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Greater Exeter Strategic Plan

Sowton – Central Growth Area

Site Reference: SA-ED-1

Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) sites included: ks137av, dl15yzt

Parish(es): Sowton

District(s): East Devon District Council

Site size: 30 hectares

Number of homes considered in Sustainability Appraisal Report: Employment only

Indicative number of homes factoring in sensitivities and requirements (see below): Employment only

Potential for employment use: Yes

Relationship with existing allocations and other potential GESP sites: The site would form an extension to the existing Science Park on the opposite side of the A30 which is an allocation in the adopted East Devon Local Plan and in the process of being delivered. The majority of the site is also allocated as the Clyst Valley Regional Park.

Planning status: None

Summary description of the site: An area of land adjoining the A30 and close to Junction 29 of the M5. The site slopes gently down from east to west towards the River Clyst. The village of Sowton is situated adjacent to the south.

Opportunities

This site is identified for consideration in the GESP because:

  • A large proportion of the site has been put forward by landowners for development
  • It could form an extension to the Exeter Science Park and encourage the provision of high-tech, well paid jobs in a landscaped environment
  • It could link into existing bus and cycle routes into Exeter and Cranbrook at the Science Park
  • It could link into the existing district heat network serving the Science Park

Sensitivities

The site has a number of sensitivities which development would need to take into account, including:

  • Site is within the East Devon Local Plan designated Clyst Valley Regional Park
  • Areas of the site are visually prominent in the landscape
  • It is currently separated from Exeter by the M5 and the existing Science Park by the A30
  • Development could increase pressure on Junction 29 of the M5 which is at or nearing capacity
  • It is adjacent to the historic settlement of Sowton which has a conservation area and includes a number of listed buildings including the Grade I listed church
  • It contains Grade 2 and 3a agricultural land
  • It may contain Great Crested Newts and other protected species
  • It experiences aircraft noise due to its proximity to Exeter Airport
  • High voltage lines currently run through the site

Requirements

Planning requirements for the site will aim to create a successful place to work, providing well designed new development with appropriate and well managed public open space and safe walking/cycling routes. All sites will need to provide investment in low carbon energy and transport, high speed internet and wildlife mitigation and enhancements. More detail on these can be found in the policies within Section B of this document. Other emerging requirements include:

  • A new landmark pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A30 connecting into existing routes at Redhayes
  • Incorporation of large areas of green, open parkland with planting to reflect its location in the Clyst Valley Regional Park
  • Junction improvements at London Road / Sowton Lane
  • Provision of a small amount of facilities to serve workers of the site
  • A wide landscaped buffer on the southern edge of the site to help mitigate the visual impact on the historic village of Sowton and its approach along Sowton Lane
  • Retention of the public right of way running along the southern edge of the site
  • Investigate potential undergrounding of high voltage lines

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