A public examination of Dartmoor’s final Local Plan has begun.

Planning Inspector Roisin Barrett has been appointed to carry out the public examination which will determine whether the plan is ‘sound’ and can be adopted.

The Local Plan contains policies which set out what type of development is and isn’t acceptable in the national park. It aims to strike the right balance between people and place, taking people’s lives and livelihoods into consideration when making planning decisions which conserve and enhance the national park.

It is the first consideration when planning decisions are made. It sets out the high standards that all proposed development must meet to protect and value nature while allowing communities to grow in ways that respects Dartmoor’s special environment.

The Plan has been through several drafts, informed by research, evidence and consultation. The authority added an additional round of public consultation early in the process – going beyond what’s required – to ensure people had more opportunities to get involved with the plan-making process.

The independent examination will provide a detailed review of the entire document in public. The hearings, set for two weeks, will consider the soundness of the Local Plan and an Inspector’s report may require the Plan to be modified in some ways.

England remains under Covid-19 restrictions which prevent authorities meeting in person, but the examination will be live-streamed which people are encouraged to watch.

See the website for up-to-date information www.dartmoor.gov.uk