HUNDREDS of people have responded to the Neighbourhood Plan which aims to keep Ashburton as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Dartmoor.

The Steering Committee of the Neighbourhood Plan held a very successful public exhibition last week at the Tourist Information Centre, Ashburton.

Members of the public were asked for their comments and representations about the proposed plan.

This is part of the statutory process of consultation in order to accord with government regulations.

640 representations were received, with many overlaps.

But the main concerns were with regard to Transport, Climate Change and Housing.

The last, not surprisingly, as when a recent housing development for 39 local housing units was released inviting interest, it was overprescribed by a ratio of 19 applications for each.

The completed plan will be put to the residents of Ashburton in a referendum next year.