RESIDENTS of Newton Abbot have until April 17 to comment on a document that could draw millions of pounds into the town.

The Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) has reached draft form after months of work by a team of volunteers. It is designed to place greater emphasis on local wishes when it comes to the delivery of new homes, roads and job opportunities as demanded in the 20-year Plan Teignbridge.

On Wednesday it was adopted by the town council and later this year will go before the planning inspectorate for formal approval. If passed it will mean the town gets 25 per cent of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments developers are charged when granted planning permission. Without an NDP the figure falls to 10 per cent.

Before the April 17 deadline residents have the power to suggest changes and additions. The NDP can be viewed http://www.middevonadvertiser.co.uk/content/featurepages/web/NDP_Draft_Plan_low_res_final.pdf">http://www.middevonadvertiser.co.uk/content/featurepages/web/NDP_Draft_Plan_low_res_final.pdf " target="_blank">here and will also be available at the annual town meeting in Courtenay Street on Saturday April 1.

At Thursday's meeting of the full council Cllr Mike Pilkington said: 'I just worry these type of documents don't get in front of the public enough. It's important that they do and can comment.'