A ‘RADICAL’ plan to shape the future of Plymouth, West Devon and South Hams has been endorsed by independent government inspectors.

It’s taken three years to shape, publish and consult on, but the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan (JLP) has received endorsement by inspectors and is now set to be adopted by the three councils later this week and early next week.

The plan depicts what Plymouth and South West Devon could be like in 2034 and covers important issues like health, transport, homes, jobs and the economy, green spaces and infrastructure.

The Joint Local Plan looks at every aspect of how cities, towns and villages should look and feel for the years to come. It covers a population of 401,000 people, who were all asked to contribute to its policies and development sites.

The councils learned this week that the inspectors have endorsed the plan.

West Devon Borough councillor Graham Parker, chair of the steering group for the JLP, said: ‘We are really pleased that the strategy set out in the plan and the supporting policies which will guide development in the next 20 years have been supported by the inspectors.

‘When this plan is adopted it will be only the 13th Joint Local Plan in the country and one of a very few that have met the housing and employment needs for their communities in full. All three authorities are now committed to working together to deliver what we have set out in this radical plan.’

Cllr Judy Pearce, South Hams District councillor on the joint member steering group added: ‘This really is an historic moment for all three councils. We came together three years ago because it just made sense to look at this entire area — all 2,126 square kilometres of it — as where people live, work and play are so interconnected. By doing this we have been able to put in place planning policies that will ensure we get the right development in the right place and protecting the highly valued landscapes of our AONBs.’

The JLP is being reported to a full meeting of West Devon Borough Council on Tuesday (March 26).

All the latest documents and the inspectors’ report can be seen at http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymswdevonplan