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Home , Blackdown Hills

Phil Norrey Chief Executive

To: The Chair and Members of the County Hall East Locality (County) Topsham Road Committee Devon EX2 4QD

(See below)

Your ref : Date : 4 July 2018 Email: [email protected] Our ref : Please ask for : Stephanie Lewis 01392 382486

EAST DEVON LOCALITY (COUNTY) COMMITTEE

Thursday, 12th July, 2018

A meeting of the Locality (County) Committee is to be held on the above date at 10.30 am at East Devon DIstrict Council, The Knowle, to consider the following matters.

P NORREY Chief Executive

A G E N D A

PART I - OPEN COMMITTEE

1 Apologies

2 Election of Chair and Vice Chair (N.B. In accordance with the County Council’s Constitution, the Chair and Vice-Chair must be County Councillors)

3 Minutes (Pages 1 - 2) Minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2017, attached.

4 Items requiring urgent attention Items which in the opinion of the Chair should be considered at the meeting as matters of urgency.

MATTERS FOR DECISION

5 Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan Reviews (Pages 3 - 8) Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/18/27), attached.

Electoral Divisions: , & Bradninch, , Exmouth & Coastal, Feniton & , Otter Valley, Seaton & Colyton, Sidmouth, Whimple & Blackdown, Willand &

6 Networking Opportunities, Informed Decision-Making (In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Scott has asked that the Committee considers this item)

The Committee to have a discussion on future networking events.

7 Dates of future meetings 29 November 2018 and 14 March 2019.

The County Council Calendar of meetings was available on the website: http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Part II Reports Members are reminded that Part II reports contain exempt information and should therefore be treated accordingly. They should not be disclosed or passed on to any other person(s).

Members are also reminded of the need to dispose of such reports carefully and are therefore invited to return them to the Democratic Services Officer at the conclusion of the meeting for disposal. Membership County Councillors Councillors R Bloxham, C Channon, I Chubb, I Hall, S Hughes, S Randall Johnson, R Scott, M Shaw, J Trail, P Twiss, C Wright

District Council / DAPC

Councillors P Stott, M Coppell, B Bailey and D Atkins

Declaration of Interests Members are reminded that they must declare any interest they may have in any item to be considered at this meeting, prior to any discussion taking place on that item. Access to Information Any person wishing to inspect any minutes, reports or lists of background papers relating to any item on this agenda should contact Stephanie Lewis on 01392 382486. Agenda and minutes of the Committee are published on the Council’s Website Webcasting, Recording or Reporting of Meetings and Proceedings The proceedings of this meeting may be recorded for broadcasting live on the internet via the ‘Democracy Centre’ on the County Council’s website. The whole of the meeting may be broadcast apart from any confidential items which may need to be considered in the absence of the press and public. For more information go to: http://www.devoncc.public-i.tv/core/

In addition, anyone wishing to film part or all of the proceedings may do so unless the press and public are excluded for that part of the meeting or there is good reason not to do so, as directed by the Chair. Any filming must be done as unobtrusively as possible from a single fixed position without the use of any additional lighting; focusing only on those actively participating in the meeting and having regard also to the wishes of any member of the public present who may not wish to be filmed. As a matter of courtesy, anyone wishing to film proceedings is asked to advise the Chair or the Democratic Services Officer in attendance so that all those present may be made aware that is happening.

Members of the public may also use Facebook and Twitter or other forms of social media to report on proceedings at this meeting. An open, publicly available Wi-Fi network (i.e. DCC) is normally available for meetings held in the Committee Suite at County Hall. For information on Wi-Fi availability at other locations, please contact the Officer identified above. Emergencies In the event of the fire alarm sounding leave the building immediately by the nearest available exit, following the fire exit signs. If doors fail to unlock press the Green break glass next to the door. Do not stop to collect personal belongings, do not use the lifts, do not re-enter the building until told to do so. Mobile Phones Please switch off all mobile phones before entering the Committee Room or Council Chamber If you need a copy of this Agenda and/or a Report in another format (e.g. large print, audio tape, Braille or other languages), please contact the Information Centre on 01392 380101 or email to: [email protected] or write to the Democratic and Scrutiny Secretariat at County Hall, Exeter, EX2 4QD.

Induction loop system available

Agenda Item 3 1 EAST DEVON LOCALITY (COUNTY) COMMITTEE 30/11/17

EAST DEVON LOCALITY (COUNTY) COMMITTEE

30 November 2017

Present:-

Devon County Council:-

Councillors R Bloxham, C Channon, I Chubb, I Hall, S Hughes, S Randall-Johnson, M Shaw, J Trail, P Twiss and C Wright

East Devon District Council:-

Councillor P Stott

Apologies:-

Councillors M Coppell, B Bailey, D Atkins and R Scott

* 5 Minutes

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting on 24 July 2017 be signed as a correct record.

* 6 Items requiring urgent attention

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

* 7 South West Youth Games

The Committee received a presentation from Mr C Broadbent (SW Youth Games, Chief Executive) and supported by Mr M Guerry (East Devon District Council) covering:

 a history of the Games launched in 1999 as an Olympic-style county-wide competition;  establishment of a charitable Trust as a driving seat for this expanding annual event;  raising financial donations and sponsorship;  developments and progress during 2015 – 2017 including joining the games and the first satellite event;  ambitions for 2018 and future challenges;  the adoption of a collaborative approach within local government, national governing bodies with a shared vision and purpose;  a request for support in-line with the Council’s objectives;  the objective to promote inclusion and participation irrespective of ability or gender and to inspire young people;  the challenging background relating to the levels of obesity, mental health/depression and general health and wellbeing and the transformative effects of regular exercise and sport.

Further information was available at www.southwestyouthgames.co.uk

Members’ questions and comments related to:

 the current work with the District Council reaching out to areas through local leisure centres and schools;  ongoing work taking place in Cranbrook;

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 the aim of the games to encourage participation across all abilities (from 8 to 18 years) and male and females; and noting the transport costs involved in ensuring that young people travelled to events together to promote the spirit of the games;  the need to avoid duplication in view of the local activities available and to target young people not currently involved in organised sport; and  the venue for the July 2018 games, taking place at .

Members discussed how they could support the Games (involving young people from their respective divisions) through their locality budgets and indicated that they would be willing to contribute through their locality funds to help support local participation.

The Chair thanked Mr Broadbent for his presentation.

* 8 Community Strategy

The Committee noted the draft Communities Strategy 2017 - 2020 which was being developed adopting four guiding principles that would influence the Council’s work:

 Connection (connected, resilient and safe communities);  Control (people and communities that are empowered);  Equity (understanding and responding to our communities); and  Working differently (doing things differently, efficiently and effectively).

Seven action areas had been identified that would support the vision of “flourishing people and communities that are strong, kind, compassionate and safe”. These were: Volunteering; Community spaces; Communications and engagement; Role development; Data intelligence and evaluation; Commissioning; and Businesses and the economy.

The development of the Plan was currently underway in liaison with other local authorities and public bodies involving information sharing and joint arrangements where appropriate. When the Strategy was finalised, an Action Plan would be formulated.

* 9 Local Member updates

Members reported on local issues including the Healthy New Towns Project in Cranbrook and The Budleigh Salterton Community Hospital Health and Wellbeing Hub (Budleigh Salterton Hub).

* 10 Dates for Future Meetings

16 March, 12 July and 29 November 2018 and 14 March 2019.

The County Council Calendar of meetings are available on the website: http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

The Meeting started at 12.15 pm and finished at 12.50 pm

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PTE/18/27

East Devon Locality (County) Committee 12 July 2018

Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan Reviews: Consultation Drafts

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment

Please note that the following recommendations are subject to consideration and determination by the Committee before taking effect.

Recommendation: It is recommended that the Committee: (a) Approves the process and timetable for undertaking the AONB Management Plan reviews and consultation; (b) endorses, in principle, the approach within the Consultation Drafts of the Management Plan 2019-2024 for the Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; (c) delegates to officers the final agreement of any outstanding detailed issues for the Consultation Drafts; (d) notes that the final version of the new Management Plans will be adopted through the Cabinet Member decision process in early 2019.

1. Background/Introduction

This report outlines the process of the Review of the Management Plans for the Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and seeks the Committee’s approval of the approach within the Draft Plans for public consultation. Any views of the Committee will be addressed before finalising the Plans.

2. Main Text/Proposal

Devon has five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) within its boundaries. Three, East Devon, and South Devon, are wholly within the county, while two, Blackdown Hills and Tamar Valley, straddle the county boundary with and Cornwall respectively.

Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, it is a statutory requirement for local authorities to produce Management Plans for their AONBs and undertake review every five years. The County Council and other relevant local authorities have delegated the task of undertaking the Management Plan Review to the respective AONB Partnerships and have set out its requirements for this process.

3. Content of the Plans

The County Council is promoting a ‘light touch’ approach, building on the existing common format and structure of the current plans. However, the Reviews need to reflect changes in the statutory and legislative background, new ways of partnership working and current/developing policy and issues e.g. The Government’s new 25yr Environment Plan and public health/well-being agendas.

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4. The Process and Timetable in Devon

The County Council has encouraged the five AONBs Partnerships in Devon to develop a consistent approach to the development of their plans where possible and to work to a similar timetable. The Consultation Drafts of the Plans are currently being prepared and the local authorities are being requested to endorse the structure and outline content of the Draft Plan for consultation. The Consultation Drafts will be approved by the AONB Partnerships on which DCC members are represented prior to consultation during summer/autumn.

Account will be taken of the feedback and comments and an amended draft Final Plan will be produced for each of the AONB Partnerships by December. Local authorities will be asked to adopt these Final Plans during January and February 2019. It is proposed that these will be signed off on behalf of the County Council by the Cabinet Member for the Environment and Community through the delegated decision process.

It should be noted that the Consultation Draft of the Blackdown Hills Management Plan will also be reported to the Locality Committee on 29 October (noting the meeting scheduled for 17 June was cancelled). Any views raised will be taken account of in the final Draft.

5. Financial Considerations

The costs for Management Plan Reviews are being met as part of the AONB services' core functions, for which Defra contribute 75% of the funding; the remaining 25% is provided between all the local authorities on the Partnership and these contributions are set out formally in a Memorandum of Agreement from 2016/17 – 2019/20.

6. Environmental Impact, Equality and Public Health Considerations

It is a requirement that AONB Management Plans are subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment, Habitat Regulations Assessment and Equality Impact Assessment. These are being drafted and will be subject to Consultation alongside the Management Plans. This should ensure that sustainability, environmental, equality and public health issues have been fully taken into account.

7. Legal Considerations

Under the CROW Act, the County Council and the relevant District Council(s) have a statutory duty for ensuring that AONB Management Plans are periodically reviewed. The current Review process meets that responsibility.

8. Risk Management Considerations

Risks associated with the Management Plan can be categorised as reputational, relating to not undertaking full public consultation; legal, relating to not having statutory plans in place to ensure effective management of the AONB; and financial, related to lack of strategic context for making funding bids to deliver activity.

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9. Options/Alternatives

The County Council could have resolved to undertake the Management Plan Reviews itself or in conjunction with the relevant District Council(s). This would have ignored the existing governance structure and expertise of the AONB Partnerships.

10. Reasons for Recommendation/Conclusion

The Review procedure will allow the County Council to fulfil its statutory obligation and also to ensure that the Management Plan Reviews are subject to appropriate consultation.

Dave Black Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment

Electoral Divisions: Axminster, Cullompton & Bradninch, Exmouth, Exmouth & Budleigh Salterton Coastal, Feniton & Honiton, Otter Valley, Seaton & Colyton, Sidmouth, Whimple & Blackdown, Willand & Uffculme

Local Government Act 1972: List of Background Papers

Contact for enquiries: Melanie Croll/Peter Chamberlain

Room No: Lucombe House AB3, County Hall, Exeter, EX2 4QD

Tel No: (01392) 382474 /382642

Background Paper Date File Ref.

1. Blackdown Hills AONB Management Plan 2019-24 Briefing Paper June 2018 2. East Devon AONB Partnership Plan Consultation Draft 2019-24 June 2018

mc040718edc sc/cr/Blackdown Hills and East Devon AONB Management Plan Reviews Consultation Drafts 02 040718

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Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan Review Briefing Paper June 2018

The review process (Sept 2017 – June 2018)

 Identification of new issues/what’s changed since preparing the current Plan  Online questionnaire to the Partnership and wider stakeholders  Management Plan consultation workshop for Stakeholders  Management Plan discussions held at other Blackdown Hills AONB workshops and groups, for example Community Heritage Forum, Biodiversity working group  Discussions with the other Devon and Somerset AONBs  ‘State of the Blackdown Hills’ produced reporting on ‘measuring progress indicators’ in current Plan and drafting new indicators  Liaison with DCC Environment and Sustainability Policy Officer on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of plan  Commissioned support for planning guidance content in response to stakeholder views on using the management plan in the planning system

Key messages from consultation and feedback

 Reduce length of document  Make it simple to pick out key points  More of a focus on delivery  Secure commitment from partnership

Proposed Structure and Content

2014 - 2019 2019 - 2024 Remarks Local context maps Vision statement Opening section to be common Contents Contents format with Devon AONBs Ministerial and AONB Local context maps foreword Introduction/purpose of plan Ministerial and AONB foreword Special qualities Introduction/purpose of plan Context: the broader picture AONB Key facts/special qualities Vision statement Management Framework Management Framework Theme 1: Landscape Theme 1: Place Topics to remain the same. Theme 2: Sustainable Theme 2: People Content reduced by addressing development repetition and moving material Theme 3: Communication and Theme 3: Working together to annexe/background evidence management Implementation and review Delivery Extended section to include indicators and Strategic delivery tables Appendices Appendices Material moved to (reduced number) annexe/background evidence Separate Delivery Plan

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East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan Review Briefing Paper June 2018

The review process (Sept 2017 – June 2018)

 Identification of new issues/what’s changed since current Plan  AONB Partnership input into review and content  Discussions with other Devon AONBs over format and assessments  Updating indicators alongside work on KPIs with the National Association for AONBs  Commissioned AONB perception/awareness report

Key messages from consultation and feedback thus far

 Light touch review requested by Partnership  Reduce length of document – make it more business like  Annual delivery plan

Proposed Structure and Content

2014 – 2019 (63pgs) 2019 – 2024 (50pgs) Remarks Management Strategy Partnership Plan Ministerial Foreword Map/contents Map/contents Ministerial Foreword Opening section to be similar Vision Vision, strategic aims, objs format with Devon AONBs Partnership commendation Partnership commendation Context, purpose, intro to Context, purpose, intro to reduced where possible AONB AONB Landscape character /special Landscape character /special qualities qualities Management Framework Management Framework Theme 1: Landscape Theme 1: Place Maintain largely as before – Theme 2: Sustainable Theme 2: People and summarised format of key issues development prosperity – update key priorities and Theme 3: Communication and Theme 3: Communication and indicators management management Implementation & review; Delivery & monitoring; details Outline of processes for delivery details of supporting of supporting documents and proposed monitoring documents Separate 5yr Delivery Plan Separate Annual Delivery Plan Delivery plan to follow approved Plan

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