TODAY (Monday) is the last chance for residents across Teignbridge to help shape the district’s future by giving their feedback on ideas in the draft local plan.

A spokesperson for the council said: ‘Consultation closes on July 13 on the plan’s proposals for stronger policies and guidelines to help deliver better and more sustainable development over the next 20 years.

‘The proposals include tougher policies to fight climate change and support the environment. The plan also tasks developers to provide more genuinely affordable homes and to build properties that suit the needs of the growing elderly population. The proposals seek to support communities and businesses in both countryside and towns, deliver better infrastructure including faster, resilient broadband connections and raise design standards.

‘The consultation – launched in March – was extended to give more people time to comment in what has been a virtual event reaching more than 50,000 people with more than 3,500 views of the short videos which summarise key issues in each of the main planning areas.’

Formal responses so far are nearing 300, which is more than 100 above the last planning consultation.

Teignbridge’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Cllr Gary Taylor, said: ‘I’ve been very encouraged by the number of responses we have received so far and look forward to more being submitted during the last few days of consultation.

‘The more people who respond the more the final plan will reflect what needs to be included to support our communities.’

A ‘Need to Know’ guide which summarises the main issues is available at www.teignbridge.gov.uk/localplanreview together with an online questionnaire which enables residents to formally respond.

Residents can give their views on different parts of the plan such as the proposals on the economy, the design of homes or the environmental plans and indicate their concerns and support.

Cllr Taylor added that all comments received would be published and that as the draft plan was not set in stone, residents’ views will count towards the final plan.

‘It is important that people take the time to provide feedback as this will help the council to reflect the views of residents when the plan is considered by government planning inspectors as part of the approval process,’ he said.