River Otter Geomorphological Audit

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

River Otter Geomorphological Audit Tender Ref. 12709 Geomorphological Assessment of the River Otter, Devon Report UC0672 March 2004 GeoData Institute Tender Ref. 12709 Geomorphological Assessment of the River Otter, Devon Emery, J.C., Hill, C.T. and Sear, D.A. Report UC0672 March 2004 GeoData Institute University of Southampton Southampton SO17 1BJ Tel: 023 8059 2719 Fax: 023 8059 2849 e-mail: [email protected] CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 3 2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................. 3 3 CATCHMENT CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................................ 4 4 BANK EROSION THEORY ............................................................................................................. 9 5 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................13 5.1 DATA COLLECTION .....................................................................................................................14 5.1.1 Contemporary Field Survey ...................................................................................................14 5.1.2 Historical (archive) data .......................................................................................................15 6 HISTORICAL GEOMORPHOLOGY ............................................................................................17 6.1 RAINFALL, FLOOD MAGNITUDE AND FREQUENCY ........................................................................17 6.2 CHANNEL MODIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT .............................................................................24 6.3 HISTORICAL PLANFORM CHANGE ................................................................................................27 7 CONTEMPORARY GEOMORPHOLOGY ...................................................................................49 8 GEOMORPHOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION ..........................................................................69 9 MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS ................................................................................................74 9.1 MANAGEMENT OPTIONS ..............................................................................................................74 9.2 CASE STUDY: TIPTON ST JOHN ...................................................................................................78 10 USE OF THE REPORT ....................................................................................................................81 11 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................83 12 APPENDICES A - C River Otter Geomorphological Audit Executive Summary A geomorphological assessment that utilised historical information, contemporary field survey and scientific literature resources has been undertaken for the River Otter between the tidal limit and the end of ‘main’ river upstream of Honiton. The findings of this study can be summarised as follows: 1) Bank erosion is system wide and occurs over 23% of the bank length. Of this some 6.4% is considered to be severe. 2) Bank erosion is intrinsically linked to channel adjustment, particularly (but not exclusively) at river bends. 3) The adjustment (and erosion activity) increased system-wide at some point between 1930 and 1950. During this period channel planform became more sinuous and bends started to migrate more rapidly. The precise cause is unknown at present. 4) Channel migration and subsequent bend curvature has increased over the intervening periods, with increases in activity associated with periods of increased flood frequency. 5) The primary drivers of bank erosion (in no priority) on the Otter are considered to be: a) Periods of increased flood frequency, in particular long duration floods and rainfall. b) Increased bend curvature leading to flow impingement and higher outer- bank shear stress at many bends. c) Widespread dredging and shoal removal in the period 1960 – 1990 that reduced sediment supply, dropped bed elevations and increased bank heights along the study reach. d) The presence of composite banks with the exposure (through incision) of weaker gravel layers at the toe of most banks. The Implications of these findings are summarised as follows: 1) The system-wide scale and causes of channel adjustment and associated bank erosion requires a system-wide plan for channel management. Piecemeal bend protection such as been practiced in the past, does not treat the root causes. Indeed evidence suggests that the channel adjusts elsewhere as a result of the protection. 2) Conditions at most banks are not conducive to the use of bio or biotechnical engineering approaches to bank protection. 3) Local bank protection measures where necessary, are likely to require heavy blockstone in combination with channel realignment to reduce flow impingement. GeoData Institute Page 1 River Otter Geomorphological Audit The current lack of an overall strategy for managing bank erosion and channel adjustment does not work for the Environment Agency, Stakeholders or the river environment. This report is seen as a step towards developing a more comprehensive management plan. This process might involve the following: 1) Education of stakeholders as to the system-wide nature and cause of the adjustments through a series of meetings in combination with a scaled down information brochure based on this report. 2) Take an adaptive management approach to channel adjustment whereby stakeholders are informed and involved in developing a Channel Migration Zone (CMZ) plan for the Otter, based on procedures developed in the US, and the analysis undertaken in this study. This CMZ would aim to develop floodplain zones to allow adjustment of the river where possible, and to highlight where adjustment would not be permitted. In the latter case a plan for bank protection would be required. A monitoring procedure to track the adjustment of the channel bank line would be implemented and used as the basis for action where this is necessary on the basis of economy, efficacy and environment. 3) At specific sites (e.g. Tipton St John) this report can be used to highlight the underlying causes of erosion and the costly nature of the protection and re- alignment works. Alternative solutions including set-back (removal of the threatened infrastructure) should be considered. 4) Recognise that the baseline data contained in this report and accompanying GIS provides a valuable live resource against which to base subsequent monitoring (e.g. 5 year review of channel planform and erosion at severe sites). GeoData Institute Page 2 River Otter Geomorphological Audit River Otter Geomorphological Audit 1 INTRODUCTION The River Otter is a dynamic gravel-bed river in East Devon. Evidence of active channel migration is widespread throughout its catchment and consequently severe bank erosion is, and has been, a persistent problem. In response a Geomorphological Audit of the River Otter has been undertaken to identify and understand the geomorphological processes which influence and control this channel activity. A 30km length of the River Otter between the main river limit, 1.5km north of Honiton (ST173023), and the Normal Tide Limit (NTL) at the Budleigh Brook Confluence has been investigated. The audit was two fold; i) a desk study to collate historical data sources which record changes in the catchment, both natural and anthropogenic, which may have disturbed the fluvial system (discharge or sediment supply), and had direct implications on the channel morphology (change in channel planform, long profile and cross sectional geometry); ii) a contemporary field survey which integrated the key components of both a Detailed Catchment Baseline Survey (DCBS) and Fluvial Audit (FA), and emphasised assessment of the controls and extent of erosion and deposition along the channel. By classifying the stability of channel morphology, in particular the susceptibility of the banks to erode, on a reach-by-reach basis, an assessment was made as to whether the current channel form and features were either stable and adjusted to the prevailing flow processes and sediment dynamics, or unstable and actively adjusting (eroding) to attain a new dynamic equilibrium. By differentiating between reaches classified as stable or unstable it was possible to isolate the potential causes or exacerbating factors of bank erosion in operation on the River Otter. 2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to develop an understanding of the dynamic geomorphology of the River Otter and to elucidate those variables and geomorphological processes which are, or have been, influential in controlling or modifying channel adjustment, in particular those which are associated with bank erosion. The specific objectives of the study are six-fold: • To examine changes to the channel planform over time using historical maps and aerial photographs. GeoData Institute Page 3 River Otter Geomorphological Audit • To investigate channel and catchment changes over the past 150 years using historical records and consultation with EA staff, and to develop a time chart which identifies Potentially Destabilising Phenomena (PDP’s). • To identify the major geomorphological features and processes occurring in the River Otter,
Recommended publications
  • Seaton Wetlands Sidmouth Seaton
    How to find us © CROWN COPYRIGHT DATABASE RIGHTS 2012 ORDNANCE SURVEY 100023746 ORDNANCE SURVEY RIGHTS 2012 COPYRIGHT DATABASE © CROWN Lyme Regis Colyford Axe Estuary Axe Estuary WETLANDS WETLANDS A3052 Seaton Wetlands Sidmouth Seaton Seaton Road Wetlands Information Axe Estuary ENTRANCE Seaton Cemetery WETLANDS ◊ Free parking River Axe ◊ Toilets (including disabled toilet and baby changing) ◊ 5 bird hides Seaton Wetlands is located six miles west of ◊ Tramper off-road mobility scooter hire Lyme Regis and eight miles east of Sidmouth, ◊ Discovery hut between Colyford and Seaton. ◊ Picnic area In the middle of Colyford village on the A3052, take the Seaton road, signposted Axe Vale Static ◊ No dogs except assistance dogs Caravan Park. After half a mile turn left into ◊ Refreshments at weekends Seaton cemetery and continue through the ◊ Cycling welcomed on most of site cemetery car park to the Wetlands parking area. ◊ Wheelchair and buggy friendly paths ◊ Pond dipping equipment for hire Contact the countryside team: East Devon District Council ◊ Nearly 4 miles of trails/boardwalks Knowle Sidmouth EX10 8HL Tel: 01395 517557 Email: [email protected] www.eastdevon.gov.uk /eastdevoncountryside X2002 East Devon – an outstanding place Lyme Regis Colyford welcome to seaton wetlands N Swan Hill Road Sidmouth Entrance Popes Lane 1 Tram line Tram path Wheelchair friendly Footpath Colyford Seaton Road Common Hide 1 Water body Water Reserve Nature bed Reed colyford common Tidal salt marsh with broadwalk access to hide, viewing WC 2 platform and circular reedbed walk. Bus stop allowed Cyclists flooded area Seasonally Island Hide 3 Cemetery Entrance Marsh Lane Tower Hide Colyford Road Colyford 2 stafford marsh River Axe Ponds, reeds and the Stafford Brook make up the learning zone and wildlife garden.
    [Show full text]
  • Our Lovely River Otter Looking Over the Flower Baskets on Tipton St John Bridge Photo: Thanks to Jeff Chapman
    Newton Poppleford Harpford & Colaton Raleigh Our lovely River Otter looking over the flower baskets on Tipton St John bridge photo: thanks to Jeff Chapman St Luke St Gregory the Great St John the Baptist Newton Poppleford Harpford (BCP) Colaton Raleigh "Normal" Sunday services are unlikely to be happening for some while yet. A Sunday service on 'Zoom' is held at 10.00am each Sunday mainly for the congregations of Mark's 'patch' – the parishes of Newton Poppleford, Harpford, Colaton Raleigh and Tipton St John with Venn Ottery – though anyone with internet access is welcome to join in. Email Mark Ward (as below) to receive the link to join in. Ring a friend if you don't know how to use Zoom – more than half the population have learnt how to use it in the last few months. Mark is planning to follow this each Sunday with a simple said service in St Luke's Church, Newton Poppleford at 11.00am. Of course, this will have to follow the safety rules – hand sanitising on entry and exit, social distancing and wearing of face covering. No singing is permitted, so it won't be 'returning to normal' At present, chairs are set out at 2 metre distancing, so there is only space for some 20 people (depending on how many come as couples or family groups). You'll be welcomed if you do come, but please obey any instructions from the steward, and don't be disappointed if there is not enough room to fit you in safely. Colaton Raleigh Church is open for private prayer a couple of mornings a week – see the notice board on the church gate for updated days and times, and please respect the safety and distancing rules.
    [Show full text]
  • Lower River Otter Options
    Haycock, Suite 1, Deer Park Business Centre, Eckington, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3DN t +44 (0)1386 750642 e [email protected] www.haycock-associates.co.uk Lower River Otter: Long term options for drainage and flood management Client Clinton Devon Estates Author Dr. N.E. Haycock Date 18th December 2009 updated 16th February 2010 Version 3 rivers soils hydrology landscapes Haycock Associates Limited. Registered in England No. 03934665 VAT No. GB 658 1644 14 Registered office: Red Roof, Wick Road, Little Comberton, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 3EG. Haycock Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Aims of the Report 2 Introduction 2 Background 4 Catchment Topography and Geology 4 Lower Otter Topography and Geology 6 Catchment Hydrology 8 Current Drainage Layout 10 Recorded Flood Events 12 Tidal Levels and Data and its Current Influence 16 Historical Periods and Accounts of the Lower Otter Valley 18 Hydraulic Model of the Lower Otter Valley 20 Flood Dynamics - Fluvial 20 Flood Dynamics - Tidal 25 Flood Dynamics - Drainage 29 Predicted Sea Level and Flood Regime 29 Conclusions Arising from the Simulation Flood Models. 30 Long Term Options for Drainage and Flood Management 31 Option A - Cricket Ground Bund 32 Option B - Relocation of Cricket Ground 34 Haycock Option C - South Farm Road 35 Option D - River Otter floodplain at White Bridge. 37 Option E - Southern Big Marsh (linked to option B, C and D). 38 Option F - Northern Big Marsh 40 Option K - River Otter Big Bank Reach 42 Option G - Little Bank and Swale 43 Option H - Otterton Mill and Otterton Bridge 44 Summary of Options - Table 5 47 Overview and recommendations 48 Key Documentation 49 Appendix A: Long section through the Lime Kiln Culvert (Howick and Partners, 2001).
    [Show full text]
  • Local Government Boundary Commission for England Report No
    Local Government Boundary Commission For England Report No. 541 Parish Review DISTRICT OF EAST DEVON LOCAL GOVSHNMH1T BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOH ENGLAND RETORT NO. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND CHAIRMAN Mr G J Ellerton CMC MBE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Mr J G Powell FRIGS FSVA MEMBERS Lady Ackner Mr G R Prentice Professor G E Cherry Mr K J L Newell Mr B Scholes OBE THE RT. HON. NICHOLAS RIDLEY MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT EAST DEVON PARISH REVIEW 1. On 10 December 1986 we submitted to you our Reports Nos. 521 and 522 following our consideration of the review of the City of Exeter's boundary with the Districts of East Devon and Teignbridge in the County of Devon, and of part of the parish review of the District of East Devon. 2. In our Report No. 522 we proposed the realignment of the boundary between the Parishes of Woodbury and Clyst St. George in order to place the village of Ebford within Clyst. St. George. \3e made this proposal under section 51 of the Local Government Act 1972 in advance of our other proposals on the East Devon parish review, with the request that the proposal be implemented concurrently with those on the District of Exeter boundary review if they were implemented. In your Department's letter of 3 April 1987 we were informed of your decision to make an Order under section 51(2) of the Act giving effect to the proposal set out in our Report No. 522 without modification. 3. We considered the District Council's parish review report, the Council's Working Party's report and associated comments, in accordance with the requirements of section 48(9) of the Act, together with the enclosed representations which were received direct, and which are listed in the attached Schedule A.
    [Show full text]
  • River Axe Draft Restoration Plan
    Restoring the River Axe Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation River Restoration Plan Draft for comment - 7 December 2015 to 17 January 2016 CONTENTS Chapter Page Executive Summary 1 Aim of the restoration plan 1 Working with others 2 How to comment on the draft plan 3 Delivering the restoration plan 3 1 Restoration of the River Axe 5 1.1 Introduction 5 1.2 The need for restoration 7 1.3 A restoration vision 7 1.4 How can we deliver this restoration? 8 1.5 Our approach 8 1.6 How to use this plan 10 1.7 Who is this plan for? 11 2 The River Axe Site of Special Scientific Interest 12 2.1 Geology and hydrology 12 2.2 Ecology 13 2.3 Conservation objectives for the River Axe SSSI 13 2.4 Condition of the River Axe SSSI 14 2.5 Water Framework Directive objectives 16 2.6 Land use and land use change 17 2.7 Water quality 17 2.8 Flood risk 18 2.9 Invasive non-native species and disease 19 2.10 Influences on geomorphology and channel change 20 3 River sector descriptions 23 3.1 Summary of sector descriptions 23 3.2 Upper sector 25 3.2.1 Physical characteristics 26 3.2.2 Historical change 26 3.2.3 Geomorphological behaviour 27 3.2.4 Significant issues 27 3.3 Mid sector 29 3.3.1 Physical characteristics 30 3.3.2 Historical change 30 3.3.3 Geomorphological behaviour 31 3.3.4 Significant issues 31 3.4 Lower sector 33 3.4.1 Physical characteristics 35 3.4.2 Historical change 35 3.4.3 Geomorphological behaviour 36 3.4.4 Significant issues 36 DRAFT FOR COMMENT 4 Channel modifications and restoration measures 38 4.1 Geomorphology
    [Show full text]
  • South West River Basin District Flood Risk Management Plan 2015 to 2021 Habitats Regulation Assessment
    South West river basin district Flood Risk Management Plan 2015 to 2021 Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2016 Executive summary The Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) for the South West River Basin District (RBD) provides an overview of the range of flood risks from different sources across the 9 catchments of the RBD. The RBD catchments are defined in the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) and based on the natural configuration of bodies of water (rivers, estuaries, lakes etc.). The FRMP provides a range of objectives and programmes of measures identified to address risks from all flood sources. These are drawn from the many risk management authority plans already in place but also include a range of further strategic developments for the FRMP ‘cycle’ period of 2015 to 2021. The total numbers of measures for the South West RBD FRMP are reported under the following types of flood management action: Types of flood management measures % of RBD measures Prevention – e.g. land use policy, relocating people at risk etc. 21 % Protection – e.g. various forms of asset or property-based protection 54% Preparedness – e.g. awareness raising, forecasting and warnings 21% Recovery and review – e.g. the ‘after care’ from flood events 1% Other – any actions not able to be categorised yet 3% The purpose of the HRA is to report on the likely effects of the FRMP on the network of sites that are internationally designated for nature conservation (European sites), and the HRA has been carried out at the level of detail of the plan. Many measures do not have any expected physical effects on the ground, and have been screened out of consideration including most of the measures under the categories of Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery and Review.
    [Show full text]
  • South West River Basin Management Plan, Including Local Development Documents and Sustainable Community Strategies (Local Authorities)
    River Basin Management Plan South West River Basin District Contact us You can contact us in any of these ways: • email at [email protected] • phone on 08708 506506 • post to Environment Agency (South West Region), Manley House, Kestrel Way, Exeter EX2 7LQ The Environment Agency website holds the river basin management plans for England and Wales, and a range of other information about the environment, river basin management planning and the Water Framework Directive. www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wfd You can search maps for information related to this plan by using ‘What’s In Your Backyard’. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/maps SW River Basin Management Plan Erratum The following changes were made to this document in January 2011. Table 1 updated to reflect reduction by two in number of heavily modified river water bodies and increase by two in number of natural river water bodies. Figure 15 for Tamar catchment updated to reflect change in two river water bodies from heavily modified to natural (see erratum sheet in Annex B for water body specific details). Published by: Environment Agency, Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4UD tel: 08708 506506 email: [email protected] www.environment-agency.gov.uk © Environment Agency Some of the information used on the maps was created using information supplied by the Geological Survey and/or the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and/or the UK Hydrographic Office All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior
    [Show full text]
  • Tipton Times Was Started in 1969 and Is Produced and Distributed to Local Households Every Two Months by Volunteers
    298 IPTON August and September TIMES 2020 John Hayward Tipton Times was started in 1969 and is produced and distributed to local households every two months by volunteers. Costs are met from voluntary contributions TT advertising is free and limited to local non-profit organisations and charities, with a once per year opportunity for businesses in our delivery area Thousands More Last Year for our Two £50 Prizes in Houses for Bridge, Clock and Ottery Literary East Devon Village Green Flowers Competition Phil Wright All for One and One for All - Tipton St John Playing Field and Play Park Reopens Play Park Ottery Planning The Harpford No Voice for Private Opening Application for Red Bridge Tipton On Ottery for a Shielding - Positive Moves Town Council Youngster Tipton School COPY DEADLINE For 299, October and November 2020 Tuesday 22nd September (unless by arrangement) CONTRIBUTIONS VIA YOUR BANK TO: The Tipton Times Fund Sort Code: 30-94-36 A/c No: 01720384 OUR NEW EMAIL ADDRESS - YES ! ANOTHER NEW ONE! [email protected] Follow us on Twitter - @TiptonTimes Editors: David Birch 01404 815402; 3 Tipton Lodge, Tipton St John, EX10 0AW Paula Faulkner; Barbara Pugh ; Anne Sadler Treasurer: Andrew Sadler Proofreader/Printers: Pauline Belton; Janet Croud; Anne Reid; Ian Wonnacott Distribution and General Production: Maggie Bowley; Debbie Budge; Janet Croud; Tony & Joyce Cuerdon; Jenny Dorrington; Roy Faulkner; Michelle Grover; John Harding; Yvonne Hartland; Kyle Hayes; Sue Kensdale; Nicky Knight; Katherine Lilley; Diane Mann; Linda Martin; Gill and Allen Marks; Ann Matthews; Ann Moore; Jan Passmore; Tania Phillips; Anne Reid; Liz Rogers; Maggie Rule; Nikki Sanford; Chris Schofield; Alison and David Stevens; Megan Watton; Denise Wightman COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Cricketers - Phil Wright Isabel - Alison Pearson The Playpark, due to reopen in early July, unlocked the gates one day beforehand to We welcome letters and give a seriously vulnerable youngster the contributions but reserve the right to edit and amend chance to come out and run, play and swing such offerings.
    [Show full text]
  • Cc100712cba Severe Weather Event 7Th July 2012
    Devon County Council HTM/12/42 Report on Severe Weather Event 7 th July 2012 Synopsis On Friday 6 th July at 18:30 a RED warning was issued for the risk of severe disruption to Devon and Cornwall on Saturday 7 th July due to surface water and river flooding. This was an update to previous yellow and amber warnings issued earlier in the day. In the event, 45 to 90mm fell in parts of South Devon and 45-120mm fell in parts of East Devon according to the Environment Agency. Two severe flood warnings were issued for the River Yealm and the River Axe and a further 27 other flood warnings were issued, predominantly in South, Mid and East Devon. Current reports are suggesting that over 140 properties were affected by the flooding in Devon, but similar previous events suggest that this number will rise in time. Weather Radar 03:05 7 th July 2012 (courtesy of Meteogroup) Over 272 incidents were logged over the weekend the majority being on the Saturday morning after the main rainfall overnight on Friday. The Strategic Co-ordinating Group (Emergency services, local authorities, EA and Met Office) mobilised on Friday evening and Police Silver Control was active during Saturday to co-ordinate the multi-agency response. Further warnings are in place for potential further rain impacts on Wednesday to Friday, and these warnings are being carefully monitored – see overleaf. -1- Devon County Council DCC’s Flood Risk Management, Highways and Emergency Planning Teams are working closely with the District Councils and the Environment Agency to coordinate a full response.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Annex A
    Landscape Character Assessment in the Blackdown Hills AONB Landscape character describes the qualities and features that make a place distinctive. It can represent an area larger than the AONB or focus on a very specific location. The Blackdown Hills AONB displays a variety of landscape character within a relatively small, distinct area. These local variations in character within the AONB’s landscape are articulated through the Devon-wide Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), which describes the variations in character between different areas and types of landscape in the county and covers the entire AONB. www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devons-landscape-character- assessment What information does the Devon LCA contain? Devon has been divided into unique geographical areas sharing similar character and recognisable at different scales: 7 National Character Areas, broadly similar areas of landscape defined at a national scale by Natural England and named to an area recognisable on a national scale, for example, ‘Blackdowns’ and ‘Dartmoor’. There are 159 National Character Areas (NCA) in England; except for a very small area in the far west which falls into the Devon Redlands NCA, the Blackdown Hills AONB is within Blackdowns NCA. Further details: www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-character-area-profiles-data-for-local- decision-making/national-character-area-profiles#ncas-in-south-west-england 68 Devon Character Areas, unique, geographically-specific areas of landscape. Each Devon Character Area has an individual identity, but most comprise several different Landscape Character Types. Devon Character Areas are called by a specific place name, for example, ‘Blackdown Hills Scarp’ and ‘Axe Valley’.
    [Show full text]
  • Mayor's Initials: ……………………….. -1- Minutes of the ANNUAL PARISH
    -1- Minutes of the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING held on Tuesday 28th April 2015 at 7.00pm in The Institute, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary Present: Mayor Councillor Dobson Councillors Holmes, Thurgood (Town Ward) Bailey, Mitchell, Talbot, (West Hill Ward) J Harding, L Harding (Tipton St John Ward) Bartlett, Hansford (North Ward) together with the Clerk, Press and 49 members of the public Apologies: Councillors Giles and Pratt (Town Ward), Watmore (West Hill Ward). The Rev. Stephen Weston led the meeting in prayer. 1. WELCOME BY THE MAYOR – COUNCILLOR GLYN DOBSON Cllr Dobson welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited all Councillors present to introduce themselves. He thanked outgoing Councillors John Harding, George Hansford and Martin Thurgood for all that they have done. 2. TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON 29TH APRIL 2014 The Minutes were approved and they were signed by the Mayor. 3. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN FOR THE PARISH - A PRESENTATION Cllr Thurgood showed a short film presentation on Neighbourhood Planning. He explained that the Parish of Ottery St Mary Town Council had been approved by East Devon District Council as the area. He emphasised that local people need to be involved as it is the Community’s Plan. A Working Group has been established and it is looking for more members. Once a Neighbourhood Plan has been approved after a referendum then it must be taken into consideration by the District Council when deciding on planning applications. Developers are constrained by a Neighbourhood Plan. There is a lot to do to achieve a Neighbourhood Plan and the Working Group needs your views and your help.
    [Show full text]
  • Frewins, Budleigh Salterton
    Summer Picture Gallery The Holy Grail – the source of the Exe (left) and subsequent celebrations! 22nd August Peaking on High Willhayes – 26th July Stunning Purple Hairstreak – 15th July near Otterton A magnificent turnout for the ‘Magnificent Seven’ (or eight!) – 29th July Local schoolchildren dipping in the brook – see page 7 Cover photo courtesy of Mo Sandford 2 From the Editor Phew! I made it to issue No 2 despite the errors in my first attempt. You will be delighted to hear that days/dates have been triple checked and, hopefully, no- one should turn up for a walk on the wrong day! The annual summary of OVA walks, published in full on the website, highlights that members are walking more regularly and further. The total number of walks which took place from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 rose to 63 (from 56 in 2013/14) with 412 miles covered. The number of walkers increased from 498 to 643 in the same period. According to the statistics OVA members walked a staggering total of 4,154 miles during the year! So put your feet up and have a cup of tea while you enjoy the latest issue of the newsletter and contemplate the programme of Walks and Talks for the next few months. Jacqui Baldwin Facebook Yes, we have joined the modern(ish) world and set up a Facebook page. The page can be found at www.facebook.com/OtterValleyAssoc (or click on the Facebook logo at the bottom of the homepage on our website). The page lists upcoming walks and talks.
    [Show full text]