Noon on Monday (9 August) is the deadline for local residents to give their views on the site options for jobs and homes set out in Teignbridge’s Local Plan consultation.

Since the consultation was launched almost eight weeks ago, more than 2,000 people have responded.

And the council hopes that many more people will participate before the consultation closes on Monday.

Planners especially want to hear from more young people in the 18 – 25 year age bracket whose futures could be influenced by decisions on where new homes will be built over the next 20 years in Teignbridge and where employers could be based.

Executive Member for Planning, Cllr Gary Taylor said: 'I’d like to thank everyone who has responded to date, providing not only their views but often valuable local information about the site options.

'I hope that in these last few days before the consultation closes, many more people will take the opportunity to look at the site options and to comment on them. The more views we receive, the better informed the plan will be. Through completing the consultation survey, everyone can help make a difference.'

Consultation documentation is available on line at Teignbridge.gov.uk/localplanreview and can also be viewed in libraries, town and parish council offices and at Forde House. Paper copies of the survey are also available.

As well as taking into account the spectrum of views received in the consultation, the council also has to ensure it meets government requirements to build 751 houses per year in the district and to provide a sufficient land supply to meet this number.

Development on urban brownfield sites is considered a high priority so as to help minimise the impact on the environment while most other site options are located around the district’s major population centres which provide the greatest opportunities for access to services, employment and public transport as well as travel on foot or on two wheels.

Sites are also identified in villages where new homes may help support and maintain rural businesses and services.

Site options for employment are aimed at supporting a sustainable and resilient local economy, helping businesses to start and grow, improving connectivity and modernising the visitor economy.

Not all development sites identified in the consultation will be taken forward however.

Cllr Taylor added: “While some of the sites options proposed may be found unsuitable, it is important we do identify a sufficient number of viable sites to ensure that the growing needs of local residents and their families - homes, infrastructure, facilities and employment - can all be met over the next 20 years.”

The consultation documentation is available on line at Teignbridge.gov.uk/localplanreview