East Devon residents are being asked to give their opinions on two options for a new community in the district.

The district council has put forward two concept masterplans for public consultation until Monday, October 7.

The new community is part of East Devon District Council's (EDDC) Local Plan, which aims to address the housing need in the area.

The proposed community will provide up to 8,000 homes by 2050, as well as employment space.

The plans also include a range of facilities, including schools, shops, parks, playing pitches, and transport and sewage infrastructure improvements.

To view the proposals, go to eastdevonnewsettlement.commonplace.is.

Councillor Todd Olive, EDDC’s portfolio holder for strategic planning, said: "I urge our residents to review these two masterplan options for the new community that is crucial for delivering sustainable new homes for local people.

"We want to create a community that will become a first-class example for others to follow.

"We are taking practical steps to make sure we are setting the vision for this community to meet local needs and to ensure that will be delivered on the ground."

Cllr Olive continued: "We are learning lessons from new developments around the country, including locally in Cranbrook.

"We are doing things differently from the outset, taking an assertive approach to make sure that the new community will be a great place to live, work and study.

"The online consultation is an important chance for you to share your thoughts on the evolving masterplan, and to help shape what this new community will look like for decades to come. Please use it."

The preferred location for the new community is an area south of Exeter Airport and the A30, and north of the A3052.

If approved, the community would provide up to 2,500 homes until 2042, as well as community facilities in a biodiverse and zero-carbon environment.

EDDC has been working with a technical team over the last two years to develop evidence to support the new community.

Various locations were subject to extensive technical assessment and evaluation against key criteria, which were consulted on as part of the draft Local Plan from November 2022 until January 2023.

The preferred site option was approved by EDDC councillors in December 2023.

Councillor Olive said: "We are learning lessons from new developments around the country, including locally in Cranbrook.

"We are doing things differently from the outset, taking an assertive approach to make sure that the new community will be a great place to live, work and study."