THE Mid Devon Local Plan Review, outlining the future of the area until 2033, was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in March 2017 for examination.

Public hearings were held in September 2018 and February 2019 which provided an opportunity for people to have their views heard by an independent Inspector.

Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) has now published a package of 55 proposed main modifications to the plan following the Inspector’s advice for changes to make it “sound” and capable of being adopted.

These include bringing forward development sooner at Higher Town, Sampford Peverell and also at Colebrook, Cullompton where there are no restrictions on timing, to address his concerns about housing supply in the early years of the plan, and providing a more flexible approach for Gypsy and Traveller sites.

The proposed main modifications, together with updates needed to the Sustainability Appraisal, Habitat Regulations Assessment and Equalities Impact Assessment, and additional (minor) modifications have now been published for a six-week consultation.

Comments on these documents must be made in writing and reach MDDC by 5pm on February 17, 2020. With the exception of comments on the additional (minor) modifications which will be considered by the Council, the consultation documents and comments received will be sent to the Inspector for him to decide whether further hearings are needed and help him prepare his final report.

Comments are not being invited on the unchanged content of the Local Plan that was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

An online form is available for comments.

More information about the consultation can be found on the council’s website at: www.middevon.gov.uk/LPRMainMods .

Councillor Graeme Barnell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development said: “It is exciting to reach the final stages of producing our Local Plan for Mid Devon.

“With the changes suggested in this consultation we believe we’ll have a Local Plan we can adopt.

“It will deliver sustainable development that reflects the aspirations of our district and help address climate change, provide for new homes, jobs, community facilities, transport and other infrastructure that can meet our needs.

“Most importantly it will help to protect Mid Devon from speculative and unplanned development.

“I appreciate that the Local Plan is a long and complex document but I would encourage anyone with any comments on the main modifications to participate in this important consultation for consideration by the Inspector.”

The Council’s Proposed Main Modifications, the Addendum to the Sustainability Appraisal, Addendum to the Habitat Regulations Assessment, Addendum to the Equalities Impact Assessment and all comments made on these will be sent to the Inspector for his consideration.

Comments on the Local Plan Review Additional (Minor) Modifications will be considered by the Council.

The consultation documents, response form and supporting guidance is also available at MDDC Offices, Phoenix House, Tiverton and at public libraries in the district (including the mobile library) during normal opening hours until February 17, 2020.

Online is the preferred method for replies but comments, which must be made in writing, can also be made in the following ways:

By email to: [email protected] .

By post to: Forward Planning, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Tiverton EX16 6PP.

When making a comment you must include your name and full postal address, otherwise your comments cannot be registered.

Please note your comments will be published on the MDDC website, including your name and address. Addresses will only be used by the council to inform people about the new Local Plan and other planning matters.

For more information on how MDDC uses your personal data please see its Privacy Notice at: middevon.gov.uk/PNRepresentations .

For more information please contact: The Forward Planning Team, Mid Devon District Council on telephone (01884) 234344 or email: [email protected] .