Residents of Dunkeswell are being given the opportunity to have their say in shaping the village’s future this week.

On Thursday, October 19, voters in the parish will be able to go to the polls and respond to a question referring to how the district council uses the village’s plan to cast its decisions on planning issues.

Tim Clewer, chairman of Dunkeswell Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan committee, said: “Over the last three years, we have worked hard to include everyone in the community at every stage of making this plan. We hope that it truly reflects what parishioners want for Dunkeswell and that everyone will support it by voting ‘yes’ on October 19.”

Earlier this year, Dunkeswell’s Neighbourhood Plan was independently examined.

In its findings, the Government Inspector recommended that, subject to some proposed modifications, the document should proceed to referendum. The recommendation was agreed by members of East Devon District Council’s cabinet last month.

A Neighbourhood Plan is primarily about how land is used, how buildings and public spaces look and how they blend in with the environment.

Dunkeswell’s Neighbourhood Plan represents the community’s vision and priorities for how they would like to see the local area change in the coming years. It sets out the local planning policies which will be taken into account as and when any proposals for development come forward in the parish.

Dunkeswell’s Neighbourhood Plan runs until 2031.

The polling stations, which will be open from 7am to 10pm, will be based at Throgmorton Hall in Culme Way (EX14 4JP).

Documents have been produced in order to help with the voting process which can be viewed on the district council’s website.

Alternatively, they can be seen at the district council’s offices at Knowle in Sidmouth, Highfield Stores in Dunkeswell (Monday - Saturday, 7am - 9pm / Sunday 8am - 8pm) and Highfield Garage in Dunkeswell (Monday to Friday 7am - 6pm / Saturday 8am - noon).