Protection for North Devon Villages

Some of North Devon's villages could be placed in conservation areas to protect the unique character of places like Braunton.

It could mean a change in planning laws for new builds or extensions and how future developments are managed.

It looks at what makes the historic character and appearance of the village special and includes suggestions from council officers and local people.

The council now wants the public to help again by telling them what they think of Braunton’s management plan, which sets out how to protect the area and its special characteristics. Management plans also help the council when considering planning applications for that area.

Executive Member for Strategic Planning Councillor Mike Edmunds says:

"So that we don't miss out anything important members of the public work with council officers on both documents by putting forward their own suggestions about what should be included."

Members of the public can take part in the consultation on the Braunton Conservation Area Management Plan from the 16 June by visiting

www.northdevon-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal

At the meeting members also agreed to adopt conservation area management plans for Bickington, Fremington and Fremington Quay, and that West Down should be identified as a conservation area.