Rockbeare Neighbourhood Plan Local Evidence Report October 2016

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Rockbeare Neighbourhood Plan Local Evidence Report

Contents:

Topic: page: Introduction 2 Natural Environment 3 Built Environment 10 People & Housing 15 Business and Jobs 22 Traffic and Transport 26 Community Facilities & Services 30 Sports and Recreation 33

Maps in this report are reproduced under the Public Sector Mapping Agreement © Crown copyright [and database rights] (2016) OS license 100057827

Introduction This report has been compiled from recent studies and other sources of information. We have endeavoured to bring it all together to provide the neighbourhood planning group for Rockbeare Neighbourhood Area (the Parish as defined in red on the map below) with a local evidence base that it can further develop and build upon to provide the context for the next stages.

We present our findings under seven topic headings. Inevitably there are ‘gaps’ in our findings. We encourage others to bring forward further recent and relevant local information or authoritative opinion. At the end of each topic section we have listed a number of questions which we believe will be worthwhile further lines of enquiry as part of the neighbourhood planning process. We have also listed the key messages that we discerned from the evidence before us.

Natural Environment

Rockbeare Parish is primarily a rural Parish despite being only a few miles from the centre of Exeter and bordered to the north by the new town development of Cranbrook. The central area of the Parish is occupied by Rockbeare Manor, recently refurbished under a 50-year lease as a wedding venue. The Parish rises to the east to Rockbeare Hill which forms a northern outlier to the ‘pebble heath’ landscapes found further south. This higher area contains a quarry and a small area of National Trust open land. Drainage through the Parish is primarily east to west, with some areas liable to flooding near to streams flowing through Rockbeare village and Marsh Green. Landscape Character Referring to the Landscape Character map1, Rockbeare Parish contains three designations: 1C – Pebble Bed Heaths. In Rockbeare Parish, the main area requiring protection is already under the ownership of the National Trust. Care should be taken that quarrying does not extend into this area. 3B – Lower rolling farmed and settled slopes. This forms the majority of the Parish and it is important to prevent encroachment of built-up areas relating to the Cranbrook development changing its character. 4D – Lowland Plains. This is the area most prone to flooding and as such is better preserved as meadowland and open space free from building. Soils The majority of soils are clay based with poor drainage in wet periods. The land is used for mixed agriculture with low lying areas tending to be meadows with cattle and sheep, and better drained areas used for cereals and maize.

Key

1 East Devon District Council – http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/343442/1-landscape-character-map.pdf

Agricultural Classification The available records from Defra’s website on agricultural land quality are incomplete. The map below shows the information that is readily available to us. It suggests that the Parish does include good quality farming land i.e. grade 2 and 3b.

Priority Heathland There is an area of priority heathland within the area under ownership of the National Trust and which is open to the public with a small parking area.

Woodland Woodland areas primarily belong to Rockbeare Manor, adjacent to managed parkland, and also along the ridge of Rockbeare Hill. The Manor does have a permissive path around its boundary which does allow the public an extensive recreational path for walking and riding around the Manor boundary.

The National Trust area also allows access to an area of woodland on Rockbeare Hill. This is described by the Woodland Trust website as follows: “Percy Wakley Wood is currently a quiet rural woodland located just off the old A30. It is composed of 2 narrow diagonally opposed blocks, with a narrow corridor between them. The wood is generally flat, with a slight north west aspect. Although within a mile of the villages of Rockbeare, Strete Ralegh and Marsh Green. The wood is tucked down a quiet country lane, with limited parking, and this limits use of the wood. The wood has a secluded feel, as it is bounded by mature hedges. Mature high forest woodland forms approximately 1/3rd of the wood, and a further 2/3rds were planted by the Woodland Trust in 1993/94 on semi improved grassland, with a small pond between the two. The woodland creation area is bounded by mature hedgerows. The wood is broadleaf, with predominant species being ash, oak, field maple and willow. The mature woodland is drawn-up over stood ash coppice in the main. Although in parts the ground flora is dominated by rank vegetation it also contains species such as honeysuckle, common spotted orchid, enchanter's nightshade, wood woundwort, red campion & herb robert, and is potentially a source for these species to spread into the newer woodland in the longer term.”

Biodiversity The Devon Biodiversity Records Centre has confirmed that there are no statutory sites within Rockbeare parish i.e. sites with a legal status warranting protection.

We do however have a number of sites of local significance including County Wildlife Sites (CWS) see schedule and map below. these are sites of county importance for wildlife, designated on the basis of the habitat or the known presence of particular species. This is not a statutory designation like SSSIs, and does not have any legal status. The National Planning Policy framework (NPPF) requires local authorities to identify and map locally designated sites of biodiversity importance (such as County Wildlife Sites) as part of the Local Plan process and to draw up criteria based policies against which proposals for development affecting them will be judged. CWS recognition does not demand any particular actions on the part of the Landowner and does not give the public rights of access. However, it may increase eligibility for land management grants.

We have a County Geological Sites (CGS) that is of regional or local importance. Like CWS, it should be included in Local Plans and referred to under NPPF.

The Devon Biodiversity Records Centre tells us that we also have several Unconfirmed Wildlife Sites (UWS): these are sites identified as having possible interest but not fully surveyed. Some of these sites will be areas of significant wildlife interest. The UWS in the Parish includes one, the Grange, that is a proposed CWS and is either awaiting consideration from the CWS Designation Panel, or re-survey.

DBRC Code Site Name Area (ha) Description Status SY09/024 Beautiport 0.1 Small ponds with amphibian interests CWS SY09/034 Prickly Pear Remnant heathland supporting CWS Blossoms Park bracken and acidic grassland mosaic, 6.8 mixed and coniferous woodland and neutral/acidic grassland SY09SE1 Beggar Roost A good example of the junction RIGS Quarry between Budleigh Salterton 0.8 Pebble Beds and Otter Sandstone, with ventifacts SY09/027 Rockbeare 12.4 Mixed woodland UWS SY09/033 Beggars Roost 8.1 Secondary woodland UWS SY09/044 Rockbeare Quarry possibly of importance for UWS 17.1 Quarry nesting sand martins S09/048 Home Convert 5.2 Broadleaved woodland UWS SY09/049 Rockbeare Parkland UWS 43.6 House: The Lawn SY09/050 Allercombe 1.0 Unimproved grassland UWS SY09/051 Rockbeare Hill Ponds UWS 2.2 Quarry Pond SY09/058 The Grange Parkland with veteran trees Proposed 48.3 CWS SY09/073 Carradale Farm Old field system, thick hedges and UWS 27.0 semi-improved grassland

Flooding Flood Risk is a significant and on-going concern for local residents. It could be made worse by further development. The map shows an extract from the Environment Agency flood map indicating the main areas of flood risk in the Parish.

Several members of the community can still remember the traumatic impact of the flood in 1972. This however has proven not to be a one-off event. A large are of the Rockbeare village was affected by flooding following heavy rainfall in October 2008. 29 properties were directly affected, including 19 that flooded internally (see map below2).

Rockbeare 30th October 2008 Map shows flood extent and flood direction

The map below shows the areas of Rockbeare that is still classified has being of higher flood risk3.

high medium low

The growth of maize crops as biofuel has contributed to greater flood risk. A Soil Association report entitled ‘Runaway Maize’ alleges that increased maize production has led to soil and water damage. Maize leaves soil exposed for significant amounts of time and is harvested late when soil is wet, giving rise to run-off and an increase in the risk of flooding. This phenomenon has been witnessed locally.

2 Source Site Report 4th November 2008 - Environment Agency 3 Environment Agency, October 2016

Public Access Generally, public access is good throughout the Parish with expectations that the new leaseholder of Rockbeare Manor will be opening the parkland to limited public access as well as maintaining the permissive path around the Manor boundary. The National Trust also maintains an area open to public access on Rockbeare Hill. Otherwise, footpaths are not extensive in the Parish but there are a number of lightly used lanes and roads that are regularly used for walking and cycling. Main Threats to the Natural Environment The main threat is expansion of Cranbrook to become joined to Rockbeare village thus causing the village and its setting to lose its character. The central part of the Parish lies under the flight path to Exeter airport and is therefore unlikely to be built on in the near future. Flooding is a concern to Rockbeare village and Marsh Green so attention to drainage is also important to prevent increased flooding issues.

The Parish Plan 2012 set out the position of the community, “Rockbeare Parish wants to be kept physically separate from the proposed developments in East Devon’s West End and any perceived detrimental impact (e.g. urbanisation) that they may bring with them. This is particularly true of the Cranbrook development. In this context it is vital for the parish that EDDC maintains the Green Wedge between Rockbeare and the new settlement as specified in the 2006 EDDC adopted Plan, and carried forward in the 2011 LDF draft. Those who own land in the Green Wedge may well disagree with this position because of the very significant benefits they would derive from obtaining planning permission to develop the land. However, it is clear that the Green Wedge is meant to stop the coalescence of Rockbeare and Cranbrook and the vast majority of parishioners want to see the wedge maintained”.

Opportunities The Parish is bordered by a major solar farm, and it may be possible to increase production of green energy by reserving some areas of the Parish for such development perhaps under the flight path area. Planning consent exists for a solar farm immediately south of Marsh Green (EDDC ref 13/1390). However, it has not been acted on to date, July 216, thought due to the unfavourable economics of the development

Natural Environment - Key Messages and Questions  There are areas of the natural environment that are worthy of protection  We have some good quality agricultural land  Woodland habitats are important to local character  Flood risk remains and could worsen with climate change  Public access to the countryside is very limited  Cranbrook is becoming an over-bearing presence  Local ecology may be at risk from future developments in the vicinity

 Are there areas where we could allow further house building?  Can we agree public access to Manor parkland as a recreation facility?  Are there areas where we would support solar energy development?  Do we need further flood control measures for Marsh Green and Rockbeare?

Built Environment

The northern boundary of the Parish is formed by the old A30 (now the B3174). This is a Roman road which once formed part of the Fosse Way, which suggests that the area has likely been settled and been the location for commercial activity for a very long time. A recent archaeological study found bronze age artefacts at Rockbeare Court Farm. Rockbeare is mentioned in the Domesday Book noted in association with meadow, pasture and woodland. There is relatively little written of the history of the area. The Church of St Mary has records go back to the mid-17th century; although the present church building is late 19th century. Rockbeare Manor can be dated to about 1760. In 1801 Rockbeare village had a population of 419, which had changed little in size (404) by 1901. In 1850 White’s Devonshire Directory described Rockbeare as such: “a small straggling village, six miles E.N.E. of Exeter, and 5 miles W. of Ottery St. Mary, has in its parish 513 souls, and 2,390 acres of land, including the small village of Marsh-Green, more than 1½ mile S.E. of the church, and many scattered farms, &c. The soil is generally fertile, and the surface boldly undulated”.

Rockbeare is the main village settlement with over 60% of the population live in and around village in the west of the Parish. Marsh Green, Westcott, Rockbeare Hill and Allercombe are hamlets in the Parish. Southbrook, formerly of this Parish, is now part of the new Cranbrook town council area. Whilst they are historic settlement areas, the Parish has seen an increase of over 100 dwellings, or roughly a third of all homes within the Parish, within the last quarter of a century.

Over the past twenty-five years or so there have been significant incremental residential developments within the Parish. At Rockbeare, Birch End and Rookswood Lane have twenty-two and twenty-seven dwellings respectively; Stoneylands has eight houses and Cherry Tree Close five. Bridge View has nine detached dwellings. There is another small development opposite the Village Hall called the Willows with three linked houses. Parsons Lane has had a few new houses built within this period and there are three detached properties at Green Bank opposite the Church. There are two new sites on the London Road, both with six detached houses. Further along the road is a smaller development with three linked houses. In Marsh Green about twelve properties have been built within this period; whilst further up Rockbeare Hill some 10 or 12 residences have been developed. Most of the developments have provided family-type homes for owner occupation.

Rockbeare village has been prone to flooding recently. The Rockbeare Parish News in January 2016 reported that “the ‘once in a hundred year’s storm’ now seems to be a once a year one……. Since mid-December we have received over 12 inches of rain with very little respite, this had led to some flooding, roads being closed and one instance in late December when the effects of the rain were so great that rivers of flood water were seen running down Rockbeare streets due to run off from local fields and the drains in Silver Lane being unable to cope with the large amounts of rain water”.

Rockbeare village is nucleated around a crossing of a tributary of the River Clyst. It has an historic core but 20th century development has expanded the village significantly especially to the South- East over the lowland plains above the immediate floodplain. To the north of the village, Rockbeare Court (Grade II) and what can be assumed to be its former grounds dominate the area. There is also a reasonable level of development along the old A30 including the Golden Pond (restaurant and take-away) and Jack in the Green (gastro-pub). Many of these developments are 20th century and do not relate to the settlement of Rockbeare itself.

The Parish’s three main historic buildings were described by W.G. Hoskins in 1954:

Rockbeare Manor “is a perfect Regency house--straight out of Jane Austen. The original house was built c. 1760-70 and owned by Sir John Duntze, the wealthy Exeter woollen merchant and banker. About 1820 the house was remodelled with complete simplicity and refinement, possibly by Kendall of Exeter "who gave Plymouth and Exeter so many scholarly buildings between 1820 and 1840." (Country Life19 April 1930.) Rockbeare Court, beside the church, is a plain stuccoed late Georgian mansion. The church (St. Mary) is a melancholy exhibition of "restoration": it was almost entirely rebuilt in 1888 and is devoid of interest”4. There are no conservation areas in the parish, but it has its fair share of listed buildings. The Regency- style Rockbeare Manor is grade 1 listed. Rockbeare Parish Historic Buildings (listed) Grade I Rockbeare Manor, including terraces adjoining to south Rag Lane, Rockbeare

Grade II* Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Rockbeare Gate Piers and Gates (approximately 350 metres north west of Rockbeare Manor) Gribble Lane, Rockbeare Stables and Coach Houses (approximately 10 metres east of Rockbeare Manor) Rag Lane, Rockbeare

Grade II Barn (approximately 20 metres south of Westcott Farmhouse) Rag Lane, Rockbeare Barn (approximately 25 metres south east of Higher Upcott Farmhouse) Rockbeare Beryamgeman Chest Tomb (approximately 2.5 metres south of Nave of Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Carradale Farmhouse Rockbeare Clown Headstone (approximately 9 metres south of Nave of Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Coss Headstone (approximately 2 metres south east of Porch of Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Courtyard of Farm Buildings (approximately 20 metres east of Rockbeare Manor) Rag Lane, Rockbeare Duntze Monument (approximately 3 metres north of Aisle of Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Ford Farmhouse Gribble Lane, Rockbeare Furze Cottage Parsons Lane, Rockbeare Gate Posts, Gates and Adjoining Railings (approximately 100 metres east of Rockbeare Manor) Rag Lane, Rockbeare Gates and Adjoining Railings (approximately 250 metres north west of Rockbeare Court)

4 http://www.devon.gov.uk/historicrockbeare

Rockbeare Halland Headstone (approximately 4 metres west of Tower of Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Higher Upcott Farmhouse Rockbeare Hillside Cottage Rockbeare Inner Lych Gate (approximately 12 metres south of Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Lamp Post (approximately 1 metre west of Outer Lych Gate of Churchyard of the Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Lions Farmhouse Rockbeare Little Croft Bridge View, Rockbeare Little Silver Rockbeare Little Slades Farmhouse Stoneylands, Rockbeare Little Upcott Turkey Lane, Rockbeare Lower Allercombe Farmhouse Brickyard Road, Rockbeare Lower Marsh Farmhouse Marsh Green Lane, Rockbeare Lower Southwood Cottage Lower Southwood Farmhouse Silver Lane, Rockbeare Manor Cottages Rag Lane, Rockbeare Middle Allercombe Farmhouse Allercombe Lane, Rockbeare Mounting Block (approximately 15 metres south of Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Palmers Farmhouse Palmer's Lane, Rockbeare Pitt Head Rockbeare Pound Cottage the Post Office Stoneylands, Rockbeare Rockbeare Court London Road, Exeter Rose Cottage Quarter Mile Lane, Marsh Green, Rockbeare Sanders Headstone (approximately 3 metres north of Aisle of Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Shrubbery Garden Walls (approximately 175 metres south of Rockbeare Manor) Rag Lane, Rockbeare Stone Villa Rockbeare

The Croft Bridge View, Rockbeare The Knoll Quarter Mile Lane, Marsh Green, Rockbeare The Nook 1 Silver Lane, Rockbeare The Old Post Office (now Yeomans Cottage) Quarter Mile Lane, Marsh Green, Rockbeare The Old Rectory Rockbeare Toby Headstone (approximately 1.5 metres south east of Porch of Church of St Mary) Rockbeare Tudor Cottage Rockbeare Westcott Farmhouse Rag Lane, Rockbeare Westcott House Rag Lane, Rockbeare

Listed Buildings and Registered Parks and Gardens

The Gardens and Pleasure Grounds at Rockbeare Manor are registered as an historic garden site, although not open to the general public to appreciate. The site is an 18th-century park and woodland of around 50 hectares, along with a further 10 hectares of gardens and pleasure grounds around the house. Formal gardens and terraces were added in the early-20th century. Parts of the estate have been returned to agricultural use. A fuller description of the site and tis heritage value can be found at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000193.

Not all aspect of our built environment are matters of community pride. It has been suggested that the bus shelter in Rockbeare, the railings around the Green and the Park entrance could all be made better in the interest of improving our built environment and creating a better sense of a village centre. Higher Southwood Farm slurry pit is also a nominee for improvement.

Built Environment - Key Messages and Questions  The settlement areas of Rockbeare and Marsh Green still retain their rural character  Retaining the green wedge is critical  There are heritage assets worthy of protection  Flooding is a regular occurrence in parts of the area

 Who owns the main tracts of land and what are their intentions?  What land is available for development, and what’s its potential?  Can the infrastructure cope with further development?

People and Housing Rockbeare Parish had a resident population of 914 and 356 dwellings (Census 2011). The demographic profile shows that over a quarter of the population is over the age of 60. Despite this, around a fifth of the local population (21%) is under the age of 16 and a third of all households have dependent children. A little over 1 in 5 households in the Parish are single persons.

Rockbeare Age Structure 2011 No. % Eng. Age 0 to 4 52 5.7 6.3 Age 5 to 7 42 4.6 3.4 Age 8 to 9 21 2.3 2.2 Age 10 to 14 68 7.4 5.8 Age 15 17 1.9 1.2 Age 16 to 17 20 2.2 2.5 Age 18 to 19 23 2.5 2.6 Age 20 to 24 21 2.3 6.8 Age 25 to 29 21 2.3 6.9 Age 30 to 44 185 20.2 20.6 Age 45 to 59 193 21.1 19.4 Age 60 to 64 66 7.2 6.0 Age 65 to 74 101 11.1 8.6 Age 75 to 84 54 5.9 5.5 Age 85 to 89 11 1.2 1.5 Age 90 & over 19 2.1 0.8 Total Population 914 100 100

Rockbeare Household Type 2011 No. % One Person Household 76 21.9 Couple Household; With Dependent Children 98 28.2 Couple Household; No Dependent Children 144 41.5 Lone Parent Household; With Dependent Children 17 4.9 Lone Parent Household; No Dependent Children 8 2.3 Multi-Person Household; All Full-Time Students 0 0.0 Multi-Person Household; Other 4 1.2 All Households 347 100.0

Across the Parish almost three-quarters of the dwellings are owner-occupied. In 2011 there were 44 dwellings (12.7%) that could be described as ‘social housing’. A similar proportion of the housing stock (11.8%) was rented from private landlords.

Rockbeare Tenure 2011 No. % Owned; Owned Outright 131 37.8 Owned; Owned with a Mortgage or Loan 115 33.1 Shared Ownership (Part Owned and Part Rented) 9 2.6 Social Rented; Rented from Council (Local Authority) 34 9.8 Social Rented; Other 10 2.9 Private Rented; Private Landlord or Letting Agency 35 10.1 Private Rented; Other 6 1.7 Living Rent Free 7 2.0 All Households 347 100

Housing Need The Parish Plan 2012 stated that “there is a measured demand, from a housing needs survey, for 8- 10 social houses”. This conclusion was based on a Housing Needs Assessment that was undertaken as far back as 2008. At that time the survey identified need for 8 affordable houses within the next 3 years: based upon: • Backlog (within the next year): 4 households • Forecast within 1-3 years: 4 households Recommendations 1) A provision of affordable homes to meet local needs should be made on an appropriate site in Rockbeare. 2) The need is for social rented and shared ownership properties. 3) The preferred tenure mix is a 3:1 mix of social rented and shared ownership (or other intermediate housing). 4) The preferred housing mix is six 2 bedroom houses and two 3 bedroom house.

This study and its recommendations pre-date Cranbrook, which has completely changed the way in which local housing needs should be assessed and resolved. There is no current assessment of housing need amongst the parishioners of Rockbeare.

Following a request by the Parish Council, East Devon DC placed conditions on the planning consent (ref 11/1898) for both the Wain Homes development and the one behind the Jack in the Green that preference be given to people with a Rockbeare connection in the allocation of affordable homes.

Affordability The price of houses locally is not easy to determine. Market reports for the local area now include properties at Cranbrook. Our own monitoring shows that cottages and detached dwellings are likely to fetch between £300,000 and £350,000. Larger houses (4 bedroom) are on the market at over £400,00. Zoopla’s website reports “there have been 17 property sales on Unnamed road, EX5 over the last 5 years with an average house price paid of £328,000 and this detached house was last sold on 4th Sep 2009 for £275,000. There are currently 187 houses and flats for sale in EX5 with an average asking price of £345,647 and 23 homes to rent in EX5 with an average asking rent of £223 per week”.

Recent Development Proposals With the so much housebuilding and rapid growth of Cranbrook right on our doorstep it feels that we are constantly part of a building site. The record of planning applications in the Parish (see the list at the end of this topic section) shows that over the past five years most of the applications have been for small scale developments. the largest approved applications over the past five years were 55 dwellings opposite the Golden Pond on London Road and for 19 dwellings at the rear of the Jack in the Green. Neither of these sites are in the Parish since the formation of Cranbrook Town Council and not part of the neighbourhood area, although very adjacent to it. The Parish has recently been faced with a large application in the neighbourhood area, for 250 dwellings at Rockbeare Court Farm along with commercial floorspace and public open space. The Parish Council objected to the proposal at outline stage on the basis that it was clearly contrary to the agreed policy of ensuring that there exists a clear separation between the rapidly developing new community of Cranbrook and the village of Rockbeare by having a green wedge between the two communities. It would also see the effective merger of Rockbeare village with Cranbrook, something strongly opposed by Rockbeare residents and businesses. The Parish Council has consistently supported this Green Wedge policy throughout the preparation and examination of the Local Plan. Also, the Parish Council considered that as the size of the proposed development was substantially larger than the current number of houses in Rockbeare village it would place great and unacceptable demands on the local infrastructure. This application was refused in June 2015 largely on the basis that it would fail to preserve and protect the green wedge. The applicant did subsequently lodge an appeal in August 2015, which has now been withdrawn. A site to the east of High Bank Bridge View (see map below) has been the subject of some debate and controversy in recent times. The owner has twice submitted an outline application for the provision of an access to allow the site to be developed for 9 dwellings. On two occasions this has been refused by East Devon DC and on two occasions it has been taken to appeal. The first appeal was lost but the second appeal in 2015 was allowed. The Inspector decided that a safe access could be provided that would protect valuable trees and shrubs. The Inspector was swayed by a unilateral undertaking by the site’s owner that a high proportion (6 in number) of the dwelling would be “affordable” if the need was established (although this is not likely to be enforceable) and to contribute a sum towards open space maintenance and habitat mitigation.

Development Potential In 2014 East Devon District Council aborted its study for the East Devon Villages Plan. It considered the potential of sites around Rockbeare and consulted upon its conclusions with the Parish Council and the local community.

The proposal put to the community was that land should be allocated in Rockbeare, “at Land South East of Hazel Grove (Southern-most portion of site W402 / W057), to accommodate ten new dwellings. Site development should provide safe pedestrian access to community facilities in the village. Flooding constraints on the rest of site W402 / W057 preclude development of all but the Southern-most portion of the site. Local aspirations are for works to help protect the centre of Rockbeare from flooding”. The land in question along with other draft proposals can be seen on the map below. It was argued by East Devon DC that the Southern-most portion of site W402 / W057 is allocated for a total of 10 dwellings was “the only reasonable option for development at Rockbeare. Site W123 is clearly inappropriate to develop as it is within the Green Wedge separating Rockbeare and Cranbrook. Sites W403, W404 and the remainder of sites W402 / W057 are ruled out due to their flood risk and impact on the landscape. The Southern portion of site W402 / W057 is not within the flood zone, has clear access onto the main road through Rockbeare, and would provide a good opportunity to define the South-Eastern end of the village boundary more appropriately in landscape terms.”

The other sites on the map were either discounted or overlooked. “Site W057 was previously found to be undevelopable (by the 2010 SHLAA Panel) mainly due to flood risk constraints, however this was a large site with all but the Southern tip being within flood zones 2/3 and the Green Wedge. Site W402 covers the southern half of the previously submitted W057 however it was submitted after the 2012 SHLAA5 Panel met and so has not been considered whether it is developable or not. Considering the main reason for W057 previously being found undevelopable was due to flood risk, it seems that only including the Southern tip of site W402 / W057 which is outside of flood zones 2/3 might be more acceptable.”

The Parish Council did not support the allocation of any sites in Rockbeare, when consulted. The Parish Council stated in their consultation response that, based on a public exhibition that was held on 8 November 2012, “a significant majority of those who attended the consultation feel that the development at nearby Cranbrook means that 10 houses over the plan period is enough. There is a minority who see small scale development as a necessary means of providing home for the young and needy. None of the listed developments fits this bill”. The Parish Council also stated that they would be interested in a water retention facility immediately to the East of the village to help protect the centre of Rockbeare from flooding.

5 SHLAA = Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment

People and Housing - Key Messages and Questions  There are many young families in the Parish  Our population is ‘ageing’  Houses in Rockbeare are popular and relatively expensive  There are few houses for rent

 Do people intend to stay in the Parish?  What is the current housing need amongst the local population?  Will Cranbrook meet our local needs?  Is there a need for new dwellings in the Parish?

East Devon District Council Planning » Results for Application Search for New Dwellings 2011-2015 Outline application for the erection of 4 dwellings (with all matters reserved) The Elms London Road Whimple Exeter EX5 2PH Ref. No: 16/0022/OUT | Received: Tue 05 Jan 2016 | Validated: Thu 07 Jan 2016 | Status: Refused Prior approval for proposed change of use of agricultural building to form 1 no dwelling house Seven Oaks Farming Partnership Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2HD Ref. No: 15/2895/PDQB | Validated: Wed 16 Dec 2015 | Status: Awaiting decision Erection of four-bedroom dwelling and garage The Cedars (land Off London Road) London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EA Ref. No: 15/2729/FUL | Validated: Thu 03 Dec 2015 | Status: Awaiting decision Demolition of dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling and garaging Hill Crest Rockbeare Hill Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2HA Ref. No: 15/2628/FUL | Validated: Tue 01 Dec 2015 | Status: Awaiting decision Outline application (all matters except access reserved) for demolition of existing agricultural buildings and development of up to 250 dwellings, a local centre providing commercial floorspace of up to 600 sqm (use classes A1, A3, A4, B1 and D1), public open space/green infrastructure and associated works (including flood alleviation scheme) (Resubmission of application 15/0371/MOUT) Land south of London Road Rockbeare Ref. No: 15/1825/MOUT | Validated: Thu 13 Aug 2015 | Status: Refused Erection of 3 no. dwellings The Old Forge London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EA Ref. No: 15/1312/FUL | Validated: Thu 13 Aug 2015 | Status: Approved Prior approval of proposed change of use of agricultural building to dwelling (use class C3) and assoc. works Land adjacent to Little Westcott Farm Rockbeare Ref. No: 15/0918/PDQ | Validated: Thu 16 Apr 2015 | Status: Approved Reserved matters application (discharging details of layout, scale, appearance, access and landscaping) for the construction of a detached dwelling pursuant to application 13/2717/OUT Marrickville, London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EA Ref. No: 15/0884/RES | Validated: Mon 13 Apr 2015 | Status: Approved Prior approval for proposed change of use of agricultural building to form 1no dwelling house (Class C3) Seven Oaks Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2HD Ref. No: 15/0639/PMB | Validated: Thu 12 Mar 2015 | Status: Approved Construction of detached dwelling The Cedars London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EA Ref. No: 15/0541/FUL | Validated: Wed 01 Jul 2015 | Status: Approved Outline application (all matters except access reserved) for demolition of existing agricultural buildings and development of up to 250 dwellings, a local centre providing commercial floorspace of up to 600 sqm (use classes A1, A3, A4 & B1), community building/cafe (use class D1 & A3), public open space/green infrastructure and associated works. Land south of London Road Rockbeare Ref. No: 15/0371/MOUT | Validated: Thu 12 Mar 2015 | Status: Refused Demolition of existing buildings and construction of 4 no. detached dwellings and garages (amendments to 14/0721/FUL to revised parking provision and appearance of buildings) Land to the south of The Smithy London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EA Ref. No: 15/0310/FUL | Validated: Tue 10 Feb 2015 | Status: Approved Demolition of existing industrial units and construction of 2no detached dwellings Land to the north west of Sunnymeade London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EA Ref. No: 14/2371/FUL | Validated: Mon 06 Oct 2014 | Status: Approved Prior Approval for proposed change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling house Seven Oaks Farming Partnership Rockbeare Exeter EX5 Ref. No: 14/2166/PMB | Validated: Tue 02 Sep 2014 | Status: Refused Construction of up to 9 no dwellings (outline application discharging means of access only) Land east of High Bank Bridge View Rockbeare Ref. No: 14/1976/OUT | Validated: Wed 13 Aug 2014 | Status: Approved on Appeal

Prior approval of proposed change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling house Little Westcott Farm Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2LU Ref. No: 14/2040/PMB | Validated: Wed 13 Aug 2014 | Status: Approved Removal of condition 2 of planning permission 99/P1241 to allow unrestricted residential use. Higher Southbrook Farm Southbrook Lane Whimple Exeter EX5 2PG Ref. No: 14/1186/VAR | Validated: Fri 16 May 2014 | Status: Approved Proposed new dwelling. Fairway (land rear of) London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EA Ref. No: 14/1088/FUL | Validated: Mon 19 May 2014 | Status: Approved Construction of two storey dwelling (Outline application, with all matters reserved) Little Croft Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EG Ref. No: 14/0799/OUT | Validated: Tue 06 May 2014 | Status: Refused Demolition of existing buildings and construction of 4no. detached dwellings and garages. (Amendments to application 12/2565/FUL to revised access, footprint of buildings and design and site layout). Land to the south of The Smithy (Land at The Cedars) London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EA Ref. No: 14/0721/FUL | Validated: Wed 26 Mar 2014 | Status: Approved Erection of 19 dwellings together with associated access (including new access to restaurant/pub), drainage, parking, servicing, landscaping and associated works including district heating plant. Land rear of The Jack In The Green London Road Rockbeare Ref. No: 14/0300/MFUL | Validated: Thu 06 Mar 2014 | Status: Approved Construction of detached dwelling together with associated earthworks including widening of stream. Holly Brook (Land North) Marsh Green Exeter EX5 2EX Ref. No: 14/0233/FUL | Validated: Tue 04 Feb 2014 | Status: Refused Construction of detached dwelling. (Outline application with all matters reserved) Marrickville (Land to Rear of) London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EA Ref. No: 13/2717/OUT | Validated: Mon 09 Jun 2014 | Status: Approved Construction of up to 9 no dwellings (Outline application discharging means of access only) Land east of High Bank Bridge View Rockbeare Ref. No: 13/2676/OUT | Validated: Fri 06 Dec 2013 | Status: Refused Outline application for 4 no dwellings with all matters reserved Land Adjoining Westcott House Rockbeare EX5 2LU Ref. No: 13/0959/OUT | Validated: Thu 02 May 2013 | Status: Refused Demolition of workshop and construction of dwelling West Holme London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2DZ Ref. No: 12/2453/OUT | Validated: Fri 04 Jan 2013 | Status: Approved Demolition of existing buildings and construction of 4 no. detached dwellings, garages and passing bay Land to the south of The Smithy London Road Rockbeare EX5 2EA Ref. No: 12/1201/FUL | Validated: Fri 13 Jul 2012 | Status: Appeal lodged (withdrawn) Construction of 55 dwellings (details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) pursuant to Planning Consent 11/1898/MOUT Land Opposite The Oriental Promise London Road Whimple Ref. No: 12/0754/MRES | Validated: Wed 04 Apr 2012 | Status: Approved Construction of two storey replacement dwelling and garage (resubmission of application 11/0102/FUL) Site of Clooneen Southbrook Lane Whimple Exeter EX5 2PG Ref. No: 11/2470/FUL | Validated: Wed 09 Nov 2011 | Status: Approved Construction of replacement dwelling. Holmleigh Telegraph Lane West Hill Ref. No: 11/1969/FUL | Validated: Wed 07 Sep 2011 | Status: Approved Construction of 4 no detached houses (outline application with all matters reserved The Forge London Road Rockbeare Ref. No: 11/1720/OUT | Validated: Thu 25 Aug 2011 | Status: Approved Outline application including access arrangements, details of layout and scale for development of 55 dwellings. Duplicate to application 05/1791/MOUT. Land opposite The Oriental Promise London Road Whimple Ref. No: 11/1898/MOUT | Validated: Wed 24 Aug 2011 | Status: Approved

Business and Jobs Being situated so close to the regional capital and even closer to its main growth area (for business as well as dwellings) means that the parishioners are not short of job opportunities within a very reasonable travelling distance. Most people in work travel out of the Parish to do so.

The 2011 Census shows that the Parish is home to proportionately more persons in higher grade occupations than is normal across England or the South West.

Rockbeare Occupation 2011 No. % SW Eng Managers, Directors and Senior Officials 60 13.7 11.1 10.9 Professional 81 18.5 16.5 17.5 Associate Professional and Technical 63 14.4 12.1 12.8 Administrative and Secretarial 48 11.0 11.0 11.5 Skilled Trades 58 13.3 13.4 11.4 Caring, Leisure and Other Service 33 7.6 9.8 9.3 Sales and Customer Service 34 7.8 8.4 8.4 Process, Plant and Machine Operatives 20 4.6 6.7 7.2 Elementary 40 9.2 11.0 11.1 All Usual Residents Aged 16 to 74 in Employment 437 100

The distribution of trades and professions shows that just over 5% of the working population is still engaged in farming, forestry or quarrying.

Rockbeare Industry 2011 No. % Agriculture, forestry, fishing 21 4.8 Mining, quarrying 4 0.9 Manufacturing 27 6.2 Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply (Pollutant) 8 1.8 Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation Activities 7 1.6 Construction 34 7.8 Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motor Cycles 67 15.3 Transport and Storage 17 3.9 Accommodation and Food Service Activities 18 4.1 Information and Communication 17 3.9 Financial and Insurance Activities 11 2.5 Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities 9 2.1 Public Administration and Defence; Compulsory Social Security 28 6.4 Administrative and Support Service Activities 26 5.9 Public Administration and Defence; Compulsory Social Security 24 5.5 Education 45 10.3 Human Health and Social Work Activities 51 11.7 Other 23 5.3 All Usual Residents Aged 16 to 74 in Employment 437 100

Travel to work data from the 2011 Census shows that despite the proximity of business parks over three quarters of the working population travelled to work by car on a regular basis. Less than 5% regularly walked or cycled to work. Only 3% made use of the bus service.

70% of the Parish’s working population was in full-time employment in 2011. Women were more likely to be in part-time employment than men.

Rockbeare Hours Worked 2011 No. % All Usual Residents Aged 16 to 74 in Employment 437 Part-Time; 15 Hours or Less Worked 48 11.0 Part-Time; 16 to 30 Hours Worked 80 18.3 Full-Time; 31 to 48 Hours Worked 228 52.2 Full-Time; 49 or More Hours Worked 81 18.5 Males; Total 231 Males; Part-Time; 15 Hours or Less Worked 16 6.9 Males; Part-Time; 16 to 30 Hours Worked 5 2.2 Males; Full-Time; 31 to 48 Hours Worked 142 61.5 Males; Full-Time; 49 or More Hours Worked 58 25.1 Females; Total 206 Females; Part-Time; 15 Hours or Less Worked 32 15.5 Females; Part-Time; 16 to 30 Hours Worked 65 31.6 Females; Full-Time; 31 to 48 Hours Worked 86 41.7 Females; Full-Time; 49 or More Hours Worked 23 11.2

In 2011 the number of persons working regularly from home was 44. This figure is likely to have increased since that time as a result of improvements in the local broadband and telecommunication service.

A recent survey also showed that the Parish still has a business dimension. There are approximately 29 businesses within Rockbeare boundaries in 2016. They comprise: Two Restaurants on the Old London Road - The Jack in the Green and the Golden Pond Trout’s Garage Services and Petrol Sales and separate Used Car Sales, which employs six people Two farms , Tatchells in Rockbeare and W.R. Davey at Marsh Green One general Haulage Firm at Marsh Green Exeter Caravans Sales and Service based on London Road A used car garage, D.G. Autos on London Rd The Grange Hotel with approximately ten bedrooms, located on Eastern end of the London Rd. Four Garden Maintenance firms all owner operated from Private Residences Rockbeare Manor, now converted to a venue for weddings and conferences Exeter Balloons, an air balloon firm operating from the Jack in the Green Car park A general cleaning and tidying business, situated in Rookswood Lane A.D. Picture Framing, located in Cherry Tree Gardens, one person operation Cranbrook Veterinary Practice, on London Rd. Caravan Storage Facility, at Tatchells Farm Cley Hill Half Moon Beauty Therapy, based in Rookswood Lane Three registered child-minders, two in Rookswood Lane and one at Bridge View Dusk Lighting based in Rookswood Lane but, now with showroom at Clyst St. Mary Trisan Steel Fabricators, on London Rd Splish and Splosh, an on-line children’s outer-wear supplier, Rookswood Lane Devon Sweet Events, supplying confectionery to weddings and celebrations Lee Collins-Board Building and Roofing, Rookswood Lane Mark Williams Builders, The Village Rockbeare The Court Retirement Residence, in the village centre, next to the Church D.C. Decking and Fencing, Stoneylands, Rockbeare

S.W.H. Group, Rockbeare Hill - specialising in civil engineering and building services, also offers training in their Academy for first aid, manual handling and traffic management Etc.

The last named business is certainly Rockbeare's biggest employer, with a total workforce of approximately 600 employees. About 100 are permanently based at Rockbeare Hill. Obviously such a large concern generates a lot of traffic particularly large bulk lorries, however most of this traffic uses the West Hill Road above the site rather than causing nuisance in the village.

Most of the larger business operations are located on London Road, a legacy of when this was the A30 and a major trunk road and tourist route to and from London and Bristol.

Many of other the local businesses operate from private residences but do not generate business traffic that would cause a nuisance.

Rockbeare Manor, which has recently been converted into a wedding and conference centre has informed us that it intends to employ approximately 10 full-time persons and offer a further 50 part- time jobs. As the results of a search of the Planning Register most of the Employment and Business-Related planning applications over the past five years have been for farming-related development.

East Devon District Council Planning » Results for Application Employment and Business-Related Search 2011-2015 Re-positioning of machinery/general storage building Stillwoods Farm London Road Rockbeare Ref. No: 15/2790/FUL | Validated: Thu 24 Dec 2015 | Status: Awaiting decision Outline application (all matters except access reserved) for demolition of existing agricultural buildings and development of up to 250 dwellings, a local centre providing commercial floorspace of up to 600 sqm (use classes A1, A3, A4 & B1), community building/cafe (use class D1 & A3), public open space/green infrastructure and associated works. Land South of London Road Rockbeare Ref. No: 15/0371/MOUT | Validated: Thu 12 Mar 2015 | Status: Refused Change of use to special occasion venue (Sui generis use), construction of ground floor extension and link, refurbishment of existing passing spaces, provision of parking area and relocation of fountain Rockbeare Manor Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2FE Ref. No: 15/0163/FUL | Validated: Mon 23 Feb 2015 | Status: Approved Certificate of lawfulness for use of the Land as a depot for a highway and civil engineering maintenance and construction operation consisting of storage and management of plant, machinery, vehicles and materials used in that operation, servicing and repair of plant, machinery and vehicles associated with that operation, office administration necessary to the operation of the depot and the projects managed from it and ancillary parking for vehicles of employees and visitors to the Land Rockbeare Hill Quarry Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2HB Ref. No: 15/0154/CPE | Validated: Mon 19 Jan 2015 | Status: Approved Construction of replacement tractor and machinery store Stillwoods Farm London Road Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2EE Ref. No: 14/2781/FUL | Validated: Fri 05 Dec 2014 | Status: Approved Change of Use of part of general purpose agricultural building for storage and processing of timber (Retrospective) Land Lying to The West of Stable Lodge Rockbeare Ref. No: 14/2573/COU | Validated: Thu 20 Nov 2014 | Status: Approved Construction of livestock building. Marsh Green Farm Quarter Mile Lane Marsh Green Exeter EX5 2EU

Ref. No: 13/1652/FUL | Validated: Thu 25 Jul 2013 | Status: Approved Construction of agricultural building for livestock and machinery storage and provision of access track Land Lying to The West of Stable Lodge Rockbeare Ref. No: 13/0006/FUL | Validated: Fri 04 Jan 2013 | Status: Approved Change of use from agricultural to pony paddocks, laying of hardstanding areas and construction of stables Land North West of Lower Upcott Marsh Green Exeter Ref. No: 12/2535/FUL | Validated: Wed 19 Dec 2012 | Status: Approved Construction of new vehicle workshop building South West Highways Rockbeare Hill Rockbeare Exeter EX5 2HB Ref. No: 11/2750/FUL | Validated: Wed 21 Dec 2011 | Status: Approved

Business and Jobs - Key Messages and Questions  We still have a varied business community that uses Rockbeare as its address  Home-based working is growing

 Can the neighbourhood plan help local business?  Is there room for business growth and expansion?  Can more be done to support home-working?  Is there a demand for more local jobs?  Can we help our young people find rewarding employment?  Can people be encouraged to travel to work by modes other than the private motor vehicle?

Traffic and Transport Introduction Rockbeare Parish is very well connected. With close proximity to the M5 and the A30 and an international airport within 5 miles. These links, combined with main line train stations in Whimple and another in Cranbrook, make not having a vehicle (6% of households) arguably not a disadvantage. Other forms of public transport are infrequent and the vast majority of majority of Parish members travel to work by driving a car or van (73%).

Rockbeare Car or Van Availability 2011 No. % No Cars or Vans in Household 22 6.3 1 Car or Van in Household 109 31.4 2 Cars or Vans in Household 156 45.0 3 Cars or Vans in Household 44 12.7 4 or More Cars or Vans in Household 16 4.6 All Cars or Vans in the Area (Vehicles) 628 All Households 347

Road Network

Rockbeare Parish is rural and thus the main traffic problems relate to the condition of country roads and the suitability of them to sustain their ever growing use due to the expansion of the east side of Exeter and the development of Cranbrook. Indeed, as this new town develops to its full size then the use of the roads through the villages of Rockbeare and Marsh Green as short cuts to Exeter Airport and Ottery St Mary are considered to be issues to be resolved. The development of Cranbrook has meant that traffic along the Old A30 has increased to a reported 5,500 vehicles daily (Devon CC. July 2014); this is during the early phases of Cranbrook’s growth –

26 the first 1,000 houses. With Cranbrook set to grow to 8,000 houses in total, the use of the Old A30 and the roads through Rockbeare in particular is bound to increase. There are no discernible trends but the incidence of accidents in the Parish point to the fact that the majority of accidents in the last 5 years have occurred along this road. These are indicated by the number and location of stars on map below taken from the collision records on the Devon County Council website.

As a rural area Rockbeare Parish suffers from the high incidence of agricultural vehicles using the road network causing the road network to suffer from potholes and damage to road edges. “Rockbeare village to Parsons Lane: it was noted that the road edges are eroding quite badly in the section just before the first bend and on the corner of that bend itself due to too much and unsuitable traffic on the road, and could do with some concrete reinforcement” Rockbeare Parish Newsletter January 2016. During inclement weather this damage is exacerbated by agricultural debris on the roads.

Rockbeare Village School does not have a written policy on parking outside it but frequently requests are sent to parents asking them not to park outside the school gates and there are only a couple of marked parking spaces. Anecdotally congestion occurs at the beginning and end of the school day due to cars parked around the school. The school was approached to provide evidence of any studies undertaken regarding this issue – no evidence was produced

Bus Services Rockbeare Parish is served by 4A, 4B and 56B bus routes run by Stagecoach. The service 4A in particular runs hourly and links Honiton to Exeter via Ottery St Mary, West Hill, Marsh Green, Rockbeare and Cranbrook. The other routes run on the A30 and Old A30, just running along the Parish boundary. Although and improvement of previous years the 56B bus service does not currently stop in Rockbeare on its route from Exeter to Sidmouth including Exeter Airport. The community questionnaire included a section on public transport and largely the respondents expressed satisfaction with the current levels of service. Despite this 75% of the working population use a car to get to work.

Rockbeare Method of Transport to Work 2011 No. % Work Mainly at or from Home 44 10.1 Underground, Metro, Light Rail, Tram 2 0.5 Train 8 1.8 Bus, Minibus or Coach 14 3.2 Taxi 0 0.0 Motorcycle, Scooter or Moped 7 1.6 Driving a Car or Van 320 73.2 Passenger in a Car or Van 19 4.3 Bicycle 5 1.1 On Foot 15 3.4 Other Method of Travel to Work 3 0.7 All Usual Residents Aged 16 to 74 in Employment 437 100 Not in Employment 193 All Usual Residents Aged 16 to 74 630

Pedestrian and Cycle The map below shows the bridleways, footpaths and public footways in Rockbeare village. There is just one right of way, which links Rockbeare to Jack-in-the-Green.

The map also shows a limited number of footpaths in the village particularly on the road through the village past the school. This lack of footways came up repeatedly in the questionnaire as a matter that needed improvement. The same view was expressed in Marsh Green, which has no public footpaths through this village.

Airport Rockbeare Parish has Exeter Airport on its doorstep, with flights passing overhead on a regular basis. There is no evidence within any of the questionnaires or elsewhere that this is regarded currently as a significant nuisance. As Exeter and the surrounding areas develop, increased use of the airport may develop into a potential nuisance in years to come.

The 2012 Parish Plan Questionnaire identified that residents would like to improve:  Better parking control in Rockbeare  Traffic calming at appropriate points and some one-way circulation where this would improve safety  Better footways between the village hall, the school and from the church up Clay Hill to the old A30  There is a dearth of public footpaths and bridleways in the parish for walking, with or without dogs, and for horse riding  Lower speed restrictions particularly on Rockbeare Hill

Main Traffic Problems: (Community Questionnaires November 2015)  Frequency of Public Transport  Condition of local country roads and the repair of potholes  Speed of traffic through country lanes  Traffic speeds through the villages and through country roads and the lack of traffic calming measures in villages  Use of Rockbeare village as a ‘rat run’ to airport  Lack of pedestrian paths in Rockbeare and Marsh Green  Access to public transport (trains) –an integrated public transport system  Speed of traffic past Rockbeare village school and on Silver Lane  Lack of separate cycle routes  Need to provide a safe school drop off area

Traffic and Transport - Key Messages and Questions  Local people are still very car dependent  Traffic and its issues is increasing as a result of Cranbrook  There are parking problems associated with the primary school  A lack of pavements is of concern  More footpaths and cycleways would be welcomed

 How can we minimise the impact of increased traffic on Parish community areas?  Do we need to introduce traffic management features?  Can we produce safe zones outside village school?  How do we address lack of pedestrian walkways through villages?  Can we increase accessibility?  How do we maintain condition of country roads?

Community Facilities and Services Rockbeare has a range of community services/facilities including community halls, church and primary school. There is a pub at Jack-in-the-Green and the nearest shop is not in the Parish at all. The village also contains a playing field, children’s play area, allotments, amenity open space, and an informal ball court. The Parish Plan of 2012 noted that “there is no village shop, no library, no surgery, no pharmacy”. At that time there was “a marked interest in the possibility of setting up a community shop”. Moreover “what is clear from the Questionnaire [for the Parish Plan] together with comments at a number of public meetings over the past 2 years is that there is a strong preference for Rockbeare Parish to retain or even acquire the facilities to be as self-sustaining as possible”.

Rockbeare Village Hall The hall was built in 1925, and together with the playing field, is leased from the Rockbeare Manor Estate. The hall is run by a committee of elected voluntary Trustees (Registered Charity Number 300948). In recent years the hall has undergone re-development to provide a platform for increased use and to secure the future of the hall in the longer term. In January 2009 the village hall underwent a significant external renovation followed by extensive internal renovation that included: replacement of the kitchen, replacement of the flooring and redecoration. In January 2015 the final element of internal redecoration was completed through the procurement of new tables and chairs with funding provided by the Big Lottery. According to its website it currently hosts: Youth Club (run on behalf of the Parish Council by the YMCA), Zumba, Exeter Wheelers Cycling Club, Music with Mummy, Exeter Cage Bird Society, Michaela Poulton School of Dance, 1st Cranbrook Scouts, Baby Sensory programme.

Marsh Green Village Hall Is not located in the settlement area of Marsh Green but sits in isolation at the end of Marsh Green Lane at Upcott. The hall is also leased from Rockbeare Manor. It is run by a committee of Marsh Green villagers under the aegis of a charitable trust (Registered No. 1000289). It has a limited capacity and the an even more limited area for car parking. It is often used by the Parish Council for it meeting. It recently received a grant from East Devon’s Community Buildings Fund to refurbish the kitchen. The Hall is available for hire on an exclusive basis for up to 50 people for parties and other events, including children’s parties, talks, training and practice space. A Whist Drive is held every Tuesday evening.

Rockbeare Church of England Primary School Rockbeare Church of England Primary School and Pre-School lies at the heart of the village of Rockbeare and the community which serves. It was established some time before 1872. We cannot be sure of the exact date as the original Trust Deed was destroyed in the Exeter Blitz. We do know, however, that Rockbeare Church of England Primary School began in what is now the lower classroom with donations given by the Bolitho family. The land was rented by the church for an annual fee of five shillings. The newer part of the building was completed in the late 1950’s when the existing site and further buildings were given by Mrs Dorothy Margaret Follett, grandmother of the late Mrs Caroline Noel of Rockbeare Manor.

Rockbeare C of E School caters for children from 2 years to 11 years. Rockbeare C of E School currently operates at close to capacity. The school does have potential to admit more children; in addition, the PAN (Pupil Admission Number) has also been increased. There is an increasing number of enquiries being received by the school. The school offer some after school clubs but these change termly and do not cater for all age groups. There is no wrap around childcare in place.

The latest Ofsted report (2012) remarks that “this is a smaller than average size primary school set in a rural village. Pupils are taught in four classes, three of which are mixed-age group classes. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage attend a Reception Year class each morning and join pupils in the Year 1/2 class each afternoon. The other classes consist of Year 3/4 pupils and Year 5/6 pupils. All pupils attending the school come from White British backgrounds. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is similar to the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs supported at school action is below the national average although the percentage of pupils at school action plus or with statements of special educational needs is above the national average. These needs include social and emotional needs. No pupils have disabilities. The school meets the government’s current floor standards which set the minimum expectation for pupils’ attainment and progress. There is pre-school provision on the school site which is not managed by the governing body and therefore did not form part of this inspection. The school has received several recent awards including the Eco Schools Silver award, the School Toilet award and the Devon Healthy Schools award.”

Secondary Education With regards to High School, children feed into Clyst Vale Community College, for which there is a school bus service (chargeable to parents) or to Kings School, Ottery (no school bus service). This year saw the opening of the Cranbrook Education Campus, which is within walking distance of Rockbeare village.

Youth Club The Youth Club at Rockbeare is funded by Rockbeare Parish Council and run by YMCA Exeter. It caters for children ages 11-17 years. Attendance from the young people is normally, in 2016, between 6-9 each week.

Religion Rockbeare and the wider parish are served by the Church of St. Mary with St. Andrew Church. Services are held here on the 1st and third Sunday of each month, with additional services on other notable occasions. The Church has close ties to the School. The school uses the church for services at least once a term. It is used for community events such the Christmas Tree Festival, concerts and an Egg Drop at the Church. We are informed that, in September 2016, the Church will be holding a consultation in the Parish “to see how the Church could be utilised in other ways besides services, for the benefit of the community”.

Health Services Parishioners are currently offered the following GP’s practices, in order of proximity, when enquiring for a NHS Surgery: Coleridge Medical Centre at Church Road, Whimple and Canaan Way, Ottery St Mary Cranbrook Medical Centre, Yonghayes Road, Cranbrook Broadclyst Surgery, the Hellings, Broadclyst

Local people have to travel a minimum of 3 miles to a GP. Fortunately, less than 5% of parishioners, according to the 2011 Census, are in bad health. The lack of local health services and limited bus service is a problem to those who are ill or in poor health. It is also an inconvenience for families with young children, although it was not recorded as a matter on which action was needed in the 2012 Parish Plan.

Rockbeare General Health 2011 No. % Very Good Health 444 48.6 Good Health 306 33.5 Fair Health 122 13.3 Bad Health 34 3.7 Very Bad Health 8 0.9 All Usual Residents 914 100

Rockbeare Long-Term Health 2011 No. % Day-to-Day Activities Limited a Lot 65 7.1 Day-to-Day Activities Limited a Little 98 10.7 Day-to-Day Activities Not Limited 751 82.2 All Usual Residents 914 100

Rockbeare Families with Dependent Children 2011 No. % All Families in Households 272 No Dependent Children in Family 156 57.4 One Dependent Child in Family; Aged 0 to 4 12 4.4 One Dependent Child in Family; Aged 5 to 11 12 4.4 One Dependent Child in Family; Aged 12 to 18 19 7.0 Two Dependent Children in Family; Youngest Aged 0 to 4 16 5.9 Two Dependent Children in Family; Youngest Aged 5 to 11 15 5.5 Two Dependent Children in Family; Youngest Aged 12 to 18 16 5.9 Three or more Dependent Children in Family; Youngest Aged 0 to 4 13 4.8 Three or more Dependent Children in Family; Youngest Aged 5 to 11 11 4.0 Three or more Dependent Children in Family; Youngest Aged 12 to 18 2 0.7 Total Dependent Children 225

Community Facilities and Services - Key Messages and Questions  We are proud of our local school  We have sufficient community facilities/spaces

 Do we need a local shop?  What are the school’s development plans?  Should we be concerned about the lack of local health services?  Do we need to provide more facilities and/or services particularly for the young and old?

Sports and Recreation Rockbeare Playing Fields The focus of outdoor recreation activity in the Parish is the Playing Fields on Silver Lane. It contains: • play park for children • half sized outdoor basketball court • 1 full size football pitch • Capacity for 2 mini football pitches • a cricket pavilion The playing field is used to hold the summer fete, weekend sporting events, car boot sales and as over flow car parking for the Village Hall on occasions. Dogs, except guide dogs, are not allowed on the Playing Field, even on leads.

Rockbeare and Marsh Green are rural areas, so green spaces are plentiful. Marsh Green has the Prickly Pear (National Trust) Woodland; Rockbeare has a variety of Permissive pathways and small wooded areas which are popular, as well as the playing field. The school also has access to an onsite playing field.

Rockbeare has a small number of allotments. The land is owned by Rockbeare Estates which is now managed by Savills, and run locally by a resident of Rockbeare. All plots are actively used. There is no current waiting list for allotments (as of 10/5/16).

East Devon District Council carried out an open space supply analysis by parish. It showed that whilst Rockbeare may be over-provided for in total hectares. Using accepted standards per head of population, Rockbeare is considered short of general amenity space, outdoor pitches, parks and play space. • Allotments +0.05 • Amenity Open Space -0.24 • Outdoor Sport – Pitches +1.26 • Outdoor Sport-Pitches (LA) -0.73 • Outdoor Sport Pitches (Combined) +0.54 • Parks and Recreation Grounds -0.39 • Play Space – Children +0.03 • Play Space – Youth -0.04 • Natural and Semi-Natural Green +8.13

The field assessments carried out at the time can be summarised as follows: Birch End Green, Rockbeare, 0.05ha. of amenity open space - flat grass area at edge of carpark with picnic benches, dog bin. Silver Lane Playing Field Rockbeare, 2.08ha. of outdoor sports pitches and play space - toddler/junior play area in reasonable condition with dated equipment. Separate area with wooden assault type play – now redundant and a mess! Youth basketball area with fenced side - not very appealing. 1 adult, 1 junior football pitch. Basic changing accommodation. Rockbeare Allotments 0.34ha. - Scruffy, perhaps half plots being used/tended. Paths not clear. No signage St Mary's Church Churchyard 0.25ha. - Attractive church with reasonably well-kept churchyard. Good access paths. Prickly Pear Blossoms Park and Recreation Ground (National Trust), natural and green spaces, (access, yes) 9.10ha.

Percy Wakely Wood, natural and green spaces, (no access) 5.41ha.

East Devon District Council adopted a new Playing Pitches Strategy in 2015 with a “vision to ensure that sufficient pitches are provided of a good quality and which support the needs of each sport and club around East Devon and take account of cross-border issues within the city of Exeter. This provision should be sufficient and flexible to deal with current and projected increases in demand”.

Future Needs In response from the Rockbeare Parish questionnaire 2015, residents expressed a need for more cycle paths, protection of green spaces, protection of playing fields, public house as a local hub. Also there does appear to be an unmet need for more outdoor facilities, such as tennis courts, playgrounds, astro-turf pitches and cycle paths.

The main issues it identified in the district are:  Provision of youth and mini football and rugby pitches is particularly poor  Management and maintenance of many grounds is poor due to lack of funds  Distinct lack of access to all-weather floodlit training facilities throughout the district and need for at least 2 full-size 3G Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs)  Number of Exeter based clubs playing in East Devon  In general, in addition to existing stock there is a district-wide need for 4x adult football pitches, 6x youth 11v11 pitches, 4x 9v9 pitches, 6x mini soccer  Conservative estimate there is a district-wide need for two to three cricket grounds in East Devon  Given aspirations and current supply, shortage of good quality grass pitches will restrict rugby development

Rockbeare falls within the Otter sub-district for the purpose of this strategy. For the Ottery sub-area the Strategy concludes:  Distinct lack of dedicated youth/mini football pitches  Kings School sand-based AGP in desperate need of refurbishing  Rockbeare playing fields pitches poor quality and at capacity  West Hill Junior FC split across multiple sites  Need for 1x youth 11v11, 2x mini 7v7s and 1x 5v5mini soccer pitches

The Strategy document describes the Rockbeare Playing Field as follows: “The adult football pitch at Rockbeare Playing Fields is on an open access recreation ground which means that little can be done about dog walking and unofficial use, however there are issues with evenness and maintenance of the pitch which affect its rating and capacity. Carrying capacity of the adult pitch is currently 1 match equivalent and usage at peak times is the same. Raising the quality to standard would increase the capacity to 2. Improving the maintenance regime slightly and addressing current issues with the evenness of the surface could easily bring the pitch up to standard quality.” Its proposal to support “clubs and trust in improving maintenance on site and filling in dips causing problems with evenness to bring quality up to “standard” and therefore increase capacity” is a priority (Action OT15). It also includes the following actions: Explore the possibility of establishing a shared maintenance pool for hire, which may be cheaper for clubs in long run. (Action G1) Support installation of signs to discourage walking dogs on pitch and dog bins to increase likelihood of owners picking up. Also explore possibility of dog exclusion areas in some cases. (Action G3)

Sports and Recreation - Key Messages and Questions  We are relatively well served with recreation and leisure space  Existing sports facilities should be better maintained  More sports facilities would be welcome  Cycleways and bridleways are wanted

 What additional facilities do young people want?  Does Cranbrook meet our future recreation needs?