Have your say on future of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in East Devon

East Devon District Council is inviting local stakeholders and members of the public to take part in a consultation, launching Monday 3 March 2025, on the future of its existing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).

A PSPO is a tool under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which enables councils to deal with a particular nuisance or problem affecting a specified area that is detrimental to residents’ way of life.

The council currently has three PSPOs in place across East Devon, supporting communities with local enforcement regarding:

Dog Control.
Seashores and Promenades.
Control of Anti-Social Behaviour and the Consumption of Intoxicating Substances in Exmouth.

Some of the requirements within the PSPOs apply to the whole of East Devon, while others are specific to certain locations, including children’s play areas, recreational spaces and beaches. Now, as part of a mandatory review that takes place every three years, the council is considering changes, which are detailed below.

The consultation opens on Monday 3 March 2025 at 3pm and runs for eight weeks, closing on Monday 28 April 2025 at 3pm.

To read more and have your say, please visit: publicspacesprotectionorderfullreview.commonplace.is

Councillor Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder Coast, Country and Environment, East Devon District Council, said: "Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are crucial tools to support the accessible, safe and responsible use of our public areas. This review provides an opportunity for people to share their views and help shape the future of these protections, ensuring they meet the needs of our communities. I encourage stakeholders to take part in the consultation, voice their opinions, and work with us to create an environment that benefits everyone.”

If approved, any new PSPOs will come into effect from 1 April 2026.

Proposed changes to Dog Control PSPO:

Amendments to the groups of people exempt from being guilty of an offence.
New dog exclusion controls at Jubilee Field play park and play space in Axminster.
New dog exclusion and dog-on-lead requirements for newly built playgrounds and allotments in Westclyst and Cranbrook.
Existing dog exclusion at Cranbrook Nature Reserve to be changed to a dog-on-lead requirement.
New dog-on-lead controls at Donkey Field and The Maer in Exmouth.
Removal of dog-on-lead controls on designated footpaths in Honiton to ensure consistency across the district.
New dog exclusion rule at Kilmington Recreation Ground between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September.
New dog-on-lead requirements at Sidmouth Cemetery and The Byes in Sidmouth.

Proposed changes to Seashores and Promenades PSPO:

Amendments to the groups of people exempt from being guilty of an offence.
Seasonal dog exclusion at Exmouth beach between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September each year.
Seasonal dog-on-lead requirement on the eastern section of Beer beach from 1 May to 30 September each year.

Proposed changes to Control of Anti-Social Behaviour and the Consumption of Intoxicating Substances in Exmouth PSPO: