The Cabinet of Devon County Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026, approving a new policy to facilitate the rollout of 5G mobile infrastructure on council assets, adopting the North Devon Coast National Landscape Management Plan, and approving the Annual Delivery Plan for 2026/27. The meeting also saw the approval of several inclusion and learning policies, and recommendations to the full council on various notices of motion, including those concerning Brexit's economic impact and the protection of Devon's visitor economy.

5G Mobile Infrastructure Policy Approved

The Cabinet approved a new policy to support the installation of small cell 5G and future mobile equipment on County Council assets. This decision aims to address Devon's significantly lower 5G coverage compared to the national average, particularly in rural areas, with figures showing only 66% coverage in Devon compared to 96.1% nationally. Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, highlighted the potential benefits for rural businesses, remote working, and access to public services, estimating an additional £15 billion to £22 billion in economic value for Devon by 2035. Despite some concerns raised by Councillor Jacqi Hodgson regarding long-term health impacts and the use of public money, the Cabinet voted to approve the policy, with an amendment to include Councillor Hodgson in the consultation process for policy wording.

North Devon Coast National Landscape Management Plan Adopted

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the North Devon Coast National Landscape's new, five-year Management Plan for 2025-2030. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Bio-diversity, presented the plan, emphasising its statutory purpose to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the designated area, which stretches along the entire North Devon coast. The plan is structured around three themes: Nature, People, and Place, with cross-cutting themes of climate change and equality, diversity, and inclusion. Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children's Services - Social Services, highlighted the plan's positive impact on fostering relationships and providing opportunities for children in care, referencing a recent event at Braunton Burrows. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Julian Brazil, praised the plan as genuinely good news and a tangible benefit to the county. Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin raised concerns about a proposed data centre and battery energy storage system in Great Torrington, which she believes contradicts the plan's aims to protect the national landscape and biosphere.

Annual Delivery Plan 2026/27 Approved

The Cabinet approved Devon County Council's Annual Delivery Plan for 2026/27. Councillor James Buczkowski, Cabinet Member for Finance, explained that the plan complements the existing Strategic Plan and acknowledges the significant organisational changes anticipated due to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The plan prioritises maintaining safe, stable, and legal services, continuing strategic improvement priorities, preparing for LGR, and upholding organisational culture. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson highlighted the plan's focus on sustainability, including a new public sustainability dashboard, and the enhancement of the planning system for biodiversity net gain and urban green spaces. Councillor Paul Arnott, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Local Government Reorganisation and Water Quality, thanked officers for their extensive preparation work for LGR, acknowledging the ongoing stress on the organisation.

Short Breaks Strategy Progress Noted

The Cabinet noted the progress made in delivering the Short Breaks Strategy and approved delegated authority to finalise and award from the Short Breaks Provider Framework. Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children's Services - Social Services, reported on the expansion of family fun events, outdoor activity programmes, and increased provider interest. The strategy aims to provide an inclusive, high-quality short breaks offer for disabled children and young people and their families, with a focus on increasing choice, capacity, and market development. Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member for Children's Services - SEND, emphasised the importance of co-production and ensuring the voices of parents and carers are heard, particularly regarding the continuation of the Devon Wallet offer for personalised support.

Inclusion and Learning Policies Approved

A suite of six updated Inclusion and Learning Policies was approved by the Cabinet. Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member for Children's Services - SEND, presented the policies, which cover Alternative Provision, Attendance, Children Missing Education (CME), Elective Home Education (EHE), Permanent Exclusion, and Section 19 arrangements. These policies aim to promote inclusion, support children to remain engaged in education, and achieve positive outcomes, aligning with national policy developments and SEND reforms. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson welcomed the shift from reactive to coordinated intervention, stating it was going ahead of the curve rather than behind the curve. Councillor Dan Thomas raised a question about the narrative behind the categorisation of reasons for elective home education, which was clarified by officers.

Notices of Motion Referred to Full Council

Several Notices of Motion were considered, with Cabinet making recommendations to the full council:

• Addressing the Impact of Excessive Housing Development on Exeter's Environment, Infrastructure, and Public Services: Cabinet recommended noting the statutory requirements for assessing cumulative impacts in Local Plans. Councillor Jackie Hodgson expressed irony regarding the motion's focus on sustainability, given recent discussions at Exeter City Council.
• Brexit, Economic Harm and the Single Market: Cabinet recommended affirming support for the UK rejoining the European Single Market, asking the Chief Executive to write to the Prime Minister and relevant ministers. Councillor Paul Arnott thanked Councillor Victor Abbott for bringing the motion forward, expressing a desire to mend that and move forward. Councillor Jackie Hodgson agreed, highlighting the impact on rural areas and small businesses. Councillor Michael Fife Cook voiced dissent, arguing the motion was beyond the council's remit and could reignite divisions. Councillor Richard Jefferies requested that opportunities for young people to explore wider European opportunities be included in recommendations.
• Airborne Particulate Risk, Public Health, and Planning Controls: Cabinet recommended noting that existing planning and regulatory frameworks adequately address the impacts of dust. Councillor Dan Thomas noted the Equality Impact Assessment highlighted reasons for elective home education, and clarification was sought on whether reasons must be given.
• Protecting Devon's Visitor Economy and Rejecting a Tourist Tax: Cabinet recommended noting the Council's lack of powers to introduce such a tax and reaffirming support for the visitor economy. Councillor Paul Arnott described the motion as a stunt due to the lack of council powers. Councillor Jackie Hodgson noted the potential impact depending on where funds would end up. Councillor Michael Hill raised concerns about the strain on holiday businesses and increased holiday costs.
• Divestment Recommendation to the Investment and Pension Fund Committee: Cabinet noted this motion had already been considered by the Investment and Pension Fund Committee.
• Expanding Bus Lane Access: 2+ & 2 Wheels, to Reduce Congestion and Emissions: Cabinet recommended noting that a feasibility assessment had commenced and that permitting vehicles with two or more occupants was inconsistent with Local Transport Plan objectives. Councillor Dan Thomas argued against allowing cars with two or more occupants, stating it would undermine the purpose of bus lanes.
• Smarter Use of Traffic Signals to Reduce Emissions and Energy Use: Cabinet recommended noting that traffic signal assets are modern and reliable, national legislation determines their operation, and significant capital investment would be required for changes. Councillor Dan Thomas cited safety concerns for pedestrians if signals were turned off. Councillor Jackie Hodgson pointed out that many traffic lights are already smart.

Other Matters

• Minutes: The minutes of the Devon Education Forum meeting on 17 June 2026 were endorsed.
• Policy, Performance and Transformation (SEND): A brief update was provided on the SEND reform plan, noting progress in recruiting additional professionals and the development of a countywide inclusion strategy.
• Delegated Action: Noted.
• Forward Plan: Reviewed and noted.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all involved.