Shopping
A village shop would provide the community with a ‘heart’ but it is recognised that it could not be competitive on price. The facilities nearby at North Tawton are not patronised to any great extent except for last minute items, perhaps partly due to parking problems.
The survey showed that Okehampton was clearly the favoured shopping locality for its range of shops and banks. The post office in the village is quite well used for general postal services.
Given the choice of how Sampford Courtenay should develop in the future, a sizeable minority indicated that they wish to see the parish stay as it is but most want a balanced, working community that retains its farming roots. The village is attractive to newcomers and the intention should be to ensure a blend of the population across a wide age spectrum: young families, people working locally, retired persons and commuters. Small businesses will be welcomed provided they fit into the character of the parish and its landscape