RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say on a set of guidelines which will help shape the future development of new homes, community facilities and employment opportunities in Okehampton. 

West Devon Borough Council wants people to give their views on a planning document which will provide guidance for the development of allocated sites to the east of the town, mainly in Okehampton Hamlets Parish and the area known as Opportunity Okehampton.

In 2011 the council adopted its Core Strategy, a plan setting out where and how development will take place in West Devon between 2011 and 2026. As part of the strategy, two areas of land to the east of Okehampton, within the Okehampton Hamlets, were allocated for development.

Along with housing land, the allocation includes provision for other uses, including employment, community facilities, a road linking Exeter and Crediton Roads, a primary school, some small neighbourhood retailing and public open space.

The borough council has produced a draft masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which sets out the broad principles for future development on these sites when it comes to issues such as land use, design, infrastructure and timescales.

Town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies is keen that residents in the town and hamlets see the documents and give their views on the plans.

'I would encourage residents in both Okehampton and Okehampton Hamlets to get involved in the process and to make their comments known.

He said: 'Okehampton is developing very quickly, some would say too quickly, and it is therefore vital that people are involved in this process as the plan will outline the structure of the town and surrounding area for the years to come. Every voice should be heard as we go forward.'

The masterplan is being put together to ensure that any future development — which includes provision for approximately 900 new houses and ten hectares of employment land — is of a high standard and integrates with the geography and overall aesthetic of Okehampton.

It has also identified a list of critical infrastructure items to ensure that any future development does not put additional strain on the town's current infrastructure.

This includes provision for the link road, a 1.7-hectare site for a new primary school, a town centre access road providing access to the main town centre car parks and supermarkets, enhancements to and additional sports pitches, primary healthcare provision and age-appropriate play and recreation areas.

Cllr Philip Sanders, the leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: 'This document aims to set out the principles for what type of development will take place and where, how new buildings should be designed and how new infrastructure will be delivered.

'It is a chance for the residents of Okehampton and the Hamlets to get involved at an early stage and have their say on the shape and nature of new development in their town.'

People will be able to view the document, ask questions and give their views at a masterplan exhibition on Wednesday, October 16 at the Charter Hall from 10am until 2pm, and later at the Okehampton Business Centre from 5pm to 8pm.

Residents will also be able to discuss the draft masterplan with a council officer at two drop in sessions at the Okehampton Customer Services Centre in St James Street on Tuesday, October 8 and Tuesday, October 22 between 10am and 2pm.   

The document will be available on the council's website along with a form for people to make their comments. The public consultation starts on Thursday, September 26 and all views must be received by 5pm on Friday, October 25.