Purpose of this information
It is not always clear which council is responsible for which services. This information explains how local government works together in and around Ottery St Mary, and where residents should direct different types of enquiries.
This article provides an accessible text version of the “Working With Others” poster, ensuring the information is available to everyone, including people using screen readers or other assistive technologies.
Overview of local councils
Three different councils provide services that affect residents of Ottery St Mary:
- Ottery St Mary Town Council
- East Devon District Council
- Devon County Council
Each council has clearly defined responsibilities. Some services may appear similar but are delivered by different councils depending on scale or legal responsibility.
Ottery St Mary Town Council
Contact details:
- Telephone: 01404 812252
- Email: admin@otterystmary-tc.gov.uk
Ottery St Mary Town Council is responsible for local community services and facilities within the town.
Services provided by Ottery St Mary Town Council include:
- Council offices
- Planning consultee (providing local views on planning applications)
- Community grants
- Room and office hire
- Gazebo and table hire for community groups
- Station Community Hub
- Tennis courts at Winters Lane
- Higher Ridgeway allotments
- Cemetery
- Property owned and managed by the Town Council, including:
- The Museum
- The Library building
- Strawberry Lane recreation site
East Devon District Council
Contact details:
- Telephone: 01404 515616
East Devon District Council provides services that cover larger local areas, including housing, environmental services, and regulatory functions.
Services provided by East Devon District Council include:
- Council tax and benefits
- Electoral services
- Planning authority and building control
- Licensing
- Environmental health services
- Health, food and safety inspections
- Pest control
- Refuse (rubbish) collection
- Recycling
- Street cleaning
- Parks and open spaces
- Beaches and resorts
- Car parks
- Tree management
- Conservation
- Fly tipping
- Abandoned vehicles
- Homelessness services
- Community development
- Business support
Devon County Council
Contact details:
- Telephone: 0345 1551 015
Devon County Council is responsible for county-wide services, including education, transport, and social care.
Services provided by Devon County Council include:
- Roads and transport
- Potholes and highways maintenance
- Street lighting
- Large-scale planning and traffic infrastructure
- Public health
- Health and wellbeing services
- Social and health care
- Children and young people’s services
- Education and families
- Libraries
- Leisure and culture
- Trading standards
- Births, deaths and ceremonies
- Disabled parking (blue badges)
- Fostering and adoption
How this information helps
This guide is intended to help residents:
- Contact the right council first
- Avoid delays caused by enquiries being passed between organisations
- Better understand how local government works together
If you are unsure which council to contact, staff at any of the councils listed will be able to advise you.
