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Council - Thursday, 3rd September, 2026 11.00 am
September 3, 2026 at 11:00 am Council View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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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.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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The Council of Devon Council on 03 September 2026 decided to accept the Cabinet's advice. The Council resolved to note the statutory requirements for assessing cumulative impacts in Local Plans. The relevant Scrutiny Committee will undertake a retrospective audit of housing developments to assess the accuracy of the existing assessment process.
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The Council of Devon Council on Thursday 03 September 2026 resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 28 May 2026 be signed as a correct record.
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The Council of Devon Council referred the Notice of Motion to the Cabinet for consideration on 03 September 2026.
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The Council of Devon Council referred the Notice of Motion to the Cabinet for consideration on 03 September 2026.
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The Council of Devon Council referred the Notice of Motion to the Cabinet for consideration on 03 September 2026.
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The Council of Devon Council referred the Notice of Motion to the Cabinet for consideration on 03 September 2026.
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The Council of Devon Council on 03 September 2026 resolved to note a motion on Brexit and its economic impacts. The Council agreed that the Leader of the Council should write to government ministers and other bodies about the economic importance of European markets for Devon. The Council will also continue partnership working with local authorities, businesses, and universities to strengthen international economic relationships and respond to wider economic impacts.
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The Council of Devon Council decided on 03 September 2026 that the item Smarter Use of Traffic Signals to Reduce Emissions and Energy Use would be brought back to the next ordinary meeting. This decision was made in line with Standing Order 6 (11) after two hours of debate.
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The Council of Devon Council on Thursday 03 September 2026 carried the motion. The motion was put to the vote and declared carried.
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The Council of Devon Council decided on 03 September 2026 to defer this item to the next ordinary meeting. This decision was made in line with Standing Order 6 (11) due to the two-hour debate on motions.
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The Council of Devon Council referred a Notice of Motion to the Cabinet for consideration on 03 September 2026. The motion was referred without discussion in accordance with Standing Order 6(6).
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The Council of Devon Council on 03 September 2026 resolved to note a Notice of Motion regarding a potential visitor levy and reaffirmed its support for Devon's visitor economy. The Council agreed that any future consideration of visitor levy arrangements should be evidence-led, developed in partnership with the tourism sector, and subject to economic impact assessment.
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The Council of Devon Council on 03 September 2026 resolved to note that the impacts of dust on human health and as a nuisance are adequately addressed through the established planning process. The Council further resolved to establish which statutory body is responsible for protecting residents from long-term exposure to respirable crystalline silica, what monitoring is currently undertaken, and to consider the Council's obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998.
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The Council of Devon Council on 03 September 2026 resolved to appoint Councillor Davies as Chair of the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee and Councillor Hookway as Vice Chair of the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee. The Council also authorised the Chief Executive to approve changes to Chairs and Vice Chairs of committees as notified by political groups and delegated authority to the Leader, in consultation with Group Leaders, to determine the allocation of seats on Local Government Reorganisation Joint Committees and appoint representatives.
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The Council of Devon Council on 03 September 2026 decided to approve amendments to the Constitution and Development Management Protocol to comply with new regulations. The Council also agreed to delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer and the Leader of the Council for associated amendments. A letter will be sent to the Government expressing dismay at the new regulations.
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The Council of Devon Council on Thursday 03 September 2026 endorsed the minutes of various committee meetings. The Chair of the Council moved and it was seconded that the minutes be endorsed, and the motion was carried.
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The Council of Devon Council on 03 September 2026 decided to accept the Investment and Pension Fund Committee's advice. The Council noted the committee did not make a recommendation and has asked officers to request the issue be placed on the agenda for the Partner Fund Strategic Forum. Outcomes of that discussion are to be communicated back to the Committee.
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The Council of Devon Council referred the Notice of Motion to the Cabinet for consideration on 03 September 2026. No discussion took place.
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