LANDSCAPE REVIEW OF PLANS, POLICIES, PROGRAMMES & SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES

INTERNATIONAL The European Landscape Convention (2006) The European Landscape Convention (ELC) is a new instrument devoted exclusively to the protection, management and planning of all landscapes in Europe. The ELC was ratified by the UK government in November 2006 and will come into force on 1st March 2007. Article 3 – Aims The aims of this Convention are to promote landscape protection, management and planning, and to organise European co-operation on landscape issues. Targets None

NATIONAL PPS7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas (ODPM, 2004) PPS7 sets out the Government's planning policies for rural areas, including country towns and villages and the wider, largely undeveloped countryside up to the fringes of larger urban areas. Objectives To raise the quality of life and the environment in rural areas through the promotion of: • good quality, sustainable development that respects and, where possible, enhances local

distinctiveness and the intrinsic qualities of the countryside; and • continued protection of the open countryside for the benefit of all, with the highest level of protection

for our most valued landscapes and environmental resources. Targets None PPG20: Coastal Planning (ODPM, 1992) PPG20 outlines the Government’s planning policies for developments which may specifically require a coastal location, including mineral extraction. It covers the character of the coast, designated areas, heritage coasts and the international dimension. Key policy issues: • Conservation of the natural environment • Development, particularly that which requires a coastal location • Improving the environment, particularly of urbanised or despoiled coastlines Targets None MPS1: Planning and Minerals (DCLG, 2006) MPS1 replaces MPG1. It sets out the key overarching policies and principles the Government expects Mineral Planning Authorities to follow when preparing minerals development frameworks and in considering applications Objectives: • To protect internationally and nationally designated areas of landscape value and nature

conservation importance from minerals development, other than in the exceptional circumstances detailed in paragraph 14 of this statement.

• To protect and seek to enhance the overall quality of the environment once extraction has ceased, through high standards of restoration, and to safeguard the long-term potential of land for a wide range of after-uses.

Targets: None

MPG7: The Reclamation of Mineral Workings (ODPM, 1996) MPG7 deals with policies, consultations and conditions which are relevant to achieving effective reclamation of mineral workings. It sets out the contribution which reclaimed mineral sites can make to the Government's policies for sustainable development and mineral working, and for land use and other policies in the wider countryside. Annexes contain more detailed advice on soils, reclamation, aftercare and after-use Objectives • On many sites, the ability to achieve high standards of reclamation should enable mineral extraction

to occur without the irreversible loss of land quality. Targets None

REGIONAL RPG10: Regional Planning Guidance for the South West (GOSW, 2001) RPG10 provides a regional spatial strategy within which local authority development plans and Local Transport Plans (LTPs) in the South West should be prepared and sets out a broad development strategy for the period to 2016 and beyond. It also provides the spatial framework for other strategies and programmes. Objectives • Ensuring that the level, distribution and nature of development is consistent with the special

character, diversity and distinctiveness of the region and seeks to maximise benefits to the environment

• Safeguarding and enhancing the quality and diversity of the natural, cultural and built environment across the region, while giving the highest level of protection to designated areas and features of national and international importance

Policy EN 1: Landscape and Biodiversity Targets Habitat protection and restoration – see Biodiversity Topic Paper Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006-2026 (SWRA, 2006) The RSS will supersede RPG10, looking forward to 2026. Its spatial and functional in approach goes beyond traditional land use planning to bring together and integrate policies for the development and use of land with other policies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they can function. Objectives None, but the Draft RSS includes various policies on landscape: Policies ENV1 Protecting and Enhancing the Region’s Natural and Historic Environment ENV2 Landscape Character Areas ENV3 Protected Landscapes CO1 Defining the Coastal Zone Targets No specific targets but: • Seeking to reduce loss of assets. The region’s natural and historic environment has been protected

and enhanced. Timescales for delivery/Targets: ‘on-going’ (Implementation Plan ENV1). • Distinctive qualities and features of the region’s landscape character areas are sustained and

enhanced. Timescales for delivery/Targets: ‘on-going’ (Implementation Plan ENV2). • Protected landscapes undamaged by development. Timescales for delivery/Targets: ‘on-going’

(Implementation Plan ENV3).

Countryside Character Volume 8: South West (Countryside Agency, 1999) This is one of a series of eight regional volumes that describe the countryside character and landscape of England (divided into 159 Joint Character Areas), analysing the forces that created it, both natural and man-made. Objectives • Raise awareness of the diversity of countryside character. • Increase understanding of what contributes to that character and what may influence it. • Encourage respect for the character of the countryside.

Devon includes a number of joint character areas. Targets None A Sustainable Future for the South West: The Regional Sustainable Development Framework for the South West of England (SWRA, 2001) Sets out a high level strategic framework for moving towards sustainable development in the South West. The main purpose of the Framework is to set out an agreed agenda for everyone in the region to work towards. Objectives Development & Planning • Ensure the SW remains a region of diverse and distinctive heritage and landscape Biodiversity & Landscapes • Protect and enhance the region’s urban and rural landscapes Culture & Heritage • Ensure the SW remains a region of diverse and distinct cultural landscapes and townscapes Food & Farming • Enhance the quality of farmland landscapes and habitats Targets None. The Strategy identifies a headline indicator for each theme, but does not propose targets. Our Environment: Our Future – the Regional Strategy for the South West Environment 2004-2014 (SWRA, 2004) The purpose of the strategy is to generate awareness of the importance of the South West environment, identify priorities for protecting and enhancing the environment and to provide a framework for action in the South West. Aims • Conserve and enhance the landscape and historic environment as assets for everyone to value and

enjoy • Safeguard and manage the elements of the environment that underpin local distinctiveness Targets • Increase the area of the South West covered by Landscape Character Assessments. • Maintain and improve local environmental quality. • Total extent of ‘tranquil areas’ across the region no less than 90% of area in 1990. • Adopt and implement 12 statutory AONB management plans. • Increase by 20% the amount of land in National Parks, AONBs and Heritage Coasts being

managed in line with adopted protected area management plans. COUNTY

The Essence of Devon – Devon’s Landscape: Devon County Council’s Role and Action Programme for the Landscape (DCC, 2004) Provides an analysis of landscape character within Devon, its key features and implications for the design and location of new development, complementing work by the Countryside Agency (now Rural England). Objectives The Programme has a large number of objectives grouped under the following themes and other topics: • Geology • Water • Farmed Landscapes and Woodland • Field Boundaries • Settlements and Buildings • Development, Roads and People • Panoramas, Skylines and Landmarks • Landscape Character Zones • Tranquil Areas • Landscape Policy Areas • The Essence of Devon Targets None

Our Coast – Our Common Asset: Devon County Council’s Maritime Role and Action Programme (DCC, 2003) This plan relates to the area administered by Devon County Council. It provides an introduction to the maritime environment and its value, and then sets out the role of the Council and the policies and actions it will pursue to protect and enhance this environment and its economy. Objectives • To conserve the natural, cultural and historic environments • To help deliver a sustainable and strategic approach to activity that might affect coastal processes Targets None, but a series of five-year priorities for action are identified. The Devon Landscape – An appraisal of Devon’s Landscape at the Beginning of the 21st Century (DCC, 2002) This document provides an appraisal of the County’s landscape. It identifies the key themes that go toward the making of the Devon landscape and sets out how differing elements of these themes result in identifiable areas, each with its own distinctive characteristics. Objectives include: • Identifying landscape principles for the development of district-wide local plans, and acting as a

potential source of supplementary planning guidance, particularly relating to local distinctiveness, for developers and development control officers.

Targets None, but discussion of each Landscape Character Zone includes ‘Key characteristic features’ and ‘Retention of the landscape’s character and integrity’.

LOCAL See Appendix 1: summary of adopted Development Plans in Devon. See Appendix 2: summary of Community Strategies in Devon. Blackdown Hills Plan 2004-2009 (Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership, 2004) Key Aims • To recognise, understand and enhance the diversity and distinctiveness of the nationally important

landscape resource of the Blackdown Hills AONB • For the land and natural environment to be actively managed, appreciated and understood for its

contribution to the landscape character and distinctiveness of the Blackdown Hills AONB • To have a thriving local economy with jobs for local people, that makes wise use of local resources,

benefits the community and conserves and enhances the landscape and environment • To ensure that all necessary new development enhances the landscape, reflecting the strong rural

vernacular and contributing to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the Blackdown Hills

Targets None, but the Plan identifies a range of indicators for measuring implementation East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Strategy 2004-2009 (East Devon AONB Partnership, 2004) Key Objectives • To improve co-ordination in the management of the diverse and distinctive landscape assets of the

AONB to ensure that they are maintained and enhanced, understood and appreciated by all • To promote sustainable access, recreation and tourism initiatives that are in keeping with the AONB

landscape, educate and raise awareness and support the local economy • To encourage a sustainable rural economy in the AONB that serves to conserve and enhance the

character of the landscape • To work to ensure the impact on the AONB landscape is considered in the planning and provision

of transport networks and services Targets None, but the Strategy includes a set of indicators to measure its implementation North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan (Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service Joint Advisory Committee, 2004) Aims • To conserve and enhance the landscape, wildlife, geology and cultural heritage of the North Devon

AONB

Targets None, but the Plan includes indicators for measuring implementation South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2004-2009 (South Devon AONB Partnership, 2004) Aims • To maintain the highest quality of undeveloped coastal landscape as a defining feature of the

AONB and an asset to the nation’s natural heritage • To foster a profitable mixed farming economy producing high quality food, contributing to the

distinctive character of the landscape and practising the sustainable management of land, soil and water

• To secure the planting and management of trees, orchards and woodlands as a distinctive feature of the AONB landscape and for the many benefits they bring to nature conservation, the economy, countryside recreation, tourism, employment and amenity

• To engender understanding of the area’s traditions, landscape character, wildlife, archaeology and countryside and an appreciation of the role the AONB designation has in protecting and enhancing the beauty of South Devon

• To retain and develop a prosperous working countryside, with a dynamic business sector providing year-round, sustainable and well-paid employment opportunities and contributing to the special character of the area

• To enhance the contribution made to the distinctive character of the area by the historic highway and river transport networks and to develop the diversity of travel opportunities

Targets None Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2004-2009 (Tamar Valley AONB Service, 2004) Objectives • A better level of identification and understanding of man’s historical legacy within the landscape,

leading to effective protection and conservation of the cultural and historic landscape, and distinctive character of the AONB

• Effective conservation of the AONB’s natural resources and features, its landform and landscape setting, water, mineral and soil resources, and the encouragement of sustainable lad management

• A viable system of landscape management which sustains our landscape structure and which supports local farmers, foresters and land managers

• Increased identification, awareness and conservation of those defining elements which together form the landscape character and without which would devalue the designation

• Improved co-ordination in the management of the whole river environment with better recognition of the social, cultural and historic importance of the rivers

• The wider recognition of the Tamar Valley identity and its special characteristics. The further collection, collation and dissemination of information which reinforces the local distinctiveness of the area and helps inform the future management of the AONB. The AONB Partnership will undertake primary research in areas where no data exists

• Greater understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the AONB landscape and wider recognition of the designation and its role

• Interpretation of the environment and distinctiveness of the AONB to a wider audience of local people and visitors

• Within the AONB the standards of design for buildings and infrastructure are higher and show sensitivity to landscape and local character

Targets The Plan includes a comprehensive framework of targets, of which the following is of particular relevance to the Minerals Core Strategy: • Complete a £2.1m integrated programme of work involving landscape, mining, heritage, access,

interpretation and settlement improvements

BASELINE INFORMATION Landscape Designations The high quality of Devon’s landscape, which contributes greatly to the County’s distinctiveness, is recognised by a range of national and local designations, as illustrated below. Devon’s Landscape Policy Areas Source: DCC (2004), ‘Devon Structure Plan 2001 to 2016’

The National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty together cover 34% of the County, with Areas of Great Landscape Value providing an additional level of policy constraint. When local designations are included (i.e. Areas of Great Landscape Value and Coastal Preservation Areas) more than half of Devon is protected by landscape designations. Landscape Character Zones While the map above shows the extent of Devon’s designated landscape areas, it does little to convey the differing character of each of the areas, and may also give the misleading impression that non-designated areas are of no significance. It is therefore more worthwhile to consider the Landscape Character Zones (LCZs) identified in Devon County Council’s ‘The Devon Landscape’ (2002), which are shown on the map below. Landscape Character Zones Source: DCC (2004), ‘Devon Structure Plan 2001 to 2016’

‘The Devon Landscape’ (2002) identified 32 LCZs grouped into six broader areas, and provides extensive descriptive and subjective information on each of the Zones. Reference should be made to this publication for detailed information on the characteristics of the Zones, but the table below provides a guide to the key characteristics of each. In some of the LCZs, current mineral working has a strong influence on the character of parts of these Zones, and these are highlighted in yellow. Landscape Character Zone

Key Characteristic Features Source: DCC (2002), ‘The Devon Landscape’

Eastern Devon Greensand Ridges

• Long greensand ridges including heath and forestry, beech hedges and avenues.

• Plateau landscape on ridge tops which includes common land, parliamentary enclosures, airfields and communications structures.

• Steep valleys between ridges enclosing a varied farming landscape, with woodland, hedgerow trees and springline flushes.

• Historic farm buildings utilising local materials. • Springline settlements.

Coastal Chalk Plateaux

• The only chalk outcrop in Devon, and the most westerly in England, giving spectacular cliffs, local building materials (including Beer stone and flint) and chalk grassland.

• Flat plateau, more arable than surrounding Zones, exposed to salt-laden winds.

• Plateau dissected by deep, branching coastal combes with historic settlements.

• Shelterbelts, including species such as Monterey pine and larch. • Varied underlying geology creating dramatic changes in cliff scenery

in close proximity as well as dramatic landslips. Axe and Otter Valleys

• Lowland rivers with noticeable flood plains and tightly meandering courses, unusual in most of Devon’s major rivers.

• Shingle or pebble bars across both estuaries, both backed by ecologically important salt marsh.

• Historic settlements sited at old crossing points, just above the flood plain.

• Drainage channels. Pebble Bed Heaths

• Extensive area of lowland heath. • Popular recreational resource with fine panoramic views. • Distinctive geology of Bunter Pebble Beds influencing vegetation,

land-use and building materials. • Backdrop to the Exe Estuary. • Important archaeological features.

Central Devon Exeter and Estuary Fringe

• Internationally important estuary for waders, wildfowl and sea birds, with associated dunes, marshes, mud and salt flats and a landscape which changes with the tides and seasons.

• Intensively farmed landscape with good quality soils and large fields. • Few hedgerow trees, farm woods or shelterbelts. • Glimpsed views of estuary or city of Exeter. • Historic settlements associated with the estuary. • Parkland and estate planting. • The historic city of Exeter, marked by green corridors and inter-

relationship with its countryside, especially along the Exe corridor.

Exe Valley and Environs

• Landscape dominated by dramatic topography. • Extensive woodlands flanking the valley, contrasting with the flat and

open valley floor. • Tree-lined River Exe, fast-flowing in the north, weirs and wide

tranquil stretches in the south. • Picturesque historic villages on or near the river; thatched cottages

hidden in side valleys. • Surrounding hilly terrain.

Bampton and Beer Downs

• Relatively flat hilltop areas dominated by large farms with modern barns.

• Few trees on the hilltops but dense beech and holly hedges. • Some isolated beech plantations in the higher areas. • Woodland on fringe areas, especially in the valleys. • Remote area unaffected by through routes.

Mid Devon Farming Belt

• Flat or rolling mixed farmland with distinctive red soils. • Relatively few woodlands, meaning hedgerow trees are an important

landscape element. • Major road and rail corridors; also the route of transmission lines. • Heavily settled, by Devon standards, with many villages and

scattered farms and a number of large towns. • Cob and thatch buildings.

Teign Valley • Distinctive, often intimate, valley sandwiched between the highlands of Dartmoor and Great Haldon.

• Valley dominated by woodland on steep, sometimes rocky flanks. • Small scale, irregular field pattern with strong hedgebanks. • Small villages tucked into side valleys away from the main valley. • Tree-lined river course with stone bridges, weirs, mills and daffodil

woods. Haldon Ridge • Isolated high ridge forming a dominant backdrop to the Exe Estuary

and Exeter, but also to the eastern edge of Dartmoor. • Extensive coniferous forest area covering former lowland heath. • Important areas of broad-leaved woodland on ridge flanks. • Forest, open glades, heathland and pasture providing a combination

of valuable habitats. • Major trunk roads dissect the area.

Culm Measures Witheridge-Rackenford Moor

• High, undulating series of ridges. • Extensive views north and south. • Mosaic of improved and unimproved grassland with generally

straight-edged fields, often with beech hedges. • Distinctive tree groups, generally beech and pine. • Outgrown hedgerows often forming skyline features. • Some small woodlands in sheltered locations and larger conifer

plantations. • North Devon Link A361 cuts across the Zone.

High Culm Ridges

• Exposed broad ridges with few trees except for isolated trees and clumps and some conifer plantations.

• Pastoral landscape with regular, rectangular fields and hedges • Scattered farmsteads, hamlets and high villages. • Prominent landmarks of churches and chapels, also aerials, pylons

and hilltop farm buildings. • High concentrations of species-rich grasslands. • Wide views.

Taw and Torridge River Systems

• Natural river form, tree-lined banks and associated water features. • Substantial woodland, broadleaved and coniferous, emphasising the

distinctive landform and creating enclosure. • Open valley floor with pastoral and sometimes parkland character. • Roads, railways and bridges along the length of the valleys, few

routes across the valley floors, steep wooded winding routes out of the valleys.

• High villages and farms overlooking the valleys. Hartland and Atlantic Coast Interior

• Storm-lashed coastline with salt-laden winds influencing vegetation far inland.

• Spectacular geological cliff formations, including coastal waterfalls. • Severely deformed hedgerow trees and stunted woodlands in

coastal valleys. • Clustered hamlets and regularly spaced sizeable historic villages. • Rectilinear field pattern. • Poorly drained rough pasture, commons and conifer blocks.

Broadbury and Western Devon Fringes

• Vast catchment area of streams and rivers, including Roadford Reservoir.

• High rainfall, heavy soils, wet pastures, unimproved grassland. • High land dominated by views of Dartmoor and, more distantly,

Bodmin Moor. • Extensive coniferous plantations with pockets of wet pasture and

secondary woodland. • Individual hedgerow trees and oak-lined field boundaries. • Sparsely populated “frontier” area. • General features interrupted by softer, lusher river valleys.

Tedburn St Mary Area

• Panoramic views north over red Devon, south over the Teign, Haldon and the Exe Estuary and east over Exeter.

• Hilly landform backed by Dartmoor skyline. • Dense network of narrow winding lanes with high hedgebanks. • Secluded thatched cottages hidden in wooded valleys. • Numerous small woodlands and hedgerow trees.

Northern Devon Lundy • Mostly granite tableland towering high above the sea.

• Exposed and open rolling heathland. • Stone walls and wire fences. • Immense seascapes. • Lack of tree cover. • Wind and sea swell.

Clovelly Coast

• High cliffs, sometimes unstable, blanketed by woodland and scrub. • Narrow combes, thickly wooded; the woodland of ecological

importance, spilling out over the adjacent farmland. • Undulating mixed farmland on cliff tops. • Picturesque settlements in larger combes. • Wide seascapes over an extensive bay.

Taw-Torridge Estuary

• Vast estuary of two river systems. • Extensive flat land including salt marshes, sand and mudflats, dune

systems and slacks, historic open field, beaches. • Urban waterfronts and historic estuary settlements. • Important ecological habitats.

North Devon Downs

• Rounded, open downland, divided by three significant wooded river valleys.

• Large fields, closely trimmed hedgebanks. • Wind-trimmed tree groups and occasional stunted hedgerow trees. • Parkland scenery, especially in the east. • Secluded hamlets and farms in valley bottoms. • Coastal down headlands in west enclosing broad sandy bays. • Picturesque cob and thatch coastal villages.

Exmoor and North Devon High Coast

• Geological strata shaping distinctive jagged features and headland landmarks.

• High cliffs rising in height to “hogsback” formations in the east. • Hidden inlets and rocky coves. • Steep, dramatic wooded combes with waterfalls and scree. • Distinctive settlement pattern in sheltered combes - linear forms. • Archaeological interest. • Valuable ecological habitats.

Exmoor Fringe

• Foreground landscape to high lands of Exmoor. • Beech hedges, occasionally grown out. • Crossed by steep, wooded valleys. • Drove roads and tracks leading to and from the high moor. • Patchwork of fields. • Individual hilltop tree features.

Exmoor Upland

• Extensive grass and heather moorland. • Broad, sweeping landforms. • Distinctive beech hedgebanks, some stone faced. • Old oak coppice woodlands, especially associated with valleys,

rivers and upland streams. • Fast - flowing upland streams cutting across open moorland. • Extensive views.

Southern Devon Bovey Basin • Largely flat river basin ringed by hills, often wooded, including the

rim of Dartmoor. • Vast open-cast ball clay quarrying, spoil pits, settling lakes and

associated buildings. • Artificial lakes and ponds from past quarrying activity. • Conifer plantations, other woodland belts and scrub. • Open heathland areas. • Expanding urban areas, scattered residential development, industrial

estates, main roads, power lines. Tourist Riviera

• Extensive coastal development of resorts and associated tourist infrastructure.

• Elegant seafront parks, promenades, palms, pines, white “Riviera” buildings.

• Small scale, dissected, hilly landscape in hinterland. • Tidal Teign Estuary, largely undeveloped. • Coastal cliffs, ranging from red sandstone to limestone headlands. • Steep urban areas overlooking bay, estuary and harbours.

South Devon Coastal Plateaux

• Unconnected areas of relatively flat coastal plateaux cut by narrow, steep combes which are sometimes wooded.

• Arable or mixed farming landscape with exposed character of windswept, stunted trees.

• Distinctive geological coastal features. • Historic coastal features - lighthouses, daymarks, coastguard

cottages, forts, wrecks. • No through roads creating “cut-off” character. • Popular recreation locations.

Ria Coastline • Major estuaries and rias (drowned river valleys) forming large expanses of inland tidal water and mudflats.

• Sudden landform variations adjacent to estuaries and rias. • Plateau areas between rivers cut by streams and creeks with steeply

undulating farmland and woodland. • Historic settlements. • Waterside features and water activities. • Dense network of hedgebanks, green lanes, coastal tree groups,

orchards. • Freshwater coastal lagoons.

Under Dartmoor

• A plateau surface dissected by major rivers flowing off Dartmoor. • Complex, steeply undulating landform shaping the overall plateau,

the result of a network of streams and valleys. • Farming landscape dominated by Dartmoor on the northern skyline. • Patchwork of fields, small woodlands and hedgerows with some

estate planting, including hilltop clumps. • Scattered settlement of dispersed farmsteads and villages. • Elements of limestone scenery in the north east. • Influence of the A38 road along the northern edge.

Dartmoor and West Devon Plymouth City, Estuary and Environs

• Historic waterfronts and dockyards surrounding a vast natural harbour.

• Water-based features - quays, marinas, dockyards, breakwaters, buoys, naval installations, Tamar Bridges.

• Water activity - ferries, yachts, dinghies, warships, sightseeing boats, fishing vessels, commercial shipping.

• Parkland, hilltop planting, tree features, steep wooded slopes, ridges and valleys.

• Skyline of Dartmoor as a backdrop. • Variety of ecological habitats - cliffs, tidal estuaries, wooded valleys. • Housing estates with regimental layouts often unsympathetic to

landform. Dartmoor – Enclosed

• Strongly undulating landscape underlain by granite geology. • Cut by distinctive wooded valleys. • Strong field pattern, characterised both by hedges and stone walls. • Enclosed, wooded appearance deriving from the valley woodlands,

bushy hedgerows and hedgerow trees. • Close visual relationship with adjacent high moor. • Granite buildings, especially farmhouses. • China clay works.

Dartmoor – High Moor

• Extensive high moorland of blanket bog, heath and grass moor. • Natural granite features providing characteristic landmarks. • Archaeological features, remnants of quarrying and other extractive

workings. • Visual skyline element of many Devon landscapes. • Extensive high moorland of blanket bog, heath and grass moor. • Natural granite features providing characteristic landmarks. • Archaeological features, remnants of quarrying and other extractive

workings. • Visual skyline element of many Devon landscapes.

Tamar and Tavy Valleys

• Historic transport route, with quays, lime kilns, old ferry points, stone bridges.

• Wide estuary landscape lined with wetlands. • Tidal middle valley with creeks, wetlands and wooded sides. • Granite ridge giving gorge-like qualities. • Mining heritage, including chimneys. • Market gardens and orchards. • Landscaped estates.

Devon Landscape Character Assessment Programme Work is ongoing to develop a more detailed, spatially integrated Landscape Framework for Devon. This will provide upward compatibility with the national level (Joint Character Areas, National Typology etc) and local compatibility with the fine grain of, for example, Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) and biodiversity data. This will ensure that national and regional initiatives have a structure for local delivery, and that local management has a regional context. The first stage – the analysis and identification of approximately 700 Landscape Description Units (LDUs), based primarily on physiography, land cover, settlement pattern and ground type – has been completed for the whole County, including Plymouth and Torbay. However, the assessment can not be regarded as useable for any location until the second stage has also been completed. The second stage involves field work to ground proof the first stage for each LDU, adding a wide range of additional data. This stage has almost been completed for East Devon AONB and the Blackdown Hills AONB. It is currently in progress for North Devon AONB, in the South Hams (excluding that part in Dartmoor National Park), in small areas in South Devon AONB in Plymouth and Torbay and in East Devon outside the two AONBs. Work is also underway in the urban fringe of Exeter. All this second stage work is due to be completed in spring 2007. Funds are being sought to complete the second stage work in the remainder of the County, potentially by 2009. A further stage is envisaged over much of the County based on the findings of the other two stages. This will derive land management advice for the AONBs and possibly guidance for Local Development Frameworks. Post 2009 it is anticipated that there will be consolidation of LDUs into groupings to form unique Landscape Character Areas (LCAs). These would then be used as a County-level strategic unit to replace the existing LCZs, which are currently used as the basis for strategic landscape planning (see previous section). SOURCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION Devon County Council (2002) ‘The Devon Landscape. An Appraisal of Devon’s Landscape at the Beginning of the 21st Century’ Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority (2004) ‘Devon Structure Plan 2001 to 2016’ (www.devon.gov.uk/devon_county_structure_plan.htm) Countryside Agency (1999) ‘Countryside Character (Volume 8): South West’. Joint Character Areas online at (www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/CC/south_west/index.asp) TRENDS • Progressive erosion of the distinctive characteristics of local landscapes both

from development and traffic growth.

• Increasing understanding of the constituent elements underpinning the character and distinctiveness of landscape units within Devon, which can inform policy and decision-making.

DATA GAPS Analysis and understanding of Devon’s landscape character has developed considerably in recent years. However, the ongoing programme of landscape character assessment (outlined above) will provide a more detailed, spatially integrated Landscape Framework for Devon. While certain areas should have useable assessments by spring 2007, work is not expected to be completed County-wide until 2009. IMPACTS OF MINERAL DEVELOPMENT ON LANDSCAPE Adverse Impacts Opportunities Introduction of discordant features into the landscape, e.g. quarry face, waste tip, buildings, plant, soil bunds, tree planting

Enhancement of the local landscape through site restoration and treatment of residual non-worked land

Loss of landscape features, e.g. hillside, hedgebanks, trees, field patterns

Funding of landscape projects through the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund

Loss of views due to mineral operations Creation of landscape with different character and features as a result of restoration

Increase in light pollution from site lighting

Dominance of mineral working in areas of specific mineral resources which are distinct Landscape Character Zones

Harm to coastal landscape through open coast extraction

(Derived from the publications listed in Appendix 4 and adjusted following consultation with ‘specialist’ Devon County Council Staff together with the Environment Agency) IMPLICATIONS FOR MINERALS PLANNING AND ITS SA Key Issues from the Review of Plans, Policies, Programmes and Sustainability Objectives • Increasingly, priority is placed landscape protection and enhancement that is

underpinned by analysis of local character and distinctiveness (physical, ecological, cultural and aesthetic).

• Landscape quality and distinctiveness is recognised as an economic driver in the

South West by the Regional Economic Strategy.

• There is increased recognition of the value of the wider countryside and coastal landscape, in addition to designated landscapes.

• Landscape restoration and management opportunities should be maximised in relation to minerals operations and after-use.

• Recognition of the interrelationship between landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage needs to be recognised and taken into account.

• Historic mining activity can be an important part of landscape character. Key Issues from the Baseline Information • Development should be informed by the existing and ongoing assessment of

Devon’s landscape character. • Regard should be given to the contribution of tranquillity to Devon’s distinctive

environment (see Air Quality & Noise Topic Paper). • Historic mining landscapes should be safeguarded. THE DEVELOPMENT OF SA OBJECTIVES AND BROAD SA INDICATORS The key air quality issues for minerals planning, identified from the above reviews, have informed the development of draft SA Objectives and broad SA Indicators for the SA Framework. In addition, the selection of these objectives and indicators has been guided by the objectives of the Strategic Sustainability Appraisal (SSA) of the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy and relevant Community Strategy for Devon (2004) challenges. The suggested SA Objectives and broad SA Indicators for air quality are shown in the table overleaf:

Suggested SA Objectives and broad SA Indicators

RSS SSA Detailed Objectives

Community Strategy for Devon challenges

Suggested SA Objectives for the appraisal of the Minerals Core Strategy

Suggested broad SA Indicators. “Will the plan/policy…?”

5.3 Protect and enhance landscape and townscape.

3.5 Where possible build new housing, employment sites and other facilities on previously developed land and in ways which are sensitive to the surrounding environment.

Cause development of land within designated landscape areas which results in a change in the character of those areas?

5.4 Value and protect diversity and local distinctiveness including rural ways of life.

3.6 Support landowners/ managers and businesses in measures to protect and enhance biodiversity and landscape.

5.2 Promote the conservation and wise use of land.

3.4 Protect and improve the quality of our river and coastal environment.

5.5 Maintain and enhance cultural and historic assets.

3.9 Improve public spaces, the built environment and access to the countryside.

6.5 Minimise land, water, air, light, noise and genetic pollution.

To maintain and enhance the quality and distinctiveness of the landscape as a place to live, work and visit.

Provide for the restoration of land to an appropriate after-use and landscape character?