Any new development in Teignbridge will need to meet tighter design rules under proposals contained in the draft local plan.

A spokesperson for Teignbridge Council explains: ‘The Local Plan sets out the requirements developers must meet to ensure that any development is shaped around the needs of local people, dovetails with local community characteristics and reduces the need to drive.

‘And it gives planners more power to reject development schemes which do not match the high standards set out in the Local Plan.

‘It also sets out the infrastructure needed to support developments such as roads, schools and health centres.

‘Local people have until noon on March 13 to give their views on the Local Plan proposals before it and all comments received are submitted for review and public examination by the planning inspectorate.’

Executive Member for Planning, Cllr Gary Taylor is urging local residents and organisations to take part in the consultation.

‘The Local Plan is about much more than simply the identification of sites for housing, employment and other forms of development.

‘It also details how we can provide the homes we need while protecting our prized landscapes and precious environment.

‘Through its updated and new policies and design code, the Local Plan will help ensure that future developments in Teignbridge reflect the diverse characteristics and heritage of our district – and will continue to be places where people can enjoy living.

‘Once in place the Local Plan will help ensure that green infrastructure, such as play areas, parks, gardens, sports pitches and other open spaces are integral to any development planning from the outset.

‘Following the success of Dawlish Countryside Park and the recently opened Ridgetop Park, the amount of land per household allocated to Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS) is set out as is the space required to be allocated to allotments.

‘Tackling the implications of climate change is also a Local Plan priority with homes and workplaces to be designed to cope with weather extremes, taking account of changes in temperature, rainfall and wind.

‘The Design Code also supports the council’s Net Zero obligations by requiring developers to minimise the use of resources required to build or operate a development as well as contributing to the reversal of biodiversity decline.

‘Trees lost due to development will need to be replaced and more trees will be planted in the district if the Local Plan is approved.

‘Developments will need to provide safe, clear routes for pedestrians and cyclists and most new homes will have to have good access to a neighbourhood centre and a range of local jobs and facilities within 800m or reachable by a 10-minute walk.’

l To comment on the Local Plan go to www.teignbridge.gov.uk/lpconsultation.