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Cullompton Neighbourhood Plan

Contents:

IntroductionNatural Environment Ecology, habitats and landscape

Access and CirculationGround conditionsEnvironmental potential Important FeaturesOwnership

Built Environment & Heritage CharacterImportant featuresOwnershipDevelopment potential

Housing PopulationIncomes and housing

Local Economy EmploymentRetail and commerce

Highways, Transport & Travel Roads and footpathsTravel Transport modes

Leisure & Lifestyle LeisureYoung peopleEducationYoung familiesElderly care

Our Community Waste and recyclingEveryday servicesPublic safetyCommunity facilities

Arts, Culture & Tourism Local culture and the artsTourism

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Introduction

PurposePlanning policy and proposals need to be based on a proper understanding of the place they relate to, if they are to be relevant, realistic and address local issues effectively. It is important that the Neighbourhood Plan is based on robust information and analysis of the local area; this is called the ‘evidence base’. Unless policy is based on firm evidence and proper community engagement, then it is more likely to reflect the assumptions and prejudices of those writing it than to reflect the needs of the wider area and community.

We are advised that “the evidence base needs to be proportionate to the size of the neighbourhood area and scope and detail of the Neighbourhood Plan. Other factors such as the status of the current and emerging Local Plan policies will influence the depth and breadth of evidence needed. It is important to remember that the evidence base needs to reflect the fact that the plan being produced here will have statutory status and be used to decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area. It is necessary to develop a clear understanding of the neighbourhood area and policy issues covered; but not to review every piece of research and data in existence – careful selection is needed.”1

This report presents the evidence gathered that we believe may be relevant to the preparation of a Neighbourhood plan for Cullompton.

MethodTo produce a thorough and balanced report of the evidence we decided to apply a standard method of research and to present our findings in a similar format in a single report. We have identified and extracted from a variety of published sources of information, data and analysis (printed and internet) and sought the opinions of those who we believe should be heard at the earliest opportunity in neighbourhood plan making.

Presentation of FindingsTo make our findings as accessible as possible we have used a ‘tabular’ form of presentation. Each section of the evidence report focuses on a particular topic area. Each section is prefaced by the ‘questions’ we sought to answer through our researches. We then set out the strategic context (of current plans and policies) for that particular topic area; followed by a presentation of the evidence we have uncovered.

Strategic Planning ContextThe key planning documents from which we have extracted policy statements and intentions are those described in the table overleaf. We have tried to capture all he planning policies that we need to acknowledge and work with.

Our neighbourhood plan must “be in general conformity with existing strategic local planning policy”2. The strategic policies of the Local Plan provide the strategic framework within which the neighbourhood plan should be prepared. It should be noted however that not all of the policies in the Local Plan or those that we have extracted ‘are ‘strategic’. The non-strategic planning policies will prevail unless and until we decide to replace them with more relevant and locally sensitive neighbourhood planning policies.

1 Neighbourhood Planning Roadmap, Locality, 20132

Cullompton NP Evidence Base

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Policy Area – National Planning Policy Framework Extracts of relevant policy statements from the new NPPF. Most place obligations on the local planning authority in preparing a Local Plan or dealing with planning applications; but many also have implications at a neighbourhood planning level. Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013The Core Strategy is 6 years old and needs bringing up to date. The district council has embarked on a review of targets, allocations and policies contained in the current plan to reflect the current needs and aspirations of mid Devon and its residents. The Scoping Study, published July 2013, provides up-to-date information about Mid Devon and the local planning authority’s thinking about present circumstances and needs; and the options it is prepared to consider for how existing local plan policies might be revised. The timetable for the new Local Plan aims to have a revised set of policies ready for consultation in the early spring of 2014; a draft plan published by November 2014 and a new Local plan adopted in May 2015.Mid Devon Local Plan part 3 - adopted October 2013This document forms Part 3 of the Local Plan and provides detailed policies to manage individual development proposals in a way that meets local needs, both economic and social, while also protecting the environment. Whilst not all of the policies are ‘strategic’ they remain in force until and unless they are revised or replaced by the local planning authority or superseded by neighbourhood plan policies. Mid Devon Local Plan part 2 - adopted 2010The Allocations and Infrastructure Development Plan Document (the AIDPD) is part 2 of the district’s Local Plan. It allocates sites for housing, retail and employment development, whilst setting necessary infrastructure requirements, with policies on the Community Infrastructure Levy, public open space, affordable housing, education provision, green infrastructure and carbon footprint reduction. Mid Devon Local Plan 2006 – adopted in 2007Core Strategy 2006-2026. It set out a spatial strategy and strategic policies for Mid Devon and its settlements. They remain in force until the Local Plan review. It does not include site specific proposals (such as housing sites), but identifies the general locations of development.

Topic Strategies of MDDC and OthersWe are cognisant of the fact that there are other policy documents and plans in existence that must be acknowledged. Not all of them are physical planning-based or local authority sponsored. We have endeavoured to extract from

Other Current Strategy Strategy Body:Name of body to whom the strategy appliesDocument and Date:Title, author (s) and date of strategy documentRelevant Policies:relevant policies and supporting statement(s) extracted from document


Cullompton Town Council supports policies that: Policy statement approved by Cullompton Town Council, taken from Town council papers that are in the public domain

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Local ContextCullompton Town Council has a set of well thought out planning policies for the town. Many of them have been developed as a result of consultation over Local Plan draft documents and in response to potential and real planning applications. We have endeavoured to encapsulate these local planning policies for Cullompton and present them in a highlighted ‘box’ in the relevant section of the evidence report. We would stress that like the non-strategic policies of Mid-Devon Council these policies are up for review as part of the neighbourhood planning process.

We have sought to identify all relevant neighbourhood-level evidence of the current situation. Our sources comprise a range of studies, surveys and research documents that we believe help to paint a picture of what Cullompton is like today and how it may develop in future. Most important amongst our sources are those that provide us with an expression of what the people of the area are saying and feeling about their present situation and circumstance and their hopes for the future. We have presented our findings under the headings:

Current Situation and Circumstances Future Needs

Having set out to answer a series of questions for each topic, we have not surprisingly found that on occasions we have not been able to find sufficient information to enable us to answer the question properly or as thoroughly as we would like. Where this has occurred we have identified the Gaps in our Knowledge. We have done so in the expectation that further effort will be made through the neighbourhood planning process to remedy the gaps and our lack of understanding particularly at a neighbourhood level.

Each section of the evidence report is completed by a set of Conclusions that we believe can be drawn from, or are confirmed by, the evidence we have gathered.

Evidence Gathering for the Cullompton Neighbourhood Plan took place between November 2013 and January 2014. The Evidence Gathering Team comprised:

With the assistance of Paul Weston, Community Consultant


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Natural Environment

What are we seeking to find out?

Ecology, habitats and landscape

What’s special?What needs protecting?What needs enhancing?

Access and Circulation

What are the existing pedestrian & vehicular routes and usage?Are they safe?Are they adequate?Are new routes needed?

Ground conditions

Where are their drainage issues and flood risks?What other development constraints are there?

Environmental Potential

Is their potential to produce and/or reduce energy?Is there scope to reduce C02 emissions?

Important FeaturesAre there important historical features, archaeology or social elements?Are there opportunities for interpretation/education?

OwnershipWho are the main land-owners?Who owns the main tracts of land and what are their intentions, if any?

1. Strategic Context

Policy Area – Ecology and the Natural LandscapeNational Planning Policy Framework To minimise impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity, planning policies should:

plan for biodiversity at a landscape-scale across local authority boundaries identify and map components of the local ecological networks, including the hierarchy of

international, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity, wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect them and areas identified by local partnerships for habitat restoration or creation

promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species populations, linked to national and local targets, and identify suitable indicators for monitoring biodiversity in the plan;

aim to prevent harm to geological conservation interests Where Nature Improvement Areas are identified in Local Plans, consider specifying the

types of development that may be appropriate in these Areas

The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soilsrecognising the wider benefits of ecosystem servicesminimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressurespreventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable


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risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instabilityremediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate

Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails.Local communities through local and neighbourhood plans should be able to identify for special protection green areas of particular importance to them. By designating land as Local Green Space local communities will be able to rule out new development other than in very special circumstances i.e.

where the green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves where the green area is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular

local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife

where the green area concerned is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013The Council is considering the options of either retaining a strategic policy similar to the existing Core strategy policy (COR2) adapted as necessary to take account of any change in national policy; or replace the policy with a broader environmental strategy that sets out principles underpinning more detailed policies on subjects such as landscape protection, flood prevention and heritage assets.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM31 - Other protected sitesWhere development proposals would lead to an individual or cumulative adverse impact on Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, ancient woodland, Regionally Important Geological Sites, County Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves, the Council will balance the overall benefits of the proposal against the impact…….. Planning permission will be granted only where:a) The benefits of and need for the development clearly outweigh the direct and indirect impact to the protected site and the ecosystem services it provides;b) The development could not be located in an alternative, less harmful location; andc) Appropriate mitigation measures have been put in place.

Mid Devon Local plan part 2AL/CU/3 North West Cullompton Environmental Protection and Green InfrastructureAs part of the development of North West Cullompton, the following environmental protection and enhancement measures will be implemented at the expense of all new development within the site:a) Measures to protect and strengthen trees, hedgerows and other environmental features which contribute to the character and biodiversity, maintaining a wildlife network within the site andlinking to the surrounding countryside;b) An area of 28 hectares for strategic Green Infrastructure, laid out and managed with an appropriate mix of public parkland, open space, landscaping and potential local nature reserve andincluding an extension to the cemetery;d) Protection and enhancement where possible of all existing Public Rights of Way;e) Provision of a Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme to deal with all surface water from the


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development and arrangements for future maintenance;f) A strategic landscaping and tree planting scheme to mitigate landscape impact, enhance biodiversity and the character of development and capture carbon;

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR2…..Development will support opportunities for protecting and enhancing species populations and the restoration, recreation, enhancement and linking of habitats to contribute toward the delivery of Biodiversity Action Plan targets

Policy Area – Agriculture and Rural Land UseNational Planning Policy Framework

support the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas, both through conversion of existing buildings and well designed new buildings

promote the development and diversification of agricultural and other land-based rural businesses

support sustainable rural tourism and leisure developments that benefit businesses in rural areas, communities and visitors, and which respect the character of the countryside

promote the retention and development of local services and community facilities in villages, such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013no specific policy references

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM/12 - Conversion of rural buildingsThe conversion of redundant or disused rural buildings of substantial and permanent construction which positively contribute to an area’s rural character for residential or employment uses will be permitted where: a) A suitable access to the building is in place or can be created without damaging the surrounding area’s rural character and the road network can support the proposeduse;b) The building can be converted without significant alteration, extension or rebuilding;c) The design will retain the original character of the building and its surroundings;d) The development will retain any nature conservation interest associated with the site or building.

DM23 - Agricultural developmentAgricultural development will be permitted where:a) The development supports farming activity on that farm enterprise or in the immediate agricultural community;b) The development is sensitively located to limit any adverse effects on the amenity of local residents and is well designed, respecting the character and appearance of the area; andc) The development will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the environment.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2AL/DE/7 Gypsy and Traveller PitchesPlanning applications for private gypsy and traveller pitches in the open countryside will be


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permitted provided that:a) The need cannot reasonably be met on another site within Mid Devon which has consent or is allocated for gypsy and traveller pitches;b) The proposed site is within 30 minutes travel by means of public transport, walking and/or cycling of a hospital and secondary school;c) Occupation is limited to those meeting the definition of Gypsies and Travellers in the relevant national policy.

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006

Other Current Strategy Strategy Body:Mid Devon District Council

Document and Date:Mid Devon Strategic Flood Risk Assessment , Hyder Consulting UK Ltd , 2009

Relevant Policies:River flooding is of particular concern in Newton St Cyres, Bampton, Tiverton, Cullompton and Hemyock, where there are more than 50 existing properties at risk of flooding from this source. If development has to go ahead in flood risk areas, due to a lack of alternative sites, mitigationmeasures must be incorporated in development design, to manage the risk of flooding both to and from the development.The proposed routes of the Crediton Bypass and the Cullompton Eastern Distributor Road (EDR), as shown in the DPD documents, both cross Flood Zone 3 (a and b). Since roads are classified as Essential Infrastructure, the Exception Test must be passed for these developments to be permitted (refer to sections 7.1.3 and 7.1.4 for further guidance). The Issues and Options Report for the Culm DPD does note that the routes shown for the Cullompton Distributor Road (Eastern and Western) are purely indicative at this stage. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that, in view of the flooding problems in the town, consideration is given to removing the EDR as a potential option Mid Devon District Council should encourage the use of SUDS wherever practicable. This will be particularly important for the construction of the proposed new roads in Crediton and Cullompton

Other Current Strategy Strategy Body:Environment Agency

Document and Date:Exe Catchment Flood Management Plan

Relevant Policies:Cullompton Policy Option 5We can generally take further action to reduce flood risk.We consider the risk from the tributaries associated with, for example, potential blockages to culverts, to be currently unacceptable.By taking further action to reduce risk, we propose to take measures to resolve these issues both by


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opening up culverted sections to reduce the risk of blockages, and also over the longer term to investigate ways in which people can be moved out of the risk areas.Proposed actions to implement the preferred policy• Investigate the River Culm and Spratford Stream response to high flows – particularly the interaction of flows with the M5, and the railway. Identify if hedge and floodplain woodland planting can attenuate flows.• Prepare an Asset Management Plan to identify where future works may be required to reduce risk to Cullompton.• Work with partners to manage surface water flooding in Cullompton, particularly for new development. Incorporate use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).• Investigate improvements to the tributaries to provide environmental enhancements and to reduce risk of blockage to culverted sections. Examine the possibility of opening up culverted sections.• Investigate ways in which people and infrastructure can be moved out of risk areas.• Ensure spatial planning and development does not increase flood risk (PPS25).• Improved flood forecasting and engagement with local partners and community in flood awareness, incident management, and emergency response. Investigate if some level of flood warning coverage may be feasible on the tributary streams.• Engage landowners to influence land use and land management practices in the upper Culm catchment.

Other Current Strategy Strategy Body:Devon County CouncilDocument and Date:Minerals Local Plan 2004Relevant Policies:POLICY MP 3 SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST AND NATIONAL NATURE RESERVESProposals for mineral development will not be permitted which are likely to harm, either directly or indirectly, the particular wildlife or geological interest of Sites of Special Scientific Interest or National Nature Reserves.STATEMENT OF INTENT - S3 INTERPRETATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITESThe County Council will promote and encourage the interpretation of archaeology, history and industrial archaeology for the benefit of the public.POLICY MP 4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITESProposals for mineral development will not be permitted where they would harm nationally important archaeological sites (Scheduled Ancient Monuments and unscheduled ones of national importance) and their settings.POLICY MP 5 LISTED BUILDINGSProposals for mineral development which would conflict with the objective to preserve Listed Buildings and their settings will not be permitted.POLICY MP 6 HISTORIC PARKS AND GARDENSProposals for mineral development which would harm Historic Parks and Gardens and their settings will not be permitted.POLICY MP 7 COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNATIONS - AREAS OF GREAT LANDSCAPE VALUEProposals for mineral development within Areas of Great Landscape Value will not be permitted if they would harm the landscape qualities and features of those areas, unless the need for the mineral or the benefits of the development to the local economy override that harm. In the case of extensions to existing quarries and mineral waste tips, regard will be had to the extent to which the proposal would achieve an enhancement of the designated site.POLICY MP 9 CONSERVATION AREASProposals for mineral development which would conflict with the objective to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of Conservation Areas will not be permitted, unless the need for the mineral or the benefits of the development to the local economy override the harm to


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the Conservation Area.POLICY MP 10 MAINTENANCE OF THE COUNTY’S NATURE CONSERVATION RESOURCEProposals for mineral development will not be permitted unless provision is made to maintain or enhance the extent, diversity and local distinctiveness of the County’s nature conservation resource.STATEMENT OF INTENT - S4 MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF NATURE CONSERVATION RESOURCEThe County Council will seek to use planning conditions and planning obligations to mitigate or compensate for any adverse impacts on the County’s nature conservation resource.Opportunities will be sought to manage, restore and enhance key conservation interests inline with the targets set through the Devon Biodiversity Action Plan.STATEMENT OF INTENT - S5 MINIMISATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESTRUCTIONThe County Council will seek to minimise the destruction of archaeological sites and in cases where the loss of archaeological deposits is permitted, will require the commissioning of an agreed programme of investigation, recording, post-excavation analysis and publication of findings.POLICY MP 11 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SITES NOT HAVING STATUTORY DESIGNATIONProposals for mineral development which are likely to have adverse effect on the following local sites of substantive nature conservation or historic environmental importance, or their settings:• County Wildlife Sites;• County Geological Sites;• Local Nature Reserves;• Significant sites recorded on the County Sites & Monuments Register;• Sites which following survey are found to be of equivalent importance to those above;• Sites of recreational value, will only be approved if:(a) the developer provides sufficiently detailed evaluation of the environmental impacts to allow afull assessment to be made of the acceptability of the impact of development and the adequacy ofany proposed mitigation; and,(b) there is an overriding need for the mineral which outweighs the need to safeguard the nature conservation or historic value of the site or its setting; and,(c) there are no reasonable, less damaging solutions or availability of suitable secondary or recycled materials; and,(d) the development incorporates satisfactory provision for the mitigation of its impacts in the form of habitat creation/re-creation, conservation of geological or other features, and the recording, excavation, analysis and subsequent publication of historic sites or archaeological features to be affected.Proposals for mineral development in the countryside will not be permitted if they would harm its landscape or historic character, its natural resources or its ecological, agricultural, recreational or archaeological value, unless the need for the mineral, or the benefits of the development to the local economy override that harm. In the case of extensions to existing quarries and mineral waste tips, regard will be had to the extent to which the proposal would achieve overall environmental enhancement.POLICY MP 12 PROTECTED SPECIESProposals for mineral development which are likely to have an adverse effect on protected species will not be permitted unless the developer can demonstrate that there are no practical alternatives, and if adequate measures have been taken to:(i) facilitate the survival of individual members of the species;(ii) reduce disturbance to a minimum; and,(iii) provide adequate alternative habitats to sustain at least the current levels of population in a local context.Where European Protected Species are adversely affected, the development must be shown to be in the interests of public health and public safety, or for other imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, and beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment.


Cullompton Town Council supports policies that: make / create an environmental area at the CCA fields along the river along the leat

leading along the water meadows alongside Millennium Way introduce measures to significantly improve air quality within 3 years, by 2016

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Other Current Strategy Strategy Body:Devon County Council

Document and Date:Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2, 2012

Relevant Policies:To ensure that the Definitive Map and Statement provide an accurate record of public rights of wayTo work within the existing legislative framework to improve the network of public rights of way for allTo ensure that the public rights of way network is maintained at an appropriate levelTo ensure that all public rights of way are signed and waymarked appropriatelyTo improve the quality of information and communicationTo improve safety for non-vehicular users on and crossing roadsTo ensure that the planning process pays due regard to existing public rights of way and, where possible, leads to improvementsTo develop opportunities for Access Land and to integrate this with the rights of way networkTo improve opportunities through permissive access agreementsTo improve rights of way and access for blind or partially sighted people and others with mobility problemsTo improve opportunities for walkersTo improve opportunities for horse-riders and carriage-driversTo improve opportunities for cyclistsTo improve opportunities for vehicular usersTo balance the need to exercise dogs with the needs of landowners and other usersTo ensure that the management of public rights of way and access respects Devon’s environmentTo ensure that the management of public rights of way and access add to the economic benefits of Devon’s tourismTo ensure that public rights of way and access help to deliver health benefitsTo encourage a positive attitude and understanding between both users an landowners

2. Local Policy Context

3. Current Situation and Circumstances

Landscape QualityMid Devon was the subject of a landscape character assessment in 2011. It was prepared “as a tool for identifying the features which give a locality its sense of place, to help understand what the landscape is like today, how it came to be like that, and how it may change in the future as an aid to decision making. “ It is designed to aid “decision making in the development management process, inform planning policy


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formation, guide landscape management decisions and form part of the evidence base for the Mid Devon District Council's Local Development Framework.”3

The rural parts of the neighbourhood plan area fall into one of two character areas. Land to the west of Cullompton is categorised as LCT 3B Lower rolling farmed and settled valley slopes. The landscape to the east and south along the river Culm is categorised as Lowland Plains.

LCT 3b Lower rolling farmed and settled valley slopesDescription “This is gently rolling and strongly undulating landscape which is broadly characterised by intensively farmed light soils, derived from underlying sandstones, creating easily managed land that is versatile….”Key Characteristics:

Gently rolling Tightly rolling, carved by the tributaries of the Exe Drainage patterns are defining characteristics Mixed woodlands with dense scrubby undergrowth Well managed hedgerows Primarily pastoral fertile farmland Red Devon sandstone Mix of building styles Winding roads A few important historical features in the landscape Tree rows High degrees of variation in terms of views Mainly medium to large scale commercial and intensive farms

Special Qualities:Well wooded and pastoral characterStrong and distinct patternsDistant views with little development on the top of hillsRemote landscape with distinctive convex upper slopesLovely mature oaks and hardwood trees in hedgerowsMany water-related features

Future forces for change: Intensively managed areas undergoing field amalgamation Major transport routes cutting across grain of landscapeContinued trend in hobby farming and equine enterprises leading to dilution of farming practices in the landscapeIntroduction of energy cropsDevelopment pressures on fringes of town

LCT 3E Lowland PlainsDescription “Primarily managed as arable farmland with some areas of improved grassland.…this is a traditional Devon landscape. There are some early but isolated settlements that harmonise with the landscape. Notable estates and manor houses have important visual relationship to the broader landscape and designed vistas.”Key Characteristics:

Gently rolling middle ground to lowland with smooth rounded hilltops Managed arable farmland

3 Mid Devon Landscape Character Assessment, MDDC, Jan 2011Cullompton NP Evidence Base

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Characterised by Devon red sandstone Agrarian landscape Fields divided by hedgerows and hedgebanks Hedgerow trees are infrequent Copses and discrete woodlands are characteristic Outlying distributed farms, villages, hamlets and small groups of houses but generally a

sparsely populated area Some orchards and small areas of market gardening Dotted with large farmsteads Parks around small manor houses Views highly variable Roads straight or gently winding often narrow Typically short vistas with backdrop of curving hills

Special Qualities:Arable landscape provides attractive textured patchwork with strong sense of seasonal varietyHighly fertile arable landscapeMixed farming, but pasture predominates as land risesIntact orchardsWide open spaces with great landscape viewsHistoric interest with archaeology and Celtic settlementsRoads follow land contours and complement natural featuresValued hedgerows

Future forces for change:Uncertain future for agriculture economyContinued trend in hobby farming and equine enterprises leading to dilution of farming practices in the landscapeImpact of Increase in domestic tourism with associated demands for new facilitiesIncrease commuting and visitor trafficIf landscape degrades it becomes vulnerable to developmentClimate change may lead to more frequent drought conditions Climate change may lead to new cropsIncreased demand for UK produced food may lead to expansion of land under arable production Increase demand from more wind turbines may have dominant/negative effectChanges in farming such as diversification and decrease in larger farms with an increase in non-farming activitiesPressure for new dwellings for smaller farmsIncrease demand for bio-energy crops such as coppice

Flood RiskIn 2009 it was estimated that 499 current properties in the Cullompton area were in flood zone 2 and 424 were in flood zone 3. “The River Culm rises in the Blackdown Hills. It flows for approximately 6 km in a south westwards direction, before entering Mid Devon near Brimley Hill. The Culm continues south westwards, flowing through Hemyock, Culmstock, Uffculme and Cullompton, before leaving the District near Hele. Here, the catchment area of the river is 270 km2.Spratford Stream joins the Culm in Cullompton. This right bank tributary has a catchment area of approximately 40 km2 and includes the villages of Holcombe Rogus, Westleigh and Burlescombe. Approximately 800 properties lie within the floodplain of the Culm catchment, which forms 33 per cent of the total floodplain area of Mid Devon.


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In the late 1960s, the M5 motorway (formerly Cullompton Bypass) was built across the floodplain of the River Culm. To compensate for the resulting loss of floodplain storage, a flood relief channel was also constructed. This large trapezoidal channel is located to the east of the motorway embankment, between Junctions 27 (Tiverton) and 28 (Cullompton). It is 1.1 km long and varies in width between 30 and 60 m (Highways Agency, 2007, ref 7, Appendix 1). Silt accumulates in parts of the channel.”4

The 2009 Risk Assessment looked at a number of potential development sites as identified by the Local plan process. It concluded:

Sites most vulnerable to flooding:MV8 Cullompton CU5 – Exeter HillMV10 Cullompton Site 11 – PadbrookMV12 Cullompton Site 2 – West KnowleMV13 Cullompton CU2 – Knowle LaneMV15 Cullompton Site 1 – NW CullomptonMV16 Cullompton Site 3 – Colebrooke

Less vulnerable to flooding:LV1 Cullompton Site 14 – Week FarmLV2 Crediton Site 18 – East of Lords MeadowLV3 Tiverton Site 22 – Lower FarleighLV4 Cullompton Site 13 – Venn FarmLV5 Cullompton CU9 – Kingsmill RoadLV6 Cullompton CU12 – Meadow LaneLV7 Cullompton CU11 – Longbridge

Water compatible development W-c1 Cullompton CU13 - CCA land

The Environment Agency has summarised the flooding issues for Cullompton as follows:“….The greatest flood risk in Cullompton is from the various tributary streams that flow through the town into the Culm. The catchments for these tributary streams are small and respond rapidly to rainfall.We estimate that 450 properties and 1050 people are at risk from the 1% annual probability flood of the River Culm and its tributaries. In addition to the risk to people and property, junctions of the M5 motorway, the nA373 and B3181, the main line railway and a sewage works are also at risk from the 1% flood. An ambulance station and two care homes are also at risk of flooding. We estimate approximately 170 properties and 400 people will be within the future 1% flood extent from the River Culm. A further 400 properties and 800 people are within the 1% flood extent from the tributaries.In some areas of Cullompton, the streams have been culverted through housing estates that were built in the 1970’s. This can result in flooding from culverts blocked with debris during high flows, as occurred during flooding in 2002. Defences in Cullompton for the River Culm consist of channel improvements, flood relief culverts and flood banks. These provide a 1.7% Standard of Protection. The River Culm has a relatively slow response to rainfall. Flood warning for Cullompton has a lead time of approximately two hours. The flood hazard is low for the majority of properties. There is likely to be a large amount of residential and commercial development in the Cullompton area in the future, commercial pressure driven to some extent by distribution centres around the motorway junction.”5

4. Future Needs

4 Mid Devon Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Hyder Consulting, 20095 Managing Flood Risk, Exe Catchment Flood Management Plan, Environment Agency, Jun 2012


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5. Conclusions

6. Gaps in our Knowledge


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Built Environment & Heritage

What are we seeking to find out?

Development Potential

What land is already earmarked for development?What other land could be available for development?What are the current planning and development issues?What are developers interested in doing?

Character What physical characteristics make the area special?What physical characteristics detract?

Important FeaturesAre there important historical features, archaeology or social elements?Are there opportunities for interpretation/education?How can we best protect, enhance and make best use of our heritage?

OwnershipWho are the major property owners?What are their intentions, if any?which buildings should be regarded as community assets


Policy Area – New DevelopmentNational Planning Policy Framework Planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that developments:

will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development

establish a strong sense of place, using streetscapes and buildings to create attractive and comfortable places to live, work and visit

optimise the potential of the site to accommodate development, create and sustain an appropriate mix of uses (including incorporation of green and other public space as part of developments) and support local facilities and transport networks

respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation

create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion

are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013The Council has 3 strategic development options to consider as part of its Local plan review:Option 1 – is to retain the current strategy, directing development towards the largest settlements that have existing shops, services and facilities, in the following proportions:

location: residential employment retailTiverton 43% 41% 39%

Cullompton 28% 27% 27%Crediton 10% 14% 35%

Bampton 3% 3% 0%Elsewhere 16% 16% 0%


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Option 2 – is to disperse development more widely increasing the number of villages with settlement limits, allowing the larger villages to expand and reducing the pressure on the three main towns to met the majority of the district’s development needsOption 3 – is a new settlement or significant expansion of an existing village to meet the district’s development need (except for small sites to meet specific local needs such as affordable housing)

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM1 – In favour of Sustainable Development When considering development proposals the Council will take a positive approach in favour of sustainable development. It will work proactively to find solutions which allow proposals to be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area.Planning applications that accord with the policies in the Local Plan (and, where relevant, with policies in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without unnecessary delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether:a) Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against national policy taken as a whole; orb) Specific national policies indicate that development should be restricted.

DM2 - High Quality DesignDesigns of new development must be of high quality, based upon and demonstrating the following principles:a) Clear understanding of the characteristics of the site, its wider context and the surrounding area;b) Efficient and effective use of the site;c) Positive contribution to local character including any heritage assets;d) Creation of safe and accessible places that also encourage sustainable modes of travel such as walking and cycling;e) Visually attractive places that are well integrated with surrounding buildings, streets and landscapes, and do not have an unacceptably adverse effect on the privacy and amenity ofneighbouring properties and uses, taking account of:i) architecture; ii) siting, layout, scale and massing; iii) orientation and fenestration; iv) materials, landscaping and green infrastructuref) Appropriate drainage including sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) and connection of foul drainage to a mains sewer where available.Major residential development proposals will be required to achieve a score of 75% against relevant criteria in the Building for Life standard.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2AL/CU/3 North West Cullompton Environmental Protection and Green InfrastructureAs part of the development of North West Cullompton, the following environmental protection and enhancement measures will be implemented at the expense of all new developmentwithin the site:a) Measures to protect and strengthen trees, hedgerows and other environmental features which contribute to the character and biodiversity, maintaining a wildlife network within the site andlinking to the surrounding countryside;b) An area of 28 hectares for strategic Green Infrastructure, laid out and managed with an


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appropriate mix of public parkland, open space, landscaping and potential local nature reserve andincluding an extension to the cemetery;c) Areas of equipped and laid out public open space, totalling 0.7 hectares of equipped children’s play, 2.8 hectares of sports pitches and 0.7 hectares of allotments;d) Protection and enhancement where possible of all existing Public Rights of Way;e) Provision of a Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme to deal with all surface water from the development and arrangements for future maintenance;f) A strategic landscaping and tree planting scheme to mitigate landscape impact, enhance biodiversity and the character of development and capture carbon;g) Detailed archaeological investigation and measures to record, and where necessary, protect the archaeological interest of the site through appropriate design, layout and mitigation;h) Design solutions which respect the settings of Listed Buildings within and adjoining the site.

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR 14 - Core Strategy Policy for CullomptonCullompton will continue to develop as a small, growing market town with an expanding rural hinterland in the Culm Valley and adjacent areas. The strategy will aim to increase the self-sufficiency of the town and its area by improving access to housing, employment and services for its population and nearby rural areas. Proposals will provide for the following average annual development rates:a) 67 market dwellings;b) 28 affordable dwellings;c) 4000 square metres employment gross floorspace.The Council will guide high quality development and other investment to:d) Promote the removal of through traffic from the town centre and improve local air quality by enhancing walking and cycling opportunities around the town, completing a relief road system and implementing air quality action plan initiatives;e) Ensure developments within, adjoining or affecting the Air Quality Management Area provide measures to meet air quality objectives, taking full account of cumulative development impacts and based on air quality assessments giving realistic “baseline” and “with development” scenarios;f) Make any necessary improvements to the motorway junction;g) Promote further public transport improvements within Cullompton and to other urban centres (particularly Tiverton and Exeter) and improve access to the rail network;h) Manage the town centre so that economic regeneration and heritage reinforce each other by promoting new homes, shops, leisure, offices and other key town centre uses which are welldesigned and contribute to vitality and viability, including an additional 1,950 square metres of convenience and 700 square metres of comparison net retail floorspace by 2016 inaccordance with the sequential and other PPS6 retail policy considerations;i) Reduce the risk of flooding;j) Enhance the tourism and visitor role of the town and area.

Policy Area – Heritage & ConservationNational Planning Policy Framework Planning should……..conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of this and future generations

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013


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The Vision statement includes: “Wildlife, heritage and history is valued and protected” under ‘Conserve and Enhance the Area’ heading

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM28 - Development affecting heritage assetsDevelopment proposals affecting or having the potential to affect heritage assets and their setting, including alterations, extensions, demolitions and change of use, must take account of the significance, character, setting and local distinctiveness of the heritage asset(s).Proposals which would be likely to directly or indirectly harm any heritage asset or its setting must include sufficient information to assess the significance of the impact, demonstrating that the benefits outweigh the harm.Proposals which would be likely to directly or indirectly harm designated heritage assets or their settings will be assessed to determine the level of significance of the harm, and approved only where:a) The public benefits outweigh the harm; andb) Where a proposed development would lead to substantial harm to or total loss of significance of a designated heritage asset, the proposal meets the requirements of national policy.The justification for the development proposal must be proportionate to the importance of the heritage asset. For the most important heritage assets there is a presumption in favour of preservation in situ.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2The opportunities identified in the Conservation Area Management Plan will require further investigation and the preparation of a detailed programme that reflects the availability of sources of funding.

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR2 Development will sustain the distinctive quality, character and diversity of Mid Devon’s environmental assets through:e) the preservation and enhancement of Mid Devon’s cultural and historic environment, and the protection of sites, buildings, areas and features of recognised national and local importance.

COR 14 - Core Strategy Policy for CullomptonThe Council will: ………h) Manage the town centre so that economic regeneration and heritage reinforce each other …..

Policy Area – Air QualityNational Planning Policy Framework Planning policies should sustain compliance with and contribute towards EU limit values or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the presence of Air Quality Management Areas and the cumulative impacts on air quality from individual sites in local areas. Planning decisions should ensure that any new development in Air Quality Management Areas is consistent with the local air quality action plan.

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013No specific references


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Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM6Transport and Air QualityDevelopment proposals that would give rise to significant levels of movement must be accompanied by an integrated Transport Assessment, Travel Plan, Environmental Statement and Low Emission Assessment. The Environmental Statement must include an assessment of the impact of traffic nitrates on environmental assets, including protected sites listed inPolicy DM/31, and propose mitigate on measures where appropriate. The Low Emission Assessment shall include the following:a) Assessment of the impact on existing Air Quality ManagementAreas, or an impact likely to result in the declaration of an additional Air Quality Management Area, in cases where a demonstrable negative impact on ambient concentrations of airpollutants is considered likely;b) Modelling of local residual road transport emissions from the development without mitigate on measures; andc) Onsite mitigate on measures to reduce negative impacts on local air quality.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2AL/CU/15 Cullompton Air QualityDevelopment in or adjoining Cullompton will be required to mitigate its likely impact on air quality in the Cullompton Air Quality Management Area by contributing towards the cost of implementing the Cullompton Air Quality Action Plan including the provision of the Eastern Relief Road….

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR 14 - Core Strategy Policy for CullomptonThe Council will: ……d) Promote ….the improvement of local air quality by enhancing walking and cycling opportunities around the town, completing a relief road system and implementing air quality action plan initiatives;e) Ensure developments within, adjoining or affecting the Air Quality Management Area provide measures to meet air quality objectives, taking full account of cumulative development impacts and based on air quality assessments giving realistic “baseline” and “with development” scenarios;


Document and Date:Cullompton Conservation Area Management Plan, 2009

Relevant Policies:Enhancement opportunities in the public realm

Historic floorspaces require repair, restoration and reinstatement as part of the public realm enhancements in and around the town centre including the main pedestrian links

The enhancements should be capable of adaptation and reinforcement once the relief road is in place

Need to ensure compatibility of public realm enhancements with traffic management and air quality improvement


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Reinstatement of markets in higher Bull ring would be beneficial to Cullompton’s character as a market town

Reduction of visual clutter e.g. overhead wires, highway signs and poles would improve appearance

in key locations both within and on approach to the town centre Co-ordinated and good quality street furniture required Opportunities for habitat improvement and interpretation along the Mill Leat Interpretation panels in historically significant locations

Enhancement opportunities through redevelopment police buildings at Station Road would require a site design brief if the site is proposed for

redevelopmentEnhancement of Private Assets

…get a shop front improvement grant scheme set up consider option of pursuing a Townscape Heritage Initiative in the long term several small projects around the parish church need to progresses …..

Design Principles New buildings including those of contemporary design should reflect the scale, massing,

height, spacing, materials and colour palette of the conservation area extension and alterations to existing buildings should follow the scale and proportions,

detailing and materials characteristic of the property type works of maintenance repair or replacement in the public realm should comply with an

agreed palette of materials, colours and textures


Document and Date:Cullompton Air Quality Action Plan 2009

Relevant Policies:Action Plan Measures (ranked by cost/benefit score)town centre traffic management measures low emissions strategies development programmeparking changes at High street (improved or new residential footpath links Nation Bus passupdated school travel plansenhanced evening bus services to Tiverton introduction of Euro V engine standard on buses development of a new link road to provide traffic relief to the town centre car parking survey and strategyfeasibility study for provision of car parking capacity on south side of the town centreCullompton walk and talkair quality alertscar share Devon and Travelwiseenhanced walking and cycling links to KM industrial estate


Cullompton Town Council supports policies that:

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energy efficiency/smoke-free grantsadditional capacity of J28 M5



Historic MonumentsOur rich heritage is demonstrated by the range of historically significant features that are recorded in the parish of Cullompton. The current schedule (of important though non-statutory) features held by English Heritage website as follows6:

Monument No. 188089 An 18th century paper mill. POST MEDIEVAL MILL 1700 - 1800Monument No. 188125 Langford court. Post medieval farmhouse 1500 - 1700Manor House Hotel Post Medieval House 1834 - 1866

20th Century Hotel 1900 - 1999Mid 19th Century House, Incorporated Into A Hotel During The 20th Century

8 Fore Street Post medieval merchants house 1600 - 1699post medieval town house 1600 - 169920th century legal office 1900 - 1999Former merchant's town house of 17th century date, now solicitor's offices. Half-timbered, with cob and stone mix to side and rear, plastered, under gable-end slate roof. L-shaped plan with rear wing, the 1 room deep main range facing the street

Langford Site of medieval chapel 1066 - 1540Hillersdon House Post medieval country house 1848Monument No. 1044879 Prehistoric or roman double ditched enclosure -

prehistoric or roman rectilinear enclosure - Possibly prehistoric or roman double ditched rectilinear enclosure, seen as cropmarks.

Pound Square Post medieval nonconformist chapel 1698 - 1814post medieval unitarian chapel 1814 - 1900early 20th century unitarian chapel 1900 - 1912early 20th century unitarian chapel 1912 - 1912The presbyterian congregation (now unitarian) claims descent from the reverend w crompton, ejected from the living of cullompton in 1662. The first meeting house of the present site was erected in 1698. It was in such a state of disrepair in 1814 that it was replaced by a smaller building. This was replaced by the present chapel in 1912, a modest gothic building of red brick.

Monument No. 188084 Post medieval toll house 1540 - 1901Monument No. 188087 Medieval market cross 1066 - 1540

post medieval market cross 1695 - 1710Site of a medieval market cross documented in 1695 and 1710

Monument No. 1305159 Post medieval ropewalk - 1889Rope walk. The site of a rope walk identified from the 1889 ordnance survey map

Monument No. 188086 Neolithic find spot - quartz hammer.St Georges Well Post medieval holy well 1540 - 1901

Holy wellMonument No. 1044648 Uncertain rectilinear enclosure -

Possible rectilinear enclosure complex, of uncertain date, seen as parchmarks, south-west of madalaine springs

Monument No. 1044650 Prehistoric oval barrow -500000 - 43uncertain oval enclosure -

6 EH Pastcape at http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results.aspxCullompton NP Evidence Base

http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=188087&resourceID=2



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Oval enclosure, possibly a prehistoric barrow site, seen as a cropmark.Monument No. 1044883 Lynchets or field boundaries, probably of Medieval or later date, seen as earthworks

North of Westcott Farm.Monument No. 1044888 Rectilinear enclosure, probably of Prehistoric or Roman date, seen as cropmarks

North-East of Westcott Farm.Monument No. 1044917 Possible enclosure, of uncertain date, seen as a cropmark East-North-East of Lower

Westcott.Monument No. 36324 Bronze age round barrow -2600 - -700

This mutilated earthwork remains of either a bowl barrow or a bell barrow. A mound with its centre dug out is surrounded by a raised platform with a low bank on its perimeter.

Church Of St Andrew Medieval parish church 1401 - 1500medieval parish church 1526 - 1539post medieval parish church 1540 - 1552post medieval parish church 1849 - 1851Parish church. Nave and north and south aisles possibly first half of the 15th century; lane aisle (i.e. Outer south aisle) begun in 1526 and building still in progress in 1552; west tower begun 1539 and building still in progress in 1545; church restored and the chancel rebuilt in 1849-51 by edward ashworth. Coursed rubble red sandstone and brecchia with beerstone dressing. West tower, nave, north and south aisles, outer south aisle, south-west porch, chancel, south-east vestry.

The Walronds Post medieval cross passage house 1605 - 1605post medieval cross wing house 1605 - 1605post medieval cruck house 1605 - 1605post medieval detached house 1605 - 1605post medieval town house 1605 - 1605post medieval town house 1700 - 1899Large detached town house. Completed in 1605, with later (18th and particularly 19th century) modifications. Built by john peter, the house came into the possession of the portman family in the late 17th century and was tenanted by the walronds, hence its name. Local coursed sandstone rubble with some volcanic trap, and beerstone dressing. Gabled-end slate roofs, with some asbestos slate to rear of south (left-hand) cross-wing. Single-depth main range containing through-passage, hall (to the right) heated by an external rear lateral stack, and service-end (to the left) whi h consists of several small rooms, considerably reordered over the years, but retaining the original buttery, pantry and kitchen; 2 cross-wings which, with the main range, present a symmetrical front, but a markedly asymmetrical rear elevation

Monument No. 188081 Almhouses – 1523.Little Rull Remains of a medieval farmhouse.Langford Court Medieval house 1400 - 1499

post medieval house 1600 - 1699post medieval house 1850 - 189920th century house 1900 - 1933A late medieval house in origin, with east and south ranges added 17th century. The medieval north range was reduced to a service wing at this time. The west wing was rebuilt in the 19th century and the south range extended in the 20th century. Fire destroyed the roof in 1994

Monument No. 1044849 Double ditched rectilinear enclosure, possibly of Prehistoric or Roman date, seen as cropmarks.

High Street Post medieval congregational chapel 1744 - 1744post medieval congregational chapel 1867 - 1899post medieval sunday school 1882 - 1882The chapel, built in 1743 and registered in 1744, has walls of cob refronted in brickwork and a slate-covered roof it originally had a central entrance on the west side and the pulpit was originally against the opposite wall. Major alterations of the late 19th century involved heightning the walls resiting the entrance at the north end, refenestration of the west wall, the addition of a gallery adjacent to the new entrance, followed in 1882, by the addition of a sunday school at the rear. The front wall was refaced in 1964, but retained the original 19th century openings

The New Cut Post medieval wesleyan methodist chapel 1764 - 1806post medieval wesleyan methodist chapel 1806 - 1872post medieval wesleyan methodist chapel 1872 - 1872


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The methodist society in cullompton flourished in the late 18th century, becoming the head of the circuit in 1792. The present chapel was erected in 1806 on the site of a smaller building of 1764 at the upper end of dunkley's court. It was largely rebuilt after a fire in 1872. It has rubble walls rendered to the east and south, and a hipped slate roof. The east front has a wide round-arched doorway and one small oval window only, at the rear of the gallery.

Cullompton Roman Fort Roman fort 43 - 410roman granary 43 - 410roman kiln 43 - 410roman temporary camp 43 - 410roman well 43 - 410roman fort 50 - 70roman granary 50 - 70roman kiln 50 - 70roman temporary camp 50 - 70roman well 50 - 70Two forts as well as possibly two temporary camps, and internal features, were recorded during aerial survey on a spur overlooking the river culm. Pottery earlier than circa 75 ad has been found. The 2 camps lie on the eastern side of the site and are defined by double defensive ditches. One seems to overlie and thus post-date the other. A fort was later constructed over the western side of these camps, also defined by double defensive ditches, though its northern and eastern sides are partly obscured beneath the defences of a second, later, fort. Evidence derived from excavation and field walking suggest a date of ad 50 to 70, though the exact abandonment date of the fort is unclear. Features within the fort have been interpreted as the foundations of possible granaries, a veranda on the courtyard of the principia of the larger fort, possible building lines and a well or kiln

Monument No. 1044649 Prehistoric or Roman round barrow site, seen as a cropmark on aerial photographs.Monument No. 188083 Post-medieval Manor House 1500-1800Manor House Hotel Built in the Elizabethan style, the house dates from the 16th century with later

alterations.Nos 6 And 7 Langford Two dwellings, formerly a single house, early c16th, remodelled c17th.Monument No. 1044651 Curvilinear enclosure(s), of uncertain date, seen as cropmarks.Monument No. 1044845 Possible Prehistoric or Roman round barrow site, seen as a cropmark.Monument No. 1044882 Possibly Prehistoric or Roman field system, seen as cropmarks 400 metres north west

of Tye Farm.Monument No. 1044919 Enclosure, probably of Prehistoric or Roman date, seen as a cropmark North-East of

Westcott Farm.Church Of St Andrew This was originally a Saxon foundation. It is mentioned in the will of King Alfred, dated

872, as a royal possession and it was among the endowments given by William the Conqueror to Battle Abbey. No remains of this early church are visible and the existing building dates from the 15th and early 16th centuries. Plan of nave, North and South aisle possibly early 15th century. Lane aisle (outer South aisle) begun in 1526 and building still in progress in 1552. West tower begun in 1539; church restored and chancel rebuilt 1849-51 by E Ashworth

Trotts Almshouse Almshouse extant in 1522 and possibly not suppressed.Cullompton Medieval town 1066 - 1540

post medieval town 1540 - 1901Town first mentioned 1640.

Monument No. 1044886 Rectilinear enclosure, probably of Prehistoric or Roman date, seen as a cropmark East-North-East of Westcott Farm

Some 90 properties in the parish are currently (2013) on the National heritage List i.e. listed.



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Air QualityCullompton had an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) declared in Cullompton in 2006. Two years after its declaration Mid Devon District Council commissioned an assessment of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations within the declared area. This assessment was a requirement of the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) regime.The aim of the further assessment was to confirm the extent and magnitude of likely exceedences of the annual mean NO2 National Air Quality Objective (NAQO) in 2006 and to assess the contribution to NO2 concentrations of cars, light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and buses. It also assessed the potential impact of a series of six scenarios that simulate the impact of different options for link roads around the town. These scenarios will take traffic away from the town centre where there is currently poor air quality.The assessment found that: “Source apportionment highlighted that cars contribute the greatest to NO2 concentrations, followed by HGVs and LGVs. Buses contribute the least to overall concentrations. However proportionately, i.e. per vehicle, HGV contribute significantly more than cars.In the 2006 baseline concentrations are predicted to exceed the annual average NO2 NAQO along Higher Street, High Street, Fore Street, Exeter Hill and Station Road. The one-hour objective may be exceeded in Fore Street.An additional 2,000 homes in Cullompton, as in MDDC’s draft Core Strategy, will result in a deterioration of air quality in the town centre. Improving air quality in the town centre is likely to require the closure of Fore Street to through traffic and the construction of either a SouthEast Link Road and Northern Distributor Road, or a North West Link Road, extension of the South West Distributor Road and Northern Distributor Road. The construction of these link roads results in a deterioration of air quality outside the town centre. By the time 2,000 plus dwellings and the links roads would be built air quality should have improved, and therefore these options may enable the air quality objectives to be achieved.” 7

4. Future Needs

5. Conclusions


7 Cullompton Local Air Quality Management, Further Assessment, Peter Brett Associates for Mid Devon DC, 2008Cullompton NP Evidence Base

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People & Housing

1. What are we seeking to find out?

Population

Who lives in our neighbourhood area?Where do they live?How mixed and balanced is the community?How may our population change in the next 20 years?

Incomes and Housing

What is the current tenure mix?What are the local housing needs?How affordable is the housing?What are the demands?What are the distinctive features of the local housing market?


Policy Area – HousingNational Planning Policy Framework At the heart of the National Planning Policy Framework is a presumption in favour of sustainable development, which should be seen as a golden thread running through both plan-making and decision-taking.Every effort should be made objectively to identify and then meet the housing, business and other development needs of an area, and respond positively to wider opportunities for growth.Relevant policies for the supply of housing should not be considered up-to-date if the local planning authority cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites.To deliver a wide choice of high quality homes, widen opportunities for home ownership and create sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities, local planning authorities should:

plan for a mix of housing based on current and future demographic trends, market trends and the needs of different groups in the community

identify the size, type, tenure and range of housing that is required in particular locations, reflecting local demand

where they have identified that affordable housing is needed, set policies for meeting this need on site, unless off-site provision or a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value can be robustly justified

Such policies should be sufficiently flexible to take account of changing market conditions over timeFor larger scale residential developments in particular, planning policies should promote a mix of uses in order to provide opportunities to undertake day-to-day activities including work on site. Where practical, particularly within large-scale developments, key facilities such as primary schools and local shops should be located within walking distance of most properties.

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013There are currently two urban extensions allocated in Tiverton and Cullompton, each requiring a master-planning exercise to be carried out before planning applications are considered. Both urban extensions are mixed use, including employment land, community facilities and significant areas of open space as well as housing. The Local Plan review will assess the broad strategy for development, including the principle of large scale mixed use urban extensions as opposed to small scale dispersed housing sites.


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Affordability remains a critical issue, and with the Mid Devon population having risen 11% between 2001 and 2011, the Core Strategy housing target may not have been set high enough to meet housing demand. However, there are many available and achievable housing sites in Mid Devon that are yet to be developed. Their failure to come forward is likely the result of poor economic climate and difficulties in obtaining development finance, rather than an issue of land availability. the Mid Devon Local Housing Needs and Demand Survey indicated a need for 335 affordable dwellings each year to address the backlog of unmet need over the past ten years. The options for housing development are:

1. Retain the existing strategy directing development towards the largest settlements…. Cullompton 28%

2. Disperse development more widely …allowing larger villages to expand and reducing the pressure on the three main towns

3. A new settlement or significant expansion of an existing village to meet the district’s entire development need

4. The outcomes of the SHMA and subsequent viability evidence will influence targets and requirements.

No master planning of the urban extension to Cullompton has yet commenced and there are no proposals for the site to be brought forward in the near future, though some land owners have recently confirmed that the site is still available for development.The Local Plan review must reconsider all available options and allocates sites in Cullompton that are likely to be delivered, while minimising environmental impacts. Without the urban extension there are insufficient sites in Cullompton to meet long-term housing need and demand….It is likely that additional or larger sites will need to be identified to meet needs up to 2013. The options for Cullompton are:

1. Retain the current strategy – North West Cullompton Urban extension as a primary site allocation and the Eastern Relief Road to pass through the CCA fields.

2. Find an alternative growth option such as a different location for an urban extension, or multiple smaller sites around Cullompton, as long as highways infrastructure can be delivered.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM15 - Design of HousingNew housing development should be designed to deliver:a) High quality local places taking into account physical context, local character, density and land use mix;b) Adequate levels of daylight, sunlight and privacy to private amenity spaces and principal windows;c) Suitably sized rooms and overall floorspace which allows for adequate storage and movement within the building together with external space for recycling, refuse and cycle storage;d) Adaptable dwellings that can accommodate a range of occupiers and their changing needs over time which will include the provision of a stairway suitable for stair-lift installation or space for the provision of a lift in homes with more than one storey;e) Private amenity space that reflects the size, location, floorspace and orientation of the property;f) Sustainable forms of development that maximise the natural benefits of the site through design, materials, technology and orientation;g) On sites of 10 houses or more the provision of 20% of dwellings built to the lifetime homes standard;h) Car parking in accordance with Policy DM/8.


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Mid Devon Local plan part 2AL/DE/2 - Overall Affordable Housing Provision2000 or more affordable dwellings should be provided between 2006 – 2026, of which about 60% should be social rented and 40% intermediate.

AL/DE/3 Affordable Housing Site TargetOpen market housing sites of more than 4 dwellings within the settlements of Tiverton, Cullompton, Crediton and Bampton, and of more than 2 dwellings elsewhere should provide affordable housing. A target of 35% affordable housing will be applied to the number of dwellings by which sites exceed the relevant threshold;

AL/DE/4 - Occupation of Affordable HousingThe occupation of affordable housing will be limited to households in need of affordable housing in accordance with appropriate officially published criteria such as those used by the Housing Authority for social rented housing and the Homes and Communities Agency for intermediate housing.

AL/DE/5 Inclusive Design and LayoutHousing sites to which policy AL/DE/3 applies should be developed to ensure the creation of inclusive, mixed communities as follows:a) Affordable and market housing on a site should be the same mix of sizes and visually indistinguishable from each other;b) Affordable and market dwellings should be intermixed within the site, avoiding any particular concentrations in any part of the site;c) Affordable housing should be provided broadly in step with the market housing as the development progresses.

AL/CU/1 North West CullomptonA site of 74.8 hectares to the North West of Cullompton is allocated for mixed-use development, subject to the following: a) 1100 dwellings with 35% affordable housing to include at least 5pitches for gypsies and travellers;b) 40000 square metres of B1 or other suitable employment fl oorspace;c) Transport provision to ensure appropriate accessibility for all modes;d) Environmental protection and enhancement;e) Community facilities to meet local needs arising;f) Carbon reduction and air quality improvements;g) An agreed phasing strategy to bring forward development and infrastructure in step and retain the overall viability of development;h) A public master-planning exercise to be undertaken before any planning application is made.

AL/CU/9 Court FarmA site of 5 hectares at Court Farm is allocated for residential development, of 150 dwellings, with 35% affordable housing;

AL/CU/10 Padbrook ParkA site of 0.8 hectares to the east of Padbrook Park is allocated for housing development, subject to the following of 30 dwellings, with 35% affordable housing;


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AL/CU/11 Exeter RoadA site of 1.4 hectares to the south side of Exeter Road is allocated for housing development of 45 dwellings, with 35% affordable housing;

AL/CU/20 ColebrookA site of 4.8 hectares at Colebrook is identified as a contingency site for residential development, to be released in accordance with policy AL/DE/1 subject to the following:a) 100 dwellings with 35% affordable housing;b) Provision of two points of access from Siskin Chase;c) Provision of 2.7 hectares of Green Infrastructure, to include the retention of land in the floodplain as informal amenity open space;d) Measures to protect and strengthen trees, hedgerows and other environmental features which contribute to the character and biodiversity, maintaining a wildlife network within the site andlinking to the surrounding countryside

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR 14 - Core Strategy Policy for CullomptonCullompton will continue to develop as a small, growing market town with an expanding rural hinterland in the Culm Valley and adjacent areas. The strategy will aim to increase the self-sufficiency of the town and its area by improving access to housing, employment and services for its population and nearby rural areas. Proposals will provide for the following average annual development rates: 67 market dwellings; 28 affordable dwellings


Document and Date:Community Housing Strategy for Mid Devon 2010-15

Relevant Policies:Vision - Mid Devon’s housing vision is to provide good quality housing both in terms of the condition and surroundings of existing stock and the supply of new housing. We will also provide information, advice and assistance to help residents maintain or improve their housing circumstances. This ambition will be constrained by the resources available to the Council.Affordable housing is more likely to be provided in the 3 main towns due to general development and provision through Section 106 Agreements.The Devon Extra Care Strategy seeks to make provision in the 3 main towns of Tiverton, Cullompton and Crediton – priority is to find a suitable site in Tiverton for an Extra Care Facility.To maximise the provision of all types of intermediate housing such as shared ownership, shared equity and intermediate rent through the use of Section 106 agreements, commuted sums and Homes and Community Agency funding.When the Eastern Extension to Tiverton and the North Extension to Cullompton developments are progressed, Gypsy and Traveller sites will be provided as part of the affordable housing provision.


Cullompton Town Council supports policies that: review existing land allocations particularly in the vicinity of Tiverton Road increase the overall allocation of land suitable for housing development to allow for a

sustainable increase in the town’s population expand housing in that locality with a new school for the area

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Document and Date:Sustainable Community Strategy for Mid Devon 2010-15

Relevant Policies:Meeting Housing Needs:• Increase the number of affordable housing units• Review the housing support needs of older people and develop an older people’s strategy to meet those needs


4. Current Situation and CircumstancesThe 2011 Census provides us with a relatively up-to-date and detailed breakdown of the neighbourhood area’s population.

Cullompton - Age Structure 2011No. %

Age 0 to 4 548 6.4Age 5 to 7 288 3.4Age 8 to 9 181 2.1

Age 10 to 14 453 5.3Age 15 116 1.4

Age 16 to 17 194 2.3Age 18 to 19 186 2.2Age 20 to 24 486 5.7Age 25 to 29 545 6.4Age 30 to 44 1,714 20.2Age 45 to 59 1,693 19.9Age 60 to 64 541 6.4Age 65 to 74 794 9.3Age 75 to 84 529 6.2Age 85 to 89 143 1.7

Age 90 & over 88 1.0total population 8499 100


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The growth in the area’s over the past ten years is shown below:

Area: growthCullompton +945 +10.8%Mid Devon +7,976 +11.4%

Devon +41,906 +5.9%UK +15.5%

Cullompton – Housing Tenure 2011No. %

Owned; Owned Outright 1,155 32.6Owned; Owned with a Mortgage or Loan 1,298 36.7

Shared Ownership (Part Owned and Part Rented) 31 0.9Social Rented; Rented from Council (Local Authority) 278 7.9

Social Rented; Other 194 5.5Private Rented; Private Landlord or Letting Agency 481 13.6

Private Rented; Other 50 1.4Living Rent Free 51 1.4

total households 3538 100.0

Recent Planning ApplicationsOver the past five years the following applications have been received and considered by the local planning authority for schemes involving 3 or more dwellings:

Applications of 3 Dwellings or more in CullomptonErection of extension and alterations to provide 2 retail units and 3 flats, and erection of 8 flats Harlequin Valet Ltd 19 High Street Cullompton Ref. No: 08/01039/FULL | Received: Thu 05 Jun 2008 Status: Application Refused Conversion of 1 dwelling into 3 dwellings and erection of 4 flats Rices Cottage 9 New Inn Court Cullompton Ref. No: 08/00942/FULL | Received: Thu 22 May 2008 Status: Not Available Erection of 10 apartments and 2 dwellings with associated access drives and parking facilities Land at Shortlands Lane Cullompton Ref. No: 08/00762/MFUL | Received: Tue 22 Apr 2008 Status: Application Permitted Outline for the erection of 5 dwellings following demolition of 1 dwelling (appeal dismissed) 18 Exeter Road Cullompton Ref. No: 08/00635/OUT | Received: Thu 03 Apr 2008 Status: Application Refused Conversion of 1 dwelling into 3 dwellings and erection of 4 flats (Revised scheme) Rices Cottage 9 New Inn Court Cullompton Ref. No: 08/01609/FULL | Received: Thu 28 Aug 2008 Status: Application PermittedErection of extension and alterations to provide 1 retail unit and 5 flats, and erection of 1 single-storey dwelling to rear (Revised Scheme) 19 High Street Cullompton Ref. No: 09/00710/FULL | Received: Mon 18 May 2009 Status: Application PermittedErection of 17 dwellings with associated parking and new access road following demolition of existing dwelling (Revised Scheme) Hillcrest Willand Road Cullompton Ref. No: 09/01867/MFUL | Received: Wed 23 Dec 2009 Status: Application PermittedErection of 3 dwellings following demolition of existing dwelling 88 Exeter Road Cullompton Ref. No: 09/01745/FULL | Received: Mon 30 Nov 2009 Status: Application PermittedErection of 4 dwellings and associated works Land Adjacent to Westway Heating (Tiverton) Ltd St Andrews Road Cullompton


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Ref. No: 09/01482/FULL | Received: Wed 07 Oct 2009 Status: Application RefusedErection of 3 dwellings and associated works (Revised Scheme) (non-material amendment granted - 05 April 2011) Land at Shortlands Lane Cullompton Ref. No: 09/01297/FULL | Received: Wed 02 Sep 2009 Status: Application PermittedErection of 80 dwellings and associated works Land and Buildings at (Court Farm) Cullompton Ref. No: 09/01115/MFUL | Received: Mon 27 Jul 2009 Status: Application PermittedErection of 17 dwellings with associated parking and new access road following demolition of existing dwelling Hillcrest Willand Road Cullompton Ref. No: 09/01081/MFUL | Received: Tue 21 Jul 2009 Status: Application PermittedErection of 49 dwellings and associated works (non material amendment granted 11th July 2011) Land at Tiverton Road Cullompton Ref. No: 10/00462/MFUL | Received: Fri 26 Mar 2010 Status: Application PermittedReserved Matters for the erection of 233 dwellings and associated works involving roads following outline approval 08/01879/MOUT NON MATERIAL AMENDMENT - GRANTED Land between Knowle Lane and Tiverton Road) Tiverton Road Cullompton Revised scheme for plots 214-220 and 222-224 on planning approval 09/01115/MFUL to replace 6 two bed apartments, two coach houses and two three bed houses, with 5 detached housesErection of 56 dwellings and associated works (Revised Scheme) Land and Buildings at Court Farm Cullompton Ref. No: 10/01838/MFUL | Received: Wed 01 Dec 2010 |Status: Application RefusedReserved Matters for the erection of 28 dwellings, landscaping, open space/play areas and associated works following outline approval 08/01879/MOUT - NON MATERIAL AMENDMENT GRANTED 4TH MAY 2012. Land between Knowle Lane & Tiverton Road Cullompton Ref. No: 10/01722/MARM | Received: Mon 08 Nov 2010 Status: Application PermittedReserved Matters for the erection of 233 dwellings and associated works involving roads following outline approval 08/01879/MOUT Land between Knowle Lane and Tiverton Road Cullompton Ref. No: 10/00040/MARM/NMA | Received: Wed 20 Oct 2010 Status: Application PermittedErection of 9 dwellings in place of 14 houses and apartments previously approved (part revised scheme) Land and Buildings Court Farm Cullompton Ref. No: 11/00965/FULL | Received: Wed 22 Jun 2011 Status: Application PermittedErection of 49 dwellings and associated works Land at Tiverton Road Cullompton Ref. No: 10/00462/MFUL/NMA | Received: Mon 13 Jun 2011 Status: Application PermittedErection of 10 apartments and 2 dwellings with associated access drives and parking facilities (non material amendment refused - 17th June 2011 nmaa granted December 2011) Land at NGR 301917 107216 Shortlands Lane Cullompton Devon EX5 5LT Ref. No: 08/00762/MFUL | Received: Tue 22 Apr 2008 | Validated: Mon 19 May 2008 | Status: Application Permitted Erection of 56 dwellings and associated works (revised scheme) Land and Buildings at Court Farm Cullompton Ref. No: 11/00693/MFUL | Received: Wed 04 May 2011 Status: Application WithdrawnErection of 9 dwellings in place of 16 houses and apartments previously approved (part revised scheme) Land and Buildings at Court Farm Cullompton Ref. No: 11/00593/FULL | Received: Mon 18 Apr 2011 Status: Application WithdrawnErection of 15 dwellings with construction of new vehicular access (revised scheme) Padbrook Park Cullompton Ref. No: 11/00526/MFUL | Received: Tue 05 Apr 2011 |Status: Application PermittedErection of 10 apartments and 2 dwellings with associated access drives and parking facilities Land at Shortlands Lane Cullompton Ref. No: 08/00762/MFUL/NMAA | Received: Mon 21 Nov 2011 Status: Application PermittedErection of 24 dwellings Land at Former Cullompton United Charities Land Off Knowle Lane Cullompton Ref. No: 11/01533/MFUL | Received: Mon 26 Sep 2011 Status: Application PermittedErection of 9 dwellings in place of 14 houses and apartments previously approved (part revised scheme) Land and Buildings at Court Farm Cullompton Ref. No: 11/00965/FULL | Received: Wed 22 Jun 2011 Status: Application PermittedErection of 49 dwellings and associated works Land at Tiverton Road Cullompton Ref. No: 10/00462/MFUL/NMA | Received: Mon 13 Jun 2011 Status: Application PermittedErection of 10 apartments and 2 dwellings with associated access drives and parking facilities Land at Shortlands Lane Cullompton


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Ref. No: 08/00762/MFUL/NMA | Received: Wed 01 Jun 2011 Status: Application RefusedErection of 10 apartments and 2 dwellings with associated access drives and parking facilities Land at Shortlands Lane Cullompton Ref. No: 08/00762/MFUL/NMAA | Received: Mon 21 Nov 2011 Status: Application PermittedErection of 24 dwellingsLand at Former Cullompton United Charities Land Off Knowle Lane Cullompton Ref. No: 11/01533/MFUL | Received: Mon 26 Sep 2011 Status: Application PermittedReserved Matters for the erection of 28 dwellings, landscaping, open space/play areas and associated works following outline approval 08/01879/MOUT Land between Knowle Lane & Tiverton Road Cullompton Ref. No: 10/01722/MARM/NMA | Received: Thu 03 May 2012 Status: Application PermittedErection of 3 dwellings and formation of access Stoneleigh 24 Tiverton Road Cullompton Ref. No: 12/00192/FULL | Received: Mon 06 Feb 2012 Status: Application PermittedApplication to replace extant planning permission 09/00710/FULL (to extend time limit). Erection of extension and alterations to provide 1 retail unit and 5 flats, and erection of 1 single-storey dwelling to rear (Revised Scheme) (appeal withdrawn 19.07.2013) 19 High Street Cullompton Ref. No: 12/01534/FULL | Received: Fri 26 Oct 2012 Status: Application PermittedOutline for the erection of up to 120 dwellings, formation of vehicular access, internal road layout, car parking, open space, landscaping, services and infrastructure and all other associated development, following demolition of existing glasshouses Land and Buildings at Former Cummings Nursery Culm Lea Cullompton Ref. No: 13/00859/MOUT | Received: Mon 17 Jun 2013 Status: Pending DecisionErection of 2 dwellings, 1 coach house and associated works (Revised Scheme) Westway Heating (Tiverton) Ltd St Andrews Road Cullompton Ref. No: 13/00168/FULL | Received: Thu 31 Jan 2013 Status: Application PermittedOutline for the erection of 285 dwellings including green infrastructure, public open space, vehicle access points, internal roads, pedestrian/cycle links and associated works Land North Of Knowle Lane Knowle Cullompton Ref. No: 13/00035/MOUT | Received: Mon 07 Jan 2013 Status: Pending Decision

5. Future Needs


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6. Housing Land SupplyMid Devon District Council is undertaking a new Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA). “The SHLAA serves two key purposes:

It identifies sites with the potential for development for housing, estimates the number of dwellings that could be built and assesses when this is likely to happen

It assesses the 5 year supply of deliverable housing sites in accordance with national policyThe assessment forms part of the evidence base which informs the preparation of the district's new Local Plan, which will supersede the existing adopted Core Strategy and Allocations and Infrastructure Development Plan Document.”8

In the absence of the latest SHLAA we have referred to the 2010 document. It identifies and assesses the following sites in the Cullompton area. It found sites suitable to provide 4,264 dwellings up to 2026. The sites considered and either accepted as part of the SHLAA calculation or rejected as unsuitable are listed in the table below:

Mid Devon SHLAA 2010 – Cullompton Housing Site AssessmentRef. Address Area (ha) Dwellings SHLAA Panel Comments:

CU 1 Court Farm 3.7 119 Remaining un-consented part of the LP allocation

CU 2 Knowle Lane 9.1 300 Planning permission for 300 units

CU 3 Tiverton Road 1.4 45 Application expected for 45 dwellings

CU 4 St. Andrews Church 0.6 36 Not available

CU 5 Exeter Hill 1.5 90 Not available

1 North West Cullompton 55.6 3,3392 West of Knowle 7.8 2503 Colebrook 18.7 1,122 not achievable if has to fund expensive offsite road

4 Between Court Farm and Willand Rd 0.6 19 Consent for 14, this is the un-consented remainder

5 Higher Orchard 0.9 29 Not available

6 College Road 0.2 15 Not available

7 Forge Way 0.15 98 Shortlands 0.1 49 Lower Bull Ring 0.3 23 Unlikely to be available for housing development

10 Colebrook Lane 0.1 4 Not available

11 Padbrook Park 0.8 2612 Exeter Road 1.5 48

sites deemed not suitable:NS1 Rull Farm 41.6 2,499NS 2 Heron's Bank Farm 1.8 58 91% in Flood Zone 3b, 2% in Flood Zone 2

NS 3 Merrimeade Farm 0.8 10NS 4 Westbrook, Willand Road 0.2 8NS 5 Square Close, Station Road 0.1 4 In Flood Zone 3a. Site size too small for inclusion

NS 6 Monks Walk, Fore Street 0.3 23 Not achievable due to access

NS 7 East Culm Farm 18.2 583 Planning application expected in near future

8 MDDC website, November 2013Cullompton NP Evidence Base

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7. Conclusions



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Local Economy


Employment

What do people do to earn a living? To what extent is unemployment or under-employment a local issue?Where are the jobs? And what are they?What is the impact of commuting? What local skills are there?What are the employment and training needs?What are the prospects for young people and those with special needs?Is there a need for more local employment? Is there adequate space for businesses to grow?Is there a demand for people to work from home? Are there particular infrastructure needs to support home working?

Retail and Commerce

How important are village retail and commercial outlets?What are the retail trends?What can be done to improve the retail experience?What are the local business trends and opportunities?


Policy Area – Economy & EmploymentNational Planning Policy Framework Local planning authorities should:

Support existing business sectors, taking account of whether they are expanding or contracting and, where possible, identify and plan for new or emerging sectors likely to locate in their area. Policies should be flexible enough to accommodate needs not anticipated in the plan and to allow a rapid response to changes in economic circumstances

plan positively for the location, promotion and expansion of clusters or networks of knowledge driven, creative or high technology industries

identify priority areas for economic regeneration, infrastructure provision and environmental enhancement

facilitate flexible working practices such as the integration of residential and commercial uses within the same unit

Planning policies should aim for a balance of land uses within their area so that people can be encouraged to minimise journey lengths for employment, shopping, leisure, education and other activities.Planning policies should avoid the long term protection of sites allocated for employment use where there is no reasonable prospect of a site being used for that purpose.Planning policies should avoid the long term protection of sites allocated for employment use where there is no reasonable prospect of a site being used for that purpose.

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013The Core Strategy’s aspiration for employment growth has not been matched by demand fro development… there has been low take up of allocated employment sites, so the Local Plan Review must consider the reasons for this. For instance how much is due to a poor economic climate, have the right sites been allocated, and what is the demand for employment space in Mid Devon.If a land allocation for Junction 27 is pursued, this may require the removal of employment allocations at


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Cullompton.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM21 - Employment Development Outside Settlement LimitsIn countryside locations, planning permission will be granted for new-build employment development or expansion of existing businesses, provided that the development is of an appropriate use and scale for its location. Proposals must demonstrate that:a) The development would not lead to an unacceptable impact on the local road network;b) There would not be an unacceptable adverse impact to the character and appearance of the countryside; andc) There are insufficient suitable sites or premises in the immediate area to meet the needs of the proposal.

DM22 Protection of Employment LandThe development of allocated employment land for non-employment uses will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that there is no reasonable prospect for employment development within five years of allocation or planning permission being granted. The development of existing employment land for non-employment uses will be permitted provided that there are not strong economic reasons why such development would be inappropriate.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2AL/CU/13 Week FarmA 10.5 hectare site is allocated for employment development, subject to the following:a) Provision of 15000 square metres of employment floor space;b) Provision of a vehicular link from the Kingsmill employment area to Honiton Road;c) Development shall not commence until the completion of necessary improvements to M5 Junction 28;d) Development of B2 and B8 uses only;

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR 14 - Core Strategy Policy for CullomptonCullompton will continue to develop as a small, growing market town with an expanding rural hinterland in the Culm Valley and adjacent areas. The strategy will aim to increase the self-sufficiency of the town and its area by improving access to housing, employment and services for its population and nearby rural areas. Proposals will provide for an average annual development rate of 4,000 square metres employment gross floorspace.

Policy Area - RetailNational Planning Policy Framework Local planning authorities should:

recognise town centres as the heart of their communities and pursue policies to support their viability and vitality

promote competitive town centres that provide customer choice and a diverse retail offer and which reflect the individuality of town centres

retain and enhance existing markets and, where appropriate, re-introduce or create new ones, ensuring that markets remain attractive and competitive;

allocate a range of suitable sites to meet the scale and type of retail, leisure, commercial, office, tourism, cultural, community and residential development needed in town centres. It is important


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that needs for retail, leisure, office and other main town centre uses are met in full and are not compromised by limited site availability

allocate appropriate edge of centre sites for main town centre uses that are well connected to the town centre where suitable and viable town centre sites are not available

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013Option 1 [the only published option] is to continue with a similar policy approach to the one previously adopted, which:

Protects and enhances town centres, applying a sequential approach that directs development to the town centre first, in accordance with national policy

Provides for some retail growth in Tiverton…

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM/17 - town centre development The Council will promote the sustainable growth and regeneration of Tiverton, Cullompton, Crediton and Bampton. Within defined town centres, development proposals for retail, leisure, commercial, office,tourism, cultural, community and residential development will be supported where they:a) Retain or enhance the town centre’s historic character and appearance, vitality and viability;b) Sustain or enhance diverse town centre uses and customer choice, incorporating residential accommodation above ground floor level where possible; andc) Are readily accessible by public transport, walking and cycling.Within defined primary shopping areas, the shopping function will be safeguarded and enhanced. Development and change of use of ground floor premises to alternative uses will not be permitted where:i) The primary retail role and character is undermined, causing unacceptable fragmentation and isolation of the remaining shops;ii) The proposed use would harm the vitality and viability of the primary shopping area;iii) The proportion of A1 retail uses would fall below 65% of all units within the primary shopping frontage; oriv) There would be a detrimental effect on the visual character and amenities of the surrounding area.

DM/18 - Development outside town centres Within Tiverton, Cullompton, Crediton and Bampton the Council will apply a sequential approach to planning applications for main town centre uses, according to the following descending order of preference: a) Town centre; b) Edge of town centre; c) Out of town centreEdge of centre and other out of centre proposals must be well related to the town centre and accessible by public transport, walking and cycling.Proposals in these locations must also demonstrate that no suitable sites are available in a more sustainable location according to the order of preference given above.The Council will require an impact assessment to be submitted for any proposals for retail and leisure development outside of town centres, where the proposed gross floorspace would exceed 500 square metres.

DM20 – Rural shopping…..Adjacent to defined villages and elsewhere in the open countryside, proposals for retail development must demonstrate that:a) The location and scale of the development would not harmthe vitality and viability of town centre or village shopping facilities;b) The development would not lead to an unacceptable impact on the local road network; andc) There would not be an unacceptable adverse impact to the character and appearance of the


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countryside.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2AL/CU/12 – allocates the magistrates court and former health centre for community facilities Al/CU/17 – indicates that the Council will work with its partners to improve Cullompton town centre through measures including physical regeneration and enhancement. The policy also notes that all development in Cullompton will make a contribution to this enhancement.

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR 14 - Core Strategy Policy for CullomptonCullompton will continue to develop as a small, growing market town with an expanding rural hinterland in the Culm Valley and adjacent areas. The strategy will aim to increase the self-sufficiency of the town and its area by improving access to housing, employment and services for its population and nearby rural areas.The Council will guide high quality development and other investment to:d) Promote the removal of through traffic from the town centre h) Manage the town centre so that economic regeneration and heritage reinforce each other by promoting new homes, shops, leisure, offices and other key town centre uses which are well designed and contribute to vitality and viability, including an additional 1,950 square metres of convenience and 700 square metres of comparison net retail floorspace by 2016 in accordance with the sequential and other PPS6 retail policy considerations;



Relevant Policies:Building the Local Economy• Increase the amount of land available for business development• Work with local businesses to reduce the number of empty shops in our market towns,• Improve training opportunities and support young people into work• Increase broadband speeds in rural areas

Other Current Strategy Strategy Body:

Document and Date:

Relevant Policies:


Cullompton Town Council supports policies that: increase of land for industrial estates increase of land for new retail outlets improve and simplify planning for retail within the core of the town market Cullompton as a place to attract inward investment expand the fibre computer connection to the Industrial estates and hinterland of

Cullompton attract new businesses and new shops increase the amount of available commercial land allocate substantially more land at Kingsmill Industrial Estate for development with a road

appropriate for HGV’s linking the Estate to the A3703 Honiton Road expand the amount of land allocated at Kingsmill Industrial Estate that will allow for a

variety of units, small, medium and large and very large to be developed bring about a economic development of the Alexandria Industrial Estate to provide

additional shopping facilities for the town bring about improvement and economic regeneration of Long Meadow Industrial Estate lead to new retail shops on larger housing developments that are some distance from the

town centre provide large retail space suitable for large national companies that will act as anchor

points for other developments

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4. Current Situation and CircumstancesThis summary description of Cullompton and its economic situation was made as part of a district profile for Mid Devon in 2011. “Cullompton is situated on the banks of the River Culm and at a junction of the M5 Motorway, 12 miles north of Exeter. In aggregate, Cullumpton’s 8,500 residents are slightly younger than the Devon average, with almost 49% aged 39 or younger (compared to 43% in Devon, but 53% nationally)4. This relative youth is driven by a large proportion of ‘young families living in newer homes’ (Mosaic Group B)5. Significant employers in Cullompton include a Tesco supermarket and the collection of businesses operating at the Kingsmill Industrial Estate. Employers at the industrial estate include: Gregory Disribution, a food storage and distribution firm; St Regis, the UK’s largest specialist manufacturer of recycled coloured papers; plus a flour mill, milk depot, and an industrial clothing shop. The arrival of the Tesco supermarket in late 2008 prompted a local discussion of the town’s economic character and its future prospects. At the time, the Cullompton town mayor said "Cullompton was in decline long before Tesco came here". A survey of traders in Cullompton revealed that the majority thought the town’s atmosphere and appearance deterred shoppers. Just north of Cullompton at Willand, the Two Sisters poultry processing plant employs almost 800 people.”9

9 Assembling the evidence base for the Local Economic Assessment District Profile - Mid Devon A Final Report to Devon County Council, SQW May 2011


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Cullompton - Economic Activity (residents 16-74) 2011No. %

Economically Active; Employee; Part-Time 979 15.9Economically Active; Employee; Full-Time 2,665 43.3

Economically Active; Self-Employed 642 10.4Economically Active; Unemployed 177 2.9

Economically Active; Full-Time Student 128 2.1Economically Inactive; Retired 867 14.1

Economically Inactive; Student (Including Full-Time Students) 159 2.6Economically Inactive; Looking After Home or Family 214 3.5

Economically Inactive; Long-Term Sick or Disabled 250 4.1Economically Inactive; Other 72 1.2

Unemployed; Age 16 to 24 57 0.9Unemployed; Age 50 to 74 37 0.6

Unemployed; Never Worked 19 0.3Long-Term Unemployed 62 1.0

Cullompton - Occupation of Resident Population (16-74 in employment) 2011No. %

1. Managers, Directors and Senior Officials 419 9.52. Professional Occupations 477 10.9

3. Associate Professional and Technical Occupations 440 10.04. Administrative and Secretarial Occupations 477 10.9

5. Skilled Trades Occupations 678 15.46. Caring, Leisure and Other Service Occupations 464 10.6

7. Sales and Customer Service Occupations 447 10.28. Process, Plant and Machine Operatives 419 9.5

9. Elementary Occupations 569 13.0100.0

JobsThe Mid Devon Sustainable Community Strategy recognises that “over a third of the resident population commutes out of the district for work, particularly from the Crediton and Cullompton areas. There are a high proportion of part-time and self-employed workers. There are also a growing number of older people who are dependent on benefits and pensions for their income.” The strategy states the challenge is:•” to raise the earnings of people on median and low incomes by improving the skills base through training and education• to encourage businesses to set up or locate in Mid Devon, by providing sufficient land and premises for business development”

EmployersFrom MD Employment Land Review: “Cullompton developed around the woollen industry. Significant employers in Cullompton include a Tesco supermarket and businesses located on Kingsmill Industrial Estate. Employers at the industrial estate include: Gregory Distribution, a food storage and distribution


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firm; St Regis, the UK’s largest specialist manufacturer of recycled coloured papers; plus a flour mill, milk depot, and an industrial clothing shop.”

From MD Employment Land Review: “The arrival of the Tesco supermarket in late 2008 prompted a local discussion of the town’s economic character and its future prospects. At the time, the Cullompton town mayor said "Cullompton was in decline long before Tesco came here". A survey of traders in Cullompton revealed that the majority thought the town’s atmosphere and appearance deterred shoppers.”

Employment Land SupplyFrom MD Employment Land Review: A significant proportion of the employment land supply [in Mid Devon] is focused on the following key sites:

South of Kingsmill Road, Cullumpton: 6.3 hectares (consented); Week Farm, Cullompton: 5.1 hectares (consented) and 10.5 hectares (allocated); NW Cullompton Urban Extension: 11.5 hectares (allocated); Willand Industrial Estate: 9.7 hectares (consented); Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension: 27.1 hectares (allocated).

“A number of these sites are well located, with the Kingsmill Road and Week Farm sites in Cullompton located close to Junction 28 of the M5. We would expect these sites to provide an opportunity to meet ‘footloose’ sub-regional requirements and thus to attract inward investment to Mid Devon. We would expect the demand profile for these sites to particularly be focused on B8 uses, albeit that there is potential to attract B1 and B2 activities to these site as well.….. Furthermore a significant proportion of the employment land supply is focused at Cullompton. This comprises around 22 hectares of land for employment around the existing Kings Mill IndustrialEstate, which would…. almost double the scale of employment land provision in this area.In addition, a further 11.5 hectares is proposed as part of the North-West Urban Extension. Arguably we consider it unlikely that the market will be able to support this scale of additional employment land provision over the period to 2031 in Cullompton.”

Kings Mill Industrial Estate, CullomptonFrom MD Employment Land Review: “This is a large, well occupied industrial estate (24 hectares) situated to the east of Cullompton, separated from the main urban area by the M5 motorway. It benefits from excellent links to the motorway network and local distributor roads, and good internal road network. It is one of the best located employment sites in the District.As a result of its strong strategic accessibility, the industrial estate is characterised by mainly B8 uses within large-scale purpose built units, mainly dealing with the storage and distribution of foodstuffs. There are areas of B1 (light industrial) and B2 units in smaller units towards the front of the estate at its south-west end. The main users within the site are Bako, Devon Grain, Gregory Distribution and ABN.A third of the existing estate at its SW end is within floodplain, and floodplain lies to the SE and NE.The site is generally of a good quality and well landscaped. There are a number of vacant areas of land to the N, E and SW of the estate that would be capable of development for employment purposes. A vacant plot to the SE of the Bako unit has a spur off the internal estate road and is therefore available for development. This area (6.3 hectares in size) has planning consent for employment development. In addition, works are taking place to the S/SE of the estate to form an access off the internal estate road to a proposed extension of the industrial estate. This is being marketed as 60,000 sqft of new production and distribution units on 3.46 hectares (9 acres), and benefits from planning permission (see Week Farm).This is a good quality, well located site with strong accessibility from the M5. Employment land policies should protect the existing site for employment in B-class and associated sui generis uses.”


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“Week Farm, Cullompton (Consented Scheme and AL/CU/13)This area of land comprises Gladman’s consented Cullompton Business Park development on a 5.1 hectare site to the south of the existing Kings Mill Industrial Estate, together with further Greenfield land at Week Farm, 10.5 hectares in size, to the south of this which is allocated within the AIDPD.The consented Cullompton Business Park scheme is a development by Gladman which has planning permission for 60,000 sqft employment floorspace with access via Kings Mill. This scheme is currently being marketed for development.To the south of this is the 10.5 hectare greenfield site at Week Farm allocated in the AIDPD for 15,000 sqm employment floorspace, limited to B2 and B8 uses. Development will require provision of a new junction onto A373 Honiton Road, with access link through the Cullompton Business Park scheme into the Kings Mill Industrial Estate.Development on the allocated site also cannot be commenced until completion of necessary improvement works to M5, Junction 28 and provision of access through the Cullompton Business Park scheme. Junction 28 is a short distance away and funding is in place to carry out initial slip-road improvements and other improvements to allow for increased capacity. This site cannot currently be regarded as immediately deliverable given the requirement for delivery of the link road to secure access to the land. However it could potentially be brought forward post 2017.Employment land at Cullompton Business Park and Week Farm benefits from its proximity and access to the M5 as well as Cullompton itself, which provides a local workforce catchment. It represents some of the best located employment land within the District with potential to meet sub-regional requirements for industrial and distribution floorspace in particular.

Cullompton North-West Urban Extension (AL/CU/1) This is a 74.8 hectare green-field site to the north of the existing settlement. It benefits from an attractive setting and adjoins B3181 Willand Road. The employment development will form part of a larger urban extension site, with land allocated for mixed residential and employment development and public open space in the AIDPD. The site is to be developed for 1100 dwellings and 40000 sqm of B1 or other suitable employment floorspace.The AIDPD states that the employment will be limited to low-impact office and/or light industrial uses and is likely to be located at the northern end of the site with visibility from B3181/Millennium Way.Development will require delivery of new junction(s) onto B3181 Willand Road and Tiverton Road and the Council’s existing policy is that the employment should be bought forward in step with the housing at 1 hectare per 100 occupied dwellings.Junction 28 of the M5 is a short distance away and funding is in place to carry out initial slip-road and other improvements to allow for increased capacity.The strategic access to this site is less strong relative to other employment allocations/ commitments in Cullompton; however it is envisaged that this will be improved through delivery of the Cullompton Eastern Relief Road (AL/CU/14).Given the significant level of consented employment land around the existing Kings Mill Industrial Estate, we do not consider that there is sufficient demand to support substantial employment land provision as part of the north-west urban extension. We consider that employment land provision at this location should be ‘differentiated’ from that around the Kings Mill Industrial Estate and Week Farm (which we would expect to focus on B2 and B8 uses).It would be appropriate therefore to plan for modest provision of employment floorspace focused on meeting demand from SMEs for B1 floorspace. Provision of around 2 hectares of employment land would be appropriate as part of the development with potential for up to 10,000 sq.m of employment floorspace.

Conclusions and Recommendations


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Cullompton is strategically well-located adjacent to the M5. The Kings Mill Industrial Estate is a successful employment site which should be protected for employment uses. Allocation of further land for employment, as set out in the AIDPD, is appropriate given the town’s strategic location on the M5 and potential to capture sub-regional manufacturing and distribution investment in particular.However the Council may consider rationalising provision of employment land at Cullompton to focus investment. There was 12.5 hectares of employment land with outstanding planning consent for development at Cullompton in March 2011, focused close to the established Kings Mill Industrial Estate. In addition to this there is a further 10.5 hectares of land allocated at Week Farm and provision made for around 11.5 hectares as part of the proposed NW Urban Extension. Taking account of the forecast demand, we would recommend that the Council considers rationalising the level of allocated land for employment at Cullompton.We would recommend that the Council seeks to focus employment land provision at Cullompton around the existing concentration of employment land at the Kings Mill Industrial Estate. This area includes around 11.6 hectares of land either allocated or with planning consent. In addition to this there is likely to be potential for development or redevelopment of land within the existing Kings Mill Industrial Estate. Given the level of supply within this area, we consider that there is no need for additional employment land allocations outside of the settlement boundary. Furthermore we consider that there is a case for rationalisation of employment land allocated within the north west urban extension. We consider that provision of around 2 hectares of employment provision (up to 10,000 sq.m) as part of the NW Urban Extension would be appropriate.

The Employment Land Review does not identify a requirement – in either quantitative or qualitative terms – for further employment land provision (either overall or for warehouse/ distribution uses). Indeed it suggests a rationalisation of employment land supply in Mid Devon. Provision of additional employment floorspace targeting industrial and distribution occupiers at Junction 27 could well result in the displacement of demand and thus affect take-up of existing employment land at Cullompton and Willand. If a Junction 27 strategy was to be considered, the strategy for employment land provision at Cullompton in particular thus might need to be reviewed.In our view there is a sufficient supply of existing sites which could accommodate warehouse and distribution uses in the sub-region including the consented and allocated land to the south of the Kings Mill Industrial Estate in Cullompton. This land lies within the settlement boundary of Cullompton providing better access to a local workforce and the potential to encourage sustainable travel.

Work to consider the feasibility of managed workspace and work hubs, providing affordable space on flexible terms in Tiverton and Cullompton, could be further considered subject to funding. More detailed feasibility analysis would be required to support capital investment in these areas, working with other partners including the County Council.”


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Cullompton Town CentreFrom MD Employment Land Review: “The arrival of the Tesco supermarket in late 2008 prompted a local discussion of the town’s economic character and its future prospects. At the time, the Cullompton town mayor said "Cullompton was in decline long before Tesco came here". A survey of traders in Cullompton revealed that the majority thought the town’s atmosphere and appearance deterred shoppers.”

GVA Grimley carried out a retail study for MDDC in 201/12. Information on the diversity of uses within Cullompton town centre was obtained from MDDC’s land use survey data, covering 2009-2012. This information indicates the composition of the town centre as follows:

Retail Composition of Cullompton town centre, 2009-2012Sector September 2009 January 2011 January 2012

No. % No. % No. %A1 Food 6 7 5 5 5 5A1 Non-Food 28 31 28 30 33 35A2 18 20 17 18 16 17A3 3 3 3 3 3 3A4 5 5 5 5 5 5A5 4 4 4 4 4 4D1 6 7 6 6 8 9D2 0 0 0 0 0 0Sui Generis 4 4 3 3 3 3Vacant 17 19 21 23 14 15TOTAL 91 100 93 100 93 100Source: MDDC. Figures may not add due to rounding

“The above data is useful as it shows the pattern of land use in Cullompton during the period after the opening of the Tesco supermarket on Station Road. It shows that there has been a small reduction in the number of convenience retail uses from 6 units in 2009 to 5 units in 2012. Convenience uses now occupy only 5% of all units in the town centre, which is a low proportion and the lowest of the three main town centres. In addition, whilst not part of the town centre, the former Somerfield store on Exeter Hill closed in August 2010. The remaining convenience goods stores within the town centre comprise a small Co-op convenience store, sandwich shop and a butcher.

In contrast to the small reduction in convenience uses, the number of comparison goods stores in the town centre has increase by 5 units between 2009 and 2011. In 2009, comparison goods retailers occupied 31% of all premises in the town centre and by January 2012 this had risen to 35% (although this is still much lower than Tiverton and Crediton). The comparison goods retail sector within Cullompton comprises local independent traders, with an absence of national multiple retailers apart from a Boots store. Local independent retailers present include those selling clothes, textiles, toys, fishing tackle, car parts, along with an opticians and a florist.

The proportion of service uses in Cullompton town centre has fallen from 32% to 29% between 2009 and 2012, with the cause of this fall being due to a reduction in the number of Class A2 uses in the centre. The number of Class A3, A4 and A5 uses has remained static between 2009-2012.

Within Use Class A2, national banks and building societies such as Nationwide, Natwest, Lloyds and HSBC are present, along with a number of estate agents, an accountant and a solicitor. The food and drink sector within classes A3-A5 includes public houses, a hotel, cafes and a small number of take-aways.


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Over the period 2009-2012, the number of vacant units in the town centre has changed noticeably. In 2009, there were 17 vacancies in the town centre, which represented 19% of all units in the town centre. By January 2011, vacancies had risen even further to 21 units, equivalent to 23% of all units, which is a significant level of vacancy and one which would have no doubt given cause for concern over the health of Cullompton town centre. However, between January 2011 and January 2012 there has been a fall in the proportion of vacant units to 15% which, whilst still a relatively high level (and the highest of the four centres covered in the MDDC study) is a sign that Cullompton is able to continue to attract new comparison goods retailers and non-retail uses such as health and beauty use and solicitors. However, this issue should remain a key area of interest for the Council and this is likely for form part of the retail strategy for Cullompton.”

Analysis of retail units above and below 100sq m in CullomptonUse Class

Units under 100sqm Units over 100sqm Total Units Proportionunder100sq m

Proportionover100sq mNo. % No. % No. %

A1F 4 8 0 0 4 5 100 0A1NF 20 38 10 38 30 38 67 33A2 9 27 7 27 16 21 56 44A3 2 4 1 4 3 4 67 33A4 1 2 4 15 5 6 20 80A5 3 6 0 0 3 4 100 0Vacant 13 25 4 15 17 22 76 24

“The proportion of convenience retail units under 100sq m is above average, as is the proportion of Class A5 and vacant units. In contrast, the proportion of sub-100sq m units occupied by A2 and A4 uses is below the town centre average. It will be noted that in all use classes apart from class A4 there is greater proportion of units under 100sq m gross, particularly in the A1, A3 and A5 sectors. In relation to vacant units, three-quarters of these units are under 100sq m gross.

Customer Views and BehaviourWithin the 2012 household survey, 103 respondents indicated that they visited Cullompton frequently, which is equivalent to 15% of all respondents (half the rate observed for Cullompton and one third of the rate in Tiverton). 38% of these respondents indicated that the main reason for visiting Cullompton town centre was for shopping purposes, followed by 7% for social/leisure reasons, 11% for work purposes and 16% visiting to use financial and other services. 7% of respondents indicated that the main reason for visiting the centre was for restaurants, cafes and public houses.

For those people who stated that they visited the town centre for shopping purposes, the following goods were normally bought:

• 2% bought clothes and shoes• 8% brought DIY and hardware goods• 79% bought food and groceries• 5% bought confectionery, tobacco, newspapers and magazines• 6% bought gifts and souvenirs• 15% bought personal and luxury goods• 21% bought services


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The survey indicates that 68% of people visit Cullompton town centre for shops and services because it’s close to home, with a further 7% indicating that it is close to place of work, whilst only 3% indicate that a key reason is due to the range of shops available.

In terms of the amount of money normally spent on shops and services in Cullompton, 27% of shoppers spend up to £20 per visit, whilst 19% spend between £20 and £50 and 31% spend over £50 per visit.

In terms of the average length of stay within the town centre:• 42% stay no longer than one hour• 14% spend between 1-2 hours in the centre; and• Only 5% spend over 2 hours within the centre.

The survey has also ascertained information on the frequency of visits to the town centre for different reasons:• For food shopping, 32% visit the centre either everyday, most days or, at the very least, 2-3 times a week. 27% of food shoppers visit once a week, whilst 32% visit the centre less frequently.• In contrast to food shopping, only 13% of shoppers visited Cullompton town centre more than once a week for non-food shopping purposes. 10% visit the centre for non-food shopping once a week, 7% visit once a fortnight, 18% visit once a month and 17% visit less often. 32% of visitor never use Cullompton town centre for non-food shopping.• For visits to services, 30% of visitors use the town centre once a week or more, with 8% visiting once a fortnight and 13% visiting once a month.• In terms of evening visits, 74% of regular visits to the town centre never visit Cullompton town centre in the evening. 3% of respondents visit more than once a week, 5% visit once a week and 17% visit less often.

The household survey has also ascertained mode of travel to the town centre. 71% of visitors arrive by car (as driver or passenger), 21% walk to the town centre and 7% travel by bus.

Survey respondents were also asked to state their likes, dislikes and suggested improvements to the centre. Like the other centres, a key positive area identified by respondents was that it was near/convenient (23%), although there was a relatively low response rate for other factors which included the character of the centre (3%), ease of parking (2%), safety (3%), the range of financial services (3%), the selection of multiple shops (3%) and selection of independent shops (1%). 28% of respondents stated that there was nothing that they liked about the centre, which is the highest rate amongst the three largest town centres in the District.

In terms of dislikes, the key issues raised were: difficultly parking (15%), expensive parking (3%), the poor selection of multiple shops (20% - a rate considerably higher than the other centres) and selection of independent shops (6%). 12% of respondents also commented about the unattractive environment and 5% noted the poor selection of services.

The most popular suggested improvements for Cullompton town centre are: develop more shopping facilities (14%), refurbish existing facilities (9%), provide a swimming pool (8%), provide a by-pass (3%), improve the choice of multiple shops (20%), improve the range of independent shops (18%), attract larger retailers (4%), improve the range of places to eat (3%), provide more parking spaces (11%) and reduce road congestion (5%).

SummarySince the 2004 Retail Study, the retail landscape in Cullompton has experienced significant change. The new Tesco supermarket on Station Road has now opened, following the original proposal in 2001, and the


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former Somerfield/Co-op store on Exeter Road has now closed. The town centre has had to cope with this change and it is clear that the number of convenience units in the centre has reduced since the last study and there has been a significant increase in vacant units in the centre. Whilst vacant units in the centre have reduced in recent years, they remain high and should be an area of focus for the Council going forwards. One area which should also remain a focus is the need to improve the physical environment within the centre in order that the overall attractiveness can be improved.

New Retail siteWithin Cullompton, the only allocated site close to the town centre and the only site which has been assessed for the purposes of this study is the former Magistrates Court site. This site lies at the southern edge of the Cullompton town centre and is allocated under Policy AL/CU/12 in the AIDPD for community and car parking uses. Part of this site has been redeveloped for a new library and the remainder lies vacant following the closure of the Magistrates Court use. We consider that the redevelopment / re-use of the remainder of this site will further enhance the southern gateway to the town centre and the site presents an opportunity to provide a range of land uses (including commercial, residential and community uses) although the existing allocation of community and car parking uses is entirely appropriate and the provision of additional car parking provision at the southern end of the town centre will be of benefit to the attractiveness of the centre.”

Cullompton – Retail Sector Recommendations [by GVA Grimley]Now that the new Tesco store in Cullompton has been developed, there is only a limited capacity for additional retail floorspace. Given the lack of potential development sites within and around the town centre, along with the lack of apparent commercial demand from the retail sector, we recommend that the Council concentrates its efforts upon maintaining and enhancing the existing stock of retail floorspace within the town centre, in order that retail/town centre property remains attractive to retailers and other commercial occupiers.

Within the 2004 Retail Study, a ‘no change’ approach was recommended for the future market share for both convenience and comparison goods shopping in Cullompton. For convenience goods retailing, this was on the basis of the commitment for a new supermarket on Station Road meeting both the outstanding quantitative and qualitative need for additional floorspace in the town. This store has now been provided and Cullompton is able to be more self-sufficient in terms of convenience goods shopping and whilst it is disappointing that the Somerfield/Co-op store on Exeter Hill has closed, there is no overriding need for the Council to intervene in the convenience goods sector in Cullompton to improve provision. Therefore, with a small amount of available additional quantitative capacity to support new convenience goods floorspace (assuming that the former Somerfield/Co-op store is not re-occupied by a convenience goods retailer), we recommend that a ‘no change’ approach is pursued by the Council in relation to the convenience goods retail sector in Cullompton.

Turning to comparison goods floorspace, the new Tesco store on Station Road includes a small comparison goods offer and this will have improved provision slightly since the previous study. Given the lack of commercially attractive retail development sites within Cullompton town centre, along with the apparent low level of demand from the retail sector, we do not consider that there is a strong current case for planning for an increase in Cullompton’s comparison goods market share. It appears to us that, instead, the Council should concentrate upon supporting existing provision within the town centre, ensuring that existing retailers are supported and existing retail floorspace refurbished/redeveloped in order to maintain and improve the attractiveness of the retail floorspace stock.”


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5. Future Needs

6. Conclusions



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Highways, Transport & Travel


Travel and Transport

What are the unmet transport needs?How adequate is the public transport network and services?How can motor transport use be reduced?What are the parking problems/issues?How can cycling be further encouraged and made safer?What improvements to the network and services are most needed?


Policy Area – Highways, Transport and TravelNational Planning Policy Framework Planning should…..actively manage patterns of growth to make the fullest possible use of public transport, walking and cycling, and focus significant development in locations which are or can be made sustainableDevelopments should be located and designed where practical to:

accommodate the efficient delivery of goods and supplies give priority to pedestrian and cycle movements, and have access to high quality public

transport facilities create safe and secure layouts which minimise conflicts between traffic and cyclists or

pedestrians, avoiding street clutter and where appropriate establishing home zones incorporate facilities for charging plug-in and other ultra-low emission vehicles consider the

needs of people with disabilities by all modes of transportLocal planning authorities should identify and protect, where there is robust evidence, sites and routes which could be critical in developing infrastructure to widen transport choice.

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013The route of the Eastern Relief Road through the Cullompton Community Association fields is still highly contentious but no alternative has been identified. The further growth of Cullompton is also constrained by the need for improvements to the motorway junction. Traffic congestion in the town centre is a significant on-going problem which can only be alleviated through the distribution of traffic on alternative or improved routes, and this must be partly funded by development. The traffic situation in Cullompton would also be improved by the re-opening of the Cullompton railway station.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM8 - ParkingDevelopment must provide an appropriate level of parking, taking into account:a) The accessibility of the site, including the availability of public transportb) The type, mix and use of development c) Local levels of car ownershipDesign must enable and encourage the maximum use of sustainable modes of transport, including


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provision for cyclists and low-emission vehicles. Infrastructure for electric vehicles should be built into the development…

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2107AL/CU/2 North West Cullompton Transport ProvisionAs part of the development of North West Cullompton, the following transport infrastructure will be provided at the expense of all new development within the site:a) Provision of a network of streets linking to the existing highway network, including a through route suitable for buses linking Tiverton Road to Willand Road;b) Provision of bus, pedestrian and cycle routes at appropriate locations throughout the development, creating an attractive, permeable network for non-car modes travelling within, into and out of the area;c) Cycle and pedestrian links to and from the town centre and within the mixed-use urban extension;d) Provision of a shared use path between Cullompton and Willand along the route of the B3181;e) Creation of footway and a shared use link along Millennium Way to allow access to retail and industrial estates;f) Implementation of Travel Plans and other non-traditional transport measures to minimise carbon footprint and air quality impacts.g) Bus service enhancements within, into and out of, the mixed-use urban extension;h) Bus service enhancements between Cullompton, Exeter, Tiverton Parkway and Tiverton.

AL/CU/14 Eastern Relief RoadAn Eastern Relief Road linking Station Road to Meadow Lane will be provided subject to the following:a) Public consultation exercise before the route is determined;b) Provision of replacement open space and sporting facilities within the Cullompton Community Association fields and/or elsewhere in Cullompton;c) Enhancement of the existing footpath to form a shared use foot and cycleway;

AL/CU/18 Enhanced Walking and Cycling routeAn opportunity for an enhanced cycling and walking route has been identified for Cullompton. As this proposal is not related to a specific development site the Community InfrastructureLevy will need to be in place in order to fund the following:Provision of a shared use surface and review of Public Right of Way alignment for the Cullompton footpath number 2 between Honiton Road and Old Hill at Last Bridge to enhance access between Eastern Cullompton and destinations in the south of the town such as the High School and Sports Centre.

AL/CU/19 Railway Station Car ParkLand is protected for future use as a car park to serve a reopened Cullompton Station.

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR 14 - Core Strategy Policy for CullomptonCullompton will continue to develop as a small, growing market town with an expanding rural hinterland in the Culm Valley and adjacent areas. The strategy will aim to increase the self-sufficiency of the town and its area by improving access to housing, employment and services for its population and nearby rural areas. The Council will guide high quality development and other investment to: ………


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d) Promote the removal of through traffic from the town centre g) Promote further public transport improvements within Cullompton and to other urban centres (particularly Tiverton and Exeter) and improve access to the rail network;

Policy Area – Access National Planning Policy Framework All developments that generate significant amounts of movement should be supported by a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment. Plans and decisions should take account of whether:

the opportunities for sustainable transport modes have been taken up depending on the nature and location of the site, to reduce the need for major transport infrastructure;

safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved for all people;

Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access.Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013no specific policy references

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3no specific policy references

Mid Devon Local plan part 2107AL/CU/2 North West Cullompton Transport ProvisionAs part of the development of North West Cullompton, the following transport infrastructure will be provided at the expense of all new development within the site: …….e) Creation of footway and a shared use link along Millennium Way to allow access to retail and industrial estates;

AL/CU/3North West Cullompton Environmental Protection and Green InfrastructureAs part of the development of North West Cullompton, the following environmental protection and enhancement measures will be implemented at the expense of all new development within the site: …...d) Protection and enhancement where possible of all existing Public Rights of Way;

AL/CU/18 Enhanced Walking and Cycling routeAn opportunity for an enhanced cycling and walking route has been identified for Cullompton. As this proposal is not related to a specific development site the Community Infrastructure Levy will need to be in place in order to fund the following:Provision of a shared use surface and review of Public Right of Way alignment for the Cullompton footpath ….. between Honiton Road and Old Hill at Last Bridge to enhance access between Eastern Cullompton and destinations in the south of the town such as the High School and Sports Centre.

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR 9Development and transport planning will be co-ordinated to improve accessibility for the whole community, reduce the need to travel by car and increase public transport use, cycling andwalking as follows:


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a) Meeting the social and economic needs of the community and future generations in locations most accessible to those who need to use them, taking account of interactions between uses and the potential for improving non-caraccessibility;d) Creating attractive environments which are accessible to all as far as possible;


Document and Date:

Relevant Policies:· Level of Development - Both the lower (1,600 Dwellings) and higher levels of development (1,900 Dwellings) appear acceptable. The Plans should however make provision for the recommended allocation set out in the adopted Mid Devon Core Strategy i.e. 1,900 dwellings including 325 already built and with planning permission.· Eastern Relief Road - The Plan should make provision for the delivery of the Eastern Relief Road (Meadow Lane to Station Road) as an essential requirement for Cullompton for both the lower and higher growth LDF strategy options.· Western Relief Road - Devon County Council's view is that without the Eastern Relief Road the proposed Western Relief Road would not meet the transportation strategy objectives for the town. The Western Relief Road should primarily serve 'local' traffic, complimenting the construction of the Eastern Relief Road. The alignment of the route (which should be assumed to become a bus route) should allow optimum access to bus stops for the surrounding development by walking. The linking of phase 1 and 2 of the Western Relief Road should be via site CU3 (local plan site).· M5 Junction 28 and associate roads - The junction and associated roads will need to be upgraded to accommodate existing and new development. Devon County Council is currently investigating the potential options with the Highways Agency.· New infrastructure – New infrastructure is required to serve the new development in Cullompton: including a new primary school, town centre enhancement, a new library this will also involve safeguarding the rail station site.


Cullompton Town Council supports policies that: provide an Eastern Relief Road, to relieve traffic congestion within the town lead to more roads such as Millennium Way and Swallow Way, providing a core critical

road network for the new housing developments make the High Street become one way from the Manner Hotel to the Library with short

term parking on one side of the road reduce HGV traffic in the High Street and more short term parking opportunities broaden Knowle Lane, alongside the rugby club, into a two lane road with a wide

pavement ready for future housing development provide for a railway station in Cullompton develop bus terminus or bus station close to the M5 to enable coaches to provide an

improved service to Cullompton. Provide a coherent and extensive cycle path network, for health benefits and to reduce

local traffic improve bus services and improved bus shelters develop some of the existing walks into wheelchair accessible walks make a cycle route from Cullompton that connects with the National Cycle Route 3 in

Willand develop the field next to TESCO as a bus terminus / bus station that can join the Eastern

relief Road when it is built

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Cullompton Car or Van Availability 2011

No.% of

H’holdsNo Cars or Vans in Household 568 16.1

1 Car or Van in Household 1565 44.22 Cars or Vans in Household 1064 30.13 Cars or Vans in Household 249 7.0

4 or More Cars or Vans in Household 92 2.6All Cars or Vans in the Area (Vehicles) 4858

Devon County Council’s Place Survey of 200810 explored how local people regard the public transport situation in Cullompton. It should noted that the household survey did have a bias towards older age ranges of 55 plus and away from the 18 to 24 age range; Respondents were also towards the retired at the expense of those in full time employment. When asked how satisfied users are with transport service, 74% of respondents who used the service reported being very/fairly satisfied with transport information. When asked how satisfied users are with transport information, 59% of respondents who used the service reported being very/fairly satisfied with transport information.

A traffic modelling report was commissioned in 200911 that first looked at the traffic conditions in Cullompton at that time.

10 Cullompton Devon Town Area Place Survey 2008, Devon County Council, 201011 Cullompton Traffic Modelling, Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) for Devon County Council, 2009


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“Town Centre - During the morning and evening peak periods, Cullompton town centre currently experiences congestion within the local transport network. Due to its strategic location 15 miles north of Exeter and 19 miles south-west of Taunton, the M5, accessed via Junction 28, is a major route for commuters from Cullompton to these major employment centres.Access between the south and north of Cullompton is only achievable via the Tiverton Road / Fore Street Junction. This junction is constrained and is often congested in the peak hour on all approaches to the junction - creating a bottleneck which consequently causes further congestion and delay on other local roads.An area of the town centre comprising the B3181, Station Road and a section of Tiverton Road has been identified as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) within the Mid Devon District Council’s Preferred Options DPD. The most effective solutions to the air quality problem would be to significantly reduce traffic volumes passing through the town centre and/or improve average vehicle speeds by relieving congestion. A reduction in large vehicles travelling through the centre through the provision of alternative routes would also be beneficial.Millennium Way - was provided to give environmental, transport and economic benefits to Cullompton. The scheme has reduced traffic problems at the Station Road / High Street / Higher Street junction, which previously experienced significant congestion issues especially during the evening peak period.M5 Junction 28 - The SATURN model identifies the existing congestion problems at M5 Junction 28 during the AM peak, particularly at the western 6-arm roundabout of the Junction which causes significant queuing along Station Road towards the M5. In planning for future development in the town an important objective is to ensure that the additional pressures on Junction 28, do not have an adverse affect on the operational effectiveness of the M5. In the PM peak, queues can currently develop on the northbound off-slip at Junction 28, and in the absence of improvements to the road layout, the SATURN model shows that an increase in traffic would exacerbate this problem and potentially result in additional traffic queuing on the northbound M5 slip road which would be unacceptable to the Highways Agency and Devon County Council.The traffic modelling looked at the implications of the proposed new development sites in the local plan and considered the effect of three options on the traffic flow, overall travel time and economic Performance. The three options were:

Do Minimum – Full development with no new transport infrastructure Option 1 – Full development with the Western Relief Road and Improvements to M5 Junction 28 Option 2 – Full development with the Western Relief Road, the Eastern Relief Road and

Improvements to M5 Junction 28

The main development proposals assessed were:North West Cullompton The proposed development in northwest Cullompton consists of 1,100 dwellings; 45,000 sqm office/light industry floor space; a primary school; other local facilities and significant areas of public open space. This development will need to provide Phase 2 of the Western Relief Road. To the south, the development accesses the network from Tiverton Road and would form a junction with Phase 1 of the Western Relief Road. The northern end would form a junction with Willand Road and Millennium Way.Knowle Lane The site to the west of Cullompton will accommodate approximately 620 dwellings (Higher Growth Option). The development could provide an early phase of housing development and would deliver Phase 1 of the Western Relief Road. The Cullompton Preferred Options Document advises a limit of approximately 300 dwellings will need to be maintained until the Western Relief Road, Phase 2 is completed.Court Farm This is a site of 34,000sqm and allocated for approximately 150 dwellings, between the new housing at Court Farm and Willand Road. It includes the remainder of Local Plan site CU1 and provides additional housing close to the town centre. This site is adjacent to and served by the recently opened Millennium Way.


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Padbrook This site will accommodate approximately 30 dwellings. This site could provide housing early in the plan period on a previously developed site, close to a number of local facilities.King's Mill Road This site, already allocated in the Local Plan but excluded from the Lower Growth Option, would provide 15,000sq.m. of employment floorspace. Whilst not ideally located in terms of delivering sustainable transport links and being remote from the main residential areas of the town, this site does provide scope for the early delivery of employment investment.

After modelling and analysis the Report concluded: “The Western Relief Road is required to deliver the proposed development in North Cullompton

and Knowle Lane The Western Relief Road does not however deliver a solution to the problems of congestion and

air quality in the town centre The Eastern Relief Road directly relieves congestion in the town centre and plays a significant role

in the achievement of air quality management goals The Eastern Relief Road allows for a better environment for all users”

5. Future Needs

6. Conclusions



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Leisure & Lifestyle


Leisure

What leisure facilities and opportunities are there?Are leisure facilities and spaces well used?Are leisure facilities and spaces fit for purpose?What opportunities are there for sport? Where are they?What are the gaps and un-met demands?

Young People Do young people have the facilities that they need to meet and develop? Do young people feel safe?Are their particular young persons’ issues and/or discontents?Is there a demand for more facilities and services from young people?

Education

Are schools currently over or under capacity? Do they have the potential to grow? Is the area served adequately for further and higher education?What are the unmet needs for education facilities and services?

Young Families Are young families adequately catered for locally? Do they have the support and facilities that they need?

Elderly CareIs the right level of care/services available that enable older people to stay put?What are the main issues for the elderly living in this community?


Policy Area – Leisure National Planning Policy Framework Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:

an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or

the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or

the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss

Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails.Local communities through local and neighbourhood plans should be able to identify for special protection green areas of particular importance to them. By designating land as Local Green Space local communities will be able to rule out new development other than in very special circumstances.


Mid Devon Local Plan part 3


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DM 27 - Protection of recreational land and buildingsOpen space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, will be protected from alternative development unless:a) An assessment has been undertaken which demonstrates that the site is surplus to requirements; orb) The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location, prior to the commencement of the development; orc) The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2AL/CU/12 Lower Bull RingA site of 0.3 hectares currently accommodating the magistrates court and former Cullompton health centre is allocated for community facilities, subject to the following:a) High standard of design to enhance the character of the Conservation Areab) Provision of public car parking space;

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR8 Town CentresThe vitality and viability of the town centres of Bampton, Crediton, Cullompton and Tiverton will be protected and enhanced by positive management so the economic regeneration and heritage reinforce each other as follows:a) positive measures of enhancement and regeneration;b) promoting new homes, shops, leisure, offices and other key town centre uses which are well designed and contribute to vitality and viability;c) only permitting new retail, leisure, office and other key town centre uses outside town centres where there is a need and they meet the sequential test set out in national policy;

Policy Area – EducationNational Planning Policy Framework Planning policies should aim for a balance of land uses within their area so that people can be encouraged to minimise journey lengths for employment, shopping, leisure, education and other activities.Local planning authorities should take a proactive, positive and collaborative approach to meeting this requirement, and to development that will widen choice in education. They should:

give great weight to the need to create, expand or alter schools work with schools promoters to identify and resolve key planning issues before applications

are submitted



Mid Devon Local plan part 2


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AL/CU/4 North West Cullompton Community FacilitiesAs part of the development of North West Cullompton, the following community infrastructure will be provided at the expense of all new development within the site:a) A site of 2.1 hectares for a new primary school at no cost to the Local Education Authority;b) A site of 1.0 hectares for youth, children and other community uses.c) Construction costs for a 210 place primary school;d) Provision for an additional 52 places at the new primary school for early years education;e) Provision of a community building and an Integrated Youth Support Services satellite unit.

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR1 Sustainable Communities Growth will be managed so that development meets sustainability objectives, brings positive benefits, supports the diverse needs of communities and provides vibrant, safe, healthy and inclusive places where existing and future residents want to live and work through: …….b) providing access to education, training and jobs and supporting the creation of new enterprises to bring economic prosperity and self-sufficiency for the district and its settlements

Policy Area – Health & WelfareNational Planning Policy Framework Planning should…..take account of and support local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for all, and deliver sufficient community and cultural facilities and services to meet local needs.Planning policies and decisions, in turn, should aim to achieve places which promote:

opportunities for meetings between members of the community who might not otherwise come into contact with each other, including through mixed-use developments, strong neighbourhood centres and active street frontages which bring together those who work, live and play in the vicinity

safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion

safe and accessible developments, containing clear and legible pedestrian routes, and high quality public space, which encourage the active and continual use of public areas


Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM7 Pollution…… Development will be permitted where the direct, indirect and cumulative effects of pollution will not have an unacceptable negative impact on health, the natural environment and general amenity.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2For North West Cullompton major extension:A considerable number of further studies will be required to support the master-planning exercise, including a Health Impact Assessment.

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006


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Plan Vision includes: “safe, healthy and crime free neighbourhoods” under the ‘promote community wellbeing’ heading


Document and Date:Education Infrastructure Plan 2013-2031

Relevant Policies:Our principles for providing facilities are to:• provide local schools for local children - promoting a pattern of sustainable, high-quality provision which maximises accessibility, meets local needs and recognises the needs generated by planned growth in specific localities• provide parents and children with choice, diversity and excellence• ensure that there is a flexible framework in place which promotes a mixed market of providers and manages the impact of new providers entering the systemWe will do this by:• maintaining a network of provision in all parts of Devon, with a presumption against closing schools unless necessary for educational reasons• working with small schools to explore options to maintain sustainable provision and excellence• expanding popular and successful schools, in particular where this would secure greater parental preference• minimising the reliance on the school transport budget to meet our statutory responsibilities• working with each Local Learning Community to identify optimal solutions to capacity issues arising from demographic change in local communities• securing provision which supports the most vulnerable children, in particular the need to expand the special school offerWe will work with key stakeholders to secure:• a network of provision for 0-5 year olds in locations accessible to local circumstances to improveoutcomes and reduce inequalities• early years provision to support the most vulnerable two year olds• primary school accommodation within walking distance promoting local schools for localchildren, community cohesion and minimising the need to use transport to travel to school• secondary school accommodation with a wide range and choice of provision for pupils and parents• transition and choice for young people from secondary to further education• an enhanced range of special needs facilities in each part of the county to reduce travelling andincrease accessibility• childcare to meet the needs of working parents

Other Current Strategy Strategy Body:NHS Devon & Devon County Council

Document and Date:Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy for Devon 2013-2026


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Relevant Policies:Priority four: Social capital and building communitiesThis priority involves improving health and wellbeing by developing social capital, including neighbourliness, family support and personal responsibility. Mental Health and Emotional Health and WellbeingWhy is it an issue? Most people will come into contact with mental health issues during their lifetime, and one in four will have personal experience of a mental health problem. The invisibility of mental illness means that many do not receive the support and treatment that could help them.What is the position in Devon? At present, around 83,000 adults in Devon have a neurotic disorder.What is the evidence of effective interventions? Devon has produced a Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotion Strategy which has adopted the life course approach. Some people and groups are more at risk of common mental health problems often as a result of the social, economic or environmental circumstances in which they find themselves. Early identification and supportive intervention, across a range of services and initiatives, will help provide stability and negate the need for further more intensive health care and treatment.Living EnvironmentsWhy is it an issue? The home environment plays a significant role in physical and emotional health and wellbeing, which can be addressed through a focus on safety in the home and supporting vulnerable residents. There is a link between cold homes and an increased propensity for falls.What is the position in Devon? The 2010 national Indices of Deprivation highlighted that housing conditions in Devon are generally poorer than the national average. The housing stock in Devon is generally older than nationally and many households lack basic amenities.What is the evidence of effective interventions? Improving heating, thermal insulation and removing dampness from homes can improve the general and respiratory health of children and cardiovascular, respiratory, rheumatoid and mental health in the population. Reducing housing defects can reduce health hazards which occur in the home through disrepair, fire hazards and excess cold. Interventions need to target the most vulnerable populations in the poorest housing with a focus on deprived areas, rough sleepers and the homeless.HousingWhy is it an issue? The age, condition and high cost of housing in Devon have a number of health consequences relating to overcrowding, fuel poverty and excessive cold, respiratory problems and emotional wellbeing. Poor housing has an impact on the health outcomes for children and older people in particular, including psychological distress and mental disorders, with people in crowded conditions tending to suffer from multiple deprivation.What is the position in Devon? The availability of housing in Devon is worse than the national average, with average house prices 10 times average salaries. Vulnerable households account for just under a fifth of the population living in private rented housing in Devon.What is the evidence of effective interventions? A number of initiatives are currently in place to address affordability and volume of housing including extra care housing, domestic violence support schemes and initiatives to provide adaptations to enable people to stay in their homes for longer and address overcrowding. The use of personalised budgets for rough sleepers has been shown to enable long-term rough sleepers to come off the streets and plan for the future. Thefuture challenge relates to a lack of funding programmes, in the form of grants or loans, for owners to improve the existing housing stock alongside a reduction in housing development, impacting on the future supply of affordable housing.Social IsolationWhy is it an issue? A combination of an ageing population, higher levels of rural deprivation compared to the national average, and greater distance from health and social care services and amenities contribute to higher levels of social isolation in Devon, and a focus on social support and


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improving access to services can help to address this. These issues may be compounded for people, particularly older people, with physical or sensory disability.What is the position in Devon? 28.8% of the Devon population live in rural areas compared with 9.5% nationally. A higher proportion of the Devon population live alone (16.6% compared with 14.4% nationally). The Devon Community Life Choices consultation found that for some peoplelimited by disability, frailty or ill health accessing social activities becomes difficult if not impossible resulting in loneliness, isolation, feelings of low self-worth and poor mental and physical health.What is the evidence of effective interventions? Social capital can be created by enabling and empowering communities through community-led planning, volunteering, supporting social enterprise and the voluntary and community sector and through the civic behaviour of business. It is important that social isolation is addressed for all ages. The guidance on improving the wellbeing of young people promotes taking action to connect young people with their communities; supporting volunteering and a sense of belonging; mixing safely with peers and enjoying spending time with older people.Our focus for Priority four is to:• build on the strengths in our communities and promote social cohesion and support forvulnerable groups and individuals• carry out a Health Needs Assessment for mental health to better understand future commissioning needs• target the most vulnerable individuals for fuel poverty and housing interventions• take effective action to address homelessness and improve the quality of the housing stock across Devon• ensure the health needs of offenders in institutional settings and the community remain a priority



Relevant Policies:Supporting Stronger, Healthier and Safer Communities• Respond to people’s concerns about anti-social behaviour• Provide positive activities for young people,• Support vulnerable communities through community-owned action plans,• Increase emotional health, wellbeing and confidence to improve the quality of life for both older and younger people

Other Current Strategy Strategy Body:South West Ambulance Service

Document and Date:Estates and Facilities Strategy 2010 to 2016


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Relevant Policies:Cullompton Ambulance Station: College Road. Built 1989Following the move to the new Medical Centre the former ambulance station is now being used to store Resilience equipment and consumables, the long term need for this use has yet to bedetermined;


Document and Date:2002 Playing Pitch Strategy

Relevant Policies:The main towns of Cullompton, Crediton and Tiverton all need additional pitches to cater for the growing youth football activity and its progression into adult football.It identified the following area specific recommendations: Culm Sub Area Three football pitches in Cullompton


Document and Date:Open Space and Play Area Strategy, Aug 2007

Relevant Policies:Business Plan for Future Investment in Open SpaceAreas of deprivation could be focused on for improvements e.g. around Amory Park and Westexe Recreation Ground in Tiverton; Upcott Field in Cullompton; Haywards School and adjacent areas and Newcombes Meadow in Crediton.

7.1. Amenity Open Space and ParksQuantityThere is an under supply of amenity space within the town, therefore, additional provision should be sought. In general, there is a lack of diversity of good quality/range of open space provision – there is a need for a more central park (may be addressed by new park being provided).The existing local plan identifies new provision as follows:• A new Linear park of 1.62 hectares of open space adjoining the Head Weir Road Estate and providing a green link between development north of the Head Road Weir Estate and Court Farm.• Cullompton Community Association Land (CCA). Proposed for public open space (including provision of a play area at Middle Mill).At the time of writing, the new linear park is still under construction, however, this should meet the shortfall in open space in that part of the town. The issues around the CCA are more related to


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improving quality and widening the provision to meet needs of more people in Cullompton including teenagersThere is no scope for loss of public open space within Cullompton unless a suitable land exchange was possible.QualityThe priority within Cullompton must be to improve the quality of existing amenity spaces and parks. A number of the sites would benefit from low scale improvements including improved maintenance, graffiti removal, and improved tree and hedgerow management, these include:• Stoneyford Park• Spicer Close• Meadow LaneOther sites provide opportunity for more significant improvement and investment, each requiring an improvement plan which may include better footpaths, entrances, play provision, new furniture etc. These include:• Crow Park• Knightswood• Community Association Land• Cross Park (new facility which could provide space for additional facilities).AccessibilityThere is a gap in access to amenity space and parks in the St. Andrews Hill area – however this is being addressed by the new linear park.

7.2 Children’s and Young People’s playQuantityThere is undersupply of children’s and young people’s space in Cullompton. Therefore, there is additional need for a small number of larger play facilities to meet the need of the community. It is recommended that this is achieved by improving and extending existing provision, rather than seeking new locations, as access to play areas across the town is reasonable. However, it is understood that the Parish Council is seeking the provision of a new facility at Butterleigh Village. Consideration should be given to more dedicated facilities for teenagers – perhaps through rationalisation of some smaller play areas in south of town, although CCA Fields is popular destinationQualityThe quality audits identified a number of play areas that provide opportunity for and are in need of upgrading, these include:• Bockland Close• Knightswood• Rivermead• Tufty Park• Community Association Fields• Starlings Roost• Spindlebury• Headweir Road• Siskin ChaseA number of these areas offer the opportunity to meet the shortfall in provision through extending the size of the play facility.AccessibilityThere is significant overlap in access to play areas in the south of the town. The facilities here are largely very small play areas with 1 or two pieces of equipment. Consideration should be given to


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de-commissioning a number of these areas, which are no doubt a drain on resources, these include: • Ash Drive• Conifer Close• Linden Road• Water MeadowsThere are likely to be covenants associated with these areas as part of the housing development, so any alternative uses for the sites would have to take this into account. It is recommended that fewer, larger play facilities in this area would better meet the need of the community especially if developed for older children.

7.3 Outdoor Sport & Playing Fields There has been a long standing issue over the need for more playing pitches in Cullompton, as the town provides facilities for outdoor sport for people not living in the area. People from nearby smaller Villages will travel to Cullopmton to use sports facilities. • Facilities at CCA Fields, Cullompton approaching capacity. There are no local authority pitches in Cullompton• There is still evidence of unmet demand in Cullompton from football teams with nowhere to play. Shortage of grass pitches is impeding the development of girls football, attached to Cullompton Colts (need to check). Need for at least 3 more football pitches• 2002 Playing Pitch Strategy supported the provision of additional pitches (at least one adult and two junior) although recognised that there is a lack of suitable land. Possibilities include:• additional land capable of being developed at CCA Fields• sites in Cullompton currently designated as public open space but where small pitches/goalposts could be provided (such as Crowe Park and Padbrooke)• any spare capacity on smaller grass pitches at Cullompton Community College

Catchment Priorities for investmentParish Plans Quality audits

Cullompton Develop a skate park, public garden

Develop Leat walkway

Lots of little play areas – potential over provision

3. Local Policy ContextCullompton NP Evidence Base

Cullompton Town Council supports policies that: focus investment on specific parks – Linear park (North) Upcott Field (Middle) Knights

wood (South) and area around sports centre for 12+ youths substantially expand leisure facilities in Cullompton to bring Cullompton up to a similar

standard as Tiverton and Crediton bring about all the Meadow Lane, land owned by Mid-Devon, being used for leisure

purposes connected to the Leisure Centre and for this area to act as a focal point for the 12-plus age group

include tennis courts, climbing walls, Multi-Use Sports Area; fitness studios etc at Meadow Lane

improve sporting facilities for St Andrews Primary School and Willowbank Primary school provide a new third primary school, preferably in the Honiton Road vicinity identify land for the expansion of Cullompton Community College as the town grows and

to allow shared sports facilities with the leisure centre increase preschool and nursery provision in suitable buildings on the new estates

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4. Current Situation and CircumstancesCommunity Leisure FacilitiesCullompton is blessed with just about the finest community facilities in Devon. Substantial public investment has been made in providing the town and its hinterland with good quality community facilities. The investment was a response and recognition of “the serious decline experienced by the town over a protracted period, the lack of significant infrastructure with no railway station, no swimming pool and nowhere for the community to meet and hold larger events.”12

The Hayridge (our new library and community hub), the Venue (the new community centre for St Andrews Church) and the soon to be re-opened Walronds provide a huge opportunity for expanding community activities.

The Town Council’s events leaflet of 2013 recognises that:“Cullompton has an excellent range of venues for every sort of meeting or function. State of the art 21st century venues:

The Hayridge, for business meetings, conferences, education, events and activities The Venue, for weddings, parties, education, business meetings, conferences, exhibitions

From 2014 the Walronds will offer the smaller scale, intimate atmosphere of a refurbished historic manor house.These new venues compliment long-established friendly community venues:

Town Hall, which is available for: community events, local organisations, public meetings, markets, private events, and bingo. (Capacity 100) Community House: good value for smaller meetings, children’s parties, family get-togethers”13

Health and Welfare

12 Project description by the Venue project team, the Big Give website, 201113 Cullompton Events in 2013 leaflet, Cullompton Town Council, 2013


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The latest comprehensive analysis of the health and welfare of our community can be found in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment carried out by the Devon Public Health Intelligence Team for 2010-11. It lacked the latest Census data, but provided information on the health and welfare needs from health and social services sources.

The overall picture it portrays of the Cullompton market town catchment area is one of a community with few outstanding issues, living in an area that is generally conducive to a healthy and good quality style of life. The Cullompton area rarely figures as statistically significant except on lack of educational attainment.

As regard the more vulnerable members of the community, the Cullompton area has a lower proportion (than the Devon average) of elderly persons, people with physical or mental disabilities or mental health conditions that are in care or in need of care services. Incidences of drug and alcohol-related crime and hospital attendance/admissions are also reported to be lower than the Devon average.

The 2011 Census shows that the general health of the local populace is similar to the district, regional and national picture. Just over 80% of our community reported that it was in good or very good health in 2011. Just over 4% of the local population reported to be in bad or very bad health, which is very similar to the rest of mid-Devon and less than the percentage of those in poor health regionally and nationally.

In 2011 18.27% of the population reported that their day to day activities were limited to an extent by their health problems. 10% of the population was provided with some unpaid care every week to help them cope.

Cullompton General Health 2011

CullomptonParish % Mid Devon

District % SW%

England%

All Usual Residents 8,499 77,750Very Good Health 3,865 45.48 36,263 46.64 46.85 47.17Good Health 3,008 35.39 27,554 35.44 34.56 34.22Fair Health 1,204 14.17 10,398 13.37 13.43 13.12Bad Health 330 3.88 2,785 3.58 4.01 4.25Very Bad Health 92 1.08 750 0.96 1.14 1.25

100.00100.0

0 100.00 100.00


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Health and Provision of Unpaid Care Cullompton 2011Cullompton

Parish %

All Usual Residents 8,499Day-to-Day Activities Limited a Lot 720 8.47

Day-to-Day Activities Limited a Little 833 9.80Day-to-Day Activities Not Limited 6,946 81.73

100.00

Day-to-Day Activities Limited a Lot; Age 16 to 64 301 6.42Day-to-Day Activities Limited a Little; Age 16 to 64 370 7.89

Day-to-Day Activities Not Limited; Age 16 to 64 4688 100.00

Very Good Health 3865 45.48Good Health 3008 35.39

Fair Health 1204 14.17Bad Health 330 3.88

Very Bad Health 92 1.08100.00

Provides No Unpaid Care 7659 90.12Provides 1 to 19 Hours Unpaid Care a Week 548 6.45

Provides 20 to 49 Hours Unpaid Care a Week 100 1.18Provides 50 or More Hours Unpaid Care a Week 192 2.26

100.00

Recreation SpaceThe research for the 2002 Playing Pitch Strategy recognised the local interest in participating in sports activity. It cited the following:“There is flourishing activity in Mid Devon amongst all the pitch sports .…….Cricket is popular, although general problems of declining membership; 24 clubs, the largest including Kentisbeare and Cullompton. Three rugby clubs – Crediton, Cullompton and Tiverton, the first two of which run flourishing junior sides.”

The 2007 Open Space and Play Area Strategy included amongst the list of seven sites in the district, which were regarded as being particularly attractive and useful were:

People’s Park, TivertonGrand Western CanalAmory ParkCullompton Community Association FieldsKnightshayesTiverton Adventure Play Area

The Strategy report concluded that the Community Association Fields, were of sufficient quality that they should be considered as a “destination park”, i.e. a park which attract people from the region.


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The 2007 Open Space and Play Area Strategy recommended the following standards of open space and play provision for the district.

Typology Quantity Accessibility QualityAmenity Open Space and Parks

10sqm per dwelling

2. Recommended standards:Local Parks Urban: Straight line 300 metres (6

minutes walk). Rural: Straight line 500 metres

(10 minutes walk).Neighbourhood Parks: Urban: Straight line of 900 metres

(20 minutes walk). Rural: none District Parks: none

Focus on improving the quality of facilities by catchment area (see catchment profiles).

Develop management plans for key sites.

Children and Young People’s Space

10sqm per dwelling

2. Recommended standards:TOPS Urban: Straight line 300 metres (6

minutes walk) Rural: Straight line 500 metres

(10 minutes walk)JOPS: Straight line 600 metres (15 minutes walk) for both urban and rural.YOPS: Straight line of no more than 1000 metres (30 minutes walk)

Focus on providing fewer, larger, high quality play facilities.

Playing fields and outdoor sports

40sqm per dwelling

Straight line no more than 1000 metres (30 minutes walk) for both urban and rural.

Focus on improving quality by catchment area (see catchment profiles).

5. Future NeedsEducationThe County Council’s education infrastructure plan computes that the key education infrastructure requirements as a result of the Local Plan’s development strategy are:

“Cullompton 420 primary provision plus nursery (2-11 years) 2016–2020”

6. Conclusions



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Our Community


Waste & Recyling

How green is our community?How can we minimise waste?What shall we do with our waste?

Everyday Services

How far do people have to travel for different services?Who are the local service providers?How do people get to the services? How easy it is?Do existing services have the capacity to cope with a larger population?What additional services do people think should be provided locally?

Public SafetyHow safe or unsafe do local people feel?What are the main safety issues?How can we plan for a safer Cullompton?

Community Facilities

How adequate are existing facilities?What are the outstanding needs and demands?What are the future infrastructure needs?


Policy Area – Waste & RecyclingUpdated National Waste Planning Policy - Consultation Document 2013 Identify need for waste management facilities Waste planning authorities should identify sufficient opportunities to meet the identified needs of their area for waste management. Planning policies should:

drive waste management up the waste hierarchy; in particular, identify the tonnages of municipal, and commercial and industrial, waste

requiring management in their area; consider the need for additional waste management capacity of more than local

significance and reflect any requirement for waste management facilities identified nationally;

take into account any need for waste management, including for disposal of the residues from treated wastes, arising in more than one waste planning authority area but where only a limited number of facilities would be required;

work jointly with other waste planning authorities, through the statutory duty to co-operate, to provide a suitable network of facilities, where it would be economically and environmentally feasible to do so;

consider the extent to which existing, and consented waste management capacity not yet operational, would satisfy any identified need.

Identifying sites for new development Waste planning authorities should identify sites and areas for waste management facilities in appropriate locations. Planning policies should:

identify the type or types of waste management facility that would be appropriately located on the allocated site or in the allocated area in line with the waste hierarchy, taking care to avoid stifling innovation;


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plan for the disposal of waste and the recovery of mixed municipal waste in one of the nearest appropriate installations (the proximity principle) but recognise that new facilities will need to serve catchment areas large enough to justify the investment in appropriately scaled facilities;

consider opportunities for on-site management of waste where it arises; consider a broad range of locations including industrial sites, looking for opportunities to

co-locate waste management facilities together and with complementary activities; give priority to the re-use of previously-developed land, and redundant agricultural and

forestry buildings and their curtilages; only identify sites and areas for new or enhanced waste management facilities if they are

considered suitable when assessed against each of the following criteria: the physical and environmental constraints on development, including existing and

proposed neighbouring land uses; the capacity of existing and potential transport infrastructure to support the sustainable

movement of waste, and products arising from resource recovery, seeking when practicable and beneficial to use modes other than road transport; and

the cumulative impact of previous waste disposal facilities on the well-being of the local community, including any significant adverse impacts on environmental quality, social cohesion and inclusion or economic potential.

Waste planning authorities should work with local planning authorities to protect Green Belts. Local planning authorities should recognise the particular locational needs of some types of waste management facilities when defining detailed Green Belt boundaries.

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013no specific references

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM4 - Waste management in major developmentMajor development proposals must demonstrate that the construction and operation of the development will accord with sustainable waste management principles. A waste audit statement will be required to set out how waste will be managed according to the following hierarchy:a) Reduction of waste generated on siteb) Re-use of waste that is producedc) Recycling and compostingd) Recovery of value from wastee) Landfill or land-raise

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2AL/CU/5 North West Cullompton Carbon Reduction and Air QualityThe development of North West Cullompton will be required to implement a Carbon Reduction and Low Emissions Strategy at the expense of all new development in the site. This will propose measures to minimise the overall carbon footprint of the development, make provision for sources of decentralised on-site renewable or low-carbon energy in accordance with Policy AL/IN/6 and ensure that the impact of the site on air quality is acceptable, such as: ……..c) Measures to encourage the sustainable treatment of waste;

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006Plan Vision includes: “Waste is minimised and recycling rates are high” under the ‘promote community wellbeing’ heading


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Policy Area – Community Facilities & ServicesNational Planning Policy Framework To deliver the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services the community needs, planning policies and decisions should:

plan positively for the provision and use of shared space, community facilities (such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship) and other local services to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments

guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services, particularly where this would reduce the community’s ability to meet its day-to-day needs

ensure that established shops, facilities and services are able to develop and modernise in a way that is sustainable, and retained for the benefit of the community

ensure an integrated approach to considering the location of housing, economic uses and community facilities and services.

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013Mid Devon Council acknowledges the need for new infrastructure and the fact that large mixed development can more easily specific items of infrastructure such as schools, community facilities and open space; the other development option of a greater number of smaller development sites require minimal infrastructure on site but do have infrastructure implications elsewhere.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM26 - Community facilitiesThe development of new community facilities providing a local community benefit or environmental enhancement will be permitted where they are easily accessible by the local community and well related to a settlement. Proposals for the redevelopment of existing community facilities that enables them to modernise, remain viable and continue to be retained for the benefit of the community will be supported.Proposals involving the loss of community facilities such as local shops, public houses, allotments, recreational facilities and other important local services will not be permitted where this would damage the settlement’s ability to meet its day to day needs or result in the total loss of such services to the community. Only in circumstances where the facility is proven to be no longer economically viable, including for alternative community uses, will applications for alternative use be considered acceptable.

Mid Devon Local Plan part 2AL/CU/1 North West CullomptonA site of 74.8 hectares to the North West of Cullompton is allocated for mixed-use development, subject to the following: ……e) Community facilities to meet local needs arising

AL/CU/4 North West Cullompton Community FacilitiesAs part of the development of North West Cullompton, the following community infrastructure will be provided at the expense of all new development within the site:a) A site of 2.1 hectares for a new primary school at no cost to the Local Education Authority;b) A site of 1.0 hectares for youth, children and other community uses.


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c) Construction costs for a 210 place primary school;d) Provision for an additional 52 places at the new primary school for early years education;e) Provision of a community building and an Integrated Youth Support Services satellite unit.

AL/CU/12 Lower Bull RingA site of 0.3 hectares currently accommodating the magistrates court and former Cullompton health centre is allocated for community facilities, subject to the following:a) High standard of design to enhance the character of the Conservation Area;b) Provision of public car parking spaces;c) Provision of a Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme to deal with all surface water from the development and arrangements for future maintenance.

Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR 8 - Infrastructure ProvisionThe location, scale and form of development will be guided by the need for community facilities and any existing shortages. The Council will work with providers and developers to ensure that new development is served by necessary infrastructure in a predictable, timely and effective fashion. It will set out key infrastructure and facility requirements for new development, taking account of existing provision and cumulative impact. Developers will be expected to contribute to, or bear the full cost of, new or improved infrastructure and facilities where it is appropriate for them to do so.

COR 18 - Core Strategy Policy on CountrysideDevelopment outside the settlements defined by COR13 – COR17 will be strictly controlled, enhancing the character, appearance and biodiversity of the countryside while promoting sustainable diversification of the rural economy. Detailed development control policies will permit agricultural and other appropriate rural uses, subject to appropriate criteria, as follows: ……e) community facilities, such as educational facilities, buildings associated with public open space, development required to support or enhance biodiversity or geo-diversity interests, transportation and infrastructure proposals, horse riding establishments and gold facilities;

Policy Area – Community SafetyNational Planning Policy Framework Local and neighbourhood plans should develop robust and comprehensive policies that set out the quality of development that will be expected for the area. ………Planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that developments: ……..create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion; and

Mid Devon Scoping Study July 2013The Vision statement includes: “Safe, healthy and crime free neighbourhoods” under the ‘Promote community well-being’ heading




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Mid Devon Local Plan 2006 Plan Vision includes: “safe, healthy and crime free neighbourhoods” under the ‘promote community wellbeing’ heading

COR1 Sustainable Communities Growth will be managed so that development meets sustainability objectives, brings positive benefits, supports the diverse needs of communities and provides vibrant, safe, healthy and inclusive places where existing and future residents want to live and work through: ……h) reducing opportunities for crime and disorder through innovative design and the clear distinction of public and private space


Document and Date:

Relevant Policies:



Relevant Policies:Improving Access to Local Services• Support the development of key community facilities• Bring information about services to local areas• Improve community transport options for people in rural areasProtecting the Environment• Reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill• Improve air quality in Cullompton & Crediton

The EnvironmentThere are small areas where the air quality is poor, specifically in the Exeter Road area of Crediton, and parts of Cullompton. The challenge is: to balance development with the need to maintain and enhance the natural and built environment in Mid Devon, taking into account the changes necessary to adapt to climate change.


Cullompton Town Council supports policies that: An expansion of medical facilities to cater for the increased population

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DeprivationMost deprived areas in mid Devon 2010

Overall Cullompton NorthIncome Deprivation Cullompton NorthEmployment Deprivation Cullompton NorthHealth Deprivation and Disability Cullompton NorthEducation, Skills and Training Deprivation Cullompton SouthBarriers to Housing and Services DunkeswellLiving Environment Deprivation BroadclystCrime Cullompton North

Area: Cullompton Mid Devon Devon UKchildren living in poverty (2011) 14.3% 11.3% 12.9% 11.2%

households in fuel poverty (2008) 6.4% 6.0% 6.3% 6.1%16-59 year olds claiming benefit (2011) 3.2% 3.2% 3.4% 4.8%

16-64 year olds claiming JSA (2011) 1.6% 1.6% 1.8% 3.6%population claiming DLA (2011) 4.9% 3.9% 4.6% 5.3%

65+ claiming attendance allowance (2011) 18.1% 14.6% 15.6% 19.1%60 & older claiming pension credit (2011) 19.9% 14.4% 14.8% 21.2%

Average income (2008) £27,100 £27,000 £26,800 £35,100Area Profile Update 2012 - Devon County Council Strategic Intelligence Unit

Devon County Council’s Place Survey of 200814 explored how local people regard the public transport situation in Cullompton. It should noted that the household survey did have a bias towards older age ranges of 55 plus and away from the 18 to 24 age range; Respondents were also towards the retired at the expense of those in full time employment. When asked how satisfied are you with your local area as a place to live? 84% of respondents said they were satisfied with their local area as a place to live. Notably however there is a wide difference between the neighbourhood area 71% and the hinterlands 91%. Cullompton actually score second lowest amongst all the Devon towns on this question (only Lynton and Lymouth was lower). 92% of respondents in the Cullompton area were very or fairly satisfied with their own home. The same survey found that 63% of respondents thought public services were working to make the town and its environs a safer place. 56% were satisfied with the service from the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. 81% were satisfied with the service from the Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Respondents in the Cullompton area feel comparatively less safe than in most other Devon towns, only

14 Cullompton Devon Town Area Place Survey 2008, Devon County Council, 2010Cullompton NP Evidence Base

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59% felt very or fairly safe in their local area after dark. 17% of respondents regard anti-social behaviour as a very/fairly big problem (one of the higher recorded percentages of Devon towns). The national average is 19%. There is a great difference between the town (33%) and the rural hinterland (8%). Most notably Cullompton has the highest percentage of respondents (28%) of any Devon town that think it is a very or fairly big problem that people in the area do not treat one another with respect and consideration. Again the parish area (46% was higher than the rural hinterland (19%).

The Place Survey 2008 also asked about the local health services. Satisfaction with GPs was 88%, dentists’ satisfaction was 82% and local hospitals achieved 89% satisfaction. Overall satisfaction averaged at 86% which was the highest percentage of any Devon town.

As regards community facilities the Place Survey 2008 found: 62% of respondents that used them were very or fairly satisfied with sports/leisure facilities (in

the top half of Devon towns) 77% of respondents that used them were very or fairly satisfied with libraries (one of the lowest

satisfaction scores amongst Devon towns at the time, 2008) 45% of respondents that used them were very or fairly satisfied with museums and galleries (the

lowest satisfaction score amongst Devon towns at the time, 2008) 36% of respondents that used them were very or fairly satisfied with theatres/concert halls (one

of the lowest satisfaction scores amongst Devon towns at the time, 2008) 64% of respondents that used them were very or fairly satisfied with parks and open spaces (one

of the lowest satisfaction scores amongst Devon towns at the time, 2008)

5. Future Needs

6. Conclusions



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Arts, Culture & Tourism


Local culture and the arts

Are spaces provided that enable local culture and art events?Are there any elements that need to be introduced, improved or retained?What do local artists do? What are their needs and ambition?

Tourism

What facilities are on offer and how well used are they?Is there a demand for more facilities?What improvements and enhancements are needed?What are the obvious opportunities?


Policy Area – Arts & CultureNational Planning Policy Framework no specific policy references




Mid Devon Local Plan 2006no specific policy references

Policy Area – TourismNational Planning Policy Framework no specific policy references


Mid Devon Local Plan part 3DM25 - Tourism and leisure developmentProposals for new or expanded tourism, visitor or leisure facilities will be supported within or adjacent to defined settlements. Elsewhere, the nature of the proposed development must justify a countryside location, avoiding an unacceptable traffic impact on the local road network.Development proposals must:


Cullompton Town Council supports policies that: develop a range of social night time attractions to attract the many households who live in

the new and expanding estates promote tourism and leisure in area introduce a tourist information point in the town make more of our history and explore the development of a museum bring about the development of Cullompton Countryside Park provide cycle routes linking to national cycle routes improve existing footpath links lead to a new golf course

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a) Respect the character and appearance of the location;b) Where possible, involve conversion or replacement ofexisting buildings; andc) Demonstrate that the need is not met by existing provision within nearby settlements.


Mid Devon Local Plan 2006COR 14 - Core Strategy Policy for CullomptonThe Council will …….. j) Enhance the tourism and visitor role of the town and area

COR 18 - Core Strategy Policy on CountrysideDevelopment outside the settlements will be strictly controlled, enhancing the character, appearance and biodiversity of the countryside while promoting sustainable diversification of the rural economy. Detailed development control policies will permit agricultural and other appropriate rural uses, subject to appropriate criteria, as follows: ……b) appropriately scaled retail, employment, farm diversification and tourism-related development (including conversion of existing buildings);


Document and Date:

Relevant Policies:



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4. Current Situation and CircumstancesTourismCullompton is strategically positioned directly alongside the M5 at Junction 28. Still a quiet country town, Cullompton is a key access point for drivers and walkers to some of Devonshire's Heartlands prettiest villages in the Culm Valley and the Blackdown Hills.

“Cullompton is also the gateway to the outstanding scenery of the Culm Valley, much of which falls within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Honeycombed with footpaths, bridleways, and cycle trails, this is wonderful countryside to explore at your leisure.Visitor attractions in Cullompton include Yarak Birds of Prey, a private falconry school, and Diggerland, an exciting family attraction where kids can ride real diggers! It is also worth making a detour to Coldharbour Mill at Uffculme, a historic working woollen mill with waterwheel and original steam engine that gives a fascinating glimpse into the textile industry that once flourished in the area.”15

Heritage TrialThis trail was conceived, developed and funded through the Cullompton Enhancement and Regeneration Advisory Group (CRAG) to increase interest in the town from visitors and local people. It has been supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery fund.

The trail starts at St Andrew's Church, a popular tourist attraction, and entices the visitor to explore the town and its history through its characters and by peering down its alleys. A temporary board is positioned outside the 17th century Walronds, which is currently cocooned in scaffolding, from which it will emerge after a £2.5M refurbishment before the end of 2013. There is also a huge panel inside Tesco on the way out behind the tills. The Town Council website says: “Cullompton is a small town with a surprisingly big heritage. The town's history dates well back into Roman times, was mentioned in the will of King Alfred the Great and boomed as a wool town through the middle ages and into the 19th century. It has been a market town since the 13th century. There are two significant Grade 1 listed buildings, St. Andrew's Church and The Walronds, and over 90 Grade 2 listed buildings.Our Heritage Trail is a 30 minute stroll through the town and its history, taking in the high street, where you can stop for refreshment or a bit of retail therapy and the Leat Walk, where you can enjoy a the tranquillity of parkland and the old mill stream.”

5. Future Needs

6. Conclusions


15 Heart of Devon website, 2013Cullompton NP Evidence Base

wadebridge & district np evidence report - cullompton ... evidence... · web viewthe provision...

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