MID Devon District Council is carrying out a public consultation on a new Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and its Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitat Regulations Assessment Screening.

The Design Guide will provide guidance that can be used to help inform the design of new buildings in Mid Devon and help raise awareness and standards throughout the planning process.

All comments received will be carefully considered by the Council before the Design Guide is finalised.

Once the Design Guide has been adopted, it can be used by the Council, alongside relevant policies in the Mid Devon Local Plan and other development plans to help inform decisions on planning applications submitted for determination.

Councillor Graeme Barnell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, said: “We are very pleased to publish a draft Design Guide for Mid Devon and give you an opportunity to tell us what you think.

"Achieving high quality design is an important part of the planning process.

"We value the special character of our towns and villages, and how buildings look and contribute to the appearance of the surrounding area matters to us greatly. The Design Guide will be used over the coming years to help Mid Devon continue to be the special place that it is for our communities to live, work and enjoy.”

The Design Guide SPD and associated documents are available to view on the Council’s website at: middevon.gov.uk/design-guide .

In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic, the MDDC Planning Service is currently unable to meet all of the requirements of its Statement of Community Involvement. Therefore, it is not able to make printed copies of consultation documents available at the Council’s main offices at Phoenix House, Tiverton (which has restricted opening hours) or in local libraries (which remain closed).

This will be an on-line public consultation only. Comments must be received by 5pm on Monday, July 6, 2020.

You can comment on this consultation by either emailing: [email protected] or by posting your comments to: Forward Planning, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton EX16 6PP.

Comments must be sent in writing, including the respondent’s name and full postal address to ensure they are registered. It is important to note that comments, including names and addresses will be published on the Council’s website. It is advised that an email address is also provided for updates on the consultation.

The council says that personal contact details of respondents will only be used by the Council to inform the new Design Guide SPD and other planning policy matters.