Plans for a massive overhaul of Devon’s councils will now be reviewed after the Government paused the controversial local government reorganisation (LGR) proposals.

The decision has been welcomed by MPs and council leaders across the county, with opponents of the plans calling for the Government to use the review to reconsider the model proposed for Devon.

The reorganisation would have reduced Devon’s 11 existing councils to four new unitary authorities, with Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay expanding their boundaries and the remainder of the county forming a huge new authority dubbed “Rural Rump Devon” by MPs.

The plans would have seen 13 South Hams parishes transferred into a Greater Plymouth authority, while parts of Totnes would have become part of the proposed Torbay authority.

South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith said she was “delighted” that the proposals would now be looked at again after she challenged Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the issue last week.

“The Prime Minister agreed to reconsider the Devon decision when I questioned him last week, and I welcome the fact that he has done just that,” she said.

“There is now an opportunity for the Government to listen properly to the communities affected and make sure whatever comes next is right for Devon.”

She also welcomed confirmation that local elections scheduled for May 2027 would go ahead on existing council boundaries while the review takes place.

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden said the Government had “backed itself into a corner” by selecting an option she described as unworkable and out of step with rural Devon.

“This argument was never about being against LGR,” she said. “All we want is for the government to listen and prioritise local community concerns over political interests.”

She said the review should be based on the principles of devolution advocated by Mr Burnham.

“If they had done this from the start, they wouldn't be in this situation,” she said.

“It’s a disgrace that so much time and money has been wasted on rushed decisions that now need to be reviewed.”

The plans have also been welcomed by South Hams District Council (SHDC).

SHDC leader Cllr Dan Thomas said he was pleased the Government had listened to concerns raised by local authorities.

He said he had written to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) urging it to reconsider the decision and arrange an urgent meeting with Devon’s political leaders.

Cllr Thomas said the council supported the Government’s ambitions to simplify local government and increase devolution, but argued that the proposed structure had caused “deep disappointment and serious concern” among rural and coastal communities.

He said there were “stronger and more coherent alternatives” to the Government’s proposals and that the review provided an opportunity to find a model that worked in the interests of communities across Devon.

Plymouth City Council leader Cllr Tudor Evans said his council understood the Government’s decision to put the plans on hold and would continue to engage with the MHCLG during the review.

He said: “We understand the Government’s decision to put the plans for local government reorganisation on hold. We will continue to engage with the MHCLG as it reviews the programme and will await decisions on any future plans.

“In the meantime, we welcome its continued commitment to devolving more decision-making away from Westminster.

“We will now plan to hold local elections next year on our existing boundaries.”

The Government said 14 areas would be reviewed as part of its third tranche of local government reorganisation which include Devon, Torbay and Plymouth.

The review is intended to ensure the process is “robust” and aligns with the new Government’s plans to “rewire the state”.

Opposition to the Devon proposals had come from politicians across the political spectrum, with representatives arguing that the proposed boundaries did not reflect local communities.

Exmouth and Exeter East MP David Reed said he had “consistently raised concerns” about the plans and that the review must provide a genuine opportunity to reconsider whether they were right for Devon.

He said figures from Exeter City Council suggested the reorganisation could cost around £70 million, while Freedom of Information requests showed councils in his constituency had already spent around £1 million developing LGR proposals.

“Throughout the summer, councils across Devon have been forced to devote significant time and resources to developing a scheme that nobody locally asked for,” he said.

Devon County Council leader Cllr Julian Brazil welcomed the announcement, saying “fair play to the new Prime Minister” for listening to concerns and describing it as “a great day for Devon”.

He said: “LGR has been paused, but for all intents and purposes it has been cancelled.”

Cllr Brazil said the process had nevertheless brought Devon’s district councils closer together and acted as a “catalyst” for them to work together on delivering better and more cost-effective services.

He added that the review meant councils could now concentrate on delivering services while discussions over Devon’s future local government structure continue.

“If this is an example of how this government is going to work, this is good news. Burnham has listened to residents and that’s all we’ve ever wanted. I am delighted, thank you,” he said.