ONE Local plan covering development in both West Devon and the South Hams is to be produced for the two districts in future, as a cost saving measure.

West Devon Borough Council's strategic planning manager Jo Perry last week told members of the council's community services committee that producing just one plan would provide opportunities to share costs, yet still produce a document which would contain 'the very essence' of each different area, in a 'timely and efficient manner'.

In her report to councillors, Ms Perry said the Government's Localism Bill had made significant changes to the planning system.

Key were the proposed abolition of regional spatial strategies, which establish targets for housing and development, and the introduction of neighbourhood plans, which will be prepared by local communities.

Both South Hams and West Devon would need to address these issues with an up to date Local Plan, which would provide a framework for future neighbourhood plans.

Ms Perry assured members that housing provision for the two districts would not be combined and that each area would be separate and distinctive.

She said: 'I would envisage the new Local Plan could have a shared front end which would be the same for both councils, then sections specific to each area.'

Producing one Local Plan could save the council in the region of £30,000.

Cllr Alison Clish-Green said she was 'a little bit concerned' about the idea of a shared plan, though she could see the cost advantages.

Cllr Tony Leech said: 'I agree we need to save money and I'm all for trying to save costs but I am slightly concerned that if we don't have two specific teams working on individual plans, we could end up with a cut and paste job. I would like to see us having dedicated teams for both areas.'

Cllr Mandy Ewing said she could understand people's worries but felt provided the process was carefully monitored, any problems should be avoided.

'The timetable is very tight and the officers are going to have to work very hard, but it is a way forward,' she said.

The committee agreed a joint Local Plan should be prepared, and a proposed timetable for the work.

It was recommended the plan would be worked up between now and the summer, with consultation exercises taking place between May and July, and October and November.

A public examination of the document would take place in the autumn of 2015, to be followed by an inspector's report in January of 2015.

The plan would officially be adopted in the spring of 2015.