Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan 2025 Online Version and Consultation

Support

Representation ID: 919

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

The map of the South Devon National Landscape should be clearer, showing the area as a blocked‑in zone rather than a green‑dashed outline.

Support

Representation ID: 920

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Within this policy, there is the opportunity to celebrate the contribution that the National Landscape makes to the quality of life for local residents.

Object

Representation ID: 921

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Further details are required to justify the allocation at Monksbridge. The base: Potential Future Growth Areas, Landscape Sensitivity Assessment Stephenson Halliday, June 2025 does not provide support for this allocation, noting that the Copythorne Road area given its flat area, has less visual impact than the area to the south and south east (which would include Monksbridge). Concerns regarding future development of the site have been provided by SDNL. To summarise this included the following issues:
The proposed allocation will represent an unacceptable loss of agricultural land to built development in a strategically important location for maintaining the open and rural character of the National Landscape.
The proposed allocation, given its scale, location and type will be incompatible with its surroundings.
The site contributes to the natural beauty of the National Landscape, as it is undeveloped, natural and retains the historical linear field pattern. There are few examples of this field pattern near to Brixham and so it has a valuable historical context. Historic England makes clear that historic environment is fundamental to the distinctive character, sense of place and natural beauty of each National Landscape.
The proposed allocation would erode the special qualities and features of the area of the National Landscape. Notably, deeply rural rolling patchwork agricultural landscape; Deeply incised landscape that is intimate, hidden and secretive away from the plateau tops. Iconic wide, unspoilt and expansive panoramic views; A landscape with a rich time depth and a wealth of historic features and cultural associations; A breadth and depth of significant habitats, species and associated natural events. An ancient and intricate network of winding lanes, paths and recreational routes. Areas of high tranquillity, natural nightscapes, distinctive natural soundscapes and visible movement. In terms of the deeply rural rolling agricultural landscape, the appeal site is undulating with the highest part fronting Mathill Road, with mature hedgerows forming the boundaries of the whole site and importantly, retaining a patchwork of medieval linear fields, thereby reflecting its historic character.
The introduction of a residential scheme in this location, cannot be regarded as landscape led, as it erodes the rural character of the area. Given the elevated position of the southern part of the site, as well as the location of the development being on land sloping upwards, the proposed development will be visually prominent. The introduction of suburban development in this location will interrupt views of the wider landscape.
The site also has foraging features for wildlife, including the Greater Horseshoe bat, ground nesting birds and ciri bunting; given the extent of development proposed in the site allocation, it is inevitable that much of the vegetation which supports existing habitats will be lost.
As such there is an intrinsic conflict between the National Landscape Management Plan aspiration to conserve and enhance the SDNL to protect its intrinsic landscape and biodiversity value.

Object

Representation ID: 922

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

I do not support the Monksbridge site under Chapter 3 Housing and Regeneration (Policies HS, H3BCG.3) as it conflicts with bat sustenance zones, medieval field patterns and the National Landscape, and the affordable‑housing provision of only 35 % is inconsistent with the rural‑exception expectation of 100 %.

Object

Representation ID: 923

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

E1B.2 (employment allocation) Monksbridge 130
Do not support
The site was rejected in Feb 2025 Torbay Housing and Economic land Availability Assessment due to Greater
Horseshoe bat sustenance zone; medieval field pattern and being within National Landscape. There is an absence of justification for the release of this land for employment development. There is an absence of criteria to determine the type and form of development that will be acceptable in this sensitive location.

Support

Representation ID: 924

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Comment
In relation to the natural environment, support development which will facilitate access to nature and participation in physical activity in outdoor settings. It would be relevant to refer to the fact that a healthy natural environment is of vital importance to people’s health and wellbeing.

Support

Representation ID: 925

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Comment
The policy states that “Any proposal that may lead to likely significant effects on sites protected under European legislation will only be permitted where no adverse effect on the integrity of the site can be shown”.
In this regard, it is considered that the policy should be more specific about impact of floodlighting on the wider area, in particular in relation to the National Landscape and regarding the bat pathways through and near to the sports facilities.

Support

Representation ID: 926

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

The protection of best and most versatile agricultural land is welcomed. In addition, the provision of sustainable food production within residential schemes is also welcomed. However a clear criterion based policy is required regarding relevant landscape considerations in relation to the appropriateness of sites and layouts for the provision of new food production features such as allotments.

Support

Representation ID: 927

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Support
New infrastructure should be provided in the most environmentally friendly way possible, consistent with
meeting communities' needs, safety and amenity. Infrastructure should encourage healthier lifestyles and
provide recreational opportunities by providing for walking, cycling and other recreational opportunities.

Support

Representation ID: 928

Received: 02/02/2026

Respondent: South Devon National Landscape (Statutory / General Consultation Body)

Policy IN2: High Quality communications and digital communications
Support the need to utilise existing masts or structures; development to not have an unacceptable impact, including cumulative impact, on ….landscape character or wildlife; also for underground facilities and ducts to be sited and laid to minimise harm to tree roots or areas of archaeological importance.