East Budleigh is to move ahead with its Neighbourhood Plan, after the first stage of the process was approved by district bosses.

East Devon District Council agreed to the designation of East Budleigh with Bicton as a Neighbourhood Area, allowing the parish to go ahead with drawing up the plan, which could give residents a greater say on where development should go.

East Budleigh Parish Council chairman David Buss said: “It will be a big help with future planning matters and brings us in line with most of the other villages in East Devon.”