Public inquiry into East Devon's Local Plan

A major public inquiry into the East Devon’s new Local Plan will begin in February.

The Draft Local Plan submitted by East Devon District Council (EDDC) includes detailed expectations for the future of the districts seven towns.

It also covers many issues in the area including Housing and Affordable Housing, Employment, Tourism and Retail, Climate Change, Gypsies & Travellers and the Natural Environment.

A 19-day examination of the plan by Government Inspector Anthony Thickett will air the details of the plan to the public.

Thickett will hear evidence from EDDC, from community organisations and protest groups and from land-owners and developers in the district.

There will also be a session focusing on the individual towns including Hontion, Exmouth, Axminster, Ottery St. Mary and Seaton. To discuss plans for town centres and area specific issues.

The Inspector’s role is to consider whether EDDC’s Local Plan is   positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy before proceeding.

Councillor Mrs Helen Parr, Chairman of EDDC’s Development Management Committee, said: “After many years of painstaking research and consultation, we welcome the arrival at last of the public examination of our Plan.

“This is the last round of a process that is being repeated all over the country as councils formulate and amend their plans before finally putting them to the test. We have done our best to capture the essence and the detail of how people believe East Devon should develop over the coming years whilst aiming for compliance with the latest nuances of Government policy. But the acid test comes when the Plan is held up to scrutiny by a Government inspector – and that is what will be happening in February.

“This Inquiry is clearly of great importance for the future of East Devon. It will help to determine how many homes may be built for our young people, whether they have jobs, how we deal with climate change, how we handle pressure for development and how we protect the environment. At stake is the future prosperity, well-being and living standards of everyone living and growing up in East Devon, as well as those from elsewhere who want to come here and share this special place with us”.

Full details of the programme, showing the dates and subject matter of each session, are available on EDDC’s website at: http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/progofficer