What is Otterhampton Parish Council?

• It is the first tier of local government.
• It is an elected body with tax raising powers (known as the precept).
• It represents the villages of Combwich, Otterhampton and Steart (the latter being a separate ward electing one member to the council).

7 councillors represent the parish and they have a four year term of office.  The council is elected en bloc every four years – the last time was May 2019.

The next election will be in May 2023. If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor please contact the clerk or one of the other councillors for more information.

The parish council is served by an appointed Parish Clerk, who is responsible for calling meetings, preparing the agenda in consultation with the chair person and writing the minutes of the meetings and dealing with correspondence etc. The current Clerk is Gina Mear telephone 01278 652499.

The council is concerned with routine matters such as the children’s playground, grass cutting (except the main part of the common which is done by OPRA), the village gardener, notice boards, benches , dog bins, some path and road maintenance etc.

Of particular concern over the last few years have been the EDF proposals for Combwich and the creation of wetland habitat schemes at Steart by the Environment Agency and the Port of Bristol Company.  The council has been involved and continues to be involved in extensive consultations and negotiations with all three organisations on behalf of the community.