SHDC invites people to take part in consultations on a range of subjects

South Hams District Council is running a series of consultations that "give residents and local businesses a chance to have their say on council decisions that will influence everyday life across the district".

These are the consultations that are currently open.

Co Cars

What is it about? Local residents, businesses and community organisations are being asked for their views on establishing a community-led electric car and bike club for the South Hams via a short online survey.

When does it close? Tuesday, 24 August 2021

How to have your say: Take the survey at bit.ly/ElectricSHams

Enhancing biodiversity

What is it about? This is a consultation to explore what the public think about the Council enabling rewilding of some of its green spaces. As a district council, South Hams currently manages about 50 hectares of green space which is cut every couple of weeks.

The council is considering rewilding on a small proportion of this land, 10Ha for a biodiversity led approach, and 3.5Ha for wildflower meadows. The majority of the land, (36 Ha approx) such as active play spaces and football pitches will need to be kept short.

When does it close? Midnight on Thursday, 5 August 2021

How to have your say: www.engagement.southhams.gov.uk/enhancingbiodiversity

Better Lives For All

What is it about? We’re developing a new long-term strategic plan for the district. Looking to take every opportunity to support businesses and local people, the strategy outlines six core focus areas that will underpin the council's work over the next 20 years.

These are:

• Adapting and mitigating climate change and increasing biodiversity
• Improving homes
• Protecting, conserving and enhancing our built and natural environment
• Stimulating a thriving economy
• Strengthening community wellbeing
• Delivering quality council services
• What do you think of our focus areas? Is anything missing?

When does it close? Wednesday, 1 September 2021

How to have your say: Complete the formal survey at www.engagement.southhams.gov.uk/betterlivesforall

Woodlands Park, Ivybridge

What is it about? We have £25,000 to spend on new play equipment for Woodlands Park, Ivybridge and we want to hear from you. This is your chance to tell us what kind of equipment you'd like to see and what your children would most enjoy.

When does it close? Friday, 6 August 2021

How to have your say: www.engagement.southhams.gov.uk/woodlands-park-ivybridge

Proposed Amendments to Parking at Follaton House, Totnes

What is it about? South Hams District Council are proposing changes to the management of the car park at Follaton House, Totnes and would like to gather the views of the people who use it.

When does it close? 5pm on Thursday, 12 August 2021

How to have your say: www.engagement.southhams.gov.uk/parking-consultation

Cllr Nicky Hopwood, South Hams District Council Executive Member, said: “With all consultations, the more people who get involved the better as it gives us a truly representative picture of local opinion. Please do spend a few minutes completing our surveys to have your say and influence the decisions we make.

“To make it as convenient as possible, we have a number of different ways to share your thoughts. Look out for our polls on Facebook, fill in our quick online surveys or take the time to have your say on our bigger, formal corporate strategy. Every view will be collated and considered so we know our next steps are the right ones.”

If you’re not able to complete the surveys online, contact 01803 861234 and they will be happy to send you a paper copy.

As part of the consultation there are other ways to help shape the plan and tell SHDC what you think about the South Hams.

Take short surveys for residents, businesses and visitors www.engagement.southhams.gov.uk/better-lives-for-all-survey or show "the South Hams you see" in the photo competition www.engagement.southhams.gov.uk/photographycompetition