THE people of Crediton could soon be given more control of what happens in the area.

Crediton Town Council has applied to be designated as a "neighbourhood area" in advance of producing a neighbourhood plan for the town and parish.

This is the second application Mid Devon District Council has received for a neighbourhood planning designation since the Localism Act (2011) gave local communities the power to produce plans for their own areas.

A neighbourhood plan is a community-led framework for guiding the future development and growth of an area.

It must conform to the strategic policies of the Mid Devon Local Plan, national planning policy and human rights legislation.

Neighbourhood plans are also subject to public examination and referendum.

As a first step in the preparation of the plan, Crediton Town Council has submitted its parish boundary as the proposed boundary of the neighbourhood area.

The process will run alongside the District Council's Local Plan Review, which will contain strategic planning policies and development allocations for Mid Devon.

For the full story please see issue 971 March 7 2014 or subscribe to our online issue.