The Council has today received a report from the Planning Inspectorate, confirming that the Mid Devon Local Plan Review 2013 – 2033 provides an appropriate base for the planning of the District and with a number of main modifications (MMs), is sound and capable of adoption.

The MMs all concern matters that were discussed at the examination hearings and which were subject to public consultation over a six-week period, together with an updated Sustainability Appraisal (SA), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), and Equalities Impact Assessment. The Inspector has amended the detailed wording of the MM and made consequential modifications where necessary in relation to the provisions for Gypsies and Travellers, and Junction 27.

The Inspector’s Report and adoption of the Plan and SA (with the Strategic Environmental Assessment), will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting on 9 July and at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 29 July.

Councillor Graeme Barnell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration said:

“Receipt of the Inspector’s report and his positive conclusions is excellent news for Mid Devon. It marks a major milestone in the planning and examination process, in which many people have participated or contributed their views. We're delighted that the Inspector has confirmed that, with the addition of the stated main modifications, the Local Plan is sound and we can now proceed to adopt it. Having a sound plan will help us move forward to achieve our ambitions for sustainable development, rebuild and strengthen our economy, secure the jobs, homes and infrastructure we need and improve the vitality of our towns and villages. Last but not least, we need to protect those places across the district that we cherish most.”

To find out more:

For more information, visit the Council's Local Plan Review and Local Plan Review Examination webpages.

Notes:

1. The Mid Devon Local Plan Review includes a vision and strategy for sustainable development in the area for the period to 2033. It provides for a minimum of 7,860 new homes and 147,000 square metres of new commercial floorspace to support new jobs over that period, to meet identified needs. This includes major site allocations and infrastructure required at the three main towns, Tiverton, Cullompton and Crediton, whilst managing development elsewhere at villages and in the countryside, to help meet economic and social needs in a way that enhances the environment and reduces the area’s carbon footprint. A strategic commercial and leisure allocation is made adjacent to Junction 27 on the M5 to provide a major visitor attraction that will improve the offer that Mid Devon can provide to visitors to the area. The Local Plan Review, once adopted by the Council, will form part of the statutory development plan for Mid Devon (outside the Dartmoor National Park) together with the Devon Minerals and Waste Local Plans, and Neighbourhood Plans once these are ‘made, and also the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan that is currently being prepared in partnership with Exeter City Council and East Devon and Teignbridge District Councils.
2. The National Planning Policy Framework states policies in Local Plans and Spatial Development Strategies should be reviewed to assess whether they need updating at least once every five years, and should then be updated as necessary.
3. The Mid Devon Local Plan Review 2013 -2033 was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in March 2017 for examination.
4. Preliminary examination hearings for policies relating to land at Junction 27 and also land at Higher Town, Sampford Peverell, were held in September 2018.
5. Main examination hearings were held in February 2019.
6. The Planning Inspector published his post-hearings advice note in May 2019, in which he set out his initial findings on the examination of the Local Plan Review and where main modifications would be necessary.
7. The Council published and consulted on Proposed Main Modifications, minor modifications and amendments to the Sustainability Appraisal, Habitat Regulations Assessment and Equalities Impact Assessment in January 2020 for a six week period.
8. The Council submitted these consultation documents and representations received on these (with the exception of the minor modifications) to the Inspector in late February 2020 for his consideration in preparing his report on the examination of the Local Plan Review.