Policy GESP37: Clyst Valley Regional Park

Land is designated on the policies map [to be published with the next version of the GESP] as the Clyst Valley Regional Park (see Figure 9.4). The Regional Park will provide high quality, accessible natural green space and enhance biodiversity, landscape quality and the historic environment.

Developer contributions, the Community Infrastructure Levy and other sources will fund its delivery. A masterplan will be prepared, setting out how the Regional Park will deliver: 

1. Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) to mitigate the recreational impact of development on Natura 2000 sites
2. A network of multi-use trails providing recreational and commuting routes from homes to employment and recreation sites in Exeter and the West End of East Devon
3. An increase in the amount of priority habitats
4. An increase in the population of protected or priority species by ensuring that breeding, resting and feeding sites are protected and enhanced
5. An improvement in the health and wellbeing of residents in East Devon and Exeter
6. A reduction in flood risk by implementing natural flood management
7. An improvement in the water quality of the River Clyst and tributaries, thereby achieving Water Framework Directive targets
8. The conservation and enhancement of heritage assets, particularly those ‘at risk’
9. Opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy the natural and cultural heritage of the Park and contribute to its conservation and enhancement

Development within the designated area will not be permitted unless it contributes to the achievement of these objectives. 

Where irreconcilable conflicts exist between the conservation of priority habitats or species and public enjoyment, then conservation interest will take priority.

9.25 The valley of the river Clyst forms an extensive area containing a variety of recreational, biodiversity and heritage features including the key estates of Killerton, Poltimore House and the publicly accessible woodlands of Ashclyst Forest, Whitedown, Paradise Copse and Danes Wood. In acknowledgement of these important features, the Clyst Valley Regional Park was designated in the East Devon Local Plan (2016).

9.26 Since adoption of the East Devon Local Plan (2016), a series of new and improved greenspaces have been delivered as part of the Clyst Valley Regional Park. These include the Cranbrook Country Park, Poltimore Park, Pinn Brook Park and new areas of woodland and orchard through the ongoing Great Trees in the Clyst Valley project. In addition, 1km of the 13km recreational/ commuter Clyst Valley Trail has been delivered, forming the backbone of the new park.

9.27 The importance of delivering the Clyst Valley Regional Park is re-affirmed with the development pressure within the Greater Exeter area. To ensure the natural asset of the Clyst Valley Regional Park is maximised and to achieve our draft GESP vision of delivering a health promoting environment for our residents and creating great places for nature, draft policy GESP37 proposes extending the regional park boundary to incorporate the Lower Clyst with two linking corridors extending along the feeder watercourses of the Aylesbeare stream and the Grindle Brook. The extent of the Clyst Valley Regional Park is shown in Figure 9.4.

9.28 Delivery of the southern section of the Clyst Valley Regional Park will incorporate linked recreational routes and could have the potential to include areas of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace.

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