The Parish Plan was adopted by the Parish Council in June 2003 and launched at the village fete in August. It was submitted to Torridge District Council who also adopted it and sent copies to all other parishes within Torridge District.

In the meantime, through the spring and early summer of 2003, the various strands of the project were taken up by Development Groups. Each was chaired by a member of the Project Committee and involved relevant professionals from local authorities etc.

A ‘Pulling it all together’ workshop, in July 2003, considered a draft outline planning application and led to the setting up of a Legal, Constitutional and Financial Planning Group to discuss possible structures and financial arrangements. LEADER+ core funding was secured at this time.

An Outline Planning Application for the Little Bickington scheme was submitted in November 2003. Days later, detailed plans for a development on the other side of the village were approved, despite overwhelming local opposition. This additional development threatened the viability of the Little Bickington Farm plans. The situation was resolved by negotiating the transfer of the proposed Devon and Cornwall Housing Association homes to the Little Bickington Farm site and the payment of Section 106 financial contributions for community facilities to be provided there.