The estuary is the visual focus of this area; and although Devon has a number of estuaries few are as extensive as the Exe. This is a landscape of open skies characterised by the sound of seabirds, the masts of boats, and mud and dunes at Dawlish Warren. Views over the river are distinctive and the detail of the scene changes according to tide and season. The open expanse of intertidal mudflat when covered with water reflects the colour of the huge skies above. The whole scene is framed by rising landform on either side, which provides low level enclosure. The land rises gradually to the high ground of Woodbury Common to the east and Haldon to the west.
This landscape is complex and diverse, combining ridge and valley systems with the open estuary landscape and red sandstone cliffs. The patchwork of fields and hedgerows, designed landscapes, woodlands and estuarine and coastal features creates a landscape of high scenic quality which forms an important part of the setting to Exeter, Exmouth and Dawlish. The underlying red soils, frequent vernacular buildings, estuarine and coastal views and hillside backdrops lend a strong sense of place. The shoreline railway and canal add distinctiveness and frequent small boats and moorings emphasise the maritime character.
This area focuses on the Exe Estuary to the south of Exeter and extends inland to the east and west to include adjacent farmland. The northern boundary is defined by the built up area of Exeter, and the southern boundary by open sea. The eastern and western boundaries are transitional and defined by declining association with the estuary as the farmland becomes increasingly undulating and rises to meet Haldon Ridge to the west and Pebble Beds to the east.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/teignbridge-and-east-devon-area/exe-estuary-and-farmlands
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Exe Estuary and farmlands on DCC Environment Viewer
Information on Devon's environment has been mapped on Devon County Council's Environment Viewer. These maps give access to geographic data for Devon on a wide range of topics.
Planning Strategy
To protect extensive open views across the landscape to the estuary, coast and high ground of the Haldon Ridge and Woodbury Common; and to protect and enhance the area’s valued maritime character. Historic settlement pattern and vernacular character are reinforced in new development; and the pattern of fields, woodlands, hedgerows and narrow lanes is managed and enhanced. Hedgerows, woodlands, historic parkland and other historic features area all sensitively managed. The natural and cultural heritage of the estuary is conveyed through sensitive interpretation, and local communities are involved in planning for future landscape change as a result of sea level rise and change in coastal erosion.
Protect
- Protect the distinctive, unspoilt, and exposed skylines which define the estuary.
- Protect the setting of Powderham Castle including the historic designed views between Powderham and Haldon Belvedere.
- Conserve the open, expansive views across the estuary, and the area’s coastal and sea views.
- Protect the tranquillity and remoteness experienced in this landscape, particularly along the immediate fringes of the estuary.
- Protect traditional building styles and materials, particularly local red sandstone with red brick detailing and cob/ thatch cottages, utilising the same styles and materials in new development wherever possible (whilst seeking to incorporate sustainable design).
- Protect the undeveloped character of the coastal cliffs by resisting cliff top development.
- Protect the settlement pattern of nucleated villages, hamlets, farms and houses and avoid coalescence of villages and hamlets.
- Protect the landscape setting of Exeter, Exmouth and Dawlish, ensuring new development enhances and restores features such as hedgerows, woodlands and designed landscapes.
- Protect the landscape’s network of quiet lanes enclosed by woodland and species-rich hedgebanks, resisting unsympathetic highways improvements or signage.
- Protect the unsettled relatively wild character of the coastline – permit development only where there will be no negative impacts on biodiversity value and wildland character.
