Frequently Asked Questions

What does the town council do?

Ashburton Town Council is the most local level of government, representing the town and its residents.  Ashburton Town Council is made up of twelve councillors, including a Mayor. The role of the Councillors is to look after the day to day running of the town, look after community interests, provide certain local services, and act as a voice for Ashburton when working with wider authorities.

The town council may support local events, projects, and organisations through funding or practical assistance.

In addition, the council works closely with district and county councils on issues like roads, housing, and public services, raising concerns and advocating for the needs of the community.  Although we are not the deciding authority on planning, the town council comments on planning applications, ensuring that local views are considered in decisions about development.

 

Who are my local councillors?

Ashburton Town Council is made up of 12 elected local councillors, including the Mayor, who represent the community. You can view the most up-to-date list of councillors on the town council website:  View councillors and staff

Town councillors are elected by local residents in parish elections. Elections are usually held every four years, and anyone eligible can stand for election. If a seat becomes vacant between elections, it may be filled through a by-election or co-option.

Councillors represent the interests of the community and are non-party political.

 

When and where are council meetings held?

Council meetings are usually held at:

Ashburton Town Hall,

North Street,

Ashburton,

Devon, TQ13 7QQ

Meeting dates, agendas, and minutes are published on the council website. You can check upcoming meetings here.

 

Can the public attend or speak at meetings?

Members of the public are welcome to attend council meetings. Most meetings include a public participation section, where residents can raise questions or speak on local issues. This allows the council to hear directly from the community and consider their views when making decisions. To to let us know that you plan to attend and speak at a meeting please email the Clerks Office on townclerk@ashburtontowncouncil.gov.uk

 

What is the town council precept and how is it spent?

The council precept is the portion of your Council Tax that goes directly to Ashburton Town Council. It is collected on the council’s behalf by Teignbridge District Council and then passed to the Town Council to fund local services.

This money is used to support things such as:

• Maintenance of local facilities
• Community projects and grants
• Events and town improvements
• Running costs of the council (staff, administration, etc.)

Like most town councils, the precept forms the main part of the council’s income, alongside smaller amounts from rents, fees, or other sources.  You can explore our financial information here: Finance documents (Ashburton Town Council)

 

Can residents see financial reports?

Ashburton Town Council publishes financial information to ensure transparency and accountability. These documents are available on the council website:

View council documents and financial information

In addition, financial matters are regularly discussed at council meetings, which the public can attend and monthly income and expenditure reports are presented as part of each finance committee meeting.

 

How do I submit a planning application?

Ashburton lies across two local planning authorities.

Planning applications for any of the town that lies north of the A38 are submitted to Dartmoor National Park.  This covers the majority of the town.

You can apply online via the DNP planning portal.

Planning applications for any of the town that lies south of the A38 are submitted to Teignbridge District Council.

You can apply online via the TDC planning portal.

The Town Council does not process applications directly but will be consulted on proposals within Ashburton.

 

Does the town council approve building projects?

Ashburton Town Council does not make the final decision on planning applications.

Instead, it is a statutory consultee, which means it:

• Reviews planning applications affecting the town
• Discusses them at council meetings
• Submits comments or recommendations

The final decision is made by either Dartmoor National Park or Teignbridge District Council (depending on the area of the town where the building project is).  Sometimes there will need to be consultation with Devon County Council for certain matters (such as highways or education).

 

How can I object to or support a planning proposal?

Residents can comment on planning applications during the consultation period.

To do this either:

• Visit the planning section of Dartmoor National Park website (for planning proposals North of the A38): Comment on a Planning Application | Dartmoor
• or Teignbridge District Council (for planning proposals South of the A38): https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planning

You can also:

• Attend an Ashburton Town Council meeting where the application is being discussed
• Speak during the public participation section

All comments submitted to DNP or TDC are considered as part of the decision-making process.

 

How do I make a complaint or request information?

If you have a concern or complaint, you can contact Ashburton Town Council directly. The council will advise you on the appropriate process and next steps.

https://ashburtontowncouncil.gov.uk/contact_us/

For formal information requests, you have rights under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This allows you to request recorded information held by the council.

To make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request:

• Submit your request in writing (email is fine)
• Clearly describe the information you are seeking
• The council must normally respond within 20 working days

The council may also publish information proactively as part of its publication scheme.

 

Does the council organise local events or festivals?

You can see our list of council run events here: https://ashburtontowncouncil.gov.uk/events-list

 

How can I book the Town Hall?

To find out more or to make a booking please go to our hire page: Town Hall Hire – Ashburton Town Council

 

How do I invite the Mayor, Portreeve or the Town Crier to attend an event?

Please write either by post or email to the Clerks office with details of the event. The office processes all requests and will confirm attendance. townclerk@ashburtontowncouncil.gov.uk

 

Does the town council provide community grants or funding?

Ashburton Town Council may provide grants or financial support to local community groups, charities, and organisations that benefit the town and its residents.  For more information please visit our Community Grants page: Community Grants – Ashburton Town Council

 

My bin hasn’t been collected

Missed bin collections should be reported to Teignbridge District Council, which manages waste and recycling services.

Report a missed bin collection

 

Report pothole(s) in the road

Potholes and road defects are the responsibility of Devon County Council Highways.

Report a pothole

 

Report vandalism

Vandalism affecting council property can be reported to Ashburton Town Council, and criminal damage should be reported to the police.

Ashburton Town Council contact page

Devon & Cornwall Police

 

Report litter

Litter issues can be reported to Teignbridge District Council, which is responsible for street cleansing and litter bins.

Report litter or street cleaning issues

 

I’ve got a query regarding my Council Tax, who do I need to contact?

For any council tax queries you need to contact

Teignbridge District Council

 

Information about parking in Ashburton

Information can be found on Teignbridge District Council’s website.

 

Information about public transport in Devon

Follow this link to Travel Devon.

 

Where do I locate the cemetery records?

You will need to contact the church directly.

 

Who maintains Ashburton’s parks, playgrounds, and open spaces?

Teignbridge District Council is responsible for playparks, public open spaces, waste services, and street cleansing. Teignbridge District Council

Devon County Council is responsible for highways, roadside verges, and some public rights of way. Devon County Council

If you are unsure who is responsible for a specific area, the Town Council office can help direct you to the correct authority.  You can contact the council here:  Ashburton Town Council contact page

 

Can I have my proof of life document signed at the Clerks Office?

Yes, please visit us during our office opening hours. You will need to bring proof of identification and residency.

 

How do I contact the council or a specific councillor?

You can contact Ashburton Town Council in several ways, including by phone, email, or via our website.

Tel: 01364 652 142

Email: townclerk@ashburtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Social: Facebook

Online: https://ashburtontowncouncil.gov.uk/contact_us

Address: Town Hall, North Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7QQ

Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 9am – 4pm

Public opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 10-12noon

To contact a specific councillor please email the town Clerk who will pass on your enquiry.