Calls have been made for Teignbridge District Council to suspend its consultation on draft Local Plan policies as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Draft Local Plan (Part 1) 2020-2040 refreshes the existing climate change policies contained in the adopted Local Plan 2013-2033.

It includes a requirement that all new developments which propose the construction of new homes or non-residential floorspace are carbon neutral, while other draft policies also support the development of low carbon and renewable energy schemes, promote sustainable transport and require the provision of Electric Vehicle Charging points within new developments.

The Local Plan Part 2: Creating Quality Places which outline where development will take place, is expected to come forward in 2021.

Councillors in March agreed to go out to consultation on the draft plan, but Cllr Liam Mullone, leader of the Newton Says No group, in an open letter, has joined Abbotskerswell Parish Council, Broadhempston Parish Council, the WRA and CPRE in demanding the Teignbridge Executive stop trying to push the Local Plan Review under lockdown conditions.

The letter, supported by Cllr Richard Daws and Cllr Janet Bradford, the other members of the group, explains that this is no time to be making binding plans for 2040 and that the housing market, and the employment and social landscape that sustains it, will have been changed beyond recognition.

But Teignbridge District Council has said that they have already doubled the length of time for the consultation, are encouraging a wider range of audiences to get involved and that they are considering extending the consultation beyond the current June 15 closing date.

The Newton Says No councillors letter, sent to the executive of Teignbridge District Council and all citizens of Teignbridge, calls upon the executive and planning officers to suspend the revision of the Teignbridge Local Plan and all public consultation upon it, for the foreseeable future.

It said: ‘We face today a dizzying array of “new priorities”; social, environmental and economic. The long-term effects of these are unknown to us under the conditions of lockdown. The virus that caused this pandemic must be investigated, the housing market must be unfrozen and the altered health and employment needs of our population must be assessed over the weeks and months after the government restrictions are lifted.

‘And yet our council insists on making plans right now that will affect our environment, our prosperity and our landscape up until the year 2040 – and all from the vantage point of a virtual hole in the ground.’

A letter from Cllr Gordon Hook, leader of the council, posted in the comments section under a post on the Newton Says No Facebook page, added: ‘The decision to continue with the consultation has been taken in line with central government instruction, which has signalled clear support for all local authorities to continue with planning as a priority, and for Teignbridge Council to continue with its Local Plan revision, despite the difficult times we currently face.

‘Of course, there are likely to be significant social and economic implications of the pandemic. However, the majority of the policies within the draft plan will remain relevant after the virus has been eliminated. This includes the need for more social housing, improved design, protection of the natural environment and tackling the climate emergency. These were all part of our election manifesto 12 months ago.

‘To leave the Local Plan in its current state, which appears to be your position, would leave us where we currently are. This would be nothing short of a disaster for Teignbridge.’