A public consultation on future housing developments in Teignbridge may go ahead if councillors give their approval next week (1 June).

A number of site developments are being planned to meet the increasing housing and work needs of local residents for the next 20 years.

A good location for a new secondary school in Newton Abbot is also sought.

The council is looking at building new homes near towns and villages in the district to give people better access to public transport, cycle routes, and shops.

With fewer people needing to drive every day, it is hoped that there will be a positive impact on the climate. The council will also aim to protect local landscapes and wildlife.

The government requires that 751 new homes be built each year by the council - and it can penalise them if they fall short.

As a result, over 100 potential residential sites have been identified, as well as some employment sites for new businesses or expanding companies.

The public consultation would begin on 14 June and last for eight weeks, asking residents to comment on whether the potential site developments would help or hinder local issues.

Executive member for planning Cllr Gary Taylor said: "In 2018 and again last year, Teignbridge residents contributed a huge amount of consultation feedback which did much to help us in our work to update Local Plan policies.

"We now hope local residents will help us again to determine those sites which can best accommodate the 751 homes a year we are required by government to build, as well as those sites better suited for business and employment.

"Some of the sites proposed by land owners will be more challenging for development than others - and may not make the final cut.

"It is important however that we identify a sufficient number of available sites to accommodate development, to ensure that the growing needs of local residents and their families - homes, infrastructure, facilities and employment - can all be met over the next 20 years."

The Executive at Teignbridge District Council will meet at 10am on 1 June.

Click here to read the meeting agenda, or here to watch the meeting.