TEIGNBRIDGE has effectively been ripped into three by the announcement of Local Government Reorganisation in Devon.

The plans will mean residents will become part of one of three new councils: Exeter Council, Torbay Council or Devon Coast and Countryside Council, depending on where they live.

The decision represents one of the biggest changes to local government in Devon in decades.

The announcement by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government will mean a complete revision of the existing local authority set up.

In Teignbridge, it will mean Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell and Teignmouth become part of Torbay Council; Ashburton and Bovey Tracey join Devon Coast and Countryside Council and Dawlish, Kenton, Starcross and Exminster will join Exeter Council.

Under the approved plans, existing district and county councils will be replaced by four new unitary councils from 2028: Plymouth City Council, Exeter Council, Torbay Council and a new Devon Coast and Countryside Council.

Each council is designed to reflect distinct local identities and functional economic areas, while working together on strategic priorities such as transport, skills, housing, and economic development.

Leader of Teignbridge District Council, Cllr Richard Keeling, said: ‘The proposal selected by the Government will bring significant change to Teignbridge, with the current area divided across three separate authorities.

‘Our moorland communities and towns — including Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, and Buckfastleigh — will become part of a new Devon Coast and Countryside Council.

‘Other areas, including Dawlish, Chudleigh and Exminster, will join an expanded Exeter, while Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Kingskerswell, and Teignmouth will become part of a larger Torbay Council.

‘We will now work closely with neighbouring councils and town and parish councils to help shape the design and operation of the new unitary authorities, ensuring that Teignbridge residents continue to receive the best possible service.’

The changes are said to be ‘balanced with clear local accountability and democratic representation’.

The Government’s decision follows its invitation for councils to submit proposals for future local government structures, following a formal consultation and evaluation process.

Five proposals from the district councils and county council were submitted in November 2025.

Residents will continue to receive services from Teignbridge District Council as normal during the transition period.

A Structural Change Order (SCO) is expected to be passed in the autumn. This will provide the legal framework for the reorganisation, including arrangements for the transition process.

It will also enable elections to a shadow council in May 2027, ahead of the new unitary councils going live on April 1 2028.