This landscape of elevated coastal plateau and dramatic coastal scenery has a varied, indented profile reflecting the alternating bands of Meadfoot Beds and harder rocks such as limestone, the latter forming the headlands such as at Sharkham Point and Berry Head. Between the headlands are coves and sandy bays such as St Mary’s Bay. The Daymark Tower, built in 1864 at the entrance to the Dart Estuary, is also a key landmark. The coastal plateau is open and exposed with a gently rolling appearance except at Berry Head where it becomes a flat topped promontory. There is little tree cover or settlement on the plateau except in the north where the town of Brixham and associated tourism development have encroached. Fields have been enlarged, reinforcing the exposure of the plateau, in sharp contrast to the greater shelter within the incised combe valleys and coves which has enabled the planting of pine or exotic plant species at Coleton Fishacre Gardens. Along much of the coast above the cliffs is an area of coastal grassland, scrub and heath with open access.
This area comprises a small elevated coastal plateau dissected by coastal combes which stretches from the mouth of the Dart Estuary in the south to Berry Head and the urban edge of Brixham in the north. To the east the area is bounded by the sea, while to the west the landscape faces inland, forming the upper slopes of the Dart Estuary, which are incised by tributary streams.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/froward-point-to-berry-head-coastal-plateau
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Planning Strategy
To protect the area’s outstanding coastal scenery including the openness and horizontal emphasis of the coastal plateau and views across the Dart estuary and along the coast. Ancient and semi-natural woodlands are well managed and historic man-made features associated with the sea and their settings are protected. Local communities are involved in planning for future landscape change as a result of sea level rise and changes in coastal erosion. New development is integrated into its landscape setting and the area’s popularity as a tourist destination is managed to provide further sustainable recreational opportunities whilst ensuring landscape character is managed and strengthened. The area’s outstanding wildlife interests are conserved including coastal habitats and wildlife associated with farmland.
