PEOPLE in West Devon are being invited by the borough council to take part in shaping and designing new housing and employment developments in Okehampton and Tavistock. The sites for development were decided earlier this year as part of West Devon's core strategy.

The borough council has appointed design consultant, LDA Design, to lead the next stage of work - ensuring that the new developments link well with town centres, are designed to a high quality and fit in with the community's wants and needs.

To find out what residents think, the consultants are to hold community design workshops in both Okehampton and Tavistock to get ideas about community priorities and discuss how the developments could look.

Cllr Mandy Govier, chair of West Devon's future planning and housing committee, said: 'The way that new developments look is always important to a community, and so the more residents that register to attend these workshops the better.

'This design work is part of a long process of consultation around these developments which started as far back as 2005. It's central to the democratic process that the community is involved every step of the way.'

Frazer Osment, of LDA Design, said: 'Local community groups and residents are invited to these design workshops where they can let us know what their priorities are. This way, we can understand how the sites could be designed to improve Okehampton and Tavistock for the community, create opportunities for local jobs and improve the environment.

'The workshops will include group activities and open discussions where communities can share their ideas and develop their vision for the developments.'

The workshops will be held in Okehampton on Saturday November 26 from 10am to 1pm and in Tavistock on Saturday December 10 from 10am to1pm.

Register your interest to attend either of these events by contacting strategic planning on 01822 813600 or via email [email protected]">[email protected].

If residents cannot attend either of these meetings, there will be more opportunities to be involved in the consultation process in the future.