Help shape the future of East Devon's town centres in the Local Plan consultation online before 5pm on Thursday 27 June 2024.
The wording that will inform planning decisions for town centres, as well as the boundaries of the district's Town Centre Areas and Primary Shopping Areas (apart from Cranbrook, which has a separate plan), are being consulted on by East Devon District Council (EDDC).
The way that people shop has changed town centres in recent years due to a number of factors, including the growth of online deliveries. Protecting important services and facilities at the heart of local communities is the aim of the Town Centre Areas and Primary Shopping Areas section of the Local Plan.
Ensuring that town centres offer a wide range of good quality shops, that draw in visitors and meet their day-to-day needs, is a priority for EDDC's planners. National planning rules for town centres have relaxed in recent years, so it is important that there is the right balance of shops, offices, leisure and entertainment, sport and recreation, cultural spaces, and tourism development. Keeping the historical and natural character of local town centres is another key consideration.
To help town centres to thrive, businesses will be encouraged to invest in town centre locations, if these are available, by EDDC's planners. The appropriateness of proposals outside town centres will be judged on factors including the accessibility of these locations by foot, bike, and public transport.
The Local Plan is the key document used to make planning decisions in East Devon, so it is vital that residents let EDDC know what they think of the proposals.
Consultation feedback will help inform and refine the Local Plan as it progresses to a final draft, which EDDC hopes to consult on towards the end of 2024. It will then be subject to a public examination by a government-appointed planning inspector.
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