Residents are being urged to have their say on how the future development of East Devon should look.

East Devon District Council said very few people have so far put their views forward for the new local plan, which will decide what and where new developments are allowed in East Devon for the next 20 years.

The council said this week: “If you don’t like the decisions that the council makes on planning matters then now is your chance to change things as we start work on a new local plan.

“We want to know your ideas and what you think would be good for your town centres and local businesses – and whether you like the idea of wind and solar farms. What do you think of new homes and how can they be improved? Do you want to see more affordable housing? Do you want to see more office space for small businesses?

“Where do you want new homes to be built? Do you want us to expand existing towns or do you think another new town like Cranbrook is a good idea. If so, where would you put it?”

The council would like to hear people’s views before their consultation closes on March 15. It revealed that so far only one person under the age of 26 has shared their views on the new local plan.

An EDDC spokesman said: “What about your green open spaces? Do you want more parks for children to play in? We don’t know what you want unless you tell us.”

Councillor Dan Ledger, the district council’s portfolio holder for strategic development, said: “The current local plan is now five years old and we are required by the government to review the plan every five years and to keep it up to date.

“We need to produce a new local plan so that we retain control over the future of East Devon and ensure that the needs of the district for new homes, jobs, communities and green spaces are met by building in the right places.”

To have your say, visit www.eastdevon.gov.uk/newlocalplan

So far in the consultation, more than 60 per cent of respondents think the council should identify sites for wind and solar farms.