East Devon council review dog ban and beach restrictions

East Devon District Council is holding a consultation on its existing public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) on dog control and seashores and promenades.

Proposed changes to the Dog Control PSPO include 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.

It also includes a new dog exclusion and dog-on-lead requirements for newly built playgrounds and allotments in Westclyst and Cranbrook.

In addition, the existing dog exclusion at Cranbrook Nature Reserve is to be changed to a dog-on-lead requirement.

There will also be new dog-on-lead controls at Donkey Field and The Maer, in Exmouth, and the removal of dog-on-lead controls on designated footpaths in Honiton to ensure consistency across the district.

There will be a new dog exclusion rule at Kilmington Recreation Ground between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September, and new dog-on-lead requirements at Sidmouth Cemetery and The Byes in Sidmouth.

Proposed changes to the Seashores and Promenades PSPO include a seasonal dog exclusion at Exmouth beach between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September each year, and a seasonal dog-on-lead requirement on the eastern section of Beer beach from 1 May to 30 September each year.

Councillor Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder Coast, Country and Environment at East Devon District Council, said: “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.”

The consultation, which runs for eight weeks, closes on 28 April at 3pm.

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