VILLAGERS in Ogwell have voted resoundingly in favour of accepting a Neighbourhood Plan for their parish.

More than 90 per cent of those who voted backed the blueprint which will now be presented to Teignbridge Council’s executive meeting on April 5 to be rubber-stamped.

The document features aims, planning policies and proposals for identifying and safeguarding important viewpoints, including proposals to improve a recreational area and build a community hub with a pre-school and a multi-use games area.

Cllr John Goodey, Teignbridge Council’s executive spokesman for community neighbourhoods, was delighted with the outcome.

‘It shows the community is addressing local needs through their own plan. The referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan gave local people an opportunity to get involved and have their say about their area’s future development.

‘In April, the plan will be a legal document sitting alongside the Teignbridge Local Plan when planning applications are considered.

‘It is important to help deliver the types of homes our residents need along with quality development including jobs and community facilities.’

Bradley ward councillor Philip Bullivant chipped in: ‘Having a local plan in place brings many advantages to the area.

‘Being able to set their own priorities and having more to invest in projects that are important to the local residents are benefits that will come to the people of Ogwell.

Fellow ward councillor Mike Hocking said: ‘I’m very pleased to see such a large yes vote. This is a very important way that residents can influence the Teignbridge Local Plan in their own areas.’

He added: ‘As a Newton Abbot town councillor, I’m pleased we’re starting to see the rewards of having a Neighbourhood Plan and we encourage others to put one in place.’

Ambrook ward councillors Dennis Smith and Mary Colclough echoed the sentiments expressed by their fellow members.