Dalwood parish adopts new neighbourhood plan

A plan that will help shape future developments in the Dalwood, near Axminster, for the next ten years has been formally adopted.

The Dalwood Parish Neighbourhood Plan is the culmination of more than five years of hard work by the parish council and local community volunteers.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has now formally adopted the neighbourhood plan after extensive consultation, an independent examination and the recent referendum, where 95 per cent of those who voted were in support of the document.

The plan seeks to both protect and enhance the special qualities of the parish of Dalwood through 13 policies relating to the use of land, designed to secure the parish's future as a 'vibrant, active and friendly community that is a special place to live, work and visit'. 

The plan now carries 'full weight' when planning applications are considered in the parish, until 2031. 

You can view the plan here.

Hard copy can be viewed at the EDDC's offices at Blackdown House, Honiton (by prior arrangement only) or by contacting Dalwood Parish Council directly. 

This is the 23rd neighbourhood plan to be adopted in East Devon.

More than 60 per cent of the population now live in an area covered by a neighbourhood plan, with a raft of further documents advancing on the plan making process. 

Cllr Dan Ledger, EDDC's portfolio holder for strategic planning, said: "It's fantastic to see that residents in the Dalwood parish are taking more control on how they wish to see their area grow for the next ten years. Neighbourhood plans are so important and help us understand what communities need and want to help them flourish.

"Congratulations really needs to be given to all of the volunteers for getting the plan through to this point. Without their passion and commitment to their own community this feat would never have been achieved."