Councillor Fran McElhone

Advocating for others

recent posts

about

Fran McElhone is one of three ward members for Exmouth Halsdon on East Devon District Council; elected on December 4th 2025. She is a journalist, photographer, writer, editor and author. She has extensive experience covering a broad spectrum of subjects including local politics, health and social care, the military, crime, education and issues-based human interest stories. She is passionate about journalism providing a voice for people, its power to shine a light on injustices, holding authority to account, and telling otherwise untold stories with empathy and integrity. She runs multi-media agency www.liminalmedia.co.uk

Yellow Powwow

Yesterday, myself and Suzanne, the new LibDem Town Councillor for Exmouth Halsdon, met up with longstanding town/district councillor Tim Dumper, and our social media guru and dedicated activist, Elaine, after our by-election win a few weeks ago, early December.

Tim suggested the powwow because we’re brand new council members and he wanted to check we were OK!

Headline topics of conversation:

Committee membership

We talked about what potential committees we could join – more to come on this.

Spring greetings

We talked about a spring effort for us to meet you, and you to meet us and share your thoughts! So we may be knocking on your door some time soon! It’s also a way of us thanking you for your support.

Planning

I am keen to know what more we can do as district councillors regarding your concerns about planning, and the amount of houses proposed, because I, and I imagine most of my colleagues, share your concerns.

It troubles me hugely to read residents’ concerns about some of the developments suggested in and around Exmouth, and that I am now part of an administration which has to sign off on them.

So, how far is it the administration’s ‘fault’ – from what I’ve researched, it appears we’re over a barrel because housing numbers are imposed upon local councils by the Government, so first the Tories, and now Labour, which has increased the number of houses to be built nationwide.

As per my previous blog, every district council creates a Local Plan which sets out the vision for development across its district, which must align with Government legislation set out in its National Planning Policy Framework.

So, all we can do is our best with what is imposed upon us.

For more on why associated infrastructure isn’t mentioned in the Local Plan see my last blog.

Here’s another interesting factor in the planning process – party politics should not play a part in Local Plan planning; planning issues should be considered on evidence-based planning merit alone.

Here’s to working together to ensure the best outcome for all.

Posted in