This landscape of elevated coastal plateau and dramatic coastal scenery has a varied, indented profile reflecting the alternating bands of soft and hard rocks, the latter forming the headlands and rocky outcrops such as Mew Stone. Between the headlands are coves and sandy bays such as Jennycliff Bay and above are coastal grassland, scrub and heath with open access and dramatic views. In many cases the grain of the rock strata is apparent along the cliffs and notable rock features including wave-cut platforms and raised beaches can be readily appreciated. The coastal plateau is open and exposed having a gently rolling appearance with little tree cover; and fields have often been enlarged reinforcing the exposure of the area. In sharp contrast, the incised combe valleys and coves have a more intimate small scale character, in part due to the woodlands which thrives in these more sheltered environments. This is a well settled landscape with urban influences felt close to the edge of Plymouth as well as in villages such as Heybrook Bay, Wembury and Down Thomas.
This area comprises an elevated coastal plateau dissected by coastal combes, enclosed to the north by the Plymouth suburbs of Plymstock and Turnchapel. It forms the eastern headland of Plymouth Sound, which it overlooks. Its eastern edge is clearly marked by the incised mouth of the Erne estuary, beyond which lie the Bigbury Bay Coastal Plateau and (inland to the north-east) the Plymouth and Modbury Farmlands. To the south there are dramatic coastal cliffs.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/south-hams-area/plymouth-sound-eastern-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 views across Plymouth Sound and along the coast. Ancient and semi-natural woodlands are well-managed and historic man-made features associated with the sea and defence 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. Existing development is better integrated into the landscape and new development is sensitively located. The area’s popularity as a tourist destination is managed to provide further sustainable recreational opportunities and interpretation of the area’s history and natural heritage whilst ensuring landscape character and wildlife interest is managed and strengthened.
