THE Exmoor National Park Local Plan, which will guide development and the use of land on Exmoor until 2031, is now available following its formal adoption.

That came following scrutiny by an independent inspector who conducted an examination of the plan and held public hearings into the key issues which it seeks to address. 

Many local households experience challenges finding suitable housing for themselves and their families, and the new plan gives priority to affordable housing for local people, including through self-build.

The previous 2005 plan led to nearly 100 affordable homes for local people being built in communities across Exmoor.

As a result, more than 200 local people have been helped across the moor - some living in homes built by themselves, by private developers or landlords and by housing associations.

More still needs to be done, and the new plan aims to widen opportunities for local people to address their housing needs, including for those needing accessible or adaptable homes.

“A message which came through strongly in consultations on the plan was the importance of keeping viable working communities on the moor including younger people and families,” said a national park spokesman.