trial rat – 2 years ago the M8 was closed for more than 24 hrs! Although I agree that the most common ‘problem’ routes are actually well serviced, but if the OP is worried about Devon + 300 miles then he’s not in an area well prepared for significant snow fall.
Its the sort of thing travel insurance should cover (but the excess could be as much as the accom!). I’d expect that the police advising against non essential travel would be the proof you need it is not safe to go.
OP – if your main concern is ‘your village’ then common sense would suggest, when ‘important journey’ + ‘snow forecast’ move car to somewhere more accessible and walk to the can on day of journey.