More than 89 per cent of voters were in favour of the Luppitt Neighbourhood Plan when it went to referendum.

A referendum on the document, which will be used to help shape developments and planning applications in the parish, was held on 24 November.

The plan, which was more than five years in the making, will now be considered by East Devon District Council’s Cabinet in the New Year to determine if it can be formally ‘made’. This is due to happen on 4 January, 2023.

The Luppitt Neighbourhood Plan sets out policies for the future of the parish, with a goal of achieving a thriving, balanced community whilst protecting the unique character of the parish and its valuable rural landscape.

The neighbourhood plan, which was prepared thanks to the hard work of a steering group made up of members of the parish council and volunteers from the local community, was based on extensive consultation with the local community.

The question posed at the referendum, and to which voters said yes, was: “Do you want East Devon District Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Luppitt to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

The plan and other related documentation can be viewed on EDDC’s website here: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/neighbourhood-and-community-plans/neighbourhood-plans/neighbourhood-plans-being-produced-in-east-devon/luppitt/#article-content

Councillor Dan Ledger, EDDC’s portfolio holder for strategic development, said

Neighbourhood plans are so important and help us understand what communities need and want to help them flourish.

Congratulations really needs to be given to all of the volunteers for their work on this plan. Without their passion and commitment to their own community this feat would never have been achieved.

It will be great to see this plan formally made, allowing residents in the Luppitt parish to see their area grow, how they’d wish, for the next ten years.