RESIDENTS in West Devon are being urged to get involved in the long term vision for development in the borough, which will see more than 1,300 homes built in Okehampton and its hamlets over the next 16 years.

Borough councillors gave the green light for a consultation on the draft 'Our Plan' which sets out what the borough might look like in the future in terms of new homes, future jobs and infrastructure.

Many sites have already been earmarked by the council in its core strategy to deliver the 4,323 homes required in the borough by 2031 but the authority is hoping to work with local communities on their own neighbourhood plans so new areas of development are dictated by the community and not the borough council.

A formal consultation will start in February for six weeks and events are being planned for Okehampton, North Tawton, Hatherleigh, Tavistock, Bere Alston and Lifton, where officers will be able to listen to views and comments.

Cllr James McInnes, who represents the Lew Valley ward, said it was vital that local people played their part: 'I would urge communities to call public meetings — as a borough council we will be consulting on on the draft Our Plan document but do not wait for us.

'It is important that as much discussion takes place for future development as possible so we get good feedback and the consultation becomes really meaningful. We don't just want the parish councils' thoughts but the public as well.'

The draft plan also sets out the council's approach to issues, including renewable energy and affordable housing.

The plan has been developed from information gathered around the borough during the last nine months and talks with organisations, businesses, residents and the volunteer sector. It is expected to deliver 216 extra homes per year up to 2031.

While the main growth will take place in the two main towns of Okehampton and Tavistock, the council is also looking to see new homes built across the borough to help communities remain sustainable and retain local facilities and services.

Expansion of employment land at Hatherleigh and Lifton Strawberry Fields is included in the plan and councillors stressed how important it was to improve employment opportunities.

Cllr Mike Benson said there was very little in terms of jobs where he lived, outside of farming, and he would like to see units where people could live and run businesses side by side.

'Live/work units have been created elsewhere and what a wonderful legacy if this borough could provide them too,' he said.

'People find it very difficult to buy a house and this way we could provide employment and accommodation.'

Neighbourhood Plan areas have to be designated by the end of the year and communities have to show sufficient progress on their plans by June 2017. If not, the borough council will take the lead in allocating new areas of land for development.

The consultation will be available on the council's website http://www.westdevon.gov/ourplan">www.westdevon.gov/ourplan