RESIDENTS of Okehampton and its hamlets are being urged to come to one of two planning meetings next week, to share their views on a proposed housing development off Crediton Road.

Hannard Developments has submitted outline plans to West Devon Borough Council for up to 375 dwellings, a primary school, a retail unit and the provision of access for land north of Crediton Road, adjacent to Chicacott Road.

In March, the developer held a public exhibition regarding potential development of the site. As an outline plan, the exact number of houses has yet to be determined, though is expected to be between 350 and 375 new dwellings. The proposed school would be able to accommodate 420 pupils.

Devon County Council has agreed in principle that subject to planning consent being granted for the scheme, they would purchase the school site and oversee the development of educational provision.

Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, which would house the majority of the development within its boundaries, and Okehampton Town Council, are both holding planning meetings next week, giving people the chance to air their views on the development.

Jane Gillard, clerk of Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council and acting clerk of the town council, said: 'We want to encourage people to come along to the appropriate meeting and share their views on the proposals. We are hoping to have documentation regarding the development on display for people to come and see.'

Okehampton town residents can share their views at a town council planning meeting at 7pm on Monday, November 18. Residents in the Okehampton Hamlets parish can have their say at the hamlets planning meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 19. Both meetings take place in the council chambers of Okehampton Town Hall.

The meetings will work like a normal council committee meeting, as opposed to an open public meeting. As with all these meetings, it will be open to the public for people to come along and hear the thoughts and workings of the council.

Near the beginning of each meeting, members of the public will have a limited amount of time to share their thoughts with councillors on the developments, and any other planning issues.

Following the initial time for comments made by the public, it will then be left for councillors to discuss planning issues, with no further comments allowed by those in attendance.

While the two councils will discuss the issue and make a decision on whether or not they think the plans are suitable for the town, the planning decision will ultimately rest with West Devon Borough Council.

The town council is also welcoming written responses from local people before the meeting. These can be dropped into the town hall office before the meeting on Monday.

Town residents can also see the plans at the West Devon Borough Council office on St James' Street, or at Kilworthy Park in Okehampton. They can also share their thoughts with West Devon Borough Council before November 23.