MID Devon Devon District Council received a report from the Planning Inspectorate on Friday, June 26, confirming that the Mid Devon Local Plan Review 2013 – 2033 provides an appropriate base for the planning of the District and with a number of Main Modifications, is sound and capable of adoption.

The Main Modifications all concern matters that were discussed at the examination hearings and which were subject to public consultation over a six-week period, together with an updated Sustainability Appraisal (SA), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), and Equalities Impact Assessment.

The Inspector has amended the detailed wording of the Main Modifications and made consequential modifications where necessary in relation to the provisions for Gypsies and Travellers, and Junction 27.

The Inspector’s Report and adoption of the Plan and SA (with the Strategic Environmental Assessment), will be considered by the District Council at a meeting to be held in the near future. Further information about this will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

Councillor Graeme Barnell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration said: “Receipt of the Inspector’s report and his positive conclusions is excellent news for Mid Devon.

“It marks a major milestone in the planning and examination process, in which many people have participated or contributed their views.

“We’re delighted that the Inspector has confirmed that, with the addition of the stated main modifications, the Local Plan is sound and we can now proceed to adopt it.

“Having a sound plan will help us move forward to achieve our ambitions for sustainable development, rebuild and strengthen our economy, secure the jobs, homes and infrastructure we need and improve the vitality of our towns and villages. Last but not least, we need to protect those places across the district that we cherish most.”

The Mid Devon Local Plan Review includes a vision and strategy for sustainable development in the area for the period to 2033.

It provides for a minimum of 7,860 new homes and 147,000 square metres of new commercial floorspace to support new jobs over that period, to meet identified needs. This includes major site allocations and infrastructure required at the three main towns, Tiverton, Cullompton and Crediton, whilst managing development elsewhere at villages and in the countryside, to help meet economic and social needs in a way that enhances the environment and reduces the area’s carbon footprint.

A strategic commercial and leisure allocation is made adjacent to Junction 27 on the M5 to provide a major visitor attraction that will improve the offer that Mid Devon can provide to visitors to the area.

The Local Plan Review, once adopted by the Council, will form part of the statutory development plan for Mid Devon (outside the Dartmoor National Park) together with the Devon Minerals and Waste Local Plans, and Neighbourhood Plans once these are made, and also the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan that is currently being prepared in partnership with Exeter City Council and East Devon and Teignbridge District Councils.

For more information, visit the Council’s Local Plan Review at: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/planning-policy/local-plan-review/ and the Local Plan Review Examination page at: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/planning-policy/local-plan-review-examination/ .