Residents of Newton Poppleford and Harpford have the chance to vote on a set of policies relating to future development in the parish in May.

A neighbourhood plan has been drawn up setting out the kind of housing and other developments the parish should have, along with how traffic should be managed, flood risk reduced, and the natural environment protected.

A referendum will be held on Thursday, May 6, and if more people vote 'yes' than 'no' on whether they support the proposals, the plan will be adopted by East Devon District Council.

Why is it important to vote?

Neighbourhood plans are seen as an expression of what local residents want to see built – or not built - in their area, and can be very influential. In January a large housing development and new school building in Ottery St Mary was refused planning permission by East Devon district councillors because the Neighbourhood Plan for that area had specifically ruled out new housing on that particular site: read more here.

The plan for Newton Poppleford and Harpford has been drawn up following extensive consultation with the local community, and all residents who're eligible to vote in the referendum are being encouraged to do so by East Devon District Council.

The polling station will be Newton Poppleford Village Hall.

The local plan for Newton Poppleford and Harpford can be read here, and there's more information about neighbourhood planning here.