West Devon, Administrative district in Devon, England.
West Devon is an administrative district in southwestern England located between Dartmoor National Park and the Cornish border. The area includes several settlements such as Tavistock, Okehampton, and Hatherleigh, featuring a mix of market town centers and rural communities.
The district came into being in 1974 when several existing local government areas were merged together, and it gained borough status eight years later in 1982. This restructuring created a single administrative unit from previously separate jurisdictions.
The area maintains strong rural traditions with farming and local crafts woven into everyday life. Market towns like Tavistock and Okehampton serve as gathering places where residents shop, meet neighbors, and celebrate community events throughout the year.
The local council operates from Tavistock and handles services such as waste management and planning approvals for residents and businesses. Visitors find the best accessibility and parking in the larger towns like Tavistock and Okehampton.
The council is made up of 31 elected representatives covering 18 electoral wards, creating a broad system of local representation across the area. What sets this region apart is that Dartmoor National Park operates its own planning authority, making development decisions independently within park boundaries.
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