Residents are invited to have their say on proposed boundary changes that would see the number of representatives at East Devon District Council increase by one to 60.
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) proposals leave the Sidmouth Rural ward unchanged but draw a ‘more identifiable’ boundary between Sidmouth Sidford and Sidmouth Town.
The number of district councillors in Sidmouth Town will also decrease from three to two as the independent body factors in growth around Cranbrook and aims for ‘electoral equality’.
The new parish of West Hill would join Aylesbeare in a ward, while the remainder of the Ottery St Mary parish uniting in a three-member ward.
There are currently four district councillors across the Ottery town and rural wards.
LGBCE chairman Professor Colin Mellors said: “Over the next eight weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.
“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same, regardless of where you live.
“We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across East Devon and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people.”
The commission has also proposed a reshuffle for Sidmouth Town Council.
Under its proposals, the authority will retain 19 members over eight wards but only Salcombe Regis and Sidford will remain unchanged, each retaining two representatives.
In the west ward, the number of town councillors will drop from three to one, and the east ward from two to one. Sidbury will also lose one of its members.
The number of representatives will increase by one in Primley, to three, and in the north ward the number will increase from three to four.
The south ward will see the biggest change, with a gain of two members.
Residents can view an interactive map of the ward boundary proposals at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and comment on the proposals before April 3.
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