Role of the Parish Council

Parkham Parish Council, nestled in the heart of North Devon, serves as the crucial first tier of local government for our rural community. We are dedicated to representing the interests and concerns of Parkham residents, acting as a vital link between the community and larger authorities like Torridge District Council and Devon County Council. Our responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including maintaining the public Open Space (POS), commenting on planning applications to ensure they align with the Parish's character, and working to improve the quality of life for everyone in Parkham.

The Council is comprised of a dedicated team of local residents who volunteer their time and expertise to serve the Parish. Councillors are elected or co-opted, and the Council is led by a Chairperson, elected annually. We strive to preserve the unique rural charm of our Parish while proactively addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with living in a vibrant, evolving community.

The Parish Council is made up of ten councillors including a chair and a vice chair. Members serve for a period of four years and the present council was elected in May 2023. All councillors are residents of the parish. A clerk is appointed by the council and is paid for his or her services.The role of the clerk is to provide background information in an advisory role, to make sure that the council acts within the law, to maintain financial records, prepare agendas and take minutes. More details on the role of clerk can be found under 'Parish Clerk'

Parkham Parish

Welcome to Parkham, a parish in the Torridge district of North Devon, located conveniently west of Bideford. Geographically, Parkham Parish spans from the undulating inland hills and agricultural land, characteristic of this part of Devon, right to the Atlantic coast. This varied landscape within the parish includes everything from rolling pastures and valleys to striking coastal cliffs and foreshore, offering residents and visitors a rich mix of environments to explore.

Map of Parkham Parish

 

Moving south from the sea the parish includes the hamlets and villages of Northway, Horns Cross, Foxdown, Hoops, Newhaven, Goldworthy, Parkham Ash and Broad Parkham. The parish consists of approximately 930 people and 420 dwellings.

Hawthorne Tree - Photo courtesy Phil Dack

 

Parkham boasts a long and rich history, recorded as far back as the Domesday Book of 1086, highlighting its centuries-old roots as a settled community. For generations, life here has been intimately tied to the land and agriculture, shaping both the landscape and the daily routines. In the heart of Parkham village and a feature seen from miles around, is the church of St James which dates back to Norman times although the only visual sign of this is the archway over the main door.