RESIDENTS in Newton Abbot are being urged to vote ‘yes’ in the forthcoming referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan or risk losing millions of pounds in funding.

If approved, it’s estimated having a plan in place would bring in £3.5 million to the town for future projects.

It will mean Newton Abbot town council will receive 25 per cent of the community infrastructure levy on new homes instead of 15 per cent without a neighbourhood plan in place.

Included in the ambitious plan, which has taken several years to put together, are proposals for a community hub to become home to the town council and museum, outdoor play equipment outside Asda, tree, shrub and flower planting around the town, improved leisure provision and more sports pitches.

But the referendum result has to show the plan has the support of more than 50 per cent of those who vote on May 5.

The plan is being run by the Newton Abbot Community Interest Company whose directors recognise that if approved, the plan will become a legally recognised planning policy.

This means it will be used when Teignbridge Council planners decide on new applications around the town.

It will help to ensure new housing developments are supported by adequate infrastructure and community facilities.

Newton Abbot is among the first towns to reach the referendum stage in the plan process.

So far, only Exminster in Teignbridge has an adopted plan.

Lynn McElheron, chairman of the CIC board, explained: ‘The CIC believes that having a Neighbourhood Plan in place is an important tool to guide the future development of Newton Abbot.

‘While the plan cannot change the levels of housing growth set out in the local plan, it can help make sure the town has the facilities it needs to support the growing population.

‘We hope that residents of Newton Abbot will join us in supporting the community by voting yes in the referendum.’

The list of projects was developed after lengthy consultation with members of the public in 2014 and includes improved parks, open spaces and community facilities.

In the plan, mayor Mike Ryan said: ‘The Newton Abbot neighbourhood development plan represents a significant step for the council both in drawing together the public’s views and aspirations but also in seeking to provide a framework within which the future development of the town should take place.

‘As a town council, we recognise the importance of ensuring that Newton Abbot moves with the times and has the facilities and services available for the town’s growing population.’

The vote takes place on Thursday, May 5, the same day as the election for the police and crime commissioner.