NINE public spaces across Teignbridge could be transferred to town and parish councils as part of proposals to change how the sites are owned and managed.

Teignbridge District Council is preparing to publish legal notices covering the sites, allowing residents to review the proposals and submit comments before any decisions are made.

The proposed transfers would keep the land in public ownership, with no plans for development or transfers to private organisations or developers.

The move forms part of the district council’s long-term review of its land and buildings, which aims to reduce ongoing costs, make better use of public assets and protect community spaces for future generations.

The sites included in the proposals are the junction of Plymouth Road and Strode Road and Furlong Close in Buckfastleigh, Layne Fields in Christow, Church Street in Dawlish, Crokers Way in Ipplepen, Town Quay on Forde Road in Newton Abbot, Cleave Close in Tedburn St Mary and Rattle Street in Trusham.

Many of the sites are already leased to town and parish councils.

Transferring ownership would allow decisions about their management to be made locally, helping ensure the spaces continue to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Residents may see the word “disposal” in the legal notices and assume it means the land is being sold.

However, the council has clarified that the term covers a range of legal transactions, including transfers between public bodies.

In this case, it refers to the proposed transfer of land from Teignbridge District Council to town and parish councils.

Several of the sites include children's play areas. In some cases, Teignbridge owns the land while the relevant town or parish council owns and maintains the play equipment.

The council has confirmed that the play areas will remain open and available for public use if the transfers go ahead.

At Furlong Close in Buckfastleigh, the play equipment may benefit from improvements through Teignbridge’s Play Parks Improvement Programme.

If ownership transfers to Buckfastleigh Town Council, funding identified for future improvements would remain available to support enhancements to the play area.

Meanwhile, the proposed transfer of Town Quay in Newton Abbot, pictured, would formalise an arrangement that has been in place for more than 30 years.

Newton Abbot Town Council has managed the site under a lease, and the transfer would change ownership without affecting its day-to-day management.

Teignbridge said legal protections would be included in any transfer agreements to help ensure the sites remain publicly accessible and continue to benefit local communities.

The notices will be published under Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972, which requires proposed transfers or disposals of public open space to be advertised for two consecutive weeks.

Residents will be able to find information about each site, including maps and details of the proposals, on Teignbridge District Council’s website.

Plans can also be viewed at Forde House in Newton Abbot during normal office hours.

The publication of the notices is a standard part of the legal process.