Project leaders are hoping Ottery and West Hill’s Neighbourhood Plan will be in place by Christmas.

Jo Talbot, chairman of the working group, said the plan – a blueprint to influence future development in the parishes – will now undergo a six-week consultation with East Devon District Council.

Subject to district council approval, it will be sent to an independent examiner before the final step of a public referendum.

Mrs Talbot said: “I really hope with luck we might be able to get it through by Christmas.

“A lot of our plan is very positive; we have had all this development and what we are trying to do is protect and preserve our environment.

“We are not saying we do not want any more planning but we want people to understand that we appreciated the beauty of where we live and we do not want to ruin that.”