RESIDENTS from across West Devon are being urged to get involved with creating a new plan that will shape local communities for the future. Our Plan is an innovative approach to meeting community needs and delivering council services with the aim of getting everyone thinking about local requirements, aspirations and long term priorities. It will become West Devon Borough Council's single strategic plan and replace separate documents created in the past. Our Plan will encompass a wide range of important areas including homes, jobs and resources.  Cllr Philip Sanders, leader of the borough council, said: 'The planning system has changed in recent years, and this has widened the scope of Local Plans and responsibilities of elected members. 'We have decided to embrace this and create a single vision for West Devon until the year 2031. 'This is a challenging task but we think it will give communities a greater say and stake in shaping the future of where they live.'  Months of preliminary work has already been done on Our Plan and now people are being asked to have their say in the first stage of consultation which is running until Friday, June 20.   Cllr Sanders added: 'We need to gather information, views and comments so Our Plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the community as a whole. 'A key part of this process is the involvement of local people and I would encourage residents, businesses and partner organisations to get involved.' People can have their say at a range of events and meetings throughout the year and there will be regular updates on social media. A final draft of the plan will be subject to another consultation towards the end of the year where communities can comment on how their views have contributed to the document. The council aims to consult on the final plan early in 2015 before submitting it for independent examination in the spring. For more details visit http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/ourplan">www.westdevon.gov.uk/ourplan or follow @OurPlanWD on Twitter. Alternatively, call 01822 813600 and ask for the strategic planning team.