1

Emerging Draft v 3

Dartington Neighbourhood Plan

January 2018

Photo by Jane Parrish, Dartington Neighbourhood Plan Photography competition winner

Contents: 1. Foreword 2. Planning Context

2.1 National 2.2 Designated area 2.3 Timescale 2.4 Plan preparation 2.5 Supporting evidence 2.6 Dartington Neighbourhood Plan Context

3. Vision 4. The aims/objectives of the plan 5. Heritage assets 6. Environment and Landscape 7. Housing, 8. Economy, 9. Transport and movement, 10. Open Space, Health and wellbeing,

2

1. General intro/history/foreword

The parish of Dartington is in South Devon. Largely an agricultural area of low wooded rolling hills, it is bounded on the east by the river Dart, to the south by Totnes and the South Hams and to the north the higher tors of Dartmoor are visible. Predominantly land holdings are large, and settlement is widely scattered in small hamlets and farmsteads. It covers an area of approximately 4.75 square miles with a boundary of about 12 miles. Today the parish is crossed by an ancient network of small footpaths and lanes, with faster and more modern routes going mainly east/west and connecting settlements outside of the parish. Many residents travel to work outside the parish using the road and railway network, and there is a growing number of businesses in the parish building an intertwined localised economy based on a range of activities from food production to computer services. Archaeological evidence shows human occupation here 10,000 years ago when hunters preyed on the large herbivores which annually followed the river valley to the moors…. Almost 7000 years later their descendants constructed here the Iron Age fort to protect their produce and to watch over the ancient trade route which wound down from the moor to sea routes. The fort was abandoned but probably re-occupied by the Romans as they pushed westwards. The first written record dates from AD 833. In 1086, Domesday Book shows a settlement pattern which stayed largely the same until the coming of the railways in the mid 19th century. From then explosive changes began in transportation and settlement. In the second millennium AD Dartington’s fate was often tied to affairs of state in faraway London. In 1388 King Richard II granted the property to John Holand who built Dartington Hall to reflect his status and wealth. King Henry VIII granted the Estate to two of his wives in 1541 and 1542-8. By 1559 the Champernownes were the new occupants and their focus was on helping family (eg the Raleighs) in their piratical seafaring activities. By the 19th century the family was more settled and had more domestic interests. Their sons used to bring College friends home to the estate for holiday retreats, reflecting on current scientific and spiritual conjecture. One son for example, was to become the naval architect William Froude, whose hull designs grace most modern cargo ships. One of their visiting friends was John Henry Newman, who became a leader of the Oxford Movement and was beatified in 2010 in recognition for his services to the Catholic Church in England. Such explorations seem to have prefigured the 20th century scientific/economic regeneration undertaken by the Elmhirsts who bought the Estate in the 1920’s, restoring and augmenting its ancient infrastructure for a growing population. Dartington now acts as a magnet to craftspeople, artists and musicians, ecologists and educators, and therapists.

3

2. Planning Context 2.1 National Planning Context: A Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) is a community-led framework for guiding the future development of an area. It is about the use and development of land, and is based on an extensive process of identifying local needs and priorities. If an NDP successfully passes scrutiny by an independent examiner and then is subsequently approved by a local referendum, the Local Planning Authority will be required to take the Plan into account in the consideration and determination of planning applications and any subsequent appeals. Neighbourhood plans were introduced as part of the NPPF in 2012. NPPF para 7. There are three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. These dimensions give rise to the need for the planning system to perform a number of roles: an economic role – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by

ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure

a social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the supply of housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by creating a high quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being

an environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change including moving to a low carbon economy.

NPPF para 16. The application of the presumption will have implications for how communities engage in neighbourhood planning. Critically, it will mean that neighbourhoods should:

develop plans that support the strategic development needs set out in Local Plans, including policies for housing and economic development

plan positively to support local development, shaping and directing development in their area that is outside the strategic elements of the Local Plan

identify opportunities to use Neighbourhood Development Orders to enable developments that are consistent with their neighbourhood plan to proceed

The NP must meet the basic conditions set out in the NPPF which are: • have regard to national policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State; • contribute to the achievement of sustainable development; • be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan for the area; • be compatible with European Union (EU) and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) obligations.

4

2,2 Designated Neighbourhood Area The designated area for the Neighbourhood Plan is the Dartington parish boundary. This area was designated by the Local Authority on 5/6/14

NOTE: We must get the right map with appropriate permissions

2.3 Timescale

The Neighbourhood Plan will have an effect for 15 years from 2014-2034. This is the same timescale as the Joint Local Plan:

2.4 Plan preparation 2.4.1 The preparation of this NP has been led by Dartington Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan

Steering Group. This group currently comprises Parish Council representatives Cllrs Anna Lunk, Ashton

Chadwick, Peggy Prout, and Elaine Hopkins; while they were serving councillors Pam Gorman, and

Joanne Tisdall were also involved. District Councillor and now Devon County Cllr Jacqi Hodgson has

been the NP liaison (needs refining). Local people from different sections of the community (name them?

or put a link to the SG document). The Steering Group has clear Terms of reference (ToR in appendix).

As the Plan has evolved the Steering Group members have changed.

2.4.2 The preparation of this NP has been informed throughout by a comprehensive programme of

meetings and consultation. These have built on previous consultation in the parish such as the 1999

Parish appraisal and the 2010 Dartington Community Action Plan.

5

Neighbourhood Plan meetings have included specific Task Group meetings open to all which report to

the Steering Group meetings. Steering Group meetings have also been open to all and during 2015 and

2016 were held monthly. Less frequent, but specifically focused Steering Group meetings have been

held during 2017.

Significant consultation events have included those in October and November 2014 to set up task

groups; the Future Homes Conference February 2015; Destination Dartington Open day in February

2015; The parish meeting of June 2015; Energy in Neighbourhood Planning consultation March 2016 in

conjunction with Totnes Neighbourhood Plan; April 2016 consultation and Parish Housing Needs Survey

event; Open Space Sport and Recreation Strategy consultation September 2016; Business survey (date)

2017; Traffic survey (date), March 2017 Emerging Draft Consultation. Quiet Roads Survey

October/November 2017. (All consultations, meetings and events to be detailed in the consultation

document/consultation statement).

The Neighbourhood Plan has a dedicated website and regularly has an input into the parish magazine.

2.4.3 Still to be done. All the consultations summarized for the ‘Consultation Statement’, as required by

the NP legislative requirements and available on the NP website.

2.4.4 The outcomes of the consultations – key priorities (which have enabled us to create the vision etc)

Needs a trawl through the website when I have time.

2.4.5 What’s next in the process: ie produce a draft for submission to SHDC which can be formally

consulted on.

2.5 Supporting evidence

2.5.1 Dartington’s NP is supported by a variety of other further documents and information sometimes referred to in this document. The key supporting document is the ‘Summary of Evidence’ document which outlines outcomes from the various consultation exercises and evidence gathered. Document not complete.

2.5.2 All supporting documents and evidence base are available on the Dartington NP website (but not yet in a logical order) 2.6 The Dartington Neighbourhood Plan context: Dartington is a parish in the South Hams area of South Devon and the local strategic context is therefore set by the Joint Local Plan of Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon Councils. There is a strong sense of community in Dartington and it is a community that wants to have its say. A Parish Appraisal was produced in 1999, and in 2008 the parish rallied against development that was seen as detrimental, gathering valuable community views from a comprehensive survey. In 2010 the Dartington Community Action Group produced a Community Plan. None of these documents had statutory weight, but they have all contributed to the evidence for this Neighbourhood Plan. Perhaps the most valuable piece of evidence they show is of a vibrant community that wants to be heard. Dartington Parish is a sustainable community within easy reach of many key services largely in the nearby town of Totnes which is a walkable distance from many houses in the parish. There is a significant amount of employment in the parish. The proportion of people in Dartington who are self-employed is 12% which is greater than nationally (3%). A considerable number of people here work part time and most employment is in the private sector. Education and training, business and professional services and agriculture are particularly well represented. There are also a number of very small businesses located here, many catering for visitors to the parish or offering bespoke products from music tuition to carnival costumes.

6

Dartington is also a parish with a growing elderly population. More young people are moving out of the parish than are moving into it and 26% of our population is over 65 (compared to 16% nationally) and this has many implications. Our housing stock is primarily detached (46%) or semi-detached houses. Locally house prices are about 46% of the average income (compared to an average of 15% nationally) making buying a house out of the reach of most young people. Many move away and are replaced by older, wealthier people. As a parish we need to safeguard a future which continues to provide support to the thriving local economy, but also keeps young people in the parish, provide somewhere for them to live and builds on the sense of community and place. The Neighbourhood Plan aims to create opportunities for the whole community to grow and prosper.

3. The Overall Neighbourhood Plan Vision Dartington will be known internationally as an exemplar place where the strong and cohesive community has grasped the challenge of climate change by taking innovative measures to reduce its impact on the environment. Dartington will be a rural Parish with a clear physical identity where new development will achieve a balance between social, economic and environmental impact. The health and wellbeing of parishioners will be supported through the provision of improved community, sports, recreation and play facilities. The historic character of the parish will be respected. This character is made up of different elements including the Dartington Hall Estate, the separate and very individual housing estate developments, the oldest buildings in the parish as well as the open spaces, interlinking footpaths and cycle ways, wildlife corridors and views. Landscape and biodiversity features of the countryside will be conserved and protected. New development will contribute positively to social cohesion. Impacts on the surrounding countryside, landscape and ecosystems will be minimal. Above all, we wish to retain the unique agricultural character and design of the parish. We recognise that transport is a major and rapidly growing source of greenhouse gas emissions and so Dartington will be a place where people are encouraged to use private cars less. We aim to make Dartington parish a destination rather than a through route and local economic empowerment will contribute to the emergence of a sustainable, co-operative and vital economy. The cross-cutting theme of our Neighbourhood plan will be innovation

4. The Aims/Objectives of the Plan It is important that the NP looks towards the future and the pressures the parish is likely to face in relation to issues such as an increased population, traffic congestion, the needs of an ageing population and the need to create balanced communities. The NP can be developed to take a long term view. The current economic climate necessitates innovative approaches and we believe the Plan can embrace these approaches and not be constrained by austerity pressures which may be short term. The plan is organised into the folowing sections:

Heritage assets: Strategic Objective: Prioritise local distinctiveness and ensure the protection of heritage assets while maintaining the functionality of this heritage.

7

Environment and Landscape: Strategic Objective: Safeguard our natural environment and enhance biodiversity through sensitive development which protects and enriches the landscape. Ensure future development complements the good quality of the existing built environment, sustain and enhance natural habitats, retain much loved local views and have minimal impact on climate change.

Housing: Strategic Objective: to ensure new, high quality homes are delivered in sustainable locations that meet the needs of Dartington without compromising the setting or the natural environment and take into account the NP Design Guide.

Economy: Strategic Objective: To promote new high quality economic and employment opportunities in appropriate locations and encourage the retention of existing employers in Dartington

Transport, infrastructure and movement: Strategic Objective: Seek improvements to transport and parking; to utility infrastructure and to digital connectivity especially mobile phone reception and broadband

Open Space, Health and wellbeing: Strategic Objective: Sustaining and improving local facilities for existing and new residents. Ensure residents have adequate access and opportunity to open space and recreation to maintain a strong, active, healthy and vibrant community.

5. Heritage Assets.

Dartington has a very strong and diverse heritage and this extends beyond the features of the built

environment. This heritage includes listed buildings ancient and modern, buildings which perhaps ought

to be listed and areas worthy of designating for protection - such as significant views (of Yarner Beacon

for example). Ensuring the protection of, while maintaining the functionality of, this heritage is a key

priority for the Neighbourhood Plan.

We ought to do an assessment of the built and natural heritage in order to evidence the assertion

that the parish has a strong and diverse heritage and to prepare for the local list (read on). Many

of the important heritage sites are already listed – need to check and see what ought to be added.

A synopsis of the diverse heritage can then be included here as a justification for the following

policy.

Policy 1 Protecting, conserving and maintaining the historic environment New development should preserve or enhance the historic environment by integration with the surrounding environment and by its own qualities. Heritage assets are designated for their local significance and development which has the potential to affect a heritage asset and its setting must

1. recognise the importance of that asset and its setting and 2. contribute significantly to its conservation, maintenance or historic enhancement.

Proposals which provide opportunities to make positive use of, and contribute to enhancing, conserving and maintaining aspects of the historic environment are encouraged.

Consultation has shown strong support for the preservation and enhancement of key heritage assets in

the parish, (including Dartington Hall and its environs), and the special nature of the hamlets that make

up the parish (list?). Support has also been shown for a local listing or register of assets considered to

be significant to the heritage of the parish which are not listed because they might fall outside the scope

of Listed Building status, but which are nevertheless considered locally significant.

8

Dartington’s Heritage Assets are important to the character and appearance of the parish, its community

and culture. These assets may be locally or nationally designated. Heritage Assets make a significant

contribution to the cultural and economic vitality of Dartington. It is therefore essential that these assets

are protected. Development proposed in the Joint Local Plan has undergone a Heritage Assessment It is

proposed all future development proposals in the parish which affect either Designated or Non

Designated Heritage Assets be accompanied by a Heritage Impact Assessment which assesses the

significance of the asset (and uses the local register–see below) and the impact of the proposed

development.

Local Register Proposal - Policy?Project? There was recognition in the consultation that the particular

heritage of the parish should be celebrated. Many of the buildings are listed, but several are not and it is

felt important to compile a register of buildings and other assets considered significant in the parish (to

include listed buildings and those which are not already listed). This register will weight these assets in

terms of their local significance (and obviouslynational.international significance will be included). The

register would cover assets not yet listed elsewhere and to those falling outside the scope of Listed

Building status (etc).

It has been agreed that this following section could move into a separate appendix or have a section of its own. Wherever it goes it needs to be reworked by DHT. Consequently I have done nothing with it other than make the text purple. It can form part of the discussion at a later date when other things have been written. DRAFT Dartington Hall Estate section – inc SPA, detail on sites, proposals for sites excluded, proposals for expansion of JLP allocations written by Jo Atkey Undergoing review

Introduction to the estate The Dartington Hall estate – 1200 acres of farmland, woodland, parkland, and commercial and residential property - is owned and managed by the Dartington Hall Trust. A long-established charity, the Trust’s roots lie in the work of Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst who bought the then-derelict medieval courtyard mansion and its estate in 1925, using it as the basis for their ‘English experiment’, an exploration of rural economics, progressive education and the Arts, in the process adding significantly to the estate’s unique collection of buildings and re-creating the gardens. Current strategic context Seeking to remain true to the ethos and legacy of the Elmhirsts, the Trust, following a period of in-depth strategic review, is seeking to continue to use the estate as a base for experimentation, collaboration and the generation of new ideas with the aim of helping to resolve some of society’s more challenging problems. The Trust’s new strategic direction builds on the estate’s unique history and will guide future transformation and growth focusing on a set of core priorities: Destination, Place-making, Arts, Learning, Progressive Enterprise, Social Justice and Land Stewardship. Delivery of the new strategy is supported by the Trust’s estate framework, a process and set of principles enabling future decisions about the physical aspects of the estate, i.e. its land and buildings. Dartington Hall Trust’s role in Dartington Parish

9

Activities associated with the Dartington Hall Trust have a significant impact on the parish and wider South Hams economy. Set in a unique historic landscape, the Trust is the single largest employer in Dartington parish, which according to a 2014 Economic Impact Assessment, directly and indirectly supports more than 700 fte jobs and hosts over 100 businesses, charities and social enterprises as tenants with £24.9m in gross value added to the UK economy each year (£19 million of which is in the South West). Grounded in a unique ‘rural experiment’ initiated by former owners, the Elmhirsts, the Trust supports the local economy by attracting visitors from around the world to its estate, shops, hotel, cinema, bars, cafes and restaurants, plus year-round programme of events, courses and festivals. As landlord, the Trust supports 20 land-based enterprises ranging from micro-sites occupying a few square metres to the 485 acres of Old Parsonage Farm. The Trust is also responsible landlord for 45 residential tenancies across its estate. The Trust maintains the grounds across its estate as well in the hamlets of Broom Park and Huxhams Cross. It offers extensive visitor parking (number of spaces subject to seasonal fluctuation) which provides incidental year-round free parking for parents during the school run. Again stemming back to the Elmhirst’s commitment to providing recreation and leisure opportunities for local residents, the Trust continues to support sports provision (and associated improvements) – mainly through the leasing and hiring out of facilities to local clubs and membership organisations - across the parish, including:

Squash courts (Higher Close, Dartington Hall)

Studio space (Hex & Gym, Dartington Hall)

Meadowbrook Community Centre – leased from the Dartington Hall Trust providing a range of function rooms and associated facilities including skittles and snooker (club membership required)

Football pitch, Foxhole, Dartington leased from the Dartington Hall Trust to the Dartington Recreation Association

Cricket pitch, Foxhole, Dartington leased from the Dartington Hall Trust to the Dartington Recreation Association

Allotments and mini-holdings Following a period of strategic review, the Trust has identified ‘Destination’ as its top priority seeking to attract more people to visit and engage in its wide-ranging activities. In doing so, the Trust continues to be committed to working collaboratively the local community and other key stakeholders including the Parish Council, Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, South Hams District Council, Devon County Council, Historic England, Natural England and the Environment Agency. Joint Local Plan In support of its new strategic priorities, the Trust is committed to pursuing heritage-led regeneration and development where possible on the core estate (increasingly referred to as the ‘Dartington campus’). The Trust’s response to the Regulation 19 consultation included reference to those policies and site allocations it supports, those to which it objects as well as highlighting omissions. In terms of site allocations, and reflecting comments about earlier versions of the draft JLP, the Trust ‘supports’ the following allocations:

Woodlands Yard for employment

Dartington Lane (also known as Land End Plantation and Paddock) for housing, specifically custom self-build

10

plus, whilst remaining firmly committed to prioritising development on the main Dartington campus:

Broom Park Field for housing

Sawmills Field (west) for housing Whilst supporting the basic allocations, the Trust has raised objections to the following:

Higher Barton where the Trust finds the boundary line indicated in the current draft JLP to be too constraining in terms of potential re-alignment of existing uses and future mixed-use development proposals.

Foxhole (and Shops) where similarly the Trust finds the boundary line too constraining in terms of future mixed-use proposals for the area.

In terms of omissions, and in line with comments on previous drafts of the JLP, the Trust has indicated its wish to see the Postern campus re-introduced as a site for a small number of houses, whose development could contribute to the conservation costs of the Postern.

Dartington Campus Area Policy A key omission, in the Trusts view, is the ‘Dartington Special Policy Area’, a saved policy from the South Hams Local Plan 1989 – 2001, the absence of which would leave a vacuum in decision-making guidance in relation to applications on the Dartington campus. The following draft revised wording (and associated map) was proposed as part of the Trust’s response to the Regulation 19 consultation:

Dartington Campus Area Policy Policy 3 “Planning applications for appropriate-scale development within the Dartington Campus Policy Area as defined on the Policies Map should acceptable in principle where proposals:

a) support the Dartington Hall Charitable Trust's core strategic objectives and assist in securing its future viability;

b) will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the environment or heritage assets; c) will, where practical, maximise the use of existing development through conversion or

redevelopment of previously developed land; d) preserve and enhance access to and around the estate for residents, businesses and the

public; e) is well-designed, respecting the distinctive character and appearance of the Estate area, f) are sensitively located to limit any adverse effects on the living conditions of local

residents, and g) are consistent with overarching strategies and frameworks agreed with heritage,

environmental, community and other stakeholders. Supporting Text, if required could read: The Dartington Campus plays a unique role in the social and economic life of the South Hams. It is a key cultural, employment, environmental, educational and residential centre and is a significant visitor attraction. The Dartington Hall charitable Trust (DHT) supports a range of creative, environmental and social justice projects of international interest and is a conscientious and supportive landlord to several hundred businesses and residents. Stewardship of the historic assets including listed buildings and gardens and scheduled ancient monuments is a core activity of the Trust. The Trust takes an active role in maintaining more than 30 listed buildings, 4 scheduled monuments and 1 registered historic park/garden. This policy supports the ongoing work of the trust to maintain historic assets for their intrinsic value and for continued public access. Management of the Estate, including provision of water and electricity to around 300 residential properties, requires operational flexibility in occasional re-purposing of buildings and grounds and this policy supports these ongoing operational requirements.

11

6. Environment and Landscape Landscape character The landscape character of Dartington parish is mainly formed of rolling hills and slopes, farmland and settlements. The river Dart flows from Dartmoor to the west, where it rises, through a winding, often wooded, gorge along the edge of the parish to Totnes to the east and beyond. There are important views across and along the valleys in places, to nearby hills and Dartmoor and Totnes. Many of these views are relatively short and focus on the rounded hills and rivers which give this area its sense of place. There is a mix of pasture and arable land, semi natural habitats that include river and stream corridors and historic bridges, old orchards, mixed and broadleaved woodland, hedgerows and mature trees. Winding, enclosed, narrow lanes, and the A385 and A384 which lead to the A38 expressway, cross the landscape, but away from settlement and transport infrastructure there is a strong sense of tranquillity within the rolling hills and valleys. The settlement pattern is of scattered houses, farms, hamlets, occasional old mills and farmsteads which have been developed into larger settlements, and more significant settlements including Dartington Village (? Everyone says it’s a collection of hamlets but does this work as a description?) and the Dartington Hall Estate. Traditional building styles and materials, particularly the use of limestone and cob, are found throughout the parish. There is a wealth of cultural heritage including a significant number of listed buildings, Dartington Hall Estate buildings and Gardens, the Deer Park, iron age hillfort, historic settlements, stone bridges and the nearby historic town of Totnes. There are also internationally significant 20th century buildings including some designed by Oswald P Milne, Ides van der Gracht, Dartington Estate architect Rex Gardner and W E Lescaze’s Modernist Style buildings which are also listed. Add more? Put into heritage? There are also threats: To tranquillity including major power lines and Bumpston sub station, the effects of traffic/transport infrastructure – ie A38, A385, A384 (A381?). To wildlife re hedgerow removal particularly in areas of gentle slopes and mixed farming in the drive for agricultural intensification. To views - Pressure for new masts, wind turbines and pylons, which would be potentially highly visible on prominent skylines. Demand for domestic and community-scale renewable energy installations such as solar panels, small wind turbines and ground-source heat pumps – leading to incremental change to traditional buildings. Pressure for large extensions to existing dwellings and new buildings possibly resulting in visual intrusion and erosion of vernacular character. Conversion of traditional agricultural buildings and attached land for domestic and leisure use, which can lead to unsympathetic boundary and surfacing treatments and increase the need for new agricultural buildings elsewhere. Pressure for agricultural intensification leading to loss of traditional field boundaries and change to existing landscape patterns; Pressure for new, large-scale agricultural buildings and or polytunnels, possibly out of proportion with existing smaller scale buildings.

12

Widening and new access points to narrow lanes, eroding their rural character. Increase in domestic tourism with associated demands for new facilities and infrastructure as well as an increase in traffic levels on rural roads. Suggestions as to how to address the above - will need a policy drafting which could include the following: Consider protecting important views to and from the hills across the surrounding landscapes, including views to Totnes; Consider policies that resist highway improvements and lighting schemes that would affect these special qualities. This I would envisage would be mainly applicable to small scale improvements or additions to existing buildings. Prevent the linear spread of development along roads frontages wherever possible in order to maintain the characteristic of different settlements – the settlement could be a specific hamlet or something smaller or something bigger. Use existing woodland/ natural features/ topography to filter views of any new development/enhancement to existing developement. Identifying key focal points in new developments which can be used for open green space for residents. Protect/preserve/conserve the network of quiet lanes enclosed by woodland/species-rich hedgebanks, by resisting unnecessary/unsympathetic highways improvements or signage. Plan a network of green spaces and green infrastructure links which integrates development into the landscape as well as the existing green infrastructure to provide local access and recreation and support future population growth in Dartington. Manage and enhance the wildlife interest of the built and farmed landscape, including through the creation of species-rich grass buffers around arable fields and new housing development and restoring Devon hedgebanks using traditional methods and styles of construction wherever possible. Ensure new boundaries fit with the existing hedgerow pattern. What follows is basically a list - needs to be composed as a justification for the policy that follows: Wildlife diversity is important and retaining and there is a need to managing the open spaces of wildlife diversity in the parish, e.g. woodlands, copses, wetlands and scrub areas. Wildlife corridors of high quality habitats between these natural open space areas need to be protected, or where necessary re-established. Effective landscape buffers should be created between new development and main roads. Ancient trees and hedgerows should be fully recorded and specifically protected. Important species, including Horseshoe Bats, dormice, birds to be more fully recorded and their habitats protected. Water courses and wetlands to be of high quality and their surrounding catchments need to be managed. Views of natural landscape features should be retained. Landscape character assessments have been carried out for the sites which are allocated for development by the Joint Local Plan and also for sites which are central to maintaining a separation between Dartington and Totnes. These form a separate appendix. Policy 2 Conserve, maintain and enhance the natural environment New development will be expected to make positive contributions to enhancing the special environment in which we live for residents, local businesses and visitors. Any new development will provide, as part of its design and access statement:

1. a survey of the landscape to include trees, watercourses and hedgerows; 2. an outline of the measures proposed to protect existing trees, watercourses and hedgerows;

13

3. a survey of views from the proposed development site and to the proposed development site from key vantage points within the parish (vantage points to be agreed in advance);

4. an outline of the measures taken to improve/protect/enhance these views; 5. details of how trees, retained open space, hedgerows, areas of biodiversity within and adjoining

the development will be managed on completion of development and in the future. Energy efficiency targets are now set via building regulations which has replaced the Code for Sustainable Homes. However, the National Planning Policy Framework recognises that all communities have a responsibility “to contribute to energy generation from renewable or low carbon sources” and supports community-led initiatives. Consequently, local projects which come forward for energy generation, energy efficiency and energy management which are in community ownership will be supported The Neighbourhood Plan aims to promote renewable and low carbon development, whilst mitigating adverse impacts and strongly supports the transition to a low carbon future by encouraging the use of renewable energy. Two energy consultation events were held in 2016 in conjunction with the Totnes neighbourhood plan and as a result energy generation opportunities in the parish have been mapped and this is contained in the work undertaken for Totnes and Dartington by RegenSW. (To be attached) New development will be designed to minimise its impact on CO² emissions and take into account the likely impact of global warming, eg heavier rainfall at its impact on flood risk. The plan aims to promote renewable energy generation that is sensitive to the landscape and character of Dartington parish and support the transition to a low carbon future by encouraging the use of renewable energy. The plan would encourage renewable energy, such as solar panels, on rooftops or other structures which might be suitable for solar generation (list sites) and in exceptional circumstances on flat or south facing low quality or previously used land. It is important that there are options for community ownership of renewable energy and that are measures in place to ensure that the community continues to benefit from any renewable energy/solar generation over its lifetim Policy 3 Renewable energy To increase use and production of renewable and low carbon energy generation development proposals will be supported that:

Encourage best use of the resource through development which has the greatest energy output (without harmful impacts);

Encourage co-location of energy supply with consumers, including using heat and innovative technologies, such as ‘smart’ energy infrastructure5 ;

Enable community ownership;

Connect to, or prepare for connection to a heat network. Community ownership can apply to all types of energy generation project, including heating projects. For community ownership the Planning Advice highlights the benefits and details the following key elements which are needed to achieve a community-owned project:

The project should be wholly or partly owned by a community energy enterprise.

Where the project is being delivered in partnership (perhaps with a traditional developer), there should be an agreement in place to ensure the community energy enterprise can achieve its objectives.

The purpose of the community energy enterprise should be to benefit the local community.

Membership should be available to all within the community.

A mechanism should be in place to ensure the project continues to deliver for the community over its lifetime (e.g. an asset lock or dissolution clause).

14

Protecting the green area between the settlements of Totnes and Dartington is a concern for many Dartington residents. That the parish has a clear boundary and green space in between it and the settlement of Totnes is valued as an indicator of the rural nature of the parish. Development continues to threaten the fields in this gap especially as the Totnes town boundary is drawn very tightly around the built environment of the town and sometimes it seems that the only place to go is out. Say something about the transition homes site here. In spite of the TH site, it is important to recognise that this is a departure site (with XXX qualities). In order to prevent coalescence between Dartington and Totnes and to preserve distinctive character and setting of Dartington parish, it is proposed that development will not be allowed on the following areas (list and identify on a map) within the life of the plan period. Each site makes a significant contribution to maintaining the rural character of Dartington. The policy is to prevent development that will undermine the visual integrity of several important and defining views of and from the parish (identify the views – landscape character assessments?) Policy 4 Preventing the coalescence of Dartington and Totnes In order to prevent the coalescence of Dartington and Totnes, development on land identified on the adjoining map will not be permitted unless it is a minor development (cite max numbers) which does not harm, alone or in combination with others, the function and purposes of the open character of the landscape or has other significant benefits (eg the Transition Homes site expand).

7. Housing Anna’s draft amendments red & green The J.L.P. has identified Dartington Parish as a growth area for new housing, allocating 456* new houses and flats to the parish in the JLP of which 115 have been recently completed. This is by far the greatest allocation to any village in the South Hams. Something more specific here re. the actual percentage? Also something questioning the methodology,i.e. The methodology for allocating sites for housing in the South Hams excludes many small villages which would benefit from further development in terms of their services. Housing allocations would seem to be based on land available (land put forward by landowners) rather than on need. See appendix re. methodology. In the local town of Totnes, bordering on our parish boundary, a further 463 houses are proposed will which add to the pressures on the local infrastructure. The Meadowside development on the Ashburton Road, the proposed Dartington Trust custom build site at Dartington Lane End and the Transition Homes site at Puddavine are all shown as part of the Totnes settlement area in the J.L.P., but are actually within the Dartington parish and therefor form part of our Neighbourhood Plan. The additional people/cars that this growth entails will have consequences for the infrastructure that was already under strain before the J.L.P. proposals. Residents have strenuously opposed the allocated number of houses in their responses to the J.L.P., our own community consultations, meetings with the Dartington Hall Trust and through the pressure group Don’t Bury Dartington Under Concrete. The local community fears the loss of the rural nature and function that increased urbanisation and population

15

growth may bring. There are strong concerns about the carrying capacity of both the infrastructure and the environment, in particular the increases in traffic on our roads and subsequent impact on health through poor air quality, often exceeding European limits. (See appendix x) Our policies will seek to address these concerns. There is particular opposition to the Broom Park site which threatens the green gap between the hamlet of Week and Dartington village and will extend the village along the A384. Despite representation from the Dartington Parish Council, the Neighbourhood Plan group and many individuals the numbers remain in the J.L.P. as do the allocated sites. (Though the numbers proposed at Broom Park have been slightly reduced.) The neighbourhood plan group will continue to work with the District Council and the Dartington Hall Trust (the landowners) to remove Broom Park from the proposed sites, sharing with the Trust a preference for the ‘core estate’ sites. They will also continue to support the inclusion of the Old Postern site on the Dartington Estate as suitable for a small number of sustainable homes in keeping with the ethos of Schumacher College. Aspirations The Neighbourhood Plan is not able to oppose the number of houses allocated to the parish in the J.L.P. and despite the inevitable tensions between the community, local authority and landowners we are hopeful that creative solutions can be found to create a built environment of which we can be truly proud. We continue to explore many of the ideas platformed at the Housing Conference in 2015 (A Dartington Hall Trust/Dartington Neighbourhood Plan/Transition Town Totnes partnership event) - such as community land trusts, sustainability, place-making and experimentation. We support new ways of providing small single occupancy units, for both the young and the elderly. Tiny Houses, adapted shipping containers and other innovative solutions to providing housing for those most in need will be welcomed. All housing, whether small or large, whether self build, custom build or open market will be subject to our design guides which seek to address our primary values of sustainability both in terms of construction and life time use, (working towards a low carbon future), healthy communities (lay outs encouraging community inter action, shared open spaces for leisure and growing) and experimentation. We are fortunate that many of the values embedded in our vision are shared by the Dartington Hall Trust; the landowners of the allocated sites, as we ourselves pay reverence to the old and take joy in the new, looking forward to a future where our natural and architectural character is protected and enhanced and new building is exemplar in terms of tenure, design and sustainability, creating and supporting strong, vibrant, inclusive and caring communities for all ages. Is this the place for figures from Anne & Chris’s research and Anna’s anecdotal research from Estate Agents? • Already built : Meadowside 50; Sawmills Field – Origins - 65 • Yet to be built or in construction at the time of writing : Webbers Yard 30; Sawmills Phase Two 40; Higher Barton Farm 20; Foxhole Site 130; Brimhay 32 (replacing 18); Broom Park 80, Transition Homes 27. Dartington parish is set to grow significantly over the period of the JLP and will need to accommodate

accommodates approximately 200 more houses. The additional people/cars that this entails will have

consequences for the infrastructure that was already under strain before the JLP proposals. Residents

strenuously opposed the allocated number of houses and in one particular case, Broom Park, the

allocated site. The JLP has not changed the allocation or the sites and the local community fears the

loss of the rural nature and function that urbanisation and increased numbers of people might bring. One

aim of the NP is to create balanced communities and one of the issues to address is how to make

housing affordable for young people and avoid the commuter/retirees trap.

16

The Neighbourhood Plan is not proposing to allocate sites for housing as this is being done by the Joint Local Plan, but we are proposing policies relating to type, tenure, layout and design on the allocated sites as well as a guide for future development as part of our aim to support communities. Sustainable development is a key concern and is interpreted as creating and supporting strong, vibrant,

inclusive and caring communities for young and old, providing affordable homes (to buy/rent and live in)

and providing mixed tenure homes. It is also the aim of the Plan to ensure the design and impact of new

development does not devalue the architectural and landscape character of the parish.

The design and layout of new settlements can contribute to the functionality of the settlement in terms of community cohesion and interaction. This is something that is appreciated in the parish as there are good examples of settlement layouts encouraging interaction between neighbours. The Neighbourhood plan would like to encourage careful consideration of layout which benefits the community and is sensitive to the natural environment. Design which is innovative, respects local distinctiveness and reinforce Dartington’s unique sense of place will be encouraged. The Neighbourhood Plan has produced a Design Guide (appendix) which clearly outlines the expectations and will be the means by which developers will be informed of acceptable criteria. Policy 5 Adherence to the NP Design Guide. New development must complement or improve that which already exists, respect the unique design history of the parish and emphasise place making. Developers must show, in a Design and Access statement, how their development adheres to the NP Design Guide. Add guidelines for development on specific sites

Parish population and housing – (Revised Chris & Anne. Asterisks indicate data to be confirmed, possibly changed when we have addition info from SHDC ). At the time of the last national census in 2011, the population of Dartington parish stood at 1755 people, living in 790 houses or flats. Source: 2011 census By 1st December 2017, there were **920** homes in the parish, and once the 30 homes currently under construction at Webbers Yard have been completed, this number will rise to **950**. This represents a 20% increase in the number of homes in the parish since 2011.

Source:SHDC In 2017, one third of homes in the parish are lived in by only one person and 98% of the houses in the parish are currently occupied. Source:SHDC

In 2011, 70% of the homes were owner occupied, a larger proportion than in other parts of England, with the remaining 30% of accommodation being provided in rental properties, a smaller proportion than elsewhere. Taking the recent builds into account, these percentages remain essentially the same in 2017. Housing availability and affordability Approximately 60% of those on the Housing Register in the South Hams over the last 6 years are in need of one bedroomed homes, and a further 25% are in need 2 bedroom homes. In Dartington parish specifically, at times almost three quarters (73%) of those on the Housing Register are in need of 1 bedroomed homes.

Source: Devon Home Choice monitoring reports/SHDC statistics

17

As far as can be seen from the planning applications for the 3 major developments built since 2011 or currently under construction, at most, 4 (>3%) of these homes are one bedroomed and let at affordable rents. House prices Market price Home Purchases The price of a home in the South Hams District is just short of 10 times total household income when measuring the prices of the cheapest houses against the lowest 25% of household incomes. This makes the South Hams the third most expensive place for getting onto the property ladder in all of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Source ONS At ward (parish) level, the statistics available measure the cost of housing at the lowest 10th percentile prices, (which to all intents and purposes are the very lowest house prices). These figures show that the Dartington and Staverton ward is the second most unaffordable ward in the South Hams, Salcombe being the most unaffordable. Source ONS Affordable Rents (defined as 80% of local market rent levels). DCLG statistics show that the affordable rents in South Hams have in 7 of the last 9 years been the most expensive such rents in all Devon districts and the second most expensive in the remaining 2 years. Source: DCLG/ONS Information submitted by the Affordable Housing officer as part the Planning Application for the Sawmills Field development in November 2013 stated that Statistics from Devon Home Choice indicate a need for 84 rented homes in Dartington Parish. These figures only account for those households who have registered and the actual level of need is likely to be higher.

NB. The need for HA rental homes at local level changes from week to week, but the general tenet of the comment is valid

Shared Ownership Intermediate Home Purchase Data from a Housing Needs Survey commissioned by Dartington Parish Council in 2009 showed that only one respondent of the 16 who answered the specific question was in a position to be able to finance shared ownership. The remaining 15 respondents could only afford to rent. Source:

Community Council of Devon

The absence of any sustained increase in household incomes since 2008 makes it unlikely this position will have improved significantly. According to Council Tax statistics, since 2011 the number of homes in Dartington parish has increased by 130, with a further 30 homes currently being built at Webbers Yard. Of this, developer construction will account for

109 open market sales 22 affordably rented via Housing Associations 12 shared ownership The remaining 17 are assumed to be either single property builds or conversions.

18

House prices in the parish are above the national average and wages are below it. Our Parish Housing Needs Survey (May 2016) identified that 18 households in the parish could not afford to buy or rent anywhere and calculated that 22 Affordable Houses are needed in the parish over the next 5 years. However, this calculation identified only those in the greatest need who qualify for assisted housing. It did not identify those who do not have the means to buy a house, yet do not qualify for assisted housing. The Parish Housing Needs Survey also identified that the greatest Affordable Housing need by far was for one or two bedroom properties for single people or couples. This could reflect the need for housing for older people living in larger houses wanting to downsize, or for younger people wanting to move into homes of their own. Whatever the reason, to ensure the housing stock meets the needs of the community, new housing in the parish needs to comprise of a mix of tenures, types and styles and also be durable and adaptable to future uses. One way the Neighbourhood Plan can approach affordability is to ensure that Affordable Housing means affordable to buy or rent. These requirements will go a considerable way towards minimising costs thus going some way towards achieving the aim of a balanced community. Policy 6

Creating and supporting strong, vibrant, inclusive caring communities for young and old.

Proposals for new development should aim to achieve a balance between social, economic and environmental impact and achieve this balance without compromising the needs of future generations. Housing in the parish needs to be accessible to a diverse range of people in order to maintain a balanced and sustainable community.

1. All new development should maintain, provide or contribute to a mix of housing styles, sizes, types and tenures and

2. make a significant contribution to delivering Affordable Housing in perpetuity to meet the needs of local people according to local connection criteria.

3. All new housing developments should contain housing that is affordable to run and this will be partly achieved by including high energy efficiency requirements.

Local connection means a connection with the parish as follows

being permanently resident in the parish for a continuous period of at least three years

being formerly permanently resident in the parish for a continuous period of five years; or

having his or her place of permanent work (normally regarded as 16 hours or more a week and not including seasonal employment) in the parish for a continuous period of at least three years.

having a connection through a close family member (normally mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter) where the family member is currently resident in the parish and has been so for a continuous period of at least five years.

As a result of the amount of housing Dartington is allocated in the Joint Local Plan over the plan period, development proposed on sites which are not allocated will not be supported. However, a limited amount of Affordable Housing to meet local needs may be permitted on sites which are not allocated if they come forward as exception or departure sites. Collaborative partnerships with sympathetic landowners, Housing Associations or community development organisations to bring forward affordable housing on exception or departure sites could be supported in certain circumstances. There is also significant interest locally for self-build projects. Interest in such projects in this area is probably higher than in many other places (say why - Atmos Transition Homes TTT Broadhemston,

19

Future Homes conference) etc). However, the skills, knowledge and understanding of what such a project entails is probably quite low even though aspirations may be high. There are many reasons to encourage this way of development starting with building skills and fostering a sense of community. Other outcomes can be that houses built in this way are more affordable and energy efficient compared to those produced by traditional volume house builders. Self-build housing often offers opportunities for energy efficiency, variety in design using local materials and suppliers and builds a sense of community. Designs are often the result of community consultation and collaboration and incorporate the needs of residents. In Dartington the Transition Homes Community Land Trust is developing a scheme of 27 eco-homes at Clay Park. The majority of the homes (70%) are affordable for rental and shared ownership for local people. The remaining proportion is market housing required to subsidise the Affordable houses. Collective or community-led development such as this has enabled future residents to be closely involved in the design, planning and construction of their homes. The proposal also includes community buildings, sites for growing food, improved biodiversity and will create a strong, outward-looking community The Neighbourhood Plan is keen to support and encourage similar initiatives. There are sites within the parish on DHT land which are identified for custom, self-build or community housing. The NP is keen to see that other sites might come forward and recognises that these might be exception or departure sites where development would not normally be permitted. . Policy 7 Non Allocated Sites/Self-build sites Development will not be permitted on non-allocated sites unless:

1. it can be demonstrated via a landscape assessment that the development will not have an adverse impact on the character of the area and local landscape setting

2. the proposals contribute to meeting the affordable and social rented needs of people with a local connection

3. the land is held in trust as a community asset in perpetuity 4. development will make the most of solar gain and passive cooling though orientation layout and

design. Note – all developments will be subject to the NP design guidelines

8. Economy Dartington is a rural parish where education, agriculture, social enterprise, arts and culture currently thrive and we want to ensure that this continues through the life of the plan. Employment opportunities which strengthen local investment, production and consumption and encourage the development of supporting infrastructure are essential if we are to keep people living and working locally.

Economic Viability – additional info Chris and Anne. Insert here? General population migration statistics illustrate that young people move away from the places of their childhood. Anecdotally here, this is attributable to low wages and high housing costs in the South Hams. In Dartington, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries the young are being replaced by inward migration in the wealthier 60+ age group. Source: ONS/DWP

20

Whilst in the rest of England 65% of the population was of working age, the figure for Dartington was only 58%. This results in a dependency ratio ie the proportion of working age to non-working age residents in the parish that is more than 30% higher than the average for England.

Source: 2011 Census 20.2 % of working people in the Parish are self-employed, over double the 9.8%, average for England as a whole. Source: 2011 Census 11.7% of the working population in Dartington work from home, more than 3 times the average of 3.5% for England Source: 2011 Census

In 2011, more than 25% of people living in the parish were aged over 65 compared with only 16.3% in the rest of England.Source: 2011 Census Discussions with local businesses identify a shortage of business space of a good standard. The DNP aim is to support the provision of additional business space and the replacement or upgrading of existing business space in central Dartington, the hamlets and on the DHT estate. New development will raise the quality of local existing economic sectors to safeguard the continuing vibrancy and prosperity of the parish and crate opportunities for the local community and economy to be stronger and prosper. The NP seeks to create the conditions to stimulate economic development within the parish, supporting the use of brownfield sites and where possible to use existing buildings for commercial uses in order to protect and enhance the quality of the environment. It will focus on the delivery of new, high-quality employment opportunities and support initiatives which create opportunities for pathways from education and training to employment especially for young people living locally. Supporting an innovative and appropriate local business infrastructure especially in relation to Information Technology is an important way of supporting the needs of existing employers within the parish. Policy 8 New business space Development proposals for small scale business uses on land need to specify the area/sites here will be supported subject to the following criteria:

1. the scale and nature of the proposals would not have significant harmful impacts on the amenities of adjoining activities;

2. the scale and nature of the proposals would not have unacceptable conflicts with agriculture and other land-use activities;

3. the proposal is well located to the existing road network and would not have unacceptable impacts on the local road network;

4. measures are undertaken to ensure the proposed site can accessed by walking, cycling or by public transport.

The loss of business space will not be permitted unless:

5. It is to be replaced with business space of an equal or higher quality on the site or on another site within the parish;

6. The proposed alternative use would provide equal or greater benefits to the local economy and community.

21

9. Transport and movement: This section needs work A key aim of the National Planning Policy Framework is to promote sustainable transport (NPPF paras 29-41). In spite of this, it is a difficult issue to address in a Neighbourhood Plan because too often the solutions are not found in land use issues. While it is right that the traffic solutions which are the result of community aspirations are to be found in a Neighbourhood Plan, we recognise that unless they are covered by land based policies they will not carry legal weight and will not be subject to examination. Therefore land based solutions are contained in policies. Dartington parish is bisected by two major trunk roads, the A384 and A385. Traffic passes through the village to the A38 and Dartmoor, Exeter, Plymouth and beyond as well as to Totnes from where the seaside towns of Torbay and the picturesque countryside, towns and villages of the South Hams are accessible. Dartington is also a destination in itself. It is a village with shops, an industrial estate, several schools, a community centre, recreation facilities and the Dartington Hall Dartington Hall Estate and its associated enterprises. The numerous opportunities in the parish occasionally need significant amounts of vehicular access and /or parking. The parish is also bisected by the A 385 and the A384 and getting from one side of this road to the other can be hazardous. A parking and traffic initiative which might be community led and include identifying ways of slowing traffic down would be supported. Dartington’s good transport links and proximity to the A38 make it attractive for commuters and businesses, but also creates a challenge as heavy goods vehicles, buses, farm vehicles, commuters, locals and tourists compete for the same roads daily. Many of the businesses in the parish rely on private vehicular transport and there are times of the day when traffic congestion is acute. Roads and habitations in the parish have evolved to mean that Dartington has no natural centre; the current centre is probably a well-placed roundabout near shops, schools and bus stops. Footpaths beside roads are not common but there is an old rural network of paths and lanes. The many minor rural roads in the parish mostly lack verges, are contained by high hedges, and with many twists and blind bends, make all forms of transport difficult. Pedestrians and cyclists must share narrow Devon-banked, lanes with traffic. Discouraging through traffic from using the back lanes through the village is important to protect existing pedestrians and cyclists and to encourage more residents out of their cars to walk and cycle to and from and within Dartington village. Cott Road is already subject to traffic calming and a 20mph speed limit restriction but this does not seem to be enough to deter through traffic. An alternative approach is necessary. If people are to be encouraged to use private cars, safe routes through the parish need to be identified. The parish has existing footpaths which are extensively used for leisure as well as “commuting” and there is a network of footpaths through the village linking Cott to Huxhams cross (show on a map). The National Cycle path 2 section between Totnes and Dartington and on to South Brent and the Steiner School runs through the parish. The road between Totnes and Dartington along Longcause and Barracks Hill is used daily by pedestrians, including schoolchildren from the age of 11 upwards, but has no footpath. Consultation has repeatedly identified the need to tackle traffic congestion and pedestrian safety on roads in the parish, especially Cott Road, Longcause, Barracks Hill. Air quality issues along the A385 are longstanding and the wish to ensure that wherever possible new development does not create further traffic problems within the parish is difficult to achieve because of the road network. Residential, business and school parking is also seen as an issue. Parking solutions in new developments needs to be appropriate and sensitive to the character of the parish and not contribute to any current parking problems. Safe routes through the parish for pedestrians and for cyclists need to be promoted and public and community transport which meets local needs and provides sustainable, healthy modes of travel needs

22

will be encouraged. Future development will need to provide for the easy movement of pedestrians throughout the whole parish and ways of encouraging this are included in the Design Guide. Add something about the quiet roads initiative while recognising that it is not a land based planning policy. Policy 9 - needs looking at Pedestrian footpaths All new housing developments must provide safe pedestrian access that links with existing or proposed footpaths or footways to ensure that residents can walk safely to village facilities. Policy 10 – needs looking at Traffic Calming along Cott Road/Longcause/Barracks Hill Proposals for development which will impact Cott Rd/Longcause/Barracks Hill will be required to provide and contribute towards measures for traffic calming along these roads and/or make contributions towards provision of a pedestrian footpath along these roads. Traffic calming measures might include:

Chicanes at hazardous pinch points throughout the parish

Visual reminders that these lanes are used by pedestrians and cyclists – for example banners and verge gateways to remind drivers to slow down

20mph restrictions on all back lanes not just the bottom section of Cott rd

A virtual pavement along Barracks Hill and cut footpaths where grassy verges are wider. Investigate the possibilities of providing an off road footpath using KEVICC

An extension of the current Access only restrictions to all vehicles; these currently apply only to vehicles over 3 tons unladen

Press for designation by the Highways Authority of back lanes as Quiet Lanes or green lanes

Policy 11 - needs looking at Shinner’s Bridge Meadowbrook Cider Press area Development in the Shinner’s Bridge/Meadowbrook/Cider Press area of the parish must provide adequate parking in order to minimise the current parking and traffic congestion in this area. Traffic projects: needs information/clarification adding Consultation has indicated support for two major projects. One project is to look at the feasibility of delivering a footpath from “Cott to Totnes” along Longcause and Barracks Hill and the second is to look at the feasibility of a community bus serving Dartington parish, Dartington Hall, and Totnes. Need to think about how this can be achieved or rethink to make it achievable

10. Open Space Health and Wellbeing

In the context of a rapidly expanding village, it is increasingly important that the health and wellbeing of parishioners is considered and that attempts can be made to ameliorate the perceived negatives.

23

The NP aims to enhance and protect the high quality open space of the parish recognising that open spaces, wildlife areas, footpaths and cycle paths make an important contribution to the parish’s green infrastructure and to the wellbeing of residents. Specific priorities include: These are sample suggestions based on the consultation responses and I’ve used them to draft the policy 6 below but it needs refining.

1. protection of locally important green areas including the grade 11* listed gardens at Dartington Hall and the area around the central estate;

2. that development takes account of the parish layout and respects the diversity of the existing hamlets of the parish;

3. ensuring that new developments respect the parish’s natural environment; ensuring the provision of appropriate open space within new development areas and provision for on-going maintenance;

4. creation of footpaths to allow connectivity between housing and recreation areas and maintenance and improvements to the existing footpaths and cycle paths

5. Protection of existing allotment/provision of new allotments/community growing spaces. 6. The Open Space Strategy will be the mechanism by which Section 106 money allocated to Open

Space Sport and Recreation will be assigned. This strategy will be reviewed and monitored regularly.

The Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy is a separate document and is the result of series of community consultations which have taken place at consultation events and with local sporting clubs, schools and societies as part of the Neighbourhood Plan process. The purpose of the strategy is to arrive at priorities for allocating Section 106 developer contributions for open space sport and recreation that are available from housing developments in the parish in accordance with the views expressed by the community and to identify projects and requirements that may result from future housing development. The priorities for open spaces, sport and recreation for the parish are:

1. To preserve, protect and nurture the many paths, open spaces and woodland across the parish. 2. To recognise the Meadowbrook area as a future hub for play, sport and recreation in the village. 3. To support and enable the existing clubs for sport and recreation to grow and flourish.

Recommendations for the short and medium term are: 1. To develop adventurous, inclusive and imaginative play facilities for all at Meadowbrook. 2. To develop the Meadowbrook Community Centre and surrounding area to become a hub for

sport and recreation. 3. To improve facilities at the Foxhole cricket club. 4.

Policy 12 Open space

Enhance Open Space - To ensure that the best use is made of existing open space and that new open space is well designed and appropriate to provide opportunities for recreation for all

Protect Open Space - To prevent the loss of open space sites and prevent the loss of access to open space for recreation

Enable Open Space - To ensure that new, good quality open spaces are planned for, delivered in a timely way and meet the current and future health and recreational needs of the community they serve and managed by the most appropriate organisation

Open space sport and recreation –The 2017 OSSR strategy document has been produced after extensive community consultation and identifies priorities for allocating S106 moneys in open space, sport and recreation in the parish.