OKEHAMPTON Town Council is considering forming a joint planning committee with Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council.

Town councillors discussed the possibility of consulting regularly with Okehampton Hamlets over planning issues at their own planning meeting on April 23.

With the number of developments on the east of town that fall into the Okehampton Hamlets boundary, the issue has become particularly important for the council.

Cllr Tony Leech said: 'I think it is a good idea. Now that such a big section of the new builds in the town are in the Okehampton Hamlets, we need some collective thinking.'

Mayor Maureen McDonald added: 'We need some facility where everything is equal, everyone has a say and are involved in the planning process together.'

The town council is writing to Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council to discuss the issue further.