Devolution deals for Devon: further delays and confusion

Back in November last year, the ResPublica think tank said that a unitary authority for Devon would save millions:
Futures Forum: Rethinking devolution > abolish district councils
'Abolish Devon district and borough councils to create super authority', study says - Devon Live

Meanwhile, not all momentum has been lost over the 'devolution deal' otherwise known as 'The Hearth of the South West' - but there are still lots of contradictions, including: 

Efforts to devolve powers to the two regions has hit a critical stage in recent weeks after the Government revealed its preference for an elected mayor – and after it emerged that Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay were exploring opportunities to launch a rival bid.

Councils are ‘keeping a foot in the door’ on Devon and Somerset devolution deal | Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe News - North Devon Gazette
Plymouth's devolution dream is edging closer to reality - Plymouth Herald

And there's yet another parallel plan:
Futures Forum: Greater Exeter Strategic Plan for Exeter, East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge and the plans for new housing >>> CPRE seminar with MP Hugo Swire: Friday 19th January

It's run into difficulties: 

The Greater Exeter plan has been delayed

3 APR 2018

Mid Devon, East Devon, Teignbridge and Exeter City Council, in partnership with Devon County Council, are teaming up to create a Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP) which focuses on the creation of jobs and housing until 2040

The purpose of preparing the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan is to have a joined-up vision and aspirations for the area. The local authorities are working together, engaging with stakeholders and communities, to prepare a new joint plan. They are working together to deliver the best possible outcomes for the provision of new homes, jobs and infrastructure for existing and future generations, while also protecting and enhancing the environment.

The GESP will sit above District-level Local and community Neighbourhood Plans, taking a long-term strategic view to ensure important decisions about development and investment are coordinated.

The Greater Exeter plan has been delayed - Devon Live

The East Devon Watch blog is naturally confused: 

Owl is STILL having difficulty understanding how the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP) fits in with the Devon and Somerset Heart of the South West Strategic plan!!! So many strategies, so many plans, so many people being paid to work out how to invent what might, or more likely might not, turn out to be a wheel – though one of them MIGHT just manage to invent a square one!

“The Greater Exeter plan has been delayed” | East Devon Watch
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