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1 Partnership Plan 2019 – 24 EAST DEVON Management framework for the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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Partnership Plan 2019 –24
EAST DEVON
Management framework for the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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4 Map of East Devon AONB 6 Ministerial foreword 7 Partnership commendation 8 Our vision 10 Context 21 Theme1:Place 30 Theme2:Peopleandprosperity 44 Theme3:Communication and management 51 Deliveryandmonitoring 54 Appendices
Contents
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Seaton
Lyme Regis
Rousdon
Uplyme
AxminsterKilmingtonShute
Off well
Honiton
Musbury
Musbury Castle
Undercliff s
Seaton Wetlands
Holyford Woods
Blackbury Camp
Off well Woodland
Beer Quarry Caves
Beer Head
Norman Lockyer Observatory
Mutter’s Moor
Aylesbeare Common
Harpford Woods
Ladram Bay
Otter Estuary
to ExeterExe Estuary Cycle Trail
Orcombe Point
Lower Otter Valley
Woodbury Castle
The Commons
Bystock Pools
Salcombe Hill
Trinity Hill
to London Waterloo
to Taunton
to Exeter
Whitford
Colyford
Colyton
Northleigh
Southleigh
Sidbury
Salcombe Regis
East Budleigh
Otterton
Colaton Raleigh
Newton Poppleford
Tipton St John
Ottery St Mary
Farway
Axmouth
Beer
Branscombe
Sidmouth
Budleigh Salterton
Exmouth
High Peak
East Hill Strips
Gittisham Common
Church Green
Knapp Copse
Fire Beacon Hill
A3052
A3052
A376B3179
A35
A35
A375A30
A358
A358
to Dorchester
Venn Ottery
Exmouth to Budleigh Cycle Trail
The Maer
Exmouth
Rive
r O
tter
White Cross
RiverSid Rive
r A
xe
RiverColy
River Lim
CANN
INGTON
VIADUCT
JurassicCoastTowns/villagesNaturereservesSouthWestCoastPathEastDevonWayCyclewayViewpointFort/castle
KEY
East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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Seaton
Lyme Regis
Rousdon
Uplyme
AxminsterKilmingtonShute
Off well
Honiton
Musbury
Musbury Castle
Undercliff s
Seaton Wetlands
Holyford Woods
Blackbury Camp
Off well Woodland
Beer Quarry Caves
Beer Head
Norman Lockyer Observatory
Mutter’s Moor
Aylesbeare Common
Harpford Woods
Ladram Bay
Otter Estuary
to ExeterExe Estuary Cycle Trail
Orcombe Point
Lower Otter Valley
Woodbury Castle
The Commons
Bystock Pools
Salcombe Hill
Trinity Hill
to London Waterloo
to Taunton
to Exeter
Whitford
Colyford
Colyton
Northleigh
Southleigh
Sidbury
Salcombe Regis
East Budleigh
Otterton
Colaton Raleigh
Newton Poppleford
Tipton St John
Ottery St Mary
Farway
Axmouth
Beer
Branscombe
Sidmouth
Budleigh Salterton
Exmouth
High Peak
East Hill Strips
Gittisham Common
Church Green
Knapp Copse
Fire Beacon Hill
A3052
A3052
A376B3179
A35
A35
A375A30
A358
A358
to Dorchester
Venn Ottery
Exmouth to Budleigh Cycle Trail
The Maer
Exmouth
Rive
r O
tter
White Cross
RiverSid Rive
r A
xe
RiverColy
River Lim
CANN
INGTON
VIADUCT
JurassicCoastTowns/villagesNaturereservesSouthWestCoastPathEastDevonWayCyclewayViewpointFort/castle
KEY
Beer
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I am fortunate that England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beautyarepartofmyministerialresponsibilities.Whether itberollinghills,sweepingcoastlineoratranquilvillage, spendingtimeinanAONBcanstirtheheartandliftthespirit.
ThisisapivotalmomentforallAONBs.Thegovernmenthassetitsambitioninthe25YearEnvironmentPlanwhichstatesclearlytheimportanceofnaturalbeautyaspartofourgreenfuture,whileAONBsretainthehigheststatusofprotectionforlandscapethroughnationalplanningpolicy.LeavingtheEUbringswithitanopportunitytodevelopabettersystemforsupportingourfarmersandlandmanagers,whoplaysuchavitalroleasstewardsofthelandscape.AndtheReviewofNationalParksandAreasofOutstandingNaturalBeautyledbyJulianGlover–thefirstofitskindforgenerations–willmakerecommendations to make sure our designated landscapes can flourishintheyearsahead.
InmyvisitstoAONBsaroundthecountry,Ihavebeenstruckbythepassionofmanypeople–farmers,volunteers,andhard-workingstaff–forthebeautifulplacestheyliveandworkin.InthisspiritIamdelightedtowelcomepublicationofthisStatutoryManagementPlan(PartnershipPlan)forEastDevonAONB.ItissignificantthatthisPlanwillbedeliveredinpartnershipbythosewhovalueEastDevonAONB.Iwouldliketo thank all those involved in the preparation of this document andwishyouthebestofsuccessinbringingittofruition.
Ministerial foreword
John Gardiner, Baron Gardiner of Kimble Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity
Whether it be rolling hills, sweeping coastline or a tranquil village, spending time in an AONB can stir the heart and lift the spirit
Guide and regularly review delivery to achieve the best
we can for our landscape, its communities and in turn
the economy, and in doing so help keep East Devon
truly outstanding
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Partnership commendation Commendatory statementThisPartnershipPlanhasbeenreviewed and is commended and endorsedbytheEastDevonAONBPartnership.ThePartnershipiscommittedtothedeliveryofthisPlan and will work with a wide range of organisations and individuals to conserve and enhance the natural beautyoftheEastDevonAONB forfuturegenerations.
Context of reviewTheCountrysideandRightsofWayAct(2000)requireslocalauthoritiestoprepare,publishandreview(onperiodofnotmorethanfiveyears)Management Plans for AONBs in theirareas.ThisPartnershipPlanis the result of a review carried outin2017–8bytheEastDevonAONBPartnershiponbehalfofDevonCountyCouncilandEastDevonDistrictCounciltofulfilthisrequirementfortheEastDevon AreaofOutstandingNaturalBeauty.
AsabornandbredEastDevonian,thecountrysideinthissoutheasterncorner of Devon holds a special place inmyheart.Ihavebeenfortunatetoplaymypartinitsconservationandenhancementthroughmypreviousemploymentasavet,andmorerecentlyasaTownandDistrictcouncillor and now as Chairman of theEastDevonAONBPartnership.
Publicfunding,ourexitfromthe EU and a government spotlight on AONBs and National Parks in the form of the Glover review of designated landscapes will all present fresh challenges and perhaps some exciting opportunities for AONBs overthenextfiveyears.
ThisnewPlanhasbeenrevisedinpreparationforthischange.Asweenteranewera,wewillremainfleetof foot to adapt and move with the timesandensureweremainlocallyeffectiveandrelevant.MyPartnershipwillguideandregularlyreviewourdeliverytoensureweachievethebestforourlandscape,ourcommunitiesandoureconomyandindoingso,helpkeepEastDevontrulyoutstanding.
Cllr Graham Godbeer Chairman, East Devon AONB Partnership
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Strategic aim 1: Place – To conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB
Our strategic aims and objectives
Place
1.1 Landscape character and historic environment Improvedcoordinationandinfluenceinthe
management of the distinctive landscape and historicenvironmentfeaturesoftheAONB,toensuretheyaremaintained,enhanced,understoodandappreciated.
1.2 Environmentalqualityandclimate Thesustainablemanagementofthenatural
resourcesoftheAONB.1.3 Biodiversityandgeodiversity Thebiodiversityandgeologicalassetsofthe
AONB are conserved and enhanced as part of a bigger,betterandmorejoineduplandscape.
1.4 Coast The conservation and enhancement of the high qualityandinternationallysignificantcoastline.
KEY OBJECTIVE
The natural beauty of the East Devon AONB landscape, its dramatic World Heritage Site coastline, internationally important habitats and species and its cultural heritage, is conserved, managed and enhanced to support and benefit present and future generations.
Our vision for an inspirational landscape
EAST DEVON
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Strategic aim 2: People and Prosperity – Encourage and support sustainable economic development, social engagement and recreational activity that conserves and enhances the natural beauty of the AONB
Peopleandprosperity
KEY OBJECTIVE
KEY OBJECTIVE2.1 Farming,forestryandlandmanagement Asustainablefarming,forestryandlandmanagement
sector that helps to conserve and enhance the character oftheAONB.
2.2 Access,recreationandtourism Asustainableaccess,recreationandtourismsectorthatis
compatiblewiththeprotectedlandscapeanddoesnotharmtheconservationofnaturalbeautyortheneedsofagriculture,forestryandotheruses.
2.3 Planning and development Planningdevelopmentandpolicyprotectsthespeciallandscape
characterandtranquillityoftheAONBandwillenableappropriate forms of social and economic development thatarecompatiblewiththelandscape,soconservingandenhancingtheenvironment.
2.4 Transportandhighways Theimpactonthelandscape,environmentandenjoyment
of the AONB is considered in the planning and provision oftransportnetworksandservices.
2.5 Ruraleconomyandservices AsustainableruraleconomyintheAONBthatservesto
conserveandenhancethecharacterofthelandscape.2.6 Communityandculture Improved access to services and facilities and the active
participationincommunityandappropriatelandscape relatedsocialenterprise.
Strategic aim 3: Communication and Management – To ensure the AONB is recognised and valued as a national, regional and local asset and is effectively managed in partnership with our stakeholders
Communication and management
3.1Communication,educationandawareness AgreaterawarenessoftheAONB,the
purposesofthedesignation,theroleofthePartnership and range of opportunities forengagement.
3.2 Management The AONB Partnership will act as
ambassadorsforEastDevonAONB,influencepolicyanddecisionmakingaffectingAONBsand work to secure funding for the long-term co-ordinated management of the area and reportonitswork.
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0.1 Legislative context
The requirement for this plan PartIVoftheCountrysideandRightsofWay Act2000consolidatesearlierlegislationregardingthedesignationandpurposesofAONB’s.Italsoaddssomeimportantprovisionsthat:
•Require‘relevantauthorities’(publicbodiesetc)to‘haveregard’tothepurposeofconservingandenhancingthenaturalbeautyoftheAONB
•RequireAONBlocalauthoritiesorconservationboardstoprepareandpublishan AONB Management Plan and to review it atintervalsinlinewiththeActclauses(innotlessthanfiveyearintervals).ThisPlanandtheaccompanyingPartnershipDeliveryPlan fulfilsthisrequirement.
1 HMSO (2000)
The purpose of AONB designationNaturalEnglandisresponsibleforadvisingonAONBdesignation.Inits1991policystatement onAONBstheyidentifiedthefollowingthree aimsforAONBs:
1.TheprimarypurposeofAONBstatusis toconserveandenhancenaturalbeauty.
2.Whencarryingouttheaboveduty,accountshouldbetakenoftheneedsofagriculture,forestry,otherruralindustriesandoftheeconomic and social needs of the local communities.Inparticular,sustainableformsofsocialandeconomicdevelopment,thatin themselves conserve and enhance the environment,shouldbepromoted.
3.Recreationisnotapurposeofdesignation butdemandshouldbemetifthisdoesnotharmconservationofnaturalbeautyortheneedsofagriculture,forestryandotheruses.
This Partnership Plan therefore focuses primarilyonconservingandenhancingthe qualityoftheAONBlandscape,inparticular itsnaturalbeauty.
However,asthe1991CountrysideAgencypolicystatementconfirms,thisdutyshouldnotbeimplementedinisolation.Socio-economicneedsandrecreationaretobetakenintoaccountinfurtheringthisprimaryaiminanintegratedapproachtothemanagementoftheAONB.
Duty of regardStatutorydutiesinrelationtoAONBsareprovidedforinSection85oftheCountrysideandRightsofWayAct2000.Specifically,theystatethat,“inexercisingorperforminganyfunctionsinrelationto,orsoastoaffect,landintheseareas,relevantauthorities‘shallhaveregard’totheirpurposes”.TheAONBPartnershipPlanisausefulmechanismforpublicbodiestosupportAONBpurposesanddemonstratecompliance.
2 Section 114 of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act stated “References in this Act to the preservation, or conservation of the natural beauty of an area shall be construed as including references to the preservation or, as the case may be, the conservation of its flora, fauna and geological or physiographical features.”
Also, Section 99 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 clarified natural beauty in the countryside as follows: The fact that an area in England or Wales consists of or includes— (a) land used for agriculture or woodlands, (b) land used as a park, or
(c) any other area whose flora, fauna or physiographical features are partly the product of human intervention in the landscape, does not prevent it from being treated, for the purposes of any enactment (whenever passed), as being an area of natural beauty (or of outstanding natural beauty).
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0.2 The plan purposes
The Plan has five key purposes: • To present an integrated vision for
the future of the AONB •Tohighlightitsspecialqualities•Tosetoutkeyobjectivesandpolicies•Toidentifypriorityactionsfortheplanperiod•TostatehowthePlanwillbemonitored
Who is the plan for?TheplanessentiallyrelatestotheAONBlandscape.Asaconsequence,itwillbeofrelevancetolocalcommunities,parishes,residents,businesses,developers,landownersandfarmers,agencies,localauthorities,utilities,organisationsandamenity/neighbourhoodgroupsoperatingwithinorwithaninterestinthearea.Inthissenseitisasharedplanthathasbeeninfluencedandwillcontinuetobedevelopedthroughpartnershipsand through on-going consultation with theseinterests.
Plan status and partnership commitmentThis plan formulates East Devon District Council andDevonCountyCouncillocalauthoritypolicyand action in relation to the management of the EastDevonAONBasrequiredunderPartIV,Section89oftheCountrysideandRightsof WayAct2000.
The AONB Partnership roleThe East Devon AONB Partnership acts on behalfofEastDevonDistrictCouncilandDevonCountyCounciltoguide,deliverandmonitorthe Partnership Plan and advise on the AONB BusinessPlan.Thefollowingorganisationsare represented on the East Devon AONB Partnership and endorse this Partnership Plan,itsvisionandobjectives:
•AONBAmbassadorrepresentative•AxeVale&DistrictConservationSociety• Clinton Devon Estates•CountryLand&BusinessAssociation• Campaign to Protect Rural England • Defra• Devon Association of Parish &
Town Councils•DevonCountyCouncil• Devon Wildlife Trust • East Devon District Council• Historic England•EnvironmentAgency• Federation of Small Businesses •ForestryCommission• Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Trust • National Farmers Union• National Trust• Natural England•OtterValleyAssociation• Sid Vale Association•TheDonkeySanctuary
Business planning The AONB Business Plan is revised and updatedannuallyandisthekeysupportingdocument in the partnership grant application to Defra and the local authorities for core team anddeliveryfunding.WereviewtheDeliveryPlantargetsannuallytoensurethatboththePartnership Plan and Business Plan priorities arealigned.
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3 defra.gov.uk/erdp/docs/swchapter/section12/landscape
0.3 National and regional context
National InEngland,WalesandNorthernIreland,ourfinestlandscapeshavebeenconservedthroughdesignation as National Parks and Areas of OutstandingNaturalBeauty(AONBs)
AONBswerebroughtintobeingbythesamelegislation as National Parks – the National Parks andAccesstotheCountrysideActof1949.
Regional TherichnessanddiversityoftheSouthWestenvironmentdifferentiatesitfromotherEnglishregions,makingtheregionattractiveasaplacebothtoliveandwork.Itisaruralregionwithsome80%ofthelandinagriculturaluseand higherthanaveragenumbersengagedinagriculturalemployment.
Approximately38%oftheregionisclassifiedbytheInternationalUnionfortheConservationofNature(IUCN)asCategoryVProtectedLandscapes.Aprotectedareaisdefinedas “Aclearlydefinedgeographicalspace,recognised,dedicatedandmanaged,throughlegalorothereffectivemeans,toachievethelong-termconservationofnaturewithassociatedecosystemservicesandculturalvalues”(IUCN).
These protected landscapes are: • Twelve AONBs and parts of two others coveraround30%oftheregion.This istwicetheproportioncoveredby AONBsinEnglandasawhole.
• Two National Parks – Dartmoor andExmoor.
Other key South West environmental assets are:•638kmofdefinedHeritageCoast, and60%ofEngland’sundeveloped coastline3
• The South West Coast Path National Trail
•4WorldHeritageSites•2CommunityForests•1Biosphere•1Geopark
Local Devon’s natural and historic environment is notableforitshighquality.Over50%ofthelandisdesignatedforitsenvironmentalquality,encompassingtwoWorldHeritageSites,fiveAONBs,twoNationalParksandabiosphereReserve.TheAONBsandNationalParks togethercoversome38%ofthecounty.
WithinEastDevon,theBlackdownHills andEastDevonAONBsoccupyapproximatelytwothirdsofthedistrict.
The richness and diversity of the South West environment
differentiates it from other English regions, making the region attractive as a place
both to live and work
“
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GOWER GŴYR
COTSWOLDS
HIGH WEALD
DORSET
EAST DEVON
RING OF GULLION LINCOLNSHIRE
WOLDS
NORTH PENNINES
FOREST OF BOWLAND
▼AONB’s throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland
North Devon AONB
East Devon AONB
Dorset AONB
Blackdown Hills AONB
South Devon AONB
Tamar Valley AONB
Exmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park
DEVON
SOMERSET
▼East Devon AONB county and district setting: landscape designations
AreaofOutstandingNaturalBeautyNational Park
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0.4 An introduction to what makes East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty special
TheEastDevonAONBisaoutstandinglandscape,fullofcontrastandcolour,diverseandrichinwildlife:aworkinglandscapethatishometoaround30,000residents4.TheAONBliessolelywithinEastDevonDistrictandcovers,orpartcovers,30parishes.Itwasdesignatedin1963andcovers103squaremiles(268sqkms)–approximately32%ofEastDevonDistrict.
ItisoneoffiveAONBsthatfallwithinDevon,abuttingtheBlackdownHillsAONBtothenorthandDorsetAONBtotheeast.WiththeexceptionofBudleighSalterton,theAONBskirtsthemajorsettlementsintheareaandischaracterisedbysmallvillagesandhamletsat thecoastandalongitsvalleys.
The striking East Devon coastline has a greatinfluenceonthesocial,economicandenvironmental makeup of the AONB and the inscription of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is serving to further raise its significance.AsthefirstnaturalWorldHeritageSiteinEngland,the‘JurassicCoast’(asit’smorecommonlyreferredto),givesauniqueinsightinto185millionyearsofearthhistorythroughtherocksexposedalongits95-milecoastline.
Along the coast the villages still retain a vernacular character and rural charm that to datehasbeenlargelyunspoiltbytheexpansion
oftourism.Thereisnobetterwaytosamplethis impressive coastline than on the South West CoastPath,themostpopularNationalTrailinthecountry,whichbringsinsignificanteconomicbenefittotheSouthWestasawhole.
Thehinterlandtothecoastislessvisited.Large expanses of heathland provide a contrast towell-woodedcombesandfertilerivervalleys,allofwhichcanbeexploredonfootthroughanextensivenetworkofpublicrightsofway,ortraversedbywalkingthe40mileEastDevon Waylongdistancefootpath.
In the west of the AONB is the largest single blockoflowlandheathlandwestoftheNewForest,theEastDevonPebbleBeds,(WoodburyandotherEastDevonCommons).Elsewhereonhighgroundwoodlanddominates,both deciduousandconiferous.EastDevonAONB is one of the more wooded AONBs in the SouthWestofEngland.
Apredominantlypastorallandscape,theAONB is interspersed with copses and wooded goyles,somedatingbackbeyondthe1600s,providingacontrasttothehilltopplantations.SteepsidedDevonhedge-banksborderfieldsandnarrowcountrylanes,disguisingtherichnessofthisoutstandinglandscapetoallbutthemostobservanttraveller.
4 Source: ONS, mid-year Population estimates, 2010
An outstanding landscape, full of contrast and colour, diverse and rich in wildlife
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Thecountrysideispunctuatedbyhamletsandvillageswithcottagesandhousesbuiltoflocalstone,pebbles,thatchandcob,areflectionoftheunderlyinggeologyandtraditionallanduseofthearea.Cob,amorecommon,accessibleandalternativematerialtostone,isamixtureofclayeysoilsandstraw,andisalsofoundinmanyfarmhousesandlocalbuildings,particularlyinthewestoftheAONB.
Devonhasastrongtraditionofcombedwheatthatching,butsincethe1950s,waterreed,mainlyimportedfromEasternEurope,hasalsobeenusedextensively.Importedbrick,slateandclaytilesallbroughtgreaterchangestolocalbuildingsinthe19thcenturytoprovideamorediversebuildingformtotheAONB.
Chert(flint)andpebblebedstone(‘popple’)canbefoundinmanychurches,localbuildingsandwalls.Themuchsought-afterBeerlimestone,usedlocallyinBeerhasalsobeenusedinbuildingssuchasExeterCathedralandasfarafieldasAmerica.
Evidenceofman’sformeractivityispresenttodayintheformofthehistoricenvironmentrangingfromthenationallysignificantBronzeAgehill-barrowcemeteryatFarwaytoseveralIronAgehill-fortsandnumeroustumuli,barrows,andformerquarries,tothemorerecentenclosurefieldpatternsandanti-invasionWorldWarIIpillboxesintheAxeValley.
View from the South West Coast Path, Sidmouth
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0.5 Landscape character
therehavebeenanumberofdevelopmentsintheassessment and evaluation of the landscape over the last decade that have served to improve our detailed understanding of the natural and cultural landscapeofEastDevonAONB.
AttheNationallevel,NationalCharacterAreas(NCAs)divideEnglandinto159distinctnaturalareas.Eachisdefinedbyauniquecombinationoflandscape,biodiversity,geodiversityandculturalandeconomicactivity.Theirboundariesfollow natural lines in the landscape rather thanadministrativeboundaries,makingthemaninvaluableaidforplanningenvironmentalprojectsanddecisionmakingfortheenvironment.There are two NCA’scoveringtheAONB,TheBlackdowns(147)andDevonRedlands(148).
NCAprofileshavebeendevelopedasguidancedocuments which will help to achieve a more
TheEuropeanLandscapeConvention(ELC) defineslandscapeas:“Anareaasperceivedbypeople,whosecharacteristheresultofthe action and interaction of natural and/or human factors”.(CouncilofEurope2000).
The ELC highlights the importance of developing landscapepoliciesdedicatedtotheprotection,management and creation of landscapes and establishingproceduresforthegeneralpublic andotherstakeholderstoparticipateinpolicycreationandimplementation.
TheUKisrecognisedasalreadyputtingmanyof the principles of the ELC into practice and the AONB Partnership Plan is an excellent example ofthis.Anotherexampleisthewell-establishedpractice of using Landscape Character Assessment toinformlocalpolicymaking.
Intermsofarea-widelandscapemanagement,
East Devon AONB
East Hill Strips
Devon Redlands
Blackdowns
►National character areas
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sustainablefutureforindividualsandcommunities.Theprofilesincludeadescriptionofthekeyecosystemservicesprovidedineachcharacterareaandhowthesebenefitpeople,wildlifeand theeconomy.Theyidentifypotentialopportunitiesfor positive environmental change and provide thebestavailableinformationandevidenceas acontextforlocaldecisionmakingandaction.
Local variations in the distinctive character andspecialqualitiesoftheAONB’slandscapeare articulated through the Devon-wide “LandscapeCharacterAssessment”(LCA).HiddencharacteristicsandpastlandusesareidentifiedinDevon’s“HistoricLandscapeCharacterisation”(HLC).Theseassessmentsarenowextensivelyused in planning and land management to understandanddescribethelandscapeand guidechange.
A Landscape Character Assessment of Devonwascompletedin2012,complementing theearlierEastDevonLCA(2008)andtheHLC ofDevon(2006).Togethertheseassessmentsprovideabasisuponwhichtoprotect,manageandplanlandscapechangewithintheAONB.
Theseassessmentsidentifyahierarchyoflandscapeunits,buildingfromsmallermoredetailedLandDescriptionUnits(LDU’s)to genericLandscapeCharacterTypes(LCT’s) andfinallytothemoregeographicallyunique andlocallyidentifiableDevonLandscape CharacterAreas(LCA’s).
The detailed assessment work has included thedevelopmentofguidelinestoprotect,manageandplanlandscapechange.TheAONBPartnershipwill use these guidelines in developing its work andinrespondingtoconsultations.
AxeValleyBlackdown HillsClystLowlandFarmlandsEast Devon Central RidgePebblebedHeathsandFarmlandSidmouthandLymeBay Coastal PlateauWootton Hills
* NB – the East Devon LCA is currently under review and any changes to the above will
be updated accordingly
▼Devon Landscape Character Areas
▼East Devon Landscape Character Types*
1A Openinlandplannedplateaux1B Opencoastalplateaux1C PebbleBedheaths1E Woodedridgesandhilltops2A Steepwoodedscarpslopes2B Coastalslopesandcombes3A Upperfarmedand wooded slopes3B Lowerrollingfarmed and settled slopes4AUnsettledfarmedvalleyfloors4B Unsettledmarinelevels4CEstuaries4DLowlandplains5 Coastalcliffs Urban
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0.6 Special qualities
abound,withtheSouthWestCoastPath,East DevonWayandopenaccessland,mostnotablyonthePebblebedHeaths,providingextensiveopportunitiesforopenairrecreation,healthyexercise,uninterruptedviewsoranescapetotranquillityandrelativeisolation.Ourassociationwith the cultural and heritage dimension of the landscapehasinspireddescriptivewriting, poetry,artandsongforgenerations.
TheCountrysideCommissionappraisalof theEastDevonAONB(CCP442)identifiesmanyoftheseassociationsandspecialqualitiesandhasbeenmorerecentlysupplementedbyassessmentsofthecharacterofthelandscapeatthenational,countyandlocallevel.Theseassessmentshaveenabledfurtherarticulationofthespecial qualitiesandfeaturesofsignificanceasthey relatetonaturalbeauty,whicharesummarised inthetableonthefollowingpage.
Thesefeaturesofsignificanceandspecialqualitiesareaxiomatictowhatgoesintomakingthenaturalbeautyofthelandscapeofsuchhighquality.Alongsidethekeycharacteristicsofthelandscapeareasandtypes,theyrequireprotection,conservation and enhancement if the AONB is to retain its character and status amongst England’sfinestlandscapes.
Appendix1containsatableshowingthe linksbetweenspecialqualitiesandlandscapecharacteroftheAONB.
EastDevonAONBisnotableforitsvariedanddramaticcoastalscenery;thegrandeurofsheerredsandstonecliffs,intimatewoodedcombesandcovescontrastwiththestark,whitechalkoutcropthat punctuates the coast at Beer Head and furthereast,thewildernessoftheundercliffs.
Itsspecialqualitiesdonotstopatthecoast.Inland,theheathlandcommonsprovidehigh,openandremoteplateaux.Importantrecreationally, theheathlandhabitatisvaluableforitsfloraandfaunaandcontrastssharplywiththelowerundulatingagriculturalmosaicofsmallfields,hedgerowsandwoodlandcopse.
ElevatedfingersoflandextendfromtheBlackdownHillstothenorth,theirheightandlinearityaccentuatedbycathedral-likebeechavenues;woodlandscladtheirsides,flowing downsteepsidedgoylestoinfiltratethetranquilandoftenintimateagriculturalvalleysbelow.
ThiscontrastswiththebroadflatfloodplainsoftheAxeandOtterwhichcutintothearea,drawingtheirlifefromtributariesdeepwithinthevalleysoftheundulatinghinterland.Thehumanengagement,useandmanagementofthislandsince pre-historic times has guided the pattern and shapeofthesettlements,fieldpatterns,woodlandandheath,creatingalandscapeofsignificantscenicbeautythatisthebasisforitsagriculturalandtourismeconomy.
Recreational,culturalandspiritualqualities
A landscape of significant scenic beauty that is the basis for its agricultural and tourism economy
“
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▼The relationship between natural beauty and special qualities
Legal context for natural beauty
Natural England Evalutation Framework
for natural beauty criterion
National, county and district and local records
and assessments
Key features and attributes of significance
Six landscape factors, covering landscape and scenic quality, relative wildness and tranquillity, natural and cultural heritage
Landscape and historic landscape character assessments, heritage, geological and biodiversity records, other records
Locally specific, distinctive, reflecting the natural beauty criterion
Evidence base
Special qualities
Sidbury
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Delivering the vision
IntroductionItisrecognisedthattherewillbeanon-going role for all partners to work towards our visionthroughthedeliveryofthisplan.
The plan is made up of three over-arching themeswhicharefurtherdividedinto12 sub-themes,eachwiththeirownvision, objectiveandpolicies.
Adeliveryplanwilloutlinehowwewillimplementtheplan,withtargetsandtimescales.WewillreportonourworkannuallyandupdateourDeliveryPlan,whichwillinturnfeedinto ourannualbusinessplanningprocesseachyear.
The themesThethreethemestothisplanare:
Itisrecognisedtherewillbeoverlapsandinterdependenciesbetweenallthethemes.Itisalso expected that the development of the AONB teamandPartnershipanddeliveryofthePlanoverthenextfiveyearswillcontinuetorefinethedeliveryframeworkonthebasisofimprovedinformationanddata.
Interpretation of policies All the policies in the Partnership Plan mustbeinterpretedinthelightof:•thekeyobjectiveofthesub-theme•thesub-themevision• the vision for the AONB •thestatutorypurposeoftheEastDevon AONBdesignation‘toconserveand enhancethearea’snaturalbeauty’
Wherethereareanydoubtsorconflicts,policiesshouldbeinterpretedusinga‘purposive’approachwhichreturnstothestatutorypurposeoftheAONBdesignation,‘toconserveand enhancenaturalbeauty’.
1. Place
3. Communication and management
2. People and prosperity
▼Plan relationship
AONB Business
Plan
Delivery Plan
Partnership Plan
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THEME 1
Strategic aim 1: Conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB
Place
© Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust
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LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
What are the key forces for change?•Agriculturalpracticesandmarketinfluences•BuiltDevelopment–newhousing,businessunits,roadsandpower/energyprojects
•Renewableenergydevelopments•Habitatandspecieschange(diseasessuch asAshDieback/invasives)
• Climate change•Governmentpolicy–post-Brexit
environmental legislation•Publicawareness,perceptions
and understanding
What are the key policy influences?• Landscape and wildlife designations –
UK and EU designations•Environmentalpolicy–habitat
and species regulations•Government25yearEnvironmentPlan• Landscape and historic character
assessments/records•Nationalandlocalplanningpolicy• European landscape convention
Who are our key partners?•UKGovernment,Defrabodies,
local authorities• Wildlife and landscape organisations/
charities/trusts•Landowners,localcommunities, societies,groupsandindividuals
•DevonLandscapePolicyGroup
Our work to date• Input into district level landscape
character assessment • Developed an Historic Environment
Action Plan • Undergrounded power lines on AylesbeareCommonwithCDE/RSPB
• Organise an AONB Annual Heritage Conference
•DeliveredLotteryFundedheritageprojects:– Parishscapes – In the footsteps of Peter Orlando
Hutchinson–LegacytoLandscape
•AwardedHeritageAngelaward2012•SupporttoEastDevonHistoryGroup•HelpedfundtheHistoricEngland/DevonCC,NationalMappingProgramme(LIDAR)
Landscapeisanarea,asperceivedbypeople,whosecharacteristheresult of action and interaction ofnaturaland/orhumanfactors.Thissub-themeisconcernedwithconserving and enhancing the diversityoftheAONBlandscape;what makes and maintains its character,heritageandlocaldistinctiveness.Itisfundamentallylinked with landscape management practicesandpolicy.
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PoliciesL1Supportthedevelopmentanddeliveryofenvironmentalschemesandprojectsaimedatmaintaining and improving the landscape character,historicenvironmentandlocaldistinctivenessoftheAONB.
L2Developmethodsthatenableeffectiveandtargeted management and monitoring of the AONB’snatural,historicandculturallandscape.
Priority actions • Review and update the East Devon
Landscape Character Assessment with EDDC,DCC and BHAONB
• Encourage appropriate woodland creation projectsespeciallyinareasofhighsoilerosion
• Secure partnership and funding for followonLegacytoLandscapeproject
•CompletetheLidar3Dinvestigationand mapping:EastDevonAONBsurvey
• Seek to develop guidance and design of farm buildingswithDevonLandscapePolicyGroup
•Seektodevelopcrossboundaryguidanceonprotectingareasoftranquillity
A vision for landscape character and historic environmentTheAONBlandscape,itshistoricfeaturesanddistinctivevernacularbuildingsareconserved and enhanced as part of a living and working landscape for which there are mechanisms in place to ensure their continuedlong-termmanagementandcare.
Key objective 1.1Improvedcoordinationandinfluenceinthemanagement of the distinctive landscape and historicenvironmentfeaturesoftheAONB, toensuretheyaremaintained,enhanced, understoodandappreciated.
Theme indicatorPrimary •Nooflistedbuildingsonthe‘Heritage atRisk’register(HistoricEngland)
•Totalwoodlandcoveras%ofAONB (ForestryCommission)
Secondary • Heritage Assets enhanced with AONB support(AONB)
• Area of land enhanced through AONB programmes(AONB)
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ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND CLIMATE
What are the key forces for change? •Agriculturalpracticesandpolicy•Builtdevelopment–newhousing, businessunits,roads
•Wastemanagement–especiallyplastics• Climate change •Governmentpolicy–postBrexit
environmental legislation •Publicawareness,perceptionsand
understanding
What are the key policy influences? •Water,floodandwastemanagement
regulations – UK and EU post Brexit • Water Framework Directive and
associated programmes post Brexit •Government25yearEnvironmentPlan•Nationalandlocalplanningpolicy•GovernmentCleanAirStrategy
Who are our key partners? •UKGovernment,Defrabodies,
local authorities • Wildlife and river organisations/
charities/trusts • Landowners and farmers •Localcommunities,societies,groups
and individuals
Our work to date• We are a partner on the East Devon CatchmentPartnership(deliveringWaterFrameworkDirectiveoutcomes)
• We sponsored a Devon/Cornwall naturalflood/soilmanagementguide
• We are a partner on the Lower OtterRestorationProject
• Consultation responses for large scale renewableenergyschemeproposals in the AONB
•Providedfundingforrenewable energysurveysandlocalschemes
Thissub-themeisconcernedwiththekeynaturalresourcesoftheAONB where the partnership has akeyrole;landandwater.Italsocoverstheissueofairqualityandclimatechange.
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PoliciesEQC1Supportandencourageenvironmentalandenergyinitiativesaimedatmaintainingandimproving the natural resources of the AONB andreducinggreenhousegasemissions,thatare inkeepingwiththesustainablemanagement ofthelandscape,maintainlandscapecharacter andconserveandwherepossibleenhance, naturalbeauty.
EQC2Supportandencourageschemesthatwillhelptoreduce,re-useandrecyclewasteinasustainablemannerwhilstrespectingthelandscapecharacteroftheAONB.
EQC3Seektounderstandandplantoexploitorminimisepossibleimpactsarisingfromclimatechange in order to conserve and enhance theAONB,inparticularhabitatsandspeciesprotectedfortheirnatureconservationvalue.
A vision for environmental quality and climateTheland,air,soilsandwateracrosstheAONBareexposedtofewerpollutants, arebettervaluedandaremanagedinamoreintegratedway.Ourrivers,lakesandcoastalwatersarecleanerandsupportsustainableecosystemsthatprovideforrecreation,theneedsofthelocalandvisitingcommunityandindoingsohelpsustainthelocaleconomy.Weunderstandtheunavoidableimpactsofclimate change and are taking steps to adapt to these and facilitate the reduction of greenhousegasemissions.
Key objective 1.2Thesustainablemanagementofthe naturalresourcesoftheAONB.
Priority actions • Support and encourage environmental and energyinitiatives,particularlywherethese areundercommunityownership
•Supportcommunityschemesthatwill helptoreduce,re-useandrecyclewaste
• Work with partners on the East Devon Catchment Partnership to deliver climate change adaptation measures and promote sustainablemanagementofournaturalresources
• Assist farmers in reducing impacts on clean water and air
Theme indicatorPrimary •Riverwaterquality(EnvironmentAgency)
Secondary •Renewableenergyinstallations/schemes(RegenSW)
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BIODIVERSITY AND GEODIVERSITY
What are the key forces for change? • Agricultural practices and impact on designatedsites/species/waterquality
• Climate change • Government conservation and environmental policy/legislationpostBrexit
•Publicawareness,perceptionsandunderstanding
What are the key policy influences? •Government25yearEnvironmentPlan•NaturalEngland’sConservation21Policy• Devon Local Nature Partnership –
Action Plan •Nationalandlocalplanning/mineralspolicy
Who are our key partners? •UKGovernment,Defrabodies,
local authorities • Wildlife and conservation organisations/
charities/trusts • Landowners •Localcommunities,societies,groups
and individuals
Our work to date • We are a lead partner in the Devon GreaterHorseshoeBatProject
•WeassistdeliveryofRiverOtterBeaverTrial•WeareamemberoftheJurassicCoastTrustManagementPlanAdvisoryGroup
• We are a partner on the Lower Otter RestorationProject
• We respond to consultations on mineral extraction sites
• We have provided SDF funding to supporttolocalwildlifeprojects
•WeplayanactiveroleintheDevon Local Nature Partnership
Thissub-themeisconcernedwith conserving and enhancing thewildlife,habitatandgeologicalassetsoftheAONB.
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PoliciesBG1Inpartnershipwithothers,supportandencourage conservation and enhancementactionsforkeyhabitatandspecieswithintheAONB that maintain and enhance landscapecharacterandthehistoricenvironment.
BG2Encourageactionsthatservetoconserveandpromotegeo-diversitywithintheAONB,inparticularwithintheDorsetandEastDevonWorldHeritageSite.
Priority actions •Continuetosupportdeliveryofthe DevonGreaterHorseshoeBatproject
•Confirmanddeliveractionsinsupportof theGovernment’s25yearEnvironmentPlan; in particular developing Natural Capital and achieving Net Gain
•WorkwithNE,Defra,WHSTrustand keypartnersonpostBrexitenvironmental policyanddelivery
•PlayanactiveroleintheDevon Local Nature Partnership
•PlayanactiveroleintheLowerOtterRestorationProject
•PlayanactiveroleintheRiverOtter Beaver Trial
A vision for biodiversity and geodiversity ThediversityandabundanceofwildlifeandgeologywithintheAONBisconservedandmeasuresarebeingtakentofurtherenhancehabitatsandgeologicalfeatures.The importance of these assets on the fabricofthelandscapeareunderstoodandappreciatedbylocalpeopleandvisitorsalike. Key objective 1.3Thebiodiversityandgeologicalassetsof the AONB are conserved and enhanced as partofabigger,betterandmorejoined uplandscape.
Theme indicatorPrimary •TotalpercentageofSSSI’sin‘favourable’condition(NaturalEngland)
Secondary •WildlifeprojectsupportedbyAONB(AONB)•AreaofenhancedbiodiversityhabitatthroughAONBprogrammes(AONB)
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COAST
What are the key forces for change?•Climatechange,weatherpatterns
and an eroding coastline• Raised awareness of marine pollution/litter
What are the key policy influences?•Government25yearEnvironmentPlan• Marine and landscape environmental protectionPolicy
• Water Framework Directive• National and Local Marine/Shoreline and CoastalChangeManagementPolicy
• Jurassic Coast Management Plan
Who are our key partners?• JurassicCoastTrust,SouthWest CoastPath,NationalTrust
•UKGovernment,Defrabodies, local authorities
•Wildlifeandconservationorganisations,charities,trusts
•Keylandownersandholidayparks/coastalsites•Localcommunities,societies,groups
and individuals
Our work to date•MemberoftheJurassicCoast
Management group • Partner on the Lower Otter RestorationProject
• Funding support to coastal communityprojects
• Engagement in EDDC Beach Management Planning process
• Coastal Corridor Plan to guide future action • Support to South West Coast Path enhancementprojects
• Consultation on coastal protection and development schemes
Thissub-themeisconcernedwith conserving and enhancing thecoastalareasoftheAONB,including the Heritage Coast/WorldHeritageSite.
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PoliciesC1Conserveandenhancethetranquil,unspoiledand undeveloped character of the coastline and estuaries and encourage improvements to coastal sitesdamagedbypastpoor-qualitydevelopmentorintensiverecreationalpressure.
C2Supportandencourageactionthatmaintainsthehigheststandardofbathingwaterquality and litter management in the estuaries and alongthecoast.
Priority actions • Encourage environmental and landscape
improvements to existing large scale holidaysitesonthecoast
•Supportandencouragebeach/marinelitter andconsumer/behaviourchangecampaigns
• Support Jurassic Coast Trust initiatives and the conservation and protection of the coast in particular in regards of its setting
• Engage in EDDC Beach Management Planning in Sidmouth/Seaton
A vision for the coastThehighquality,largelyundevelopedandinternationallysignificantcoastlineisconservedandenhanced,maintainingthehighest environmental and design standards and sustaining opportunities for recreation and tourism that has regard for local communities.
Key objective 1.4The conservation and enhancement of thehighqualityandinternationally significantcoastline.
Theme indicatorPrimary •Percentageoftimebathingwatersitesmeetsimperativestandards(EnvironmentAgency)
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Strategic aim 2: Encourage and support sustainable economic development, social engagement and recreational activity that conserves and enhances the natural beauty of the AONB
People and prosperity
THEME 2
31Seaton/
Axe Valley
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What are the key forces for change? •FutureagriculturalpolicypostBrexit•Globalmarketpricechanges• Climate change and trend for naturalfloodmanagementtools
•Cropandmachineryinnovation
What are the key policy influences? •Government25yearEnvironmentPlan•Governmentfarm/foodpolicy• Water Framework Directive and/
or its replacement post Brexit • Post-Brexit agri-environment and rural
development schemes
Who are our key partners? •Defra,NaturalEngland,Environment Agency,ForestryCommission
• Local authorities •Wildlifeandconservationorganisations,charities,trusts
• Farmers and landowners •Localcommunities,societies,groups
and individuals
Our work to date • Providing farm advice and support
for agri-environment schemes • Drawing down Making it Local
rural development funding • Coordinating an East Devon Farm
Facilitation Scheme • Facilitating a Princes Farm Resilience
Programme • Providing SDF support to farmland wildlifeandhabitatprojects
• Encouraging Devon Greater Horseshoe Batprojectfarmhabitatschemes
•ManageddeliveryoftheRiverAxeInvasivesProjectandRiverAxeCatchmentSensitiveFarming scheme
FARMING, FORESTRY AND LAND MANAGEMENT
Thissub-themeisconcernedwiththeroleofagriculture,forestryand other land management practices in the conservation and enhancementoftheAONB.
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A vision for farming, forestry and land managementThe AONB is a well-managed landscape inwhicheveryfarmandwoodlandmakeapositiveandprofitablecontributiontothebiodiversity,economyandcommunities of the AONB
Key objective 2.1Asustainablefarming,forestryandlandmanagement sector that helps to conserve and enhance the character of the AONB
PoliciesFLM1Promoteandsupportappropriateandpositivelandmanagement,diversificationand agri-environment schemes that are in keeping with the purposes of AONBdesignation.
FLM2Supportinitiativesthatenablethelandmanagement sector to adapt to change and remainviable,whilstmaintainingandenhancing thenaturalbeautyoftheAONB.
Priority actions •ActivelyengageintheCatchment
Sensitive Farming programmes• Influence,supportandencourage
environmental stewardship schemes • Work with partners to develop and support sustainablewoodlandandhedgerow/ tree management
• Work with partners to develop and support sustainablefarmingandlandmanagementpracticesandreducefloodrisk
•Engageinagriculturalpolicydevelopmentthrough National Association for AONBs
•Co-ordinatedeliveryoftheEastDevonFarmFacilitation programme
Theme indicatorPrimary •%AONB in the Environmental Stewardshipscheme(Defra)
•%woodlandintheEnglandWoodland GrantScheme(ForestryCommission)
Secondary •Numberoffarmers/landownersactively
engaged in Catchment Sensitive Farming (NaturalEngland)
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ACCESS, RECREATION AND TOURISM
What are the key forces for change? •Tourismpolicy,promotion,and
sector development • Increasing recognition of the health and welfarebenefitsofoutdoorrecreation
•Growinginterestinsporting,cultural andlifestyleevents/festivals
• Population increase through housing development
•Developmentsinnewtechnology– eg.batteryoperatedbikes
What are the key policy influences? •UK,Regionalandlocaltourismpolicy•Accesspolicyandlegislation•Healthandwell-beingpolicy• Post-Brexit rural tourism
development schemes•DevonCountrysideAccess
Forum Position Statement
Who are our key partners? •Defra,NaturalEngland,DestinationManagementbodies
• Tourism providers and AONB BusinessAmbassadors
•Localauthorities–rightsofwayand South West Tourism Association
•Localcommunities,societies,groups and individuals
Our work to date • Coordinating the management and promotionoftheEastDevonWay
• Work with Devon CC/South West Coast Path on access enhancements
• Development of links with tourism and accommodation providers
• Promotion and support to Sidmouth and East Devon Walking Festival
• Monitoring recreational route use across the AONB
• Providing opportunities for informal recreation throughprojects
• Group winner of South West Tourism AllianceOutstandingContributionto Tourismaward(2018)
Whilstrecreationisnotaprimarypurposefordesignation,itisrecognisedthatdemandshouldbemetthroughactivemanagement,ifthisdoesnotharm the conservation of natural beautyortheneedsofagriculture,forestryandotherlanduses.ThequalityoftheAONBenvironment andcoastlineplayasignificantrole inboostingtourismandthe ruraleconomy.
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PoliciesART1Inpartnershipwithothersencourageandsupporttheprovisionofhighquality,sensitive,physicalaccessforaswidearangeofusersaspossibleandtheon-goingsustainabledevelopmentofkeyrecreationalrouteswherethisdoesnotconflictwiththeconservationofinternationallyprotectedsitesandspecies.
ART2InpartnershipwithothersencourageandsupportsustainabletourismactivitieswithintheAONB through the promotion of the special qualitiesoftheAONB,wherethiswouldnotleadtoconflictwiththeconservationofinternationallyprotectedsitesandspecies.
Priority actions •CoordinateEastDevonWay
Management Plan and promotion• Continue to promote and develop links withthetourismsector/businessesandtheenvironment,inparticulararoundthe EastDevonWayandSouthWestCoast Path corridors
•Supportimprovementstocoastalaccess, inparticularintheUndercliffs
A vision for access, recreation and tourismThequalityoftheAONBlandscapeisakeydriverinthelocaleconomy.Itisadestinationfor a range of recreation and tourism opportunities that that have little impact ontheenvironment,whichcanbeaccessedbysustainablemeansandwherethequietenjoymentoftheAONBandthebenefitsforhealthandwell-beingactivitiesarepromoted.
Key objective 2.2Asustainableaccess,recreationandtourismsectorthatiscompatiblewiththeprotected landscape and does not harm the conservationofnaturalbeautyortheneedsofagriculture,forestryandotheruses.
Theme indicatorPrimary •Percentageoffootpathsqualifyingas‘Ease ofuseofpublicrightsofway’(DevonCC)
•Changesinvisitornumbersonkeyrights ofway(AONB)
Secondary •NumberofbusinesseswithGreenTourism
Business Scheme accreditation or an equivalent(DevonCC)
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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
What are the key forces for change? • Population increase/ housing development
within the AONB and its setting •Protectedlandscapepolicy/proposalsfor
a Dorset and East Devon National Park • Impacts of new technologies on domestic
and commercial properties •Demandformicro-businesspremises• Opportunities for local plan making • Post Brexit impact on planning regulations
and related environmental protection • Climate change
What are the key policy influences? •NationalPlanningPolicyFramework*•Localplans,neighbourhoodplans
and mineral and waste plans • Landscape assessment tools and policyguidelines
• The East Devon AONB Partnership Plan • Environmental law/protection•Government25YearEnvironmentPlan• Glover Review of National Designated
Landscapes
Who are our key partners? •LocalAuthorityplanningandpolicystaff• Natural England•DevonLandscapePolicyGroup• Fellow AONBs/National Parks
Our work to date • InstigatedthefirstLandscapeCharacterAssessment(LCA)forEastDevon
• InputintoDevonLandscapePolicy Group guidelines
•ProductionofAONBEquestrian Development Advice Notes
• Operating a Planning Consultation Protocol with Devon CC and East Devon DC
• Input on a wide range of planning consultations /plans
• Review of East Devon Landscape CharacterAssessment(2018/19)
* See Appendix 2 for summary of key AONB references in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (2018)
Planning controls and their implementationplayakeyroleinthe conservation and enhancement oftheAONB,itswildlifeandcommunities.
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PoliciesP1Encouragethedevelopmentofguidelinestosupporthighqualitysustainabledevelopmentwhich complements and respects theAONBlandscapeandhistoriccharacter.
P2Provideadviceandsupportonplanningpolicyanddevelopmenttoenablethespecialqualitiesofthehistoricandlandscapecharactertobeprotected,conservedandenhanced.
Priority actions • Develop advice and guidelines in close liaisonwithplanning/policystaff
• Support the development of village andneighbourhoodplans/guides
• Respond to planning consultations in accordance with the AONB protocol as resources allow
• Engage in the Glover Review of Designated Landscapes
•ToencourageuseofLandscapeSensitivityAssessments in and within the setting of the AONB
A vision for planning and developmentThespecialqualitiesoftheAONBlandscapeareprotected,enhancedandconservedbyplanningpolicieswhicharerobustenoughtoensurethatdevelopmentisbothappropriateandcompatiblewiththenationalimportanceofthelandscape.
Key objective 2.3PlanningdevelopmentandpolicyprotectsthespeciallandscapecharacterandtranquillityoftheAONBandwillenableappropriateformsof social and economic development that are compatiblewiththelandscape,soconservingandenhancingtheenvironment.
Theme indicatorPrimary•Policyguidelines/toolsdeveloped/amended (AONB/EastDevonDC/DevonCC)
Secondary•Numberofplanningapplications commentedonbytheAONBteam
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TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
What are the key forces for change? •Trafficincreasethroughgreaterhousing
development • Increasinginterestincyclingandsafe off-roadroutes
•Managementofthehighwaycorridor forwildlife/safety
•Therecognisedhealthandwelfarebenefits of outdoor recreation
•Developmentsinnewtechnology– eg.batteryoperatedbikes
What are the key policy influences? •NationalPlanningPolicyFramework•Localandcountyplans•Transportplans,neighbourhoodplans•HighwaysManagementGuidelinesforDevon’s
protected landscapes
Who are our key partners? •LocalAuthoritytransport/highways
departments • Developers/transport providers • Parish/town councils
Our work •Productionofhighwaysmanagementguidelines
for AONBs/National Parks in Devon•Supporttolocaltransportprojects– e.g.SidmouthHopper,X53Jurassic Coastbusservice
• Input on all-user access scheme consultations •Promotionofpublictransportin
AONB literature•Encouragingsustainabletourisminitiatives
The AONB is a place where sustainabletransportandopportunities for improved appropriate access to the countrysidearewelcomed.Designoftransportandhighways/accessisimportant to conserving character andtranquillity.
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PoliciesT1Promotethedevelopmentofhighquality,integratedandsustainabletransportservicesand initiatives in and around the AONB where compatiblewithconservingnaturalbeautyand theconservationobjectivesofEuropeannatureconservationsites.
T2Worktoensureroadandtransportschemeswithin the AONB have regard to the purpose of AONBdesignation.
Priority actions •Contributetothedevelopmentof sustainabletransportinitiatives
• InvestigateoptionstomonitorandidentifytranquilareaswithintheAONB;includingthecreationofanetworkofquietlanes
•Encourageandsupportvillagegateway signs promoting the AONB
•Encourageandsupportsafeoff-roadaccessroutes for all users
A vision for transport and highwaysTheAONBhighwaysnetworkisdesignedand maintained with landscape in mind and serves an area where there is a culture for reducedtrafficimpact,improvedpublictransportservicesandflexiblesustainabletransportopportunities.
Key objective 2.4Theimpactonthelandscape,environmentandenjoymentoftheAONBisconsideredin the planning and provision of transport networksandservices.
Theme indicatorPrimary •Trafficcountsatfixedlocationsin/ neartheAONB(DevonCC)
•Lengthofdedicatedcyclewaysin theAONB(DevonCC)
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RURAL ECONOMY AND SERVICES
What are the key forces for change? •Mobileworking,ruralisolation/access andbroadbandprovision
• New technological developments and demandformicro-businesspremises
•Greaterdemandforlocalproducts, supplychainsandtraceability
•Localauthorityfunding,revenueand asset management programmes
• ‘Naturalcapital’modelsmayinfluence futureruralbusinessandlandmanagement
What are the key policy influences? • Government strategic/growth
investment programmes •Localauthorityplanning/housingandeconomic
development programmes • Rural development programmes post Brexit •Localplans/neighbourhoodplans
Who are our key partners? •LocalAuthorityeconomic
development departments • Local Enterprise Partnerships • Parish/town councils • Businesses and local advice networks
Our work to date • Helping secure and deliver Making it Local
rural development programme funding• SDFsupportedcommunityfacilityinitiatives–e.g.BeerScouts,UmborneVillageHall
• The AONB and WHSAmbassadorschemes aredevelopinglinkswithlocalbusinesses
• Inputintoneighbourhoodplansand advice documents
The AONB is a living and working landscape,withagriculture,forestry,andawiderangeofbusinessandeconomicactivitytakingplace.Thesocialneedsoflocalcommunitiesvaryfrom townstoisolatedruralhamlets.
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PoliciesRES1EncouragetheprincipleoflocalmarketsandsustainablelocalproducewhereitaddsvaluetothelocaleconomyandcontributestotheAONBpurposeofdesignation.
RES2EncouragethedevelopmentofsustainableemploymentopportunitiesthatarecompatiblewiththeAONBpurposeandobjectives,promotegood design and encourage people to continue to liveandworkwithinintheircommunities.
RES3Inpartnershipwithothersdevelopmonitoringandresearchthatservestoquantifyand assess the economic value of the environment intheAONB.
A vision for rural economy and servicesTheAONBeconomyisrobustandabletoadaptandissustaininglocalcommunities,servicesandbusinesseswhilstoperatinginharmonywiththeconservationandenhancementoftheoutstandinglandscape.
Key objective 2.5AsustainableruraleconomyintheAONBthat serves to conserve and enhance the characterofthelandscape.
Priority actions •Securelegacyprogrammefundingfor
Making it Local RDPE programme and assistancetomicro-businesses
•Supportandencouragelocalproduce/supplynetworks and support improved services for isolated rural communities
•Supportlocalbusinessesinthedevelopmentoftheenvironmentaleconomyandcomplementaryprogrammeseg.AONBAmbassadorscheme
• Work with partners to develop models demonstrating the natural capital of the AONB
Theme indicatorPrimary•Numberofbusinessespledgedonthe AONBAmbassadorscheme(AONB)
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COMMUNITY AND CULTURE
What are the key forces for change? •Social/community/healthsupportprogrammes• Rural development programmes post-Brexit •Villagehousing/affordablehousingprogrammes•Localauthorityfunding,revenueand
asset management programmes
What are the key policy influences? • Government strategic/growth investment
programmes/LEPs •Localauthorityplanning/housing,health
and economic development programmes • Rural development programmes post-Brexit localplans/neighbourhoodplans
•Localandneighbourhoodplanning
Who are our key partners? • Parish/town councils •Localinterestgroupsandsocieties,partners•LocalAuthorityeconomicdevelopment
departments •Voluntaryservices/networks
Our work to date• Secured and delivering Making it Local
rural development programme funding•OperatedthreecommunitybasedCulturalHeritageProjects2007–17
• Active engagement with the main civic groups in the AONB area
•SupportedNeighbourhoodplansand town/villageprojects
• Assisted development and promotion of walking for health programmes
The AONB population is small (c30k)withahighpercentageofretiredresidentsattractedbythequalityoflifeandlandscape.Thereare opportunities to develop local communityinitiativesandactivityin partnership with others help to developskills,improvehealth,raiseawarenessandencouragecohesion.
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PoliciesCC1Supportlocalcommunityengagementinphysical,culturalandnaturalheritageinitiativeswithintheAONB.
CC2Workwithotherstostrengthencommunitycapacity,resources,information,services and facilities within the AONB wherethesecontributetotheAONBpurpose ofdesignation.
Priority actions •ActivelyengagelocalcommunitygroupsandorganisationsinAONBprojectsandactivities
• Support local action through the AONB SustainableDevelopmentFundand other programmes
•Supportcommunitylevelplandevelopment eg.neighbourhoodplans
A vision for community and cultureThe AONB is an area where communities have an active association with the landscape and where local events serve to reinforce thisrelationship,maintainlocaltraditions,andsupportthelocaleconomy.Mechanismshavebeenestablishedthataddresslocalhousingneedandenabletheprovisionandlong-termuseofcommunitybuildingsandresources.
Key objective 2.6Improved access to services and facilities andtheactiveparticipationincommunity and appropriate landscape related socialenterprise.
Theme indicatorPrimary •Numberofparishandtowncouncilsin
the AONB area with up to date/’made’ NeighbourhoodPlansortheirequivalent (EastDevonDC)
Secondary•MembershipnumbersoftheOtterValleyAssociation,SidValeAssociationand AxeVale&DistrictConservationSociety(Amenitygroups)
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Strategic aim 3: The AONB is recognised and valued as a national, regional and local asset and is effectively managed in partnership with our stakeholders.
Communication and management
THEME 3
Seaton Down Hillfort walk
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COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
What are the key forces for change? •Defra/governmentpolicypost-Brexit•Localauthority/partnereducationactivityand
programmes • Business awareness of the value of the
environment to them/their customers• Social media and technological development
What are the key policy influences? • Defra protected landscape investment
programmes • National Association for AONBs
communication programmes •LocalauthorityandAONBpartneractivity/awarenessandengagementprojects
Who are our key partners? • National Association for AONBs• Parish/town councils •Localschools,interestgroupsandsocieties•LocalAuthorityeconomicdevelopment,heritage,countrysidedepartments
•Voluntaryservices/networks
Our work to date•DevelopedanAONBwebsiteand arangeofpromotionalleaflets
• Provide talks to local organisations •HeldanAnnualpublicmeetingsince2003•Undertakenawiderangeofcommunity-basedprojectwork–e.g.LegacytoLandscape
• InitiatedanAONBAmbassadorscheme• InstalledAONBboundarymarkersandencouragedvillagegatewaysigns
TheactivityoftheAONBPartnership and its supporters will help develop understanding of thecountryside,awarenessoftheAONBdesignation,itspurposesandtheworkofthePartnership.
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PoliciesCEA1Inpartnershipwithotherspromoteandsupporttheeducation,understandingandappreciation of the natural and cultural landscape oftheAONB.
CEA2Promoteandhighlightgoodpractice within the AONB and the role and activitiesoftheAONBPartnership.
Priority actions • Promote the AONB and work of the Partnershipanditsmemberorganisations
•Surveylocalcommunitiesonlevelsofawareness and understanding of the AONB
• Provide information and educational materials on the AONB to support partners across the area
•ContinuetodeveloptheAONBAmbassadorschemeforindividuals,organisations andbusinesses
A vision for communication, education and awarenessThere is a high level of awareness of the AONBdesignation,thePartnership’sactivitiesand the wide range of opportunities and mediaavailable.Thisisenablingpeopleandbusinessestoengagewith,learnmoreaboutandbenefitfromtheopportunitiesthisspeciallandscapehastooffer.
Key objective 3.1AgreaterawarenessoftheAONB,thepurposesofthedesignation,theroleof the Partnership and range of opportunities forengagement.
Theme indicatorPrimary
• Levels of awareness of the AONB designationandpurpose(AONBfiveyearly)
•NumberofpeopleengagedinAONB activities(AONB)
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MANAGEMENT
What are the key forces for change? • Defra/government protected landscape policypost-Brexit
•Localauthority/partnerfundingandsupport•Communityinvolvementandsupport
What are the key policy influences? •Protectedlandscapelegislatione.g. CROWAct2000
• Defra protected landscape investment programmes
• National Association for AONBs performance agreements with Defra
•Localauthoritybusinessplans
Who are our key partners? •DefraandLocalauthorityfunders (DevonCCandEastDevonDC)
• Parish/town councils • Local interest groups and societies •Conservationorganisations,charities
and trusts Our work to date
• Reporting on our work through the AONB Annual Report/meetings
• Production of AONB Annual Business Plan •Efficiency/adaptationmeasures– reductionsinkeybudgetareas
• Securing sponsorship for our events• Securing external funding for AONB activity,projectworkandprogrammes
Thissubthemeaddressestheoperational aspects of the AONB Partnershipandteam.
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PoliciesM1Encourageco-ordinationandpartnershipamongst the wide range of national andregional agencies and organisations and otherDevonbasedAONBstosecurefundingforthecareandenhancementoftheAONB.
M2EnsurethattheAONBManagementPlanisreviewedeveryfiveyearsandthattheDeliveryPlanisannuallyupdatedandmadepubliclyavailable.
Priority actions • Produce and deliver Annual AONB
Business Plan and Annual Report • Secure Memorandum of Agreement
with Defra and LA partners • Secure additional funding in support ofAONBobjectivesandprogrammes
• Continue to review AONB operations and working arrangements
A vision for management, organisation and partnershipsThe AONB Partnership and team are respectedasambassadorsfortheEast DevonAONB.Theyarerecognisedfortheirabilitytobalancetheaimsofdesignationin caring for and enhancing the AONB landscape and wildlife whilst supporting and sustaininglocalcommunitiesandbusinesses.
Key objective 3.2The AONB Partnership will act as ambassadorsforEastDevonAONB,influencepolicyanddecisionmakingaffectingAONBs and work to secure funding for the long-term co-ordinated management of the areaandreportonitswork.
Theme indicatorPrimary•Productionofapubliclyavailable AnnualReportandBusinessPlan(AONB)
Secondary•NumberofpartnershipswhereAONBpromotedeliveryoftheManagement Strategy(AONB)
•Valueofworkdelivereddirectlyorsecured bytheAONBteam(AONB)
50
51
Delivery and monitoring
ThePartnershipPlanwillbedeliveredbytheEastDevonAONBteam,guidedbyandonbehalfoftheAONBPartnershipandExecutiveGroup.TherewillbetwostrandsformonitoringtheAONBandthePartnership:
1.Nationalindicator/performanceprogramme
ThesewillcompriseofannualKeyPerformanceIndicators developed through the National AssociationforAONB’s(NAAONB)and Defra,reportedannuallybyNAAONB.
2.ThemeindicatorsofthePartnershipPlan
The plan contains a series of Indicators which will seektomonitorprogressindelivery.TheAONBteamwillcollatethisinformation/dataannuallywithsupportfromtheidentifiedpartnersforeachindicator.InsomecasestheNAAONBindicatorswillalsobeindicatorsfordeliveryofthisplan.
AONB team
Community involvement
(annual meeting/Ambassadors)
AONB Executive (funders, Chairman, Vice Chairman and Natural England)
▼East Devon AONB Parnership organogram
AONB Partnership (key stakeholder
organisations)
SDF Panel and working
groups
52
Maintain/improve levels of
awareness of AONB
Increased SSSIs area in
‘favourable’ condition
Increased woodland area in
active management
Increased area of AONB in agri-environment
schemes
Maintain ‘ease of use’ levels for
public footpaths
Reduced number of Scheduled
Ancient Monuments on the Heritage at
Risk register
More Neighbourhood
Plans/community engagement
Improved water quality in the
rivers Otter, Sid, Axe & Lim
Bathing water rating
3* for all sites
Key Targets 2019-24 East Devon AONB key indicators summary
53
Key targets 2019–24
The targets opposite will assist in guiding how we will work with our partners to conserve and enhance the area.
Maintain/ improve levels of awareness
of AONB
Increased area of AONB in
agri-environment schemes
More Neighbourhood
Plans and community engagement
Increased SSSIs area in ‘favourable’
condition
Maintain ‘ease of use’
levels for public footpaths
Improved water quality in the
rivers Otter, Sid, Axe and Lim
Increased woodland
area in active management
Reduced number of Scheduled
Ancient Monuments on the Heritage at
Risk register
Bathing water rating 3* for
all sites
54
Blackdown Hills
East Devon Central Ridge
Sidmouth and LymeBay Coastal PlateauDevon Landscape
Character Areas
Devon Landscape Character Areas
Special qualities and features of significance
Special qualities and features of significance
LCA no.
LCA no.
Landscape character type*
Landscape character type*
•Distinctive,unspoilt,andveryexposed skylinesoftenlookingoverthecrownsof woodlandonthesteepgreensandslopes. •Highscenicqualityreflectedinthearea forming part of the Blackdown Hills and East Devon AONBs. • Outstanding views across East Devon andtheOttervalley. •Senseofisolationandremoteness, enhancedbyexposureoftheplateau;tranquillityprovidedbythedensewoodland ofthegreensandscarps. •ManyCWSsandSSSIsincludingancientsemi-naturalwoodland,semi-improvedandimprovedacidicandneutralgrasslandsandspringlinemires. •Picturesquevillageswithtraditionalbuildingslinkedbynarrowwindinglanes;many listedbuildings.
•Areabetweentheclifftopsandmeanlowwater mark forms part of the Dorset and East DevonCoastWorldHeritageSite(WHS),ofoutstanding world value for its geological and geomorphologicalformations(particularlyfossils). •ThechalkandlimestonecliffsuniqueinaDevoncontextandthemostwesterlychalkcliffsinEngland. • Rare chalk grassland along the coast which is designatedaSiteofSpecialScientificInterest(SSSI)andCWS. •ShinglebeachbetweenBeerHeadandSidmouth is one of three UK sites for the rare scaleycricket. •Undercliffsvaluedfornatureconservationandgeological formations – Sidmouth to Beer Coast SSSIandSpecialAreaofConservation(SAC)andAxmouthtoLymeRegisUndercliffsSSSI,SAC and NationalNatureReserve(NNR). •Estuaryhabitatsvaluedfortheirsaltmarshesandmudflats(i.e.OtterEstuarySSSI and Local NatureReserve(LNR)andOtterMeadowsCWS). •HistoricParkandGardenatRousdon. •Highvalueforrecreation,includingpartoftheSouthWestCoastalPathlongdistanceroute. Cultural associations with writers and artists inspiredbythedramaticcoastalsceneryincludingLionelAggett,JohnFowlesandCarolynVernon •Coastalhillfortse.g.BerryCamp/HighPeakandremainsofprehistoricfieldboundariesatBeerHeadandLittlecombeShoot.
1A
2A
3A
1A
2A
3A
Open inland planned plateaux
Steep wooded scarp slopes
Upper farmed and wooded valleyslopes
Open inland planned plateaux
Steep wooded scarp slopes
Upper farmed and wooded valleyslopes
•Distinctive,unspoilt,andvery exposedskylines. •OutstandingviewsacrossEastDevon,mainlysouthwardstothecoastbutalsonorthwardsintotheBlackdowns. •Senseofisolation,tranquillityandremoteness,enhancedbynaturalqualitiesoftheriversandscarpwoodlands. •ManyCountyWildlifeSitescomprisingancientsemi-naturalwoodland;semi-improvedandimprovedacidicandneutralgrasslands;springlinemires;andextensiveareasofheathlandandgorsescrubparticularlyonGittishamHillandBroadDown. •ProminentBronzeAgebarrowsonGittishamHillandFarwayHill;earthworkremainsofformercastlese.g.FarwayCastlehillforts. •CombeHouseRegisteredParkandGarden,includinghistoricwoodpastureandparkland. •Picturesquevillageswithtraditionalbuildings linkedbynarrowwindinglanescrossinghistoricstonebridges;manylistedbuildings
NCA number: 147National character area: Blackdowns
1B
1C
3A
4B
4D
4H
Open coastal plateau
PebbleBed Heaths
Upper farmed and wooded valleyslopes
Marine Levels
Coastal Slopes andCombes
Cliffs
Appendix 1
55
Wootton Hills
AxeValley
ClystLowlandFarmlands
PebbleBedHeaths and Farmland
Devon Landscape Character Areas
Devon Landscape Character Areas
Special qualities and features of significance
Special qualities and features of significance
LCA no.
LCA no.
Landscape character type*
Landscape character type*
•Distinctive,unspoilt,andexposedskylines.
•OutstandingviewsacrossEastDevon,mainlysouthwardstothecoastbutalsonorthwardsintotheBlackdownsandacrosstheAxeValley. •BronzeAgebarrowsinelevatedpositionsonridges;settingtoandsiteofMusburyCastle hillfort. •ManyCWSs designated for unimproved neutral grasslandandbroadleavedwoodland;andSSSI designations at Park Farm Meadows and Bulmoor PasturesandCoppice. •Notableareasofancientsemi-natural woodlandinthenorthe.g.NewParkCoppice. •ContainstheEastDevonWaylong distancepath. •Picturesquehistoricvillageswithtraditionalbuildingslinkedbynarrowwindinglanescrossinghistoricstonebridges;manylistedbuildings
•Wellmanaged,generallylowhedgerowsenablingviewstodistinctivewoodedskylinehillswhichhelpprovideorientationandsenseofplace. •Senseoftranquillityenhancedbynaturalqualitiesofthemeanderingstreamsandrivers. •Othernatureconservationinterestmainlylimited to patches of unimproved neutral grassland andmarshygrasslandorfen,traditionalorchardsandsteammargins. •Richculturalheritageofthearea’shilltops,suchasBronzeAgebarrows,IronAgehillfortsandancientsettlementremain. •Picturesquevillageswithtraditionalbuildingslinkedbynarrowwindinglanescrossinghistoricstonebridges;manylistedbuildingsandConservationAreas. •Manybuildingsconstructedoflocalstone.
1A
2A
3B
3A
1A
2A
3A
Open inland planned plateaux
Steep wooded scarp slopes
Lower rolling farmed and settled valleyslopes
Upper farmed and wooded valleyslopes
Wooded ridges and hilltops
Upper farmed and wooded valleyslopes
Lower rolling farmed and settled valleyslopes
Sparselysettledfarmedvalleyfloors
Marine Levels
Open inland planned plateaux
Steep wooded scarp slopes
Upper farmed and wooded valleyslopes
•Highdegreeoftranquillityandremoteness inthetributaryvalleys. • River Axe SSSI and SAC; •Estuaryhabitatsvaluedfortheirsaltmarshes,mudflatsandwaders(eg.SeatonMarshes). •Ancientwoodlands,manyofwhichareCWSs •CountyGeologicalSiteonformersandandgravelworkingsatKilmington(terracegravelscontainingexoticpebbles) •87thand88thcountryhousesincludingStedcombeHouse;andWoodendParkwhichcontainsnotableveterantreesofnationalimportancefortheirwooddecayinvertebratesandlichens. •Vernacularbuildingsofcobandthatchand village church towers that add to the picturesquequalitiesofthearea. •Cultural associations with WG Hoskins who describedColytonas“singularlybeautiful,withrollinggreenhillsanddeepcombes”. •SecondWorldWarpillboxeswithinfloodplainformadistinctivelandscapefeature. • Important area for recreation including walking and horse riding – area includes the EastDevonWaylongdistancefootpathwhichrunsthroughthevalley.
•Distinctive,unspoilt,woodedskylineproviding localdistinctivenessandorientation. • Outstanding views across East Devon to west andeastandalsosouthtothecoast. •Senseofisolation,tranquillityandremoteness,enhancedbynaturalqualitiesoftheheath, woodlandandcommons. •RarityvalueasoneofDevon’sfewareasofremaininglowlandheath. •VariedwildlifehabitatsincludingSSSI,SAC and SpecialProtectionArea(SPA)designationsonheathlandhabitatsvaluedforendangeredspecies suchasDartfordWarbler,Nightjarandinvertebrates. •Otherhabitatsofvalueincludingancientsemi-naturalandbroadleavedwoodland. •BictonandCadhayHistoricParksandGardens(GradeIandGradeIIregisteredrespectively)whichinclude historic wood pasture and parkland and nationallysignificantpopulationofveterantrees atBicton. •WoodburyCastle(IronAgehillfort,ScheduledMonument)andnumerousBronzeAgeburialmounds •Picturesquevillageswithtraditionalbuildingslinkedbynarrowwindinglanescrossinghistoricstonebridges;manylistedbuildings. • Valued area for recreation with good access provisionandhighcarryingcapacity. •WoodburyCommonassociatedwithArthur MeeanddescribedinPeachLDuGardeGuide to Unknown Devon
NCA number: 148National character area: Devon Redlands
1E
3A
3B
3C
4B
56
TheNationalPlanningPolicyFramework(NPPF)wasoriginallypublishedbytheUK’sDepartmentof Communities and Local Government in March2012,consolidatingovertwodozenpreviouslyissueddocumentscalledPlanningPolicyStatements(PPS)andPlanningPolicyGuidanceNotes(PPG)foruseinEngland.
A revised NPPFwaspublishedbytheUKGovernment’sMinistryofHousing,CommunitiesandLocalGovernmenton24July2018.ThisisthefirstrevisionoftheNationalPlanningPolicyFrameworksince2012.Itimplementsaround85reformsannouncedpreviouslythroughtheHousingWhitePaper,theplanningfortherighthomes in the right places consultation and the draftrevisedNationalPlanningPolicy Frameworkconsultation.
ThekeychangeintheNPPF in relation to nationalpolicyforAONBs,NationalParksandtheBroadswasthattheparagraphnumbersarealtered,withPara115and116combinedintoasingleparagraph172.
172.GreatweightshouldbegiventoconservingandenhancinglandscapeandscenicbeautyinNationalParks,theBroadsandAreasofOutstandingNaturalBeauty,whichhavethehighest status of protection in relation to these issues.Theconservationandenhancementofwildlife and cultural heritage are also important considerationsintheseareasandshouldbegiven great weight in National Parks and the Broads.Thescaleandextentofdevelopmentwithinthesedesignatedareasshouldbelimited.Planningpermissionshouldberefusedformajordevelopment55 other than in exceptional circumstances,andwhereitcanbedemonstratedthatthedevelopmentisinthepublicinterest.Consideration of such applications should includeanassessmentof:a)theneedforthedevelopment,includingintermsofanynationalconsiderations,andtheimpactofpermittingit,orrefusingit,upon thelocaleconomy;
b)thecostof,andscopefor,developingoutside
Footnote 55. For the purposes of paragraphs 172 and 173, whether a proposal is ‘major development’ is a matter for the decision maker, taking into account its nature, scale and setting, and whether it could have a significant adverse impact on the purposes for which the area has been designated or defined.
National Planning Policy Framework in relation to AONBs
thedesignatedarea,ormeetingthe needforitinsomeotherway;and
c)anydetrimentaleffectontheenvironment,thelandscapeandrecreationalopportunities,andtheextenttowhichthatcouldbemoderated.
173.WithinareasdefinedasHeritageCoast(andthatdonotalreadyfallwithinoneofthe designated areas mentioned in paragraph 172),planningpoliciesanddecisionsshouldbeconsistent with the special character of the area andtheimportanceofitsconservation.MajordevelopmentwithinaHeritageCoastisunlikely tobeappropriate,unlessitiscompatiblewith itsspecialcharacter.
Appendix 2
57
Details of supporting documents
The following documents form an important partofthePartnershipPlananditsdelivery.
•Strategiccontextandbackground toAONBpurpose,designationandpolicy
•StrategicEnvironmentalAssessment,SustainabilityAppraisalandHabitat Regulation Assessment
•StatementofCommunityInvolvement• Plan Adoption Report
These and other documents relating to AONB activitycanbefoundontheAONBwebsiteeastdevonaonb.org.uk.Furtherimportantreference documents for development and initiativesinclude:
• East Devon Landscape Character Assessment and Management Guidelines(revised2018/19)
• East Devon AONB Historic Environment Action Plan
•EastDevonAONBEquestrian Development Guidelines
• AONB Monitoring/Indicator data•NeighbourhoodPlans•AONBPlanningGuidance(indevelopment)
The AONB team and partnership will refer to these and other documents in its responses to planning consultations and land management initiatives and will also seek to develop and implement the recommended areas for futureresearchandactivity.
Watermill at Uplyme
58
AcknowledgementsThisPartnershipPlanhasbeendeveloped andproducedbytheEastDevonAONBPartnership,ExecutiveGroupandteam.
Allimages,mapsandphotographsusedin thisPartnershipPlanbykindpermission and©copyrightofEastDevonAONBunlessshownotherwise.
MapsbasedonOrdnanceSurvey©CrownCopyrightanddatabaserights2019 EastDevonDistrict100023746NaturalEnglandLicence100018881DevonCountyCouncil076562Allrightsreserved.Unauthorisedproduction mayleadtoprosecutionorcivilproceedings.
Withtheexceptionsoftheabovecopyrights,thispublicationoranysectionofitmaybereproducedfreeofchargeinanyformatormediumprovideditisreproducedaccuratelyandnotusedinamisleading context and the source of the material isrecognisedandacknowledged.
RequestsforalternativelyaccessibleversionsofthisPlanwillbeaccommodatedwherepractical.(Largeprint,braille,otherlanguages).
59
The East Devon AONB Partnership is funded by Defra, Devon County Council and East Devon District Council.Contact details
Phone 0140446663 Email [email protected] / East Devon AONB Partnership visit KennawayHouse,CoburgRoad Sidmouth,EX108NG
EAST DEVON
60Printed on paper from sustainable sources Correct at time of production 03/19 S0245
© Cannington Viaduct Kerrie Anne Gardner
