pl core strategy adopted 2

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Dartmoor National Park Authority

Local Development Framework

Core Strategy Development Plan Document

2006 - 2026

Adopted Version

June 2008


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Dartmoor National Park Authority

Local Development FrameworkCore Strategy Development Plan Document

2006 -2026

Adopted Version

June 2008


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Dartmoor National Park AuthorityLocal Development Framework: Core Strategy Development Plan Document 2006 - 2026 Adopted Version

June 2008

Contents Contents

Part 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2What is a Core Strategy?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The characteristics of spatial planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

How the Core Strategy was prepared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Part 2 Sustainable development and National Park purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Sustainable development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

National Park purposes and sustainable development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

The National Parks special qualities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment . . . . . . . . . 10

Sustainability Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Community Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Community Strategy Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Core Strategy sustainable development policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Policy COR1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Part 3 A spatial vision for Dartmoor National Park and core strategic aims . . . . . . . 16

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

A spatial portrait of Dartmoor National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Issues, problems and challenges for the Core Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

A spatial vision for Dartmoor National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

The vision for the National Parks larger settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Core Strategic Aims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Part 4 Settlement pattern in Dartmoor National Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Settlement strategy - background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

National strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Regional strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

The strategy for Dartmoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Policy COR2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Part 5 Key spatial development themes in Dartmoor National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

5.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Environment and heritage

5.2 National Park landscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Policy COR3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

5.3 Dartmoors built environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Design and sustainable development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Policy COR4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

The historic built environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Policy COR5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

5.4 Archaeology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Policy COR6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5.5 Biodiversity and geological conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Policy COR7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41


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Contents5.6 Climate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Energy efficiency and sustainable buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Policy COR8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Flooding - protection and prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Policy COR9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Renewable energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Policy COR10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

5.7 Tranquillity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Dartmoor National Parks special qualities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Policy COR11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Social well-being

5.8 Sustainable communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Infrastructure, community facilities and public services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Policy COR12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Accessibility and design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Policy COR13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Infrastructure for new development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Policy COR14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

5.9 Affordable housing for local needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Population and age structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Residential development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Meeting housing need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Housing affordability and accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Location and type of housing provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Policy COR15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

5.10 Social inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Policy COR16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

5.11 Health and well-being . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Policy COR17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Economy & transport

5.12 Sustainable economic growth including tourism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Policy COR18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Policy COR19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Agricultural diversification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Policy COR20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

5.13 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Development and the highway network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Dartmoor National Park Traffic Management Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

The strategic road network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Local highway network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Managing transport demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Alternatives to private transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Policy COR21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

(cont)


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Prudent use of resources

5.14 Minerals development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Policy COR 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

5.15 Waste. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Policy COR23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 685.16 Water resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Policy COR24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Part 6 Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

6.1 Monitoring for sustainable development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Table 6: Monitoring - objectives and indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Part 7 Key diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Annex 1 Regulation 13(5) Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Policies of the Dartmoor National Park Local Plan: First Review 1995-2011

to be superseded by policies of the Core Strategy DPD

Annex 2 Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83


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Part1

Part 1 - Introduction

1Dartmoor National Park Authority

Local Development Framework: Core Strategy Development Plan Document 2006 - 2026 Adopted Version

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Background

1.1The Planning and Compulsory PurchaseAct 2004 introduced a new system fordevelopment plans in England andnew procedures for their preparation.The old system, comprising regionalplanning guidance at regional level,

structure plans at county level andlocal plans at local authority level,has been replaced. The new systemcomprises regional spatial strategies(RSSs), produced by regional planningbodies, and local developmentframeworks (LDFs) produced bylocal planning authorities.

1.2Local development frameworks

comprise a series of planningdocuments known as Local DevelopmentDocuments (LDDs). Some will beDevelopment Plan Documents (DPDs)and along with the Regional SpatialStrategy for the South Westwillform the statutory developmentplan for Dartmoor National Park.The development plan provides theessential framework for makingdecisions on proposals for development

or change of use. It can also set outspecific proposals for new developmentneeded within the National Park.The Dartmoor National Park Authorityintends to produce the following DPDs:


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o Core Strategy

o Generic Development Control

and Site Specific Policies

o Minerals & Waste Development Policies

1.3A Proposals Map will show the extentof all those policies with specificgeographic attributes. The Authority

also intends to prepare a SupplementaryPlanning Document(SPD) coveringDesign Guidance. A Local DevelopmentScheme sets out all the LDDs and thetimetable for their preparation.

1.4A Statement of Community Involvement(SCI) is part of the portfolio ofdocuments forming the LDF. The SCIsets out how the National ParkAuthority will involve the public in plan

making and in development control.The LDF also includes anAnnualMonitoring Report, which chartsprogress on preparing the LDF andshows whether planning policies areeffective in achieving their objectives.

1.5In October 2004, the Devon StructurePlan 2001-20161 (DSP) was adopted bythe four Structure Plan Authorities2.

It sets out strategic policies fordevelopment within the County.The 2004 Act provides for the StructurePlans policies and proposals to besaved for three years.

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The Secretary of State has directed thatthe Structure Plan policies will be savedfor an extended period, until the RSS isapproved in summer 2008, although

some policies may need to be savedeven beyond that time.

1.6The existing Dartmoor National ParkLocal Plan First Review 1995-2011 wasadopted in August 2004 and currentlyprovides detailed local planning policiesfor the National Park. Similarly, this Planis saved under the 2004 Act. Some ofthe policies in the Local Plan have beenreplaced by policies in the adoptedCore Strategy, with the remainingpolicies replaced by those in the otherdevelopment plan documents thatthe Authority intends to produce(see Annex 1). As with DSP policies,the Secretary of State has directed thatthe policies and proposals of the LocalPlan be saved for an extended period.

What is a Core Strategy?

1.7A core strategy is a development plandocument that establishes the broadaims for spatial development in alocal authority area and defines theoverarching policies needed to helpachieve those aims. The spatialdevelopment aims cover the main landuse sectors, such as housing, transport andtourism along with newer themes such astranquillity and social exclusion and are

integrated in support of the principal aimof planning sustainable development.

1.8The Dartmoor National Park AuthoritysCore Strategy is a document setting outthe overall vision and spatial strategyfor promoting sustainable developmentin Dartmoor National Park over theperiod 2006 to 2026. It:

o sets out a vision for a Sustainable

Dartmoor National Park, consistent

with the statutory purposes and

duty set out in the Environment Act

1995and the core principles of


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sustainability in national, regional

and local guidance;

o defines Key Sustainability Objectives

and Spatial Planning Aims;

o provides strategic policies to securethe environmental, economic and

social well-being of the local

communities in the National Park;

o gives spatial expression to the

issues emerging from the

Community Strategies that cover

the National Park;

o includes a Key Diagram showing

among other things, strategic

settlement hierarchy and linkages

and key transportation elements.

The document is designed and

intended to be read as a whole.

1.9The Core Strategy must conform tonational planning policies and guidance,the Regional Planning Guidance for theSouth West(RPG10, Sep 2001) and theemerging Regional Spatial Strategy forthe South West, and the saved policesof the Devon Structure Plan 2001-2016.It must have regard to the Devon,Mid Devon, South Hams, Teignbridgeand West Devon Community Strategies.

1.10The current Dartmoor National ParkLocal Plan was the principal starting pointfor the production of this document.Scoping work undertaken as part ofthe Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic

Environmental Assessment3

(SA/SEA) ofthe Core Strategy looked at the existingLocal Plan policies against a wide rangeof sustainability and environmentalobjectives. That process highlightedsome policy areas that needed to bere-examined and also raised new issuesthat needed to be focused on.

1 DCC (October 2004) Devon to 2016,Explanatory Memorandum and

Written Statement2 The Structure Plan Authorities in Devon are

Devon County Council, Dartmoor NationalPark Authority, Plymouth City Counciland Torbay Council.

3 Paragraph 2.10 of this document givesmore information on SA/SEA.


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The characteristics ofspatial planning

1.11The new development plans system isdesigned to embrace a wider definitionof land-use planning than in the past.The key characteristics of spatialplanning and the new system are:

o it is concerned with places, how

they function and how they relate

together; and how good design in

the widest sense can be achieved

o there is a focus on managing change

to secure the best achievable quality

of life for all in the community

without squandering scarce resources

or damaging the environment

o encouragement for the local

planning authority and other

agencies to work together and

coordinate their activities to achieve

agreed objectives.

1.12The following definition is taken froman ODPM4 publication:

Whilst there is no single definitionof spatial planning, it is possible toidentify six principles in relation tolocal development frameworks.Spatial planning can instil anapproach to planmaking that is:

o visionary- setting out a clear,

distinctive and realistic vision of

how an area will develop and change;

o wide-ranging - going beyond a

narrow land-use focus to provide a

mechanism for delivering sustainable

development objectives by

addressing social, environmental

and economic issues and relating

them to the use of land;

o participative - based on strengthened

mechanisms for community

involvement to consider the needs,

issues and aspirations of communitiesand stakeholders within an area,

to provide a basis for making

difficult choices and to build


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commitment to delivery;

o integrating - an integrated approach

which informs, takes account of

and helps deliver other strategies

and policy;o responsive - a flexible approach,

informed by monitoring, that can

respond to developments in wider

policy, degree of progress with

implementation, development

pressures and changes on the

ground; and

o deliverable - focusing on

implementation, setting out delivery

mechanisms, including development

control, and identifying how the planwill be delivered with and through

other organisations with the powers

and resources to make a difference.

The Core Strategy is one of the keyelements in helping to promote theseaspirations through the planningframework for sustainable developmentin the Dartmoor National Park in theperiod to 2026.

1.13The Government has set out itsobjectives for the planning system.Planning Policy Statement (PPS)15 says:Planning should facilitate and promotesustainable and inclusive patterns ofurban and rural development by:

o making suitable land available for

development in line with economic,

social and environmental objectives

to improve peoples quality of life;o contributing to sustainable economic

development;

o protecting and enhancing the

natural and historic environment,

the quality and character of the

countryside, and existing communities;

o ensuring high quality development

through good and inclusive design,

and the efficient use of resources; and

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4 ODPM (2004) Creating Local DevelopmentFrameworks - A Companion Guide to PPS12.

HMSO [Para 2.3]5 ODPM (2005) Planning Policy Statement (PPS)

1: Delivering Sustainable Development.


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o ensuring that development supports

existing communities and contributes

to the creation of safe, sustainable,

liveable and mixed communities with

good access to jobs and key servicesfor all members of the community.

How the Core Strategywas prepared

1.14The Core Strategy Issues and Optionsreport was published for publicconsultation in October 2005.A wide-ranging consultation exercise

was undertaken based on the approachset out in the Statement of CommunityInvolvement. Fifty organisationsand individuals responded to theconsultation, and two hundred peopleattended village consultation days.A Sustainability Appraisal/StrategicEnvironmental Assessment Report(SA/SEA) was published at the same time.

1.15

The public feedback on the issuesand options, the SA/SEA report anda range of other evidence were allconsidered in preparing the PreferredOptions version of the Core Strategy.The Preferred Options document waspublished for public consultation inmid-September 2006. Over the courseof the consultation period, localconsultation events were held in 12towns and villages around the National

Park, which attracted in excess of 400people. Eighty-eight organisations andindividuals responded to the consultationround. A SEA/SA report on the preferredoptions document was also published.

1.16After consideration of the consultationresponse and other evidence, includingthe recommendations of the SEA/SAreport, the Authority endorsed the setof core policies and vision statementat its meeting held on 4 May 2007as the basis for the Submission Versionof the Core Strategy.


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The Submission Version is the NationalPark Authoritys formal version of theCore Strategy. It was submitted to theSecretary of State in June 2007. It was

subsequently examined by an inspectorappointed by the Planning Inspectorate.Following the public examination,the inspector produced his report inFebruary 2008, the conclusions ofwhich are binding on the Authority.

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Sustainable development

2.1A fundamental aim of the DartmoorNational Park Core Strategy is toensure that spatial development inthe National Park is sustainable.The Planning and Compulsory PurchaseAct 2004 established sustainable

development as a principal aim ofplanning. Section 39 of the Act states:

any person or any body which

exercises any function in relation

to local development documents

must exercise the function with

the objective of contributing to

the achievement of sustainable

development.

The Brundtland Report of 1987

focused international attention on theimportance of sustainable development.In its response, the UK Governmentsummarised sustainable development as:

Ensuring everyone has a betterquality of life without compromisingthe quality of life of future generations.

2.2In its 2005 strategy for sustainabledevelopment6, the UK Governmentdefined five principles:

o living within environmental limits

o achieving a sustainable economy

o promoting good governance

o using sound science responsibly

o ensuring a strong, healthy and

just society.

The strategy also identified four sharedpriority areas for immediate action:

1) sustainable consumption

and production

2) climate change and energy3) natural resource protection

and environmental enhancement

4) sustainable communities.

2.3Planning Policy Statement 1 (seeparagraph 1.13) sets out overarchingnational planning policies for thedelivery of sustainable development.In order to give more guidance on how

local development documents shouldrespond to climate change, a planningpolicy statement (consultation draft)on climate change was published inDecember 2006. Among other things,the statement indicates how policy canaddress climate change mitigation andadaptation priorities.

Part 2 - Sustainable development and NationalPark purposes

6 Defra (2005) Securing the Future -UK Government Sustainable DevelopmentStrategy


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National Park purposes andsustainable development

2.4

Two statutory purposes of NationalPark designation were set out in theNational Parks and Access to theCountryside Act 1949. The purposeswere amended by the EnvironmentAct 1995to the following:

to conserve and enhance the natural

beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage

(of the National Parks); and

to promote opportunities for the

understanding and enjoyment ofthe special qualities (of the National

Parks) by the public.

The 1995 Act also states that, in pursuingNational Park purposes, National ParkAuthorities have a duty:

to seek to foster the economic andsocial well-being of local communities(within the National Park) by workingclosely with the agencies and localauthorities responsible for these matters.

The integration of the two National Parkpurposes and the socio-economic dutyensures that sustainability principlesmust underpin the work of the NationalPark Authorities.

2.5National Parks have been confirmed by theGovernment as having the highest statusof protection in relation to landscape andscenic beauty and the statutory purposes

help ensure their continued protection.Section 62 of the Environment Act 1995amended the 1949 legislation and placeda general statutory duty on all relevantauthorities7 requiring them to have regardto National Park purposes. This ensuresthat relevant authorities take account ofthese purposes when coming to decisionsor carrying out their activities relating toor affecting land within the NationalParks. It acknowledges that the fulfilment

of protected area purposes rests notonly with the National Park authoritiesbut also relies on effective collaborativeworking to deliver National Park purposesand achieve sustainable development.

2.6Under the 1995 Act, the National ParkAuthority has to prepare a ManagementPlan, which is the single most importantdocument for the National Park. TheDefra Review of the English National ParkAuthorities (July 2002) stated inrecommendation 19:

ii) the National Park Management Planshould be given renewed importance inGovernment policy advice providingthe long term policy framework foraction to further Park purposes.

The Management Plan is the overarchingstrategic document for the National Park,

co-ordinating and integrating other plans,strategies and actions. It indicates howNational Park purposes and the associatedduty will be delivered through sustainabledevelopment. The Management Plan isa plan for the National Park and not justthe National Park Authority; it is for allthose people and organisations that haveinfluence over the future of the NationalPark. At the same time that this CoreStrategy had been in preparation, work on

a review of the 2001 Management Plan hadalso been in hand. Opportunities weretaken to consider the Core Strategy withinthe emerging ambitions of the ManagementPlan. In particular, this Strategy hasembodied the vision statement that hasbeen developed for the Management PlanReview. It also attempts to reflect the landuse implications of the themes set out inthe Review, such as climate change, socialinclusion and the need to encourage aliving and working landscape.

The National Parks specialqualities

2.7The second National Park purpose, asamended by the Environment Act 1995, is:

to promote opportunities for theunderstanding and enjoyment of

the special qualities (of the NationalParks) by the public.

7 Any Minister of the Crown, any public body,any statutory undertaker, or any personholding public office


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As part of the process of preparing theDartmoor National Park ManagementPlan 2007-2012, a wide ranging publicconsultation was undertaken, which led

to these special qualities being identified:o Dartmoors imposing bulko extensive and open moorlando the granite bedrock of the high

central plateauxo granite as the dominant building materialo a metamorphic aureole around the

edge of the granite masso weather - often harsh and unforgivingo strong rural communitieso traditional farming practices

o the catchment area for most of therivers of Devon

o a unique assemblage of wildlifeo one of the most important collections

of archaeological landscapes inWestern Europe

o an area where it is possible to findabsolute peace

o a timeless and unspoilt placeo an inspirational landscape.

These special qualities command widesupport and they set out clearly thosetangible and intangible assets that theNational Park Authority should help peopleunderstand and enjoy and which planningshould aim to conserve and enhance.

2.8Reflecting the purposes and duty, theDevon Structure Plan contains a corestrategic policy against which theacceptability of development within theDartmoor National Park will be judged:

Devon Structure Plan Policy CO2In Dartmoor National Park, theconservation and enhancement of thenatural beauty, wildlife and culturalheritage will be given priority over otherconsiderations in the determination ofdevelopment proposals. Development willonly be provided for where it would:

1. conserve and enhance the naturalbeauty, wildlife and cultural heritageof the Park; or

2. promote the understanding andenjoyment of the special qualities

of the Park; or3. foster the social or economic well-

being of the communities within thePark provided that such developmentis compatible with the pursuit ofNational Park purposes.Particular care will also be takento ensure that no development ispermitted outside Dartmoor orExmoor National Parks which woulddamage their natural beauty, characterand special qualities or otherwiseprejudice the achievement of NationalPark purposes.

2.9

Devon Structure Plan policy CO2 andpredecessor policies in earlier StructurePlans have been crucial in establishingthe overall principles for developmentwithin Dartmoor National Park.To ensure the continuity of thesewell-established and widely acceptedprinciples, the South West RegionalAssembly (SWRA) has included apolicy (ENV3) in the draft RegionalSpatial Strategy.

Sustainability Appraisaland Strategic EnvironmentalAssessment

2.10All development plan documents are nowsubject to Sustainability Appraisal (SA),which incorporates the requirements ofStrategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

under EU Directive 2001/42/EC. This is todetermine to what extent the aims,objectives, policies or proposals providefor sustainable development and whetherthey will have any adverse effects onenvironmental interests. A set ofsustainability objectives has been definedto assist with the SA assessment. Thoseobjectives, which are set out below, wereformulated through joint working withpartners and stakeholders at the scoping

stage of the SA programme. They seek toformulate the principles for sustainabledevelopment within a Dartmoor NationalPark context and they will be used to setthe scope of the policies in this Strategy.


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1 Landscape and environmentTo protect the special qualities and natural

beauty of the Dartmoor National Park.

2 Sustainable management of flood riskTo manage flood risks sustainably,recognising the role of land use in

reducing flood risks.

3 BiodiversityTo conserve, protect and

enhance the habitats and aquaticand terrestrial biodiversity.

4 Built environmentTo enhance the attractiveness and

local distinctiveness of the builtenvironment by raising the quality ofdesign and sustainable construction.

5 Historic environmentTo conserve, protect and enhance sites,

areas and buildings and landmarksof archaeological, historic, cultural and/

or architectural interest.

6 Land resourcesTo concentrate and diversify development

by optimising the use of previouslydeveloped land, infrastructure,

under-used land and vacant properties.

7 Sustainable resource useTo reduce the consumption

of non-renewable sources of energy,water and minerals.

Sustainability Objectives

9 WasteTo reduce the amount of waste

generated within the National Parkand to minimise the environmental

effects of waste disposal.

10 Sustainable transportTo reduce traffic congestion and noise,

and improve safety, health and airquality by reducing the need to travel,

especially by car.

11 EconomyTo promote sustainable economic growth,particularly of key business sectors, and to

utilise employment land and premiseseffectively and efficiently.

12 Education and employmentTo enable all residents to share in growing

prosperity by improving access to training,education and job opportunities.

13 HousingTo ensure that all of the National Parksresidents have access to good quality,

affordable housing.

14 Community health, safetyand well-being

To safeguard and improve communityhealth, safety and well-being.

15 Village centresTo strengthen the role of village

centres to reduce the amount thatpeople need to travel.

8 Water qualityTo protect and

improve water quality.

16 Inclusiveness and participation

To take account of the needs of allsectors of the community in the planning

and design of new development.


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8 Part 1, Section 4 Local Government Act 2000

Community Strategies

2.11One of the aims of the new development

plans system is to embody the land usecomponents of the community strategiesprepared by local strategic partnerships.Community strategies were establishedunder the Local Government Act 2000,which required local authorities (but notNational Park Authorities) to draw upa community strategy for promotingor improving the economic, social andenvironmental well-being of their areaand contributing to the achievement of

sustainable development in the UnitedKingdom8. The Local GovernmentWhite Paper Strong and ProsperousCommunities (DCLG, October 2006)looks to reshaped SustainableCommunity Strategies as crucial increating sustainable development at thelocal level. The following themes havecome from the Devon County, SouthHams, Teignbridge, West Devon andMid Devon Community Strategies andare shared by them:

Community Strategy Themes

Access and transport:

o improving travel choices;

o providing for day-to-day living

needs without the necessity for

private transport;

o developing community transport;

o improving traffic management,

car parking provision and road safety.

Business and employment:

o promoting business and

employment opportunities;

o encouraging sustainable wealth

creation;

o supporting existing businesses;

o retaining expanding local businesses.

Communications:

o providing better communication

and information systems;

o improving access to internet

resources.

Community development:

o building community identity;

o assisting social inclusion;

o providing good public and

community buildings.

Healthy living:

o improving access to healthcare

and social care;

o building caring communities;

o reducing isolation.

Learning and skills:

o delivering good quality

educational resources;

o improving life chances, the scopefor cultural activities and lifelong

learning.

Leisure and recreation:

o providing good public open spaces,

leisure and recreational opportunities.

Protecting and enhancing theenvironment:

o encouraging clean, green and

safe homes and businesses.

Meeting peoples needs:

o improving facilities for young people;

o investing in children and young

people.

Safer places to live:

o improving community safety;

o reducing litter and vandalism.

Community support:o supporting voluntary and

community organisations;

o encouraging volunteering.

Homes for all:

o providing for the needs of young

people and the elderly;

o improving the supply of affordable

housing;

o building homes for the future.


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2.12The following sustainable developmentpolicy combines national, regional andlocal objectives and priorities in order

to guide development in DartmoorNational Park. It will underpin thewhole LDF, and sets out fundamentalcriteria that will be used to assessall development proposals thatcome forward.

Core Strategy sustainabledevelopment policy

Policy COR1In order to ensure that developmentwithin the Dartmoor National Park isundertaken in a sustainable manner,the following considerations shouldbe taken into account:

a) the need to make efficient useof land and infrastructure;

b) the conservation of scarce resourcesand the reduction of waste;

c) the promotion of the health, safety,

economic and social well-being andaccess to services opportunities ofthe local population;

d) support for the socio-economicvitality of the National Park;

e) the conservation of the qualityand quantity of natural resourcesincluding water, air, soils, geodiversityand biodiversity;

f) allowance for the natural drainageof surface water;

g) the provision of high qualitydesign and construction;

h) respect for and enhancement ofthe character, quality and tranquillityof local landscapes and the widercountryside;

i) the need to sustain the localdistinctiveness, character, townscape,and the setting of settlements;

j) the need to conserve or enhanceimportant historic and cultural

features;k) the provision of essential servicesto the public;

l) the accessibility by the public viapublic transport, cycle or foot todestinations in daily life;

m) the avoidance of new developmentand a reduction in vulnerability ofredevelopment carried out withinmedium to high risk flood zones.


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Part 3 - A spatial vision for Dartmoor National

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Introduction

3.1This chapter sets out key characteristicsof Dartmoor National Park. It highlightsthose issues that the Core Strategyshould seek to address and puts forwarda vision of Dartmoor to give motivationto the strategic approach.

A spatial portrait of theDartmoor National Park

3.2Covering an area of 368 square miles(953 square km), Dartmoor NationalPark is the largest semi-natural uplandarea in the south of England and isa dominant feature in the Devon

landscape. It is a unique and speciallandscape offering experiences andqualities that are valued by localpeople and visitors alike.

The dominant character of Dartmoorderives from the semi-natural open areaof grass, heath and gorse moorland lyingon its granite core and covering aroundhalf of the entire area of the NationalPark. Conifer plantations also coverlarge areas and along with otherwoodland means that around 10% ofthe total National Park area is under treecover. Inbye farmland forms a mantle ofsmall fields set around the high moor.

Part 3 - A spatial vision for Dartmoor National Parkand core strategic aims

River valleys with oak woodland are adominant feature. Half of the NationalPark is land over 300m elevation, andlevels of rainfall are much higher thanin the surrounding countryside. Largeareas of blanket bogs on the moor feedthe principal Dartmoor rivers - the Eastand West Okement, Taw, Teign, Dart,Avon, Yealm, Erme, and Plym. Bogs are

important as water and carbon stores.Dartmoor has historically providedwater for drinking and industrial usesand still supplies local service networksvia a number of reservoirs.

Quarrying takes place to the north ofthe National Park, at Meldon, providingrail ballast mainly, and to the south-eastnear Ashburton to supply limestoneaggregate. Smaller quarries providebuilding and decorative stone. The area

of land with permission for mineralsworking currently extends to 174ha.

Sheep and cattle rearing forms the coreof Dartmoors farming industry; arableproduction is very limited. The smallscale and upland type of farming onDartmoor means that agriculturalincomes are constrained. Diversification,into such areas as farm tourism and localfood initiatives, has played a part in

raising farm incomes. The ESA schemeand now environmental stewardshipschemes are helping to focus investmenton the biodiversity and cultural heritagecomponents of the farmed landscape.


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Dartmoor is important for its unique andrich wildlife. Its location, geomorphologyand a lack of intensive farming practiceshave combined to provide a wide range

of habitats of international, national,regional and local importance, with anexceptional diversity of species. SpecialAreas of Conservation cover 25,400haof the National Park. There are also42 Sites of Special Scientific Interest,extending to 26,188ha, and fourNational Nature Reserves.

Dartmoor also has a rich archaeologicaland historic heritage; with a timelineof human activity extending back 10,000years. There are above ground remainsdating back to the late Neolithic andearly Bronze Age; the National Parkcontains the largest concentration ofBronze Age remains in the UnitedKingdom. While there are over 17,500items on the Historic EnvironmentRecord, only 1,206 are affordedprotection as Scheduled AncientMonuments. Industrial activity of themedieval and later periods (tin working,

stone cutting and peat cutting) andmedieval farming remains are also wellrepresented. Most towns and villageswere established in medieval times andmany still display evidence from thatperiod in their buildings and layout.Twenty-two towns and villages inDartmoor have Conservation Areas.There are 2,734 listed buildings, 58 beingat Grade I and 192 buildings at Grade II*.

Dartmoor provides a wealth ofopportunities for outdoor recreation andit was in part because of thoseopportunities that that Dartmoor wasdesignated as a National Park in 1951.There are 723km of public rights of wayand 50,000ha of land open to the public.Military training on Dartmoor meansthat public access must be denied toup to 9,487 ha of moor at times whenlive firing is programmed. Many millions

of visitors come to the National Parkevery year, some as day visitors andothers staying overnight and spendingby visitors is an important part of thelocal economy.


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The 2001 Census showed a totalpopulation of 33,552 in 13,750households. Most people live in thetowns and villages, but there are only

two towns more than 3,000 in population- Ashburton and Buckfastleigh. Otherplaces such as Chagford, Horrabridge,Moretonhampstead, Princetown,Yelverton and South Brent have between1,000 and 2,500 residents. There arehowever many other villages with activecommunities even with population levelsbelow 1,000. Compared with DevonCounty as a whole, there are fewerpeople in the younger age groups (0-44)with proportionately more in the higherage ranges (45+). Although farming isstill a vital part of the economy, cultureand environment of Dartmoor itcontributes only around 3% to thegross added value generated within theNational Park. However, it is vital inhelping to sustain the landscape qualitiesof the National Park. The biggest sectorsin the economy are real estate andprofessional services, retail and wholesaledistribution, and hotels and catering.

The rate of self employment is highcompared with Devon and the southwest region, reflecting numbers inemployment in agriculture and theprofessional and service businesses.Unemployment rates are consistentlylower than UK and Devon rates.Although unemployment is low,Dartmoor does suffer from otherproblems - seven (three-quarters) ofthe wards falling within the National

Park are in the most deprived 25% in theability to access housing and services.Relatively low levels of public transportand a correspondingly high dependenceon private transport exacerbate theproblems associated with access toservices. High house prices combinedwith relatively low household incomesmean that access to accommodation isdifficult for many people.

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Issues, problems andchallenges for the CoreStrategy

3.3The SA/SEA scoping report raised anumber of issues that the Core Strategyshould seek to address. Those issueswere confirmed in the consultationwork undertaken in preparing thisdocument and they are set out below:

Environment issues

o Climate change

The Strategy will need to addressways in which vehicle journeys can

be reduced and energy used more

efficiently. Policy should promote

the most appropriate ways of

mitigating and adapting to climate

change while conserving the

National Parks special qualities.

Renewable energy generation will

have an important part to play,

but not if the effect is to damage

Dartmoors special qualities.

o TranquillityThere are many activities thatimpinge on the tranquillity of theNational Park - increasing air traffic,higher levels of traffic on the trunkroads, military training and there areother factors, such as light pollution,that can also detract from theNational Parks special qualities.

o Land management

The Core Strategy will need to

enable the land based economy

to grow and develop in ways that

will conserve and enhance the

environment and special qualities of

the National Park. Farming is still a

major force in helping to sustain

the character of moorland and the

inbye land.


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o Nature conservation and cultural

heritage

The challenge will be to conserve

and enhance the cultural heritage,

biodiversity and geodiversity of theNational Park in the face of increasing

demand for new development and in

other places a lack of investment.

Social issues

o Sustainable communities

A key objective will be maintaining

balanced, rural communities in

remote rural locations. A principal

concern will be sustaining and

improving the level and range ofsocial and community services,

affordable housing for local needs

and employment opportunities to

enable the towns and villages to thrive.

o Affordable housing for local needs

The gap between house prices and

what people can afford has widened

considerably over recent years.

Accessibility of housing has decreasedand this has been exacerbated by a

slow growth in the provision of

social rented and other affordable

housing. Particular groups such as

young people, single parent families

and those on average local wages

are hit harder than others.

o Social exclusion

Poor access to transport either

through low car ownership or pooraccess to public transport mean that

the remoteness of much of Dartmoor

remains a real problem for many

people. Some communities are

disadvantaged due to a lack of

community services and facilities

which intensifies isolation.

o Health and well being

Like other rural areas, Dartmoor has

an ageing population and trends

indicate that life expectancy will rise.

The demand for health and care

facilities will increase along with that

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for housing that can accommodate

or be adapted to meet the needs of

the elderly. A healthy and safe living

environment is essential, through

good building design, public safetyconsiderations, prevention of flood

risk and pollution, noise reduction

measures, and the provision of good

public recreational and open space.

Economic issues

o Sustainable economic growthOne of the key issues is theencouragement of a sustainable anddiverse economic base for Dartmoor,

which is sensitive to environmentalneeds, and the aspirations of localcommunities. The scale of economicdemands and capacity of settlementsto absorb further development areimportant considerations.

o Transport

Low population density, the rural

nature of most of the National Park

and scattered settlements make it

difficult to achieve a sustainabletransport system. Increasing reliance

on private transport is making its

presence felt in intensifying

congestion and traffic circulation

problems, air pollution, road

safety concerns and the quality of

community life. Innovative techniques

will be needed to reduce vehicular

movements and deliver alternatives,

such as cycle paths, better footpathnetworks, traffic management and

community transport schemes.

o TourismKey areas of sensitivity are associatedwith tourism and recreationalpressures relating to traffic congestion,animal welfare, and the lack ofalternatives to private transport.However, tourism is an important

component of the local economy.Ways must be sought to reduceadverse impacts and to devise waysin which tourism can be harnessed toboost the special qualities of Dartmoor.


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Prudent use of resources issues

o Resource useLifestyle and consumption trendshave generally resulted in increased

demands on energy and materialresources. Many of these factors areoutside the influence of the Authority;others can be realigned in thedirection of sustainability. There isgenerally a heightening of publicawareness of these issues and areadiness to moderate lifestyles

in response. Planning howevercan have a direct role in wasteminimisation and recycling, energy

efficiency and conservation throughthe use of locally producedrenewable energy, reducing newmineral consumption and thepromotion of the re-use of materials.

A spatial vision for theDartmoor National Park

3.4The vision for the Core Strategy is based

on the vision for the Dartmoor NationalPark Management Plan 2007-2012,reflecting the strong linkages that existbetween management of the NationalParks resources and the way in whichthose resources are conserved anddeveloped. It embodies the essentialqualities of Dartmoor - a high qualityand distinctive landscape, much visited,with a thriving local and workingcommunity. Aspirations for the National

Parks Local Centres are also defined toaid the more detailed planning of thosecommunities and their rural hinterlands.

The ancient Dartmoor landscape ofdeep valleys and rock-crested hills,long-established hill farms and theburied remains of Bronze Agesettlements form a major componentof the National Parks special qualities.From the blanket bogs and valley miresto the high moors, woodland and

enclosed fields: Dartmoor National Parkremains a unique and varied landscape,with habitats of international importance,an extraordinary range of wildlifeand wide expanses of wildness.

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At the same time it is a place wherepeople live, work and play, withconsequent competing demands onresources. Farming and tourism need

to be encouraged and balanced, bothto manage the landscape and to enableit to be enjoyed. The conservation ofthe ancient fabric of the towns, villagesand farmsteads remains a high priority,as does the protection of the moor fromcreeping urbanisation, such as lightpollution and highway infrastructure.A modest degree of expansion isdesirable in the larger settlements,to accommodate new employmentand to provide housing for a thriving

local population. A responsible use ofnatural resources and a commitment togenerating energy in sustainable waysmust be fostered in order to minimisedamage not only to Dartmoor but tothe wider environment.

Crucial to the future is the relationshipbetween the local communities andthe National Park itself. Both theworking economy and the NationalParks cultural identity are vested inthe local people. They provide thecontinuity, support and living heritagethat make each place much more thana mere location on a map. This visionfor Dartmoor National Park is thereforeone of balance, in which both stabilityand change are beneficial to localpeople and visitors alike, and thespecial qualities of Dartmoor arepreserved for future generationsas well as for those who visit and

live in the National Park today.

The vision for the NationalParks larger settlements

3.5The following sections set out visionstatements for the National ParksLocal Centres.

Ashburton3.5.1An ancient stannary town since 1285,historically its prosperity was based ontin mining and the woollen industry.


June 2008

It has retained its medieval streetlayout and has a fine range of historicbuildings. Today Ashburton is a thrivingsmall town and District Centre offering

a good range of services and a vibranttown centre with a selection of shops,cafes and pubs.

Ashburtons vision looks to:

o sustain the vibrant local service

economy

o enhance opportunities for business

and commercial development

o improve parking and traffic

management in the town centre

o provide a wider range of

accommodation opportunities to

meet the needs of local people

o conserve the towns distinctive

character and heritage as a

Stannary town.

Buckfastleigh3.5.2The settlement is a historic woollen mill

town on the southern boundary of theNational Park. More recently, investmenthas been made in improving trafficmanagement, highway enhancementand improving the condition of theexisting building stock resulting in anattractive and accessible District Centre.

Buckfastleighs vision looks to:

o sustain and improve the range of

local shops and services for the

community and the tourist economyo provide opportunities for high

quality housing development


heritage as a mill town.

Chagford3.5.3A traditional moorland centre and, likeAshburton, an ancient stannary town.

There is an abundance of fine granitebuildings, with examples from themedieval period to the 19th century.It boasts a wide and interesting rangeof shops.

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Chagfords vision looks to:

o sustain the vibrant local service

economy and enhance the tourist

economy

o provide a wider range ofaccommodation opportunities to


o improve access, parking provision

and traffic circulation


character and heritage as a

Stannary town.

Horrabridge3.5.4

A small town on the west of Dartmoorwith its historic core centred on a GradeI listed bridge across the River Walkham.Its original industry was associated withcloth mills and copper and tin mining.The towns modern housing lies in sharpcontrast to the modest buildings thatform the historic core.

Horrabridges vision looks to:

o sustain and improve the range

of local shops and serviceso resolve problems arising from

historic mining activity

o improve the character and quality

of the built environment.

Moretonhampstead3.5.5The towns history dates back somethirteen centuries. There are many fineand interesting buildings, including

granite almshouses. The town hasgrown in recent years and offers a widerange of local services and facilities,including recreational opportunities.

Moretonhampsteads vision looks to:

o provide a wider range of

accommodation opportunities to


o sustain and improve the range

of local shops and services

o improve access, parking provision

and traffic circulation

o enhance opportunities for business

and commercial development

including the tourist economy.


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Princetown3.5.6One of the highest settlements onDartmoor, in the late 18th/early 19th

century it was transformed into a modelfarming community and prison townby Thomas Tyrwhitt. The economy andcommunity is now less focused on theprison; tourism and visitor services playa much larger role.

Princetowns vision looks to:o provide opportunities for high

quality housing developmento sustain and improve the range

of local shops and serviceso enhance opportunities for business

and commercial developmentincluding the tourist economy

o improve the character and qualityof the built environment

o improve community facilitieso conserve the historic fabric of

the settlement.

South Brent

3.5.7South Brent developed in medievaltimes, hosting a market and fair.While some industrial activity, linkedto cloth mills, supported its economy,its main work was linked with its roleas a staging post on the Exeter-Plymouth turnpike road. The villageoffers a wide range of communityservices and facilities.

South Brents vision looks to:o sustain and improve the range

of local shops and serviceso enhance opportunities for business

and commercial developmento conserve the quality of the built

environmento improve traffic management.

Yelverton3.5.8Yelverton became popular with visitorsand as a healthy location for newhousing from the 1890s onwards.Its position on the south west edge ofthe National Park offers easy access

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from Plymouth and Tavistock andmakes it a good touring base.

Yelvertons vision looks to:o

sustain the vibrant local serviceeconomyo provide a wider range of

accommodation opportunities tomeet the needs of local people

o manage recreational demand tobenefit the settlement and visitors.

Core Strategic Aims

3.6

Clearly expressed spatial planning aimshelp translate the spatial vision into aset of development ambitions for theNational Park. As part of the processof undertaking the StrategicEnvironmental Assessment of theCore Strategy, the planning aims of theadopted Local Plan were reappraised.Those aims were also considered duringthe first consultation stage on the CoreStrategy. The public response indicated

that the original planning aims adopteda positive approach and showed a clearlink with National Park purposes andduty in relation to development ineach sector. The aims opposite arerestated for the Core Strategy asCore Strategic Aims.


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Landscape Evolution

To conserve and enhance Dartmoor as a living, working, evolving landscapethat continues to offer special qualities of peace and quiet, remoteness,

solitude, unspoilt natural beauty, wide open spaces, wildness and wildlife habitats,

the freedom to roam, and archaeological qualities/sense of history.Nature Conservation

To base all policies and proposals upon maintaining or enhancing the characteristicbiodiversity and geodiversity of the National Park and its contribution

to national, European and global diversity.

Historic Landscapes

To protect the integrity of Dartmoor as a historic landscape by conserving,protecting and enhancing sites, areas, buildings and features of archaeological,

historic, cultural or architectural interest.

Recreation Use

To assist everyone to enjoy the special qualities of Dartmoor in ways that do not harm theNational Park environment, local communities, and the enjoyment and rights of others.

Tourism

To ensure that tourism development in the National Park is based upon the specialqualities of Dartmoor and benefits its environment and economy.

FarmingTo assist in sustaining viable farming and forestry systems as a vital element in the local

economy particularly in ways that further the purposes of National Park designation.

Employment

To assist in the provision of local employment and business opportunities,particularly in the Local Centres, and in the diversification of the rural economy

in ways that are beneficial to the National Park and its community.

Housing

Actively to encourage and promote affordable housing to meet the needs of localcommunities, in the Local Centres and Rural Settlements, whilst resisting residential

development where it would be damaging to National Park purposes.

Local Services and Facilities

To assist in the provision of local services and facilities in such a wayas to promote community welfare without harm to the local environment

and to retain existing services and facilities wherever feasible.

Traffic and Transport

To facilitate better access to local facilities, to reduce the need to travel,especially by car, and provide for visitor access in ways which are least damaging

to the environment and local interests.

Major DevelopmentTo resist major development proposals, unless there is a proven overriding national need

and no reasonable alternative ways of meeting that need outside the National Park.

Built EnvironmentTo ensure that development and land and water management conserves or enhances the character

of Dartmoors built environment and is provided to the highest practical quality standards.


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Part 4 - Settlement pattern in Dartmoor

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June 2008

Outstanding Natural Beauty) have thehighest status of landscape protection inrelation to landscape and scenic beauty.The policy statement makes it clear thatthe National Park purposes should begiven great weight in planning policiesand development control decisions.Those objectives are reflected in thestrategic National Parks and nationally

protected landscape policies of theCounty Structure Plan (policy CO2)and the draft Regional Spatial Strategy(policy ENV3).

4.3Major development in National Parks -development that raises issues ofnational significance - is also addressedby PPS7. Government advice is thatmajor development in National Parks

should only be permitted in exceptionalcircumstances and should be subject tothe most rigorous examination. Proposalsmust be demonstrated to be in the publicinterest before being allowed to proceed.In assessing the merits of proposals, thefollowing factors are to be considered:

1 the need for the development,including in terms of any nationalconsiderations, and the impact ofpermitting or refusing it on thelocal economy;

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Settlement strategy -background

4.1The principles of sustainabledevelopment require a wide-rangingview to be taken of proposeddevelopment. The environmentalqualities, characteristics and

distinctiveness of localities areconsidered along with an assessmentof the beneficial and adverse effectsthat the proposed development wouldhave on promoting a self-sufficientcommunity. The aim is to improve thewelfare of people that live or work inthe National Park and improve thevisitor experience without damagingDartmoors special qualities.

National strategy4.2The Government's objectives for ruralareas set out in Planning PolicyStatement (PPS) 79 are to raise thequality of life and the environment, topromote more sustainable patterns ofdevelopment, to improve the economicperformance of the rural areas, andto promote a sustainable, diverseand adaptable agricultural industry.PPS7 also sets the national policyframework for development withinthe National Parks; it recognises thatthese areas (along with Areas of

Part 4 - Settlement pattern in DartmoorNational Park

AerialphotographofBuckfastleighG

etmapping

9 ODPM (now DCLG) (2004) Planning PolicyStatement (PPS) 7 Sustainable Developmentin Rural Areas


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2 the cost of, and scope for, developingelsewhere outside the designatedarea, or meeting the need for it insome other way; and

3 any detrimental effect on theenvironment, the landscape andrecreational opportunities, andthe extent to which that couldbe moderated.

Regional strategy

4.4The interim regional spatial strategy isthe Regional Planning Guidance for theSouth West, published in September 2001.The development strategy set out in thatdocument sees development in the SouthWest region primarily taking place in theprincipal urban areas, with a range ofsmaller designated settlements offeringpotential for sustainable balanced growthat a sub-regional level. In the wider ruralareas, the strategy sees the designation oflocal service centres, with other towns andvillages only providing for local needs.

4.5The draft RSS formulates the approach tobe adopted in considering developmentin the smaller towns and villages of theregion. It accepts that in order for therural communities to thrive, small amountsof development may be appropriate,especially economic development.It recognises, however, that the scaleand nature of development needs to bemanaged more carefully than has been

the case over the last 20 years to ensurethat the most sustainable approach isadopted. It stresses that housing shouldonly be permitted where it relates toclearly identified local needs or whereit is necessary to support localemployment provision.

The strategy for Dartmoor

4.6

The settlement pattern proposed forDartmoor is based on a planned approachto development and constraint thatworks towards the objective ofsustainable development.


June 2008

It reflects current government guidance,conforms to the saved policies of theDevon Structure Plan, the policies ofthe emerging RSS, and has regard to the

community strategies and other relevantstrategies that apply to Dartmoor.

4.7The main emphasis for developmentwithin the Dartmoor National Park isto provide for the social and economicwell-being of Dartmoors communitieswhere this conforms with National Parkpurposes. To help protect the specialqualities of the National Park, thecountryside outside settlements shouldbe safeguarded from development thatis not essential.

4.8Within the National Park, there are anumber of larger settlements which offera range of services and a choice of shopsand can act as service centres for theirimmediate localities and a wider ruralhinterland. The settlements concernedare: Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Chagford,

Horrabridge, Moretonhampstead,Princetown, South Brent and Yelverton.It is felt that these settlements effectivelyperform the role of Local Centres as setout in the Devon Structure Plan, that is,acting as a focus for essential facilitiesfor rural communities, includingaffordable housing for local needs,small scale employment and other localservices, being well related to publictransport and highway networks, and

other designated centres.

4.9Smaller settlements, such as Christow,Cornwood and Mary Tavy, have much ofthe social and economic infrastructurethat is needed to make communitiessustainable. Recent Government adviceon housing10 stresses that growth in smallrural settlements should be distributed inways that support informal social support

networks, assists people to live near theirwork and benefit from key services andencourage environmental benefits.

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10 DCLG (November 2006) Planning PolicyStatement (PPS) 3 Housing


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4.10The cohesion and self-containment ofsmaller communities can be improved bywell planned development. Other advice

on development in rural areas11

notesthat local planning authorities shouldmake provision for some limiteddevelopment in, or next to, ruralsettlements that are not designated aslocal service centres, in order to meetlocal business and community needsand to maintain community vitality.

4.11The draft RSS recognises thatstrengthening the self containment ofthe smaller towns and villages dependson small-scale economic activity andimprovement of the range of servicesthey offer, with housing provision basedon identified local needs. The scope forthis type of small scale development ismost likely to be associated with theneed to promote traditional agriculturallivelihoods, to assist in the developmentof small home and farm basedenterprises, to deliver local services

and facilities, and provide small amountsof affordable housing for local needs.

4.12The small and scattered nature of manyof Dartmoors settlements and the needfor all development to be at a scaleand quality to reflect National Parkpurposes means that the level of suchdevelopment in the Rural Settlementsis likely to be extremely limited and

in some cases may consist of threedwellings or less to meet the affordablehousing needs of the parish. Hence,this Strategy defines a second tier ofsmaller Rural Settlements where limiteddevelopment would in principle beacceptable to support the needs of theseindividual settlements and their parishes.Nonetheless, it is recognised that someof the identified rural settlements arevery small and there will also be levels of

environmental, infrastructure, resourcesand community constraint that variesfrom settlement to settlement. In somecases, the level and nature of theseconstraints may be such that any specific


June 2008

local housing or employment needs ofthe parish will be more appropriatelymet in less constrained rural settlements,either within the same parish or in an

adjacent parish. The capacity andability of each recognised settlement toaccommodate local needs developmentand the aspirations of individualcommunities will be assessed in moredetail through the Generic DevelopmentControl and Site Specific Policies DPD,which will be prepared in line withthe Local Development Scheme.

4.13There are strong social, functional,

cultural and economic linkages that existbetween communities in the NationalPark and those outside. The NationalPark is sandwiched between threeprincipal urban areas - Exeter, Plymouthand Torbay - which provide a wide rangeof services, facilities and employmentopportunities enjoyed by National Parkresidents. Newton Abbot (TeignbridgeDistrict) is a well-serviced Sub RegionalCentre, lying to the south-east of the

National Park. It still functions as anactive market town for the farmingcommunity of south-east Dartmoor.

4.14There are three Area Centres -Ivybridge (South Hams District), Tavistock(West Devon Borough) and Okehampton(West Devon Borough) - lying on theboundary of the National Park on thesouth, west and north sides respectively.The Area Centres offer a wide range

of services and facilities not availablein the National Parks Local Centres.Bovey Tracey (Teignbridge District)is a Local Centre just outside theeastern boundary of the National Park,serving those Dartmoor communitieslying in its hinterland.

4.15The linkages referred to above are vitaland there is a high degree of cohesion

and connection between communitiesinside Dartmoor and outside Dartmoor.

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11 ODPM (2004) PPS7 Sustainable Developmentin Rural Areas.


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Much of the comparison shoppingopportunities, higher educationalprovision, health and medical facilitiesand jobs needed by Dartmoor residents

are available in the higher ordersettlements. Conversely, recreationaland leisure opportunities and primaryindustry and service industry employmentare provided within Dartmoor. Some ofDartmoors Local Centres, particularlyAshburton, Buckfastleigh, South Brentand Yelverton, act as important servicecentres for local areas extending outsidethe National Park. These linkages meanthat there must be a readiness on thepart of local planning and housingauthorities, stakeholders andGovernment and public agencies toconsider how housing, infrastructureand services provision could best servethe interests of these interdependentareas, always bearing in mind thestatutory and environmental constraintsthat apply to the National Park.

Policy COR2Spatial development within the

Dartmoor National Park is basedon the following principles:(i) a range of larger settlements

defined as Local Centres whereappropriate development intendedto serve the needs of the settlementand its rural hinterland will beacceptable in principle:

o Ashburton

o Buckfastleigh

o Chagford

o Horrabridgeo Moretonhampstead

o Princetown

o South Brent

o Yelverton

In these settlements the prioritiesfor spatial development will be to:

o provide scope for meeting local

housing needs, with at least 60%

of the projected new housing

guideline provision, shown in the

Regional Spatial Strategyof 50

dwellings per year being located

in these settlements;Dartmoor National Park Authority

Local Development Framework: Core Strategy Development Plan Document 2006 - 2026 Adopted Version

June 2008

o provide scope for maintaining

and improving employment

opportunities and commercial

activity consistent with local

business needs andenvironmental capacity;

o ensure that a range of local

services are maintained and

where possible enhanced;

(ii) a range of smaller settlementsdefined as Rural Settlements wheresmall scale development essentiallyserving identified needs arising fromwithin a settlement and its parish

will be acceptable in principle:o Belstoneo Bittafordo Bridfordo Buckfasto Cheriton Bishop (Cheriton Cross)o Christowo Cornwoodo Dean/Dean Prior

o Dousland

o Drewsteignton

o Dunsfordo Hennock

o Holne

o Ilsington

o Liverton

o Lustleigh

o Lydford

o Manaton

o Mary Tavy

o Meavy

o North Bovey

o North Brentor

o Peter Tavy

o Postbridge

o Scorriton

o Shaugh Prior

o Sourton

o South Tawton

o South Zeal

o Sticklepath

o Throwleigh

o Walkhamptono Whiddon Down

o Widecombe-in-the-Moor

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In these settlements the prioritiesfor spatial development will be to:

o provide for small scale housing

development to meet identified

local needs for affordable housing;o provide for small scale

development to sustain local

enterprises and facilitate

business growth;

o provide for small scale

development to provide new

local services or safeguard

existing local services.

(iii)Outside the Local Centres and Rural

Settlements of the National Park,development will be acceptable in

principle if it:

a) is necessary to meet the proven

needs of farming, including farm

diversification and forestry, and

other enterprises with an essential

requirement to locate in the open

countryside; or

b) is for the provision of utility or

service infrastructure; orc) would sustain buildings or structures

that contribute to the distinctive

landscape or special qualities of the

Dartmoor National Park, where

those assets would otherwise be at

risk and where development can be

accomplished without adversely

affecting the qualities of those

buildings or structures; or

d) is small scale development for the

growth of existing businesses; ore) is householder and domestic related

development; or

f) is development needed to promote

National Park purposes.


June 2008

With all development within the

National Park, the re-use of previously

developed land will be a priority where

this is compatible with other planning

considerations.

Where settlements are located near

the boundary of the Dartmoor National

Park, the Authority will work closely

with adjoining planning and housing

authorities to ensure an integrated

approach to development needs.

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Part5

Part 5 - Key spatial development themes

in Dartmoor National Park

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June 2008

Part5

5.1Introduction

32

Introduction

5.1.1Spatial development themes wereidentified through SA/SEA scopingexercises and in workshops with keypartners and stakeholders. The themesalso reflect those topics that areassuming a higher profile in planning

for sustainable communities, such associal cohesion, climate change andsustainable resource use. They alsosupport the ambitions that underpin theDartmoor National Park ManagementPlan 2007-2012. The SA/SEA baselinestudy provided much of the underlyingevidence base. In the followingsections, the key spatial developmentthemes for Dartmoor National Park areset out and spatial development aimsand strategic policies are proposed tohelp further the aims of sustainabledevelopment.

Environment and heritage themes

o National Park landscape

o Dartmoors built environment

(including design and sustainable

development and the historic built

environment)

o Archaeology

o

Biodiversity and geologicalconservation

o Climate change

o Tranquillity

Social well-being themes

o Infrastructure, community facilities

and public services

o Housing for local needs

o Social inclusion

o Health and well-being

Economic and transport themes

o Sustainable economic growth

o Tourismo Agricultural diversification

o Transport

Prudent use of resources themes

o Minerals development

o Waste

o Water resources.

Part 5 - Key spatial development themesin Dartmoor National Park


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June 2008

Part5

Env

ironmentandHeritag

e:5.2NationalParkLandscape

33

Core Strategic Aim - Landscape EvolutionTo conserve and enhance Dartmoor as aliving, working, evolving landscape thatcontinues to offer special qualities ofpeace and quiet, remoteness, solitude,unspoilt natural beauty, wide openspaces, wildness and wildlife habitats,the freedom to roam, and archaeologicalqualities/sense of history.

Core Strategic Aim - Nature ConservationTo base all policies and proposals uponmaintaining or enhancing the characteristicbiodiversity and geodiversity of the

National Park and its contribution tonational, European and global diversity.

Core Strategic Aim - Historic LandscapesTo protect the integrity of Dartmooras a historic landscape by conserving,protecting and enhancing sites, areas,buildings and features of archaeological,historic, cultural or architectural interest.

Core Strategic Aim - Built Environment

To ensure that development and land

and water management conserves orenhances the character of Dartmoors

built environment and is provided to the

highest practical quality standards.

Sustainability objectives

Landscape and environmentTo protect the special qualities

and natural beauty of the Dartmoor

National Park.

Biodiversity

To conserve, protect and enhance

the habitats and aquatic and

terrestrial biodiversity.

Historic environment

To conserve, protect and enhance sites,

areas and buildings and landmarks of

archaeological, historic, cultural and/

or architectural interest.

Built environment

To enhance the attractiveness and

local distinctiveness of the built

environment by raising the quality

of design and sustainable construction.

Environment and Heritage

5.2 National Park landscape

5.2.1Dartmoors exceptional landscape andits special qualities were the principalreasons for designating Dartmoor asa National Park in 1951. Dartmoor isa living and working landscape aswell as being a much visited one.Its character is the result of actionand interaction of natural and humanfactors over thousands of years.Continuing to manage and enhance

the National Park while at the sametime fulfilling wider agendas - ruralregeneration, healthy living agendas,biodiversity action planning, etc. -is a challenge for all those with a stakein Dartmoor. It is the role of this strategyto positively assist in the process.

5.2.2In 1996 the former CountrysideCommission and English Nature,

with support from English Heritage,produced The Character of Englandmap. England was divided into anumber of Joint Character Areas (JCAs),providing a picture of the differencesin landscape character at the nationalscale and enabling landscape changeto be monitored. An updated map wasproduced in January 2006. Dartmoorcomprises one JCA and a summaryis attached to the map that reads:

Dartmoor is a large, wild, highmoorland landscape that risesdramatically out off the lowlands ofsouth-west Devon, where it overlooksthe rolling ridges of the Culm to thenorth and the sheltered, settled landsof South Devon to the south. Only atiny fraction (less than 1%) of theCharacter Area is urban and 11% iswoodland. Almost all of the CharacterArea is Less Favoured Area (96%)and National Park (97%) and 46% isEnvironmentally Sensitive Area (ESA).A large proportion of the area (39%)is common land, which has implicationsfor its management.


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Dartmoor is underlain by a largegranite batholith with an aureoleof metamorphic rocks including tin,copper and china clay bearing deposits.

Two sub-units: high moor; enclosedlandscapes around the eastern, southernand western edges of Dartmoor.

5.2.3English Heritages Historic LandCharacterisation (HLC) programmegoes beyond