New 25 acre green space secured for East Devon residents
A new area of open green space for local people to enjoy next year has been acquired by East Devon District Council.
This first new public space marks an important landmark in creating the Clyst Valley Regional Park, which stretches from National Trust Killerton to Clyst St Mary near the Exe Estuary. The new space is expected to open to the public in 2023, providing a wider choice for residents and visitors as an alternative to protected sites such as the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and the Exe Estuary.
Roughly equivalent to the size of 9 rugby pitches, the land for the area has been paid for by money from developers, known as Section 106 payments and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), as part of their obligations when building much-needed homes for local people. Commercial sensitivity around the sale means that the purchase price of the land is not disclosed.
Work to establish the new green space will now start. The first step is to seek planning permission for change of use of the land from agricultural to public open space.
Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country and the Environment, said: ""I am really pleased to see this open green space coming forward, which will form a part of East Devon’s Clyst Valley Regional Park. The new area will provide access into our beautiful countryside with proposals to create ponds, woodland and flower-rich meadows in a nature-rich, public green space.
"The new space will be located near Broadclyst Station and is presently a series of meadows and hedgerows with a stream running through. There are some characterful old oak trees, and lovely views towards Pinhoe ridge."
Councillor Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council’s Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development, said: "This is one of the best schemes currently being run by East Devon District Council and when it is complete residents will gain quiet, sustainable travel routes from Cranbrook to Exeter without needing to get in a car at all.
"We hope that local residents will appreciate a walk along the meandering stream through the middle of the site or just taking in the expansive new green space."
On behalf of East Devon District Council’s Ward Councillors for Broadclyst, Councillor Sarah Chamberlain, said: "We are really pleased to see this fantastic area of open green space come forward for the residents of Broadclyst Station and surrounding areas.
"It is a great opportunity to use this area as the wonderful open countryside that it is. It enjoys many features including a very old tree that has gone almost silver in age, many fantastic views and even a stream.
"We hope residents enjoy the space as a link to Exeter or just to relax and take a walk."
At a future meeting of East Devon District Council’s Cabinet there will be a discussion on the long term management of the site.
