Time for a review of local plan and council's scrutiny and consultation process says Honiton councillor

A Honiton councillor who chairs an East Devon District Council scrutiny committee is hoping the new year will bring a review of the region's local plan and measures implemented to make it easier for residents to make their views known.

Cllr Mike Allen says he is frequently reminded of confusion from residents about how their views will be recorded and evaluated and has received further complaints about the difficulty of using the Council's consultation software and website.

He is particularly concerned about the impact of housing developments proposed in the local plan, which is out for consultation until 15 January.

Cllr Allen says: "At public meetings, I hear continual confusion about how comments submitted in writing or email will be counted and further complaints about the difficulty of using the council's consultation software.

"In the 30 November edition of Midweek Herald was an article by Dan Ledger of East Devon District Council about the new housing developments proposed in the Local Plan

"This was followed by another article by him on 14 December about the need for affordable homes since when the rules on planning are being changed at national level so that a sensible number of houses can be put forward locally and then an announcement by the Housing Ombudsman, which named and shamed East Devon District Council as the worst in the country for the proportion of housing maladministration findings as a social landlord

Cllr Dan Ledger has been making his views known.

"So as chairman of scrutiny committee I have called for a review of this Local Plan.

"I am arranging for another look in February at how the plan has been developed and why the actual population trend has previously been ignored.

"At present, in the balance of births and deaths, the actual population of East Devon is declining.

"An increase in deaths (1,905), and a decrease in births (1,114). (births - deaths) meant a reduction of -791 people Any growth was by cross-border migration (people into/away from the area) of +2,425

"It is absolutely critical that when plans are developed which will destroy countryside with housing or even cover large areas of "Best Most Valuable" farmland with Photovoltaic panels, the most rigorous examination is carried out and this is now possible because the Government targets are now only indicative, not mandatory.

"It is also critical that parish and town councils, and members of the public, should have their voices heard at scrutiny committee or strategic planning committee to make their views known.

"The role of the scrutiny committee is to be legally a voice for our residents inside the council.

"There are further questions about why the proposals have been put forward without prior consultation with the AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) officers; without the results of an economic needs study to define where jobs should be located; without waiting for a report on the water cycle and flooding and without adequate evaluation of the environmental and sustainability of the plan.

"Perhaps one of the most striking features of our local population is the housing need of senior citizens and disabled people.

"Local housing authorities in England have strategic responsibilities to consider housing conditions in their area including the need for new housing under section 8 of the Housing Act 1985.

"As they assess housing needs and develop housing strategies, section 3 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 means they must consider the special needs of chronically sick and disabled persons.

"So this key aspect needs more attention since 70% of population change in East Devon is in the growth of the over 65 age group as well as providing for young families who need homes they can afford.

"So far, as Cllr Ledger pointed out, the Plan has been developed with a single-eyed view to accommodating housing numbers dictated by Central Government. Now we are free to decide what is really suitable for East Devon in a balanced way and I would welcome a much wider discussion."