Teignbridge District Council is taking steps to reassure local people about the evidence used in its 20 year plan for the district by re-employing independent experts to review evidence about the number of people likely to be moving in to Teignbridge in the future.
Demographic experts ORS were commissioned by seven local authorities to produce a report in 2007 which Teignbridge had updated in 2010, predicting how the population and demographic make-up of many south west areas are likely to change in the next two decades. Its evidence has been used by Exeter City Council, Mid Devon District Council and Dartmoor National Park, among others, in preparing successful plans for their areas.
It was on the basis of this evidence, which also looked at other factors which create need for homes - like children moving out or couples breaking up - that the council planned the number of new homes likely to be needed. This is currently predicted to be around 15,000 over 20 years, including 3000 which already have planning permission and 12,000 new builds.
It all forms part of Plan Teignbridge, the council’s name for a technical planning document also known as the Draft Preferred Options Core Strategy. It aims to enable a job for every working age resident, protect the Teignbridge countryside and make more homes affordable to younger people and ordinary working families.
Cllr Phil Vogel, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Planning and Housing said:
“We know that Plan Teignbridge is going to deliver great benefits for local people. There will be more jobs, better facilities, more public transport, cycleways and strong protections for villages and the countryside.
“I know some people have focused on housing numbers, and we are taking this step to help reassure everyone that they are completely up to date and reflect the current economic outlook. At the same time we don’t want local people to lose sight of the many benefits the plan brings. Key among these is new employment, making it possible for families to stay together in this area rather than having to move away to find a better paid job. It also puts in place really good environmental protection and will help us set clear planning rules which protect us from things going in the wrong places on appeal.
“As we’re currently consulting the public and asking for suggestions, now’s the perfect time to do this complementary piece of work.”
The Council has also set up an internal Review Group of councillors who will monitor progress of the review and scrutinise housing figures. Their work will be supported by independent experts, giving them an informed, independent and expert insight in to the plan.
Anyone wanting to find out more or have their say take part in the online Plan Teignbridge consultation at www.teignbridge.gov.uk/
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