A new plan for Tomorrow's - December 2006

Teignbridge is set to publish the district's main planning document* for public consultation at the end of November.

This key document, the 'Submission Core Strategy', contains a vision for Teignbridge outside the Dartmoor National Park, and details strategic objectives and policies for the development and use of land, and for the direction of growth for the Newton Abbot area** for the next 10 years.

The Plan will provide for sustainable development, while protecting and enhancing Teignbridge's environment, having regard to climate change and hazards including flood risk. It establishes the role and function of settlements, including the main towns and 'classified rural settlements', and large parts of the Teignbridge countryside. It also provides for 7,250 new homes (including 2,500 on sites to be specifically identified through the plan process), and access to jobs through 60 hectares of new employment land. Additionally, the Plan also sets out policies for transport, open space and community facilities that will aim to address the needs of all for existing and future generations.

Future development is focused on the Newton Abbot area, where there will be some growth*** to the west of Kingsteignton and north of Jetty Marsh, Newton Abbot comprising approximately 1500 new homes to 2016, and a further 200 post 2016 with associated job opportunities, infrastructure, community facilities and a retail park. More modest development providing for local needs will take place at Teignmouth, Dawlish, Bovey Tracey (with Heathfield), Chudleigh and Buckfastleigh, outside the Dartmoor National Park. Housing allocations will provide a range and mix of homes, with 50% or more affordable social rented and intermediate market housing being sought to meet the needs and aspirations of local communities.

Councillor Brian Berman, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Planning and Housing Strategy said:

"This is a plan that sets out development of housing, employment and infrastructure for the benefit of Teignbridge people while recognizing the desire to minimize the impact on our natural environment and to enhance the quality of life for all."

Steve Robinson, Head of Planning Services said:

"The Teignbridge Core Strategy is the culmination of three years commitment by the Council to provide the right planning basis for improving the future quality of life for all. This new plan builds on our understanding of the special qualities of Teignbridge, opportunities for growth, revitalisation and regeneration in our towns and rural areas, and takes forward many of the views expressed to the Council during our Preferred Options consultation in March 2006."

Opportunity for public comment

The Plan will be available for public comment for a 7 week period. This will commence on 30^th November 2006 and written responses must reach the Council by 9.00 am Monday 22^nd January 2007. This is the final opportunity for public comments to be made before it is examined in the summer 2007. Only duly made comments made at this stage will be considered by an independent Inspector at the Examination. Comments made at the previous Issues and Alternative Options and Preferred Options consultation stages will not be considered at the Examination. All comments will be sent to the Secretary of State and will be made publicly available for inspection as soon as practicable.

Comments can be sent to the Council using a response form, or in a letter which should be sent to S W Robinson, Head of Planning Services, Teignbridge District Council, Forde House, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4XX. Comments may also be faxed to 01626 215760, or emailed to forwardplanning@teignbridge.gov.uk.

Further information can be found on the Council's website at www.teignbridge.gov.uk

Public Exhibitions

Council officers will be available to answer questions on the published Plan at public exhibitions to be held in the Teignbridge plan area as follows:

Leaflets explaining the process and setting out the Plan will be available at the exhibitions together with response forms. Reference copies of the Plan with leaflets and response forms will also be available at local libraries: Torquay Central, and Exeter Central and St Thomas libraries.

ENDS

Notes To Editors:

*Submission Core Strategy, part of the Local Development Framework

**Newton Abbot Sub-Regional Centre

***Urban mixed-use extension

Please get in contact should you require additional clarification of the above terms?

The Submission Core Strategy does not include details of specific land allocations and these will be published for public comment at a later date in separate documents.

Development totals on allocated sites in Teignbridge (outside the Dartmoor National Park) will be as follows:

# the % affordable housing relates to the housing allocations average for the area

* figure rounded

Convenience Goods                   Consumer goods purchased on a regular basis, including food and groceries and cleaning materials

Comparison Goods                    Durable goods such as clothing, household goods, furniture, DIY and electrical goods