Local Beer community to vote on whether they want their plan to become part of East Devon's development plan

Beer residents will shortly be given the opportunity to confirm whether they want their Neighbourhood Plan to become part of the Development Plan for East Devon at a referendum on Thursday 8 November 2018. The polling station will be the Mariners Hall, Fore Street, Beer.  

At the referendum voters will be asked to consider the following question: "Do you want East Devon District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Beer to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?". If more people vote 'yes' than 'no' in this referendum, East Devon District Council will 'make' the plan and it will become part of the development plan for East Devon.

A person is entitled to vote in the referendum if, on 8 November 2018, he or she is entitled to vote in a local government election in the referendum area; and, his or her qualifying address for the election is in the referendum area. If you are not already registered to vote, the closing date for registering is Tuesday 23 October 2018 - details of how to register can be found on the East Devon website.

Beer's Neighbourhood Plan has been produced by Beer Parish Council in consultation with the local community and includes policies that will influence how planning applications in the parish are determined until 2031. The Plan is the result of five years hard work by volunteers from the local community and the council is keen to encourage all eligible residents to ensure that they are registered and to turn out to vote on the day.

Further information and a copy of the plan can be found on the East Devon web site.

Cllr Bruce De Saram, East Devon District Council's Neighbourhood Planning Lead Councillor, said:

I am delighted that the Beer Neighbourhood Plan has reached the crucial referendum stage. The steering group has shown real commitment to this task and has produced a comprehensive plan that will help to shape the future of the parish for years to come. I hope that all those eligible to vote will read the Plan in detail and take part in the ballot.