No. There are more opportunities to be involved through this route than through traditional routes to planning. Importantly normal standards in relation to planning regulations, and also a number of Basic Conditions, apply. This is not an easier route to planning, but we believe it is a fairer route for a community as whole.

Community Right to Build Order process as new route to planning offers substantially more opportunity to input and comment on each stage of design by a community than other planning processes. There have been over 4,500 contributions during consultation for Atmos Totnes since consultation started in September 2014. There have been over 20 consultation sessions (some several weeks long). Specific groups have been offered consultation sessions as part of this.

It is important to note that whilst this is a community-led development that does not mean that anyone developing on the Dairy Crest site is able to disregard planning regulations. The Community Right to Build Order process still ensures that all the usual planning regulations are met as well as a number of Basic Conditions. Statutory bodies have to review the materials, and an Independent Examiner has reviewed the process facilitated by Totnes Community Development Society and recommended that Atmos Totnes project proceed to referendum. This referendum enabled the community to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the Community Right to Build Order for Atmos Totnes.