Farringdon plans referendum

East Devon village to consider future development

Residents who have said ‘enough is enough’ over development they claim has transformed the character of an East Devon village will get their chance to vote on a blueprint for the future.

Farringdon, which lies between the Sidmouth Road and Exeter Airport, which includes parts of Perkins Village and Rosamondford, only has 140 dwellings and an estimated population of 368.

But despite being one of the smallest parishes in the district, thousands of people visit the parish daily, as both Crealy Adventure Park and Hill Barton Business Park, are located within its boundaries.

Over the last 20 years, nearly 15 per cent of the agriculture area of the parish has changed to industrial or commercial use. Now, plans for the future of the area at to be put to the public in a referendum. If more than 50 per cent of those who vote say ‘yes’, the neighbourhood plan will be form part of the development plan for East Devon, where it will affect future planning decisions. Subject to the way the pandemic progresses, the vote is expected to take place on 6 May.

Just five miles from Exeter, the parish's population hasn't change for many centuries, with the estimated population in 2017 of 368, similar to that in 1851 of 395.

In the foreword to the plan, Laura Fricker, chairman of Farringdon Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, had said: “It has been made clear that we are preparing a plan for an area that is vulnerable to change, much of which should be resisted. Our purpose has been to develop planning policies that allow for some change to take place, but not at the cost of everything that makes the area special.

“The parish of Farringdon is a countryside asset for East Devon and is protected as such by the local plan. The neighbourhood plan for Farringdon endeavours to accommodate necessary change, whilst maintaining the healthy and harmonious rural environment that has for so long prevailed.

“For our own and for future generations, we serve as the guardians of a historic rural environment: not just for the benefit of the people and wildlife who are fortunate to inhabit the area, but for the many who appreciate and get value from having the countryside close by, and for those who enjoy its rural character whenever they visit or pass through.”