Devolution of Minehead's Open Spaces from Somerset Council to Minehead Town Council
Stay informed and engaged with the latest updates on the devolution of assets and services from Somerset Council to Minehead Town Council! This page is your go-to source for any news, key developments and what’s coming next as we shape the future of our town together. Keep checking in to see how these changes will benefit our community!
Latest News
Minehead Town Council Extends Preparation Period for Open Spaces Devolution - 1st April 2025
Minehead Town Council announces that the devolution of open spaces assets and services from Somerset Council will now take effect from May 1st 2025, following a brief extension to the previously announced April timeline.
The adjustment is necessary to allow for the completion and thorough scrutiny of all transfer paperwork. This additional month ensures that legal documentation, asset registers, and service agreements are fully reviewed and properly processed before the transition takes place. The landmark transfer will still see the Town Council take ownership and management responsibility for key public spaces including Blenheim Gardens, Parks Walk and Ellicombe Open Space.
Town Clerk Ben Parker explained: "The complexity of the legal paperwork involved in transferring multiple assets and services requires additional time to complete properly. The Town Council is committed to ensuring all documentation is thoroughly scrutinised and everything is in order before we finalise this significant transition. This attention to detail will help protect the interests of our community and ensure the transfer process meets all legal requirements."
The approved transfer remains unchanged in scope, including numerous open spaces, play areas, and income-generating assets such as some car parks and café facilities. This comprehensive package will enable the Town Council to generate revenue to help towards offsetting costs while investing in improvements that directly benefit residents.
"Proper due diligence with the transfer paperwork is essential for a transition of this magnitude, we're working closely with our solicitors and Somerset Council officials to address all the necessary documentation. This brief extension gives us the confidence that when we do take over management responsibility, everything will be properly in place from a legal and administrative perspective."
The Town Council's financial planning remains robust, with the previously announced precept increase of just 6.5%, significantly lower than many other towns undertaking similar devolution processes. This demonstrates the Council's continued commitment to fiscal responsibility while expanding services.
The Town Council will be at The Eat Festival on Sunday 6th April, as well as hosting a community engagement event on April 11th to share detailed plans and answer questions about the transition. Updates will continue to be provided through the Council's website and social media channels.
What Does "Devolution" Actually Mean for Minehead?
"Devolution" might sound complicated, but it's actually something fantastic for our town! In simple terms, it means many of our beloved local spaces are coming under the control of our very own Town Council.
Remember, every penny of your council tax that goes to the Town Council stays right here in Minehead! None of it disappears to other parts of Somerset - it all gets reinvested into making our community even better!
How Will This Work? Three Ways to Transfer!
Our Town Council is taking on these spaces in three distinct ways:
● Full Asset Transfers - The Town Council becomes the actual owner!● Leasehold Transfers - We'll manage and care for these spaces day-to-day, while Somerset Council still handles the big stuff like major infrastructure and lighting.● Informal Maintenance Agreements - As Somerset Council's presence in town reduces, we'll keep these areas looking tip-top through regular maintenance. Any major issues will still go through Somerset, but we'll ensure everything stays beautiful!
So What Exactly Are We Getting?
Our New Town Treasures (Full Asset Transfers):
● Blenheim Gardens (including the café!)● Parks Walk● Woodcombe Walk● Bratton Walk● Cuckoo Meadow Play Area● Sycamore Road Play Area● Jubilee Gardens and Café● The walkway between Channel Training and railway level crossing (including Play Area)● North Road Car Park● Alexandra Road Car Park● Regents Way walkway to Parkhouse Road● Hyde Road Open Space● Molly's Patch
Under Our Care (Leasehold Transfers):
● Culvercliffe Open Space and Play Area● The Esplanade (From Quay Street Green to Warren Road Car Park; Although bin emptying will remain with Somerset)● The Lagoons (Opposite McDonald's/Tesco)● Seaward Way Green (Opposite Rainbow Way Along Seaward Way)
Looking After These Too (Informal Maintenance):
● Zigzag path and Webbers Garden● Various town shrub beds● Grass verges
This is an exciting new chapter for Minehead, giving us more say in how our local spaces are maintained and developed! Local control for local spaces - just the way it should be!
News Archives
Minehead Town Council to Take Over Management of Town's Open Spaces
In a historic decision for the town, Minehead Town Council has approved the devolution of open spaces assets and services from Somerset Council, effective April 1st 2025. Councillors carefully considered the comprehensive devolution proposal at their Full Council meeting on February 25th before voting to move forward with this significant transition. This landmark moment will see the Town Council take ownership and management responsibility for key public spaces including Blenheim Gardens, Parks Walk and Ellicombe Open Space. The transfer represents a significant step toward greater local control and decision-making for Minehead. Local residents will now see their cherished community spaces managed directly by their Town Council, ensuring these vital assets remain at the heart of town life for generations to come.
Town Clerk Ben Parker commented: "This decision marks a historic moment for Minehead, bringing the management of our town's most important open spaces under local control. The Town Council is fully committed to delivering high-quality services while ensuring these beloved spaces are protected and maintained to the standards our community deserves. We've undertaken extensive preparations to make this transition as smooth as possible."
The approved transfer includes numerous open spaces, play areas, and income-generating assets such as some car parks and café facilities. This comprehensive package will enable the Town Council to generate revenue to help towards offsetting costs while investing in improvements that directly benefit residents.
As part of the careful financial planning for this transition, the Town Council has managed to limit the precept increase to just 6.5%, significantly lower than many other towns undertaking similar devolution processes. This demonstrates the Council's commitment to fiscal responsibility while expanding services.
The first year of operation will focus on service consolidation, ensuring a smooth transition and establishing consistent maintenance standards across all sites. The transfer will include appropriate staffing arrangements in line with TUPE regulations, alongside the necessary equipment and resources to deliver high-quality services.
Residents will benefit from a more coordinated approach to open space management across Minehead, with a single point of contact for all public spaces. The Town Council plans to integrate environmental initiatives such as rewilding into its maintenance approach, supporting local biodiversity.
The Town Council will be communicating further information about the transition through community engagement events, social media, and new signage across affected sites.
The map below visually shows the areas owned and maintained by Minehead Town Council, with the red-coloured sections representing the proposed devolved assets and open spaces from Somerset Council.