WEST Devon Borough Council publishes its preferred plans for the future development of Okehampton and Tavistock up to 2026 today (Thursday).

The plans now go before the public at a series of consultation events which are being held in both towns.

The council says that the key to the success of the plans is ensuring that the correct infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of all residents over the next 15 to 20 years.

The long term vision for both towns is that planning is based on the needs of the whole community, not just finding sites for housing.

New health services, improving public transport, expansion of employment opportunities and educational facilities are among the priorities the council is seeking to provide for the towns.

In Okehampton, proposals include a town centre relief road; improved bus services; a possible new railway station; further employment land in Exeter Road; 900 additional homes with new local shops and community facilities in the east; new playing fields and public open spaces; a link road between Exeter Road and Crediton Road and improved footpaths and cycle links.

In Tavistock, the plans focus on a replacement hospital, primary school and extra care housing facilities for the elderly and vulnerable near the Monksmead housing development; a reopened railway; further employment land on Plymouth Road; extra public open spaces; 500 additional homes off Callington Road; a new road link via the new developments from Plymouth Road to Callington Road and improved footpath and cycle links.

Cllr Diana Moyse, chairman of the council's future planning and housing committee, said: 'Future planning for the towns is about meeting the needs of the whole community in the longer term, young and old and not just about extra homes being built.

'We understand wholeheartedly that some people do have concerns about the amount of building being proposed. However, it is important to stress that the number of homes built in West Devon each year in the last decade has averaged around 230. Our proposals will see development continue at about the same rate up to 2026.'

The Government has indicated to the council that it must deliver 4,400 homes in West Devon by 2026. Cllr Moyse said that around 2,800 of these houses are already planned or being developed, meaning that the council has to find sites for around 1,600 homes.

She urged people to go along to the consultation events to find out more.

'Our planning officers will be on hand to help explain the proposals along with county council officers involved in this process.'

The consultation days are being held on:

l Tuesday September 30, Tavistock Town Hall from noon to 7.30pm

l Wednesday October 8, Okehampton Charter Hall from noon to 7.30pm

l Saturday October 11, Tavistock Parish Rooms from 10am to 4pm

l Saturday October 18, Cosdon Room at the Ockment Centre, Okehampton from 10am to 4pm.

For further information contact the council's strategic planning team on 01822 813600, email [email protected]">[email protected] or visit http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/">www.westdevon.gov.uk/

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