New Homes: Have your say on the changing face of East Devon

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is putting together a plan for large scale development in East Devon and you're invited to share your input. 

A ten-week consultation is under-way to find out resident's views on the Local Plan, a document setting out how resident's needs can be met and where new towns and developments will be constructed. 

The draft plan will also ensure new homes are net zero carbon, ensuring they are cheaper to run. Also detailed in the plan is how the council will address the climate emergency, where new jobs should be created, how town centres should be supported and how EDDC can protect heritage sites and the natural environment. 

Last week the council asked for views on where a new town should be built. When completed, the town will have 8,000 homes and its own community facilities.

It is hoped the final plan will be ready in approximately a year. 

Why is the Local Plan important? 

The Local Plan will be used to make significant planning decisions - from granting permission for small developments of a handful of new homes to deciding where entire new towns - as large as Cranbrook - will be located. 

The Local Plan is currently in the consultation stage, so now is the time to have your say. If you wait until planning applications are already submitted, it might to too late. 

If you live, work or spend time or use services in East Devon, you're invited to have your say. 

How can I take part? 

A number of public exhibitions will be held where you can find out more information about the Local Plan, and ask questions. 

Honiton's consultation event will take place at The Beehive on 7 December between 3pm and 7pm. There will be one for Feniton on Tuesday 13 December which will be held in the Youth Centre between 3pm and 7pm. 

You can view the consultation here.

The consultation closes on January 15. 

An EDDC spokesperson said: "It is so important that people look at this consultation and tell us what they think.

"The future planning of East Devon is something that will really impact on all our lives for years to come.

"Unfortunately, people often only get interested in planning issues when a specific development directly affects them, but this plan will affect us all and how we as a community respond to key issues like climate change and housing our residents.

"This is a key consultation and your chance to tell us how we should shape communities up and down East Devon, please use it."

Take part here.