The Devon County Council meeting on Thursday 3 September 2026 saw councillors approve significant changes to the council's constitution regarding planning functions, despite widespread concerns about the impact on local democracy. The council also debated and voted on several notices of motion, including those addressing the environmental impact of housing development, the economic consequences of Brexit, and airborne particulate risks near quarry sites.

National Scheme of Delegation - Constitution Changes

Councillors approved changes to the council's constitution to comply with new government regulations on planning functions, which will take effect from 31 October 2026. These changes, outlined in Appendix I and II of the report, alter the terms of reference for the Development Management Committee and the Development Management Protocol. While the council acknowledged it had little choice but to implement these government-mandated reforms, there was significant debate and dismay expressed by many councillors. Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of the Council, moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Paul Arnott, Deputy Leader of the Council.

A proposed amendment, moved by Councillor Edward Hill and seconded by Councillor Angie Game, sought to add a recommendation (d) to send a letter to the government expressing dismay at the proposals, arguing they were an affront to local democracy and removed the expertise of elected members. This amendment was accepted by the movers of the original motion and subsequently passed by the council, alongside the original recommendations (a) to (c). A recorded vote was held on both the substantive motion (a-c) and the amendment (d), with the substantive motion passing 7-4 with 39 abstentions, and the amendment passing 44-1 with 7 abstentions.

Addressing the Impact of Excessive Housing Development on Exeter's Environment, Infrastructure, and Public Services

The council considered its response to a notice of motion regarding the impact of excessive housing development on Exeter. Councillor Angie Game, the mover of the original motion, highlighted concerns about the loss of green spaces, the impact of Airbnb properties on the housing market, rising house prices, and the strain on public services due to population growth. She argued that Exeter is statistically overdeveloped and lacks the infrastructure to support its services.

Councillor Brazil, Leader of the Council, moved the cabinet's recommendation, seconded by Councillor Arnott, which was accepted by Councillor Game. The cabinet recommendation proposed noting the statutory requirements for assessing cumulative environmental, transport, and infrastructure impacts in local plans. Councillor Edward Hill proposed an amendment that would have recommended the council seek evidence from South West Water and the Environment Agency on wastewater treatment capacity and environmental discharge standards, and for a scrutiny committee to conduct a retrospective audit of housing developments. This amendment was lost. The cabinet recommendation was then carried as the substantive motion.

Brexit, Economic Harm and the Single Market

The council debated its response to a notice of motion concerning the economic impacts of Brexit and the importance of the European Single Market. Councillor Victor Abbott, the mover of the original motion, spoke about the need to understand the effects of leaving the EU on trade and business, and to advocate for stronger economic relationships with European markets.

The cabinet's recommendation, moved by Councillor Brazil and seconded by Councillor Arnott, was accepted by Councillor Abbott. This recommendation proposed noting the evidence of Brexit's economic impacts, agreeing for the Leader to write to government ministers and MPs about the importance of strong trading relationships with European markets, and supporting continued partnership working to strengthen Devon's international economic relationships. Councillor Edward Hill proposed an amendment that would have included a counter-position from the Reform UK (Devon) Group leader, but this amendment was lost. The cabinet recommendation was then carried as the substantive motion.

Airborne Particulate Risk, Public Health, and Planning Controls

The council considered a notice of motion on airborne particulate risk, public health, and planning controls, with Councillor Edward Hill moving the original motion. He expressed concerns about the lack of independent monitoring of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) near quarry sites and the potential for long-term health impacts on residents. Councillor Hill's amendment proposed establishing who is responsible for monitoring, what monitoring is undertaken, and the council's legal obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998.

The cabinet's recommendation, moved by Councillor Brazil and seconded by Councillor Arnott, proposed noting that dust impacts are adequately addressed through the existing planning process. Councillor Hill's amendment was accepted by the mover of the original motion, and subsequently carried as the substantive motion. This amended motion resolves that the council will establish which statutory body is responsible for protecting residents from long-term exposure to RCS, what monitoring is undertaken, and consider the council's obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998.

Protecting Devon's Visitor Economy and Rejecting a Tourist Tax

The council debated a notice of motion on protecting Devon's visitor economy and rejecting a tourist tax. Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, the mover of the original motion, declared a personal interest as a Director of Visit Devon. He argued that a tourist tax would harm the visitor economy, which is vital to Devon's prosperity.

The cabinet's recommendation, moved by Councillor Brazil and seconded by Councillor Arnott, was accepted by Councillor Leadbetter. The recommendation noted that Devon County Council does not currently have the powers to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy, reaffirmed the council's support for the visitor economy, and stated that any future consideration of visitor levy arrangements should be evidence-led and developed in partnership with the tourism sector. The cabinet recommendation was carried as the substantive motion.

Divestment Recommendation to the Investment and Pension Fund Committee

The council considered a recommendation from the Investment and Pension Fund Committee regarding divestment from companies based in countries judged guilty of genocide by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Councillor Henry Gent, the mover of the original motion, proposed divestment from companies based in countries found guilty of genocide, citing concerns raised by pension fund members.

The Investment and Pension Fund Committee, however, did not make a recommendation back to the council, instead resolving to ask officers to request that the issue be placed on the agenda for the Partner Fund Strategic Forum. Councillor Lodge moved this committee recommendation, seconded by Councillor Simon Rake. Councillor Sue Davies spoke against the motion, arguing that Israel had not been found guilty of genocide and that the motion was a political gesture. Councillor Bell and Councillor Tilsley spoke in favour of the motion, while Councillor Cox and Councillor Hill expressed concerns about the motion being anti-Semitic. Councillor Lodge, in his right of reply, reiterated that the motion was about the behaviour of countries and the ICJ's view, not about anti-Semitism. The committee's recommendation was carried as the substantive motion. A recorded vote was requested by Councillor Davies and Councillor Hill, who wished to record their votes against the substantive motion.

Other Items

Several other notices of motion were referred to the Cabinet or the next full council meeting without discussion due to time constraints. These included items on expanding bus lane access, smarter use of traffic signals, protecting seals and marine wildlife from plastic flying rings, protecting the genetic viability of Dartmoor ponies, restoring pride in Devon's streets, tackling pavement parking, addressing the hidden costs of living for women, pausing and reviewing the WSP contract, and the Draft Conversion Practices Bill. The latter was referred to the appropriate Scrutiny Committee for consideration.