Following the independent examination of the Cullompton Neighbourhood Plan, the Examiner’s report has now been published.

The Neighbourhood Plan represents the community’s vision and priorities for how they would like to see the Cullompton area develop and change in the coming years. It has been developed through an extensive process of community dialogue and consultation instigated by Cullompton Town Council and the Neighbourhood Plan steering group. The plan sets out policies specific to the Cullompton area that will compliment existing local and national planning policies.

Mid Devon District Council (MDDC), has determined that the Cullompton Neighbourhood Plan, as modified to incorporate the Examiner’s recommendations, should proceed to a Referendum. In accordance with Neighbourhood Planning regulations, the Referendum will ask voters within the neighbourhood plan area (Cullompton Parish), whether they support the Neighbourhood Plan. If more than 50% of voters are in favour of the plan, MDDC must bring it into force.

This would mean that the Cullompton Neighbourhood Plan becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area (alongside the Mid Devon Local Plan) and MDDC would need to use the Neighbourhood Plan to help decide planning applications in the parish.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the changes to the rules on holding local elections, it is not possible at present to hold a referendum until May 2021 at the earliest. MDDC will provide further information on this position in due course, as regulations and guidance are updated by Government.

Further details on the Cullompton Neighbourhood Plan, the Examiner’s Report and the next steps can be found on MDDC's Cullompton neighbourhood plan webpage.