The Haldon Ridge and Foothills has a strong sense of place and is one of the most prominent landscape features in eastern Devon, affording a textured, rising backdrop to much of the surrounding landscape, including the towns of Teignmouth and Dawlish and parts of Exeter. The area encompasses a narrow, forested plateau with adjoining steep scarp slopes broadening to more open farmed ridges and valleys to the south. From this landscape there are spectacular panoramic views east to the coast and west to Dartmoor. In places, the sides of the main wooded ridge are deeply incised with combes and small river valleys lending topographic interest. This landscape supports a diverse range of habitats including heathland, conifer plantations, mixed and broadleaved woodland, with a higher concentration of pasture and arable fields to the south. Collectively these land uses give rise to high scenic quality and provide varied texture and seasonal changes. This landscape also includes notable areas of parkland.
This area comprises a distinctive sandstone ridge running north-south from the A30 to the Teign Estuary and its surrounding farmland. To the north, the ridgeline gives way to a rolling upland landscape; in the west the spurs and valleys of the valley slopes interlock with the River Teign; and to the east, a patchwork of minor ridges and valleys flows eastwards towards the Exe estuary and coast. To the south the area is more open and broadens into farmland comprising a series of ridges and valleys extending to the coast at Dawlish.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/teignbridge-and-east-devon-area/haldon-ridge-and-foothills
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
Haldon Ridge and foothills on DCC Environment Viewer
Information on Devon's environment has been mapped on Devon County Council's Environment Viewer. These maps give access to geographic data for Devon on a wide range of topics.
Planning Strategy
To protect the panoramic views to and from the wooded ridge as well as to key features and landmarks such as Haldon Belvedere; manage the network of valued semi-natural habitats including broadleaved woodland and heathland and varied historic features. Opportunities are sought to restore broadleaved woodland particularly along valley sides and steep slopes and to restore and connect areas of heathland. The landscape’s time-depth continues to have a strong influence, whilst opportunities for sustainable recreation and limited low-carbon development are sensitively accommodated. Field patterns are reinforced through the restoration and management of Devon hedgebanks using traditional management techniques. New development is sympathetic to the existing field pattern, woodland and lanes and reflects existing patterns and local vernacular.
Protect
- Protect dramatic panoramic views to and from the ridge by sensitive siting of development, particularly tall structures, and the avoidance development on prominent ridges and valley sides.
- Protect the overall strong sense of tranquillity and dark night skies.
- Protect views to historic landmarks, such as Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle).
- Protect and appropriately manage the rich cultural heritage of the area including Bronze Age barrows, hillforts and historic parklands through appropriate management agreements and conservation management plans.
- Protect the historic settlement pattern of occasional farmsteads and small villages and prevent settlement expansion which is uncharacteristic or undermines perceptions of traditional form and character or the rural character of historic lanes.
- Protect traditional building styles and materials, particularly thatch and cob or stone, utilising the same styles and materials in new development wherever possible (whilst seeking to incorporate sustainable design).
- Protect undeveloped character of coastal cliffs by resisting cliff-top development.
