A TRIO of planning consultations to help guide developments across Torridge and North Devon has begun, and documents will be available to view until the close date at Holsworthy Library.

North Devon Council and Torridge District Council are carrying out consultations on three supplementary planning documents (SPD), which have been put together to supplement specific policies contained in the joint North Devon and Torridge Local Plan.

The documents out for consultations are: Rural Workers’ Dwelling SPD — how applications will be considered for dwellings to support the operation of new or existing rural business and the associated application and release of occupancy restricting conditions. Advice is also provided on opportunities to secure succession in the agriculture sector; Air Quality SPD — looks at how new developments could adversely affect air quality, the type and scale of development proposals which would require an air quality impact assessment and if so what it should include. This SPD also refers to the designated Air Quality Management Area at Braunton; Leadengate Design Guide SPD — design guide for Leadengate Fields and Leadengate Close, Croyde, setting out how future development should recognise and respect the area’s existing character.

Lead member for planning and development at Torridge District Council, Cllr Peter Watson said: “To support the effective implementation of the recently adopted North Devon and Torridge Local Plan, the first in a series of supplementary planning documents have been prepared. The documents will add detail to the policies of the Local Plan, to guide their use and ensure consistency of application — it is important to note that the SPDs do not change the nature or intent of the policies contained in the local plan. The consultation exercise provides an opportunity for comments to be provided on the draft documents prior to their adoption by the respective councils.”

Lead member for economic development and strategic planning policy at North Devon Council, Cllr Malcolm Prowse, added: “Our planning officers are here to help and support you when making an application for a development project.  These documents are designed and written so applicants can respond positively to the policy requirements when making an application. It’s really important for us to find out what people think about the documents before they are adopted and referred to when considering planning applications in the future. We want to make sure they are user friendly, easy to understand and provide all the advice and information our residents need when they make a planning application.” 

Residents can find out more and have their say online at consult.torridge.gov.uk/portal

Paper copies of the documents are also available to view at local libraries and the following council offices: Lynton House, Barnstaple; Riverbank House, Bideford; The Ilfracombe Centre, Ilfracombe; The Amory Centre, South Molton.

The consultations started on Thursday, September 26, and will be open until 4.45pm on Friday, November 8.

Following the close of the consultations comments received will be reviewed and any necessary amendments made to the documents before they are adopted by the councils and planning applications considered against them.