MINOR amendments have been made to the West Devon core strategy document, and the public are being encouraged to give their views on the proposed changes.

The document will determine the development strategy for the borough up to 2026.

The changes largely consist of minor alterations to the actual wording of the document, but one noticeable difference is the addition of 'appropriate educational facilities' to the proposals for the east of town development.

The document now gives local authorities the option to impose a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) on new developments — such as that proposed on the outskirts of Okehampton — to help fund infrastructure in the area.

This is more a change in wording than a change in policy, as with or without a CIL, any developer would be expected to contribute to infrastructure costs.

The document suggests a number of changes relating to the proposed development on land to the east of Okehampton, which are designed to allow for the infrastructure delivery plan to be monitored and updated as necessary over the next fifteen years.

The public can submit views on the changes until February 3, 2011.

The proposed changes can be seen in full at the borough council offices at St James Street in Okehampton and Kilworthy Park in Tavistock, or at the libraries in either town. The documents are also available to view online at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/strategicplanning">www.westdevon.gov.uk/strategicplanning

A final report on the soundness of the core strategy document is expected by the end of March 2011.