According to THIS Department of Communities and Local Government press release:
…”some of the biggest increases in housebuilding were in Hammersmith and Fulham, Southampton, Cambridge and East Devon”
Well, no surprises there – our rapacious developers forge ahead – and we STILL don’t seem to have a 5 year land supply. Strange that. Still, our Beloved Leader will be pleased: one more step to ?Tory heaven.
Sidmouth Independent News 
As an Ottery District Councillor I feel really angry about the effects of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Ottery people and local councillors made clear that the town should have a maximum of 300 additional houses up to 2026, and that development should
be to the west of Ottery. Already 415 of those 300 dwellings have planning permission, and
a totally inappropriate greenfield site to the east of Ottery is being developed. The fact that
local education, health and other services were at capacity was ignored, as were the views of local people.
Without question the application for the east of Ottery site would not have been approved before the Government issued the NPPF.
The Government`s relaxation of planning guidance and support for major housebuilders is resulting in development of greenfield sites, damage to our wildlife and countryside, and diminished attractiveness for those of us who live here, as well as making the area less attractive for those who would wish to visit East Devon and thus support our local economy.