A SCHEME to encourage developers to build more social housing in and around villages like Lympstone and Woodbury from next year is being drawn up.

A SCHEME to encourage developers to build more social housing in and around villages like Lympstone and Woodbury from next year is being drawn up.

East Devon District Council has approved a policy for a maximum of 15-home developments, mixing 'market' and 'affordable' houses.

The scheme calls for the new housing to be within easy walking distance or have transport links to facilities including to schools and GP's surgeries.

Two thirds of the housing will be affordable 'in perpetuity' while half will be available as social rented homes.

Matt Dickins, principal planning officer wrote in a letter to the town council: "As a means to promote and encourage more affordable housing development, East Devon District council has produced for, for consultation, an interim affordable/market housing development policy for rural areas.