What other suggestions do you have?

9.1 ‘The city has a high quality natural environment … water bodies including the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal …’ (p.69). This risks morphing into a fundamental error. The canal is not a natural phenomenon or ‘green infrastructure’ merely because it is accidentally home to natural species. The canal is part of the built environment but this is not to deny that it contributes to aims of biodiversity. It is also worth noting that, because of its function, the canal is accessible along its length while the River Exe is not. As a blue-green corridor, the canal can connect disparate habitats, enable net gain in biodiversity and, where it does not interfere with functionality, provide habitat creation and improvements. Protected land and aquatic species can be accommodated. In addition to the benefits to ‘natural’ life, it can be an opportunity for people to see plants, insects and birds, as the Draft acknowledges. To avoid unrealistic expectations, this must be balanced against the benefits and requirements of the canal’s functionality and uses. It would be helpful if the Draft indicated this.

What other suggestions do you have?

• Biodiversity S-BIO-1: Proposals that may have significant adverse impacts on natural habitat and species adaptation, migration and connectivity must demonstrate that they will, in order of preference: a) avoid b) minimise c) mitigate significant adverse impacts. • Biodiversity S-BIO-2: Proposals that incorporate features that enhance or facilitate natural habitat and species adaptation, migration and connectivity will be supported. • Biodiversity S-BIO-3: Proposals that enhance coastal habitats where important in their own right and/or for ecosystem functioning and provision of goods and services will be supported. Proposals must take account of the space required for coastal habitats where important in their own right and/or for ecosystem functioning and provision of goods and services and demonstrate that they will, in order of preference: a) avoid b) minimise c) mitigate for net loss of coastal habitat. • Biodiversity S-BIO-4: Proposals that enhance the distribution and net extent of priority habitats should be supported. Proposals must demonstrate that they will avoid reducing the distribution and net extent of priority habitats.

What other suggestions do you have?

Policy NE4: Green Infrastructure, states that development will be required to support the delivery of new green infrastructure in accordance with the updated Green Infrastructure Strategy. The policy refers to Exeter’s Valley Parks and the Exeter Green Circle, but not the Clyst Valley Regional Park which lies outside of its boundaries. Whilst the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP) is not being progressed any longer, the National Trust consider that there is still a need for joined up delivery of strategic green infrastructure and this should be reflected in policy. The National Trust is keen to work with partners to provide improved sustainable travel links within the Killerton Estate, and connecting with existing communities, including Exeter. Developing ideas in partnership with Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, and East Devon District Council, to develop quiet-lane, traffic-free networks and multi-use trails would ensure the greatest benefit to the public.

What other suggestions do you have?

NE5 Green Circle The Green Circle is an asset to the City but we would recommend improve the wayfinding on the route (perhaps innovative / digital wayfinding) and WC provision/shelters etc on the Green Circle. A café at Wonford Sports Centre or other location(s). We support the protection of NE5 but the Local Plan could seek enhancements to the resource. Link to CIL/s106 from new developments to enhance the Green Circle?

What other suggestions do you have?

See comments submitted on behalf of Bloor

What other suggestions do you have?

See comments submitted on behalf of Bloor

What other suggestions do you have?

See comments submitted on behalf of Bloor

What other suggestions do you have?

See comments submitted on behalf of Bloor

What other suggestions do you have?

See comments submitted on behalf of Bloor

What other suggestions do you have?

See comments submitted on behalf of Bloor

What other suggestions do you have?

See comments submitted on behalf of Bloor