THE findings of two community workshop events held by West Devon Borough Council and LDA Design have been revealed.

The meetings held in the Ockment Centre in Okehampton on November 26 2011 and Tavistock parish rooms on December 10 invited members of the public to look at the fundamental social, economic and environmental objectives for development proposals on the east of Okehampton and in the South and South West of Tavistock.

Contributions given will be taken into consideration to help shape the design of new housing and employment developments on the sites, which were decided upon in 2011 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 the town centres, are designed to a high quality and fit in with the wants and needs of the community.

A number of clear priorities emerged from the feedback.

In Okehampton, local people want the new development to connect with the town identity in a high quality built environment; 'A place which builds on the sense of pride in Okehampton and is perceived as an attractive and desirable place to live' and 'a neighbourhood which has a strong sense of local community but also connects with and contributes to the existing Okehampton community network'.

Residents also requested a quality multi-functional green space, the encouragement of sustainable public transport and reduction of traffic congestion.

The requests of Tavistock residents were similar, with key objective to 'protect and reinforce the landscape setting of the town', 'create places and activity for all ages, especially young people' and to 'respect and reflect the heritage of the town'.

In both meetings it was suggested that a strong community spirit could be fostered in the new developments through a local centre that included shops, a pub, community centre, religious buildings and recreational facilities.