The Cabinet of Devon County Council met on 8 April 2026 to discuss a range of significant issues, including the adoption of the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the governance arrangements for the Marlcombe New Town and East Devon Growth Corridor, and progress on the People First Strategy. The meeting also addressed the Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road, a contract extension with Norse South West Limited, and proposals for housing delivery through land disposals at Markhams Farm and Parks Farm. Several Notices of Motion were also considered, covering topics from Fairtrade to the Tarka Line railway.

Adoption of the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Cabinet approved the publication of the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This strategy, mandated by the Environment Act 2021, aims to map ecological networks and identify priorities for habitat restoration across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay. It aligns with the UK Government's ambition to create a national Nature Recovery Network, with a goal of 30% of land being well-managed for nature by 2030. The strategy identifies key habitats and ecological networks for action, including wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and coastal areas, and emphasises the importance of action in the wider landscape. Implementation is enabling rather than regulatory, intended to guide decision-making and investment by public authorities, landowners, and developers. The strategy will inform Local Plans and Biodiversity Net Gain responsibilities. Councillor Jacqui Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Bio-diversity, highlighted the strategy's alignment with the Council's commitment to a green Devon for future generations and its contribution to climate resilience and public wellbeing. The strategy has no immediate financial implications, with a £135,500 grant from Defra allocated for its delivery.

Marlcombe New Town and the Wider East Devon Growth Corridor Governance Arrangements

The Cabinet approved the proposed governance structure and the formation of a shared delivery team for the Marlcombe New Town and Wider East Devon Growth Corridor programme. This significant development, which includes plans for 10,000 homes with a target of 40% affordable housing, aims to create a self-sufficient, climate-resilient, and infrastructure-first town. The governance model includes an Interim Growth Board (advisory), a Joint Committee for executive decision-making, and a Shared Delivery Team. Councillor Paul Arnott, Cabinet Member for Local Government Reorganisation and Water Quality, noted that while Marlcombe was not among the seven new towns prioritised by the government, it continued to receive support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). He emphasised that lessons learned from the development of Cranbrook would ensure local authorities retained greater control over the project, rather than it being solely developer-led. The economic impact assessment highlights the potential for significant job creation and GVA uplift in East Devon and the wider South West region.

People First Strategy - Action Plan (6 Monthly Progress Report)

The Cabinet agreed to extend the People Strategy and its accompanying Action Plan into a fourth year, concluding in September 2027. This extension is due to the potential outcomes of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the need to embed and evaluate certain actions, and to complete remaining work. The strategy focuses on six key themes: recruitment, learning, voice, reward, wellbeing, and belonging, all aimed at embedding a positive culture and ensuring the Council has the skilled workforce needed for the future. Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, praised the strategy's positive impact on staff experience and the Council's workforce metrics. The report detailed progress across various areas, including a reduction in agency spend in Children's Services, an increase in staff recommending Devon County Council as a good place to work, and improvements in employee satisfaction. Specific actions to support Care Leavers were also highlighted, including exemptions from Council Tax and the development of employment and training opportunities.

Notices of Motion

Several Notices of Motion were considered and referred to Cabinet for recommendation to the Council.

• (a) Renewing Devon's Commitment to the Fairtrade Movement: Councillor Graham Bell proposed reaffirming Devon's commitment to the Fairtrade movement, noting the positive local and international impacts of Fairtrade. The motion called for continued support for Fairtrade Devon and SW, enhanced public engagement, expanded educational outreach, and the exploration of reinstating annual funding for Fairtrade activities. The Cabinet recommended to Council that it support the motion in principle, acknowledging the value of Fairtrade and committing to the non-financial aspects, including procurement standards and communications.
• (b) Community Payback: Councillor Sellis's motion highlighted the agreement between Devon County Council and the Probation Service to collaborate on Community Payback placements for minor works on the public highway. The motion aimed to increase public awareness, provide community benefits, and promote rehabilitative opportunities for participants. The Cabinet recommended to Council that it support the motion, endorse increased collaboration with HMPPS, and request officers to develop guidance for Members and communities on proposing schemes, with an update to be provided within 12 months.
• (c) Addressing the Crisis in Community Pharmacy Access Across Devon: Councillor Lodge's motion expressed concern over pharmacy closures, reduced opening hours, and staff shortages in Devon, impacting vulnerable residents. The motion urged urgent action from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, NHS Devon Integrated Care Board (ICB), and local MPs. It also called for contingency measures in areas of highest need and exploration of innovative local delivery models. The Cabinet recommended to Council that it note the proximity of these activities to existing work and commit to further discussions with the ICB and Local Pharmaceutical Committee.
• (d) Protection of Residents, the Highway Authority, and the Public Purse in Non-Adopted Developments Following Developer Insolvency: Councillor Hill's motion highlighted the unprecedented situation at the Home Farm development in Exeter, where developer insolvency had left residents facing significant remediation costs for unadopted roads and drainage infrastructure. The motion called for a report from officers detailing legal powers, available funding, and implications of intervention, and for Cabinet to consider Council funding for remediation. It also requested a review of current safeguards and a letter to the Secretary of State. The Cabinet recommended to Council that officers continue to implement the highway adoption process lawfully, monitor potential changes to adoption processes, and request the Development Management Committee to consider a report on any future consultation outcomes.
• (e) Urgent Action to Safeguard and Modernise the Tarka Line: Councillor Bell's motion declared the current state of the Tarka Line a strategic economic risk to Devon, requiring urgent intervention. It called for a commitment to accelerate a modernisation programme to achieve a half-hourly service and for the Leader and senior officers to prioritise the line in engagements with rail and transport bodies. The Cabinet recommended to Council that the motion be revised to emphasise temporary closures as the primary short-term risk, to aim for a half-hourly service throughout the day, and to refer to the line as the 'North Devon Line'.

Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road

The Cabinet approved the scheme budget for the Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the town centre, improve air quality, and unlock future development. The road will connect Duke Street to Station Road, bypassing the High Street. The scheme has secured £33.5 million in funding from Homes England via Mid Devon Council. The Impact Assessment highlighted benefits for all road users, including improved pedestrian environments and journey time savings. Environmental mitigation measures, such as floodplain management and noise reduction, will be implemented.

Contract Extension - Norse South West Limited Joint Venture

The Cabinet approved a three-year contract extension for Property Consultancy, Facilities Management, Cleaning, and Catering services with Norse South West Limited. This extension, commencing 1 May 2027, will retain key knowledge and expertise, efficiencies of scale, and established performance reporting. Concerns were raised regarding potential impacts of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on contracts and best value delivery.

Supporting Housing Delivery and Long Term Resilience of the Farms Estate

The Cabinet approved proposals for the disposal of land at Markhams Farm, Alphington, and Parks Farm, Crediton, for residential development. This initiative aims to deliver approximately 1,650 homes, including affordable housing and extra care housing schemes, contributing to meeting housing targets and supporting the Council's property portfolio strategy. Approximately 42 acres of Markhams Farm will be retained as Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS). The capital programme will be increased by £1.7 million to fund planning permission and market preparation costs. The Council also committed to acquiring replacement farmland to support the long-term sustainability and modernisation of the County Farms Estate, focusing on resilience, growth, young entrants, and sustainable farming practices.

Policy, Performance and Transformation (SEND)

A standing agenda item provided an update on SEND improvement and transformation. The Cabinet noted that Local SEND Reform Plans must be submitted by 19 June 2026 to access the High Needs Stability Grant. Officers are progressing a co-produced plan and a formal response to the national SEND consultation. Timeliness in issuing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) remained steady at around 20%, an improvement from previous figures. The Cabinet agreed to support the Chief Executive in writing to the Government to request clarity on the timeline for the release of funds, expressing concern about potential financial consequences if funds are delayed.

Minutes of Other Committees

The minutes of the Devon Assurance Partnership Committee (13 March 2026) and the Devon Education Forum (18 March 2026) were endorsed. The Devon Education Forum resolved to establish a task and finish group to review its structures and report back. The Forum also considered the Schools Finance Group minutes, noting a debate regarding the reallocation of 0.5% Schools Block funding.