KENNET'S replacement local plan, the blueprint for development in the district for the next seven years was formally adopted by the district council at a full council meeting last week.

The plan will guide development and investment within the district until 2011 and adoption of the plan will take effect on April 30.

It is the second district-wide local plan to be adopted by Kennet District Council and now has full statutory status.

It replaces all previous local plans in the district and, together with the

Wiltshire structure plan and the Wiltshire and Swindon minerals local plan, forms the development plan for Kennet.

The plan was produced following an extensive programme of consultation undertaken between March 1998 and April 1999 and the publication of a "cartoon" or outline version of the

replacement plan, for public comment during August and September 1999.

The plan was deposited for

objections in July 2000 and March 2001.

A public local inquiry was held in the Corn Exchange, Devizes, to consider objections during the summer of 2002.

The presiding planning inspector published his recommendations in April 2003 and the council agreed to accept all of them.

Copies may be purchased from June at the council offices in printed format or on a CD-ROM.

Alternatively, the plan will be available to view on the council's web site, www.kennet.gov.uk, from April 30.