CREDITON could become part of a massively expanded Exeter as part of forthcoming local government reorganisation.

Exeter City Council wants to expand from a population of 129,000 to between 300,000 and 350,000 to enable it to become its own unitary authority.

It recently announced that it wants to work with neighbouring councils to ensure local government reorganisation delivers outcomes for local communities.

The council is proposing that reorganisation recognises the urban and rural identity of Devon, which may result in up to four unitary authorities for the county, including a new unitary incorporating the city of Exeter and adjacent areas.

It says this will capitalise on the region’s established strengths, drive economic and housing growth and deliver for communities.

The proposal recognises that Devon is a large geographical area with small, dispersed populations balanced by two major urban centres in Exeter and Plymouth.

The submission emphasises the importance of reflecting these unique characteristics through local government reorganisation that delivers clear benefits for Exeter and Devon.

Councillors will discuss the submission at an Extraordinary Council meeting today, Thursday, 20.

At a meeting in January councillors gave unanimous cross-party support to build the case for a unitary authority which includes the city of Exeter.

If councillors support Exeter’s submission, it will be sent to the government on March 21 in line with the requirement set out by government. A full business case will be submitted before the end of November.

Cllr Philip Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council, said: “Local government reorganisation means change for everyone, for all councils in our area. New councils representing new geographical boundaries will emerge.

“Representing the city of Exeter, we embrace the opportunity to deliver improved outcomes and we’re ready to work with city-wide stakeholders, neighbouring councils - including town and parish councils - whose input will be vital in ensuring reorganisation delivers on the ambition to empower local communities.

“Our submission rules out the 1-5-4 model proposed by some Devon districts, which has been developed without input from Exeter.”

Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon said: “Exeter is distinct from Devon’s market towns and rural communities, and it is vital we retain this sense of place and prioritise the economic growth using the strength of our city as the catalyst.

“Our submission deliberately does not set out any proposed boundaries – it is too early. We must first engage with our local communities.

“We remain dedicated to cooperation and taking this evidence-led submission forward in line with the government’s commitments to strengthen local decision-making, enhancing democratic accountability and improving service delivery for all residents.”

The city council, along with Devon's seven district councils and Devon County Council will all cease to exist in the government's biggest shake-up of local government for more than 50 years.

The plans for Exeter are at odds with a plan supported by seven district council leaders for Devon to be split into three unitary authorities.

That plan would see an expanded Plymouth as one unitary authority, the South Hams, West Devon, Teignbridge and Torbay forming a second authority and Exeter, East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge joining up for a third.

According to Exeter City Council, about 35,000 people commute into the city on a daily basis with the University of Exeter, the Met Office and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital among the major employers.

Council leaders were asked by the government to work together to come up with a joint plan for how the county should be split into new unitary authorities.

Leaders in Devon will also decide on their plans today, March 20.

Plymouth announced its plans for expansion into the South Hams on Wednesday - hoping to increase its population from about 265,000 to 300,000.