MORE sites have been put forward for the public to comment on possible development opportunities over the next 18 years, including two in West Devon, as part of West Devon, Plymouth and South Hams’ Joint Local Plan.

During the 2016 summer consultation, landowners and members of the public suggested new sites for development. Residents also put forward green space that should be protected from development. Before the plan progresses to the next stage, the three councils want to give local communities a further chance to give their views on the new sites.

A number of sites have been put forward for Plymouth and for West Devon and South Hams, including land to the east of Bratton Clovelly and Great Rookery Orchard in Exbourne.

Deputy leader of Plymouth City Council and chair of the Joint Local Plan member steering group Councillor Patrick Nicholson said: ‘Local people have already put a lot of time and effort into making comments on the hundreds of sites identified over the summer. We really appreciate the comments local communities have given and will carefully consider all the representations we have received so far. As we have received new sites, we are committed to giving local people a further say on these too before we make any final decisions.’

Cllr Graham Parker, West Devon Borough Council’s lead member for strategic planning and housing, said: ‘We cannot stress too much how important it is that the Joint Local Plan takes into account the views of our residents and businesses.’

People are also being asked their thoughts on how development is being distributed across the area.

Cllr Nicholson added: ‘This is a technical planning document but, crucially, it sets out the aim behind the Joint Local Plan on where to concentrate homes and employment space so that people living and working in our city, towns, villages and countryside can all enjoy a good quality of life with access to good jobs.

‘All three councils are committed to targeting new development on brown field sites. By focusing the vast majority of the planned housing and employment growth on Plymouth and the larger towns, we believe we can lessen the overall impact on our environment and minimise the loss of green field sites.’

Cllr Michael Hicks, South Hams District Council’s executive portfolio holder for strategy and commissioning, said: ‘Many have invested a huge amount of time and effort understanding how the planning process works and how they can contribute in a meaningful way via their own neighbourhood plans. We believe we can better plan for sustained and balanced growth by advancing the spatial strategy we have set out in the Joint Local Plan.

‘Once all comments have been considered we will give local people a chance to see what conclusions we have drawn and how we have taken into account their views ahead of the plan being formally submitted for examination in early 2017.’

For information about the sites which have now been put forward, visit plymouth.consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/ jlp

In West Devon, paper copies are available at town council and borough council offices. Email strategic.planning@sw devon.gov.uk or write to South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council, Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5NE.