TELL us what you think — that's the message to the people of North Tawton.

Councillors in the town are urging parishioners to consider the way they want their town developed in the next Millennium.

The call is in response to proposals in West Devon Borough Council's draft local plan which would effectively double the size of the town.

In a 'pro-active response' the town council is co-ordinating a community-based submission for development in North Tawton. After a series of initial meetings it is holding a public consultation at the end of the month which will form the basis for the plan.

John Kinsey, council chairman, said 'massive objections' to the proposals for an extra 600 houses and double the acreage of industrial land were raised by townspeople at a recent public meeting.

'What the town council is trying to do is to take a very positive stand — instead of having a developer in from outside the area we are trying to put a proposal for the town that is designed by local people and the council.

'We will put forward our own proposal for 2010 and beyond,' said Mr Kinsey.

'We believe the town has got to develop over the next 15 years but we want it to be controlled by people in the town — we believe people in North Tawton know what's best for them.'

Alison Baker, town clerk, said: 'It's quite an emotive thing.

'Most people do not want any development at all and certainly not 600 houses — we haven't got the infrastructure to support that amount even if we did want it.'

The council hopes as many parishioners as possible will come to the town hall to look at the plans, talk to councillors and make their views known.

A simple questionnaire has been designed to assess housing demand for local people in the future and a map will be on display showing possible development sites.

Chris Dunford, the borough's principal planning officer, said the local plan was still at a very early stage.

'We are reaching the end of the preparation part of the process — it's not too late for North Tawton to come forward with other proposals,' said Mr Dunford.

He said the plan would have to go through several stages of committee approval, before it is 'placed on deposit' next spring.

When this happens, the borough allows a statutory period of six weeks for objections or statements of support to be submitted.

If objections to proposals cannot be resolved, a public inquiry with an independent inspector will be held.

Mr Dunford said submissions from North Tawton Council would be very welcome.

'It's something the borough is very keen on. We do our best to involve as many people as possible — we welcome anybody showing an interest in the way they would like to see their town developed.'

North Tawton public consultation and exhibition takes place in the town hall on Friday November 26, between 3pm and 9pm.