Issues and SWOT

strength

Use joined-up delivery around Okehampton

Several public bodies contributed to the station and its local connections.

A rail stop is more useful when people can reach it without a car.

Evidence

strength

Bring support closer to people in poor health

5.1% of people reported bad or very bad health in Devon council area (21 March 2021). Across England, the figure was 5.2%.

This is how residents described their health in the census. It can reveal differences between neighbourhoods, but does not diagnose illness or measure current waiting times. Age profiles differ between places, so these shares do not measure service quality.

weakness

Check whether Cullompton residents see less through-traffic

The relief road is intended to reduce High Street congestion.

Construction alone does not demonstrate better air or easier local trips.

Evidence

weakness

Make room for homes people can afford

The average home price is £303,000 (July 2026) in Devon council area. This is about £10,000 higher than the England average for the same month.

Housing costs matter most alongside earnings and the number of affordable homes available. A local average cannot tell us whether a particular household can afford its home.

opportunity

Scrutinise the M5 business case before committing

The new junction has funding for further design and appraisal.

This is the stage to compare alternatives and test housing assumptions.

Evidence

opportunity

Plan homes and care around an older population

25.8% of people in Devon council area were aged 65 or over (21 March 2021).

Age alone does not mean poor health or a need for care. Accessible homes, reliable transport and support close to home matter as people get older.

opportunity

Connect local skills to local opportunities

32.9% of people aged 16 or over had a degree or equivalent (21 March 2021) in Devon council area. Across England, the figure was 33.9%.

Qualifications show one part of the skills available locally. They do not show whether people have secure jobs or work that uses those skills.

opportunity

Target safety work where problems repeat

Mapped police records are available for neighbourhoods in Devon council area.

Published locations are approximate and some crimes are not mapped. Counts show recorded incidents, not the chance of an individual becoming a victim.

opportunity

Turn published plans into visible progress

3 named local projects or plans have official evidence in this collection.

A published plan makes responsibilities and intentions easier to inspect. It does not prove that funding is secured or that promised benefits have arrived.

threat

Do not count forecast benefits before services are usable

Station access, road construction and junction planning are at different stages.

A delayed connection can limit benefits from another investment.

Evidence 1 · Evidence 2 · Evidence 3