A group of Honiton residents have organised a public consultation event to discuss East Devon District Council's (EDDC) Local Plan.

The EDDC Local Plan is a document which will set out planning developments over the next two decades. A draft plan has been released and EDDC are currently hosting a series of consultation sessions to hear the public's views, one of which was held at The Beehive last week.

The consultation event that residents have organised is separate from the EDDC events. It has been organised by the Heathfield Community Action Group and local representative Cllr Jake Bonetta. 

Opinions will be sought on the three suggested development sites surrounding the Heathfield, Gittisham Vale and Hayne Lane areas of Honiton. and comments will be submitted to the online consultation portal by the group.

Why are the proposals controversial?

EDDC have a set number of houses that they are required to build by the Government. The number of houses in a specific area is determined by a 'standard calculation'. 

The land on which these houses are proposed to be built has been identified by landowners and developers. 

Some of the land near Honiton is unable to be developed (for example, part of it is on a flood plain) and, consequently, a proportion of the proposed developments lie within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

In addition, the proposed developments will expand the built-up area boundary of Honiton and could see the town expand to within 400m of the historic village of Gittisham.

Jake Bonetta told Nub News: "Recent polling of local residents by a campaign group has shown massive opposition to the proposed plans.

"Running as a community-based event and not Council-endorsed, this event will provide extra opportunity for residents to submit their opinions on this important matter."

How can I take part?

The Local Plan consultation is currently underway and comments can be submitted until January 15. Anyone who lives, works or spends time in East Devon is asked to take part. 

You can take part here.

The event will take place at The Heathfield Inn on Friday 16th December from 3pm - 7pm.