Residents of Dalwood, near Axminster, are invited to have their say on a new Neighbourhood Plan which aims to create a vibrant, active and friendly community that is a special place to live, work and visit.

Dalwood Parish Council has now submitted its Neighbourhood Plan to East Devon District Council.

This plan aims to protect, preserve and enhance the qualities of the community and this part of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Residents can now have their say in a consultation on the plan for the next eight weeks until Wednesday, June 30.

The plan sets out policies for the future of Dalwood parish, which will be used to help inform future decisions about development and planning applications in the area for the next ten years and beyond.

The Dalwood Neighbourhood Plan has been in production since 2016 and covers a variety of topics including the natural, built and historic environment, housing, economy and employment, transport and access, community facilities and services, and energy/low carbon, waste and plastic.

After the consultation, the plan will go before an independent examiner, who will inspect the plan against a series of 'basic conditions' that the plan must meet.

If the examiner is happy the plan meets the requirements then it can proceed to a local community referendum.

If more than half of the electors vote in favour of the plan it will be adopted and will become part of the statutory development plan for East Devon. 

Once adopted, the plan will be used to help inform future decisions about development and planning applications in the Dalwood area. 

The plan and all supporting documents are now on the East Devon District Council website, along with a comments form for residents and interested parties to share their views. 

Due to on-going restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the documents are not currently available at EDDC offices, but are now available at Axminster and Honiton libraries.

Hard copies can be sent out by post on request by contacting EDDC by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01395 571740.

Any representations will be made available on the EDDC website with copies also sent to the examiner to consider.

Anyone wishing to comment should send their comments by email to [email protected], or by post to Angela King, Planning Policy Team, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Border Road, Honiton, EX14 1EJ.