural fringe of north Taunton from Kingston St Mary the M5 Junction 25 in the east to Silk Staplegrove Mills Lane in the west. There are 4 West Monkton active parish councils (who support (Part of) Taunton (polling district BR) the proposed ED) and a small number of electors in un-parished Staplegrove . District wards: The parishes have many historical and Staplegrove current community links eg schools, West Monkton churches and social activities. They also share many of the same issues in relation to, for example, housing, road infrastructure and community development.

An example of this is the proposed ‘Outer Northern Relief Road’ which if and when constructed will affect all four Parish Councils and will impact on future development in an area which is currently ‘green wedge’.

6 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

TAUNTON AND TRULL PROPOSED NAME CHANGE: SOUTH The need to rework EDs within urban (2017 electorate projection – 6,413: TAUNTON AND TRULL Taunton has meant significant -21% to average) changes to this ED. Proposed electorate projection = 8,946 (+10% to average) The proposed ED now includes: • The whole of Trull parish including Changes proposed: the part in Killams and Mountfield • (Part of) Trull (polling district CG1 Killams ward) ward bringing all of the parish into to be included from Taunton South ED a single ED so improving • (Part of) Taunton (polling districts BS and CF) coterminosity with the parish to be included from Taunton South ED boundary • (Part of) Taunton (polling district CG) to be • Large parts of south Taunton included from Taunton East ED either side of Vivary Park including • Part of Taunton (polling districts AC, AR and the whole of the Killams and CN to be moved to Taunton West ED Mountfield TDBC ward and parts of the Blackbrook and Holway and Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Manor and Wilton TDBC wards. (Part of) Taunton (polling districts AC, Trull (inc Killams and Mountfield Ward from AR, CK, CL, CM and CN) Taunton South ED) This ED makes good use of the M5 as (Part of) Trull (polling district CS) (Part of) Taunton (polling districts BS and CF from a boundary and existing road transport Taunton South ED) links to villages and the south of (Part of) Taunton (polling district CG from Taunton Taunton. In the urban (unparished) East ED) area polling districts have been used (Part of) Taunton (polling districts CK, CL and CM) as building blocks wherever possible

7 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Current District wards: Proposed District wards: It is felt that the area proposed meets Trull (Part of) Blackbrook and Holway the needs and interests of local (Part of) Bishop’s Hull Killams and Mountfield communities well. Although large in (Part of) Comeytrowe (Part of) Manor and Wilton terms of electorate numbers it is (Part of) Manor and Wilton Trull projected just to be within the target of +/- 10% of the average electorate figure for Somerset of 8137 electors by 2017.

8 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

TAUNTON EAST TAUNTON EAST The need to rework EDs within urban (2017 electorate projection – 8,820: Proposed electorate projection = 7,986 Taunton has meant changes to this +8% to average) (-2% to average) ED.

Changes proposed: The proposal seeks to bring together • (Part of) Taunton (polling district CG) to be all of the Halcon TDBC ward into one moved to South Taunton and Trull ED ED together with all but the southern • (Part of) Taunton (polling districts BT, BU, BV most part of the adjoining Blackbrook and CE) to be moved from Taunton South ED and Holway TDBC ward. • Part of Taunton (polling district CO) to be moved to Taunton West ED It is considered important to maintain • Part of Taunton (polling districts BW and BX) to the integrity of the Halcon area as a be moved to Taunton Central ED ‘unit’ as this is a strategic priority area for Taunton Deane Borough Council. Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: (Part of) Taunton (polling districts BW, (Part of) Taunton (polling districts CB, CC and This arrangement is felt to meet the BX, CB, CC, CD, CG and CO) CD) needs and interests of local (Part of) Taunton (polling districts BT, BU, BV and communities well. It also reduces the CE from Taunton South ED) projected electorate numbers to a safer level as compared to the County Current District wards: Proposed District wards: average. Eastgate Halcon (Part of) Halcon (Part of) Blackbrook and Holway (Part of) Killams and Mountfields (Part of) Manor and Wilton

9 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

TAUNTON FAIRWATER PROPOSED NAME CHANGE TO: TAUNTON The need to rework EDs within urban (2017 electorate projection – 6,637: CENTRAL Taunton has led to this proposal for a -18% to average) Proposed electorate projection = 8,336 new ED which looks to bring the (+2% to average) central area of Taunton into a single Changes proposed: ED representing relevant community • Part of Taunton (polling districts BW and BX) to interests. be moved from Taunton East ED • Part of Taunton (polling districts CH and CJ) to The ED reflects the road pattern in the be moved from Taunton North ED area and brings together areas with • Part of Taunton (polling districts CA and CP) to similar interests and issues building on be moved to Taunton North ED polling districts. • Part of Taunton (polling district BY) to be moved to Taunton West ED

Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: (Part of) Taunton (polling districts BY, (Part of) Taunton (polling districts BW and BX BZ, CA and CP) from Taunton East ED) (Part of) Taunton (polling district BZ) (Part of) Taunton (polling districts CH and CJ from Taunton North ED)

Current District wards: Proposed District wards: Fairwater Eastgate (Part of) Pyrland and Rowbarton (Part of) Fairwater (Part of) Lyngford

10 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

TAUNTON NORTH TAUNTON NORTH The need to rework EDs within urban (2017 electorate projection – 8,345: Proposed electorate projection = 8,035 Taunton has meant changes to this +3% to average) (-1% to average) ED.

Changes proposed: This ED brings together communities • Part of Taunton (polling districts CA and CP) to with similar interests and needs across be moved from Taunton Fairwater ED an area that holds key access into • Part of Taunton (polling districts CH and CJ) to Taunton town centre. be moved to Taunton Central ED Current Parishes and Parish Wards: It is proposed to bring together the (Part of) Taunton (polling districts CH, Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: whole of the Pyrland and Rowbarton CI, CJ, CQ and CR) (Part of) Taunton (polling districts CA and CP from TDBC ward with adjoining parts of the Taunton Fairwater ED) Fairwater and Lyngford TDBC wards. (Part of) Taunton (polling districts CI, CQ and CR) This is felt to meet the needs and Current District wards: interests of local communities well. Lyngford Proposed District wards: (Part of) Pyrland and Rowbarton (Part of) Fairwater (Part of) Lyngford Pyrland and Rowbarton

11 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

TAUNTON SOUTH TAUNTON SOUTH The current Taunton South ED has (2017 electorate projection – 7,588: Changes proposed: been split between the new proposed -7% to average) • Part of Trull (polling district CG1) to be moved South Taunton and Trull and Taunton to South Taunton and Trull ED East EDs so removing the need for a Current Parishes and Parish Wards: • Part of Taunton (polling districts BS and CF) to specific Taunton South ED, and (Part of) Taunton (polling districts BS, be moved to South Taunton and Trull ED enabling the Council to achieve the BT, BU, BV, CE and CF) • Part of Taunton (polling districts BT, BU, BV required reduction from 12 to 11 EDs (Part of) Trull (polling district CG1) and CE) to be moved to Taunton East ED covering the Taunton Deane Borough area. Current District wards: Taunton Blackbrook and Holway Part of Taunton Halcon Part of Taunton Killams and Mountfields

12 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

TAUNTON WEST TAUNTON WEST (2017 electorate projection – 7,760: Proposed electorate projection = 8,916 The need to rework EDs within urban -5% to average) (+10% to average) Taunton has meant changes to this ED. Changes proposed: • Part of Taunton (polling districts AC, AR and With Bishop’s Hull parish proposed to CN to be moved from Taunton & Trull ED now sit within the new Lydeard and • Part of Taunton (polling district BY) to be Bishop’s Hull ED, it is proposed that moved from Taunton Fairwater ED Taunton West comprises all of • Part of Taunton (polling district CO) to be Comeytrowe Borough Council ward, moved from Taunton East ED along with adjoining parts of Bishop’s • Bishop’s Hull and part of Taunton (polling Hull, Fairwater and Manor and Wilton district AB) to be moved to Lydeard & Bishop’s Borough Council wards. Hull ED Current Parishes and Parish Wards: Transport links on the western side of Bishop’s Hull the town have been greatly enhanced Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: rd Comeytrowe Comeytrowe by the very recent opening of the ‘3 (Part of) Taunton (polling district AB) (Part of) Taunton (polling districts AC, AR and CN way’ link road and bridge providing from Taunton & Trull ED) direct access between Station Road (Part of) Taunton (polling district BY from Taunton and Wellington Road. Fairwater ED (Part of) Taunton (polling district CO from Taunton This new link (and the existing road East ED network) will further strengthen the Current District wards: community links between these areas (Part of) Bishop’s Hull and will help to meet their strategic (Part of) Comeytrowe priorities.

13 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Proposed District wards: Comeytrowe Although large in terms of the (Part of) Bishop’s Hull projected electorate by 2017, it is (Part of) Fairwater projected just to be within the target of (Part of) Manor and Wilton +/- 10% of the average electorate figure for Somerset of 8137 electors by 2017.

14 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

UPPER TONE UPPER TONE The Council’s proposals seek to (2017 electorate projection – 6,727: Proposed electorate projection = 8,883 increase the electorate for this ED to -17% to average) (+9% to average) within the -10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors for Somerset by Changes proposed: 2017. • Ash Priors, Cotford St Luke, Lydeard St . Lawrence and Tolland to be moved from It is proposed to achieve this through Lydeard ED transferring into the existing ED the Current Parishes and Parish Wards: areas of Tolland, Lydeard St Ashbrittle Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: Lawrence, Ash Priors and Cotford St Bathealton Ash Priors (from Lydeard ED) Luke, currently in Lydeard ED but on Bradford-on-Tone Ashbrittle the boundary between the Lydeard Chipstable Bathealton and Upper Tone EDs. Lydeard St Fitzhead Bradford-on-Tone Lawrence and Tolland are served by Halse Chipstable one Parish Council and links with Langford Budville Cotford St Luke (from Lydeard ED) Wiveliscombe and Milverton are very Milverton Fitzhead strong especially for schooling, Nynehead Halse surgery and shops. Oake Langford Budville Stawley Lydeard St Lawrence (from Lydeard ED) It also brings together the whole of the Wiveliscombe Milverton Milverton and North Deane Borough Nynehead Council ward together in one ED so Oake improving coterminosity. Stawley Tolland (from Lydeard ED) The area covered by the proposed ED, although large in terms of the

15 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Wiveliscombe projected electorate by 2017, is still Current District wards: within the target of +/- 10% of the Bradford-on-Tone Proposed District wards: average electorate figure for Somerset Wiveliscombe and West Deane Bradford-on-Tone of 8137 electors. (Part of) Bishop’s Lydeard Milverton and North Deane (Part of) Milverton and North Deane Wiveliscombe and West Deane (Part of) Bishop’s Lydeard

16 of 17 Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

WELLINGTON WELLINGTON This urban ED remains unchanged (2017 electorate projection – 7,794: Proposed electorate projection = 7,872 aside from a small addition to bring the -4% to average) (-3% to average) whole of the Wellington Rockwell Green & West TDBC ward together Changes proposed: within this ED to improve • Part of Wellington Town West (polling district coterminosity. DC) to be moved from Blackdown & Wellington East ED. Although projected to be below the Current Parishes and Parish Wards: average in terms of the number of Wellington Town North Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: electors by 2017, the local county Wellington Town Rockwell Green Wellington Town North councillor believes that there is (Part of) Wellington Town West Wellington Town Rockwell Green potential for further growth within the Wellington Town West (polling district DC from area that is not necessarily fully Blackdown and Wellington East ED) reflected in the projections from Current District wards: Taunton Deane Borough Council. Wellington North Proposed District wards: (Part of) Wellington Rockwell Green and Wellington North The ED is felt to meet the needs and West Wellington Rockwell Green and West interests of local communities well.

17 of 17 Appendix A5 - West Somerset Electoral Division proposal final submission (14 November 2011)

Target average electorate = 8137 for each County Councillor in Somerset

Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) The Council’s proposals seek to increase DULVERTON & EXMOOR DULVERTON & EXMOOR the electorate for this ED towards the +/- (2017 electorate projection – 6,124: Proposed electorate projection = 6,817 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 -25% to average) (-16% to average) electors for Somerset by 2017. The current ED is predicted to be 25% below Changes proposed: the target average by that date. The • Brompton Ralph, Clatworthy, Huish preference for this ED is to remain as the Champflower, Skilgate and Upton to be rural hinterland around the urban area of included from Dunster ED Minehead as it is not felt appropriate to Current Parishes and Parish Wards: encroach on the self-contained urban area. Brompton Regis (inc Bury) Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: This very much limits the alternatives for Brushford Brompton Ralph (from Dunster ED) increasing the electorate of this ED as does Cutcombe Brompton Regis (inc Bury) the County boundary. Dulverton Brushford Exford Clatworthy (from Dunster ED) The proposal makes increasing use of the Exmoor Cutcombe B3224 as a natural boundary in the east of Exton Dulverton the ED and in the west the ED focuses on Luccombe Exford the network of roads that link to the B3224. Minehead Without (polling district BEG) Exmoor Oare Exton Having reviewed the practical options for Porlock Huish Champflower (from Dunster ED) increasing electorate numbers, the most Selworthy Luccombe logical and only real option for change is to Timberscombe include the whole of the Brendon Hills Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Winsford Minehead Without (polling district BEG) district council ward within this ED to Withypool & Hawkridge Oare improve the alignment with the district ward Wootton Courtenay Porlock and increase electorate numbers by 684. Selworthy This means bringing in the Clatworthy, Skilgate (from Dunster ED) Huish Champflower, Luxborough and Timberscombe Skilgate areas into this ED. Upton (from Dunster ED) Winsford This still doesn’t bring the projected Withypool & Hawkridge electorate for the ED within 10% of the Wootton Courtenay average electorate figure but the Council’s Current District wards: view is that further increases are difficult to (Part of) Brendon Hills Proposed District wards: achieve given the nature of the surrounding Dulverton and District Brendon Hills area without compromising community (Part of) Dunster & Timberscombe Dulverton and District interests and without making the ED Greater Exmoor (Part of) Dunster & Timberscombe unmanageable. As it is this large rural Porlock and District Greater Exmoor area now comprises 21 parishes. Porlock and District Although this ED stills contains part of a district ward (Dunster & Timberscombe) this is considered appropriate as the two areas are distinct and separate areas. Timberscombe regards itself as a rural hill village and Dunster as part of the coastal tourist strip. In addition Timberscombe and Cutcombe schools share a headteacher.

Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

DUNSTER DUNSTER The current Dunster ED is a very mixed (2017 electorate projection – 5,736: Proposed electorate projection = 7,202 division with both hinterland and coastal -30% to average) (-11% to average) strip and already has part of Alcombe. It includes a significant part of the A39 arterial Changes proposed: link inland from the coast and the southern • Brompton Ralph, Clatworthy, Huish boundary makes good use of the B3224 Champflower, Skilgate and Upton to be that is a significant road link on the top of moved to Dulverton & Exmoor ED the hills. The Council’s proposals seek to • Crowcombe and Stogumber to be increase the electorate for this ED to within included from Watchet & Quantocks ED the +/- 10% threshold of the target level of • Minehead (Alcombe Ward No 2) to be 8137 electors by 2017. The ED is included from Minehead ED predicted to be around 30% below the • Minehead (Central Ward No 1) to be target average figure by that date. moved to Minehead ED Current Parishes and Parish Wards: The situation regarding electorate numbers Brompton Ralph Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: is then further worsened by moving the part Carhampton (inc Blue Anchor) Carhampton (inc Blue Anchor) of the Brendon Hills district ward currently Clatworthy Crowcombe within the Dunster ED into the Dulverton & Dunster Dunster Exmoor ED (as described earlier) in order Elworthy Elworthy to increase the numbers in that ED. In Huish Champflower Luxborough addition it is considered that the small area Luxborough Minehead town (Alcombe Ward No 1) of the Minehead Central ward currently Minehead town (Alcombe Ward No 1) Minehead town(Alcombe Ward No 2) included in the Dunster ED is more logically Minehead town (Central Ward No 1) Monksilver located in the Minehead ED. This only Monksilver Nettlecombe affects 58 electors. Nettlecombe Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs) Old Cleeve Old Cleeve It is proposed to balance the resulting low Old Cleeve (Roadwater ward) Old Cleeve (Roadwater ward) electorate for the Dunster ED by bringing all Old Cleeve (Washford ward) Old Cleeve (Washford ward) of the Crowcombe and Stogumber and Skilgate Stogumber Alcombe district wards together in the Treborough Treborough Dunster ED. This improves the alignment Upton Withycombe between the county ED and district ward Withycombe boundaries. These were felt to be the only real options for change as, for example, Current District wards: moving Watchet or Williton is not possible (Part of) Alcombe Proposed District wards: because of their high electorate figures. (Part of) Brendon Hills Alcombe As it is, bringing the whole of the Carhampton and Withycombe Carhampton & Withycombe Crowcombe and Stogumber district ward (Part of) Crowcombe and Stogumber Crowcombe & Stogumber together in this ED doesn’t truly reflect local (Part of) Dunster & Timberscombe (Part of) Dunster & Timberscombe community interests but is preferred over (Part of) Minehead Central Old Cleeve other more damaging options. Old Cleeve This still doesn’t bring the projected electorate for the ED within 10% of the average electorate figure but the Council will argue that further increases are difficult to defend given the nature of the surrounding area.

Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

MINEHEAD MINEHEAD This urban, coastal ED is predicted to be (2017 electorate projection – 8,526: Proposed electorate projection = 7,400 around 5% above the target average +5% to average) (-9% to average) electorate figure of 8137 by 2017 and this offers some scope for a redistribution to Changes proposed: Dunster ED to help balance below average • Minehead (Alcombe Ward No 2) to be numbers in that ED. moved to Dunster ED • Minehead (Central Ward No 1) to be The main change here is the removal of the moved from Dunster ED part of the Alcombe district ward currently in Current Parishes and Parish Wards: the Minehead ED to bring all of the Minehead town Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards : Alcombe district ward together in Dunster (Alcombe Ward No 2) Minehead town ED and so improve the alignment between (Central Wards No 2, 3 and 4) (Central Ward No 1, 2, 3 and 4) the county ED and district ward boundaries . (North Ward) (North Ward) This is not supported by the local town (South Wards No 1 and 2) (South Ward No 1 and 2) council although they have not given reasons for their objection. Current District wards: (Part of) Alcombe Proposed District wards: (Part of) Minehead Central Minehead Central Minehead North Minehead North Minehead South Minehead South

Explanation of the County Council’s Existing Electoral Division Changes proposed proposal for new Electoral Divisions (EDs)

WATCHET & QUANTOCKS WATCHET & QUANTOCKS The Council’s proposals seek to decrease (2017 electorate projection – 9,325: Proposed electorate projection = 8,292 the electorate for this ED to within the +/- +15% to average) (2% to average) 10% threshold of the target level of 8137 electors by 2017. This large rural ED, Changes proposed: which also includes the significant Current Parishes and Parish Wards: • Crowcombe and Stogumber to be moved settlements of Watchet and Williton, is Bicknoller to Dunster ED predicted to be around 15% above the Crowcombe target average figure by that date. The ED East Quantoxhead Proposed Parishes and Parish Wards: is focused around one of the main arterial Holford Bicknoller links into West Somerset – the A39. Kilve East Quantoxhead Given the extent of the coastline that Sampford Brett Holford provides a significant part of the northern Stogumber Kilve border of the ED, there is little scope to Stogursey Sampford Brett reduce numbers to help balance below Stringston Stogursey average numbers in neighbouring EDs. Watchet Stringston This problem is exacerbated because to West Quantoxhead Watchet transfer either the Williton or Watchet areas Williton West Quantoxhead westwards into the Dunster ED would have Williton too large an impact on electorate numbers. Current District wards: (Part of) Crowcombe and Stogumber Proposed District wards: The move of the Crowcombe & Stogumber Watchet Watchet district ward into Dunster ED is felt to be the West Quantock West Quantock only realistic way to reduce the electorate Williton Williton figure and this has the advantage of Quantock Vale Quantock Vale bringing all of the district ward within a single ED.

Appendix C – Somerset electoral review local council responses

General Council’s response SALC Good attempt has produced some tricky splits within some Towns Noted. No changes required to Council’s - mainly driven by the arithmetic. I can't see any immediate proposals. solutions. Keeping the number of Cllrs up is fully justified by the Exmoor factor.

Taunton Deane Comments Council’s response Bishops Hull Email - My parish council is unhappy…. to link them in with Bishops Hull has an electorate projection of PC Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren. Linked with 2886. Moving Bishops Hull between divisions Comeytrowe in the past and share an identity with that electoral has a significant impact on proposals and will area, as principally an urban parish right on the edge of Taunton. require complete redesign of Taunton Town and Lydeard proposals. This level of redesign would be a significant variance to the proposals consulted.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Burrowbridge Support the proposals for the North Curry division. This response was received after the Council’s PC Task and Finish Group meeting.

Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals. Comeytrowe Don’t agree with Bishops Hull ‘distancing’ proposal and Bishops Hull has an electorate projection of PC incorporation of parts of central Taunton in its place. Has more 2886. Moving Bishops Hull between divisions in common with B Hull on the basis of schools, roads and ‘aligned has a significant impact on proposals and will communities’. Alternative proposed to include Manor Ward to require redesign of Taunton Town and Lydeard existing Taunton West ED and should be renamed West Taunton proposals. This level of redesign would be a and Comeytrowe ED. significant variance to the proposals consulted.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response. Page 1 of 8 Appendix C – Somerset electoral review local council responses

Cotford St Luke Support move to Upper Tone ED: shared community facilities….. Noted. No changes required to Council’s PC alignment with similar rural villages…..good communication / proposals. social links…..common transport routes…..work culturally together…..share common employment opps and economic challenges. Kingston St Letter – supportive of Staplegrove ED. Share community Noted. No changes required to Council’s Mary PC facilities….good comms and social links….common transport proposals. routes….work culturally together….common employment North Curry PC Support the proposals. Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals.. Staplegrove PC Support the proposals. Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals.. Stoke St Support the proposals. Noted. No changes required to Council’s Gregory PC proposals.. Wellington TC Support the proposals. Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals. West Monkton Support the proposals for the Staplegrove division. Noted. No changes required to Council’s PC proposals. West Don’t agree with Lydeard & B Hull ED. Within AONB – no links West Bagborough has an electorate projection Bagborough with urban Taunton. Traditional links with B Lydeard and of 294 and Cotford St Luke has 1654 projected PC Williton….local services and business links across Upper Tone electors. (Milverton and Wiveliscombe). Return WB to Upper Tone ED. Moving West Bagborough to Upper Tone will Keep Cotford St Luke with Norton F and B Lydeard. push Upper Tone to +13% above average. Taking account of the comments about Cotford St Luke would suggest a complete redesign of Lydeard and Upper Tone which could create an electorate for Lydeard of 7240 (-11%) but Upper Tone would be 10500 (+30%). This level of redesign would be a significant variance to the proposals consulted. To conclude the changes suggested for Lydeard and Upper Tone will not meet the LGBCE criteria. Page 2 of 8 Appendix C – Somerset electoral review local council responses

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Mendip Council’s response Robin Bradbury Mendip Central & North ED – incoherent proposal……..we live in The alternative proposal suggested creates a (writing an east-west environment, living with the run of the land. We problem for the Mendip North West (Mendip personally), current Chairman have a common bus route ( no 184 ) which ties us all to Frome Hills) division by having an electorate of SALC (East Area), one way or Radstock & Bath the other. Schools and churches -14%. The suggested redesign of Mendip North past Chairman have similar associations……… our people look towards Frome and Central on an east-west focus would have Coleford Parish or Midsomer Norton / Radstock not Witham Friary, Milton an impact on Frome, Mendip South and Mendip Council, etc etc Clevedon & Lamyatt. Alternative proposal: Mendip Central & Hills proposals and would likely require a North 8030, Mendip South 7842, Mendip North West [Mendip wholescale redesign of the Council’s proposal. Hills] 7015, Mendip West 7574. The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Buckland Linked with rural villages. Although a rural parish, their priority Current proposals seek to keep Buckland Dinham PC issues are different as they relate to the A362 that dissects the Dinham in the same division rather than align it village. Look to Frome for services. Prefer to be included in with Frome. Whilst Frome North or Frome either Frome North or Frome Selwood Selwood could cope with the proposed move from an electorate figures perspective the move would reduce the proposed Mendip North and Central division to -13%.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Coleford PC Concerned about the design of the new Mendip Central and North This response was received after the Council’s division being on a north-south design rather than an east-west. Task and Finish Group meeting to approve the Particular concerns that Coleford PC should be in the same Council’s final submission. division as Leigh on Mendip, Stoke St Michael and Holcombe parish councils. The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Page 3 of 8 Appendix C – Somerset electoral review local council responses

Glastonbury TC Object No detail on any alternative proposals so difficult to analyse. The Council’s proposals seek to include part of Street North which will assist Avalon’s electorate projections as well as bringing Street’s figures to within the +10% threshold.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Leigh-on- Change proposed would have significant adverse effect on LoM – The proposals to move Leigh on Mendip from Mendip PC does not reflect community interests, identities and interactions. Mendip Hills to Mendip North and Central would Recommend include within Mendip Central & North East….. also require Stoke St Michael to move to Mendip linked to villages to the east and to Frome socially and with Central and for St Cuthberts Out (East facilities. Proposal as it stands is defective in the following areas: Horrington) to move from Mendip West to education – with different systems…..public facilities Mendip Hills in order to balance electorates. (doctors)…..economic considerations (quarrying)…….church…..police…. and community interaction. The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals Include instead part of Mendip West into the Mendip Hills ED to as a result of this response. rebalance the numbers. Street PC Strong objection to moving any part of Street to another area. Keeping all of Street’s wards together in one Large village with community facilities – to move part out would division would result in an electorate at +15% confuse the electorate and would be difficult for the elected above the average. members to work effectively. The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Westbury sub- Feel that the proposed expansion of rural divisions will erode the This response was received after the Council’s Mendip PC dialogue possible between parish councils and County Task and Finish Group meeting to approve the Councillors. Council’s final submission.

Keeping County Council divisions within District Council divisions The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals is artificial and unhelpful. There are greater links with communities as a result of this response.

Page 4 of 8 Appendix C – Somerset electoral review local council responses

in the adjoining Sedgemoor division than with the communities in the Walton/Meare parts of the new division.

South Council’s response Somerset Sue Steele – Email - Unhappy with the 7 parishes of Islemoor ward being Four of the seven parishes (1364 electors) are SSDC shared about. They have many things in common, flooding, located in the new Curry Rivel and Langport councillor helicopters (Merryfield Ilton RNAS Heron), sharing schools, village division. Moving these electors to South halls, play areas and equipment etc. The whole ward going to Petherton would reduce Curry Rivel and South Petherton would be more acceptable, the proposals will Langport to 7533 electors (-7%) but increase cause much unnecessary duplication at all levels. South Petherton to 9277 electors (+14%). This would not meet the LGBCE criteria for South Petherton.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Ashill PC Support the proposals. This response was received after the Council’s Task and Finish Group meeting to approve the Council’s final submission.

Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals.. Brympton PC Happy Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals.. Chard TC Happy Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals.. Crewkerne TC Fully supports the proposals Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals.. Curry Rivel PC (Personal comments from the Chairman) Current Curry Rivel ED identified as the division Removing the Curry Rivel ED puts the parishioners at a to be removed as part of reduction in divisions disadvantage. Currently the CC represents a number of similar from 18 to 17 for Council’s proposals. Proposals communities. New proposal will have to represent a market town for new division are similar to other areas where Page 5 of 8 Appendix C – Somerset electoral review local council responses

as well as more rural settlements. Rural will lose out to urban market towns and rural communities exist economic and housing considerations. across South Somerset like South Petherton, Ilminster and Somerton, etc.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

East Coker PC Fully support the proposals for the new Coker division. Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals.. West Coker PC Fully support the proposals for the new Coker division. Noted. No changes required to Council’s proposals.. Norton Sub- Concerned at being placed in Coker ED. More suited to Martock Removal of Norton sub-Hamdon from the new Hamdon PC ED as more links with Martock, Tintinhull, and Stoke Sub Coker division would place Coker at -12% and Hamdon. Links with roads A303, schools, doctors and dentists. then put Martock at +16% which would place both Divisions outside of the LGBCE thresholds.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Rimpton PC Concerned over proposed move into Blackmore Vale….. loss of This response was received after the Council’s alignment between county and district councillors……decision Task and Finish Group meeting to approve the purely on numbers… disadvantages the local community and Council’s final submission. offers no advantages / benefits. The proposal to keep Rimpton PC within Castle Cary division would result in the Blackmoor Vale division being below the threshold at -12%.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

South Feel that East Lambrook should be added to the division unlike This response was received after the Council’s Petherton PC the proposed additions to South Petherton ward that are more Task and Finish Group meeting to approve the likely to gravitate to Ilminster. Council’s final submission.

Page 6 of 8 Appendix C – Somerset electoral review local council responses

This comment is similar to the potential solution for the issue raised by Cllr S Steel about the location of the Islemoor parishes.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Yeovil Town Town Council supported the SCC proposals relating to the Yeovil Members discussed this option in previous Council East, Yeovil North and Central, and the Yeovil West Divisions. workshops but noted the rationale for the However, they expressed their unanimous (nem con) opposition Council’s proposals to reunite the East and West to the proposals regarding the Yeovil South Division. Request for Coker parish council areas under Coker rather parts of East Coker and West Coker (1007 electors) to remain than the current split between Coker and Yeovil within Yeovil EDs and that Barwick (1048 electors) should remain South which is what is being proposed by Yeovil with Coker. Town Council.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Yeovil Without Align boundaries of Yeovil Without Parish wards, SSDC wards The issues of alignment with SSDC ward PC and the EDs serving the Yeovil Without area. Create new Yeovil boundaries is well known as these are now over Without ED with same boundaries as the PC and district 14 years old. The suggested alternative ward…….gives an electorate of 8174 (or 8345 if Mudford Urban proposal to create a separate Yeovil Without ward included). Align standardised boundaries slightly to ensure division would have detrimental effects and divided roads / neighbourhoods fall wholly within or outside of the require a full redesign of the other Yeovil town parish. ? 2017 projection for Brimsmore ward doesn’t include proposals as Yeovil North and Central reduced 800 proposed properties. These seem to have been placed with to 4516 electors, Yeovil East reduced to 4220 Combe ward – is this correct? These proposals would also help and Yeovil West reduced to 6951. to reduce electorate imbalances across the rest of Yeovil The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Sedgemoor Council’s response

Page 7 of 8 Appendix C – Somerset electoral review local council responses

Durleigh PC Favour re-alignment of the urban portion of the Parish (Rosary The Council’s proposal seeks to ensure that the Estate) back into rural part of the Parish (reversing the recent Urban part of Durleigh achieves co-terminosity district ward change) with the District ward. Any changes to the Council’s proposal for Durleigh will affect co- terminosity.

The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

West Somerset Council’s response West Somerset Accept proposals for reorganisation but some concerns over the This response was received after the Council’s Council increase in size of new Dulverton and Exmoor division and Task and Finish Group meeting to approve the reduced community cohesion by moving Alcombe ward no 2 from Council’s final submission. the Minehead division into the new Dunster division.

Noted. The Council agreed not to modify it’s proposals as a result of this response.

Minehead TC Concerns over the proposal to move Alcombe ward no 2 from the Noted. The Council agreed not to modify it’s Minehead division into the new Dunster division. proposals as a result of this response.

Page 8 of 8

Appendix D - Somerset electoral review – details of projected electorates and divisions by each District Council area

District Council Electorate 2011 Current County Average Electorate 2017 Proposed County Average area Councillor electorate per (projected) Councillor electorate per divisions division in 2011 divisions division in 2017

Mendip 85590 12 7132 88690 11 8063

Sedgemoor 90902 12 7575 99572 12 8298

South Somerset 129121 18 7173 137631 17 8096

Taunton Deane 84501 12 7042 91938 11 8358

West Somerset 28699 4 7175 29711 4 7428

Totals for County 418813 58 7221 447542 55 8137

Appendix E1