GOVERNMENT planning inspectors have ruled Teignbridge’s Local Plan is ‘sound’.

This means the plan, which will shape development oof the district until 2040, is one step closer for formal adoption.

In the final report on the Local Plan 2020 to 2040 published this week, government Planning Inspectors said the plan is ‘sound and legally compliant subject to small number of modifications’.

Nationally, only around a third of local planning authorities currently have an up-to-date Local Plan in place, making this outcome a significant achievement for Teignbridge.

The Inspectors’ findings mark the conclusion of several years’ work developing a Local Plan that can meet the needs of Teignbridge’s communities, economy and environment well into the future.

The modifications, set out alongside the Inspectors’ final report, are largely clarifications and do not change the Plan’s overall strategy, policies or development site locations.

The Local Plan guides where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and services should go - setting planning rules to shape how our local area develops. It lays out a clear framework for future development across the district, outside of Dartmoor National Park.

It includes policies to and includes strong policies to secure between 20per cent to 30per cent affordable housing on new developments, with a greater emphasis on social rent.

It supports the council’s net zero carbon ambitions, including higher standards for new buildings, support for low-carbon energy generation and storage, and opportunities for wind energy.

Protection of the character of coastal communities is to ensure any new homes built are not occupied as holiday homes through a primary residence policy.

The Plan promotes high-quality design through a district Design Code and encourages sustainable and active travel, enhance green infrastructure and strengthen protections for wildlife.

It has been under preparation since 2018 and has involved eight rounds of public consultation, working with local members, town and parish councils, community groups, developers, statutory bodies, and neighbouring authorities.

This series of consultations has given voice to residents, businesses, and communities, who have shared their aspirations and concerns on issues such as affordable housing, climate change, design quality, infrastructure, and the future of our towns, villages and countryside.

The Inspectorate commended Teignbridge District Council for the way it worked proactively and constructively with partners and highlighted also that the modifications required make no significant changes to strategy or site choices.

Inspectors also recognised the ‘robust evidence base’ underpinning the Plan, which allocates sufficient land to meet housing and employment needs while ensuring development is well planned and supported by infrastructure.

Cllr Gary Taylor, Executive Member for Planning and Building Control, said: ‘This is a moment of real celebration for Teignbridge.

‘The Inspectors’ Report confirms that our evidence base, engagement approach and overall strategy are all strong - and that the Plan is deliverable.

‘Adoption of this Plan will give greater clarity to residents, confidence to investors, and certainty to our Council as we deliver climate resilient, well-designed and inclusive places.

‘It reflects years of hard work from officers, councillors, partners and communities, who all helped shape a Plan that truly responds to local priorities.’

The next step is for Full Council on May 19 to formally adopt the Local Plan.

Once adopted, it will become the main basis for deciding planning applications across Teignbridge until 2040.