DARTMOOR National Park Authority is taking the first steps in reviewing its local plan for the area.

The fresh look at the way the moor is managed has been prompted by a string of changes – among them a recession, a new national planning framework, the instigation of Neighbourhood Planning and a new government making major changes to affordable housing. 

An authority spokesman said: ‘The local plan is the starting point when we make a decision on the planning applications of local residents, local businesses, and developers. 

‘We would like everyone interested in Dartmoor’s future to tell us what is important about Dartmoor for them.’   

The consultation is an opportunity for residents, communities, visitors, businesses and other organisations to offer views on how the new local plan should guide future development on Dartmoor. 

The document will cover issues such as house extensions, design, the environment, listed buildings, housing, business, farming, tourism, quarrying and land for development. 

The process of reviewing the plan will take until 2018, and there will be numerous opportunities for people to give their views. 

Visit www.dartmoor.gov.uk/ localplan to find out more and to offer comments.

Consultation events start this autumn with the process ending on December 16.