Final week for consultations

There’s just one week left for people to comment on two important draft documents which will provide a focus on actions needed to secure the future of Exmoor National Park.

One of the documents is the Exmoor National Park Partnership Plan which will provide the basis for co-ordinating effort over the next 5 years to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Exmoor, and promote understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities. Over the summer the National Park Authority asked people what they thought were the key challenges facing the National Park, and what they felt the priorities for action should be. More than 1,000 people responded and the views gathered have been used to prepare the draft Partnership Plan. Comments received will help inform the priorities and action for the final Partnership Plan, which is due to be agreed with partners and adopted by the National Park Authority in April 2012.

The second document is the Local Plan which will guide development on Exmoor over the next 15 years.  Your views will inform where development will be allowed in future, and how affordable housing will be supported.  The results of this consultation will inform the preparation of what is known as the ‘preferred strategy’ for the Local Plan, which will be consulted on along with all the new Local Plan policies in 2012.

People can view copies of the draft Partnership Plan and Local Plan consultation documents via:

· the website at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/consultation

·  the National Park Centre in Dulverton

·  Local libraries

· Parish or Town Councils will also have copies

Anyone that would like a paper copy can contact the National Park Authority on 01398 323665 or email: consultation@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Both consultations close on Tuesday 31 January 2012.

Published: 24 January 2012