The Dartmoor Local Plan is now the official planning policy document after it was declared sound and adopted by the authority.

Dartmoor National Park Authority formally adopted the Local Plan at its meeting on Friday.

The adoption signals the conclusion of planning and preparation alongside public consultation.

The Dartmoor Local Plan contains policies which set out what type of development is and is not acceptable in the National Park.

An authority spokespersopn said: ‘Benefits include setting exemplary high standards of building design including accessibility, groundbreaking policies to protect Dartmoor’s biodiversity and a clear link in providing homes that meet local needs.

The Local Plan is the first consideration when planning decisions are made.

‘It sets out the high standards that all proposed development must meet to protect and value nature while allowing communities to grow in ways that respects the National Park’s special environment,’ they said.

Planning Inspector Ms Roisin Barrett was appointed to conduct a public examination to determine whether the Local Plan was sound and could be formally adopted.

Those hearings were held in March and due to the pandemic took place virtually with hearings streamed online.

After that, a further public consultation was held on modifications to the plan. The inspector then published her final report which is available online.

Dartmoor National Park Authority Chair Pamela Woods said: ‘I’m delighted we’ve reached a position to formally adopt the Local Plan which sets out a clear and positive strategy for Dartmoor’s future.

‘The Local Plan, taken as a whole, pursues National Park purposes of conservation and enhancement, and promoting understanding and enjoyment.

‘It ensures that at a time of change and uncertainty, Dartmoor stands firms as a stronghold for wildlife, a landscape of national cultural and natural importance, a home and workplace, and a haven for recreation and quiet enjoyment.

‘We thank everyone who has been involved with the plan-making process and who will work with us to deliver for Dartmoor in the future.’

The plan went through a series of drafts informed by research, evidence and public consultation.

Dartmoor National Park added an extra round of public consultation early on in the process – going beyond what’s required by government – so people could get involved with the plan-making process right from the beginning.

An early ambition to make the Local Plan accessible has been met; it replaces 97 policies and allocations with 78 and its brevity makes it easier to understand. This was noted in the Inspector’s final report.

She says: ‘the document as a whole is succinct ... Focussed text, diagrammes, maps, and the selective inclusion of highlighted definitions, together, make for an accessible and easily navigated document.’

Dartmoor National Park’s Head of Forward Planning and Economy Dan Janota said: ‘The plan responds to the challenges of climate change and ecological crisis through a pattern of sustainable growth, policies to reduce energy use, and a groundbreaking approach to biodiversity net gain.

‘Crucially it puts the needs of Dartmoor at its heart by raising the bar on the quality, efficiency and accessibility of new homes while recognising the gap between local incomes and house prices. Business and enterprise which is consistent with National Park purposes is encouraged and supported.

‘Dartmoor has a very small team of young professional planners’ who are progressive in their thinking and have delivered the Local Plan end-to-end with most the work done in-house.’