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NEWS, CURRENT CONCERNS
AND ISSUES
Current Concerns and Issues
Plethora of applications for Wind Turbines
Batsworthy Cross
Giant Wind Turbines
National Park needs to be protected against large windfarm development.
The Exmoor Society is delighted that the members of the Exmoor National Park's Planning Committee have voted in favour of objecting to the proposed large scale wind farm at Batsworthy Cross just outside the park's boundaries. In a crowded meeting many objectors argued that the proposed wind turbines would have an adverse affect on the park's landscape and special qualities, particularly along the Southern moorland ridge on Molland and West Anstey Commons.
The Society said that due to the relatively underdeveloped rural nature of mid and north Devon the qualities of openness, remoteness and tranquillity extend well beyond the park boundary towards Dartmoor. A large scale wind farm in such a prominent situation would damage the special qualities the park was conserving for the nation. Government Circular 12/96 states that Parks are to take particular care of protecting openness, wildness and tranquillity. The foundation of Government policy is that there should be no need to use locations in which the environmental impact cannot be addressed satisfactorily
Mrs Thomas-Everard spokesman for the Society said 'The Exmoor Society is very pleased that after a lively debate members of the National Park Planning Committee, as consultees, have voted to object to this proposal. It underlines the importance of the fact that national parks are landscape designations and are afforded the highest protection. It now hoped that North Devon District Council will strongly object to the wind farm development when the application comes before it.'
The Society has submitted the following objection to North Devon District Council in respect of the proposals by NPower to erect nine giant turbines at Batsworthy Cross -
Proposal for nine 103m wind turbines at Batsworthy Cross, Knowstone, Devon by N Power Renewables. Planning Reference 43272 .
The Exmoor Society wishes to object to the above proposal because of the adverse impact the development will have on the environment of the Exmoor National Park and its special qualities, which in turn will affect the public's enjoyment of them.
1. National Park Purposes
The landscape of the national park is of national significance and is afforded the highest protection. Government Circular 12/96 which provides advice to National Park Authorities on discharging their functions, emphasises the importance of their special qualities that are related to wide open spaces, wildness and tranquillity. The key reason for Exmoor's designation in 1954 was the wide-open spaces of its heather and grass moors and the qualities of remoteness and wildness they provided. Recent survey work undertaken by the Exmoor National Park Authority and the Exmoor Society of both residents and visitors indicate that the most popularly perceived special qualities are peaceful/spiritual/uncrowded, variety/contrast of scenery, unspoilt/uncommercialised, openness, moorland, wildness, sense of history/timelessness. People value and cherish Exmoor for its special landscape qualities and support the protection of them for all time.
2. Landscape Character
The proposed site for the turbines lies within the Landscape Character Area of the Culm. This joins the Landscape Character Area of Exmoor, which noticeably extends well beyond the National Park boundary in effect to about 4km of the proposed site. Exmoor merges seamlessly from its high southern moorland into the farmed uplands of North and mid Devon. Due to the rural and remote nature of the surrounding Culm landscape the core moorland area of the Southern ridge, which is relatively small in extent, appears much greater, wilder and more remote than it actually is.
The proposed turbines will have a negative impact on the Southern moorland stretching from East and West Anstey to Molland Moor. They will also impact on the longer distant moorlands such as Withypool Common and Dunkery Beacon. No assessment has been made on the historical landscape character. For example, the prehistoric landscape of the Bronze Age and the important Bronze Age Barrows both at Batsworthy and along the Southern Moorland ridge and their intervisibility. The Society does not agree with NPower's environmental Statement and its judgement that no effects on landscape character would result more than 3kms from the turbines. They will have a negative impact on the character of the open moorlands.
3. Visual Impact
The views from Exmoor's southern ridge out over the proposed site and towards Dartmoor nearly 40km away are distinctive and spectacular. The naked eye can wander freely to far horizons undisturbed by modern development or visual clutter, which is hidden in the lower valleys and screened by hedges and trees. In contrast, the turbines would pull the eye towards them because of their colour, scale, movement and vertical intrusion into a landscape dominated by horizontal horizons receding into the far distance. Importantly, in the Environmental Statement the visual impact assessment does not include the more significant viewpoints from West Anstey Common and Molland Moor. It is from these moors that the greatest negative impacts are likely to be experienced. On a clear day even the fields on Dartmoor can be seen from Molland Moor. These large areas of Open Access Land are well used by the public as well as the ridge road and a network of footpaths and bridleways. Overall, the visual assessment would be greater then 'moderately significant' if the more important viewpoints had been included. The Society believes that the proposal will have a negative impact on the remoteness, tranquillity and undeveloped nature of the views from the Southwest of the National Park.
The views from the proposed site towards Exmoor are also significant. Exmoor provides a dominant ridge of wilder land in a setting of an upland rural remote landscape. The turbines, near to the Link Road will have a negative impact on the experience of Exmoor and its setting. Thousands of people travel on this part of the road into North Devon and Exmoor or make use of the network of Public Rights of Way and in particular the Two Moors Way, which is very near to the proposed site, and links Dartmoor with Exmoor. If the turbines are built public enjoyment and experience of Exmoor's special qualities will be decreased.
4. Renewable Energy.
The Exmoor Society recognises the national importance of increasing renewable energy generation and also notes that planning policies from the Government to District Council levels support the importance of protecting national parks and their setting. For example 'particular care will be taken to ensure that no development is permitted outside national parks which would damage their natural beauty, character and special qualities or otherwise prejudice the achievement of national park purposes'. (Devon Country Structure Plan 2001-16 Policy CO2)
Further notice should be taken of the North Devon District Council's approach to renewables that recognises there are many other opportunities for producing renewable energy, other than wind farms, that other Districts do not possess including maritime current turbines, tidal, agricultural and industrial waste and energy crops (NDDC LP Policy ECN 15 Section 8.66c)
5. Planning Balance
Although it is accepted that something needs to be done to counter global warming, this proposal would damage an area of nationally important landscape visually, affect its cultural heritage and undermine the purposes of national park designation. The foundation of Government policy is that there should be no need to use locations in which the environmental impact cannot be addressed satisfactorily.
Cross Moor, Knowstone
A further proposal has been made for two 100 m wind turbines at Cross Moor, Knowstone by Cross Moor Devon Light and Power Ltd.
The Society is submitting an objection to this on landscape impact grounds
National Park Management Plan
A sustainable future for Exmoor
The Exmoor National Park Management Plan is currently out for consultation. This plan is for 2007-2012 and the Society has responded. Their response is below.
Exmoor Society Response to the Draft National Park Management Plan The Exmoor Society welcomes the consultation on the draft National Park Management Plan 2007 - 2013 entitled 'A Sustainable Future for Exmoor' It congratulates the Exmoor National Park Authority on undertaking a fundamental review of the Plan and on its innovative approach to achieving National Park purposes by emphasising targets so that the Plan becomes a 'doing' document leading to action on the ground and involving many other partners. It is pleased that since the first draft the landscape section has been much improved and notice has been taken of the advice from the Society's Landscape Working Group. The Exmoor Society would emphasise the following:
1. There is a downside to the target approach as it can distort other areas of work of the Authority and stakeholders or miss opportunities and therefore some flexibility must be built into the process. If a target is to be dropped because it does not have a lead body then there may be considerable gaps in fulfilling the Authority's statutory purposes. Although the current draft targets exceed the delivery capacity of the Authority and its partners there is no indication which targets are core work and where the Authority is willing to reallocate its own resources if it is not to accept the status quo. For example in the three Conservation Sections the Authority appears to be only fully involved in leading the targets for the historic environment. In the landscape section out of 28 targets the Authority leads on three and part of two others and yet landscape underpins all the other work in relation to national park purposes. The Exmoor Society would argue that it is the Authority's role to be accountable for coordinating the achievement of many of the targets where they relate to the core business.
2. The five major challenges identified give the wrong summary in relation to the purpose of the Management Plan, which is not the same as the Local Plan. It is interesting to note that the first two challenges and priorities cover the whole of the national park purposes but in contrast affordable housing is identified as a separate challenge. Since these are broad challenges the Society would suggest combining the rural economy and housing challenges together with a general heading of the changing rural economy and community and then identifying within this the priority of affordable housing. In comparison sustaining upland farming has not been identified as one of the five challenges, even though the prognosis for its future survival is not good, but is buried within the first challenge. 3. It is important that fostering social-economic activity is related to achieving national park purposes and that the duty does not take precedent over the purposes. For example increasing economic well being, promoting Exmoor as a tourist destination and enhancing the stock of affordable housing are the responsibility of Local Authorities and other social economic bodies. The Authority can influence and foster these areas through its plan making powers in relation to the Local Development Framework but they are not part of the core business. The Society would argue that the Plan priorities are in connection with protecting and promoting Exmoor's conservation values for the nation with stimulating the land based activities. For example more could be done to help the promotion of local food and in establishing an Exmoor brand or in employing local contractors for some land management work, and emphasising the importance of local procurement of goods and services by public bodies. The Plan should make clear that some of the solutions to the socio-economic issues may lie outside the park boundaries, which are artificially drawn in relation to these aspects. Exmoor is separated from the larger settlements that surround the park 4 Final priorities for the Authority will be made by its members at the beginning of 2007 with adoption of the Plan in April. The Society would draw attention to this being near the date of Local Authority elections including the parish representatives on the Exmoor National Park Authority and hopes that this will not influence which objectives or targets are selected for re-allocation of the Authorities own resources.
5. Sections A B C All three conservation themes are top priorities for the Authority and its key partners, such as Natural England for they underpin the first purpose of conserving the conservation values for the nation. More could be done on enhancing these values particularly where there has been a deterioration since the Park was first designated. The landscape section, however, needs further attention both in policy development and resource allocation. The Society fully supports the 4 objectives and targets identified in this section and all the recommendations from the Landscape Advisory Group as follows :- · Reasons for designation in 1954 should be given since they emphasised the fundamental importance of the character of Exmoor's landscape that provides the fabric on which everything else rests. As it stands at present 2.1 could be applied to any character area in the country. [Suggest the quote from National Parks Commission inserted at 2.1 'we regard Exmoor with its lovely and majestic scenery, its renown, its romance, its extent and fascinating wild landscape……'] · Reference should be made to landscape matters rising up the national agenda. UK Government has just signed (Feb' 2006) the European Landscape Convention (ratified by Parliament November, 2006) which is the first international treaty specifically on landscape. It commits the Government to providing the protection, management and planning of rural and urban landscapes. [Suggest a new opening paragraph under Trends and Issues called International Landscapes which refers to the Convention and emphasises the role of Landscape Character Assessment as an important tool in the Management of Exmoor's landscapes] N.B fig 2.1 only identifies the landscape types in its key - is it worth a whole page in order to show the character areas? Include a box that says why this approach is important, e.g. tool for making judgements about landscape quality and provides evidence for : : planning policy and development control : agri environmental schemes : recreational management · It is relevant to note that Exmoor's landscape character areas continue over its artificial boundary especially in the west and south of the park. On landscape quality grounds there is a case for extending the national park boundaries. [ Suggest refer to this under 2.3 and it could be picked up under the target A1.1.] · The wider definition of landscape means that other sections in the Plan are also involved in delivering landscape objectives. Cross reference should be made to these particularly the section dealing with wildlife, cultural heritage, understanding and enjoyment and recreation and tourism. [ Suggest careful cross references required in all other sections. NB built environment is only picked up under historic environment. Needs a target that refers to importance of good design and future development of settlements and new buildings - new target in Objective A3] · With the emphasis on targets in the Plan there is the missing element of development of landscape policy, e.g what is the policy for alternative energy? Should woodland be removed from all former moorland hill tops and is it sustainable? How far should there be a purist approach to landscape issues or one of compromise with other priorities? The plan provides very little opportunity to debate these matters. [Suggest reference to importance of the landscape as an integrating factor at end of 2.7 that helps to make hard choices. Also the reference to the need for policy development and supplementary planning documents might be appropriate at this place] · It is noticeable that the Authority is not the lead organisation for many targets and yet landscape quality is part of its core work on which everything else rests. If the ENPA is going to stay with its present resource allocation then many of the targets will not be achieved. The landscape section starts from a very low base (not dissimilar to the historic environment 10 years ago) with the allocation of a part time landscape architect and little budget. Although it is recognised that other sections can be used to deliver some of the targets it will be necessary to retrain senior staff in the significance of landscape issues.
Detailed points 2.2 Last sentence - 'all contribute to the diversion' …. add within a relatively small area 2.4 Second sentence - 'where the underlying' … add Devonian 'rocks…' 2.8 First sentence 'The Exmoor landscape' … add with a low population density and no large settlement … 'is enhanced' 2.9 Second sentence add to the list given recreational infrastructure. 2.10 Last sentence 'and young trees invade' … add and particularly affect views in and out of the national park Objective A1.4 After 'will be identified….' Add in hederows and A1.7 After 'designed landscapes' … delete 'at' and add including A2.2 Delete 'moorland sites' and add former moorland and the moorland fringe. A2.5 After 'commencing a long term' … add feasibility. Add a new 2.9 target Ensure that a landscape impact assessment is undertaken for new long distance paths or extensions of ROW network or for requests for other recreational infrastructure that detracts from wildness and tranquillity. Objective A3. Remove 'relatively' before 'free' A3.1 First sentence remove 'relatively' before 'kept' and 'free' and add large scale energy production to the list A3.6 Delete 'sustainable' before 'production' and add sustainable before 'energy. The Society would argue strongly that the Authority must take responsibility for this section and that no target should be dropped.. It is noticeable that biodiversity targets are driven by Defra's PSA target and that funding comes from English Nature (Natural England). There does not seem to be a similar income source for the historic environment and the Authority has therefore taken the lead and find other partners and sources for funding projects: the landscape section needs a similar approach with extra resource allocation.
6 Section E - Farming and land Management There are very few targets that are connected with marketing and branding the Exmoor product and particularly local food. Other national parks such as the Peak District with its 'Local Butchers Project' are more fully involved in developing added value to the farmer's products. Why is it only the land based sector that is given specific targets to mitigate the effects of climate change? A new target should be set under Objective E1: to work to influence the HLS which will be competitive and more difficult to access and which takes the place of the ESA
7. Section F - Understanding and Enjoyment The Authority itself is identified as playing a major role and much work particularly in the provision of education and interpretation is already being carried out. The Society fully supports the new approach to information provision in Objective F4 with the recognition that many other organisations are involved and could do more. It particularly notices the emphasis on relating enjoyment to the Parks special qualities and this connection needs to be highlighted in other areas of activity particularly in relation to tourism.
8. Section G - Recreation and Tourism The trends and issues section is the most comprehensively developed one in the plan. This is linked to the fact that the Authority has been actively involved in developing and monitoring the recreational infrastructure over many years and in promoting the National Park. However, under it there is no mention of the former RUPPS becoming restricted byways and the problems of dealing with those claims for vehicular rights notified before the cut off date in the Somerset part of the Park. The Authority will have power to deal with TROs. A new target should be set under Objective G1: to develop a strategy for dealing with Authority's new powers to make TROs on Rights of Way with vehicular access. The Society would question target G61 and why there is a need to increase visitor days and overnight stays by 25% and whether this is realistic. Further emphasis should be on adding value for visitors and on deepening their experience of the special qualities of Exmoor. Why is there no specific objective to ensure that the tourist industry is working to mitigate the effects of climate change?
9 Section H - Exmoor Peoples and Communities Under Trends and Issues reference should be made to the affordable housing policy in the Exmoor Local Plan needing further exploration. At present some of the criteria used to establish need should be reconsidered and provision should be through a range ways rather than just dependent on new build. There is no recognition of the concept of environmental capacity and limits to further growth of some settlements or that some housing need can be met outside the park's boundaries. The Society recommends the approach of the economic strategy by the New Economics Foundation and looks forward to seeing some concrete results from its study. It would suggest a new target: to understand the economic benefits that flow from the landscape.
10. Role of the Authority The Society has argued that it is essential that the Authority takes the lead in coordinating the achievement of many of the objectives and targets contained within the 8 themes where they are directly related to core purposes. It notes that there will be no overall increase in staffing levels of the Authority to meet the need for specialist skills. The Society would make a plea for the Authority to engage a full time landscape architect if it is to meet its statutory purposes in relation to landscape
11. The Exmoor Society would see its own involvement in the following themes but will particularly invest in A and F: A Landscape : the 4 Objectives and lead body on several targets in conjunction with Authority and Natural England.
B Wildlife: Communicating its importance and specific and projects to the wider public
C Historic Environment and Cultural Heritage : increasing knowledge of the past to the wider public and celebrating the cultural heritage
D Exmoor's Natural Resources: debating the impacts of climate change
E Farming Land/ Management Practices : raising awareness of the link between farming and the three conservation pillars and Exmoor's special qualities.
F Understanding and Enjoyment: promotion of Exmoor's special qualities through publications, a physical resource centre, work with schools particularly in extension of the Exmoor Curriculum, debates, seminars and press releases and publications including the Exmoor Review.
G Recreation and tourism : involving the wider public through walks programme, social events of the main Society and groups and keeping a watching brief on access issues.
H People and communities : promotion of the land based economy, supporting Exmoor's local needs through planning policy and development control.
12 In response to targets of highest priority the Society would point out that all the targets are not equal to each other in their importance to National Park purposes or in the work involved in delivering them and that certain themes and therefore targets have been well developed over the years. For example recreational infrastructure and enjoyment and understanding have received great attention. The Plan must reflect a balanced approach to its core work. The first purpose is to 'conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area' and this starts from a low base compared with the second purpose and the Society would therefore argue that targets particularly in respect to landscape and cultural heritage (bio diversity is now well covered) should be high on the list and the responsibility of the Authority with another statutory body. Priorities as follows: A1.1, A1.2, A1.5, A1.9 A2.3, A3.2, A3.3, A3.5, A4.2, A4.5.
Game Bird Shoot Guidelines
The Exmoor National Park Authority recently published a code of practise for Game Bird Shoots with guidelines. the Society responded thus:
The Society welcomes the initiative of the ENPA in developing the Exmoor Guidelines for Game Management which are probably the first time that such guidelines have been introduced in a National Park.
Guidelines are the right approach since there is already regulation and further regulation would be difficult to enforce. Persuasion is likely to achieve more in the long term
They are an important step forward especially in relation to the recent growth over the last decade of shoots on Exmoor.
The Society recognises the vital contribution to the economy that shooting makes and particularly to upland farmers who have few alternatives for diversification.
The growth, however, does have implications, for the conservation values of the national park and for its enjoyment by other users and for the quality of life of local communities.
Public Enjoyment and Rights of Way Section: impact on the local community although referred to is buried in this section. Advice on how negative impacts can be reduced needs to be given. This is the issue over which most complaints are made and a section on dealing with local communities might show that the problem can be dealt with in a variety of ways some of which are referred to in other sections; e.g placing of feeders, picking up dead birds, dogging in. Shoots themselves should be more proactive in dealing with the local communities
Nature Conservation Section: Damage to vegetation is a concern particularly where there are large pheasant numbers. Release pens need careful sighting particularly in sensitive areas. Further monitoring of negative impacts should be undertaken. Include the following:- 'Any widespread erosion caused to natural vegetation by released birds on any site must be considered as an indication of overstocking on the site concerned and the necessary steps considered and if possible taken for alleviating the situation'
Finally, who will be monitoring the success of the Guidelines? The ENPA must put some process in place to show that the guidelines are being adhered to and need to establish some base line criteria to mitigate where possible the negative impacts.
Landscape Character Assessment
Another document sent out for consultation is the Exmoor National Park Authority Landscape Character Assessment. The Society was asked to respond.The Exmoor Society very much welcomes the Exmoor Landscape Character Assessment document. It is pleased that the report is going out for consultation since so far professional judgement has been made on landscape quality and it is important to seek wider public views before the report is adopted by the Authority.
The following points should be included ·
It would be helpful to indicate at the beginning why landscape matters to people and to make reference to the European Landscape Convention recently signed up to by the UK Government
· It is necessary to emphasise the objectivity of the characterisation process followed by a robust methodology in order to make judgements about landscape quality. People still comment that landscape assessment is subjective whereas biodiversity is objective. But use particular criteria that have elements of subjectivity within them. · Suggest that further emphasis is put on how the matrix is developed and how this allows landscape condition to be measured with a strategy for dealing with it.
· A framework has been provided which allows general trends to be picked out. This now needs further evaluation to take place and for policy to be developed through, for example, topic papers. Policy priorities and an action plan need to follow the adoption of the document.
· To take all the key findings in the Report forward has implications for resource allocation within the Authority.
· The landscape character areas cross the national park boundary. There is a strong case for extending the boundary in some parts and a programme to look at a boundary review should be instigated.
· Views in and out of the Park are particularly important and need further work in defining them.
· The national park is small in extent which makes it particularly fragile in relation to change. The extensive rural setting of the Park on its landward side helps to make it appear more extensive than it actually is. This rural hinterland can easily be destroyed if it is subject to large scale developments such as wind farms
New Rights of Way Legislation comes into Force
Two pieces of legislation affecting public rights way came into force on 2nd May 2006. The provisions within the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW Act) 2000 relating to the introduction of restricted byway status on routes shown on Definitive Maps as RUPPs (Road Used as Public Paths) came into force on that day. Immediately following this the sections of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC Act) 2006 relating to public rights of way also came into force.
Detailed guidance on the implementation of these legislative changes is awaited from Defra.
The new category of right of way - "restricted byway" - has been introduced to replace the term RUPP and enables ways where vehicular rights have been acquired as a result of use by non-motorised vehicles, such as horse-drawn vehicles, to be recorded as restricted byways rather than BOATs ensuring that the future use of these ways will be consistent with their history. Restricted byways can be used by pedestrians, horse-riders, cyclists and those who wish to use them with a horse and cart or carriage. It has become an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to drive a motorised vehicle on a restricted byway except in certain circumstances. The Act provides for a private right of way for people who need access to their land or property.
Claims made to establish new rights for mechanically propelled vehicles which were lodged with the local authority before 20th January 2005 (in England) will be preserved and dealt with under the old law.
What this means for Exmoor.
Off roading on Exmoor - will it come to an end? The Exmoor Society is delighted that at last there may be some hope that off roading on Exmoor could become a thing of the past. Two new pieces of legislation affecting public rights of way came into force on 2nd May 2006 and as a result it is understood that the new provisions will extinguish all unrecorded public rights of way for motor vehicles. For a long time the Society has argued that it is difficult to reconcile the recreational use of motor propelled vehicles on rights of way with protecting the environment and promoting quiet enjoyment of the Park's special qualities. Erosion, noise and conflict with other users are some of the problems caused and it is particularly dangerous for riders and walkers to cope with vehicles on routes that have been identified as suitable for recreational use.
The Society has received many complaints from local residents as well who have been disturbed by the noise or speed or dangerous incidents. A new category of right of way - restricted byway - has been introduced to replace RUPPS (Roads Used as Public Paths) and stop them from becoming byways open to all traffic (BOATs) on the Definitive Map. Restricted byways can be used by pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and those who wish to use them with a horse and cart and carriage. It now means that it has become an offence under the Road Traffic Act to drive a motorised vehicle on a restricted byway except in certain circumstances.
Where people rely on a right of way for accessing their land or property by a motorised vehicle, legislation provides a private right of way for them. The recreational needs of quad bikes, trail bikes and 4x4s will now be confined to routes more suitable for such uses. However, the new legislation is not good news for Exmoor since many claims to establish new rights for mechanically propelled vehicles were lodged with the local authority before 20th January 2005 and these will be preserved and dealt with under the old law. Claims for most of the forty two former RUPPs on Exmoor have been made to become byways open to all traffic. These applications will now continue to be processed and if at a public inquiry the Inspector is satisfied that sufficient evidence has been presented of mechanically propelled use before 1930 then the route will be upgraded to a BOAT. Only eight claims were made after the cut off date but include important ones such as the former Cornham RUPP and the Slade Lane RUPP which are now restricted byways that cannot be upgraded.
In the meantime, the Society understands that until the claims are dealt with, which could take many years, it is now illegal to take vehicles on the routes waiting to be determined. Rachel Thomas, Chairman said 'The National Park Authority will now be responsible for Traffic Regulation Orders and therefore has a further tool to deal with any claims that are successful. I hope the Authority will be proactive in widely disseminating information about these new laws and in monitoring and helping to police their effectiveness. Other national parks are taking a robust stance. Reducing the conflict that off roading brings will be a major step forward particularly in relation to the conservation and enjoyment of the special qualities of Exmoor'
Development Control
The Society looks at all planning applications that come before the monthlty Planning Committee. In most cases, the Society agrees with the recommendations of the Officers and only makes verbal comment when it feels the need to reinforce their opinion. a few applications require formal comment such as the major development of Cutcombe Market at wheddon Cross. As reported earlier the Society questioned the size of the housing proposal and expressed concern over its departure from the Local Plan. Since then the developer has met with the Officers of the Society when it was made clear that objections were not being made over the market proposals of the development. We advised that further discussion should be held with the planners over the housing provision.
Telecommunications Mast
~The Society has put considerable effort into supporting an enforcement notice by the authority against an unauthorised telecommunications mast at Beacon Down quarry, Parracombe. The Society objected on landscape character assessment terms. the Public Inquiry appealing against the notice started in May and was resumed again in September when the Society gave evidence after the Authority and the appellants had presented their cases.
The appeal was made by airwave 02 Limited against an enforcement notice issued by Exmoor National Park Authority
Summary of the Inspector's decision - 14 December 2006 - the appeal is dismissed and the enforcement notice is upheld. The Inspector was satisfied that there were suitable alternatives to the unauthorised mast, and that the refusal of planning permission for its retention would not place at risk the appellant's ability to provide the contracted service to its users.
Exmoor Faces Cash Squeeze and a Refocusing of Priorities
The Society was concerned over the squeezing of the Authority's annual budget by Defra and wrote to the Secretary of State early in the year arguing that it was unfair in not allowing for inflation. In a reply to the society, Mrs Becket said that she recognised that National Parks were good value for money and if possible she would try and find the extra money to cover inflation costs. following many representations, extra funding for the budge was announced in april, meaning that the authrotiy would not have to draw on its reserves.
The Society argues that there is a need for the Authority to refocus its priorities and allocation of resources in the long term. Part of its submission to the comprehensive review of the new National Park Management Plan argued that there had been insufficient investment in the three conservation pillars of natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage that the Authority is charged to conserve for the nation. In contrast to the purposes of the national park, the socio-economic duty needs to be kept in balance. The authority does not have the same responsibilities or resources as the local authorities or development agencies which also operate over Exmoor, but can work with them on projects that further national park purposes. Local priorities in relation to affordable housing, provision of services such as school, surgeries and shops, public transport and a healthy local econoomy can be achieved through the planning process as well.
The Moorlands of Exmoor at Risk
The publication of an independent report commissioned by The Exmoor Society from Land Use Consultatants reveals that moorlands are of much greater value to society than previously understood at a national and global level and a vital asett to the social and economic well-being of the area. The Report marks the 50th anniversary of Exmoor's creation as a National Park. a designation awarded primarily because of its moorland landscapes that provide wild open country suitable for outdoor recreation.
This report was launched at the Seminar held by the National Park Authority on 19th October 2004 at Lynton Town Hall and the debate will be continued at the Society Spring Lecture on 28 April 2005 at Dulverton Town Hall. See events page for details
click here for a copy of the summary report in pdf format
or
click her for a copy of the full report in pdf format
Alternatively see our links page and visit Exmoor National Park Web site where you can also obtain a copy plus other reports from the Authority
Landscape Working Group
The publication of the Moorland Report in 2004 highlighed the need for a greater understanding and consideration of landscape concerns on Exmoor. A landscape working group has been established under the leadership of Rachel Thomas to drive forward this recommendation. The group has representatives from the Rural Development Service, Forestry Commission, ENPA and local authorities and includes landscape architects, archaeologists, academics and others working in the field of landscape conservation. Following the first two meetings six primary tasks have been identified.
Work has also begun on evaluating what research material is available and what methodologies should be used. The Society wishes to influence the content of the new National Park Management Plan 2006-11 by highlighting the significance and condition of Exmoor's landscape. It is grateful to other bodies and individuals for giving their time to this important area of work
Dunkery archaeology to be protected
The Exmoor Society is delighted that the National Trust has won its planning appeal against the Exmoor National Park Planning Committee's refusal to allow works to conserve the important Bronze Age Cairns at Dunkery Beacon The Planning Inspector accepted the need for the conservation works and particularly to the most damaged Cairns, and was confident that the techniques to be used were well proven ones, supported by English Heritage. She was content that other interests such as landscape and nature conservation would not be adversely affected and overall that the proposals were in line with the Authorities own policies. At the planning meeting on Tuesday the Authority's planning officer put the best interpretation on the successful appeal but some members still expressed disappointment that it had been allowed. However, the Society believes that the Authority's original decision was a bad one which went against its own planning officer's and archaeologist's advice. It was particularly muddled in that it did not take into account the detailed specifications required from the National Trust in order to protect other interests. Rachel Thomas, Chairman of the Society said, 'It is unwise for members to go against all expert advice when dealing with conservation matters and when thorough exploration has been made over a considerable period of time on mitigating any adverse impacts. It could be argued that the original decision was one of the worst ones made recently by the Planning Committee and it has proved impossible to defend. It is pleasing that the Inspector has reversed it and enabled the National Trust to undertake the measures required for the protection of this incredibly valuable archaeological site'.
Educational Projects
The Exmoor Curriculum
Learning on Exmoor
Dulverton Middle School has developed an exciting, challenging and unique Exmoor Curriculum which children receive in addition to the National Curriculum. The Society is pleased to continue to support this iniative and has close links with the school. The recent Ofsted report praised the clear vision and commitment and stated:
"The course is a strength of the school, not only in terms of the personal development of the pupils, but also in their development as good citizens as part of the community. For example, in the recent past pupils at the school have been involved in the restoration of a local footpath in the area. Some 80 per cent of the pupils completing the course by summer 2004 successfully gained qualifications as Exmoor Junior Rangers. The course is successful in raising the self-esteem of pupils throughout the school, all of whom are given a very good opportunity to take full advantage of its activities. Furthermore, the course contributes very well to careers educations as its practical elements meet well the aspirations of many of its pupils."
The Exmoor Junior Rangers have helped at Exmoor Society events in the past and will be giving their assistance in the future.
Active proposals for increasing the Society's educational work have been taken forward. Expanding the Exmoor Curriculum to schools at Minehead and on the Devon side of the National Park has begun. Staging an environmental play will be a major undertaking for the Society next year and planning for this has required much time. In partnership with the National Park a successful bid has been made to the Sustainable Development fund to launch an interactive road show that will be taken to twenty schools. It is proposed to lauch the road show at the 2007 Annual General Meeting.
Brian Chugg Art Award.
The first competition has taken place with awards going to eleven year old Abigail Munson from Dulverton Middle School and twelve year old Frances Auger from Blundells School.
Literary Award. This new annual award will be judged in January. The closing date for entries is 31st December 2006 and they should be sent to The Exmoor Society parish Rooms Rosemary Lane Dulverton Somerset TA22 9DP. For more details see our 'events' page.