A correspondent writes:

I must be very naïve as I am at a loss to work out where the LEP gets a remit to make policies on housing.

The latest “board minutes” for November 2015 include a report from the Housing Task and Finish group.” [Who are members of this group, how long has it been meeting? What does it DO?] It was noted that much of this paper is relevant to Devolution in terms of offering a local solution, and it was suggested that rural villages and small towns had a role to play in addressing housing shortages which would also benefit the viability of small communities.”

The councillors, the bureaucrats and indeed the people of East Devon have sweated blood [and spent a great deal of money] over many years to acquire a Local Plan and have an agreed figure for the district of 17,100 new houses until 2031. In conjunction with this plan the majority of rural villages and small towns have or are developing Neighbourhood Plans.

Surely the rural villages and small towns are already making – and will continue to do so in the future – significant contributions to addressing housing shortages?

Will LEP policies take precedence over the Local and Neighbourhood Plans?

Can someone help me solve this one?”