Tamar Valley AONB Management Plan

Strategic Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal

Environmental Report

for Tamar Valley AONB

Clare Reid Clare Reid Consultancy November 2013 www.clarereidconsultancy.co.uk Environmental Report

Non-technical Summary ...... 3

1. Introduction ...... 4

2. Tamar Valley AONB Management Plan ...... 6

3. Methodology ...... 8

4. Review of plans and programmes ...... 10

5. Baseline information ...... 11

6. Potential Issues ...... 16

7. Strategic Alternatives ...... 22

8. Assessment of the draft Management Plan ...... 23

9. Implementation and Monitoring ...... 35

Appendix 1 - SEA Framework ...... 36

Appendix 2 – SEA Directive Requirements ...... 37

Appendix 3 – Review of Relevant Plans and Programmes ...... 38

Appendix 4 - Assessment tables ...... 53

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Non-technical Summary

As part of the production of the Tamar Valley AONB Management Plan, the AONB has undertaken a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as required under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive. The SEA process has been integrated with sustainability appraisal (SA) to achieve a more wide-ranging assessment of sustainability incorporating environmental, social and economic objectives, as accepted practice.

This Environmental Report is produced to fulfil the SEA Directive requirement that ‘an environmental report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated’.

A Scoping Report, which set out the environmental baseline, key issues and how the SEA would be carried out, was produced. This was consulted on in August- September 2013 and subsequently updated in the light of consultation comments.

A SEA was carried out on the draft Management Plan and the results of the assessment are published in this Environmental Report to be consulted on alongside the draft Management Plan.

Overall the draft Management Plan is broadly positive for the range of SEA objectives. Three policies are considered to have potential negative effects. This includes two policies which could constrain the contribution the AONB makes to climate change mitigation because of the restrictions that may be placed on renewable energy technologies due to impacts on landscape character. Recommendations are given to provide greater clarity on the balance to be struck between protection of the AONB’s natural beauty and special qualities consistent with its designation, and the encouragement of appropriate renewable energy technologies. Other negative impacts relating to the sustainability objectives for the economy and communities relate to potential restrictions to development due to impacts on landscape character, which is consistent with the purposes of its designation and consistent with the protection given to AONBs through the National Planning Policy Framework, consequently no amendments are proposed for these policies. There are some policies where the effects are uncertain, and recommendations have been made to address these if there are likely to be environmental effects. The SEA assessment has also identified a number of areas where the policy wording needs to be strengthened.

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1. Introduction

1.1. This is the Environmental Report for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan (the Management Plan). The SEA is being carried out to fulfil the requirements of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 20041 (the Regulations). The SEA process has been integrated with sustainability appraisal (SA) to achieve a more wide-ranging assessment of sustainability incorporating environmental, social and economic objectives, as accepted practice by government guidance2.

1.2. SEA is required of all land use plans which may have significant effects on the environment. The purpose of the SEA Directive is to ensure that plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment are subjected to a strategic level (high and overarching) assessment during their preparation, to inform decision-makers and stakeholders of their likely effects. SEA covers options and alternative courses of action and is intended to help avoid or mitigate any adverse effects. Due to the nature of the AONB Management Plan, the Plan itself fulfils many of the requirements of SEA3. As the Management Plan is aiming to conserve and enhance the landscape, it is already putting the environment at the heart of the plan-making process, which is a key aim of SEA, and the steps for both processes have strong parallels.

1.3. The Environmental Report fulfils the requirements of the Regulations that plans and programmes are assessed, and that an environmental report is produced which ‘shall identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme; and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme4’.

1.4. This Environmental Report: • provides the framework for undertaking the SEA (Chapter 3) • summarises the relationship between the Management Plan and other relevant plans and programmes, including how environment protection objectives will be taken into account in the preparation of the Management plan (Chapter 4). • provides a summary baseline environmental and socio-economic information about Tamar Valley AONB (Chapter 5) • identifies potential issues and ‘significant effects on the environment’ (Chapter 6)

1 Which transpose the requirements of the European Directive 2001/42/EC “on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment” 2 Sustainability Appraisal Advice Note (Planning Advisory Service, 2010) 3 Guidance to English AONB Partnerships and Boards on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of AONB Management Plans, Natural England (2008) 4 The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes 2004, Article 12 (2)

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• considers the strategic alternatives to implementing the plan (Chapter 7) • assesses the draft Management Plan and makes recommendations for how potential impacts can be avoided or mitigated (Chapter 8) • provides information on how the effects of implementing the draft Management Plan will be monitored (Chapter 9)

How to comment on this Report

1.5. This Environmental Report has been prepared for consultation alongside ‘The Tamar Valley AONB Draft Management Plan 2014-19. The AONB Partnership welcomes your views and comments on the Environmental Report. Comments should be directed to:

Tamar Valley AONB Tamar Valley Centre Drakewalls Near Gunnislake Cornwall PL18 9FE

Email: [email protected] Your comments should reach the AONB Unit by 3rd January 2013.

1.6. All comments on the Environmental Report, received before the end of the consultation period, will be reviewed and taken into account during the preparation of the final Tamar Valley AONB Management Plan. An ‘Adoption Statement’, which will be published alongside the final version, will set out how the SEA findings and the consultation responses have been taken into account in the final Tamar Valley AONB Management Plan.

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2. Tamar Valley AONB Management Plan

Map 1 Tamar Valley AONB

Map reproduced with permission from Tamar Valley AONB

2.1 The Tamar Valley AONB covers around 75 square miles (190 square kilometres, 16155.74 hectares) and is home to around 27,000 people. It is located on the border of Cornwall and Devon, and includes the valleys of the Tamar, Tavy and Lynher. The larger section, around the rivers Tamar and Tavy, extends north from the broad estuary at Plymouth to the intricate, deeply incised river meanders just below Launceston and Tavistock. It borders Dartmoor National Park to the east and takes in Kit Hill to the west. The section around the river Lynher extends west from Saltash and Torpoint to St Germans in south east Cornwall. The boundary crosses 5 local authority areas (Cornwall Council, Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council, South Hams District Council and Plymouth City Council.)

2.2 The Tamar Valley AONB represents an unspoiled valley and water landscape, a classic English lowland river system. The lower tidal reaches of the estuary have dramatic contrasts between extensive low water mud flats and expansive waterscapes at high water. The middle valleys become dramatic with steep fringing woodlands, high cliffs and rocky outcrops juxtaposed with gently meandering stretches through lush pastureland. The higher areas of the AONB possess a more gently rolling pastoral floodplain.

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2.3 The Tamar Valley AONB was designated in 1995 under the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act and was the last area to be designated an AONB. The primary purpose of AONB designations is:

• To conserve and enhance natural beauty • In pursuing the primary purpose, account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry and rural industries as well as the economic and social needs of local communities. Regard should be paid to social and economic development that conserves and enhances the environment. • Whilst recreation is not an objective of the designation, the demand for recreation should be met insofar as it is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty.

2.4 The Management Plan is a statutory Plan, which is required under Section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000. Whilst the preparation of the Management Plan has been led by the AONB team, it is for the area as a whole, and requires all to work in partnership to deliver the objectives. Section 85 of the CROW Act places a duty on all public bodies to have due regard to the purposes AONB designation and to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB.

2.5 The draft Management Plan includes a 20 year Vision for Tamar Valley AONB

“The people of the Tamar Valley are stewards of this rare valley and water landscape of high visual quality, a unique wildlife resource with a remarkable heritage, which is a legacy of thousands of years of human occupation. By supporting a thriving community with a sense of belonging and identity, we will ensure the sustainability of the area as a peaceful, tranquil breathing space; at a time of unprecedented change”

2.6 The draft Management Plan describes the special qualities of the AONB. It sets out a number of policies and objectives based on 10 themes: • Landscape Character • Historic Environment and Local Distinctiveness • Biodiversity and Geodiversity • River Use and Estuary Management • Farming, Forestry and Land Management • Access, Recreation and Tourism • Planning and Development • Environmental Quality and Climate • Communities and Culture • Communication, Education and Awareness

2.7 For each theme, there is an objective, a series of policies, and a number of priorities for action.

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3. Methodology

3.1. The SEA has been carried out by an independent consultant, working with members of the AONB team. A separate Habitat Regulations Assessment5 (HRA) is also being undertaken of the Management Plan (also known as Appropriate Assessment). This process ensures that the Plan will not have adverse affects on ‘European sites’ designated under the Habitats Directive for their exceptional importance in respect of rare, endangered or vulnerable natural habitats and species.

3.2. When deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information that must be included in the environmental report, the responsible authority must consult the consultation bodies. A Scoping Report was produced and consulted on in August-September 2013.

3.3. The response from English Heritage suggested that the SEA objectives should include conservation and enhancement of the historic environment, and these changes have been made. Conservation and archaeology officers from the relevant local authorities have inputted to development of the Plan, and will also be consulted on the draft. The response from Devon County Council suggested that the scope of the SEA objectives should be expanded to include climate change and flood risk, and also that the Environmental Report should set out how the environmental themes stated in the SEA Directive (biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, and landscape) have been covered in the SEA. The SEA objectives offer full coverage of the SEA list of ‘environmental’ factors for which any ‘likely significant effects’6, should be considered as set out in Appendix 1.

3.4. A framework has been developed for testing the emerging Management Plan against (Appendix 1). This is adapted from the objectives set out in the SEA Scoping Report, taking on board comments from the statutory consultees and to enable the full range of sustainability effects of the Plan to be assessed.

3.5. The SEA is structured around eight objectives:

• E1 To protect and enhance the landscape and tranquillity of the Tamar Valley AONB and its setting • E2 To protect and where practical enhance biodiversity (habitats and species) and geodiversity within and beyond the AONB • E3 To conserve and where practical enhance the historic environment and cultural heritage

5 Council Directive 92/43/EEC 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna 6 Annex 1 of Directive 2001/42/EC

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• E4 To mitigate and adapt to climate change including the impacts of flooding • E5 To protect and enhance natural resources including water, air and soil • E6 To sustain vibrant communities and safeguard human health and wellbeing • E7 To protect the quality and character of individual settlements and material assets • E8 To promote the development of an economy that supports social and environmental objectives

3.6. The SEA is intended to be strategic and so has focused on the policies within the Management Plan, as recommended in the Natural England guidance. However consideration has also been given to the objectives and actions in providing further detail and understanding of how the policies will be implemented.

3.7. The following scoring system was used in the assessment:

Table 1 – SEA scoring system

S++ Strongly supports the SEA objective S+ Supports the SEA objective N Is neutral in effect C- (C=conflicts) Potentially works against the SEA objective

C- - Strongly works against the SEA objective X Effects uncertain

3.8. A summary of all the SEA Directive requirements and how these have been addressed is given in Appendix 2.

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4. Review of plans and programmes

4.1. A review of relevant plans and programmes was undertaken to consider the environmental protection objectives established at international, European, national or local level, which are relevant to the Management Plan, and its relationship with other relevant plans and programmes.

4.2. The review of plans and programmes highlights a number of key objectives that have been taken into account in developing the Management Plan: • Promoting landscape protection, management and planning • Protecting and enhancing biodiversity, halting losses, working at a landscape scale and building resilient ecological networks • Conserving and enhancing the historic and built environment • Enhancing the interaction of people with the landscape, nature and local history • Taking an ecosystems approach, considering the range of public benefits provided • Resource protection, including conservation of soil and water resources and improvements in soil, water and air quality • Minimising carbon emissions and contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon storage and sequestration, energy efficiency and renewable energy • Adapting to climate change including enhancing the resilience of natural ecosystems and local communities (including in relation to flood risk) • Promoting access and enjoyment including the health benefits of active pursuits • Promoting the multiple benefits of woodlands and forests for the economy, wildlife, recreation, resource protection and carbon sequestration • Supporting sustainable land management and viable farming businesses • Encouraging greater community engagement and participation and a more local approach • Promoting sustainable, good quality development • Encouraging safe, sustainable and low carbon transport choices • Supporting a partnership approach to the delivery of services

4.3. Appendix 3 lists the full range of plans and programmes reviewed, their main objectives, and how these have been taken into account in the preparation of the Management Plan.

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5. Baseline information

5.1. A review of the baseline information has been undertaken for the SEA. The sections below provide a summary of the baseline information relating to the SEA objectives (identified in Chapter 7). The draft Management Plan provides further details and descriptions of the AONB.

5.2. The environmental information required to provide an evidence base for the SEA and the Management Plan has come from three main sources: • Trends identified from indicator data collected through the existing SWPLF arrangement with the SW Regional Observatory as detailed in part below (SWRO) and other regional data • Data from AONB National Monitoring Framework • Baseline Results from the 2008 Tamar Valley Landscape Monitoring Project. (2013 update underway but not available to input to the draft Management Plan)

E1 To protect and enhance the landscape and tranquillity of the Tamar Valley AONB and its setting

- The AONB is classified as a Category V landscape by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - The Tamar Valley AONB represents an unspoiled valley and water landscape, a classic English lowland river system of exceptional visual quality - The network of small fields and ancient hedges is a key characteristic of the Tamar Valley Landscape. This contrasts strongly with expansive estuarine vistas of the river valley - The river that was once a major industrial and trading route, busy with waterborne traffic and noise, is now a tranquil place - The history of extensive mining activity throughout the Valley exploiting massive copper and arsenic reserves as well as a wide variety of other minerals and ores has created a distinctive mining landscape, much of it focused on the river - Large spoil tips of mining waste are reminders of the huge environmental damage caused by the industry. However there has been significant decrease in the amount of mining spoil visible since 2005 - Evidence of the river’s importance can be seen across the landscape by a series of structures, leats, weirs, quays, fords, viaducts, limekilns and bridges. - The Valley has been dominated by a significant market gardening industry which until recently supplied many crops, via railway and river, to London and elsewhere - There are several designed landscapes, four of which are nationally recognised through designation - Country sports, mostly controlled by the large estates, have had strong landscape and cultural influences. The area has remained important for fly- fishing and shooting

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- Only 12% of the AONB has dark night time skies compared to the Devon average of 36% - The AONB has escaped excessive tourism development; the low-key tourism infrastructure is largely sympathetic to the Valley heritage and in scale with the landscape and environment

E2 To protect and where practical enhance biodiversity (habitats and species) and geodiversity within and beyond the AONB

- There are 7 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) comprising 1688 hectares covering 10% of land area. - The estuary complex represents the AONB’s most important ecological asset. These tidal parts of the AONB have international importance and are mostly within a Special Protection Area (SPA) due to the importance of the intertidal zone in supporting wintering waders and wildfowl. Habitats are also protected within the tidal estuary by their designation as a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC), including mudflats, salt marsh, reedbeds, wet grassland, fen and fringing oak woodland - The estuarine habitats support uncommon and notable species. This includes birds such as the avocet (20% of the British wintering population), black-tailed godwit, redshank, dunlin, whimbrel, golden plover, greenshank, spotted redshank and green sandpiper, plus a range of marine and saltmarsh plants and other species some of which are nationally rare - There are 3 County Wildlife Sites (13% of AONB) and 1 Local Nature Reserve - There are around 1700 hectares of woodland (c10% of the AONB), of which 1500 hectares are on ancient woodland sites. Within the woodlands are nationally important species, including the heath fritillary butterfly, and regionally endangered species like the nightjar - 55% of the total woodland resource >0.5ha in area is actively managed. The area of ancient woodland across the AONB has stayed stable with 376 ha of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland and 1250 ha of Ancient Replanted Woodland - Important remnants of once extensive lowland heathland remain on the dominant granite ridge at Kit Hill and other smaller sites - The rivers are an important resource, supporting a range of species including otters, many scarce and endangered fish, such as the Allis shad, salmonids, eels, and other marginal and riparian species - Abandoned mine workings and spoil tips have become habitats in their own right and refuges for endangered species including eight species of bat, amongst them the nationally rare Greater Horseshoe. - Farmland has generally been improved and possesses limited wildlife value apart from species-rich hedges, most especially along roadsides. These hedges also hold nationally important collections of rare daffodils, survivors from market gardening. - Other remnants of past farming systems include traditional orchards containing increasingly rare Tamar varieties of apples, cherries and other fruit - Some of the older mine spoil heaps are now valued as geological sites, offering a rare opportunity to study minerals above ground

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- Geological structure has helped create a compact river system containing large changes in form and scenery in a relatively small area. - There are 13 Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS)

E3 To conserve and where practical enhance the historic environment and cultural heritage

- There are many reminders of ancient human interaction with the landscape, such as on Hingston Down and the ridge above the present-day Calstock village. The dominant landscape structure across much of the AONB results from medieval and post-medieval enclosures, providing an unspoilt pattern of settlement, lanes, fields, woodland and hedgebanks, in tandem with a precious collection of well-preserved medieval bridges - The AONB contains the majority of area of the World Heritage Site for the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. The AONB has over 100 former mine sites and their associated physical and social infrastructure - There are 645 listed buildings including 31 Grade I; 47 Grade II*; and 567 Grade II. - There 27 Scheduled Ancient Monuments with two additions since 2008 - There are 14 Conservation Areas: 8 in Cornwall and 5 in Devon - There are 14 sites on the Heritage at Risk Register 2012, with small changes occurring over the past 5 years including the addition of scheduled sites at Okeltor Mine, Calstock and at Gawton arsenic mine in 2010; Morwellham Quay transport infrastructure in 2012; and Bere Alston Conservation Area in 2010. Reasons for heritage being at risk vary, but include buildings being unoccupied, permitted development having a cumulative impact, stock erosion, shrub or tree growth, and general lack of management - There 4 Registered Parks and Gardens: 2 Grade I and 2 Grade II* - no entries on the Heritage at Risk register - As well as the designated sites, there are many undesignated heritage assets as indicated by over 3300 entries on the Devon and Cornwall Historic Environment Records - The area has long been a haunt for artists and travellers and is a landscape of artistic and public appeal. Some notable writers and artists frequented the Valley, such as J.M.W.Turner. Often, visitors were as fascinated by the industrial environment as by the picturesque landscapes.

E4 To mitigate and adapt to climate change including the impacts of flooding

- The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued the ‘Fifth Assessment Report’ in September 2013 and changed the likelihood from "very likely" to "extremely likely" that human activity has caused more than half of the observed temperature rise from 1951 to 2010, in a large part due to fossil fuels and deforestation - The findings from the IPCC show that the world's oceans are becoming warmer and more acidic, with sea levels rising. They also indicate the potential for weather to become more extreme with increasing levels of flood risk.

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- Expected climate change in the South West by 2050: Temperature: Annual warming of 1.0 to 2.5°C with greater warming in summer/autumn than in winter/spring. Annual rainfall may decrease by up to 15%, with a greater contrast between summer and winter. Winter and spring rainfall may become more variable and snowfall decrease significantly. Summers as dry as 1995 (37% drier than average) are expected to be more common. - Extreme weather events: Winter depressions are expected to become more frequent and deeper, with high winds and heavy rainfall more common. In summer extreme rainstorms are expected to decrease

E5 To protect and enhance natural resources including water, air and soil

- The AONB includes the lower parts of the 3 river valleys - Tamar, Tavy and Lynher - The Water Framework Ecological Status has decreased in condition. The amount of river in good condition has decreased from 14.9 % to 12.12%. The rest of the river is classed as moderate condition changing from 85% to 87% from 2012 to 2013. Failures are likely to be the result of phosphate pollution and sedimentation impacts - Deterioration in the aquatic environment is apparent, with the Environment Agency reporting the lowest stock levels of salmon in 18 years - In 2012 the Tamar Estuaries was proposed as a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).

E6 To sustain vibrant communities and safeguard human health and wellbeing

- The AONB has a population of around 27,000. 23% of the population is of retirement age (65+). Within a working age population of 14,200, 8,200 are in employment and 5,900 are retired. - Average house price £232, 300, 7.3 times the average annual income. - Devon came top in a Country Life survey as the Most Desirable County to live in England. Cornwall was ranked seventh - The Tamar Valley has a strong cultural identity that overrides political boundaries and gives the area a unique character - There is a strong local identity rooted in the traditional land-based industries – farming, forestry and market gardening, mining and traditional salmon fishing. Local celebrations of the environment, such as strawberry and cherry fairs, daffodil and apple days, remain as important links and reminders. - There is an active community of artists and craftspeople in the Valley - The World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2006, has helped increase the awareness about the Valley internationally and work undertaken by the Mining Heritage Project to assess ways of improving facilities for the many user groups who access the area. Improvements were also made to increase access opportunities for all ages and abilities, and to encourage active exploration of the landscape through this project

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- Recreation is mostly based around countryside access and quiet enjoyment with some of that largest attractions being Morwellham, National Trust Cotehele and Buckland Abbey and more recently the Tamar Trails.

E7 To protect the quality and character of individual settlements and material assets

- The buildings in the Tamar Valley illustrate the changing land-use patterns of the area. There is a mixture of vernacular styles, although stone remains the dominant building material. The area does have its share of fine country houses and estates, as well as many beautiful villages and farmsteads. - The dominant landscape structure across much of the AONB results from medieval and post-medieval enclosures. This unspoilt pattern of settlement, lanes, fields, woodland and hedgebanks, in tandem with an important collection of well-preserved medieval bridges, is an outstanding landscape legacy

E8 To promote the development of an economy that supports social and environmental objectives

- 67% of the land is farmed, and thus the management, business and environmental decisions of farmers with regard to crops grown or livestock produced all have a significant impact on the character of the landscape - 75% of farmland is under grassland, predominantly used for sheep and cattle; there are around 600 holdings ranging from tiny smallholdings to large dairy farms of over 200 hectares - The Tamar Valley AONB woodlands provide timber – especially Douglas Fir – of excellent quality, although woodland condition is variable and the potential productivity is certainly higher than at present - 22% of the working population are employed in farming, fishing or forestry when compared to the South West average in rural areas of 10%. 31% of businesses within the AONB are also based on forestry, agriculture or fishing which is significantly higher than the south west average of 11%. - Rural businesses and the local economy benefit from harvesting timber for fuel and fibre or adding value by creating other wood-based or grown products. - Tourism has grown by 8.7% since 2010 with the average visitor spending £108 and £97 per day in Cornwall and Devon respectively

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6. Potential Issues

6.1. The following issues were identified through the review of plans and programmes, and assessment of baseline information and monitoring relating to the sustainability appraisal objectives. The Management Plan sets out how these issues will be addressed.

E1 To protect and enhance the landscape and tranquillity of the Tamar Valley AONB and its setting

- Analysis of landscape change has shown that there have been changes in land and riparian management practices resulting in changes of habitat and land use and that increasing intrusion is degrading tranquillity and the quality of landscape - The cumulative impact of many seemingly small scale changes is having an impact on the quality of the landscape - The drive to promote renewable energy is resulting in pressure for solar farms, wind turbines and short rotation coppice that are adversely impacting directly on the quality of the AONB landscape and its setting - Increasing demand for waterborne recreation resulting in the potential for increased disturbance in previously tranquil and remote places - Ancient field patterns are vulnerable and can be lost with changes in land ownership and cropping. Hedges are expensive to maintain and are being lost through neglect and continuous flailing - There is an increase in the amount of hardy nursery stock bulbs and flowers being grown on the Cornwall side. Crops are being increasingly grown under plastic and polytunnels for protection and to extend the season. - Continued development in the countryside at levels indicated in Local Plans together with growth in car usage, are likely to diminish levels of tranquillity and impact on landscape character - Increase in light pollution from development - Increased pressure on the landscape resulting from traffic, as tourism increases - Reopening of quarries and mining leading to loss of tranquillity, and local impacts on environmental quality - Development proposals for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind energy, as well as reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources, can have detrimental visual impacts that are visible across the designated and undesignated landscape. However there are currently no proposals for offshore renewable energy installations.

E2 To protect and where practical enhance biodiversity (habitats and species) and geodiversity within and beyond the AONB

- 97% of SSSIs are in favourable condition7. Failure in condition is principally due to invasive plants in the river corridor.

7 Natural England Protected Landscapes monitoring indicators

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- Both little egret and avocet have declined on the Tamar estuaries by about 37% in the last 5 years and by 12% and 1% respectively in the last 10 years8. This mirrors the national trend, but to a greater degree, suggesting site-specific pressures are affecting the birds - In 2011, five bat species showed a statistically significant increase, including the greater and lesser horseshoe bat9. Lesser horseshoe bats are increasing in both hibernation and breeding colony counts, and therefore indicate an improving trend. However, the trend for greater horseshoe bat is set against context of severe declines in bat populations in the second half of the twentieth century. More sustained increases are needed to indicate recovery from this extended period of decline - The area of coppiced woodland fell by at least 90% from 1900 to 1970. The corresponding loss of structural diversity has led to declines in many priority species, including the hazel dormouse and heath fritillary butterfly10. - The 10-year UK trend distribution for the heath fritillary is positive but the population has declined by 34%. The distribution of high brown fritillary has shrunk by 49% and the population by 69% - The river corridor has witnessed a large reduction in area identified as saltmarsh (-58 ha) and wetland (-17.9 ha) and a large decrease in littoral sediment (-136.32). - There has been some loss of acid grassland - Of 155 traditional orchards, 25% were being actively managed and 20% were in an agri-environment scheme. 15% of orchards were thought to be at immediate risk e.g. due to excessive scrub invasion, or tree damage by horses or cattle11. Though many orchards have been destroyed since 1920, there is some evidence that the trend is reversing with a number of orchards being re-planted - Three invasive species have been targeted within the AONB: Giant Hogweed, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan Balsam. To date a 60% decline in the number of recorded sites has been achieved - The biodiversity of the Tamar Valley is not always easy to experience and there are few formal facilities for people to use - The imperative within woodlands is to re-establish ‘good’ management, making use of the Woodland Improvement Grant, rather than planting new ones. Government policy is to maintain the present extent of woodland, as a minimum - The conversion of PAWS (Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites) remains a priority, but hinges on adequate financial inducement - The control of grey squirrel and deer is a priority to reduce impacts on regeneration of broadleaved woodlands

8 Cook, A.S.C.P., Barimore, C., Holt, C.A., Read, W.J. & Austin, G.E. (2013). Wetland Bird Survey Alerts 2009/2010: Changes in numbers of wintering waterbirds in the Constituent Countries of the United Kingdom, Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). BTO Research Report 641. http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts 9 Bat Conservation Trust. 2001. The UK’s National Bat Monitoring Programme – Final report 2001. 10 State of Nature 2013 http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/science/stateofnature/index.aspx 11 AONB data: Orchard survey 2011

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- Climate change and tree diseases e.g. Phytopthora and ash dieback are affecting woodlands and may change future landscape character through the choice of tree species for replanting - The development of woodfuel markets creates a significant opportunity to improve the management of small woods and hedges for both gains in biodiversity and creation of new economic crops - High levels of consumer interest in local products are an opportunity to rejuvenate traditional forms of market gardening, fruit growing and livestock rearing, with consequent biodiversity benefits - The future priorities for funding under the new Rural Development Plan will have a significant influence over what biodiversity gains can be achieved - The decline in the wild bee population is a cause for great concern and emphasises the need for enhancement of wildflower meadows beneath or adjoining orchards, and linkage through roadside verges.

E3 To conserve and where practical enhance the historic environment and cultural heritage

- There are 14 sites on the Heritage at Risk Register 2012. The built heritage and mining remains are susceptible to degeneration through weather or overgrown vegetation. - Non-designated elements of the landscape are often the most locally-cherished elements and represent the cultural, social and economic history of a particular locality. However, these are perhaps the assets most at threat as they are often offered little or no protection or are disregarded. Two nationally significant – and linked - examples of this are the discovery of Calstock Roman fort in 2007 and further research and recognition of early silver mining on the Bere Peninsula - Growing interest in renewable energy technologies have impacts on the historic built environment, particularly where these are permitted development and so are not affected by planning policy - Changes to the planning system with the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ may affect how conservation of the historic environment is viewed in development and planning decisions - There is a decline in traditional skills including building and land management skills.

E4 To mitigate and adapt to climate change including the impacts of flooding

- Climate change is already having an impact on the AONB’s special qualities and distinctive features, especially the shoreline and intertidal habitats - The Tamar Catchment Flood Management 2012 plan suggests the estuaries are vulnerable to the effects of climate change - The need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and the rising cost of energy are driving a global move for renewable forms of fuel, including direct energy

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generation from wind and sunlight, and the farming of energy crops. Both have implications for the protection of the AONB landscape - Changes in climate are leading to different choices of crops and tree species and also changes in farming systems such as more polytunnels. This brings economic opportunities through new crops and markets but also implications for the AONB landscape and environment.

E5 To protect and enhance natural resources including water, air and soil

- Concerns regarding the general management of rivers and their environments include the silting up of navigation channels; loss of quays and landing points; lack of riparian management; invasive species; decline in fish stocks and a lack of public access to the riverbank. - The national Catchment Based Approach (CaBa) is promoting for whole catchment approaches that deal with issues of siltation and diffuse pollution at source. The Tamar Partnership has been confirmed as one of the Defra catchment partnerships - There is increased emphasis on taking an ecosystem based approach to management of the environment, recognition of the importance of ecosystem goods and services. - As the local population increases it is likely that so will the demand for water- based recreation - Forces for change regarding the river and estuary environment include demand for moorings, land use changes, and increasing numbers of recreational users - There are ongoing issues relating to pollution from farming and industry. There are also pollution risks from the legacy of mining throughout the AONB.

E6 To sustain vibrant communities and safeguard human health and wellbeing

- Significant growth and development in Plymouth and other settlements, increasing the number of people coming into the Tamar Valley AONB for recreation and tourism. - Rising house prices. In 2011 the average house price was £232, 300, 7.3 times average annual income. - Lack of and potential for decline in local services. The main settlement centres across the AONB usually have a village shop and pub, and perhaps a few independent businesses, but not much else. Access to supermarkets in Tavistock and Callington have no doubt increased pressure on local businesses, but it is encouraging to see local food producers (for example) flourishing in the Valley. - Declining opportunities for employment / rural industries. - Uneven population structure – the 16-29 age bracket represents only 5% of the population; most of the population are aged 30 or over; and 23% are aged 65 or above (total population of 24, 666). Within Cornwall the 16-29 bracket represents 16% of the population; in West Devon, 14%.

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- The creation of the Drake Trail, a cycling and walking project promoting cycle and walking routes between Tavistock and Clearbrook and providing opportunities to bring new visitors in to the AONB - The recent Tamar River Arts Project (2012) and the Tamar Pilot Project (2012) engaged stakeholders of the rivers which highlighted an increase in demand for public engagement and quiet recreation within the River corridor. These demands will need to be balanced against the environmental sensitivity of the river habitats - There is growing interest from the community in food of local provenance.

E7 To protect the quality and character of individual settlements and material assets

- Growth and development in settlements impacts on the landscape character and setting of the AONB - Increased demand for housing within neighbouring settlements: Plymouth (estimated 20% increase 2011 – 2031, Plymouth City Council 2011. Local development Framework Annual Monitoring Report); Tavistock (approximately 750 homes, West Devon Core Strategy); Saltash (1300 new homes); Launceston (1100 new homes); and Callington (1000 new homes). - Monitoring has shown that new development covering a total of 1.8 ha occurred over the last Plan period, which although small scale has cumulative impacts on settlement pattern - By ensuring that developments are of suitably high quality in terms of their design, layout and landscaping, local character can be reinforced and enhanced. In addition, sensitive and inclusive design will often lead to more accessible developments and enable landscape qualities to be protected or enhanced - Development which is not sympathetic to settlement pattern, vernacular architecture and landscape setting, with pressure from future housing allocations and development in Tavistock and Plymouth especially

E8 To promote the development of an economy that supports social and environmental objectives

- Farming and land management fact new challenges and demands with pressure to produce and grow more whilst at the same time protecting and enhancing the environment. There is a growing interest in and markets for good quality local food. However total farm labour force declined from 723 in 2007 to 508 in 2010 - The next Rural Development Programme for England will come into force during the lifetime of this Management Plan which will have significant implications for land management and the rural economy - There is potential to encourage the growth and revival of the market garden industry but this could result in landscape pressures. The number of horticultural enterprises has declined from 59 to 26, whilst mixed enterprises have declined from 28 to 12 (2007 to 2010)

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- The woodland economy and landscape is threatened by invasive species, disease (especially Chalara die-back of ash, and Phytopthera ramorum, acute oak-dieback) and damage from deer and squirrels. - There is growing interest and potential demand for woodfuel, both commercial and domestic, partly driven by initiatives such as the Renewable Heat Incentive. This could bring hedges and small unmanaged woods back into sustainable management to yield resources for woodfuel and other product - During the last thirty years the rivers have become peripheral to the local land- based economy; as seen through the multitude of abandoned quays, ports and access routes ending on the rivers - There has also been a decline in both commercial and fly-fishing, and of the cultural links between the rivers and local communities - The Tamar estuaries and waterfront attract a wide range of local and foreign visitors. Plymouth now has a strategy in place to further increase visitor numbers by 800,00 (20%) by 2020 (Plymouth Visitor Plan 2011)

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7. Strategic Alternatives

7.1. As part of the SEA process there is a requirement to consider reasonable alternatives to the proposed course of action. The production of a Management Plan is required under UK law. In the absence of such a plan the relevant local authorities would not have complied with the requirements of the CROW Act. The “do nothing” scenario is therefore not given further consideration.

7.2. The objective for the Management Plan is to maximise the environmental benefit to the Tamar Valley AONB whilst minimising any potential impacts. The role of the SEA will be to ensure that this is delivered. The SEA will therefore only consider alternatives to the policies where negative effects are identified.

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8. Assessment of the draft Management Plan

8.1. The emerging Management Plan was tested against the sustainability objectives and an overall score was given in relation to each of the SEA themes. Table 2 below summarises the assessment of the policies in the draft Management Plan. The full assessment tables are set out in Appendix 4. Note: The policies have been numbered for ease of reference, please refer to Appendix 4 for policy wording. Refer to Table 1 (page 9) for the SEA scoring system.

8.2. SEA objectives: • E1 To protect and enhance the landscape and tranquillity of the Tamar Valley AONB and its setting • E2 To protect and where practical enhance biodiversity (habitats and species) and geodiversity within and beyond the AONB • E3 To conserve and where practical enhance the historic environment and cultural heritage • E4 To mitigate and adapt to climate change including the impacts of flooding • E5 To protect and enhance natural resources including water, air and soil • E6 To sustain vibrant communities and safeguard human health and wellbeing • E7 To protect the quality and character of individual settlements and material assets • E8 To promote the development of an economy that supports social and environmental objectives

Table 2 Summary assessment of draft Management Plan policies

SEA Objectives

E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 Policies L1 S++ S+ S+ N S+ S+ S++ S+ L2 S++ S+ S+ C- S+ C- S++ C- L3 S++ S++ S++ N N N S++ N L4 S++ S+ S+ N N N S+ N L5 S++ S+ N N N S+ S+ N L6 S++ S+ S+ N N S+ S+ N L7 S++ S+ S+ C- N S+ S++ C- HE1 S+ N S++ S+ S+ S+ S++ S+ HE2 S+ N S++ S+ S+ S+ S++ S+ HE3 S+ N S++ S+ N S+ S++ X HE4 S+ N S++ S+ N S+ S++ S+ HE5 S+ N S++ S+ N S+ S++ S+ HE6 S+ N S++ S+ N S+ S++ S+ BG1 S+ S++ N S+ S+ N N N

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BG2 S+ S++ S+ N N S+ N N BG3 S+ S++ N S+ S++ S+ N N BG4 S+ S++ S+ S+ S+ S+ N X BG5 S+ S++ N S+ S+ S+ N S+ RE1 N N X N X S+ N S+ RE2 S+ S++ N S+ S+ N N N RE3 S+ S++ S+ S+ S++ S+ N S+ RE4 S+ S++ S+ S+ S+ S+ N S+ FF1 S+ S+ X S+ S++ S+ N S+

FF2 S++ S++ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+

FF3 S+ S+ N S++ S+ S++ N S+

FF4 S+ X X N X S+ N S+

S++ S+ S+ N S+ S++ S+ S+ FF5 ART1 S+ S+ S+ X S+ S+ S+ S++ ART2 S+ S+ X N S+ S++ S+ S++ ART3 N N X X N S+ X S++ ART4 N N N S++ S+ S+ S+ S+ P1 X X X S++ S++ S+ S+ S+ P2 S+ N S++ N N S+ S++ S+ P3 S++ N S+ N N S+ S++ S+ P4 S+ N N N N S++ S+ S+ P5 S++ X X S+ S++ S+ N S++ P6 S++ N S+ N N S+ S++ S+ P7 S+ S+ S+ N S+ S+ N S+ P8 S+ S+ X S++ N S+ S+ S+ P9 S++ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ P10 S+ S+ S+ S++ S++ S+ S+ S+

P11 X X S++ S+ X S+ S++ S+

P12 S+ S+ S+ N N S+ S+ X

P13 S++ S+ S+ N N S+ S++ X

S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ P14 P15 S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ X EQ1 S+ S+ N S+ S++ N N N EQ2 S+ S+ N S+ S++ S+ N S+ EQ3 X X X S++ S+ S+ X S+ CC1 S+ S+ S+ N S+ S+ S+ S+ CC2 S+ S+ S+ N S+ S++ S+ X CC3 S+ S+ S++ N S+ S++ S+ S+ CC4 S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S++ S+ S+ CEA1 S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ S+ CEA2 S+ S+ S+ N S+ S+ S+ S+ CEA3 S+ S+ S+ N S+ S+ S+ S+ CEA4 S++ S+ S+ S+ S+ S++ S+ S+

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8.3. Overall it can be seen that the Management Plan is broadly positive in relation to the SEA objectives, with either positive or neutral scores in the majority of cases. Three policies are considered to have potential negative effects in relation to the sustainability objectives for local communities and economy due to potential restrictions to development, and also in relation to mitigating climate change due to the restrictions that may be placed on renewable energy technologies due to impacts on landscape character. However, this is considered to be consistent with the purposes of the AONB’s designation and the protection given to AONBs through the National Planning Policy Framework12. There are some policies where the effects are uncertain, and recommendations have been made to address these if there are likely to be environmental effects. No significant adverse environmental effects have been identified.

8.4. There is uncertainty over how some of the policies will be delivered as there is no action plan accompanying the Management Plan and the priorities for action that are stated do not cover the range of policies included in the Plan. A Delivery Plan is being developed which will provide further details on how the policies will be delivered.

8.5. A summary assessment relating to each SEA objective is given below. Recommendations are given in Table 3.

E1 To protect and enhance the landscape and tranquillity of the Tamar Valley AONB and its setting

8.6. The draft Management Plan is positive for the landscape and tranquillity of the AONB as would be expected as this is the primary purpose of the AONB designation. In particular, the specific policies on landscape, policies FF2 and FF5 which encourage land management and traditional skills to maintain characteristic landscape features, a number of the planning policies which seek to protect the AONB’s landscape character, and CEA4 to encourage educational awareness and understanding of the AONB scored strongly positive. Policy PP1 encourages sustainable construction including the use of renewable energy technologies, and policy EQ3 also supports renewable energy which could have landscape impacts depending on their nature, size and location. Policy PP11 was also considered to have uncertain effects as it supports the use of local traditional materials, which could require quarrying.

E2 To protect and where practical enhance biodiversity (habitats and species) and geodiversity within and beyond the AONB

8.7. The majority of policies again score positively for this SEA objective. The biodiversity policies and policies relating to the rivers and estuary are strongly

12 National Planning Policy Framework, (para 115) gives great weight to protection of AONBs, also the “presumption in favour of sustainable development” does not apply within AONBs (paragraph 14 footnote 9)

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positive, reflecting the importance of the AONB for biodiversity. Policy FF4 relating to the future Rural Development Programme for England was considered to have uncertain effects, as the details of the new programme are not yet known, and the policy does not specifically refer to biodiversity. Policy PP1 encourages sustainable construction including the use of renewable energy technologies, and policy EQ3 also supports renewable energy which could have biodiversity impacts depending on their nature, size and location. Policy PP11 was also considered to have uncertain effects as it supports the use of local traditional materials, which could require quarrying. Policy P5 supports recreational and tourism developments where these conserve and enhance landscape character, but no reference is made to biodiversity.

E3 To conserve and where practical enhance the historic environment and cultural heritage

8.8. Although protection of the historic environment is not a specific purpose of AONB designation, it is an integral part of landscape character and the special qualities of the AONB. Many of the policies are therefore also positive for this SEA objective, particularly the policies on the historic environment and the planning policies which support local distinctiveness and the use of traditional materials. Policy CC3 specifically encourages local communities to celebrate their cultural identity and sense of place through events and activities that reinforce the cultural traditions of the AONB. A number of policies have uncertain effects due to the policy wording which does not include consideration of the historic environment. Policy FF1 supports sustainable land management but does not refer to the historic environment, yet land management is often vital for the conservation of archaeology and other heritage assets. Policy FF4 relating to the future Rural Development Programme for England was considered to have uncertain effects, as the details of the new programme are not yet known, and the policy does not specifically refer to the historic environment. Policies ART1 and ART2 support improved access and policy RE1 encourages enhanced access to the river, but this could impact on the historic environment including the many heritage assets associated with the rivers and waterside areas. Policy PP1 encourages sustainable construction including the use of renewable energy technologies, and policy EQ3 also supports renewable energy which could have impacts on the historic environment depending on their nature, size and location. Policy PP8 seeks to ensure that renewable energy technologies do not impact on the AONB designation, but this does not cover impacts on the historic environment. Policy P5 supports recreational and tourism developments where these conserve and enhance landscape character, but no reference is made to the historic environment.

E4 To mitigate and adapt to climate change including the impacts of flooding

8.9. The policies are broadly positive or neutral for this SEA objective. Policies EQ3 and P8 support renewable energy, policies P1 and P10 support sustainable

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construction, policy ART4 supports sustainable transport, and policy FF3 supports short supply chains which will all contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Two policies were considered to be negative in relation to this SEA Objective, L2 which resists any development which would degrade landscape character, and L7 which seeks to remove unsightly development such as intrusive energy development, as these could restrict renewable energy schemes particularly wind turbines. Policies ART1 and ART3 to enhance access and tourism were considered to have uncertain impacts on climate change as increased visitors could result in increased emissions particularly from car travel.

E5 To protect and enhance natural resources including water, air and soil

8.10. The policies are broadly positive or neutral for this SEA objective. Policy RE1 seeks to increase access which has uncertain impacts on natural resources as these are not specifically covered by the purposes of AONB designation. Policy FF4 relating to the future Rural Development Programme for England was considered to have uncertain effects, as the details of the new programme are not yet known, although it is likely there will be a greater emphasis on resource protection and ecosystem services which would bring a wider range of benefits yet these are not mentioned in the policy or text. Policy PP11 was also considered to have uncertain effects as it supports the use of local traditional materials, which could require quarrying.

E6 To sustain vibrant communities and safeguard human health and wellbeing

8.11. The majority of policies are positive or neutral for this SEA objective, particularly the policies relating to communities and culture, delivery of affordable housing, and increased access and understanding. One policy L2 which resists any development which would degrade landscape character, was considered to have potential negative impacts as this is likely to constrain infrastructure such as renewable energy technologies or telecommunications.

E7 To protect the quality and character of individual settlements and material assets

8.12. The majority of policies are positive or neutral for this SEA objective, particularly policies conserving and enhancing landscape character and the historic environment which will contribute to local distinctiveness and the character of settlements. Policy ART3 supports tourism and recreation businesses but impacts on the character of settlements are unknown as these are not covered by AONB designation and increasing tourism and recreation could impact on these. Policy EQ3 supports renewable energy but this could impact on the character of settlements, particular given many domestic technologies are permitted development so there are no controls over them.

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E8 To promote the development of an economy that supports social and environmental objectives

8.13. A number of polices are supportive of the economy, particularly in relation to the main economic sectors of farming and tourism. Three policies were considered to be negative in relation to this SEA Objective, L2 which resists any development which would degrade landscape character, and L7 which seeks to remove unsightly development such as intrusive energy development, as these could restrict development including renewable energy schemes and telecommunications infrastructure. Policy HE3 seeks to protect the historic environment which was considered to have uncertain impacts on the economy as the historic environment contributes to the economy, but the policy could restrict development. Policy BG4 seeks to build an evidence base on priorities for biodiversity which could constrain future development. Planning policies P12 and P15 could impact on the economy due to restrictions on significant development and P13 resists development which could impact on tranquillity. Policy CC2 supports community planning tools which could encourage economic development but could equally lead to resistance to development.

Assessment of significant effects and recommendations for mitigation measures

8.14. The only adverse effects identified on the environmental objectives relate to mitigating climate change due to potential restrictions on renewable energy technologies, and recommendations are given below to provide greater clarity on the balance to be struck between protection of the AONB’s special qualities and the encouragement of appropriate renewable energy technologies. Other adverse impacts relating to the sustainability objectives for the economy and communities relate to potential restrictions to development due to impacts on landscape character, which is consistent with the purposes of its designation and consistent with the protection given to AONBs through the National Planning Policy Framework. The assessment has also identified a number of areas where the policy wording needs to be strengthened. These are set out in Table 3 below.

Table 3 Policy Recommendations

Policy Recommendation General There is no description of the ecosystem services provided by the AONB, despite several references in the draft Management Plan to these. Consider adding a table or summary of the range of ecosystem services provided, to aid understanding of these and what the priorities are. Landscape L1 The AONB will support Define what is considered to be sustainable sustainable development development within the AONB context,

28 Environmental Report which conserves and perhaps through cross-reference back to the enhances the landscape National Planning Policy Framework and the character. great weight given to AONBs (para 115), and that the “presumption in favour of sustainable development” does not apply within AONBs, as a consequence of this (para 14 footnote 9). L2 The AONB will resist all The protection of landscape character should infrastructure development be paramount as a consequence of the AONB which degrades the designation. This includes the setting of the landscape character AONB. Amend the policy wording to read '...which degrades the landscape character of the AONB or its setting'. However not all renewable energy technologies will necessarily impact on landscape character, and this policy in the Management Plan could be balanced by a separate policy setting out the context for the type of renewable energy infrastructure in terms of their nature, siting, and scale that might be considered acceptable within or affecting the AONB - see EQ3 L7 Suitable alternatives to Amend the policy wording to read '…reduce infrastructure responsible for the visual impact of unsightly past visual intrusion will be sought development where this is compatible with together with improvements the special qualities of the AONB' so that the to reduce the visual impact of policy also includes biodiversity and heritage unsightly past development. Priorities include: intrusive energy generation, transmission and communications infrastructure; external lighting that creates night time scenic intrusion or skyglow; and visually dominating buildings that are inconsistent with landscape character Biodiversity and Geodiversity BG3 The AONB Partnership Add to policy '..within and adjoining the AONB' will work with landowners, to reflect cross-boundary working required to charities, statutory agencies deliver coherent ecological networks and funding bodies to establish and deliver large- scale habitat restoration projects Rivers and Estuary RE1 The AONB partnership Amend the policy to add ...'where compatible

29 Environmental Report will support a coordinated, with the special qualities and purposes of the strategic approach to AONB designation’ to ensure the historic improve access to the key environment is covered reaches and view-points of the river with the aim to increase health and wellbeing, where compatible with the purposes of the AONB designation RE4 The AONB partnership Clarify what is meant by the opportunities for will increase awareness of sustainable development rivers and estuarine environments and the opportunities these features present for sustainable development Farming, Forestry and Land Management FF1 The AONB Partnership Amend the policy to add ...'where compatible will actively promote land with the special qualities and purposes of the management systems that AONB designation’ to ensure the historic are environmentally environment is covered sustainable, economically viable and compatible with the purposes of the AONB designation FF3 The AONB Partnership Clarify policy by reference to local sourcing of will continue to support and food and other products through short supply promote short supply chains chains where this is compatible with the purposes of the AONB designation. FF4 The AONB Partnership Amend policy wording 'The AONB Partnership will support the delivery of will support the rural economy and local the Rural Development communities through delivery of the Rural Programme for England Development Programme for England where where it helps to sustain the this helps to sustain the special qualities of the landscape character and the AONB' so that the policy covers biodiversity rural economy of the AONB and historic environment as well as landscape character. Include reference in the text to the opportunities to improve resource protection and the delivery of a range of ecosystem services Access, Recreation and Tourism ART1 The AONB Partnership The objective makes it clear that access should will lead the development of be compatible with the AONB designation – a spatial strategy for access, this could also be added to the end of the recreation and tourism in the policy. The policy should also encourage to

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Valley, working with public sustainable modes of transport where possible and private partners. This will to help mitigate climate change. Amend policy guide the improvement of to read ‘The AONB Partnership will lead the rights of way and development of a spatial strategy for access, transportation, the recreation and tourism in the Valley development of recreation compatible with AONB special qualities and and tourism facilities, and designation, working with public and private provision of services to partners. This will guide the improvement of promote health and rights of way and sustainable transportation, education the development of recreation and tourism facilities, and provision of services to promote health and education ART2 The AONB Partnership Amend the policy to add ...'where compatible will work with others to with the special qualities and purposes of the provide high quality access to AONB designation’ to ensure the historic the AONB and its special environment is covered qualities for as wide a range of users as possible where this is compatible with the purposes of the AONB designation ART3 The AONB Partnership Amend the policy to read '..support will support tourism and sustainable tourism and recreation businesses' recreation businesses in gaining economic benefit from the AONB where this is compatible with the purposes of the AONB designation Planning and Development P1 Ensure that developments Amend the policy to read '…and renewable are sustainable in terms of energy technologies that are compatible with their design, landscaping and the special qualities and AONB designation' utilise the most appropriate forms of sustainable construction, as well as appropriate sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) and renewable energy technologies

P5 Ensure that tourism and Amend policy to read 'Ensure that tourism and recreational development recreational development conserves and conserves and enhances enhances the special qualities of the AONB' to landscape character. In ensure that biodiversity and the historic addition, support will be environment are taken into account alongside given to proposals that landscape character

31 Environmental Report promote sustainable forms of tourism and recreation and aid the diversification of the rural economy P8 Ensure that renewable Amend the policy to refer to the special energy developments are so qualities so that the historic environment is located and are of an covered, and also to refer to the setting of the appropriate scale, such that AONB - '…such that they do not conflict with they do not conflict with the the special qualities and purposes of the AONB primary purpose of the AONB designation including its setting, either directly designation either directly or or through cumulative impact' through cumulative impact P11 Support the use of local Clarify how local traditional materials will be traditional materials in all sourced - local timber, recycling materials, or developments and those that small scale quarries for building stone to demonstrate highly ensure that impacts on the AONB special sustainable methods of qualities are avoided or minimised design and construction. P14 Ensure that where Amend the policy to refer to 'special qualities' development proposals rather than 'distinctive qualities' so that generate infrastructure biodiversity and heritage are also included requirements that the LPA seek appropriate contributions to provide greater public access and connections to existing rights of way networks, promote sustainable forms of travel and that help to enhance or conserve the landscape and distinctive qualities of the area. This can be sought through contributions derived from obligations within Section 106 Agreements or through Community Infrastructure Levy and identified through early pre-application discussion with the AONB Partnership Environmental Quality and Climate Change EQ1 The AONB Partnership It is unclear how the policy will be achieved or will protect the natural what adverse impacts are expected. The text resources of the Tamar Valley talks about pollution, climate change and AONB from adverse impacts renewable energy but it is not clear what influence the AONB Partnership can have on

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these issues. Consider amending the policy to be more specific and give a clearer intent – the objective and policy EQ2 may cover this anyway?

EQ3 The AONB Partnership Amend the policy to read '…sustainable will investigate sustainable solutions for the provision of renewable solutions for the provision of energy of a suitable nature, scale and location renewable energy within the within the AONB or its setting where this is AONB compatible with the purposes of AONB designation.'

Communities and Culture CC1 Work with communities Consider rewording to read 'work with towards an improved communities toward an improved understanding of locally understanding of the AONB's special qualities distinctive features, and and encourage wide communication of these' encourage them to widely so that the policy covers all the special communicate those special qualities of the AONB including landscape, qualities. biodiversity, historic environment

CC4 Make small grants Ensure that the criteria for SDF funding are available through the kept under review so that projects are Sustainable Development sustainable and are compatible with the AONB Fund to support local purpose and special qualities activities.

Communication, Education and Awareness CEA3 The AONB Partnership Consider revising the wording - does the will maximise the landscape provide 'facilities'? Should opportunity of its own and engagement be to promote understanding other's events to promote and enjoyment? e.g. 'The Partnership will the purposes of the AONB. engage the public in understanding and Through this the Partnership enjoying the AONB's special qualities, and to will engage the public in the engender a stronger sense of ownership' enjoyment of the landscape and the facilities it affords, and to engender a sense of ownership.

CEA4 The AONB Partnership Very similar to CEA3 - could combine the will support the development events & education elements into 1 policy. of educational opportunities Again, should the aim be to increase that seek to aid awareness of understanding of the special qualities? the landscape, environment and communities of the AONB and are in line with

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9. Implementation and Monitoring

9.1. The SEA Directive requires monitoring to be undertaken to allow for unforeseen effects to be identified at an early stage and mitigation measures to be implemented.

9.2. The impact of the Management Plan delivery will be monitored in two ways: • Through a set of performance indicators. • Through the progress measures articulated in each chapter

9.3. Measures of progress will be used to highlight progress in the AONB annual report, and the more detailed monitoring framework will be reported half way through and at the end of the Plan period.

9.4. The indicators proposed for monitoring the Management Plan are considered to be appropriate for also monitoring the significant effects identified in the SEA. The SEA Framework in Appendix 1 identifies how the proposed indicators will monitor delivery of the SEA objectives. There are some gaps in the indicators for two of the SEA Objectives – E4 climate change and E6 vibrant communities. Additional indicators should be considered to ensure that the impact of delivering the Management Plan on these objectives are fully covered.

9.5. It is not anticipated that any significant adverse effects will arise from implementation of the Plan. Nevertheless, the indicators proposed to monitor the Management Plan and SEA objectives will enable any unexpected adverse impacts to be picked up via this mechanism.

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Appendix 1 - SEA Framework

SEA Objective Topics relating Indicators to the SEA Directive E1 To protect and enhance the Landscape Extent of dark night skies landscape and tranquillity of the Levels of Tranquility Tamar Valley AONB and its setting Levels of intrusion (include pylons, windfarms, road traffic) Field boundary condition and species Extent of covered horticultural production E2 To protect and where practical Flora, fauna, Condition of SSSIs enhance biodiversity (habitats and biodiversity Extent of traditional orchards species) and geodiversity within and Extent of semi-natural habitats beyond the AONB BAP Habitats Number and area of designated sites (Ramsar, SPA, SAC, NNR, SSSI, CWS, IBAs, LNR, County Geological Sites) E3 To conserve and where practical Cultural heritage Presence (and condition) of enhance the historic environment including historic landscape features and cultural heritage architectural and Extent (and condition) of archaeological designed landscapes heritage E4 To mitigate and adapt to climate Climatic factors Extent of biomass planting change including the impacts of flooding E5 To protect and enhance natural Soil, water, air Extent of bare mining spoil resources including water, air and Agricultural land use: extent of soil pasture and arable Extent of woodland and tree cover / type E6 To sustain vibrant communities Population, Public Rights of Way and safeguard human health and human health well-being E7 To protect the quality and Material assets, Local vernacular building styles character of individual settlements cultural heritage Settlement pattern and material assets E8 To promote the development of Population, Number of moorings an economy that supports social human health Presence of local car and and environmental objectives passenger ferries

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Appendix 2 – SEA Directive Requirements

SEA Directive Requirements Reported in… An outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme Scoping Report / and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes. Environmental Report The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the Scoping Report likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or (summarised in programme. Environmental Report) The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly Scoping Report affected. (summarised in Environmental Report) Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or Scoping Report programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a (summarised in particular environmental importance, such as areas designated Environmental Report) pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC. The environmental protection objectives, established at international, Scoping Report Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or (summarised in programme and the way those objectives and any environmental Environmental Report) considerations have been taken into account during its preparation. The likely significant effects (1) on the environment, including on issues Environmental Report such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors. These effects should include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long- term permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects. The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible Environmental Report offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme. An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and Environmental Report a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information. A description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring. Environmental Report Where an environmental assessment is required…an environmental Environmental Report report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated. A non-technical summary of the information provided under the above Environmental Report headings. Non-technical summary The (environmental) authorities…shall be consulted when deciding on Consultation on the the scope and level of detail of the information which must be included Scoping Report in the environmental report.

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Appendix 3 – Review of Relevant Plans and Programmes

The following key documents have been reviewed, including a consideration of how the Management Plan may consider relevant objectives or requirements.

Additional Plans and Programmes have been added as a result of comments from statutory consultees on the SEA Scoping Report.

International and European level

Other Plan/Programme Relevant aims/objectives or How objectives or requirements requirements might be considered The European Landscape The Convention aims to promote landscape Through Management Plan Convention (ETS No.176) protection, management and planning, and theme on landscape Council for Europe 2000 to organise European cooperation on landscape issues World Commission on Tamar Valley AONB is classified as a Through Management Plan Protected Areas ‘Category V Protected Area’. An area of theme on landscape IUCN land… where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and/or cultural value, and often with high biological diversity. Safeguarding the integrity of this traditional interaction is vital to the protection, maintenance and evolution of such an area The Convention for the Provides the framework for the protection, Through Management Plan Protection of the preservation and scientific research of theme on Historic Architectural Heritage of archaeological heritage in Europe and environment and culture Europe (Granada conserving the cultural heritage of Convention) 1987, and monuments and sites The Valetta Convention 1992 Conservation of Natural The main aim of the EC Habitats Directive is Through Management Plan Habitats and Wild Fauna to promote the maintenance of biodiversity theme on biodiversity and Flora (Directive by requiring Member States to take 92/43/EC) (The Habitats measures to maintain or restore natural Directive) European habitats and wild species at a favourable Commission (1994) conservation status, introducing robust protection for those habitats and species of European importance. The Convention on International treaty promoting the Through Management Plan Biological Diversity conservation of biological diversity (or theme on biodiversity (Biodiversity Convention) biodiversity); sustainable use of its Rio de Janeiro components; and fair and equitable sharing United Nations 1992 of benefits arising from genetic resources.

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Requires national governments to implement strategies and actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity Convention on wetlands Duty to sustain populations of wild birds by Through Management Plan of international sustaining wetland habitats to keep theme on biodiversity importance populations at ecologically healthy levels (The Ramsar Convention) 1971

Birds Directive Conservation of all wild birds and Through Management Plan 79/409/EEC provides for designation of areas to theme on biodiversity European Commission protect habitat 1979

Bern Convention on the Convention to conserve wild flora and fauna Through Management Plan Conservation of and their natural habitats, especially those theme on biodiversity European Wildlife and species and habitats whose conservation Natural Habitats (1979) requires the co-operation of several States and to promote such cooperation.

Particular emphasis is given to endangered and vulnerable species, including endangered and vulnerable migratory species Bonn Convention on The Convention aims to conserve terrestrial, Through Management Plan Conservation of marine and avian migratory species theme on biodiversity Migratory Species (1979) throughout their range.

Our life insurance, our Sets out EU strategy for compliance with Through Management Plan natural capital: an EU Convention on Biological Diversity theme on biodiversity biodiversity strategy to (CBD) and its global Strategic Plan for 2020, European biodiversity 2011-2020 (Nagoya 2010), Commission 2011 through six mutually supportive and inter- dependent targets: • conserving and restoring nature • maintaining and enhancing ecosystems and their services • ensuring the sustainability of agriculture, forestry and fisheries • combating invasive alien species • addressing the global biodiversity crisis

Aarhus Convention 1998 Convention to enable public access and Through Management Plan participation in decision-making on theme on community environmental issues Water Framework Requires all inland, transitional and coastal Through Management Plan Directive (Directive water bodies to reach at least "good status" theme on Environmental

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2000/60/EC) European by 2015 quality and climate change Commission (2000)

Groundwater Directive Sets underground water quality standards Through Management Plan (Directive 2006/118/EC) and introduces measures to prevent or limit theme on Environmental European Commission inputs of pollutants into groundwater to help quality and climate change 1980 achieve Water Framework Directive objectives. Bathing Water Directive Sets standards for water quality at popular Through Management Plan (Directive 2006/7/EC) beaches and inland bathing sites that have theme on River Use and European Commission been designated as bathing waters to protect Estuary Management 2006 human health and the environment

Freshwater Fish Protects and improves the quality of rivers Through Management Plan Directive (Directive and lakes to encourage healthy fish theme on River Use and 2006/44/EC) European populations. Sets water quality standards and Estuary Management Commission 2006 monitoring requirements for designated areas of water. Urban Waste Water Regulates the collection and treatment of Through Management Plan Treatment Directive waste water from homes and industry. It theme on Environmental (Directive 91/271/EC) protects the environment from the negative quality and climate change European Commission effects of urban waste water and discharges 1991 from certain industrial sectors.

Air Quality Framework Sets legally binding limits for concentrations Through Management Plan Directive (Directive of major air pollutants that impact public theme on Transport 2008/50/EC) health and can combine in the atmosphere to European Commission form ozone, a harmful air pollutant (and 2008 potent greenhouse gas).

Directive to promote Sets legally binding targets for renewable Through Management Plan Electricity from energy generation. themes on Land Management Renewable Energy and Planning (Directive 2009/28/EC) European Commission 2009 Kyoto Protocol (1997), International treaty aimed at stabilising Through Management Plan the UN Framework greenhouse gas concentrations in the theme on Environmental Convention on Climate atmosphere at levels that would prevent quality and climate change Change (1999), and the dangerous climate change. Protocol to secure Copenhagen Accord reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by (2009) 12.5% from 1990 levels, second commitment United Nations period 2013-2020

The Floods Directive Requires Member States to consider flood Through Management Plan (Directive 2007/60/EC) risk and impacts on human health and life, theme on Environmental European Commission the environment, cultural heritage and quality and climate change

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2007 economic activity; identify the areas at significant risk and produce flood hazard and risk maps. Flood Risk Management Plans should be produced (by 2015) to indicate the nature of the risk and how this will be managed, focusing on prevention, protection and preparedness. Environmental Noise Sets out framework to reduce noise Through actions to support Directive pollution and its impact on people local communities 2002/49/EC European Commission 2002 The Johannesburg International agreement on sustainable Through actions to support Declaration of development, focusing particularly on threats local communities, social Sustainable to human health and wellbeing such as inclusion and health Development disease; malnutrition; crime; natural United Nations 2002 disasters; racial intolerance.

EU Sustainable Wide-ranging strategy encompassing climate Through Management Plan Development Strategy change, sustainable transport, themes on Environmental management of natural resources etc quality and climate change and transport

National and sub-regional levels

Other Plan/Programme Relevant aims/objectives or How objectives or requirements requirements might be considered National Parks & Access The 1949 Act provided the framework for the Set out the purpose of AONB to the Countryside Act, creation of AONBs, and also addressed public designation (1949) rights of way and access to open land. Countryside and Rights The Act aims to create a new statutory right Set out the requirement for an of Way Act 2000 (CRoW) of access to open country and registered AONB Management Plan to be UK Government (2000) common land, modernise the rights of way produced. system, give greater protection to SSSIs and strengthen wildlife enforcement legislation. Section 85 confers a duty to “have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing natural beauty in AONB’s” Wildlife and Countryside The Act is the principal legislation in Britain Through Management Plan Act (as amended) UK for the protection and conservation of theme on biodiversity Government (1981, wildlife and habitats. 1985) Natural Environment Public bodies have a duty to “ have Through Management Plan and Rural Communities regard to conserving biodiversity so far as theme on biodiversity Act 2006 is consistent with the exercise of their functions”

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Ancient Monuments and The Act legislates to protect the Through Management Plan Archaeological Areas Act archaeological heritage of the UK. It defines theme on the historic (1979) sites of national importance as 'ancient environment and culture monuments'. Damage to an ancient monument is a criminal offence and any works taking place within one require consent. Secure and Sustainable An Act to make provision in relation to Through Management Plan Buildings Act (2004) matters connected with buildings. Provisions themes on planning and the include: historic environment and 1. Purposes of building regulations culture 2. Buildings of special historical or architectural interest 3. Contents of building regulations 4. Continuing requirements of building regulations, and others Marine and Coastal Establishes new responsibilities for the Through Management Plan Access Act 2009 marine environment and new regulation theme on River Use and methods to manage fisheries and identify Estuary Management marine conservation zones UK National Ecosystem An analysis of the UK’s natural environment Through a specific section in Assessment JNCC, in terms of the benefits it provides to society the Management Plan on (2011) and continuing economic prosperity. ecosystem services Natural Environment Sets out the Government’s Vision for the Through Management Plan White Paper natural environment, placing a high priority theme on biodiversity (Defra ) on conservation of biodiversity and the services provided to people by the natural environment. Biodiversity 2020 A Sets out the strategic direction for Through Management Plan strategy for biodiversity including setting an ambition to theme on biodiversity England’s wildlife and halt overall loss of England’s biodiversity by ecosystem 2020. In the longer term, the ambition is to services move progressively from a position of net Defra (2011) biodiversity loss to net gain. Making Space for Nature An independent review concluded that Through Management Plan Lawton Review (2010) England’s collection of wildlife areas is theme on biodiversity fragmented and does not represent a coherent and resilient ecological network capable of responding to the challenges of climate change and other pressures. Rights of Way Circular Information about Rights of Way, Access Through Management Plan (1/09) DEFRA forums, maintenance and management of theme on Access 2009 the network Planning (Listed Sets out planning requirements governing Through Management Plan Buildings and changes to listed buildings and Conservation theme on historic Conservation Areas) Act Areas environment and culture 1990

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Ancient Monuments and Sets out the protection afforded to areas of Through Management Plan Archaeological Areas Act historic, architectural, traditional, artistic or theme on historic 1979 archaeological interest through environment and culture establishment of Scheduled Ancient Monuments Protection of Wrecks Act Provides protection for designated Through Management Plan 1973 shipwrecks including those designated theme on River Use and because of historical, archaeological or Estuary Management artistic value. UK Marine Policy Sets out policy objectives for marine areas in Through Management Plan Statement, 2011 securing the UK vision of 'clean, healthy, safe, theme on River Use and DEFRA productive and biologically diverse oceans Estuary Management and seas.' Provides the framework for preparing Marine Plans and taking decisions that affect the marine environment. England Forestry Promotes forestry for rural development, Through Management Plan Strategy economic regeneration, recreation, access themes on land management Forestry Commission and tourism, and for the environment and and economy (1999) conservation. Independent Panel on Examines the value of England’s woods and Through Management Plan Forestry Final Report forests for all the benefits they provide for themes on land management (2012) people, for nature and the economy. This and economy includes recreation, clean air, clean water, habitats for wildlife, locking up carbon, providing shade, reducing flooding, and timber for buildings, furniture, flooring, fuel, and paper. Safeguarding our Soils: A Outlines the Government’s approach to Through Management Plan Strategy for England safeguarding soils in the long term. It sets out themes on Environmental Defra (2009) the actions needed to prevent further soil quality and climate change degradation, enhance, restore and ensure and land management their resilience, and improve understanding of the threats to soil and best practice in responding to them. Addresses the threats of flooding and water Through Management Plan Flood and Water scarcity. Requires local authorities to prepare themes on Environmental Management Act 2010 local flood risk management strategies and quality and climate change requires sustainable drainage systems in new development. Water White Paper Provides a vision for future water Through Management Plan Defra (2012) management and proposes measures to theme on Environmental reform the way water abstraction is quality and climate change managed, to encourage water companies to be more efficient and customer focused, and to ensure that water is valued as a precious and finite resource. Future Water: The Sets out a framework for water management Through Management Plan

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Government’s Water in England. This includes: sustainable delivery theme on Environmental Strategy for England of secure water supplies, an improved and quality and climate change Defra (2011) protected water environment, fair, affordable and cost-reflective water charges, reduced water sector greenhouse gas emissions and more sustainable and effective management of surface water. Climate Change Act 2008 Sets out a statutory framework for adapting Through Management Plan to climate change, including emissions theme on Environmental reduction targets to 2050. quality and climate change Energy Act 2011 Makes provision for energy efficiency Through Management Plan measures to homes and businesses, as well themes on Environmental as measures to enable low-carbon energy quality and climate change supplies and fair competition in the energy and planning markets. UK Low Carbon Sets out the UK's first comprehensive low Through Management Plan Transition Plan White carbon transition plan to 2020. themes on Environmental Paper: National Strategy quality and climate change for Climate Change and and planning Energy HM Government (2009) Carbon Plan Sets out the Government’s long term plans Through Management Plan DECC (2011) for making a transition to a low carbon themes on Environmental economy while maintaining energy security quality and climate change and minimising cost to consumers. It sets out and planning the Government's plans for achieving carbon emissions reductions. Renewable Energy Sets out measures to deliver the Through Management Plan Strategy for the UK Government’s goal of 15% of energy from themes on land management HM Government (2009) renewables by 2020. and planning Annual Energy Sets out government policies covering Through Management Plan Statement 2012 energy security, climate change, themes on Environmental affordability and fairness. quality and climate change and planning UK Bioenergy Strategy The strategy sets out the Coalition Through Management Plan (DECC, 2012) Government’s approach to securing the themes on Environmental benefits of bioenergy in support of meeting quality and climate change carbon emission targets and planning Code for Sustainable The Code is the national standard for the Through Management Plan Homes (CLG, 2009) sustainable design and construction of new themes on Environmental homes. The Code aims to reduce our carbon quality and climate change emissions and create homes that are more and planning sustainable DEFRA Annual Business Priorities are support for farming, Through Management Plan Plan enhancing biodiversity and the green themes on biodiversity, land economy management and economy Mainstreaming Principle that sustainable development Throughout the Management

44 Environmental Report sustainable should be embedded in all aspects of Plan, assessed through the development - government work SEA The government’s vision and what this means in practice DEFRA 2011 DCMS Annual Business Boost Big Society, facilitate sustainable Through Management Plan Plan tourism. Facilitate delivery of superfast themes on economy, access, broadband historic environment and culture Healthy lives, healthy Support healthy lifestyles. Increase life Through Management Plan people: improving expectancy, improve well-being themes on communities, outcomes and access, historic environment supporting transparency and culture Department for Health 2012 Creating a sporting habit Seeks a consistent increase in the proportion Through Management Plan for life, A new youth of people regularly playing sport, in themes on communities, sport strategy (DCMS, particular, to raise the proportion of 14-25 access 2012) year olds who play sport and to establish a lasting network of links between schools and sports clubs in local communities to keep young people playing sport up to and beyond the age of 25 Strategic Framework for Maximise tourism contribution to Through Management Plan Tourism in economy and quality of life themes on economy, access, England 2010-2020 communities Sustainable Tourism Seeks to increase the level and standard of Through Management Plan Accord between Visit public access to the natural environment themes on economy, access, England, Defra and the communities National Association of AONBs 2013 Business Plan 2012-2015 Sets out DfT’s priorities including to: Through Management Plan (Department for 2. Deliver a sustainable and customer- themes on economy, access, Transport, 2012) focused railway communities 3. Support sustainable local travel by investing in local transport, decentralising funding and powers, tackling local congestion and making public transport (including light rail), walking and cycling more attractive. 4. Invest in our roads to promote growth, while reducing congestion and tackling carbon 5. Promote sustainable aviation Localism Act 2011 Includes a range of measures to devolve Through Management Plan powers and responsibilities to local themes on communities and communities, including the ability to prepare planning

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Neighbourhood Plans, to bring forward development proposals, to take over the running of services, and to bid to buy and take over the running of certain local assets that are important to them such as the local shop or pub. Planning Act 2008 and Introduced a new system for decisions on Through Management Plan National Policy applications to build nationally significant theme on planning Statements infrastructure projects in England and Wales taking into account the guidance provided in National Policy Statements National Planning Policy National planning policy replacing previous Through Management Plan Framework planning policy statements, to make the theme on planning CLG (2012) planning system less complex and more accessible. Establishes the presumption in favour of sustainable development where Local Plans are not up to date or are silent on an issue. AONBs priority set out in paras 115 and 116, also mineral applications para 144 Cornwall and the Isles of Provides a vision and objectives for the LEP Through Management Plan Scilly Local Enterprise based around 4 priorities on inspiring theme on economy Partnership Economic businesses, creating value out of knowledge, Growth Strategy 2012 to creating great carers, and using the 2020; and Cornwall and environment responsibly as an economic the Isles of Scilly Local asset Enterprise Partnership Business Plan Heart of the South West Three year plan to support economic Through Management Plan Local Enterprise development and growth. Includes 4 theme on economy Partnership Business priorities on productivity and enterprise, Plan attracting new business and investment, maximising employment opportunities, and promoting infrastructure to connect with markets

Local

Other Plan/Programme Relevant aims/objectives or How objectives or requirements requirements might be considered National Character Area Character descriptions have been Through Management Plan Descriptions published for each NCA. These define themes on landscape and Natural England the unique features of the landscape biodiversity under revision and highlight the influences determining the character of the landscape area. Tamar Valley AONB is covered by the South Devon and

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Cornish Killas NCAs Devon Landscape Character Areas Finer scale than NCAs Through Management Plan 2012 themes on landscape and biodiversity The Devon Historic Environment Comprehensive and definitive records Through Management Plan Record (HER); and of the historic environment of Devon themes on the historic The Cornwall & Scilly Historic and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Environment and culture Environment Record (HER) A Strategy for the Historic Relevant priorities are to: ensure the Through Management Plan Environment in the South West Historic Environment is accessible and themes on the historic English Heritage relevant to people in their everyday Environment and culture , (2004) lives; and to raise awareness of the and through historic dimension of the wider interpretation, information environment and its contribution to and communication quality of life. World Heritage Site Management Setting priorities for site management Through Management Plan Plan theme on historic environment The Tamar Estuaries Management Setting integrated management Through Management Plan Plan 2013 to 2018 priorities for the Tamar Estuaries and themes on rivers and Tamar Estuary European Marine Site estuaries and biodiversity Devon Local Nature Partnership In development Through Management Plan (LNP) strategy theme on biodiversity Cornwall Local Nature Partnership In development Through Management Plan (LNP) strategy theme on biodiversity The Nature of Devon 2006 Detailed plans to protect and restore Through Management Plan health of 20 habitats and 20 species theme on biodiversity River Basin Management Plan for Sets out a programme of measures for Through Management Plan the South West River Basin protecting and improving the water themes on Environmental District environment including sustainable quality and climate change, Environment Agency 2009 urban drainage systems and water and planning efficiency measures. South Devon and Dorset Shoreline Setting policy for management of sea Through Management Plan Management Plan (SMP2) defences and coastal habitat themes on Environmental quality and climate change, and rivers and estuary Tamar Catchment Flood Catchment flood management plans Through Management Plan Management Plan provide an overview of the main themes on Environmental Environment Agency sources of flood risk and how these quality and climate change, (2012) can be managed in a sustainable way and land management for the next 50 to 100 years. The plans identify policy options in terms of sustainable flood management solutions whilst also considering land use changes and effects of climate change. The Tamar Plan (catchment Identifies a wide range of actions Through Management Plan

47 Environmental Report management identified by a stakeholder-led process themes on Environmental quality and climate change, and land management Devon Local Flood Risk Devon and Cornwall County Councils Through Management Plan Management Strategy and Plymouth City Council are themes on Environmental Devon County Council required to produce a local flood risk quality and climate change, Cornwall Local Flood Risk management strategy to deal with and land management Management Strategy local flood risks as one of its new Cornwall County Council responsibilities under the Flood and Plymouth Local Flood Risk Water Management Act 2010 Management Strategy Plymouth City Council (being prepared) Tamar WFD Management Area Assesses the amount of water Through Management Plan Abstraction Licensing Strategy, available and sets time limited licenses themes on Environmental Environment Agency 2012 for abstraction so that water resources quality and climate change, can be managed. Indicates that there and land management are some restrictions to the availability of water for abstraction in the of the Tamar Valley AONB area. Price Review 2014 Proposals for investment 2014-2019 to Through Management Plan South West Water address drinking water quality issues themes on Environmental across the South West to meet Water quality and climate change, Framework Directive requirements and land management Devon Sustainable Community Outlines the vision, priorities and Through Management Plan Strategy 2008 – 2018 outcomes for Devon to underpin themes relating to Devon Strategic Partnership (DSP) partnership working in the county for economy, communities, the ten year period. Identified six and planning priorities including a prosperous economy; supporting the world class natural and built environment and cultural heritage; promoting health and wellbeing; providing housing; tackling unsocial behaviour; and supporting strong, prosperous and inclusive communities. Ten year vision with aim to be England’s greenest county Cornwall Community Strategy An overarching strategy to be Through Management Plan implemented through the Local Plan themes relating to and Local Transport Plan economy, communities, and planning Plymouth Sustainable Community Setting strategic priorities for Strategy Plymouth City West Devon Core Strategy (2011) The adopted Core Strategy includes Through Management Plan (Local Plan) Strategic Policy Sustainable themes relating to Development 1 and Strategic Policy 17 economy, communities,

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Landscape Character which afford and planning protection to the natural and man- made landscapes in the Borough. South Hams Core Strategy (2006) The adopted Core Strategy includes Through Management Plan South Hams Development Policy Policy CS9 Landscape and Historic themes relating to Document (2010) Environment which does not permit economy, communities, (Local Plan) development which would harm the and planning landscape and historic environment. The Development Policy Document includes policy DP5 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation supports the enhancement of biodiversity, including networks of natural habitats, such as the river valleys South Hams and West Devon Sets priorities for joint working Through Management Plan Connect Strategy between the two councils and for themes relating to working with their communities economy, communities, and planning Dartmoor National Park Local Plan Promoting and Enabling development, Through Management Plan economic growth and environmental themes relating to protection economy, communities, and planning Dartmoor National Park Sets out a long term vision for Through the Management Management Plan Dartmoor National Park, and a set of Plan as a whole, priorities for action over the next five particularly themes years relating to landscape, biodiversity and historic environment and culture Draft Green Infrastructure Sets as a primary objective need to Through Management Plan Strategy include Green Infrastructure at the theme on planning Devon County Council 2011 earliest opportunity Strategy for the Management and Defines route provision, promotion Through Management Plan Promotion of the Recreation and opportunities at a strategic level theme on access, Route Network in Devon, 2009 across Devon. Identifies the Discovery recreation and tourism Devon County Council (DCC) Trail as a Regional Route, meaning it is ‘considered amongst the best long- distance routes in the South West’ South West Coast Path Action Setting priorities for maintenance and Through Management Plan Plan development of this national trail theme on access, recreation and tourism Vision for Plymouth 2003, The city should aspire to a population Through Management Plan Plymouth Strategic Partnership of 300,000 by 2026 (from a 2010 figure theme on planning of 241,000). Plymouth City Local Development Guides planning and development in Through Management Plan Framework 2011, Plymouth City Plymouth until 2021 and beyond. The theme on planning Council documents indicate significant

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redevelopment and new housing throughout the city, increasing the number of people coming up into the Tamar Valley AONB for recreation and tourism Backing Devon- Devon County Holistic plan for Devon that includes Through the Management Council’s Strategic Plan an objective to make the most of Plan as a whole 2011-2015 Devon’s natural assets Cornwall Council emerging Local Promoting and Enabling development, Through Management Plan Plan and saved policies economic growth and environmental theme on planning protection Devon Structure Plan High level policy aims include: Through Management Plan Joint Committee (2004) conservation and enhancement of the theme on planning environment; prudent use of resources; community self sufficiency; a dynamic and healthy economy; a sustainable transport network. Devon Local Economic Assessment Provides evidence and data on the Through Management Plan - May 2012 Devon economy. Away from the Exeter themes on planning and area (which dominates Devon’s communities economy), the economy is dominated by small/micro businesses, most of which are operating in low value- added sectors and paying low wages. From this starting point, accelerated economic growth is a real challenge Cornwall Council Economy White A general economic strategy Through Management Plan Paper themes on planning and communities Plymouth Sub-Regional Economic Sets growth ambitions for Plymouth Through Management Plan Strategy themes on planning and communities Devon County Council Lighting General policy for management of Through Management Plan Strategy, Policy and Plan street lighting policies on tranquillity and dark skies Devon & Torbay Local Transport The Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP3) is a Through Management Plan Plan LTP3 15 year plan, covering the period 2011 theme on transport 2011-26 – 2026. It aims to deliver a transport Devon County Council and Torbay system that can meet economic, Council environmental and social challenges through offering safe and sustainable travel choices. Includes five key objectives: Deliver and support new development and economic growth; make best use of the transport network and protect the existing transport asset by prioritising

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maintenance; work with communities to provide safe, sustainable and low carbon transport choices; strengthen and improve the public transport network; make Devon the ‘Place to be naturally active’. Plymouth Local Transport Plan Setting a transport vision for Plymouth Through Management Plan themes on access, planning and communities Cornwall Council Waste Plan 2002 Waste planning policies Through Management Plan saved policies themes on planning and communities Devon Waste Plan Recognises the rural character and Through Management Plan Consultation draft 2012 considerable environmental quality, of themes on planning and Devon, and the need to manage waste communities in more innovative ways, minimising negative impacts of waste management and reducing the cost of waste treatment. Promotes recycling and technologies which can be used to generate energy from waste. Devon County Waste Relevant objectives include: public Through Management Plan Local Plan, Adopted awareness; protection of the themes on planning and Version (adopted June environment; waste hierarchy; communities 2006) Devon County minimising transportation of waste; Council self sufficiency. Devon Minerals and Waste A planning framework which will Through Management Plan Development Scheme, March replace the Minerals and Waste Plans. themes on planning and 2007 Part way though its development communities process Cornwall Council Minerals Plan Minerals planning policies Through Management Plan 1998 saved policies themes on planning, biodiversity and geodiversity, and environmental quality and culture Plymouth Waste Development Setting strategic waste policies for City Through Management Plan Plan 2006-2021 of Plymouth themes on planning and communities Cornwall Council White Paper for A strategy for cultural development in Through Management Plan Culture Cornwall themes on historic environment and communities Cornwall Biodiversity Action Plan Sets out a spatial strategy for Through Management Plan biodiversity improvement. Plymouth theme on biodiversity Green Infrastructure and Tamar Valley Woods is one of the priority areas in

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the plan. Management of hedges and woods for woodfuel, as investigated in the Cordiale project, is a priority action Cornwall Access Strategy Setting out the Council’s general Through Management Plan approach to managing access. No theme on access, specific projects identified. The recreation and tourism strategy recognises the importance of access to inland water Parish Plans Identify issues and actions at Parish Through Management Plan level themes on planning and communities Local Nature Reserve Management prescriptions for various Through Management Plan Management Plans local nature reserves theme on biodiversity

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