A housing masterplan which will shape the future development of housing in North Devon and Torridge has been approved by the Planning Inspector – more than two years after it was first submitted.

The North Devon and Torridge Local Plan has been labelled ‘sound’ by inspector Wendy Burden subject to her recommended main modifications.

North Devon and Torridge district councils will hold a joint meeting to formally adopt the plan, which was first submitted in June 2016.

Once adopted, planning decisions will be made using the local plan, which guides the design and location of future developments across the districts.

Torridge District Council’s lead member for planning, Councillor Pete Watson, said: “It is excellent news that the inspector has recommended that the councils can progress to adopt the joint local plan.

“We now really look forward to being able to get the plan in place and to start making use of it for the benefit of our communities and to shape how the area develops.”

North Devon Council’s lead, Councillor Jeremy Yabsley, added: “It’s the first time a local plan has been prepared jointly with Torridge District Council and it has worked well as we are such close neighbours with common issues.

“The plan contains all the visions and policies that we have agreed for the future of northern Devon. I’d like to thank the public for getting involved with the plans’ development through our extensive public consultations. The comments received have helped to make the plan what it is today.”