BISHOPS Lydeard and Cothelstone voted ’Yes’ for their Neighbourhood Plan in the first referendum of its kind in Somerset.
The referendum, on May 5, followed three years’ hard work and gave people in the parish their chance to vote for or against the plan.
More than a third of those eligible to vote turned out and almost 80 per cent were in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan.
Bishops Lydeard and Cothelstone Parish Council chairman Henry Davenport said: "I am delighted and proud that we are first past the post in Taunton and, indeed, in Somerset.
“This is, firstly, due to the hard work and commitment of our Neighbourhood Plan committee members and particularly our cClerk, Amy Shepherd.
“Secondly, it is due to all those who came out to vote last week and gave us the resounding Yes vote. We now aim to earn the trust which has been placed in us."
Following the successful referendum, the plan will be eligible to be adopted by the council as local planning policy.