Residents back Woodbury Neighbourhood Plan with overwhelming support
Residents in Woodbury have overwhelmingly backed a neighbourhood plan that will help shape future development in the parish for years to come.
More than 90% of voters supported the Woodbury Neighbourhood Plan in a referendum held last month, giving the community a strong mandate to influence planning decisions in the area.
The plan, which has been drawn up by a local steering group working alongside Woodbury Parish Council and residents, sets out how the parish wants to grow while protecting the qualities that make it a desirable place to live.
Woodbury Parish includes the villages of Woodbury, Woodbury Salterton and Exton, and the plan establishes policies that will influence planning decisions on things like housing, the local environment and community facilities, helping to ensure growth is sustainable and reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.
The referendum marks one of the final stages in the neighbourhood planning process, and asked voters whether East Devon District Council should use the Woodbury Neighbourhood Plan to help decide planning applications in the parish.
Councillor Todd Olive, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning, said:"This is an excellent result for Woodbury and reflects the hard work of everyone involved in producing the Neighbourhood Plan.
"This process gives communities a real opportunity to help shape their local area and the places where they live by influencing how they are developed.
“The level of support shown in this referendum demonstrates a clear community vision for Woodbury's future and provides a strong foundation for future planning decisions.
“I would like to thank the Woodbury Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, Woodbury Parish Council and local residents for their contribution and commitment.”
The plan has successfully completed independent examination, with an examiner concluding that, subject to modifications, it met the required legal and planning tests before proceeding to referendum.
Following the successful vote, the plan is now expected to move to its last stage, when East Devon District Council considers formally adopting it in September so it becomes part of the statutory Development Plan for the area and will carry significant weight in planning decisions.
The Woodbury Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documents can be viewed on the East Devon District Council website here: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/neighbourhood-and-community-plans/neighbourhood-plans/neighbourhood-plans-being-produced-in-east-devon/woodbury/
