Residents across the Ottery and West Hill parishes are being encouraged to head to the polls next week to vote in a referendum about the area’s proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

The document is a blueprint for development across the parishes until 2031 and has been worked on by representatives of Ottery and West Hill town and parish councils.

Leaflets and polling cards have been sent to electors explaining the plan and its main policies, which include economy, housing, traffic calming measures and celebrating heritage.

Jo Talbot, chairman of the councils’ joint working group, said: “It’s time to decide on our neighbourhood plan.

“It has taken a tremendous effort by the local communities to get this far, and now it’s time for electors to have the final say.”

If rejected, the plans will go no further and will not be considered during discussions about future planning applications made in the Neighbourhood Plan area.