NEW homes and retail development are among the big issues facing West Devon and the borough council says it now has new guidelines to help shape future development in these areas.

At a meeting last week, councillors voted to adopt a Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document which provides guidance for the development of two sites in Tavistock at Callington Road and Plymouth Road.

The sites are currently earmarked in the council's Core Strategy for the development of new homes and employment.

The new development is also linked to the reinstatement of the railway line between Tavistock and Bere Alston.

Councillors also agreed to adopt another supplementary planning document which sets out the local rules on when an impact assessment study would be required to gauge how new retail development might affect town centres across the borough.

Residents had the chance to view the documents and make comments during a four-week long consultation which included a series of exhibitions and 'drop in' events.

A number of changes to the documents were made in response to the consultation and the final plans can now be viewed at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk