This week in Devon:

Council Grapples with Matford Offices Future Amidst Public Concern

Devon County Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss the future of the former Matford Offices site in Exeter. The site, previously declared surplus, has become a focal point for public attention due to its designation as Public Open Space. A significant public consultation saw 180 objections raised, highlighting resident concerns about potential development.

The Cabinet ultimately decided to defer a final decision on the site's future. Instead, a further report will be presented, aiming to explore development options that align with the Council's strategic objectives. Crucially, this future report will need to incorporate safeguards for future uses, legal covenants, and contractual obligations, all while adhering to high environmental principles. This decision acknowledges the strong public sentiment and the need for a more thorough examination of the site's potential.

You can find more details about this discussion in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

Budget Boost for Highways, but Social Care Pressures Remain

Devon County Council's Cabinet also reviewed the budget monitoring for month 10 of the financial year, revealing an estimated underspend of £4.2 million. This represents a significant improvement from previous reports. However, the report highlighted that adverse weather events have necessitated an increase in spending for Highways, leading to a recommendation for an additional £3 million to support responsive highway maintenance.

While the overall financial picture is improving, pressures within social care and corporate services persist. The report also touched upon the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, with an anticipated government grant expected to cover 90% of the accumulated deficit. The Cabinet approved the transfer of £3 million from the released SEND contribution to bolster additional reactive Highways spend. This balancing act between essential infrastructure maintenance and ongoing social care demands underscores the complex financial landscape the council navigates.

More information is available in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

New Cycle Route Approved to Connect Exeter and Cranbrook

In a move to promote sustainable transport, the Cabinet approved the construction of the Mosshayne to Cranbrook Phase 2 section of the Exeter to Cranbrook Cycle Route. This off-road path will create a safer and more pleasant connection for cyclists and pedestrians between Cranbrook and Exeter's strategic cycle routes and the Clyst Valley Trail. The project, costing £4.274 million, aims to provide a viable alternative to the current route along the busy B3174 / London Road corridor. The approval also includes the acquisition of necessary land and an increase in the capital programme for 2027/28.

This development aligns with the council's commitment to improving active travel infrastructure, offering residents a healthier and more environmentally friendly way to commute and explore.

Further details can be found in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

Other Matters

Flood Risk Management Gets Green Light

The Cabinet approved budget allocations for the 2026/27 Flood Risk Management Annual Action Plan. As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Devon County Council has statutory responsibilities for managing local flood risk. The plan includes ongoing investigations into flooding incidents and progress on the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP), which tests innovative flood resilience measures. This proactive approach is crucial for protecting communities from the increasing threat of flooding.

Read more in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

Biodiversity Duty Report Submitted

Devon County Council has approved its Biodiversity Duty Report for submission to Defra. This report details the council's actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity, fulfilling statutory duties under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 and the Environment Act 2021. The report highlights progress in habitat creation and enhancement on council land, support for biodiversity beyond the council's estate, and the development of the draft Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

More information is available in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

Bramley Bridge Replacement Gets Revised Funding

The Cabinet approved a revised cost of £9.03 million for the replacement of Bramley Bridge (formerly Baulk Bridge) on the B3181 in Cullompton. The original estimate was exceeded due to higher-than-anticipated tender costs. This bridge is a vital link between Exeter and Cullompton and serves as a diversion route for the M5 motorway.

Details can be found in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

New Crisis and Resilience Fund Launched

The Cabinet approved the first-year approach for the three-year Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF) programme, which will provide £8.4 million annually to support low-income households facing financial shocks and build community resilience. This fund replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF) and adopts a more targeted approach, including financial crisis support, resilience-building services, and community funding.

Find out more in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

Short Breaks Strategy for Disabled Children Endorsed

The Cabinet endorsed the Devon Local Area Short Break Strategy for 2026–2030 and a graduated model of support. This strategy aims to address challenges in the current short breaks provision for disabled children and young people, which has been criticised for bureaucratic barriers and inequitable access. A competitive procurement process will be undertaken to establish a framework of Short Breaks providers.

More information is available in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

Domestic Abuse Support Plan Refreshed

Approval was given for the refreshed Devon Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation Strategic Plan 2026–2030. This plan, co-produced with key stakeholders and informed by survivor insights, aims to ensure victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Devon can access quality support in safe accommodation.

Details can be found in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

Water Quality Collaboration Strategy Approved

The Cabinet endorsed the Council's proposed approach to collaborate with partners in tackling water quality issues in the county. Recognizing that only 22% of Devon's surface water bodies meet good ecological status, the Council will play a strategic convening role to improve transparency and coordination.

Read more in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

Corporate Performance and Risk Report Noted

The Cabinet noted the performance outturns detailed in the Strategic Scorecard, the narrative around selected indicators, and the current high or very high strategic risks related to the Council's six Strategic Priorities. They also approved further developments of the Performance Management Framework.

More information is available in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

SEND Transformation Programme Update Received

The Cabinet formally received the report from the Children's Scrutiny Committee, acknowledging the insights provided through the SEND and EHCPs: Insights and Devon's Improvement Journey session. The Cabinet committed to reviewing and considering the recommendations made by families to incorporate them into the ongoing SEND Transformation Programme.

Details can be found in the Cabinet meeting minutes.

Teignbridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee Discusses Local Issues

The Teignbridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to address several local traffic and road safety matters. Discussions included potential changes to parking on Teignmouth's Upper Den Carriageway, road safety concerns in Dawlish, traffic management proposals in Buckfastleigh and Newton Abbot, and traffic calming interventions in Exminster. The committee also reviewed actions taken under delegated powers and considered proposals for new or amended waiting restrictions. A significant item was the consideration of proposals for a shared-use path linking Ogwell Village and Bakers Park to Newton Abbot town centre, which is part of the adopted Heart of Teignbridge Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

You can find more details about these discussions in the Teignbridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting minutes.

Devon Assurance Partnership Committee Reviews Performance and Budget

The Devon Assurance Partnership Committee met on Friday, 13 March 2026, to discuss the partnership's performance, its budget for the upcoming financial year, and its risk management framework. The meeting agenda included an update report on the partnership's activities, a review of the 2026/27 budget, and an assessment of current risks. The committee was informed about the partnership's financial position, new business initiatives, staffing updates, and overall performance indicators. The proposed budget for 2026/27 included a 3% increase on the core partner day rate. The committee also reviewed the partnership's risk update report, focusing on areas such as workforce sustainability and quality of outputs.

More information is available in the Devon Assurance Partnership Committee meeting minutes.

West Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee Meeting Cancelled

The West Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, 09 March 2026, was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Children's Scrutiny Committee: Monday, 16 March 2026. Topics include an update on the SEND Transformation Programme and a review of a visit to Exeter and East Children's Social Care Teams. Link to meeting
• Devon Education Forum: Wednesday, 18 March 2026. Discussions will cover inclusion and learning initiatives, financial reports concerning schools and high needs funding, and the quality of education. Link to meeting
• Standards Committee: Thursday, 19 March 2026. Agenda items include a review of the ethical governance framework, future agenda items, and an update on local complaint determinations. Link to meeting
• East Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee: Friday, 20 March 2026. Link to meeting
• Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee: Monday, 23 March 2026. Link to meeting
• Public Rights of Way Committee: Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Link to meeting
• Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee: Wednesday, 25 March 2026. Link to meeting
• School Transport Appeals Committee: Friday, 27 March 2026. This meeting has been cancelled.