CONSULTATION on the proposed West Devon, South Hams and Plymouth Joint Local Plan has started and a series of workshops are being held where people can ask questions and find out more.

The consultation runs until April 26 but there are strict guidelines about what people can comment on and how, so that the independent planning inspector can be satisfied that the plan has been prepared properly.

The Joint Local Plan, which looks at where development, infrastructure and homes could go across the area over the next 18 years, was approved by all three councils recently.?The Government inspector needs to be satisfied that the plan is sound. The test of soundness looks to see if the plan has been drawn up according to government guidelines, is consistent with national and regional policy, has properly considered all relevant issues and has taken into consideration the views of the community and other city strategy documents.

Planning officers will be available at workshop sessions across the plan area to help people make their comments and understand the process and the first session in West Devon is being held today (Friday) between 3pm and 7pm in Elbow Lane, Tavistock.

Subsequent sessions will be held at the Ockment Centre, Okehampton tomorrow (Saturday, March 18) from 3pm to 7pm; Community Centre, Hatherleigh on Monday, March 20 from 3pm to 7pm; Bere Alston Parish Hall, Bere Alston, Tuesday, March 21, 3pm to 7pm; Farmers market/TIC, Tavistock, Saturday, March 25, 10am to 2pm; town council offices in North Tawton, Monday, March 27, 3pm to 7pm; Arundell Arms, Lifton, Tuesday, March 28 from 3pm to 7pm and the Charter Hall, Okehampton on Wednesday, March 29 from 3pm to 7pm.

Cllr Michael Hicks, executive portfolio holder for strategy and commissioning, said: ’This is an excellent document and a lot of hard work has gone into it. Our new Joint Local Plan has been produced with great care to ensure that there is a considered balance between the needs of as many of our residents as possible. It is also a very detailed document and we are anxious to ensure that all interested parties are given the opportunity to comment during the consultation period. The plan for our towns and villages covers the time up to 2034.’?West Devon Borough Councillor Graham Parker, lead member for strategic planning, said: ’The Joint Local Plan continues the longstanding policy of protecting our beautiful countryside and focusing development in the main towns and large villages.?’This is a strategy that, over the years, has proven to be the most sustainable way of developing in the borough. Working with Plymouth and South Hams has enabled us to plan for development across the whole housing market area and prioritise development where it is most suitable in relation to a city and some key regional towns.’?All comments will be published online and passed onto the planning inspector who decides which representations need addressing and who needs to participate in the public examination.?The planning inspector will seek views on whether the plan is sound and meets the tests set out in the National Planning Policy Framework i.e. whether the three councils have planned for the area’s housing, employment and infrastructure needs, the plan is based on sound evidence, the plan can be delivered by 2034 and whether the plan is consistent with national policy and enables sustainable development.?Comments need to relate to the soundness of the plan or to its compliance with legal requirements.?The best way to comment on the Joint Local Plan is through the consultation portal, however, comments will also be accepted via email at [email protected] or via post.

For more information on the plan, visit www.westdevon.gov.uk/jointlocalplan?Comments need to be made by midnight on April 26, 2017.