Residents are being urged to have their say – particularly on their housing needs – to help shape village life for years to come.

Every household in Newton Poppleford, Harpford, Southerton and Venn Ottery should have received a Neighbourhood Plan survey this week.

There are three sections to it – a whole parish questionnaire; a survey for those aged 55 and older to determine the need for adaptable housing; and a housing needs survey for those who need council or ‘affordable’ housing.

District councillor Val Ranger said: “This is the result of 18 months of hard work by dedicated members of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, most of whom are juggling their working lives with the important work of producing the Neighbourhood Plan.

“This is a really important opportunity for residents to have their say over what development takes place in their parish and where it takes place and the final adopted policies will be given considerable weight in planning decisions.

“It is the first time the parish has produced a Neighbourhood Plan and we want to hear from as many residents as possible to shape the future of their parish.

“We recognise that not everyone in the family holds the same views so we are very happy to deliver further surveys to households who request them.”

Anyone with questions or who needs additional surveys can call Val on 01395 568460. Surveys need to be completed by December 5.

They can be dropped off at The Cannon Inn and the post offices in Newton Poppleford and Tipton St John. Residents can also hand them back to their parish councillors.

Val said it would be helpful if each road could designate one person as the collection point for surveys. A collection team will also go around the village shortly before the survey closes to collect any remaining surveys.

The housing needs assessment survey should be posted directly back to Devon Communities Together as this asks for confidential information about the person completing the form.

The steering group is aiming for a referendum on the final Neighbourhood Plan early next summer.