The landscape includes an extensive area of moorland fringe comprising rolling hills, many of which contain pockets of open heathland commons, and in the west an area of distinct plateau. The plateau land is dominated by conifer plantations associated with the Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford reservoirs, around which is a gently undulating mixed farmed landscape interspersed by belts of woodland and rough heathy grassland. Here the enclosure pattern, where it is evident, is medium to large in scale and regular in form, which contrasts with the intricate pattern of medieval and post-medieval fields further west. The landscape is sparsely settled and crossed by a network of minor lanes and there is a strong sense of history presented through a rich scattering of archaeological sites and stone crosses. The generally open character of the area in the west affords long views, including views to the high Dartmoor moorland.
This area comprises the north-eastern edges of Dartmoor National Park and includes an expansive area of enclosed moorland edge and farmed slopes and a more forested plateau in the east. Bounded to the west and south by the rising and open landscape of Central Dartmoor and High Dartmoor North, this area of enclosed pastoral land contains the distinctive incised upper and middle Teign valley. To the north there is a gradual transition to the Yeo Uplands and Slopes while to the east the change in character into the Teign Valley and Slopes is relatively abrupt.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/teignbridge-and-east-devon-area/east-dartmoor-morland-fringe
https://www.devon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policies/landscape/devon-character-areas
East Dartmoor moorland fringe on DCC Environment Viewer
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Planning Strategy
To protect the landscape’s scenic quality and open skylines as well as enclosed, tranquil, unspoilt river valleys, and to strengthen its special qualities and features and enhance its appearance as the setting to high Dartmoor in views from the east. The area’s strong historic character is protected and enhanced. The time-depth associated with archaeological sites, field patterns and historic settlements is retained. Sustainable agriculture is supported, and upland commons are managed to increase their biodiversity through appropriate management and grazing, while ancient semi-natural woodlands and wet habitats are well managed to increase their longevity, and opportunities are sought to re-link sites where feasible. Recreation and enjoyment of the landscape is encouraged, but without detriment to fragile sites or features; and a new landscape structure is planned in areas of conifer plantation.
Protect
- Protect key views that contribute to the National Park’s setting.
- Protect and appropriately manage the landscape’s numerous historic sites and features, including prehistoric hut circles, hillforts, medieval crosses and twentieth century mining features.
- Protect and maintain the small-scale medieval field patterns on the valley sides, restoring hedgebanks and walls using traditional techniques and materials.
- Protect and maintain linear groups of trees growing on hedgebanks.
- Protect the area’s sparsely settled character and views to high moorland and across the Teign valley; carefully control new development outside existing settlement envelopes.
- Protect the strong unifying local vernacular of granite and slate; new development should utilise similar materials and styles whilst seeking to incorporate sustainable design.
- Protect the open skylines and resist development of vertical structure which would be prominent.
- Protect distinctive geological features, including the granite tors, removing scrub through appropriate grazing where necessary, and provide guidance and interpretation to enhance public understanding.
- Protect the landscape’s network of quiet lanes enclosed by species-rich hedgebanks, resisting unsympathetic highways improvements or signage.
- Protect and repair characteristic built features such as stone hump-backed bridges.
- Protect high levels of tranquillity and dark night skies, resisting developments which would damage these qualities.