PEOPLE are invited to have their say on proposed modifications to Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Local Plan during a six-week consultation.

The Local Plan, currently being examined by an independent Planning Inspector, outlines what development is and isn’t acceptable in the National Park until 2036.

The consultation, which follows public hearings held in March, runs from now until Monday, July 19.

People can take part online. Because of coronavirus restrictions, there’ll also be some online public drop-in sessions and a workshop for parish and town councillors.

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s head of forward planning and economy, Dan Janota, said: ‘We are now nearing the end of the journey to adopting the new Local Plan and we’re grateful for all the contributions to the different consultation stages since we started the review in 2016.

‘During the examination process we have been working with the Inspector to identify any modifications which may be needed to ensure the plan is sound and legally compliant. This final consultation focuses on these modifications.

‘The plan has been commended for its forward-looking policies, clear language and presentation.

‘We would hope to be able to adopt it by the end of 2021 so it can inform all planning decisions in Dartmoor National Park from then on.’

Modifications are a part of the plan-making process. Those proposed include:

The deletion of a housing site in Buckfastleigh which was not deliverable and replaced with an alternative site in the town to meet local housing need.

Revisions that make it clearer how housing need will be met over the plan’s lifetime.

* Changes which ensure it is clear what happens if certain policies (such as energy efficiency and electric vehicle charging) are overtaken by new government policies.

* Revisions to policies which refer to some Use Class Orders, which have since been changed by government.

* Minor changes to ensure the plan is consistent with national policies.

The Local Plan has gone through a number of drafts, informed by research, evidence and three previous public consultations. Dartmoor National Park Authority added an extra round of public consultation early in the process – going beyond what’s required by government – to ensure people could get involved with the plan-making process right from the beginning.

Consultation comments will go to the Inspector for consideration when determining the soundness of the plan.

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