A BLUEPRINT setting out how West Devon Borough Council will be involving the community in making plans about future development in the area has been published for consultation.

The new draft statement of community involvement, prepared jointly with South Hams District Council, sets out how the council will involve the community in preparing plans for future development and processing planning applications.

Over the last few months, the council has been gathering views and ideas from local people about how they want to be involved in planning. This has included asking for responses to a questionnaire and holding workshops for community groups and organisations.

The consultation document is available for people to comment on for six weeks until Friday, December 16. All comments will help shape the final document which will then be used as the basis for involving local communities in planning in the future.

Cllr Mandy Govier, chairman of West Devon Borough Council's future planning and housing committee, said: 'This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to share their views and send us their ideas about how to get involved in planning in the future.'

The draft statement of community involvement can be viewed at: West Devon Borough Council offices at Kilworthy Park, Tavistock, and St James Street, Okehampton; Okehampton and Tavistock libraries; or by clicking on to http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/strategicplanning">www.westdevon.gov.uk/strategicplanning

Comments should be sent by Friday December 16 to [email protected]">[email protected] by post to Strategic planning, Kilworthy Park, Tavistock, PL19 0BZ.