New vision for the future of Teignbridge (From Mid Devon Star)

New vision for the future of Teignbridge

1:00pm Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in Devon

A new vision for the future has been released by Teignbridge District Council as it prepares to debate its 20 year Local Plan.

A job for every working age person in the district, fewer new homes than originally proposed and a more rigorously protected environment are promised by the new draft, which has been drawn up following public consultation earlier this year.

A total of 5,427 responses were made during the consultation and overall objection outweighed support.

Many objections related to a handful of specific sites allocated for housing, often featuring form letters or petitions signed by multiple people.

Since the close of the consultation the council says it has been working through the responses one by one. This has also involved continued work with other organisations in infrastructure providers such as Natural England, Environment Agency, South West Water and Devon County Council.

Councillors will debate the updated plan at a range of meetings throughout September before deciding whether or not to approve the final draft. If approved, the draft would once more be opened up for public comment before a full inspection by an independent Planning Inspector working on behalf of the government.

The council has prepared a quick-read summary of the main changes it has made to the plan, designed to let people quickly and easily see which might affect them. It is available online  at http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planteignbridge , along with the fully updated plan, a series of detailed consultation reports and a complete set of public comments.

Cllr Jeremy Christophers, leader of Teignbridge District Council said: "We've thought long and hard about people's views, and I'm pleased we've been able to offer a more streamlined plan which acts on many of the concerns people have raised. The new draft takes a common sense approach and we have compromised in a number of areas in line with good quality planning evidence.

"We as a council are compelled do the right thing for the long term and make sure we have a strong, stable economy, the homes and jobs which people need, and a good quality environment.

"That means balancing strong views about a few specific sites with the bigger picture. This fresh approach is backed-up by strong technical evidence. I believe this draft will win wide-spread accord and bring hope to many people, especially those seeking a home and a job."