On Thursday, March 21, Exmouth residents took to the polls and voted in favour of the town's neighbourhood plan – so what happens now?

The plan sets out locally determined planning policies to guide the future development of Exmouth.

A report will now go to East Devon District Council's Cabinet on April 3, recommending that members 'make' the plan.

The neighbourhood plan was created by a steering group made up of volunteers from the community, members of the town council and local amenity groups.

Policies were formed by the steering group following consultation with the local community.

At the referendum, residents were asked the question: "Do you want East Devon District Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Exmouth to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?"

The vast majority – 87.62% - of voting residents answered 'yes'.

-Electorate: 28275

-Turnout: 15.49%

-Number of votes cast in favour of a No 540 - 12.38%

The Exmouth Neighbourhood Plan will now inform East Devon District Council's decisions on planning applications.

Mark Williams, Chief Executive of East Devon District Council, said: "It is great to see the residents of Exmouth getting involved in planning the future of their community through the Neighbourhood Plan and then gaining the support of Exmouthians through the referendum.

"As our biggest town the Exmouth Neighbourhood Plan has been a massive piece of work so a big well done to everyone involved for all their hard work."