A vision with seven future objectives to ensure that Newton Poppleford and Harpford continue to be a thriving and vibrant village communities is being consulted on.

East Devon District Council is currently consulting on the Neighbourhood Plan for Newton Poppleford and Harpford, which the parish council has submitted to East Devon.

The consultation period began on March 18, 2020, prior to the Government’s coronavirus lockdown restrictions, and will last for a period of six weeks until May 1, 2020.

Cllr Bruce De Saram, the lead member for neighbourhood planning, said: “It is very encouraging to see that the people of Newton Poppleford and Harpford have worked very hard to produce a Neighbourhood Plan, which reflects their desire to grow in a sustainable and appropriate manner.

“Looking at the key issue of transport, the Plan also recognises that the car is the main form of transport in and out of the village. Therefore within the villages, footpaths are valued but many of these are unpaved and unlit.

“There is strong support for improved walking provision throughout the village, and for a cycle path to Ottery and Sidmouth to improve health and safety.

“Finally it’s pleasing to see that all the evidence suggests that this Neighbourhood Plan will seek to ensure that Newton Poppleford and Harpford can continue to be a thriving and vibrant village community.

“The Plan will protect and enhance its distinctive character, rich heritage and its AONB setting, and ensure that it should become an even better place for young and old in which to live.”

The plan outlines seven objectives for the future of the parish.

Objective one looks to improve all aspects of traffic and pedestrian movement to make the parish a more pleasant place to live. To limit air pollution, reduce volume of traffic and increase safety, sustainability and access within the parish and to the main centres of Ottery, Sidmouth, Exeter and Exmouth.

Objective two looks to protect and enhance the natural environment of the parish, and reduce vulnerability to impacts of climate change including minimising and managing flood risk.

Objective three aims to make sure future development delivers the demonstrable needs and requirements of parishioners, in particular smaller affordable homes within the Built-up Area Boundary, that protect the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and those elements of the Parish which are valuable to its character and history, through high quality design.

Objective four looks to promote opportunities for residents of all ages to access education, community facilities and leisure within the village.

Objective five aims to protect and enhance the provision of Local Green Spaces, including its green infrastructure and wildlife habitats, for the benefit of parishioners and the ecosystem.

Objective six focuses on supporting the provision of local medical facilities and objective seven looks at supporting the local economy through its existing businesses, and by encouraging new enterprises and facilities that enhance commercial effectiveness and employment opportunities.

Following the consultation period, it will then be submitted to an examiner, and if they conclude the plan meets the basic conditions, it will proceed to a local referendum where, should more than half of the electors in the local area vote in favour of the plan, it will become part of the statutory development plan for East Devon.

The plan and its supporting documents, plus a comments form, are available on the East Devon website – eastdevon.gov.uk

Anyone wanting to make comments is encouraged to complete the form and send it by email to planningpolicy@eastdevon.gov.uk.

Comments can also be sent in writing, and should be sent to both Angela King, Planning Policy Section, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Border Road, Honiton, EX14 1EJ, and Paul Haywood (clerk), Newton Poppleford and Harpford Parish Council, Plumtree, Old North Street, Axminster, EX13 5QF.

If you are sending your comments by post, you will need to call 01395 571740 to notify the council of your submission.