Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration  regarding the feasibility of obtaining Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status for the Exe Valley.

The Cabinet had before it a *report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration previously considered by the Environment and Economy Policy Development Groups regarding the feasibility of obtaining Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status for the Exe Valley.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the Council recognised the natural beauty of the Exe Valley and how the environmental quality of the area could be protected.  There was a need to look at the process of designating such an area, the financial implications and maintenance costs.  He outlined the 4 options that had been considered by the Environment and Economy Policy Development Groups (PDG) and reported that both groups had come to very different conclusions.  In May of this year the Environment Secretary had sought a review of National Parks and AONBs to see how best designation could be achieved, the outcome of the review was expected from DEFRA in 2019.

The Leader read a letter from the Chairman of the Economy PDG which outlined the views of the Group which included:

·         The possibly inflationary effect on house prices in the area

·         Whether the whole of the area warranted such a designation

·         Cost implications for the project

·         The possible effect on agriculture

The Chairman of the Environment Policy Development Group was invited to address the meeting, he stated that the vote in favour of option 1 was not unanimous, he did not support the option as he felt that although the Exe Valley was a lovely area it was not under threat and the cost in terms of project development had not been budgeted for; he would therefore urge the Cabinet not to proceed with such a designation.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         The proposed review of National Parks and AONBs and whether it would be worthwhile to wait for the outcome of the review

·         The beauty of the area and whether such a designation would increase tourism

·         Financial implications and the lack of an agreed budget for the project

·         Whether AONB protection  would be beneficial to the area

·         The proposed area to be designated and whether it was too vast

·         The possibility of extending the Exmoor National Park to take in some of the proposed area

·         Whether another AONB in the area would impact on contributions made to the Blackdown Hills  AONB

RESOLVED that in the light of views from the Council’s policy development groups for the Environment and Economy being substantially different, that officers be asked to bring back a revised options paper once the Government’s review of National Parks and AONBs has concluded, in order to reconsider the options in light of any recommendations or changes that arise from this.  

(Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr Mrs M E Squires)

Notes: 

i)          Cllr R L Stanley requested that his vote against the decision be recorded;

ii)         *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration regarding the consideration of whether to seek  an area of outstanding natural beauty designation for the Exe Valley -  TO FOLLOW

The Committee had before it a *report from the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration presented by the Economic Team Leader regarding the feasibility of obtaining Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status for the Exe Valley.

He explained the content of the report and that it was recognised that Members wanted to pursue this and that it would bring benefits in terms of tourism but may have a negative effect on farming.

The Chairman read out a letter of support from Cllr Mrs F J Colthorpe.

Members discussed their disappointment that the public consultation exercise that had been conducted by Members, which showed overwhelming support from the local Towns and Parishes, had not been included within the report. It was felt that the report concentrated too much on the negative aspects of pursuing AONB status rather than the positives.

The Committee discussed the current Blackdown Hills AONB and the management structure which had been set up and that a different arrangement would need to be made for an Exe Valley AONB. They also discussed the difficulties that it may have on future infrastructure requirements.

Members acknowledged that there would be a cost of pursuing the AONB status but they felt that this would not outweigh the benefits.

With regard to the concept map of the AONB, the Committee felt that it should be amended further to the south and include Brampford Speke, Upton Pyne, Rewe and Stoke Canon.

Members acknowledged that there was a Government Review of AONB’s due in 2019 but they felt that this should not delay the pursuit of the Exe Valley AONB despite uncertainties about what the Government Review would actually mean.

Officers confirmed that if AONB was achieved it would have the same effect on planning as National Parks but the difference being that National Parks had their own planning committees but MDDC would still be the planning authority in an AONB.

The Committee felt that the time was right to pursue full AONB Designation for the Exe Valley even if this came at a financial cost to the Council.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that the Council consider option 1 to seek full AONB Designation.

(Proposed by Cllr R M Deed and seconded by Cllr Mrs E J Slade)

Note: *Report previously circulated and attached to the minutes.