Devon structure plan

The Devon structure plan 2001 to 2016 - 'Devon to 2016' (adopted October 2004) is the current structure plan for the whole of Devon, including Plymouth, Torbay and Dartmoor National Park, but excluding Exmoor National Park. ('Devon to 2016' supersedes the previous Devon structure plan first review 1995 to 2011, adopted February 1999).

The structure plan sets out strategic planning policies for development and other land uses in respect of: housing, employment, conservation, minerals, waste, transportation, shopping, tourism, leisure and recreation, over a 15 year period. It provides a framework for detailed decisions by local authorities, other organisations and individuals in the preparation of their forward plans (eg local plans, local development frameworks and community strategies).

The Government has introduced major changes to the planning system through the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. As a result of the Act, regional spatial strategies will replace countywide structure plans. When the regional spatial strategy for the south west is published in its final form, it will supersede the Devon structure plan and its policies. Until that time the structure plan policies are saved until October 2007.