Partnership Plan 2019 –24

EAST DEVON Partnership Plan 2019 –24

Management framework for the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

1 2 Contents

4 Map of East Devon AONB 6 Ministerial foreword 7 Partnership commendation 8 Our vision 10 Context 21 Theme 1: Place 30 Theme 2: People and prosperity 44 Theme 3: Communication and management 51 Delivery and monitoring 54 Appendices

3 to Taunton Honiton to London Waterloo

Off well A358 A35 Oﬀ well Woodland

Shute Axminster East Devon Area A375 Kilmington of Outstanding to Exeter A30 Gittisham Church Common Green Whitford to Dorchester Northleigh Natural Beauty Musbury Trinity Hill A35 Farway East Hill Knapp River Coly Ottery Copse Musbury Strips Castle St Mary A358 Southleigh Colyton Uplyme River Lim

Tipton River Axe St John White Colyford Cross Blackbury Camp Holyford Venn River Sid Woods Ottery Sidbury Axmouth Aylesbeare Seaton Rousdon Common Wetlands Lyme A3052 Regis CANNINGTON VIADUCT Harpford Fire Beacon A3052 Woods Hill Beer Salcombe Branscombe Seaton Undercliﬀ s Newton Norman Regis Quarry Poppleford Lockyer Caves Mutter’s Beer Moor Observatory Colaton Salcombe Hill Beer Woodbury Raleigh Head Castle Sidmouth River Otter The High Peak Commons Otterton KEY East Ladram Jurassic Coast to Exeter Budleigh Exe Estuary Bystock Bay Towns / villages Cycle Trail Pools Lower Otter Nature reserves A376 B3179 Valley South West Coast Path Exmouth East Devon Way

Exmouth to Budleigh Otter Cycleway Cycle Trail Budleigh Estuary Exmouth Salterton View point Fort /castle 4 The Maer Orcombe Point to Taunton Honiton to London Waterloo Beer Off well A358 A35 Oﬀ well Woodland

Shute Axminster A375 Kilmington to Exeter A30

Gittisham Church Common Green Whitford to Dorchester Northleigh Musbury Trinity Hill A35 Farway East Hill Knapp River Coly Ottery Copse Musbury Strips Castle St Mary A358 Southleigh Colyton Uplyme River Lim

Exmouth to Budleigh Otter Cycleway Cycle Trail Budleigh Estuary Exmouth Salterton View point Fort /castle The 5 Maer Orcombe Point Ministerial foreword I am fortunate that England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are part of my ministerial responsibilities. Whether it be rolling hills, sweeping coastline or a tranquil village, spending time in an AONB can stir the heart and lift the spirit. This is a pivotal moment for all AONBs. The government has set its ambition in the 25 Year Environment Plan which states clearly the importance of natural beauty as part of our green future, while AONBs retain the highest status of protection “ for landscape through national planning policy. Leaving the Whether it be rolling hills, sweeping EU brings with it an opportunity to develop a better system coastline or a tranquil village, for supporting our farmers and land managers, who play such spending time in an AONB can stir a vital role as stewards of the landscape. And the Review of the heart and lift the spirit National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty led by Julian Glover – the first of its kind for generations – will make recommendations to make sure our designated landscapes can flourish in the years ahead. In my visits to AONBs around the country, I have been struck by the passion of many people – farmers, volunteers, and hard-working staff – for the beautiful places they live and work in. In this spirit I am delighted to welcome publication of this Statutory Management Plan (Partnership Plan) for East “ Devon AONB. It is significant that this Plan will be delivered in Guide and regularly review partnership by those who value East Devon AONB. I would like delivery to achieve the best to thank all those involved in the preparation of this document we can for our landscape, and wish you the best of success in bringing it to fruition. its communities and in turn the economy, and in doing so help keep East Devon truly outstanding

John Gardiner, Baron Gardiner of Kimble Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity 6 Partnership commendation Commendatory statement This Partnership Plan has been reviewed and is commended and endorsed by the East Devon AONB As a born and bred East Devonian, This new Plan has been revised in Partnership. The Partnership is the countryside in this south eastern preparation for this change. As we committed to the delivery of this corner of Devon holds a special place enter a new era, we will remain fleet Plan and will work with a wide range in my heart. I have been fortunate to of foot to adapt and move with the of organisations and individuals to play my part in its conservation and times and ensure we remain locally conserve and enhance the natural enhancement through my previous effective and relevant. My Partnership beauty of the East Devon AONB employment as a vet, and more will guide and regularly review for future generations. recently as a Town and District our delivery to ensure we achieve councillor and now as Chairman of the best for our landscape, our Context of review the East Devon AONB Partnership. communities and our economy and The Countryside and Rights of Way Public funding, our exit from in doing so, help keep East Devon Act (2000) requires local authorities the EU and a government spotlight truly outstanding. to prepare, publish and review (on on AONBs and National Parks in period of not more than five years) the form of the Glover review of Management Plans for AONBs in designated landscapes will all present their areas. This Partnership Plan fresh challenges and perhaps some is the result of a review carried exciting opportunities for AONBs out in 2017–8 by the East Devon over the next five years. AONB Partnership on behalf of Devon County Council and East Devon District Council to fulfil this Cllr Graham Godbeer requirement for the East Devon Chairman, East Devon AONB Partnership Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 7 Our strategic aims and objectives Our vision for an inspirational Place Strategic aim 1: Place – To conserve and enhance the natural beauty landscape of the AONB

KEY OBJECTIVE 1.1 Landscape character and historic environment The natural beauty of the East Devon Improved coordination and influence in the management of the distinctive landscape and AONB landscape, its dramatic World historic environment features of the AONB, to Heritage Site coastline, internationally ensure they are maintained, enhanced, understood and appreciated. important habitats and species and 1.2 Environmental quality and climate its cultural heritage, is conserved, The sustainable management of the natural resources of the AONB. managed and enhanced to support 1.3 Biodiversity and geodiversity and benefit present and future The biodiversity and geological assets of the AONB are conserved and enhanced as part of a generations. bigger, better and more joined up landscape. 1.4 Coast The conservation and enhancement of the high quality and internationally significant coastline.

EAST DEVON People and prosperity Communication Strategic aim 2: People and Prosperity – Encourage and support sustainable economic development, social and management engagement and recreational activity that conserves Strategic aim 3: Communication and Management – and enhances the natural beauty of the AONB To ensure the AONB is recognised and valued as a national, regional and local asset and is effectively managed in partnership with our stakeholders KEY OBJECTIVE 2.1 Farming, forestry and land management A sustainable farming, forestry and land management KEY OBJECTIVE sector that helps to conserve and enhance the character 3.1 Communication, education and awareness of the AONB. A greater awareness of the AONB, the 2.2 Access, recreation and tourism purposes of the designation, the role of the A sustainable access, recreation and tourism sector that is Partnership and range of opportunities compatible with the protected landscape and does not harm for engagement. the conservation of natural beauty or the needs of agriculture, 3.2 Management forestry and other uses. The AONB Partnership will act as 2.3 Planning and development ambassadors for East Devon AONB, influence Planning development and policy protects the special landscape policy and decision making affecting AONBs character and tranquillity of the AONB and will enable and work to secure funding for the long-term appropriate forms of social and economic development co-ordinated management of the area and that are compatible with the landscape, so conserving and report on its work. enhancing the environment. 2.4 Transport and highways The impact on the landscape, environment and enjoyment of the AONB is considered in the planning and provision of transport networks and services. 2.5 Rural economy and services A sustainable rural economy in the AONB that serves to conserve and enhance the character of the landscape. 2.6 Community and culture Improved access to services and facilities and the active participation in community and appropriate landscape 9 related social enterprise. 0.1 Legislative context

The requirement for this plan The purpose of AONB designation This Partnership Plan therefore focuses Part IV of the Countryside and Rights of Way Natural England is responsible for advising on primarily on conserving and enhancing the Act 2000 consolidates earlier legislation regarding AONB designation. In its 1991 policy statement quality of the AONB landscape, in particular the designation and purposes of AONB’s. It also on AONBs they identified the following three its natural beauty. adds some important provisions that: aims for AONBs: However, as the 1991 Countryside Agency policy statement confirms, this duty should not • Require ‘relevant authorities’ (public bodies etc) 1. The primary purpose of AONB status is be implemented in isolation. Socio-economic to ‘have regard’ to the purpose of conserving to conserve and enhance natural beauty. needs and recreation are to be taken into account and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB 2. When carrying out the above duty, account in furthering this primary aim in an integrated • Require AONB local authorities or should be taken of the needs of agriculture, approach to the management of the AONB. conservation boards to prepare and publish forestry, other rural industries and of the an AONB Management Plan and to review it economic and social needs of the local Duty of regard at intervals in line with the Act clauses (in not communities. In particular, sustainable forms Statutory duties in relation to AONBs are less than five year intervals). This Plan and the of social and economic development, that provided for in Section 85 of the Countryside and accompanying Partnership Delivery Plan in themselves conserve and enhance the Rights of Way Act 2000. Specifically, they state fulfils this requirement. environment, should be promoted. that, “in exercising or performing any functions in 3. Recreation is not a purpose of designation relation to, or so as to affect, land in these areas, but demand should be met if this does not relevant authorities ‘shall have regard’ to their harm conservation of natural beauty or the purposes”. The AONB Partnership Plan is a useful needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses. mechanism for public bodies to support AONB purposes and demonstrate compliance.

HMSO 1 (2000) 2 Section 114 of the 1949 National Parks and Access Also, Section 99 of the Natural Environment and (c) any other area whose flora, fauna or to the Countryside Act stated “References in this Rural Communities Act 2006 clarified natural beauty physiographical features Act to the preservation, or conservation of the in the countryside as follows: are partly the product of human intervention in the natural beauty of an area shall be construed as The fact that an area in England or Wales landscape, does not prevent it from being treated, including references to the preservation or, as the consists of or includes— for the purposes of any enactment (whenever case may be, the conservation of its flora, fauna (a) land used for agriculture or woodlands, passed), as being an area of natural beauty (or of and geological or physiographical features.” (b) land used as a park, or outstanding natural beauty). 10 0.2 The plan purposes

The Plan has five key purposes: The AONB Partnership role Business planning • To present an integrated vision for The East Devon AONB Partnership acts on The AONB Business Plan is revised and the future of the AONB behalf of East Devon District Council and Devon updated annually and is the key supporting • To highlight its special qualities County Council to guide, deliver and monitor document in the partnership grant application • To set out key objectives and policies the Partnership Plan and advise on the AONB to Defra and the local authorities for core team • To identify priority actions for the plan period Business Plan. The following organisations and delivery funding. We review the Delivery • To state how the Plan will be monitored are represented on the East Devon AONB Plan targets annually to ensure that both the Partnership and endorse this Partnership Partnership Plan and Business Plan priorities Who is the plan for? Plan, its vision and objectives: are aligned. The plan essentially relates to the AONB landscape. As a consequence, it will be of • AONB Ambassador representative relevance to local communities, parishes, residents, • Axe Vale & District Conservation Society businesses, developers, landowners and farmers, • Clinton Devon Estates agencies, local authorities, utilities, organisations • Country Land & Business Association and amenity/neighbourhood groups operating • Campaign to Protect Rural England within or with an interest in the area. In this sense • Defra it is a shared plan that has been influenced and will • Devon Association of Parish & continue to be developed through partnerships Town Councils and through on-going consultation with • Devon County Council these interests. • Devon Wildlife Trust • East Devon District Council Plan status and partnership commitment • Historic England This plan formulates East Devon District Council • Environment Agency and Devon County Council local authority policy • Federation of Small Businesses and action in relation to the management of the • Forestry Commission East Devon AONB as required under Part IV, • Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Trust Section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of • National Farmers Union Way Act 2000. • National Trust • Natural England • Otter Valley Association • Sid Vale Association • The Donkey Sanctuary

11 0.3 National and regional context

National These protected landscapes are: Local In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, our • Twelve AONBs and parts of two others Devon’s natural and historic environment is finest landscapes have been conserved through cover around 30% of the region. This notable for its high quality. Over 50% of the designation as National Parks and Areas of is twice the proportion covered by land is designated for its environmental quality, Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) AONBs in England as a whole. encompassing two World Heritage Sites, five AONBs were brought into being by the same • Two National Parks – Dartmoor AONBs, two National Parks and a biosphere legislation as National Parks – the National Parks and Exmoor. Reserve. The AONBs and National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. together cover some 38% of the county. Other key South West Within East Devon, the Blackdown Hills Regional environmental assets are: and East Devon AONBs occupy approximately The richness and diversity of the South West • 638 km of defined Heritage Coast, two thirds of the district. environment differentiates it from other English and 60% of England’s undeveloped regions, making the region attractive as a place coastline3 both to live and work. It is a rural region with • The South West Coast Path some 80% of the land in agricultural use and National Trail higher than average numbers engaged in • 4 World Heritage Sites agricultural employment. • 2 Community Forests Approximately 38% of the region is classified • 1 Biosphere by the International Union for the Conservation • 1 Geopark of Nature (IUCN) as Category V Protected Landscapes. A protected area is defined as “ “A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, The richness and diversity of dedicated and managed, through legal or other the South West environment effective means, to achieve the long-term differentiates it from other conservation of nature with associated ecosystem English regions, making the services and cultural values” (IUCN). region attractive as a place both to live and work

defra.gov.uk/erdp/docs/swchapter/section12/landscape 3

12 ▼AONB’s throughout England, ▼East Devon AONB county and district Wales and Northern Ireland setting: landscape designations

Exmoor National Park

North Devon SOMERSET AONB

NORTH Blackdown Hills PENNINES AONB RING OF DEVON Dorset GULLION FOREST OF LINCOLNSHIRE BOWLAND WOLDS AONB East Devon AONB Dartmoor National Park COTSWOLDS Tamar Valley HIGH WEALD AONB GOWER GŴYR DORSET

South Devon AONB

EAST DEVON

National Park Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

13 0.4 An introduction to what makes East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty special

The East Devon AONB is a outstanding landscape, of tourism. There is no better way to sample full of contrast and colour, diverse and rich in this impressive coastline than on the South West wildlife: a working landscape that is home to Coast Path, the most popular National Trail in around 30,000 residents4. The AONB lies solely the country, which brings in significant economic within East Devon District and covers, or part benefit to the South West as a whole. covers, 30 parishes. It was designated in 1963 The hinterland to the coast is less visited. and covers 103 square miles (268 sq kms) – Large expanses of heathland provide a contrast approximately 32% of East Devon District. to well-wooded combes and fertile river valleys, It is one of five AONBs that fall within all of which can be explored on foot through Devon, abutting the Blackdown Hills AONB to an extensive network of public rights of way, or the north and Dorset AONB to the east. With traversed by walking the 40 mile East Devon the exception of Budleigh Salterton, the AONB Way long distance footpath. skirts the major settlements in the area and is In the west of the AONB is the largest single characterised by small villages and hamlets at block of lowland heathland west of the New the coast and along its valleys. Forest, the East Devon Pebble Beds, (Woodbury The striking East Devon coastline has a and other East Devon Commons). Elsewhere on great influence on the social, economic and high ground woodland dominates, both “ environmental makeup of the AONB and the deciduous and coniferous. East Devon AONB An outstanding landscape, inscription of the Dorset and East Devon Coast is one of the more wooded AONBs in the full of contrast and colour, World Heritage Site is serving to further raise its South West of England. diverse and rich in wildlife significance. As the first natural World Heritage A predominantly pastoral landscape, the Site in England, the ‘Jurassic Coast’ (as it’s more AONB is interspersed with copses and wooded commonly referred to), gives a unique insight into goyles, some dating back beyond the 1600s, 185 million years of earth history through the providing a contrast to the hilltop plantations. rocks exposed along its 95-mile coastline. Steep sided Devon hedge-banks border fields Along the coast the villages still retain a and narrow country lanes, disguising the richness vernacular character and rural charm that to of this outstanding landscape to all but the most date has been largely unspoilt by the expansion observant traveller.

4 Source: ONS, mid-year Population estimates, 2010 14 View from the South West Coast Path, Sidmouth

The countryside is punctuated by hamlets and Chert (flint) and pebblebed stone (‘popple’) villages with cottages and houses built of local can be found in many churches, local buildings stone, pebbles, thatch and cob, a reflection of and walls. The much sought-after Beer limestone, the underlying geology and traditional land use used locally in Beer has also been used in of the area. Cob, a more common, accessible buildings such as Exeter Cathedral and as far and alternative material to stone, is a mixture of afield as America. clayey soils and straw, and is also found in many Evidence of man’s former activity is present farmhouses and local buildings, particularly in the today in the form of the historic environment west of the AONB. ranging from the nationally significant Bronze Devon has a strong tradition of combed wheat Age hill-barrow cemetery at Farway to several thatching, but since the 1950s, water reed, mainly Iron Age hill-forts and numerous tumuli, imported from Eastern Europe, has also been used barrows, and former quarries, to the more extensively. Imported brick, slate and clay tiles all recent enclosure field patterns and anti-invasion brought greater changes to local buildings in the World War II pill boxes in the Axe Valley. 19th century to provide a more diverse building form to the AONB.

15 0.5 Landscape character

The European Landscape Convention (ELC) there have been a number of developments in the defines landscape as: “An area as perceived by assessment and evaluation of the landscape over people, whose character is the result of the the last decade that have served to improve our East Hill Strips action and interaction of natural and/or human detailed understanding of the natural and cultural factors”. (Council of Europe 2000). landscape of East Devon AONB. The ELC highlights the importance of developing At the National level, National Character Areas landscape policies dedicated to the protection, (NCAs) divide England into 159 distinct natural management and creation of landscapes and areas. Each is defined by a unique combination establishing procedures for the general public of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and and other stakeholders to participate in policy cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries creation and implementation. follow natural lines in the landscape rather The UK is recognised as already putting many than administrative boundaries, making them of the principles of the ELC into practice and the an invaluable aid for planning environmental AONB Partnership Plan is an excellent example projects and decision making for the environment. of this. Another example is the well-established There are two NCA’s covering the AONB, The practice of using Landscape Character Assessment Blackdowns (147) and Devon Redlands (148). to inform local policymaking. NCA profiles have been developed as guidance In terms of area-wide landscape management, documents which will help to achieve a more

►National character areas

Devon Blackdowns Redlands East Devon AONB

16 sustainable future for individuals and communities. ▼Devon Landscape Character Areas The profiles include a description of the key ecosystem services provided in each character area and how these benefit people, wildlife and Axe Valley the economy. They identify potential opportunities Blackdown Hills for positive environmental change and provide Clyst Lowland Farmlands the best available information and evidence as East Devon Central Ridge a context for local decision making and action. Pebblebed Heaths and Farmland Local variations in the distinctive character Sidmouth and Lyme Bay and special qualities of the AONB’s landscape Coastal Plateau are articulated through the Devon-wide Wootton Hills “Landscape Character Assessment” (LCA). Hidden characteristics and past land uses are identified in Devon’s “Historic Landscape Characterisation” (HLC). These assessments are now extensively used in planning and land management to understand and describe the landscape and guide change. A Landscape Character Assessment of ▼East Devon Landscape Character Types* Devon was completed in 2012, complementing the earlier East Devon LCA (2008) and the HLC 1A Open inland planned plateaux of Devon (2006). Together these assessments 1B Open coastal plateaux provide a basis upon which to protect, manage 1C Pebble Bed heaths and plan landscape change within the AONB. 1E Wooded ridges and hilltops These assessments identify a hierarchy of 2A Steep wooded scarp slopes landscape units, building from smaller more 2B Coastal slopes and combes detailed Land Description Units (LDU’s) to 3A Upper farmed and generic Landscape Character Types (LCT’s) wooded slopes and finally to the more geographically unique 3B Lower rolling farmed and locally identifiable Devon Landscape and settled slopes Character Areas (LCA’s). 4A Unsettled farmed valley floors The detailed assessment work has included * NB – the East Devon LCA 4B Unsettled marine levels is currently under review and the development of guidelines to protect, manage any changes to the above will 4C Estuaries and plan landscape change. The AONB Partnership be updated accordingly 4D Lowland plains will use these guidelines in developing its work 5 Coastal cliffs and in responding to consultations. Urban 17 0.6 Special qualities

East Devon AONB is notable for its varied and abound, with the South West Coast Path, East dramatic coastal scenery; the grandeur of sheer Devon Way and open access land, most notably red sandstone cliffs, intimate wooded combes and on the Pebblebed Heaths, providing extensive coves contrast with the stark, white chalk outcrop opportunities for open air recreation, healthy that punctuates the coast at Beer Head and exercise, uninterrupted views or an escape to further east, the wilderness of the undercliffs. tranquillity and relative isolation. Our association Its special qualities do not stop at the coast. with the cultural and heritage dimension of the Inland, the heathland commons provide high, open landscape has inspired descriptive writing, and remote plateaux. Important recreationally, poetry, art and song for generations. the heathland habitat is valuable for its flora The Countryside Commission appraisal of “ and fauna and contrasts sharply with the lower the East Devon AONB (CCP442) identifies many A landscape of significant undulating agricultural mosaic of small fields, of these associations and special qualities and has scenic beauty that is the hedgerows and woodland copse. been more recently supplemented by assessments basis for its agricultural Elevated fingers of land extend from the of the character of the landscape at the national, and tourism economy Blackdown Hills to the north, their height and county and local level. These assessments have linearity accentuated by cathedral-like beech enabled further articulation of the special avenues; woodlands clad their sides, flowing qualities and features of significance as they down steep sided goyles to infiltrate the tranquil relate to natural beauty, which are summarised and often intimate agricultural valleys below. in the table on the following page. This contrasts with the broad flat floodplains These features of significance and special of the Axe and Otter which cut into the area, qualities are axiomatic to what goes into making drawing their life from tributaries deep within the the natural beauty of the landscape of such high valleys of the undulating hinterland. The human quality. Alongside the key characteristics of the engagement, use and management of this land landscape areas and types, they require protection, since pre-historic times has guided the pattern and conservation and enhancement if the AONB is shape of the settlements, field patterns, woodland to retain its character and status amongst and heath, creating a landscape of significant scenic England’s finest landscapes. beauty that is the basis for its agricultural and Appendix 1 contains a table showing the tourism economy. links between special qualities and landscape Recreational, cultural and spiritual qualities character of the AONB. 18 Sidbury

▼The relationship between natural beauty and special qualities

Legal context for natural beauty

Natural England Six landscape factors, Evalutation Framework covering landscape and for natural beauty criterion scenic quality, relative wildness and tranquillity, natural and cultural heritage

Evidence base

National, county and Landscape and historic district and local records landscape character and assessments assessments, heritage, geological and biodiversity records, other records

Special qualities

Key features and Locally specific, attributes of significance distinctive, reflecting the natural beauty criterion

19 Delivering the vision

Introduction It is recognised there will be overlaps and It is recognised that there will be an on-going interdependencies between all the themes. It is role for all partners to work towards our also expected that the development of the AONB vision through the delivery of this plan. team and Partnership and delivery of the Plan The plan is made up of three over-arching over the next five years will continue to refine themes which are further divided into 12 the delivery framework on the basis of improved sub-themes, each with their own vision, information and data. objective and policies. A delivery plan will outline how we will Interpretation of policies implement the plan, with targets and timescales. All the policies in the Partnership Plan ▼Plan We will report on our work annually and update must be interpreted in the light of: relationship our Delivery Plan, which will in turn feed into • the key objective of the sub-theme our annual business planning process each year. • the sub-theme vision AONB • the vision for the AONB Business • the statutory purpose of the East Devon Plan The themes AONB designation ‘to conserve and The three themes to this plan are: enhance the area’s natural beauty’

Where there are any doubts or conflicts, policies 1. Place should be interpreted using a ‘purposive’ approach which returns to the statutory purpose of the 2. People and AONB designation, ‘to conserve and prosperity enhance natural beauty’. Delivery Partnership 3. Communication Plan Plan and management

20 THEME 1

Place

Strategic aim 1: Conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB

Landscape is an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of action and interaction of natural and/or human factors. What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? This sub-theme is concerned with • Agricultural practices and market influences • UK Government, Defra bodies, conserving and enhancing the • Built Development – new housing, business local authorities units, roads and power/energy projects • Wildlife and landscape organisations/ diversity of the AONB landscape; • Renewable energy developments charities/trusts what makes and maintains its • Habitat and species change (diseases such • Landowners, local communities, character, heritage and local as Ash Dieback/invasives) societies, groups and individuals distinctiveness. It is fundamentally • Climate change • Devon Landscape Policy Group linked with landscape management • Government policy – post-Brexit environmental legislation Our work to date practices and policy. • Public awareness, perceptions • Input into district level landscape and understanding character assessment • Developed an Historic Environment What are the key policy influences? Action Plan • Landscape and wildlife designations – • Undergrounded power lines on UK and EU designations Aylesbeare Common with CDE/RSPB • Environmental policy – habitat • Organise an AONB Annual and species regulations Heritage Conference • Government 25 year Environment Plan • Delivered Lottery Funded heritage projects: • Landscape and historic character – Parishscapes assessments/records – In the footsteps of Peter Orlando • National and local planning policy Hutchinson • European landscape convention – Legacy to Landscape • Awarded Heritage Angel award 2012 • Support to East Devon History Group • Helped fund the Historic England/Devon CC, National Mapping Programme (LIDAR)

22 Policies Theme indicator A vision for landscape character L1 Support the development and delivery of Primary and historic environment environmental schemes and projects aimed at • No of listed buildings on the ‘Heritage The AONB landscape, its historic features maintaining and improving the landscape at Risk’ register (Historic England) and distinctive vernacular buildings are character, historic environment and local • Total woodland cover as % of AONB conserved and enhanced as part of a living distinctiveness of the AONB. (Forestry Commission) and working landscape for which there are mechanisms in place to ensure their L2 Develop methods that enable effective and Secondary continued long-term management and care. targeted management and monitoring of the • Heritage Assets enhanced with AONB AONB’s natural, historic and cultural landscape. support (AONB) • Area of land enhanced through AONB Key objective 1.1 Priority actions programmes (AONB) Improved coordination and influence in the • Review and update the East Devon management of the distinctive landscape and Landscape Character Assessment with historic environment features of the AONB, EDDC, DCC and BHAONB to ensure they are maintained, enhanced, • Encourage appropriate woodland creation understood and appreciated. projects especially in areas of high soil erosion • Secure partnership and funding for follow on Legacy to Landscape project • Complete the Lidar 3D investigation and mapping: East Devon AONB survey • Seek to develop guidance and design of farm buildings with Devon Landscape Policy Group • Seek to develop cross boundary guidance on protecting areas of tranquillity

23 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND CLIMATE

This sub-theme is concerned with the key natural resources of the AONB where the partnership has a key role; land and water. It also covers the issue of air quality and What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? climate change. • Agricultural practices and policy • UK Government, Defra bodies, • Built development – new housing, local authorities business units, roads • Wildlife and river organisations/ • Waste management – especially plastics charities/trusts • Climate change • Landowners and farmers • Government policy – post Brexit • Local communities, societies, groups environmental legislation and individuals • Public awareness, perceptions and understanding Our work to date • We are a partner on the East Devon What are the key policy influences? Catchment Partnership (delivering Water • Water, flood and waste management Framework Directive outcomes) regulations – UK and EU post Brexit • We sponsored a Devon/Cornwall • Water Framework Directive and natural flood/soil management guide associated programmes post Brexit • We are a partner on the Lower • Government 25 year Environment Plan Otter Restoration Project • National and local planning policy • Consultation responses for large scale • Government Clean Air Strategy renewable energy scheme proposals in the AONB • Provided funding for renewable energy surveys and local schemes

24 Policies Priority actions A vision for environmental EQC 1 Support and encourage environmental • Support and encourage environmental and quality and climate and energy initiatives aimed at maintaining and energy initiatives, particularly where these The land, air, soils and water across the improving the natural resources of the AONB are under community ownership AONB are exposed to fewer pollutants, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, that are • Support community schemes that will are better valued and are managed in a more in keeping with the sustainable management help to reduce, re-use and recycle waste integrated way. Our rivers, lakes and coastal of the landscape, maintain landscape character • Work with partners on the East Devon waters are cleaner and support sustainable and conserve and where possible enhance, Catchment Partnership to deliver climate ecosystems that provide for recreation, the natural beauty. change adaptation measures and promote needs of the local and visiting community and sustainable management of our natural in doing so help sustain the local economy. EQC 2 Support and encourage schemes that resources We understand the unavoidable impacts of will help to reduce, re-use and recycle waste in a • Assist farmers in reducing impacts on climate change and are taking steps to adapt sustainable manner whilst respecting the landscape clean water and air to these and facilitate the reduction of character of the AONB. greenhouse gas emissions. Theme indicator EQC 3 Seek to understand and plan to exploit Primary Key objective 1.2 or minimise possible impacts arising from climate • River water quality (Environment Agency) The sustainable management of the change in order to conserve and enhance natural resources of the AONB. the AONB, in particular habitats and species Secondary protected for their nature conservation value. • Renewable energy installations/schemes (RegenSW)

25 BIODIVERSITY AND GEODIVERSITY

This sub-theme is concerned with conserving and enhancing the wildlife, habitat and geological assets of the AONB. What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? • Agricultural practices and impact on • UK Government, Defra bodies, designated sites/species/water quality local authorities • Climate change • Wildlife and conservation organisations/ • Government conservation and environmental charities/trusts policy/legislation post Brexit • Landowners • Public awareness, perceptions and • Local communities, societies, groups understanding and individuals

What are the key policy influences? Our work to date • Government 25 year Environment Plan • We are a lead partner in the Devon • Natural England’s Conservation 21 Policy Greater Horseshoe Bat Project • Devon Local Nature Partnership – • We assist delivery of River Otter Beaver Trial Action Plan • We are a member of the Jurassic Coast Trust • National and local planning/minerals policy Management Plan Advisory Group • We are a partner on the Lower Otter Restoration Project • We respond to consultations on mineral extraction sites • We have provided SDF funding to support to local wildlife projects • We play an active role in the Devon Local Nature Partnership

26 Policies Theme indicator A vision for biodiversity BG1 In partnership with others, support and Primary and geodiversity encourage conservation and enhancement • Total percentage of SSSI’s in ‘favourable’ The diversity and abundance of wildlife and actions for key habitat and species within the condition (Natural England) geology within the AONB is conserved AONB that maintain and enhance landscape Secondary and measures are being taken to further character and the historic environment. • Wildlife project supported by AONB (AONB) enhance habitats and geological features. • Area of enhanced biodiversity habitat through The importance of these assets on the BG2 Encourage actions that serve to AONB programmes (AONB) fabric of the landscape are understood and conserve and promote geo-diversity within appreciated by local people and visitors alike. the AONB, in particular within the Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Site. Key objective 1.3 The biodiversity and geological assets of Priority actions the AONB are conserved and enhanced as • Continue to support delivery of the part of a bigger, better and more joined Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat project up landscape. • Confirm and deliver actions in support of the Government’s 25 year Environment Plan; in particular developing Natural Capital and achieving Net Gain • Work with NE, Defra, WHS Trust and key partners on post Brexit environmental policy and delivery • Play an active role in the Devon Local Nature Partnership • Play an active role in the Lower Otter Restoration Project • Play an active role in the River Otter Beaver Trial

27 COAST

This sub-theme is concerned with conserving and enhancing the coastal areas of the AONB, including the Heritage Coast/ World Heritage Site. What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? • Climate change, weather patterns • Jurassic Coast Trust, South West and an eroding coastline Coast Path, National Trust • Raised awareness of marine pollution/litter • UK Government, Defra bodies, local authorities What are the key policy influences? • Wildlife and conservation organisations, • Government 25 year Environment Plan charities, trusts • Marine and landscape environmental • Key landowners and holiday parks/coastal sites protection Policy • Local communities, societies, groups • Water Framework Directive and individuals • National and Local Marine/Shoreline and Coastal Change Management Policy Our work to date • Jurassic Coast Management Plan • Member of the Jurassic Coast Management group • Partner on the Lower Otter Restoration Project • Funding support to coastal community projects • Engagement in EDDC Beach Management Planning process • Coastal Corridor Plan to guide future action • Support to South West Coast Path enhancement projects • Consultation on coastal protection and development schemes

28 Policies Theme indicator A vision for the coast C1 Conserve and enhance the tranquil, unspoiled Primary The high quality, largely undeveloped and undeveloped character of the coastline and • Percentage of time bathing water sites meets and internationally significant coastline is estuaries and encourage improvements to coastal imperative standards (Environment Agency) conserved and enhanced, maintaining the sites damaged by past poor-quality development highest environmental and design standards or intensive recreational pressure. and sustaining opportunities for recreation and tourism that has regard for local C2 Support and encourage action that maintains communities. the highest standard of bathing water quality and litter management in the estuaries and Key objective 1.4 along the coast. The conservation and enhancement of the high quality and internationally Priority actions significant coastline. • Encourage environmental and landscape improvements to existing large scale holiday sites on the coast • Support and encourage beach/marine litter and consumer/behaviour change campaigns • Support Jurassic Coast Trust initiatives and the conservation and protection of the coast in particular in regards of its setting • Engage in EDDC Beach Management Planning in Sidmouth/Seaton

29 THEME 2

People and prosperity

Strategic aim 2: Encourage and support sustainable economic development, social engagement and recreational activity that conserves and enhances the natural beauty of the AONB

30 Seaton/ Axe Valley 31 FARMING, FORESTRY AND LAND MANAGEMENT

This sub-theme is concerned with the role of agriculture, forestry and other land management practices in the conservation and enhancement of the AONB. What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? • Future agricultural policy post Brexit • Defra, Natural England, Environment • Global market price changes Agency, Forestry Commission • Climate change and trend for • Local authorities natural flood management tools • Wildlife and conservation organisations, • Crop and machinery innovation charities, trusts • Farmers and landowners What are the key policy influences? • Local communities, societies, groups • Government 25 year Environment Plan and individuals • Government farm/food policy • Water Framework Directive and/ Our work to date or its replacement post Brexit • Providing farm advice and support • Post-Brexit agri-environment and rural for agri-environment schemes development schemes • Drawing down Making it Local rural development funding • Coordinating an East Devon Farm Facilitation Scheme • Facilitating a Princes Farm Resilience Programme • Providing SDF support to farmland wildlife and habitat projects • Encouraging Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat project farm habitat schemes • Managed delivery of the River Axe Invasives Project and River Axe Catchment Sensitive Farming scheme

32 Policies Theme indicator A vision for farming, forestry FLM1 Promote and support appropriate and Primary and land management positive land management, diversification and • % AONB in the Environmental The AONB is a well-managed landscape agri-environment schemes that are in keeping Stewardship scheme (Defra) in which every farm and woodland make a with the purposes of AONB designation. • % woodland in the England Woodland positive and profitable contribution to the Grant Scheme (Forestry Commission) biodiversity, economy and communities FLM2 Support initiatives that enable the land of the AONB management sector to adapt to change and Secondary remain viable, whilst maintaining and enhancing • Number of farmers/landowners actively Key objective 2.1 the natural beauty of the AONB. engaged in Catchment Sensitive Farming A sustainable farming, forestry and land (Natural England) management sector that helps to conserve and enhance the character of the AONB Priority actions • Actively engage in the Catchment Sensitive Farming programmes • Influence, support and encourage environmental stewardship schemes • Work with partners to develop and support sustainable woodland and hedgerow/ tree management • Work with partners to develop and support sustainable farming and land management practices and reduce flood risk • Engage in agricultural policy development through National Association for AONBs • Co-ordinate delivery of the East Devon Farm Facilitation programme

33 ACCESS, RECREATION AND TOURISM

Whilst recreation is not a primary purpose for designation, it is recognised that demand should be met through active management, if this does not harm the conservation of natural What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? beauty or the needs of agriculture, • Tourism policy, promotion, and • Defra, Natural England, Destination sector development Management bodies forestry and other land uses. The • Increasing recognition of the health and • Tourism providers and AONB quality of the AONB environment welfare benefits of outdoor recreation Business Ambassadors and coastline play a significant role • Growing interest in sporting, cultural • Local authorities – rights of way and in boosting tourism and the and lifestyle events/festivals South West Tourism Association • Population increase through housing • Local communities, societies, groups rural economy. development and individuals • Developments in new technology – eg. battery operated bikes Our work to date • Coordinating the management and What are the key policy influences? promotion of the East Devon Way • UK, Regional and local tourism policy • Work with Devon CC/South West • Access policy and legislation Coast Path on access enhancements • Health and well-being policy • Development of links with tourism • Post-Brexit rural tourism and accommodation providers development schemes • Promotion and support to Sidmouth • Devon Countryside Access and East Devon Walking Festival Forum Position Statement • Monitoring recreational route use across the AONB • Providing opportunities for informal recreation through projects • Group winner of South West Tourism Alliance Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award (2018)

34 Policies Theme indicator A vision for access, ART 1 In partnership with others encourage and Primary recreation and tourism support the provision of high quality, sensitive, • Percentage of footpaths qualifying as ‘Ease The quality of the AONB landscape is a key physical access for as wide a range of users as of use of public rights of way’ (Devon CC) driver in the local economy. It is a destination possible and the on-going sustainable development • Changes in visitor numbers on key rights for a range of recreation and tourism of key recreational routes where this does not of way (AONB) opportunities that that have little impact conflict with the conservation of internationally on the environment, which can be accessed protected sites and species. Secondary by sustainable means and where the quiet • Number of businesses with Green Tourism enjoyment of the AONB and the benefits for ART 2 In partnership with others encourage and Business Scheme accreditation or an health and well-being activities are promoted. support sustainable tourism activities within the equivalent (Devon CC) AONB through the promotion of the special Key objective 2.2 qualities of the AONB, where this would not lead A sustainable access, recreation and to conflict with the conservation of internationally tourism sector that is compatible with the protected sites and species. protected landscape and does not harm the conservation of natural beauty or the needs Priority actions of agriculture, forestry and other uses. • Coordinate East Devon Way Management Plan and promotion • Continue to promote and develop links with the tourism sector/businesses and the environment, in particular around the East Devon Way and South West Coast Path corridors • Support improvements to coastal access, in particular in the Undercliffs

35 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Planning controls and their implementation play a key role in the conservation and enhancement of the AONB, its wildlife and communities. What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? • Population increase/ housing development • Local Authority planning and policy staff within the AONB and its setting • Natural England • Protected landscape policy/proposals for • Devon Landscape Policy Group a Dorset and East Devon National Park • Fellow AONBs/National Parks • Impacts of new technologies on domestic and commercial properties Our work to date • Demand for micro-business premises • Instigated the first Landscape Character • Opportunities for local plan making Assessment (LCA) for East Devon • Post Brexit impact on planning regulations • Input into Devon Landscape Policy and related environmental protection Group guidelines • Climate change • Production of AONB Equestrian Development Advice Notes What are the key policy influences? • Operating a Planning Consultation • National Planning Policy Framework* Protocol with Devon CC and East Devon DC • Local plans, neighbourhood plans • Input on a wide range of planning and mineral and waste plans consultations /plans • Landscape assessment tools and • Review of East Devon Landscape policy guidelines Character Assessment (2018/19) • The East Devon AONB Partnership Plan • Environmental law/protection • Government 25 Year Environment Plan • Glover Review of National Designated Landscapes

* See Appendix 2 for summary of key AONB references in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (2018) 36 Policies Theme indicator A vision for planning and P1 Encourage the development of guidelines to Primary development support high quality sustainable development • Policy guidelines/tools developed/amended The special qualities of the AONB landscape which complements and respects (AONB/East Devon DC/Devon CC) are protected, enhanced and conserved by the AONB landscape and historic character. planning policies which are robust enough to Secondary ensure that development is both appropriate P2 Provide advice and support on planning policy • Number of planning applications and compatible with the national importance and development to enable the special qualities commented on by the AONB team of the landscape. of the historic and landscape character to be protected, conserved and enhanced. Key objective 2.3 Planning development and policy protects the Priority actions special landscape character and tranquillity of • Develop advice and guidelines in close the AONB and will enable appropriate forms liaison with planning/policy staff of social and economic development that are • Support the development of village compatible with the landscape, so conserving and neighbourhood plans/guides and enhancing the environment. • Respond to planning consultations in accordance with the AONB protocol as resources allow • Engage in the Glover Review of Designated Landscapes • To encourage use of Landscape Sensitivity Assessments in and within the setting of the AONB

37 TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

The AONB is a place where sustainable transport and opportunities for improved appropriate access to the countryside are welcomed. Design What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? of transport and highways/access is • Traffic increase through greater housing • Local Authority transport/highways development departments important to conserving character • Increasing interest in cycling and safe • Developers/transport providers and tranquillity. off-road routes • Parish/town councils • Management of the highway corridor for wildlife/safety Our work • The recognised health and welfare benefits • Production of highways management guidelines of outdoor recreation for AONBs/National Parks in Devon • Developments in new technology – • Support to local transport projects – eg. battery operated bikes e.g. Sidmouth Hopper, X53 Jurassic Coast bus service What are the key policy influences? • Input on all-user access scheme consultations • National Planning Policy Framework • Promotion of public transport in • Local and county plans AONB literature • Transport plans, neighbourhood plans • Encouraging sustainable tourism initiatives • Highways Management Guidelines for Devon’s protected landscapes

38 Policies Theme indicator A vision for transport and highways T1 Promote the development of high quality, Primary The AONB highways network is designed integrated and sustainable transport services • Traffic counts at fixed locations in/ and maintained with landscape in mind and and initiatives in and around the AONB where near the AONB (Devon CC) serves an area where there is a culture for compatible with conserving natural beauty and • Length of dedicated cycle ways in reduced traffic impact, improved public the conservation objectives of European nature the AONB (Devon CC) transport services and flexible sustainable conservation sites. transport opportunities.

T2 Work to ensure road and transport schemes Key objective 2.4 within the AONB have regard to the purpose of The impact on the landscape, environment AONB designation. and enjoyment of the AONB is considered in the planning and provision of transport Priority actions networks and services. • Contribute to the development of sustainable transport initiatives • Investigate options to monitor and identify tranquil areas within the AONB; including the creation of a network of quiet lanes • Encourage and support village gateway signs promoting the AONB • Encourage and support safe off-road access routes for all users

39 RURAL ECONOMY AND SERVICES

The AONB is a living and working landscape, with agriculture, forestry, and a wide range of business and economic activity taking place. The social needs of What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? local communities vary from • Mobile working, rural isolation/access • Local Authority economic and broadband provision development departments towns to isolated rural hamlets. • New technological developments and • Local Enterprise Partnerships demand for micro-business premises • Parish/town councils • Greater demand for local products, • Businesses and local advice networks supply chains and traceability • Local authority funding, revenue and Our work to date asset management programmes • Helping secure and deliver Making it Local • ‘Natural capital’ models may influence rural development programme funding future rural business and land management • SDF supported community facility initiatives – e.g. Beer Scouts, Umborne Village Hall What are the key policy influences? • The AONB and WHS Ambassador schemes • Government strategic/growth are developing links with local businesses investment programmes • Input into neighbourhood plans and • Local authority planning/housing and economic advice documents development programmes • Rural development programmes post Brexit • Local plans/neighbourhood plans

40 Policies Priority actions A vision for rural economy RES 1 Encourage the principle of local markets and • Secure legacy programme funding for and services sustainable local produce where it adds value to Making it Local RDPE programme and The AONB economy is robust and able to the local economy and contributes to the AONB assistance to micro-businesses adapt and is sustaining local communities, purpose of designation. • Support and encourage local produce/supply services and businesses whilst operating networks and support improved services in harmony with the conservation and RES 2 Encourage the development of sustainable for isolated rural communities enhancement of the outstanding landscape. employment opportunities that are compatible • Support local businesses in the development with the AONB purpose and objectives, promote of the environmental economy and Key objective 2.5 good design and encourage people to continue to complementary programmes eg. AONB A sustainable rural economy in the AONB live and work within in their communities. Ambassador scheme that serves to conserve and enhance the • Work with partners to develop models character of the landscape. RES 3 In partnership with others develop demonstrating the natural capital monitoring and research that serves to quantify of the AONB and assess the economic value of the environment in the AONB. Theme indicator Primary • Number of businesses pledged on the AONB Ambassador scheme (AONB)

41 COMMUNITY AND CULTURE

The AONB population is small (c30k) with a high percentage of retired residents attracted by the quality of life and landscape. There are opportunities to develop local What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? community initiatives and activity • Social/community/health support programmes • Parish/town councils • Rural development programmes post-Brexit • Local interest groups and societies, partners in partnership with others help to • Village housing/affordable housing programmes • Local Authority economic development develop skills, improve health, raise • Local authority funding, revenue and departments awareness and encourage cohesion. asset management programmes • Voluntary services/networks

What are the key policy influences? Our work to date • Government strategic/growth investment • Secured and delivering Making it Local programmes/LEPs rural development programme funding • Local authority planning/housing, health • Operated three community based Cultural and economic development programmes Heritage Projects 2007–17 • Rural development programmes post-Brexit • Active engagement with the main civic local plans/neighbourhood plans groups in the AONB area • Local and neighbourhood planning • Supported Neighbourhood plans and town/village projects • Assisted development and promotion of walking for health programmes

42 Policies Theme indicator A vision for community and culture CC1 Support local community engagement in Primary The AONB is an area where communities physical, cultural and natural heritage initiatives • Number of parish and town councils in have an active association with the landscape within the AONB. the AONB area with up to date/’made’ and where local events serve to reinforce Neighbourhood Plans or their equivalent this relationship, maintain local traditions, and CC2 Work with others to strengthen (East Devon DC) support the local economy. Mechanisms have community capacity, resources, information, been established that address local housing services and facilities within the AONB where Secondary need and enable the provision and long-term these contribute to the AONB purpose • Membership numbers of the Otter Valley use of community buildings and resources. of designation. Association, Sid Vale Association and Axe Vale & District Conservation Society Key objective 2.6 Priority actions (Amenity groups) Improved access to services and facilities • Actively engage local community groups and and the active participation in community organisations in AONB projects and activities and appropriate landscape related • Support local action through the AONB social enterprise. Sustainable Development Fund and other programmes • Support community level plan development eg. neighbourhood plans

43 THEME 3

Communication and management

Strategic aim 3: The AONB is recognised and valued as a national, regional and local asset and is effectively managed Seaton Down in partnership with our stakeholders. Hillfort walk 44 45 COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

The activity of the AONB Partnership and its supporters will help develop understanding of the countryside, awareness of the AONB designation, its purposes What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? and the work of the Partnership. • Defra/government policy post-Brexit • National Association for AONBs • Local authority/partner education activity and • Parish/town councils programmes • Local schools, interest groups and societies • Business awareness of the value of the • Local Authority economic development, environment to them/their customers heritage, countryside departments • Social media and technological development • Voluntary services/networks

What are the key policy influences? Our work to date • Defra protected landscape investment • Developed an AONB website and programmes a range of promotional leaflets • National Association for AONBs • Provide talks to local organisations communication programmes • Held an Annual public meeting since 2003 • Local authority and AONB partner activity/ • Undertaken a wide range of community-based awareness and engagement projects project work – e.g. Legacy to Landscape • Initiated an AONB Ambassador scheme • Installed AONB boundary markers and encouraged village gateway signs

46 Policies Theme indicator A vision for communication, CEA 1 In partnership with others promote Primary education and awareness and support the education, understanding and • Levels of awareness of the AONB There is a high level of awareness of the appreciation of the natural and cultural landscape designation and purpose (AONB five yearly) AONB designation, the Partnership’s activities of the AONB. • Number of people engaged in AONB and the wide range of opportunities and activities (AONB) media available. This is enabling people and CEA 2 Promote and highlight good practice businesses to engage with, learn more about within the AONB and the role and activities and benefit from the opportunities this of the AONB Partnership. special landscape has to offer.

Priority actions Key objective 3.1 • Promote the AONB and work of the A greater awareness of the AONB, the Partnership and its member organisations purposes of the designation, the role of • Survey local communities on levels of the Partnership and range of opportunities awareness and understanding of the AONB for engagement. • Provide information and educational materials on the AONB to support partners across the area • Continue to develop the AONB Ambassador scheme for individuals, organisations and businesses

47 MANAGEMENT

This sub theme addresses the operational aspects of the AONB Partnership and team.

What are the key forces for change? Who are our key partners? • Defra/government protected landscape • Defra and Local authority funders policy post-Brexit (Devon CC and East Devon DC) • Local authority/partner funding and support • Parish/town councils • Community involvement and support • Local interest groups and societies • Conservation organisations, charities What are the key policy influences? and trusts • Protected landscape legislation e.g. Our work to date CROW Act 2000 • Reporting on our work through the • Defra protected landscape investment AONB Annual Report/meetings programmes • Production of AONB Annual Business Plan • National Association for AONBs • Efficiency/adaptation measures – performance agreements with Defra reductions in key budget areas • Local authority business plans • Securing sponsorship for our events • Securing external funding for AONB activity, project work and programmes

48 Policies Theme indicator A vision for management, M1 Encourage co-ordination and partnership Primary organisation and partnerships amongst the wide range of national and • Production of a publicly available The AONB Partnership and team are regional agencies and organisations and other Annual Report and Business Plan (AONB) respected as ambassadors for the East Devon based AONBs to secure funding for Devon AONB. They are recognised for their the care and enhancement of the AONB. Secondary ability to balance the aims of designation • Number of partnerships where AONB in caring for and enhancing the AONB M2 Ensure that the AONB Management promote delivery of the Management landscape and wildlife whilst supporting and Plan is reviewed every five years and that Strategy (AONB) sustaining local communities and businesses. the Delivery Plan is annually updated and • Value of work delivered directly or secured made publicly available. by the AONB team (AONB) Key objective 3.2 The AONB Partnership will act as Priority actions ambassadors for East Devon AONB, • Produce and deliver Annual AONB influence policy and decision making affecting Business Plan and Annual Report AONBs and work to secure funding for the • Secure Memorandum of Agreement long-term co-ordinated management of the with Defra and LA partners area and report on its work. • Secure additional funding in support of AONB objectives and programmes • Continue to review AONB operations and working arrangements

49 50 Delivery and monitoring

The Partnership Plan will be delivered by the East Devon AONB team, guided by and on behalf of ▼East Devon AONB the AONB Partnership and Executive Group. Parnership organogram There will be two strands for monitoring the AONB and the Partnership: SDF Panel AONB Partnership Community 1. National indicator/performance programme and working (key stakeholder involvement groups organisations) (annual meeting/ These will comprise of annual Key Performance Ambassadors) Indicators developed through the National Association for AONB’s (NAAONB) and Defra, reported annually by NAAONB. AONB Executive (funders, Chairman, 2. Theme indicators of the Partnership Plan Vice Chairman and Natural England) The plan contains a series of Indicators which will seek to monitor progress in delivery. The AONB team will collate this information/data annually with support from the identified partners for each indicator. In some cases the NAAONB indicators AONB team will also be indicators for delivery of this plan.

51 East Devon AONB key indicators summary Key Targets 2019-24

Maintain/improve Increased SSSIs Increased levels of area in woodland area in awareness of ‘favourable’ active AONB condition management

Reduced number Increased area of of Scheduled Maintain ‘ease of AONB in agri- Ancient use’ levels for environment Monuments on public footpaths schemes the Heritage at Risk register

More Improved water Bathing water Neighbourhood quality in the rating Plans/community rivers Otter, Sid, 3* for all sites engagement Axe & Lim

52 Key targets 2019–24

The targets opposite will assist Maintain/ Increased Increased in guiding how we will work with improve levels SSSIs area in woodland our partners to conserve and of awareness ‘favourable’ area in active enhance the area. of AONB condition management

Increased Reduced number area of AONB in Maintain of Scheduled agri-environment ‘ease of use’ Ancient schemes levels for public Monuments on footpaths the Heritage at Risk register

More Improved water Neighbourhood Bathing water quality in the Plans and rating 3* for rivers Otter, Sid, community all sites Axe and Lim engagement

53 Appendix 1

NCA number: 147 Devon Landscape Special qualities and features LCA Landscape National character area: Blackdowns Character Areas of significance no. character type* Sidmouth and • Area between the cliff tops and mean low 1B Open coastal Lyme Bay water mark forms part of the Dorset and East plateau Coastal Devon Coast World Heritage Site (WHS), of Devon Landscape Special qualities and features LCA Landscape Plateau outstanding world value for its geological and Character Areas of significance no. character type* geomorphological formations (particularly fossils). 1C Pebble Bed • The chalk and limestone cliffs unique in a Blackdown • Distinctive, unspoilt, and very exposed 1A Open inland Heaths Devon context and the most westerly chalk cliffs Hills skylines often looking over the crowns of planned plateaux in England. woodland on the steep greensand slopes. • Rare chalk grassland along the coast which is • High scenic quality reflected in the area 3A Upper farmed designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest forming part of the Blackdown Hills and and wooded (SSSI) and CWS. East Devon AONBs. valley slopes 2A Steep wooded • Shingle beach between Beer Head and • Outstanding views across East Devon scarp slopes Sidmouth is one of three UK sites for the rare and the Otter valley. 4B Marine Levels scaley cricket. • Sense of isolation and remoteness, • Undercliffs valued for nature conservation and enhanced by exposure of the plateau; tranquillity geological formations – Sidmouth to Beer Coast provided by the dense woodland 4D Coastal Slopes SSSI and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and of the greensand scarps. and Combes 3A Upper farmed Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs SSSI, SAC and • Many CWSs and SSSIs including ancient semi- and wooded National Nature Reserve (NNR). natural woodland, semi-improved and improved valley slopes • Estuary habitats valued for their salt marshes acidic and neutral grasslands and spring line mires. 4H Cliffs and mudflats (i.e. Otter Estuary SSSI and Local • Picturesque villages with traditional buildings Nature Reserve (LNR) and Otter Meadows CWS). linked by narrow winding lanes; many • Historic Park and Garden at Rousdon. listed buildings. • High value for recreation, including part of the South West Coastal Path long distance route. East Devon • Distinctive, unspoilt, and very 1A Open inland Cultural associations with writers and artists Central Ridge exposed skylines. planned plateaux inspired by the dramatic coastal scenery including • Outstanding views across East Devon, mainly Lionel Aggett, John Fowles and Carolyn Vernon southwards to the coast but also northwards • Coastal hillforts e.g. Berry Camp/High Peak and into the Blackdowns. remains of prehistoric field boundaries at Beer • Sense of isolation, tranquillity and Head and Littlecombe Shoot. 2A Steep wooded remoteness, enhanced by natural qualities of scarp slopes the rivers and scarp woodlands. • Many County Wildlife Sites comprising ancient semi-natural woodland; semi-improved and improved acidic and neutral grasslands; spring line mires; and extensive areas of 3A heathland and gorse scrub particularly on Upper farmed Gittisham Hill and Broad Down. and wooded • Prominent Bronze Age barrows on Gittisham valley slopes Hill and Farway Hill; earthwork remains of former castles e.g. Farway Castle hill forts. • Combe House Registered Park and Garden, including historic wood pasture and parkland. • Picturesque villages with traditional buildings linked by narrow winding lanes crossing historic stone bridges; many listed buildings 54 NCA number: 148 National character area: Devon Redlands

Devon Landscape Special qualities and features LCA Landscape Devon Landscape Special qualities and features LCA Landscape Character Areas of significance no. character type* Character Areas of significance no. character type*

Wootton Hills • Distinctive, unspoilt, and exposed skylines. Open inland Clyst Lowland • Well managed, generally low hedgerows enabling 3A Upper farmed • Outstanding views across East Devon, mainly 1A planned plateaux Farmlands views to distinctive wooded skyline hills which and wooded southwards to the coast but also northwards help provide orientation and sense of place. valley slopes into the Blackdowns and across the Axe Valley. • Sense of tranquillity enhanced by natural qualities • Bronze Age barrows in elevated positions on of the meandering streams and rivers. • Other nature conservation interest mainly ridges; setting to and site of Musbury Castle Steep wooded hill fort. limited to patches of unimproved neutral grassland 2A scarp slopes • Many CWSs designated for unimproved neutral and marshy grassland or fen, traditional orchards grassland and broadleaved woodland; and SSSI and steam margins. designations at Park Farm Meadows and Bulmoor • Rich cultural heritage of the area’s hilltops, such Pastures and Coppice. as Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hillforts and • Notable areas of ancient semi-natural Lower rolling ancient settlement remain. • Picturesque villages with traditional buildings woodland in the north e.g. New Park Coppice. 3B farmed and settled • Contains the East Devon Way long valley slopes linked by narrow winding lanes crossing distance path. historic stone bridges; many listed buildings and • Picturesque historic villages with traditional Conservation Areas. buildings linked by narrow winding lanes crossing • Many buildings constructed of local stone. historic stone bridges; many listed buildings • Distinctive, unspoilt, wooded skyline providing Pebble Bed local distinctiveness and orientation. 1A Open inland • Outstanding views across East Devon to west Axe Valley • High degree of tranquillity and remoteness 1E Wooded ridges Heaths planned and Farmland and east and also south to the coast. plateaux in the tributary valleys. and hilltops • Sense of isolation, tranquillity and remoteness, • River Axe SSSI and SAC; enhanced by natural qualities of the heath, • Estuary habitats valued for their salt marshes, woodland and commons. mudflats and waders (eg. Seaton Marshes). • Rarity value as one of Devon’s few areas of 2A Steep wooded • Ancient woodlands, many of which are CWSs Upper farmed remaining lowland heath. scarp slopes • County Geological Site on former sand and 3A and wooded • Varied wildlife habitats including SSSI, SAC and gravel workings at Kilmington (terrace gravels valley slopes Special Protection Area (SPA) designations on containing exotic pebbles) heathland habitats valued for endangered species • 87th and 88th country houses including such as Dartford Warbler, Nightjar and invertebrates. 3A Stedcombe House; and Woodend Park which • Other habitats of value including ancient semi- contains notable veteran trees of national 3B Lower rolling natural and broadleaved woodland. Upper farmed importance for their wood decay invertebrates farmed and settled • Bicton and Cadhay Historic Parks and Gardens and wooded and lichens. valley slopes (Grade I and Grade II registered respectively) which valley slopes • Vernacular buildings of cob and thatch include historic wood pasture and parkland and and village church towers that add to the nationally significant population of veteran trees picturesque qualities of the area. at Bicton. 3C Sparsely settled •Cultural associations with WG Hoskins who • Woodbury Castle (Iron Age hill fort, Scheduled described Colyton as “singularly beautiful, with farmed valley floors Monument) and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds rolling green hills and deep combes”. • Picturesque villages with traditional buildings linked • Second World War pillboxes within flood by narrow winding lanes crossing historic stone plain form a distinctive landscape feature. bridges; many listed buildings. • Important area for recreation including 4B Marine Levels • Valued area for recreation with good access walking and horse riding – area includes the provision and high carrying capacity. East Devon Way long distance footpath which • Woodbury Common associated with Arthur runs through the valley. Mee and described in Peach L Du Garde Guide to Unknown Devon 55 Appendix 2

National Planning Policy Framework in relation to AONBs

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 172. Great weight should be given to conserving the designated area, or meeting the was originally published by the UK’s Department and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty need for it in some other way; and of Communities and Local Government in in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of c) any detrimental effect on the environment, the March 2012, consolidating over two dozen Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the landscape and recreational opportunities, and previously issued documents called Planning Policy highest status of protection in relation to these the extent to which that could be moderated. Statements (PPS) and Planning Policy Guidance issues. The conservation and enhancement of 173. Within areas defined as Heritage Coast Notes (PPG) for use in England. wildlife and cultural heritage are also important (and that do not already fall within one of A revised NPPF was published by the UK considerations in these areas and should be the designated areas mentioned in paragraph Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities given great weight in National Parks and the 172), planning policies and decisions should be and Local Government on 24 July 2018. This is Broads. The scale and extent of development consistent with the special character of the area the first revision of the National Planning Policy within these designated areas should be limited. and the importance of its conservation. Major Framework since 2012. It implements around Planning permission should be refused for development within a Heritage Coast is unlikely 85 reforms announced previously through the major development55 other than in exceptional to be appropriate, unless it is compatible with Housing White Paper, the planning for the right circumstances, and where it can be demonstrated its special character. homes in the right places consultation and the that the development is in the public interest. draft revised National Planning Policy Consideration of such applications should Framework consultation. include an assessment of: The key change in the NPPF in relation to a) the need for the development, including in national policy for AONBs, National Parks and terms of any national considerations, and the the Broads was that the paragraph numbers are impact of permitting it, or refusing it, upon altered, with Para 115 and 116 combined into a the local economy; single paragraph 172. b) the cost of, and scope for, developing outside

Footnote 55. For the purposes of paragraphs 172 and 173, whether a proposal is ‘major development’ is a matter for the decision maker, taking into account its nature, scale and setting, and whether it could have a significant adverse impact on the purposes for which the area has been designated or defined.

56 Watermill at Uplyme Details of supporting documents

The following documents form an important part of the Partnership Plan and its delivery.

• Strategic context and background to AONB purpose, designation and policy • Strategic Environmental Assessment, Sustainability Appraisal and Habitat Regulation Assessment • Statement of Community Involvement • Plan Adoption Report

These and other documents relating to AONB activity can be found on the AONB website eastdevonaonb.org.uk. Further important reference documents for development and initiatives include:

• East Devon Landscape Character Assessment and Management Guidelines (revised 2018/19) • East Devon AONB Historic Environment Action Plan • East Devon AONB Equestrian Development Guidelines • AONB Monitoring/Indicator data • Neighbourhood Plans • AONB Planning Guidance (in development)

The AONB team and partnership will refer to these and other documents in its responses to planning consultations and land management initiatives and will also seek to develop and implement the recommended areas for future research and activity.

57 Acknowledgements This Partnership Plan has been developed and produced by the East Devon AONB Partnership, Executive Group and team.

All images, maps and photographs used in this Partnership Plan by kind permission and © copyright of East Devon AONB unless shown otherwise.

Maps based on Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright and database rights 2019 East Devon District 100023746 Natural England Licence 100018881 Devon County Council 076562 All rights reserved. Unauthorised production may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.

With the exceptions of the above copyrights, this publication or any section of it may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium provided it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading context and the source of the material is recognised and acknowledged.

Requests for alternatively accessible versions of this Plan will be accommodated where practical. (Large print, braille, other languages). 58 EAST DEVON

The East Devon AONB Partnership is funded by Defra, Devon County Council Contact details and East Devon District Council. Phone 01404 46663 Email [email protected] Write / East Devon AONB Partnership visit Kennaway House, Coburg Road Sidmouth, EX10 8NG 59 60 © Cannington Viaduct Kerrie Anne Gardner Printed on paper from sustainable sources Correct at time of production 03/19 S0245