DEVON is facing the largest change in local government in three decades with the proposal this week for one large rural authority covering the whole of the county, excluding Plymouth and Torbay. The proposal, which would see the abolition of the seven district or borough councils and Exeter City Council, has been received with grave concern by West Devon Borough Council — it says a single Devon authority is 'too big' in terms of population and the challenging geography of the county. The borough council is 'devastated' that its vision for a dedicated rural South Devon and Dartmoor authority has been dismissed by the Boundary Committee. West Devon Council Leader James McInnes said: 'We're devastated that our concept which put the specific needs and interests of our rural communities at its very heart should be dismissed in this way. 'This is a cost-cutting exercise which will benefit central Government and not the individual tax payer.' A single authority for Devon would have a population of more than 700,000 spread over 2,500 square miles, making it the largest rural unitary authority in England and second only in population to Birmingham. It is understood the council would be made up of 100 members with each representing around 7,500 people — the South Devon and Dartmoor concept proposed one councillor to 4,000 people. The Boundary Committee proposal includes setting up 28 community boards based around the county's market towns. West Devon Borough Council claims many communities will no longer enjoy their current representation and the ability to influence on such important local issues such as planning and licensing. Borough councillor Margaret Garton said there would be a huge democratic deficit for the residents of West Devon. 'The Government is expecting savings to be made somewhere between £23-million and £27-million, but the transitional costs will be huge and none of these savings will be returned to local people.' She said the council would continue to fight for a fair form of local government. 'This is not the final decision — it is just one stage in the process. 'We will make our views known throughout the consultation period and continue to fight for a form of local government that addresses the needs of our local communities.' Okehampton's Cllr Christine Marsh, a county and borough councillor, said she had voted in favour of a single authority as Devon County Council already provided more than 85% of local services. 'I was in favour because a unitary authority represents the whole area and would have a bigger picture of how Devon works,' she said. 'I think the biggest thing is going to be planning and how that is controlled because that is currently dealt with by the borough council. It is important that we keep this local and that parish and town councils have a big part to play in this. 'We have to keep a close eye on the finer details because we need to make sure that the public are protected and they get good service. I am in support as long as these services are delivered with the least bureaucracy and costs as possible.' Tavistock's Roy Connelly, who is also a county councillor, said he welcomed the announcement by the Boundary Committee that the people of Devon will be 'best served' by a unitary authority covering the whole of Devon. He said: 'They have recognised that a single unitary council for Devon is best placed to cut costs, deliver value for money and reduce the burden of council tax. 'It will also ensure the capacity to manage major services like education and social care for the elderly. 'Devolving power to local communities, particularly in rural areas, is and remains very important and with this very much in mind this will be strengthened through community boards with town and parish councils having an influential role to play. 'It is now important that we continue to focus on delivering quality frontline services and work together in planning for the future and the benefit of the local community.' Leader of Devon County Council Cllr Brian Greenslade said; 'We believe that keeping Devon strong and united will ensure the capacity to manage major services and to make the big investments needed to invigorate the county's economy and prosperity as a whole. 'At the same time we think it also provides the best option for delivering high quality, responsive and accountable local services across the whole of Devon.' The proposal will now be the subject of a 12-week consultation period prior to the boundary committee making its final recommendation to the Government by the end of the year.