THE people of Crediton are currently being asked to take part in a Neighbourhood Plan Survey, organised with the support of Crediton Town Council, asking how they would like to see the town develop in the future.

Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) is also asking the public to comment on how it sees the future of the district.

It has published its Local Plan covering the period to 2033, providing the homes, jobs and facilities that will be needed in the years to come while protecting the special areas of countryside that we cherish.

To enable those from the Crediton area to comment, the district council has arranged two public exhibitions where people can find out more.

These will both be held at the Council Offices, Market Street, Crediton.

The first will take place on Saturday, February 21 from 9.30am to 12.30pm and the second on Tuesday, February 24 from 4pm to 7pm.

The Local Plan, which has evolved in full consultation with local communities, gives Cullompton a starring role in the district's future, an approach which has been fully supported by Cullompton Town Council.

Both councils recognise the need for new investment in the town, bringing long-term traffic and economic benefits.

Tiverton, Crediton and the villages are not left out with, say MDDC, the new homes, jobs and the supporting infrastructure they need.

The council has decided against allocating major shopping, leisure and housing development near Junction 27, because of likely impacts on nearby town centres and the difficulties of dealing with the traffic issues which would arise.

The council has already carried out very wide consultation on this plan, and says it has considered all of the comments received very carefully.

Indeed, this will be the third consultation on the plan.

It is now asking local people to make their views known on this final version of the plan, before it is sent to an Independent Planning Inspector for approval and then adoption.

All of the evidence, including the Sustainability Appraisal, has been published with the local plan and anyone can make comments on these documents as well.

At the same time as the Local Plan, the council has prepared the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a way to ensure that developers make a fair and reasonable contribution towards the schools, roads, leisure facilities and other local infrastructure needed in the area.

Parish and town councils, including Crediton and Crediton Hamlets, will receive a proportion of this levy from developments in their area, to spend on their own local priorities.

Councillor Richard Chesterton, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said "The Local Plan Review will take Mid Devon up to 2033, which helps decide on the best places to put new development.

"We also need to ensure that we are able to provide the infrastructure required.

"Two consultations have already taken place on the Local Plan Review which has helped shape the document.

"This is your chance to view and comment on plans for Mid Devon's future."

Consultation takes place from February 9 to March 30.

The Local Plan Review, its Sustainability Appraisal, CIL documents, Statements of the Representations Procedure and other associated information can be viewed on reception at council offices and at Mid Devon public libraries (including the mobile library) during normal opening hours.

You can also find out more at other public exhibitions: Tiverton Town Hall – Tuesday, February 17, 4pm – 7pm; Tiverton Town Hall – Saturday, February 28, 9.30am – 12.30pm; Cullompton, The Walronds – Tuesday, March 3, 4pm – 7pm; Cullompton, The Walronds – Thursday, March 5 – 4pm – 7pm; Cullompton, The Walronds – Saturday, March 14 – 9.30am – 12.30pm.

If you wish to comment on both consultations you must send in two separate representations. When making a representation you must include your name and full postal address, otherwise your comments cannot be registered.

Addresses will only be used to inform people about the new plan, CIL and other planning matters.

To make a representation on the Local Plan Review, please respond in writing either using the online survey at: http://www.middevon.gov.uk/localplanreview">www.middevon.gov.uk/localplanreview , by emailing: [email protected]">[email protected] or posted/delivered to: Local Plan Review Consultation, Forward Planning, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Tiverton, EX16 6PP.

To make a representation on the CIL, please respond in writing either using the online survey at: http://www.middevon.gov.uk/cil">www.middevon.gov.uk/cil , by emailing: [email protected]">[email protected] or posted/delivered to: CIL Consultation, Forward Planning, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Tiverton, EX16 6PP.

For more information please contact the district council Forward Planning Team on 01884 234334 / 234922 or email: [email protected]">[email protected] .

For details on how to take part in the Crediton Neighbourhood Survey, if you have not already done so, please see story in page six.