North Molton Parish News

Exmoor local housing need questionnaire

The survey is a collaboration between Somerset and North Devon Councils, as local housing authorities, and Exmoor National Park Authority. Somerset Council will be analysing the responses and, later next year, they will prepare a summary report with information on housing need for each Exmoor parish.

A letter with information about an online housing need questionnaire, has been sent to households in Exmoor National Park and Brushford parish. The letter includes a link and QR code to the survey which is designed to be simple and easy to complete. The information provided through the survey will be dealt with in strict confidence. It will be vital to those considering housing need and provision and will help inform the future Exmoor Local Plan review. The survey is aimed at those who might be finding accommodation in the local area unaffordable, whose home no longer meets their needs, or who wish to own their own home through a self/custom build project.

The letter to Exmoor residents also asks that the survey be shared with people who have moved away and want to return, local workers who live away and travel into the National Park to work or who live on Exmoor with family or others because of the cost of local housing. Anybody wishing to set up their own home, e.g. young people approaching adulthood, is encouraged to complete their own survey separately.

Parish surveys have been the starting point for almost 120 homes with a local need occupancy tie, achieved in Exmoor’s communities through conversions and new build and as self-build.

Additionally, local libraries (Dulverton, Lynton, Porlock and South Molton) have access to a computer and will have paper copies for those who are unable to complete an online survey. If requested, we can provide paper copies to parish /town councils for their parishioners who cannot complete an online survey or visit a local library.

Devon County Council has produced a leaflet on recovery from a flooding incident, attached.

Oakford Villas to Back Lane Footpath - of direct importance to the village, we have an opportunity to turn the path between Oakford Villas and Back Lane into an official footpath, with the various protections that will come with that designation. This is a very useful short-cut, and also keeps people off of the road. It's important that you write/email to Miss Gatrell to express your support of the proposal and to explain how often you use it/how important it is to you. The closing date is 20th Feb 2026. Miss C Gatrell, Public Rights of Way Service, Devon County Council, Great Moor House, Bittern Road, Sowton, Exeter EX2 7NL. Email: caroline.gatrell@devon.gov.uk Telephone: Exeter (01392) 383240

Reply form also attached.

Snow Warden - we still need a Snow Warden for North Molton Parish. This would entail coordinating the delivery of salt/grit and a team of volunteers (also needed for most areas) to take a few bags out to their local patch to fill the bins. We also have to find a location to put the bags of salt (inside) in the warmer seasons. If anyone would like to help, please contact the Clerk on clerk@northmoltonparish.gov.uk

Devon Library Services - there is also a consulation on the future of libraries in Devon, end date of 22nd February 2026.  Go to https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is/en-GB/

The Clerk (Ian Fisher) and Cllr Rachel Beaman will be in the North Molton Community Shop on Saturday 31st of January from 10 to 12am as part of the Parish's Meet Your Council series. 

If you have any questions about the work of the Parish Council or want to raise any issues, please come along and have a chat - we'll even buy you a cuppa.

Remember you can contact the Parish Clerk at any time and ask for an issue to be raised at the next meeting (usually 2nd Weds of the month).

clerk@northmoltonparish.gov.u

There are now two new pages on the village website. Under Parish Council there are details of some of the Highways work that we carry out, and under About North Molton, our Footpath Warden Steff Harris has provided excellent summaries of our network.

North Devon Council has issued a statement in relation to the clarification of its trade waste service decision:

There has been a lot of discussion about our Trade Waste and Recycling Service. We want to clearly set out the facts and explain how and why this decision was made. Following a detailed review, councillors took the decision to withdraw our trade waste service, including refuse and recycling collections, from 31 March 2026. This decision to stop this service was made after a thorough assessment and was considered by councillors at two separate committee meetings, where options were reviewed before a vote was taken.

The review was carried out because our trade waste and recycling service was costing more to run than it generated in income, and this position was expected to worsen. Trade waste collection is not a service that councils are legally required to provide. Any losses from operating it must be covered by local taxpayers. Councillors were advised that continuing to operate the service would require significant additional investment.

This included

• Replacing specialist collection vehicles at a cost of around £260,000, with new vehicles not available until 2027.
• Hiring vehicles in the meantime would at a cost of more than £100,000 per year.
• Recruiting additional staff.
• Increasing charges to businesses by around 25% to cover costs.
• Central Government requirement to collect food waste separately for trade customers. We have neither the capacity at our depot or the appropriate fleet vehicles to comply with this requirement.
• As a result of the above, many of our customers have a separate contractor for food waste and we are losing customers to these contractors for refuse and recycling.

Some businesses have asked why they pay business rates if we are no longer providing a trade waste service. We would like to clarify this. Business rates are not a payment for specific services.

• We collect business rates on behalf of central government. A significant proportion is passed to central government, with the remainder retained locally to help fund a wide range of statutory council services.
• This year, we estimate to collect £33million in business rates, of which £6million is retained for the North Devon Council budget to be used on statutory services such as refuse collection, street cleaning, housing and provision of temporary accommodation.
• Trade waste collections are a separate, non-statutory service that is paid for directly by businesses and is not funded through business rates.

Taking all of this into account, councillors took the difficult decision to stop all council-run trade waste services, including refuse and recycling collections, from 31 March 2026, in line with the requirement to give at least two months’ notice. We recognise that this decision affects local businesses and was not taken lightly. We are working to support affected customers through the transition. Officers have already spoken to several private waste companies operating locally, and these companies have confirmed they are able to take on new customers. Their details are being shared directly within the letters that have been sent to all existing customers.

Affected businesses have been contacted and this is being followed up with a letter, which should be received in the coming days, with further information and support to help them move to an alternative provider and ensure there is no break in service.

Contact Information

North Devon Council Communications Team communications@northdevon.gov.uk

Please be advised that the bridge repairs will take two days longer than expected as the state of the supports was worse than anticipated, extended by two days to Friday 23rd January 2026. The working hours will continue to be 09.00 – 15.30. Our County Councillor is asking to see whether or not limited foot traffic might be allowed.

North Molton Parish Council meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise marked with *), starting at 7:30 pm. Members of the public are welcome.

Weds 14th January - The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds 11th February - The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds 11th March - The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds 8th April - The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds 6th May* - The Victory Hall, North Molton [Village Annual Meeting and Parish Council Annual Meeting]

Weds 20th May* - The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds 10th June - The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds 8th July - The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds 12th August -  Heasley Mill Village Hall

Weds 9th September - The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds 14th October - The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds 11th November - Heasley Mill Village Hall

Weds 9th December - The Victory Hall, North Molton

For any queries, please contact Ian Fisher, Parish Clerk 07784 177666 clerk@northmoltonparish.gov.uk

We have received the following update regarding the bridge repairs and road closure in North Molton. While the bridge will be closed for part of the day, main commuting times and overnight it will be reopened. 

Dan Woollacott Fencing, on behalf of Devon County Council, will be carrying out repairs to the posts, rails and meshing on the bridge on East Street, North Molton, between Friday 9th – Wednesday 21st January 2026; our working hours will be between 09.00 – 15.30, the road will be open outside of these times.

Please see attached TTRO, the extension was required following in-house discussion regarding access for school transport during drop off and collection times, and for commuters. The works will take longer but hopefully the disruption at peak times will be lessened.

I understand some local residents have received a letter regarding the closure from the Traffic Management team, unfortunately that letter has the previous timings on it (09.00 – 17.00) so may raise alarm. Dan will definitely be working to restricted hours.

Further details can be found in the attached files.

TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC & PARKING NOTICE is hereby given that Devon County Council has made the above titled order.

From FRIDAY 9 JANUARY 2026 for a maximum of 18 months Anticipated Finish MONDAY 19 JANUARY 2026 Between the hours of 09:00 and 17:00 No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed or wait on the sections of Affected Roads.

Roads affected - EAST STREET, NORTH MOLTON The alternative, signed, route for vehicles will be via - EAST STREET, LANDACRE LANE, WORTH LANE, ROOM HILL ROAD, B3223, KINSFORD HILL, A399, ALLER CROSS ROUNDABOUT, A361, BORNER’S BRIDGE JUNCTION, FORE STREET, EAST STREET & VICE VERSA.

This temporary restriction is considered necessary to enable - INSTALLATION OF SCAFFOLDING, FOLLOWED BY POST, RAIL AND MESH REPAIRS TO BRIDGE. THEN SCAFFOLDING REMOVAL ONCE WORKS COMPLETE.

For additional information contact: DAN WOOLLACOTT FENCING Telephone: 07825 350181 Dated: FRIDAY 2 JANUARY 2026 Meg Booth Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport Devon Highways Devon County Council County Hall Exeter EX2 4QD Ref: TTRO2667094

Please be advised that Devon County Council has made an Order for a 6-month temporary closure of Bishop’s Nympton FP6 & North Molton FP10. The temporary closure is necessary in the interest of public safety.

Bishop's Nympton Footpath 6 & North Molton Footpath 10 temporary closure - Public rights of way

Please see an explanation from Griffiths of the ongoing work on the A361.

As you are aware the North Devon Link Road widening scheme was substantially completed in December 2024. Since this milestone, the road users have benefited from an improved journey experience. We are currently completing the outstanding works scope which includes snagging. The scheme includes upgrading the existing highway drainage network into which the improvement scheme connects. Also, we have a number of minor works to complete and will endeavour to close these out with minimal disruption. 

The works at Borners Roundabout is planned to be completed by the Christmas holiday break but this is subject to weather conditions. These works will continue to operate under temporary traffic lights at night to avoid disruption to the road users. During the Christmas / New Year period there are no planned works on the highway.

We will return in January to complete others area along A361, working at night under temporary traffic signals, with a planned completion date of March 2026. Works to maintain the planted landscaped areas will continue for several years until all plants are well established, but this will only involve occasional visits.

Please be advised that the bridge across the river to the north of the Black Cock Inn, which lies in Molland Parish, is going to be closed from Tuesday 2nd December 2025 for major repairs.  The anticipated finish date is October 2026, but may be up to 18 months from the start of work. 

While not in North Molton Parish, some residents may use this route to the A361 and the east. Please see the attached Traffic Notice for further information and alternative routes.

The Parish Council has been approached by a number of parishioners in recent weeks expressing concern about the speed of traffic through the village and the inherent risk to members of the public that this creates. North Molton Parish Council needs to collect facts and figures to quantify how serious the problem might be within the village, and equally important, canvass the views of parishioners on whether the current 30mph legal limit is appropriate given the level of traffic the village experiences.

Community Speedwatch is a national initiative where proactive members of the local communities join, with the support and supervision of their local police, to record details of speeding vehicles using approved detection devices. North Molton Parish Council are looking for volunteers to give some of their time to form a local Community Speedwatch Group. Full training is given by the organisation and no prior experience is needed - just a willingness to help collect data that contributes to a better understanding of traffic safety in our local area.

Councillor Andy Radley is a acting as coordinator for the proposed group and will be happy to talk to anyone who would like to be involved in this fact-finding initiative. Indeed any views on traffic management within the village both for and against any restrictions on speed regulations are welcome.

Please contact the Parish Council via the Clerk (clerk@northmoltonparish.gov.uk or 07784 177666) to register your interest and agree to having your name, email and telephone number on a contact list.

Thanks in advance,

North Molton Parish Council

If you are involved in running a small to medium sized business, a charity, a public sector body or a local community group, and you are concerned about the security of your computers, your IT systems, your website or you just worry about your social media account, please be aware of the South West’s Cyber Resilience Centre. 

Home | Cyber Resilience Centre for the South West

The SW CRC is part of UK Policing’s TEAM CYBER UK and headed up by Steve Shepherd who was previously a Devon and Cornwall Police, Cyber Protect Officer. The SW CRC is a not-for-profit organisation, funded by the Home Office and regional policing. The SW CRC exists to help South-West based small to medium sized businesses, organisations, charities, voluntary groups, and public sector bodies, with their Cyber Security. Cyber Security can feel complicated, expensive, and unmanageable. It can be hard to know where to start, or how to improve resilience.  Professional Cyber Security support is often costly and for many, obtaining such assistance can be well beyond their financial means.  These regional CRC’s have been set up by Government to help those who find themselves in just that position. Much of what is on offer from the CRC is free.

Should you wish to sign up you can do so here - Join Us | Cyber Resilience Centre for the South West

Alternatively, you can contact Steve Shepherd direct at -  steve.shepherd@swcrc.police.uk

The Parish Council is considering application for 20 mph through the village, but any changes will depend upon several variables that are considered at County level: degree of local support, evidence of speeding, evidence of accidents, vulnerable road/footpath users, and level of local deprivation. 

Previous speed-checks have found no significant speeding issues, although anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise. In order to go forwards, two key elements need to be addressed - the first is local support, and Sarah Springett Spurr has created a petition at https://chng.it/ZVBLgvLr6J 

The second is the amount of speeding, and to address this there most likely needs to be a local Community Speedwatch Group - volunteers needed.

There will  be a public session on Speed Limits in the village at the September meeting (Weds 10th 7:30pm The Victory Hall) - you are encouraged to attend. Numbers will also be used to show support for any initiatives.

Please find attached the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Annual Governance & Accountability Return (Exempt Authority) that relates to the 2024/25 audit of the Parish Council.  Audit documents can be found under Parish Council, Legal Documents - 2025 Audit - after the 12th of June.

North Molton Parish Footpath Officer, Steph Harris, has created an excellent poster for the public rights of way in the Parish, attached to this post.

If you find a problem on a footpath, if it is in the Exmoor National Park, report it here.  Otherwise, report here. Please also drop the Clerk an email so that we can keep track of resolution of issues (clerk@northmoltonparish.gov.uk).

Please remember that you are responsible for your safety, control of dogs, appropriate behaviour around livestock, and using public and private land with care.  You can find the Countryside Code here.

Happy trails!

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has announced the necessary closure of a popular Somerset footbridge for public safety and is working on a plan for a long-term replacement, and to reinstate public access on the permissive footpath that crosses Hinds Pitt Bridge near the Tarr Steps. 

Access and Recreation Manager for ENPA Dan Barnett said:

“Unfortunately, the bridge above Hinds Pitt Pool that forms part of the popular Tarr Steps circular walk has had to be closed due to structural failure and for public safety. The bridge has been there since the 1950’s and some key parts of the steel structure have deteriorated to a point where they are no longer safe (see photos below). We hope to replace the bridge and secure public access once again here for the future, but it will take some time to develop a plan in agreement with the relevant landowners and to raise the considerable funds required.

It is possible that we can do some temporary modifications to allow the bridge to reopen while we plan for its replacement, and we are looking into that urgently. In the meantime, the Tarr Steps site is otherwise open for everyone to enjoy, including short walks there and back on either side of the river and all the longer walks in the area are fully open too. The popular long distance footpath the Two Moors Way is still passable using an alternative route on the west bank of the river.”

Exmoor Young Voices (EYV) is a voluntary group of young people from across Exmoor, seeking viable and sustainable ‘life’ and ‘work’ opportunities for young residents. They tackle many issues for young people on the moor, including housing, digital inclusion, employment, communications, travel and local wages.

EVY have kindly provided two copies of the Justin Tyers book "How to self build your dream home for £99,000 - or less!" to North Molton Parish Council and you can arrange to borrow a copy for up to 2 months from the Parish Clerk - contact via nmpclerk@gmail.com.  This is only a loan, and return is expected so that others can also benefit from the EYV donation.

Alternatively, you can go to the EYV page and find out how to get your own copy.

On the 2nd of April 2025 Councillor Clare Barron and councillor Mandy Lyons  held  a drop in surgery  at the village shop on behalf of the parish council. Several parishioners came and raised some issues which are being addressed below.

1 - Why aren't the lights at Bonners bridge being used? It still appears that they're using the lights on gantries and generators, and I just wondered why they're not using the  actual lights.

The contractors are still working on the site, and the move to the installed lights will be done as part of their timetable. 

2 - Why wasn't the wall it on East Street completely finished? When will it be?

The Parish Council is paying for the repairs, and as such the funds have to come from the local community as part of their precept/Council Tax. In order to spread the cost and not cause a larger Council Tax increase, the Parish Council decided to take a phased approach. The plan is to complete the remaining repairs this year, although it may be somewhat dependent on weather.

3 - When are the affordable houses at Holywell Meadow going to go on the market and be available and how is all that going to work?

The application process is ongoing and a link for further details can be found under the Parish News section of the village website www.northmoltonvillage.co.uk. There are also details on the Cavanna Homes website at https://www.cavannahomes.co.uk/developments/north-molton/

4 - Where's the new parish notice board? What's going to be on it?

The new noticeboard will be next to the path on the way into the Community Shop and Laurels Playground.  It will be used exclusively for Parish Council reports/activities and local government items such as election details etc. There is a noticeboard within the shop for other use. The outward facing side of the noticeboard will eventually have a promotional sign for the shop.

5 - What is the parish council,  who's on it and what they actually do? Could there be photos of all the counsellors and their roles on the new notice board?

The village website has a copy of the March 2024 summary of what the Parish Council does, what the other layers of local government are responsible for, who the Councillors are etc (under Parish News, called North Molton Parish Council - March update). This information sheet was posted through all resident doors in the parish last year, and if you would  like a hard-copy because you don't have internet access, call the clerk on 07784 177666.  There will be updates when appropriate.

The current noticeboard has a list of Councillors and the website has a photograph and more details (under Parish Council menu option). This will be updated soon as we now have a new Councillor, and once the new board is installed, the photos and mini-bios will be posted there.

6 - Can anything be done to promote litter picking on New Road and elsewhere?

The Parish Council will add this as a future agenda item for a proper discussion about options and other issues, such as insurance cover, risk assessments etc.

7 - There is a brown tourist sign pointing to North Molton as an Historic Mining Village, but there is nothing to show this in the village.  Can something be done?

Again, the Parish Council will discuss this at a future meeting.

The Parish Council will hold another open surgery in July, date and time to be confirmed. Please come along – we do listen and respond – the Parish Council is here to represent our community.

A new Monday to Saturday evening timetable will be introduced between North Devon District Hospital and Landkey every 60 minutes funded by BSIP, for route 155.  Please see attached.

Please find attached details of the affordable homes being developed at Hollywell Meadow, North Molton.  The poster explains what will be available, and how to register your interest.  As the application process is lengthy, and there will be competition, you are advised to register as soon as possible.

North Molton Parish Council meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise stated), starting at 7:30 pm. Members of the public are welcome.

• Weds      8th January                          The Victory Hall, North Molton
• Weds      12th February                        The Victory Hall, North Molton
• Weds      12th March                            The Victory Hall, North Molton
• Weds      9th April                               The Victory Hall, North Molton

Weds      7th May  The Victory Hall, North Molton [Village Annual Meeting and Parish Council Annual Meeting]

• Weds      21nd May                               The Victory Hall, North Molton
• Weds      11th June                               The Victory Hall, North Molton
• Weds      9th July                                   The Victory Hall, North Molton
• Weds      13th August                           Heasley Mill Village Hall
• Weds      10th September                     The Victory Hall, North Molton
• Weds      8th October                           The Victory Hall, North Molton
• Weds      12th November                      Heasley Mill Village Hall
• Weds      10th December                      The Victory Hall, North Molton

For any queries, please contact Ian Fisher, Parish Clerk - 07784 177666 nmpclerk@gmail.com

Do you work/train in construction or a trade? Maybe you're a home owner or heritage building enthusiast...?

If so, you should check out NDDC's new website northdevonheritageskills.co.uk

The Heritage Skills project, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, seeks to address the heritage skills gap in North Devon and help protect the district's local historic buildings.

The aim is to support training and development of the skills needed to maintain the historic buildings and places of North Devon, where we live, work, learn and play. These buildings will go on for many years to come if we look after them well, with the right people, having the right skills, and using the right materials.

The website will host a directory of trades and service professionals, information for property owners, and links to skills and training opportunities; organisers will be hosting a range of course between October 2024 and March 2025. 

Thank you to Nigel Penfold for pointing out the following:

As from 1st October, it will be a legal requirement for everyone who keeps any sort of birds on their property to register them with DEFRA. This applies to chickens, ducks, birds of prey ... everything. Previously, if you kept fewer than 50, there was no requirement to register, but there is now no lower limit. Pet birds kept indoors are exempt. The registration process is quick. Details on the DEfRA website.

Please find attached the presentation from Cavanna Homes that was made at our last Parish Council meeting (11/09/24). Details of the discussion can be found in the minutes (under Parish Council, Meeting Minutes).

If you are over State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings. People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get:

- The Winter Fuel Payment and other help with heating costs

- Help with rent and Council Tax

- A free TV Licence for those aged 75 or over 

- Help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments

You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95. Qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances.

Don’t miss out.  Check your eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234

The first turf has been cut to mark the start of construction at a new community in the village of North Molton by Westcountry housebuilder Cavanna Homes.

The development of 39 open market and affordable homes has been named Hollywell Meadow, after a unanimous vote by local schoolchildren at North Molton Primary School.

Five children from the school, with their Headteacher Angela Fernyhough, joined the village’s Parish Council Chair Sir Richard Peek, North Devon District Councillor, Liz Bulled and Director of Land and Design at Cavanna Homes, Michael Newman, for the ceremony at Hollywell Meadow off Fore Street.

Pupils Arthur Bolton, Tabitha Noble, Dougie Butt, Brennan Thomas and Josie Alford, donned hard hats and hi-vis jackets for the event to celebrate naming the new community of homes.

The ceremony marks the beginning of building work on 39 homes, 11 of which will be marketed as affordable and available for shared ownership or social rent.

Sir Richard said: “This is an exciting time for North Molton with a community of new homes coming forward by a local homebuilder. It was a pleasure to mark the start of construction on-site and I look forward to seeing the scheme take shape.”

Cllr Bulled said: “This is positive for the village with lots of advantages which wouldn’t be possible without a new housing development, such as the new footpath from the sports centre to the school, creating safer walking routes for children and their families. It’s great to see that affordable housing has also been allocated for the community.”

The one to four-bedroom homes will be energy efficient, fitted with air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points. High levels of insulation and double-glazing will be installed in every property.

The scheme will include a village green, allotments, a play area and a footpath to the village sports and community centre.

Children from North Molton Primary School named the development site, Hollywell Meadow in a vote held earlier this year.

Classes across the whole school took part in the ballot to choose from three possible names on a shortlist, drawn up by Torquay-based Cavanna Homes. Mrs Fernyhough, the Headteacher, said: “Every class voted for the name – Hollywell Meadow – it was a unanimous decision, and the children are so pleased to have played a part in this new community.”

The properties are expected to bring new families to the thriving North Devon village. As part of the planning agreement, Cavanna Homes will provide funding for secondary education, secondary school transport and highway improvements.

The Marketing Suite at Hollywell Meadow will be open in late summer, with a Show Home available for would-be buyers to view in spring 2025.

For more information about Hollywell Meadow, visit: www.cavannahomes.co.uk/developments/north-molton.

Please find attached an update from the North Molton Parish Council on their activities last year and plans for the new financial year.  All residencies within the Parish should receive a hard copy, but if you have not and would like one, contact the clerk on nmpclerk@gmail.com.