1.1 Survey design, implementation and promotion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The survey asked multiple choice questions about residents\u2019 expectations from future local government and priority areas and enabled free text responses to be submitted for artificial intelligence analysis. It collected significant demographic data about participants to aid understanding of different cohorts\u2019 views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The survey was launched on 18 July 2025 and closed on 14 October 2025. It was supported by an aspirational, fresh brand emphasising opportunity and new beginnings and a multi-channel communications campaign comprising:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- traditional media editorial and advertising campaigns<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- targeted social media advertising<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- a \u2018roadshow\u2019 visiting 26 cities and towns across the county<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Specific efforts were made to engage \u2018hard to hear\u2019 communities who are typically under-represented in such surveys. These include people with experience of the care system, younger Devon residents and minority ethnic communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.2 Understanding the results<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The results in this report were extracted at 2.55pm on Tuesday 19 August after 2,782 survey contributions. Quantitative results are presented in the chart format and qualitative data (open text) responses are aggregated and summarised by artificial intelligence tool TrendsAI. The data presented in this report has been altered to be representative of a particular community, although the number of respondents has exceeded that required to be deemed \u2018statistically significant\u2019 for a county with a population the size of Devon\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TrendsAI was developed specifically for local government consultations. Trained on over 12 million public responses, it currently achieves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 95%+ topic precision \u2013-correctness of topics identified (very strong compared to industry standards)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 80% topic recall – completeness of topics identified (over 150 topics are created for each domain such as planning, transport, sustainability etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 80% sentiment accuracy – correctly identifying tone as positive, neutral, or negative (on par with human accuracy)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2.0 Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2.1 Narrative summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Residents across Devon expressed a deep appreciation for their natural surroundings and community spirit, but also raised urgent concerns about the challenges facing young people and the environment. While the county is widely seen as a beautiful and family-friendly place, many felt that rapid development, under investment in services, and environmental degradation were threatening its character and future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A recurring theme was the need to support young people more effectively. Residents highlight a lack of affordable housing, limited job opportunities, and insufficient youth services. There were calls for more youth clubs, safe recreational spaces, and inclusive community events that bring together younger and older generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many linked rising antisocial behaviour to boredom and a lack of safe, structured environments for young people. Public transport is also a concern, with suggestions for better evening and rural bus services to improve access to employment and social opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Families also reported challenges in raising children in Devon. While the area\u2019s natural beauty and community values were praised, there were concerns about inadequate play areas, limited SEND support, and rising housing costs that make it difficult for young families to stay in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parks were seen as needing investment, and there was a strong desire for more family-focused infrastructure, including affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and better public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Healthcare access is another pressing issue. Residents reported long waiting times for GP appointments, a shortage of NHS dentists, and under-resourced hospitals like North Devon District Hospital. Many feared that housing growth was outpacing the capacity of local health services. There was a strong call for urgent investment in healthcare infrastructure, better alignment between planning and service provision, and a halt to further development until essential services can cope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Environmental concerns are also widespread. Devon\u2019s rivers, canals, and coastlines are cherished for their beauty and biodiversity, but residents are alarmed by pollution, particularly from South West Water, and the impact of overdevelopment on green spaces. The River Exe and Grand Western Canal are frequently mentioned in relation to sewage discharge, invasive species, and loss of natural habitats. There is a strong desire for cleaner water, protection of greenfield sites, and greater environmental accountability from both local authorities and utility providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residents called for stronger protections for the environment, including better management of waterways, investment in biodiversity, and community involvement in conservation efforts. Many felt that the natural environment is being neglected in favour of short-term development, and they want to see a more balanced, sustainable approach that safeguards Devon\u2019s landscapes for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In summary, Devon residents were united in their desire to protect what makes their communities special -supporting young people, preserving the environment, and ensuring that development is matched by investment in essential services. They seek a future where Devon remains a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable place to live for all generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2.2 Results by question<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is most important to you? (participants are asked to rank 10 areas in order of priority)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/180\/2025\/10\/What_is_most_important_to_you-938x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat else is a priority for you? (open text)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDevon residents are concerned about social care for children and the elderly, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements in towns like Barnstaple and Torquay. There\u2019s a strong need for effective local governance that addresses community voices on planning issues, alongside better policing and public safety measures. Many advocate for preserving Devon’s natural environment and community resources, while resisting housing developments on green spaces. Residents highlight the importance of maintaining public toilets and improving town centre cleanliness to enhance community access.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTo what extent do you feel a sense of belonging or personal connection to the county of Devon? (5=very strong, 1=very weak)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/180\/2025\/10\/to-what-extent-11-1024x560.png\")
The pie chart shows the results of the answers to the question to what extent do you feel a sense of belonging or personal connection to the county of Devon.\n\nRespondents were asked to allocate a number from 1 to 5, with 5 being very strong, and 1 being very weak.\n\n2.9% of people selected 1\n5.5% of people selected 2\n19.7% of people selected 3\n35.5% of people selected 4\n36.4% of people selected 5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n All numbers and percentages are are calculated on the number of answers to the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWould you like to add anything else about your personal connection to Devon? (open text)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nResidents of Devon express a strong emotional connection to places, celebrating the area’s beauty and community spirit. However, they voice significant concerns over housing developments, rising costs, and the loss of local identity. While long-term locals feel pride in the community, newcomers often feel disconnected. The comments highlight a desire for improved infrastructure and services to maintain Devon’s character amidst rapid changes. Overall, the sentiments reflect a mixture of affection for the region alongside anxiety about its future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat do you value most about your local area? (open text)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nResidents of Devon cherish their community spirit and the stunning natural landscapes, particularly Dartmoor and the coastline, which provide ample green spaces. Many enjoy local recreational activities and appreciate the friendly atmosphere. However, there are growing concerns over overdevelopment, rising crime rates, and the deteriorating condition of public spaces. The balance between preserving the unique character of the area and accommodating growth is crucial to local residents, emphasizing the need for sustainable development practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow important to you is Devon\u2019s natural environment? (5=very important, 1=not at all important)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/180\/2025\/10\/how-important-1024x509.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAll numbers and percentages are are calculated on the number of answers to the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWould you like to add anything else about Devon\u2019s natural environment? (open text responses)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDevon’s natural environment faces dire threats from overdevelopment, with pollution and inadequate infrastructure highlighted as critical areas. Residents are passionate about maintaining the beauty and biodiversity of these locations and call for sustainable planning and investment in green spaces over urban sprawl. Concerns revolve around excessive housing developments on green fields and the urgent need for better management of natural resources and public engagement in decisions affecting the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat would you like to see more of in your community? (1=top priority, 6=lowest priority)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/180\/2025\/10\/What-would-you-like-to-see-more-of-in-your-community-1024x1013.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIs there anything else you would like to see more of? (open text)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nRespondents across urban and rural areas emphasised the importance of improving maintenance of existing parks, libraries, and community spaces rather than focusing on new developments. Specifically, suggestions include enhancing social spaces for all ages, tackling litter and weed issues, and improving public transport links. There is also a call for better police presence to address antisocial behaviour and a desire for more youth centres and recreational facilities. The focus remains on fostering community connections and a vibrant local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWould you be interested in participating in local decision-making (for example, community meetings, online forums)?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/180\/2025\/10\/would-you-be-1024x487.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAll numbers and percentages are are calculated on the number of answers to the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you have contacted Devon County Council in the past three years how happy were you with the way you were dealt with?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/180\/2025\/10\/how-happy-1024x554.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAll numbers and percentages are are calculated on the number of answers to the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you needed to get in touch with your local council, what method would you prefer to use?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/180\/2025\/10\/get-in-touch-1024x830.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nIs there anything else you’d like to say about how councils should deal with customers? (open text)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nResidents expressed frustration with communications at some of Devon\u2019s district councils, calling for improved, human interactions over automated systems. Many voiced the need for face-to-face contact and accessible phone services, highlighting issues like road closures that isolate villages and the lack of response to local concerns. Suggestions include improving website navigability and ensuring staff are trained to communicate empathetically. A push for transparency and accountability in local council interactions is paramount for fostering trust within the community.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
1.0 Introduction The New Devon survey was launched on 18 July 2025, to seek the views of Devon residents on a range of local authority services and to understand community aspirations for the 2025-2029 council term. A questionnaire was prepared using the Commonplace community engagement platform and utilising standard \u2018place\u2019 survey questions. Such surveys and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":981,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":20,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-369","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-04 00:42:35","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/981"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2236,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369\/revisions\/2236"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/strategic-plan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}