Green Infrastructure Report - Taunton Deane Borough Council

Transcription

August 2009
TAUNTON DEANE
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
STRATEGY
Prepared for
Taunton Deane Borough Council
by Land Use Consultants
TAUNTON DEANE GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY
Prepared for
by
Land Use Consultants
August 2009
43 Chalton Street
London NW1 1JD
Tel: 020 7383 5784
Fax: 020 7383 4798
[email protected]
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements..................................................................................................................................... v
1. Introduction ......................................................................................... 1
Part 1: Green infrastructure study.......................................................... 5
2. Policy Context ..................................................................................... 7
3. Assessing the need and demand for green infrastructure ............ 15
Open Space and Access...........................................................................................................................16
Access Links ...............................................................................................................................................29
Landscape....................................................................................................................................................36
Ecology and Biodiversity..........................................................................................................................44
Cultural Heritage.......................................................................................................................................58
Flood Risk Management...........................................................................................................................64
Socio-economic issues .............................................................................................................................75
Consultation ............................................................................................ 79
Part 2: Green Infrastructure Strategy .................................................. 83
4. Green Infrastructure Strategy ......................................................... 85
Vision for Taunton’s green infrastructure ...........................................................................................85
Overarching concepts ..............................................................................................................................85
Functional objectives ................................................................................................................................86
Green Infrastructure network ...............................................................................................................93
Borough-wide opportunities ..................................................................................................................96
Green Infrastructure Proposals by function .................................................................................... 105
5. Implementation and funding .......................................................... 123
Policy......................................................................................................................................................... 123
Governance ............................................................................................................................................. 123
Funding ..................................................................................................................................................... 126
i
TABLES
Table 2.1: Existing Green Infrastructure Context ..........................................................................7
Table 3.1: Total provision of open space in Taunton Deane by typology.............................. 17
Table 3.2: Distribution of Open Space Types in Taunton Deane Borough........................... 19
Table 3.3: 2009 standards for open space..................................................................................... 26
Table 3.4: Key Access Links.............................................................................................................. 29
Table 3.5: Habitat and species action plans at the county and borough scales..................... 44
Table 3.6: Key concentrations of semi-natural habitat in Taunton Deane according to the
SW Nature Map.......................................................................................................................... 49
Table 3.7: Green Infrastructure Flood Management Opportunities ....................................... 67
Table 3.8: Delivery and location of Green Infrastructure Flood Management Options..... 71
Table 3.9: Wider benefits of flood management opportunities................................................ 74
Table 4.1: Summary of Green Infrastructure Opportunities .................................................... 99
FIGURES
1.1: Study area...........................................................................................................................................
3.1 Existing open space and Public Rights of Way in the borough ...............................................
3.2 Existing open space in the borough .............................................................................................
3.3a Existing open space in the borough by ward, hectares per 1,000 people..........................
3.3b Projected open space in the borough by ward, hectares per 1,000 people......................
3.4a-e Application of 2009 standards for open space provision ...................................................
3.5 Application of ANGSt standards ...................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................................
3.6 National-level landscape character context (NCAs) ................................................................
3.7 Borough-level Landscape character context ..............................................................................
3.8 Nature conservation designations.................................................................................................
3.9 Existing BAP habitats and Strategic Natural Areas ....................................................................
3.10 Natural Areas within Taunton .....................................................................................................
3.11 Cultural heritage features across the borough ........................................................................
3.12 Cultural heritage features within Taunton Town ...................................................................
3.13 Flood risk areas potential future development areas identified in SFRA ...........................
3.14 Performance against the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)..........................................
3.15 Health deprivation in Taunton ....................................................................................................
4.1 Strategic GI Opportunities Map.....................................................................................................
4.2 GI Opportunities: North Taunton ................................................................................................
4.3 GI Opportunities: South Taunton .................................................................................................
4.4 GI Opportunities: Wellington
ii
APPENDICES
Appendix I: Project Methodology.................................................................................................. 137
Appendix 2: Full Details of Consultation Responses ................................................................ 147
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This strategy has been prepared for Taunton Deane Borough Council by Land Use
Consultants (LUC) with hydrological input from Jack Mason and Andy Wallis at Black
and Veatch. The LUC team comprised Philip Smith, Emma Deen, Katy Lock,
Graham Savage, Andrew Tempany, Sofie Swindlehurst and Harriet White.
The steering group for the study comprised Ralph Willoughby-Foster (TDBC), Phil
Anelay (TDBC), Karen Hughes (TDBC), Ian Clark (TDBC), Larry Burrows
(Somerset County Council), Hannah Fountain (SCC), Phil Stone (SCC) Gavin
Saunders (Neroche Project), and Glen Gillespie (Natural England). LUC is grateful
for the guidance of the steering group, and for the support of the stakeholders who
attended the workshop, or gave up their time for telephone consultation.
v
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1.
This document outlines Taunton Deane Borough Council’s strategy to ensure
that high quality, multifunctional green infrastructure is delivered across the
borough.
1.2.
Taunton has been identified as a New Growth Point, and 18,000 new
dwellings are expected to be delivered in and around Taunton, with another
3,800 to be delivered across the borough by 2026. The implementation of
the green infrastructure proposals outlined in this strategy will enhance the
existing environment for local people, businesses and visitors and contribute
to a robust natural environment which has the capacity to support sustainable
built development.
1.3.
The Strategy was produced by Land Use Consultants on behalf of Taunton
Deane Borough Council, with Black and Veatch providing expert input on
hydrology and flood management. The strategy and proposals have been
subject to consultation with a range of stakeholders, and also been the
subject of public consultation. This document will form part of the evidence
base to inform the Local Development Framework, including the Core
Strategy. A map of the study area is provided in Figure 1.1.
BACKGROUND
1.4.
The provision of green infrastructure in and around urban areas is now
widely recognised as contributing towards creating places where people want
to live and work. Government policy recognises the need to plan for and
provide green infrastructure. For example, at a national level, the recent
supplement to PPS 1 notes that
In deciding which areas and sites are suitable, and for what type and intensity of
development, planning authorities should take into account the contribution to be
made from existing and new opportunities for open space and green infrastructure
to urban cooling, sustainable drainage systems, and conserving and enhancing
biodiversity1.
1.5.
In addition, the recently published PPS 12 on Local Spatial Planning outlines
that local spatial planning should:
“…orchestrate the necessary social, physical and green infrastructure to ensure
sustainable communities are delivered.”
1.6.
These policy requirements are applicable to Taunton Deane, which as a New
Growth Point, is set to receive a considerable amount of new housing,
employment and infrastructure growth in the next twenty years.
1
Department of Communities and Local Government (2007) Planning and Climate Change:
Supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1. HMSO, London.
1
1.7.
At a regional level, Development Policy D of the draft South West Regional
Spatial Strategy (RSS)2 emphasises the need for local authorities to “cooperate across administrative boundaries to ensure that existing
infrastructure is used most effectively, infrastructure required to support
strategically significant development is secured, and investment in… green
infrastructure is phased in step with economic, residential and other
development proposals”. The draft RSS incorporates a tailor-made policy on
green infrastructure, Policy GI1, which requires the provision of green
infrastructure networks to improve quality of life and help to accommodate
new urban growth.
DEFINITION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
1.8.
For the purposes of this project, green infrastructure is defined as:
“Protected sites, nature reserves, green spaces and greenway linkages which should
where possible, provide multifunctional uses, e.g. wildlife, recreation and cultural
experience, as well as delivering environmental services, such as flood protection
and micro-climate control. It should also operate at all spatial scales from urban
centres through to the open countryside”3.
PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY
1.9.
The purpose of the Strategy is to:
Create and enhance green infrastructure across the Borough, particularly at
Taunton and Wellington, and maximise its potential to meet a diversity of functions,
including wildlife habitat, recreation, flood alleviation and visual amenity, and to
identify opportunities for GI within and adjacent to potential development areas to
inform the LDF, and to identify approaches to funding and implementation of the
green infrastructure proposals.
1.10.
A key aim of the work is to provide an accessible network of green
infrastructure that is fully multifunctional. This not only reflects the
requirements of the draft RSS in terms of supporting and accommodating
new development, but also reflects best practice guidance as provided by
CABE Space, Natural England’s Accessible Natural Green Space Standards
(ANGSt) and guidance published by the Town and Country Planning
Association (TCPA).
1.11.
Much of Taunton’s housing allocation will likely be delivered through new
urban extensions, alongside small scale urban development and regeneration.
This is likely to impact on existing green infrastructure in a number of ways
which have been considered within this study. The potential impacts on
existing green infrastructure include:
•
Severance of existing formal and informal green links, with potential
impacts on access to the countryside;
2
South West Regional Spatial Strategy, South West Regional Assembly, 2006.
Biodiversity by Design: A guide for sustainable communities, Town and Country Planning
Association (2004)
3
2
•
Severance of wildlife corridors, creating barriers to movement of
species in the borough, including significant impacts on the foraging
range of the population of bats for which Hestercombe House is
designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC);
•
Potential impacts on the landscape, historic character and visual amenity
of relevant areas;
•
Effects on the environmental functionality of the landscape, including
impacts on flood alleviation, water attenuation, and climate control
functions.
1.12. Alongside the potentially significant impacts of the housing allocations on
Hestercombe House SAC, there may also be adverse impacts on other
Natura 2000 and SSSI sites, as a result of increased population. The
Appropriate Assessment (AA) of the draft RSS suggested that growth at
Taunton may also impact on the integrity of Somerset Levels SPA. The AA of
the proposed urban extensions at Taunton is currently underway, and should
consider the potential impacts of Natura 2000 sites. The potential impact on
the Blackdown Hills and Quantock Hills AONBs, in terms of landscape quality
and increased visitor pressure are also important considerations.
Approach to the study
1.13.
A four-stage methodology was adopted for the purpose of the study, as
outlined in Figure 1.2. Emphasis was placed on the evidence base, and
extensive research and consultation informed the environmental
characterisation and GI options development. This reflects the importance of
green infrastructure being founded on the existing environmental character
and features of the study area, and helps to ensure that the GI opportunities
identified are truly location-specific. A more detailed summary of each stage
of the study is provided as Appendix 1.
1.14.
This strategy applies the ‘Greenprint’ approach to GI planning, as developed
by LUC through recent GI strategies. This approach recognises the
importance of existing environmental and landscape assets in setting the
framework for, and in providing the functions to support development. The
Greenprint approach aims to identify essential elements of a location’s green
infrastructure, which can be prioritised and implemented in advance of built
development or alternatively planned at the same stage as, and to
complement, growth.
3
Stage 1: Data Collection & Characterisation
Stage 2: Identifying Deficiencies & Need
Stakeholder Workshop on preliminary options
Stage 3: Options Development
Public consultation on refined options
Stage 4: Develop Green Infrastructure Strategy
Figure 1.2: Method overview
REPORT STRUCTURE
Part 1: Green Infrastructure Study
•
Green Infrastructure Context
•
Environmental characterisation
•
Consultation process
Part 2: Green Infrastructure Strategy
•
Green Infrastructure Proposals
•
Implementation and funding
4
PART 1:
STUDY
2.
POLICY CONTEXT
2.1.
This section sets out the policy context in which the new Green
Infrastructure (GI) Strategy for Taunton has been prepared, in terms of
existing GI initiatives, and relevant policy considerations.
2.2.
The borough of Taunton Deane is located in the south west of Somerset.
The M5 runs through the borough, and this key transport route acts as a
boundary to the south east of the town and linking the south west of the
country with the rest of the UK. It currently has a population of 102,000,
63,000 of whom live in the county town of Taunton (2001 Census). Taunton
is the key administrative, economic, cultural and retail centre in the borough.
2.3.
The table below shows the existing GI strategy context in the south west of
England, both at sub regional and Growth Point Level.
Table 2.1: Existing Green Infrastructure Context
Area
South West
Category
Regional
Taunton
Local
Quantock Hills
AONB
Protected
Landscape
GI Study
Green
Infrastructure
Policy for the
South West
Region4
Green Space
Strategy5
Quantock Hills
Management Plan
2004-20096
4
Description
A report to inform the
approach to GI to be
taken in the SW RSS.
Includes a green spaces
assessment of the
borough to ascertain
provision and
deficiencies, community
and council consultation,
and future proposals.
A statutory document
(produced every
five years) designed to
outline a vision, range of
policies, objectives
and recommendations
for action across a range
of topics. An
accompanying Delivery
Plan outlines the
approach to delivery of
the objectives.
Green Infrastructure Policy for the South West Region (2005/6) Enfusion/South West Regional
Development Agency/ English Nature
5
Taunton Deane Borough Council Green Spaces Strategy (TDBC 2004)
6
Quantock Hills Management Plan (Quantock Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee 2004)
7
2.4.
Key policy considerations relevant to GI planning and provision in Taunton
are set out at the national, regional and local level below.
National policy
2.5.
PPS12: Local Spatial Planning7 requires local planning authorities to assess
green infrastructure requirements. It notes in para 4.8 that:
‘.. core strategies should be supported by evidence of what physical, social and green
infrastructure is needed to enable the amount of development proposed for the
area, taking account of its type and distribution. This evidence should cover who will
provide the infrastructure and when it will be provided. The core strategy should
draw on and in parallel influence any strategies and investment plans of the local
authority and other organisations.’
2.6.
PPS12 also notes that:
‘Good infrastructure planning considers the infrastructure required to support
development, costs, sources of funding, timescales for delivery and gaps in
funding…. The infrastructure planning process should identify, as far as possible:
•
infrastructure needs and costs;
•
phasing of development;
•
funding sources; and
•
responsibilities for delivery’.
2.7.
PPS1 describes how planning should contribute to reducing emissions,
stabilising climate change (mitigation) and taking into account the unavoidable
consequences (adaptation). Objectives of PPS1 include: securing new
development and shaping places to be resilient to the effects of climate
change; sustaining biodiversity; and recognising the implications of climate
change for biodiversity. The supplement notes the importance of GI provision
in delivering these objectives.
2.8.
The Sustainable Communities Plan8 is a programme of action to tackle the
quantity, quality and affordability of housing in England. The Plan has focused
investment on the provision of affordable housing, addressing deserted and
run down housing, improving the quality of new builds, and homelessness. In
relation to Growth Areas, the Plan includes the following commitments:
“We will promote more and better publicly accessible green space in and around
our communities, for example through the creation of new country parks and
networks of green spaces within towns and cities.”
2.9.
PPG 179 - Planning for open space, sport and recreation, promotes the
principle that open spaces and an attractive environment underpin a
7
CLG (2008) Planning Policy Statement 12 – Local Spatial Planning
Sustainable Communities Plan (ODPM 2003)
9
Planning Policy Guidance 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation (ODPM 2002)
8
8
community’s quality of life. The policy guidance requires that all local
authorities undertake an audit of the existing provision for formal and
informal recreation within the district or borough, and that survey work and
research is completed to assess to what extent areas of the borough are
deficient in different types of open space. The policy document also
promotes the multi-functional nature of urban greenspace as an important
environmental as well as a social resource.
2.10.
PPS910 and accompanying DEFRA Circular 01/2005 seek to ensure all planning
policies and decisions should aim to maintain and enhance, restore or add to
biodiversity and geological conservation interests, with the intention that
harm to these resources shall be prevented. Additional emphasis is placed on
habitats and species not subject to specific legal protection, such as BAP
priority habitats and species, landscape features of importance for wildlife as
corridors or stepping stones for movement, and local wildlife sites.
2.11.
The government’s planning policy in regard to housing is defined in PPS 311.
The policy document asserts that borough housing plans should have regard
to any local greening or design plans such as GI strategies. The document
also sets out some clear principles to guide the consideration of the local
environment in the design of new housing schemes. These principles include
ensuring that the landscape and ecological features of the area are retained in
new development.
2.12.
‘Homes for the future’12, the 2007 Government Green Paper on housing,
states that GI should be integral to Growth Points such as Taunton. The
paper defines the value of GI in improving the urban rural fringe, protecting
and restoring the countryside, providing better access to nature, and
integration of green spaces into the urban environment.
Regional policy
2.13.
The Proposed Changes to the Draft RSS13 recognise the environment as a
prime asset to the region, being a driver of economic activity and a major
component in the quality of life of both rural and urban residents. The
following are relevant policy objectives with the Draft RSS:
•
SD1 addresses how the region’s ecological footprint will be stabilised
and reduced, for example, through embedding sustainable design and
construction in the development process.
•
SD2 addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation in the region
and states that Local Authorities should demonstrate how they will
respond to the potential impacts of climate change in their area. This is
supported by the South West Climate Change Action Plan14, which
10
Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (ODPM 2005)
Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing (CLG 2006)
12
Homes for the future: more affordable, more sustainable – Housing Green Paper (CLG 2007)
13
The Draft Revised Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West Incorporating the Secretary of
State’s Proposed Changes – For Public Consultation (SWRA July 2008)
14
South West Climate Change Action Plan 2008-2010 (GOSW 2008)
11
9
details activities required to support adaptation to and mitigation
against the impacts of climate change.
•
SD3 outlines how the region’s environment and natural resources will
be both protected and enhanced.
•
SD4 concerns Sustainable Communities, an element of which addresses
the provision of networks of accessible green space for people to enjoy.
•
GI1 relates to GI and states that networks of GI will be necessary to
maintain and enhance the region’s quality of life and support the
accommodation of change. GI should therefore be integral to any
development process.
2.14.
The Draft RSS is supported by the Regional Strategy for the South West
Environment15, which sets out the priorities for protecting and enhancing the
region’s environment. Concurrently, the region’s Biodiversity
Implementation Plan16 contributes to regional strategies, plans and policies,
specifically aiming to establish a framework of policy, priorities and actions to
assist in a more joined-up approach to biodiversity delivery.
2.15.
The Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Proposed Changes to the RSS17
concludes that the RSS should not have adverse effects on the integrity of
many of the Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites in the South West provided that
the RSS policies are successfully implemented. Considerable reliance is
placed on proposed mitigation measures, which it states will need further
testing at the local level and will need to be carefully monitored to ensure
that actual outcomes area as anticipated. Due to lack of information, there
are still sites for which uncertainty about adverse effects on integrity remain.
Sites with Taunton Deane are: Holme Moor and Clean Moor SAC, for which
the effect on water abstraction is uncertain; and Somerset Levels and Moors
SPA and Ramsar sites, for which the effect regarding air quality is uncertain.
County policy
2.16.
The Somerset and Exmoor National Park Joint Structure Plan Review18
provides the strategic base for all land use planning in those areas. It is a
statement of overall strategy for the conservation, use and development of
land. Policy 1 of the Plan states that the greatest protection should be
afforded to nature conservation sites of international and national
importance. Additionally, Local Plans should include policies to maintain and
enhances local nature conservation sites.
15
Regional Strategy for the South West Environment 2004-2014 (SWRA 2004)
South West Biodiversity Implementation Plan (SW Regional Biodiversity Partnership 2004)
17
Habitats Regulations Assessment of the South West Regional Spatial Strategy Proposed Changes
(Land Use Consultants 2008)
18
Somerset and Exmoor National Park Joint Structure Plan Review (Somerset County Council 2000)
16
10
Local policy
2.17.
Taunton Deane’s Local Plan19 was adopted on 19th November 2004. In
November 2007, the Government Office for the South West (GOSW) issued
a direction enabling most of the adopted Local Plan policies to be saved.
These saved policies provides the basis for development, investment and
related decisions for the Borough for the period to 2011 (the planned
adoption date for the Local Development Framework Core Strategy is
December 2011). The Local Plan contains the following saved policies:
•
EN3 states that development which significantly affects local nature
conservation will, in most cases, not be permitted. Where it is
permitted, compensatory measures should be secured through planning
obligations.
•
EN6 states that development which would harm trees, woodlands,
orchards, historic parklands and hedgerows of value to the area’s
landscape will not be permitted unless adequate provision is made to
compensate any loss. Development is prohibited which would affect
ancient woodland.
•
EN13 specifically regards Taunton’s green wedges, with specific
reference made to the Vivary and French Weir green wedges, which
extend from the countryside into the town. The policy states that
development which would harm the open character of green wedges
will not be permitted. In addition, measures to enhance their landscape
and wildlife interest will be supported. Additional green wedges include
the green space which hugs the southern bank of the River Tone to the
north of Halcon, and the open land which runs north of this to the east
of Pyrland and Lyngford.
2.18. Taunton Town Centre Area Action Plan20 forms part of the emerging LDF for
Taunton Deane. It focuses on the delivery of regeneration in Taunton Town
Centre. The Plan establishes a vision for the centre, which includes green
space extending from the centre into the surrounding countryside. It states
that there will be investment in new and existing green spaces for
recreational purposes.
2.19.
The Taunton Deane Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)21 and Somerset
Biodiversity Strategy22 review the biodiversity resource within the district and
county respectively, identifies priority actions to conserve local biodiversity.
2.20.
The BAP contains numerous targets, which include: greater recognition of
biodiversity in the planning process; more detailed information regarding
biodiversity resources in the area; prevention of development that has an
avoidable adverse impact on protected species; and promotion of habitat
enhancement opportunities within development.
19
Taunton Deane Local Plan (TDBC 2004)
Taunton Town Centre Area Action Plan (TDBC 2008)
21
Taunton Deane Biodiversity Action Plan (TDBC 2008)
22
Wild Somerset: The Somerset Biodiversity Strategy 2008 – 2018 (Somerset Biodiversity
Partnership 2008)
20
11
2.21.
2.22.
23
24
Taunton Deane’s Sustainable Community Strategy23 contains 14 priorities, 4
of which GI can directly contribute to:
•
Priority 4: To create a shift in travel behaviour to limit the rate of growth of
congestion – this includes increasing cycling and walking, and improving
and expanding cycle and walk ways’
•
Priority 9: To promote and enable healthy lifestyles – this includes
expanding and improving the accessibility to open spaces, and
encouraging the active use of these spaces
•
Priority 11: To tackle climate change’ – this includes increasing
woodland cover and tree planting
•
Priority 14: To make the most of natural assets – this includes
utilisation of essential ecosystem services, such as the provision of clean
water and air, soil conservation and reduction in flood risk.
The Somerset Local Area Agreement24 is a list of Performance Indicators
(PIs) and targets that measure the effectiveness of the Somerset Sustainable
Community Strategy. From this list, GI can play a key role in contributing
towards the following:
•
NI 185, CO2 reduction from Local Authority operations and Per capita Co2
emissions in the Local Agreement Area
•
NI 188 Adapting to Climate Change, which is supported by an additional
target, Health of the Natural Environment in Somerset
•
NI 175, Access to services and facilities by public transport, walking and
cycling, which is supported by an additional target, Accessibility in
Somerset
•
NI 121 Mortality rate from all circulatory diseases at ages under 75,
which is support by an additional target, Adult exercising.
Sustainable Community Strategy for the Borough of Deane, 2007-2017 (TDBC 2007)
Somerset Local Area Agreement Submission Document (Somerset Strategic Partnership, 2008)
12
13
Policy Principles for the Green Infrastructure Strategy
•
Local authorities to consider the contribution to be made by
green infrastructure in considering sites appropriate for
development (PPS1).
•
Taunton’s Core Strategy should be supported by evidence of what
physical, social and green infrastructure is needed to enable the
amount of development proposed (PPS12).
•
Planning policies and decisions should aim to maintain and
enhance, restore or add to biodiversity interests, with the
intention that harm to these resources shall be prevented (PPS9).
•
Networks of GI will be necessary to maintain and enhance the
region’s quality of life and support the accommodation of change
(SW RSS).
•
Development which significantly affects local nature conservation
will, in most cases, not be permitted. Where it is permitted,
compensatory measures should be secured through planning
obligations (Taunton Local Plan).
•
Development which may negatively affect ancient woodland will
not be permitted (Taunton Local Plan).
•
Development which would harm the open character of green
wedges will not be permitted. Measures to enhance their
landscape and wildlife interest will be supported (Taunton Local
Plan).
•
There will be investment in new and existing green spaces for
recreational purposes (Taunton Town Centre Action Plan).
14
3. ASSESSING THE NEED AND DEMAND FOR
3.1.
An assessment was undertaken to identify the existing GI assets of the
borough, and the need and demand for provision in the future. This
assessment process involved a review of relevant strategies and datasets,
alongside telephone consultation with key stakeholders and local experts.
This has informed the identification of opportunities for green infrastructure
enhancement and creation, as well as the functional objectives and
implementation proposals.
3.2.
The assessment of needs and deficiency was undertaken by appropriate
specialists and undertaken in relation to the following themes:
3.3.
•
Open space and access
•
Landscape
•
Cultural heritage
•
Ecology and biodiversity
•
Flood management
•
Socio-economic issues
A stakeholder consultation workshop and public exhibition were also
conducted to inform the strategy. A brief summary of each is provided in
this section, and further details can be found in Appendix 2.
15
OPEN SPACE AND ACCESS
Introduction
3.4.
3.5.
This section describes the quality and quantity of existing open space within
the study area, alongside potential issues and opportunities related to this
subject. Our review of open space and access links is undertaken at two
levels;
•
A borough-wide strategic level - addressing the towns, villages and rural
areas within Taunton Deane; and
•
For the town of Taunton.
GIS data provided by Taunton Deane Borough Council has been used
alongside desk-based research for this characterisation.
Strategic borough-wide level
Baseline data and Information
3.6.
An audit and strategy for Parks and Open Spaces in Taunton Deane Borough
(“TD Open Space Strategy”) was adopted by Taunton Deane Borough
Council in 2004. The study provides a summary of the quantity, quality and
accessibility of open space across the Borough, and identifies a set of 24
recommendations to address shortfall and improve the provision of
maintenance and services of parks and open spaces in the Borough. This is to
be taken forward in the ‘Action Plan’ which is also presented as part of the
strategy.
3.7.
The Strategy covers the period 2004 – 2009. An open space audit has
recently been completed by Pengelly Consultants, and this work has informed
the GI Strategy. The audit analysed open space in the borough using a set of
criteria to analyse what was being done well in the open spaces in terms of
design, facilities and management and what could be improved. It focused on
the 90 open spaces (out of 200 in the borough) which were considered to be
the most ‘significant’. The findings have been used to create an electronic
quality audit database for use by Council Officers. The database allows
information to be interpreted in many ways and has been designed as a
‘working tool’ to help with enquiries relating to the provision and quality of
open space in the borough.
3.8.
The audit has contributed to the compilation of new GIS data about open
spaces in the borough. This GIS data has so far been used to develop a set of
standards for provision in terms of the quality, quantity and accessibility of
open space in the borough. This is discussed in more detail below.
3.9.
A Play Strategy has also been produced for the borough. It provides a vision
and framework for the five year period 2007 to 2012, to guide the delivery
and development of play spaces and play services across the Borough. The
Play Strategy was adopted by Taunton Deane Borough Council on 22 August
2007.
16
3.10.
Analysis of sports facility provision is also being undertaken as part of the
2009 open space audit. The assessment of playing pitches uses the current
Sport England methodology and the audit will be used to update the Taunton
Deane Sports Pitch Assessment (2003). This will include projected need for
additional sports pitches considering the planned growth for the borough.
Quantity
3.11.
The TD Open Space Strategy states that the borough has approximately
587.37 hectares of public open space. This includes open space within a
number of typologies, reflecting the nine typologies recommended by PPG17:
Planning for open space, sport and recreation. As part of the update of the open
space strategy these figures have been amended based on new research. The
new figures are presented in Table 3.1, below. This shows that the
borough currently has 668.46 hectares of open space. The open space
provision per ward currently, and in light of proposed growth, is provided in
Figures 3.3a and 3.3b.
Table 3.1: Total provision of open space in Taunton Deane by
typology
Type of Space
Existing Quantity (Hectares)
Young children’s space
5.11
Young people’s space
1.54
Formal parks & green space
255.7
Amenity open space
25.57
Active recreation spaces
197.43
Country parks/natural space
157.54
Allotments
25.57
Overall
668.46
Distribution
3.12.
Outside of Taunton town, the majority of open spaces are located in or close
to the main settlements. There are smaller playing fields and play areas in the
smaller villages. A number of larger open spaces are connected natural or
built heritage features in the borough.
3.13.
Table 3.2, below, describes the distribution of different types of open space
at the borough and Taunton town level. Where relevant, it also describes
the distribution of open spaces which are outside the borough but within
17
10km of it. The typologies are based on the GIS data provided by Taunton
Deane Borough Council. Open space and public rights of way are also shown
in Figures 3.1 and 3.2.
18
Table 3.2: Distribution of Open Space Types in Taunton Deane Borough
Type of
Land
Distribution Across Borough
Open
Access
(OA) Land
(Registered
Common
Land and
Open
Country)
There are a handful of areas of OA There is no Open Access land within
land scattered across the borough. Taunton Town.
Ash Priors Common is located
in the north/centre of the borough.
Langford Budville Common is
a larger area of Common Land at
Langford Budville, to the
centre/west of the borough. There
is an concentration of OA land at
the northern tip of
the borough WITHIN the south of
the Quantock Hills AONB. There
is a concentration of OA land at
the northern tip of the borough in
the area to the south of the
Quantock Hills AONB and
between this area and Merridge
Hill/Cothelstone. There is also
a scattering to the south of the
borough, at the Blackdown Hills
AONB and Gotleigh Moor area
of the Bolham River Valley, with
a couple of small sites located in
between.
There are several areas of NT
Pyrland is a 41 hectare site on the northern
National
Within Taunton Town.
19
Within 10km of TD
Borough Boundary
There is a large area of OA Land
in the Quantock Hills AONB
area at the northern tip of the
borough and extending
northwards into West Somerset
District. The northern tip of this
area is just 1.3km from the
coastline. There is an area of
Open Country in West Somerset
District, approximately 3.5km
from the western boundary of
the borough. There is also a
concentration of Common
Land areas south and south
west of TD Borough in Mid
Devon and East Devon
Districts.
There are several area s of NT
Type of
Land
Within 10km of TD
Borough Boundary
Trust Land
owned land in the Borough;
Burrow Mump in the North east,
near Burrowbridge; Pyrland, to
the North of Taunton Town; and
Blackdown Hills AONB &
Wellington (actually 2 sites) on
the southern border of the
borough below Wellington.
edge of Taunton Town between the urban
area and Lower Marsh Farm. It is not a NT
site which is open to the public, and so no
data is available about it on the NT website.
owned land within 10km of the
borough. There is a cluster (5
sites) of NT land areas in the
Quantock Hills AONB which
is north of TD Borough. Includes
a 264 hectare site, most of which
is accessible to the public 24hrs a
day. Fyne Court and
Broomfield Hall are two other
large sites at 85 hectares
between them. The sites are
located approximately between 5
and 6km north of Taunton Town
in Sedgemoor District. Both are
accessible to the public,
Broomfield Hill has limited
Access. A number of Other sites
surround the Borough boundary,
including Knightshayes Court,
a 106 Hectare site 11km to the
South West of the Borough
boundary in Mid Devon District;
Dumpdon Hill (25 Hectares)
and Coombe Wood, Coombe
Raleigh (7 Hectares) between 7
and 11km south of the borough
Boundary in East Devon District.
20
Type of
Land
Within 10km of TD
Borough Boundary
There are also a number in South
Somerset District, the largest of
which is Barrington Court, a
34 Hectare site 8km from the
borough Boundary to the south
east in South Somerset District.
The Polden Hill, a 52 Hectare
NT site also falls partly with
10km of the borough in Mendip
District, south east of TD
Borough.
Outdoor
Sports
facilities
Of the 92 areas designated as
Outdoor Sports facilities in the
borough, 41 are inside Taunton
Town and the remaining 51 are
spread throughout the borough.
These areas are located in villages
and towns. In Wellington sites are
predominately located in the south
west of the town, and the largest
of these are school recreation
grounds. This suggests there could
be some deficiency in the north
and east of Wellington.
Wiveliscombe and Bishop’s
Outdoor Sports facilities (41) make up a
significant amount of open spaces in the
town. The majority of these are School
Playing fields, with the notable exception of
Vivary Golf Course, a large site to the south
of the Town. The school playing fields are
scattered around the town.
21
N/A
Type of
Land
Within 10km of TD
Borough Boundary
Lydyard also contain a number of
spaces for outdoor sports facilities.
Public
Parks,
Recreation
Gardens
and Playing
Fields
Of the 156 parks and recreation
gardens in the borough, 82 are
within Taunton Town. The
remaining 74 are located
throughout the rest of the
borough.
There are public parks and recreation
gardens scattered throughout the town. The
majority of these are public recreation
grounds. French Weir, Vivary, Hamilton
Gault and Victoria Parks are the largest in
the centre of the Town. A number of sites
also border the River Tone, providing
amenity open space, allotment space and a
community orchard.
N/A
Cemeteries
There are cemeteries spread
throughout the borough in most of
the villages. The largest outside
Taunton is at Wellington.
There is one large and also two medium
sized cemeteries in the south west of the
town in the Bishop’s Hill Parish, and there
are also two smaller site sin the town centre.
N/A
Private
Sports
Clubs
There are Private Sports Clubs
located in the urban areas of
Wellington, Wiveliscombe and
Bishop’s Lydyard and one in
Lydeard St Lawrence.
There are also a number of private sports
clubs in the town. This includes Somerset
County Cricket Ground which occupies a
site in the town centre. Taunton Vale
Hockey Club occupies a large site to the
north west of the town at Staplegrove.
N/A
The Wellington football ground, tennis
courts, and BMX track, along with the cricket
ground are all within the residential fabric.
22
Type of
Land
Within 10km of TD
Borough Boundary
Other ‘private sports club’ areas are mainly
on the fringes of the town.
Allotments
12 villages in the Borough contain
There are 8 allotment sites in the town of
allotments run by various
Taunton which are run by the borough
organisations. Taunton Deane
Council.
provides 8 allotment sites in
Taunton all of which are leased to
allotment associations who manage
and maintain the sites and retain
the plot rental income. Other sites
in the Borough are provided by
town and parish councils and some
are provided by town and parish
councils and some are privately
provided.
N/A
SemiNatural
Open
Space
There are 20 areas of semi-natural
open space in the borough outside
Taunton Town.
There is only one area of semi-natural open
space in Taunton Town. A linear area
running adjacent to the River Tone to the
east of the town, this area consists of
Children’s Wood, Creechbarrow Hill Open
Space, and the River Tone South spaces.
N/A
Play Areas
There are 101 areas designated as
Play areas in the borough, over half
of which are within Taunton Town
There are 54 areas designated as ‘play areas’
in Taunton town. This represents over half
the total for the borough as a whole (101
N/A
23
Type of
Land
(54).
areas). The larger play areas tend to be part
of larger parks, e.g. Victoria, Priorswood, and
Taunton Green. The remainder are within
the urban neighbourhood areas.
24
Within 10km of TD
Borough Boundary
Quality
3.14.
The Green Flag Award is the nationally recognised award for high quality open space
sites, awarded by the Civic Trust. At present, Taunton Deane has three parks which
have been awarded Green Flag status (Wellington, Victoria, and Vivary). The
qualitative assessment in the TD Open Space Strategy showed that the overall quality
of greenspace in Taunton Deane Borough is good25. The assessment compared 29
sites in the borough against 27 criteria derived from the Green Flag Award.
3.15.
The 2009 open space quality audit examined the quality of 90 of the borough’s 200
open spaces based on a number of quality criteria (access, welcoming feeling, design,
management & maintenance, safety, community involvement, natural & semi-natural
features, and value). It found that of the sites managed by TDBC many had clear
management input, are well maintained with evidence of ongoing investment and
improvement. Some good quality sports facilities were identified and many sites
were found to have a clear function, purpose and use. Some of the sites managed by
TDBC were found to be in need of updating and a inconsistency with the provision
and quality of signage across sites was identified. Many of the existing and new
facilities were found to be well designed with clearly defined uses.
3.16.
The privately managed sites were found to be ‘fit for purpose’ (e.g. cricket clubs had
low key and well maintained facilities). Parish facilities were described as being more
‘adhoc’ with many lacking a clear function. The parish sites were found to have a
‘safe’ feel about them with less vandalism evident than in the more urban areas and
were found to generally offer opportunities for additional features. The signage and
information at parish managed facilities was identified as being in need of
improvement.
Open Space Provision Standards
3.17.
The Open Space Strategy identifies a hierarchy of accessibility for open spaces based
on size and distance from dwellings, and shows the hectares of open space per 1000
population, by ward (See Figure 3.3). The Strategy does not establish ‘per person’
targets for the provision of open space.
3.18.
The council recently commissioned a short study by Pengelly Consultants to
determine standards for the provision of open space in the borough. These were
developed for the following open space types:
25
•
young children’s space;
•
young people’s space;
•
formal parks and green space;
•
amenity open space; and
•
allotments.
Taunton Deane Borough Council (2004) Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2004-2009, para 5.5.1.
25
3.19.
No provision standards were developed for natural and semi-natural green space, and
instead Natural England’s ANGSt standards have been applied to the Borough’s open
spaces, as described below.
3.20.
The standards are set out in Table 3.3 below. The existing quantities per 1000
people are based on a borough population of 102,299 people.
Table 3.3: 2009 standards for open space
Type of
Space
Quality
Access
Existing
Quantity
Time
(mins)
Distance (m)
straight line
ha per 1000
population
Proposed
Quantity
ha per 1000
population
Young
children’s
space
5
(excellent)
5
240
0.05
0.15
Young
people’s
space
4 (good)
10
480
0.015
0.10
Formal
parks &
green space
4 (good)
15
600
2.5
2.5
Amenity
open space
4 (good)
5
240
0.25
0.25
Active
recreation
spaces
4 (good)
N/A*
N/A*
1.93
2.0
Country
parks/natural
space
4 (good)
N/A*
N/A*
1.54
1.5
Allotments
4 (good)
N/A
1 km
0.25
0.25
Overall
4 (good)
N/A
N/A
6.535
6.75
* No local standard was identified for these open space types
3.21. The quantity per 1000 population standards indicate that provision of the following
types of open space is adequate:
•
formal parks & greenspace;
•
amenity open space;
•
country parks/natural space;
•
allotments.
26
3.22.
The typologies which do not meet the standard are young children’s space, young
people’s space, and active recreation spaces. This refers only to meeting the
standards in terms of total area provided, it does not account for the distribution of
the different types of open space.
Application of distance standards
3.23.
Both locally derived and nationally developed distance deficiency standards have been
applied to the open space provision in Taunton. This approach as been employed as
the local standards provide information on the provision of small local open space
sites, whilst Natural England’s ANGSt standards provide insight into access to
strategc green space sites in the wider area. It should be highlighted that these
distance deficiency standards could only be applied to the open space for which
mapped data was provided. For this reason, the deficiency analysis is likely show
slightly less provision in some areas of the Borough. Nonetheless, it is a useful
indicator of the key areas of deficiency.
Local provision standards
Taunton
3.24.
Figure 3.4 shows areas of deficiency in access to green space in Taunton and
Wellington. The figures show that nearly all of the urban area of Taunton meets the
standard for distance from formal parks and green space. However, with the
exception of the north west of Taunton town, and two areas in Staplegrove and
Trull, the rest of the town does not meet the recommended standard for distance
from young person’s space. There is some deficiency in provision of amenity open
space and play areas in the areas to the immediate north and south of Taunton town
centre, this stretches up to the Pyrland area in the north, and in Halcon and
Dowslands areas. Creech St Michael, Monkton Heathfield, and an area between
Norton Fitzwarren and Staplegrove do not meet the standard for provision of
amenity open space or play areas.
Wellington
3.25.
As shown in Figure 3.4, Wellington has good provision of access to formal parks
and gardens. Similarly to Taunton, Wellington has significant areas of deficiency in
access to local open space, including in central Wellington and at Rockwell Green
and Tonedale. Parts of north, central and south Wellington are currently deficient in
play areas, and most of the town is deficient in access to a young person’s space.
Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards (ANGSt)
3.26.
The Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards (ANGSt) were originally developed in
1995 and are detailed in English Nature Research Report 153.26 The purpose of the
ANGSt was to help local authorities develop policies which recognise and enhance
the contribution that natural and semi-natural green space makes to sustainability,
26
Harrison et al. (1995). Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards in Towns and Cities: A Review of
Appropriate Size and Distance Criteria. English Nature Research Report 153. Peterborough. English Nature.
27
and to demonstrate how size and distance criteria can guide green space provision
where it is most needed.
3.27.
The ANGSt standards provide an aspiration for provision of access to nature, and
state that:
•
no person should live more than 300m from their nearest area of accessible natural
greenspace of at least 2 ha in size;
•
there should be a least one 20ha accessible natural greenspace within 2km from
home;
•
there should be one accessible natural greenspace 100ha site within 5km; and
•
there should be one accessible natural greenspace 500 hectare within 10km.
3.28.
For the purpose of applying the ANGSt standards to Taunton’s open spaces adopted
the assumption was made that all open space (with the exception of sports pitches)
provides some access to nature. This assumption was made in order to highlight
those areas which are most in need of provision of accessible natural green space. In
addition, it was felt that many existing sites may not provide access to nature at the
moment, but that this benefit could be delivered if the design and management
principles set out later in this strategy were applied.
3.29.
The spatial application of the ANGSt standards is set out in Figure 3.5 and indicates
that those areas most deficient in access to nature are:
•
Lack of a small (2ha) accessible natural green space within 300m at Staplegrove,
Rowbarton, Comeytrowe, Sherford and Holway
•
Deficiency in a site of 20ha or more within 2km across all of Taunton and Wellington
conurbations.
•
Deficiency in a site of 100ha or more within 5km across all of Taunton, but adequate
access across Wellington
•
Deficiency in a site of 500ha or more within 10km across most of Taunton and
Wellington, with the exception of the north western edge of Taunton (Norton
Fitzwarren and parts of Staplegrove).
Allotment provision
3.30.
With the exception of small areas on the north western and north eastern fringes of
Taunton, the town meets the 1km distance standard for provision of allotments. The
provision in Wellington is not so good, where most of the central and eastern areas
of the town are more than 1km from an allotment.
3.31.
The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG) recommends the
provision of 20 plots of 250 m2 per 1000 households. This translates into 0.22
hectares per thousand population. The borough also meets national standards on the
actual number of allotments plots per 1000 population (it has 0.24 hectares of
allotment land per 1000 population). However, this doesn’t necessarily paint an
28
accurate picture of provision, as there are waiting lists at most sites and considerable
latent demand. The disparity between the NSALG standard and the considerable
demand for allotments in Taunton most probably reflects the age of the NSALG
standard, which was developed several years ago, prior to the recent renaissance in
self-sufficiency and food growing.
3.32.
An assessment of the quality of sites found that generally the quality of allotment sites
in the borough is ‘low to medium’ with some exceptions. Notable areas for
improvement include provision of facilities, addressing the sustainability agenda,
embracing local communities, promotion/information provision and supporting first
time plot holders. Several barriers to access were also identified. It was noted that
there are people in high areas of deprivation without local access to allotments, there
is no provision for people with disabilities, waiting lists are consistently fairly handled,
prices are low, but there is no concession for people on low incomes.
3.33. The Council has identified a need for a standard to set out the quantity, quality, and
accessibility for new allotments sites in the urban extensions at Taunton and
Wellington. The ‘draft vision for allotments’ states that ‘Everyone in Taunton Deane
who wishes to grow vegetables and fruit on an allotment should have the opportunity
to do so within a year of joining the waiting list and within a reasonable distance of
their home (such distance to be approximately 750 metres)’. A Draft policy and
standard for provision has also been drafted by the Leisure Development manager at
TDBC for comment by councillors.
ACCESS LINKS
Strategic
3.34.
There are no National Trails in the Borough. Parts of the Borough boundary are
approximately 9km from the South West Coast Path which is a National Trail. The
urban area of Taunton town is, in some parts, approximately 20km from the South
West Coast Path.
3.35.
The Rambler’s Association identified several regional routes which pass through the
Borough. These and other key access links identified are set out in Figure 3.1 and
Table 3.4, below.
Table 3.4: Key Access Links
Link Route
Characteristics
Regional/Sub-Regional Routes
Bridgwater &
Taunton
Canal
14.5 miles in length, the canal stretches from Bridgwater
to Taunton.
Channel to
Channel
Route
An 80km route from Seaton to Watchet which passes
through Taunton.
29
The
Macmillan
Way West
The Macmillan Way is a 290 mile coast-to-coast route
across fenland and limestone England. In the south west it
passes through Bath and down to Abbotsbury in the
South and Barnstaple in the West, known as the
Macmillan Way West. This part of the route passes
through the north east part of the Borough.
The West
Deane Way
The West Deane Way is a circular 45 mile walk through
the western parts of the borough. The walk begins in
Taunton and passes through a variety of landscapes from
the farmland of the River Tone’s floodplain then along its
wooded valley bottom before rising to the undulating
lower slopes of the Quantock Hills AONB. TDBC
developed the walk to encourage people into the
communities of the far west of the Borough. These
communities are to be included in initiatives to interpret
and understand their areas.
The East
Deane Way
The ‘family friendly’ East Deane Way route, devised by
Taunton Deane Ramblers Group, is 42.6 miles (62.5Km)
long stretching from Taunton via Burrowbridge, Hatch
Beauchamp, Castle Neroche and Corfe before returning
to Taunton.
The trail is divided into six sections varying in length from
four to 10 miles. Each one can be reached by bus and
there is a route suitable for everyone, although some
sections are more challenging than others.
Two
Counties
Way
A 56 mile route, the Two Counties Way follows the
route of the Grand Western Canal to Tiverton and then
down the Exe Valley, via Bickleigh, Silverton, Killerton and
Broad Clyst to Exeter. The final section takes in the
towpath of Exeter Ship Canal and Powderham (with its
Castle) to reach the end at Starcross. Passing through, or
near to, Bradford on Tone, Wellington, Tiverton,
Bickleigh, Exeter and Kenton, the route is coincident in
short sections with the West Deane Way, Grand
Western Canal walk and the Exe Valley Walk. The path
provides a link from Taunton to the South West Coast
Path National Trail.
Herepath
Trail
This is a 13.5 mile off-road walking, horseriding and
cycling trail, centred on Staple Fitzpaine, created by the
Neroche Scheme using Lottery funding, supported by the
Rights of Way team at Someret County Council. The
route was opened in May 2008 and is now very popular.
It attracts users from Taunton as well as local residents
and visitors from farther afield. It is relevant as a
30
consideration in the Green Infrastructure study given its
proximity to the town and growing popularity.
Cycling
National
Cycle
Network
Several branches of the National Cycle Network run
through the Borough. Langport and Taunton to
Bridgwater, and Bampton to Taunton and Taunton to
Ilminster run through the borough itself, with most of
these creating one continuous route between the north
east and south west of the Borough, passing through the
town of Taunton. Routes from Bridgwater to
Glastonbury, Langport and Burnham pass within 10km of
the Borough Boundary.
Cycleways
Outside Taunton Town there is a significant lack of
cycleways. Apart from the national cycle route, there do
not appear to be any cycleways. Wellington and Cotford
St Luke appear to be the only exception.
There are byways open to all traffic, which would include
accessibility for cycles, but they are mainly in the north
west and south of the borough.
Key GI Issues and opportunities (Borough)
Issues
•
Some open spaces are in need of enhancement and improved management to
support a range of functions.
•
The council are keen to promote tourism in the west of the borough.
•
Potential open space deficiencies in the east, west and south of the borough.
•
The M5 severs the GI network, particularly south of Taunton.
•
There is a deficiency in public access to sports facilities in the north and east of
Wellington.
•
There is a waiting list for allotments despite the recommended standard for
provision being met.
Opportunities
•
Making links with Quantock Hills AONB and Blackdown Hills AONB. Both
nearby AONBs offer significant informal recreation opportunities, and
sustainable access links such as footpaths and cycleways from major residential
areas to these areas should be enhanced. However, as the proposed growth at
31
Taunton and Wellington will result in increased recreational pressure on the
two AONBs, TDBC should work with the AONB services to ensure a robust
approach to management which reflects this additional pressure.
•
Several sites in Taunton and Wellington have potential to increase the quality of
experience for the users of the space and greater community involvement.
•
Recent park restoration schemes have produced high quality parks that have
successfully restored or taken account of historical features or facilities.
•
The Open Spaces Strategy suggests a new management approach is necessary
to build upon the range of facilities and improve both the quantity and quality of
provision.
•
There are significant semi-natural open spaces in the west of the borough. This
is a potential tourist asset which should be sustainably exploited. This has
already been partly promoted through the development and promotion of the
West Deane Way.
•
There is potential to create natural play spaces within existing open spaces or
at new sites, in order to create local destinations for young families, revitalise
community centres and increase access to nature opportunities for children
and young people.
Taunton (town) level
3.36.
Figure 3.2 shows the distribution of different open space types in Taunton town.
This distribution is described in Table 3.2, above.
Green Wedges
3.37.
There is no Green Belt around Taunton but the town is surrounded by high quality
agricultural land that should be protected where possible in accordance with PPG727.
3.38.
Green wedges are identified around the Taunton Urban Fringe in the Taunton Deane
Local Plan. The Taunton Deane Sub Area Study identifies 3 Green Wedges
designated in the TD Local Plan (at Staplegrove, Bathpool and Vivary), which the
strategy has aimed to preserve. Only a small part of the vivary green wedges is
identified as part of a potential development area in the evidence cased review28.
3.39.
The Vivary Green Wedge to the South of Taunton is considered to be of particular
value in terms of recreation and the protection of the setting of Trull Village29. One
of the key features of the Vivary green wedge is Cotlake Hill, to the north east of
Trull. This affords panoramic views of the Blackdown Hills AONB, Quantock Hills
AONB and Taunton Town. The wedge is connected to Taunton town centre
through Vivary Park, which has an entrance at the end of Taunton high street. There
is little east-west connection across this green wedge, vehicular access from east to
27 Arup (date) Urban Extension Evidence Based Review, p. 137.
28 P.145 or 45 of Review
29 (Arup SW Report, 2007, p. 137).
32
west is only possible through the town centre or via Trull, and there is only one eastwest footpath across the wedge.
3.40.
The green wedge at Staplegrove is characterised by a wealth of cultural heritage
features such as the Norton Camp Hill Fort, and includes areas of open space. The
green wedge near Bathpool is bounded by the M5 to the east, is severed by the
A3259 and includes the canal, river and railway line to the south. To the north it
stretches up to the historic Hestercombe gardens.
ACCESS LINKS
3.41.
The Somerset Rights of Way Improvement Plan30 recognises the importance of Public
Rights of Way (PRoW) as multifunctional resources, beneficial for, amongst others,
recreation, tourism and social inclusion. The Plan establishes how best the network
can meet the current and future needs of users. The Plan includes actions to assess
urban/ urban fringe PRoW in Taunton to enhance access where appropriate.
3.42.
There is a complex network of footpaths and bridleways surrounding Taunton.
Within the town, networks are focused on the city centre, and run though housing
areas but do not seem to be particularly well linked. The cycleways provide a more
comprehensive network which extends from the town centre into the housing areas
and beyond. It includes links to the National Cycle Network as well as regional and
local routes. The National Cycle Networks runs east-west through the town centre
party along the river Tone.
3.43.
Key access links include the River Tone, Taunton & Bridgwater Canal, and the
remains of the Great Western Canal, all of which pass though the town. The extent
of these and other key routes are described in Table 3.2 above. The canals are
described in more detail in the Cultural Heritage characterisation, below.
Key GI Issues in Taunton town
30
•
The M5 is quite a significant barrier to the east of Taunton. This severance
limits extent of opportunities for utilising the urban fringe as part of GI
network.
•
Potential link issues over the River Tone in Taunton Town centre to French
Weir Park.
•
The riverside path is severed in Taunton town centre, and users are directed
over a busy road without an appropriately-placed pedestrian crossing. A more
appropriate pedestrian/cycle route should be provided if possible.
•
Residential areas could be better connected to key Rights of Way such as the
Two Counties Way (e.g. North of French Weir).
Somerset Rights of Way Improvement Plan (SCC 2006)
33
•
Some areas of Taunton and Wellington are deficient in one or all of the open
space typologies listed in the 2009 standards table (See paragraphs 3.23 – 3.33
for details).
Key GI Opportunities in Taunton town
•
The three existing green wedges provide significant opportunities for
recreation and biodiversity.
•
Vivary Park provides a good link to the countryside to the south east of the
town, and this should be encouraged as a strategic recreational route.
•
There are already some good Public Rights of Way from Taunton centre to the
north west through Staplegrove. These should be maintained and enhanced in
light of potential growth to the north of the town here. There is a lack of seminatural greenspace in Taunton.
•
Potential to enhance access along the river by overcoming barriers, especially at
North Street in the town centre, where access is diverted away from the river
and over a busy road.
•
There are plans underway to restore the lock and weir at Firepool, and this has
the potential to increase the ‘offer’ of the river corridor.
•
We recommend the visual screening of the area around the weir from the
various new developments, and enhancing the biodiversity value of the river by
restoring the banks and terracing.
Green infrastructure demand: necessary future provision of open space
Population growth: potential future demand
3.44.
Future growth planned for Taunton will result in an increase in the population of
certain parts of the Borough, particularly around the towns of Taunton and
Wellington. It is possible to determine how this might affect the demand for open
space by comparing the number of hectares of public open space per 1000 people for
the present population, compared to projected future population figures.
3.45.
Figure 3.3a shows the number of hectares of public open space per 1000 people in
the borough, by ward, based on a population of 102,299 people (from the 2001/2005
census).
3.46.
Figure 3.3b also shows the number of hectares of public open space per 1000
people in the borough by ward, but the population figures include the projected
population figures in light of proposed growth. Whilst the precise locations for new
development have not yet been determined, there are four broad areas in the
borough where growth is likely. These are at Staplegrove and Monkton Heathfield to
the north of Taunton town, Comeytrowe, to the south east of Taunton Town, and
the north east of Wellington. Population figures have been determined by multiplying
the predicted number of dwellings required within each broad development area by
34
2.36, which at the time of the 2001 census was the average number of persons per
household.
3.47.
As shown on Figure 3.3b all but three of the wards fall below the 6.75 hectare per
1000 population standard which Taunton Deane Borough Council have recently
determined. Three wards exceed this standard; Staplegrove, which has 10.42
hectares per 1000 people, West Monkton, which has 9.53 hectares per 1000 people,
and Taunton Killams & Mountfield which has 8.15 hectares per 1000 people at
present.
3.48.
The figures show that for each of the 10 wards within which development is
proposed, the number of hectares of open space per 1000 population will decrease.
This would result in the number of hectares per 1000 people falling below the 6.75
standard which was recently developed for all of the wards. For those seven wards
which already fell below this standard, the deficiency would increase further. The
biggest changes are in the three wards which were above the 6.75 standard. Norton
Fitzwarren, Ruishton and Creech, and Wellington east wards would all have between
1 and 2 hectares per 1000 people of deficiency. The other wards would result in an
additional deficiency of less than 1 hectare per 1000 people.
35
LANDSCAPE
Introduction
3.49.
This section describes the landscape character within the study area, and associated
issues and opportunities related to green infrastructure. The review of landscape
character has been undertaken at two levels:
(a) borough-wide strategic level – informed by seven character areas at the national
scale31 and by character areas within the Taunton Deane Landscape Character
Assessment32; and
(b) local level assessment of Taunton and its immediate setting – informed by the
Landscape Character Assessment of Taunton’s Rural-Urban Fringe.
3.50.
A small part of the Quantock Hills AONB and Blackdown Hills AONB fall within the
northern and southern part of the Borough, respectively. In addition, the Borough
lies at the foot of Exmoor National Park.
3.51.
At a national scale, seven National Character Areas (NCAs) fall within the Borough
(Figure 3.6). The Vale of Taunton and Quantock Fringes (NCA 146) occupy a large
part of the Borough, which extend north from the foot of the steep northern scarp
of the Blackdowns (NCA 147) to the Quantock Hills (CA 144) and west to the
Brendon Hills on the edge of Exmoor (NCA 145). Between Exmoor and the
Blackdown Hills AONB, two very small areas of the Devon Redlands (NCA 148)
extend into the Borough near Sampford Arundel and south of Heydon Hill.
3.52.
The Mid Somerset Hills (NCA 142) form the eastern boundary to the Borough
(Figure 3.6). The hills extend between Staple Fitzpaine and Stoke St Gregory,
providing a dramatic backdrop to the flat, open landscape of the Somerset Levels and
Moors (NCA 143). The Quantock Hills stretch between Kingston St Mary and
Flaxpool, along the northern Borough boundary.
3.53.
The Vale of Taunton and Quantock Fringes is characterised by a lowland, mixed farming
landscape, with dense hedges, sparse woodland and frequent settlement. Its complex
small-scale topography provides contrast between the Blackdown Hills AONB and the
Quantock Hills. Cider apple orchards and drainage ditches/streams lined with willows,
poplars and alders are key characteristics. The Vale is not well-wooded but in places,
particularly in the land to the south of Taunton, mature hedgerow trees and
woodland are key features. Taunton and Wellington (including the industrial and
commercial development at the settlement edges) and the M5 are dominant built
features.
31
32
Countryside Agency (1999) Countryside Character Volume 8: South West
Taunton Deane Borough Council (1992) Taunton Deane Landscape Character Assessment.
36
3.54.
The Blackdown Hills are a highly distinctive landscape of open, heathy windswept
plateaux and ridges, and sheltered lush valleys. The open ridges provide a strong
contrast and backdrop to the adjacent Vale of Taunton; which in turn permit dramatic
elevated views over the vale from the Blackdown Hills. Beech shelterbelts on high
ground and wooded scarps and slopes are a key feature. The national importance of
the Blackdown Hills is reflected in its designation as an AONB.
3.55.
The Quantock Hills are a landscape of heather moorland, comprising grass, heather
and bilberry. It is largely devoid of settlement and imparts a feeling of space and
remoteness. Defining characteristics of the Quantock Hills are the exposed rounded
hilltops, with steep wooded combes and broad valleys, which provide a sheltered
farmed landscape. Beech trees are a key species in this landscape, often forming
characteristic copses, lines and hedgebanks. The national importance of the
landscape is reflected in its designation as an AONB.
3.56.
Exmoor is a diverse upland landscape, rising abruptly out of the surrounding lowlands
and ending in a high and spectacular cliffed coastline with coastal heath at the edge of
the Bristol Channel. From the rolling moorlands at its centre, there are wide views
across a largely treeless landscape. The central high, treeless heather and grass
moorlands are used for rough grazing, which provide contrast against the wooded
lower slopes (some with former deer parks). Steep, wooded inland valleys and steep,
coastal combes are a key feature in Exmoor. The landscape has a general absence of
detracting elements (such as major roads, electricity pylons and active quarries)
which contribute to the high sense of tranquillity. The importance of this unique
landscape is reflected in its designation as a National Park.
3.57.
South of Exmoor, the Devon Redlands are a hilly landscape of villages, hamlets,
farmsteads, hedgebanks and winding lanes, cut through by steep-sided valleys with
wide floodplains. They are separated from the Vale of Taunton by the Whiteball
Ridge. Large woodlands are mainly confined to steep valley sides however; Dutch
Elm disease has substantially changed the character of both the hills and river valleys
in recent years. Large parks and manor houses near the towns and cob and thatch
rural buildings are a key feature of the Devon Redlands.
3.58.
The Somerset Levels and Moors is a broad area of low-lying farmland and wetland
surrounded and divided up by low hills and ridges which form the Mid Somerset Hills.
Surrounded, and divided up, by low hills, ridges and islands which form distinctive
skylines. Dramatic and prominent hills such as Brent Knoll, the Isle of Avalon and
Barrow Mump, rise above the Levels and Moors. From the hills there are expansive
views across the Levels and Moors. The sparse tree cover on the Levels and Moors
contrasts with woodland, hedges and orchards of surrounding hills. Features ranging
from prehistoric trackways and lake villages to post-medieval enclosures and peat
working indicate a strong sense of time depth within the landscape (eg. ‘Sweet Track'
dates from c4000 BC).
3.59.
At the Borough-level, the Taunton Deane Landscape Character Assessment divides
the landscape into 23 discrete character types, at a scale of 1:50,000 (Figure 3.7).
Taunton lies at the confluence of 4 landscape types, which are briefly described in the
local level assessment of Taunton and its immediate setting.
37
Key GI Issues across the Borough
3.60.
Landscape character assessments play a key role in distilling the character and
distinctiveness of different locations (i.e. the ‘sense of place’) and providing an
evidence base to inform policies and programmes to enhance environmental
character accordingly (through ‘place-making’ or ‘place-shaping’ principles). It is a
useful tool to ensure new development (including built developments, land use
change and improvements) respects the inherent character of a landscape and
contributes to local diversity and distinctiveness.
3.61.
The following issues have been identified at the strategic level for Taunton Deane
Borough:
•
There is potential for significant impacts from major urban expansion in
Taunton on the nationally important landscapes of the Quantock Hills AONB
and the Blackdown Hills AONB. GI should be designed to ameliorate these
potential impacts where possible.
•
Sensitive views to and from the Quantock Hills AONB and Blackdown Hills
AONB, including the ‘long views over field patterned landscapes’ of Taunton
Deane Vale.
•
Sensitive views to and from Exmoor, including ‘uninterrupted views to Dartmoor
and the North Devon coast on a clear day… that contribute most to the experience
of openness and tranquility that is such a valuable quality of Exmoor and the
surrounding landscape’33.
•
The issue of climate change will have growing implications for the Borough. In
particular, the management of water levels within the Somerset Levels and
Moors and low-lying parts of the Vale of Taunton provide opportunities for
nature conservation (i.e. restoration of wetlands), agri-environment schemes
(i.e. promotion of arable reversion to grassland) and sustainable urban drainage
systems which deal with changing surface drainage patterns (associated with
development pressures).
•
In addition, habitats such as Beech (drought-sensitive) may be vulnerable to
climate change i.e. the drier summer soils could cause die back which may affect
the ‘fine avenues of beech along the ridge’ within the Blackdown Hills.
•
Management of important landscape features within the borough, including
hedgerows, hedgerow trees, hedgebanks, veteran trees and woodland.
•
Management and reinstatement of beech hedgebanks in the Quantock Hills,
which are particularly distinctive feature in this landscape (agri-environment
schemes and Quantock Beech Hedgerow Information Group).
33
Exmoor National Park Authority (2007) Exmoor National Park Management Plan 2007 to 2012, pg.15 (para.
2.15-2.16).
38
3.62.
Management of the historic landscape, including conservation of historic parks and
gardens (6), orchards, as well as the setting of Conservation Areas (42) and
scheduled monuments (46) within the borough.
Opportunities across the Borough
3.63.
The following opportunities have been identified at the strategic level for Taunton
Deane Borough, which were informed by stakeholders during a workshop event held
on 16th March 2009:
•
The majority of the central Borough is characterised by low-lying vale – there
are notable opportunities for strategic links to surrounding hills (AONBs) and
Exmoor National Park to provide benefits of access, recreation, movement and
leisure, for example between Wellington and the nearby Blackdown Hills
AONB, and from Taunton to the Quantock Hills AONB.
•
Due to the low-lying character of the vale (particularly west of Taunton), there
are notable opportunities to implement sustainable drainage system (SuDS) to
maximise source control measures – SuDS can provide a variety of benefits
including flood attenuation and water resource management; opportunities for
access, recreation, movement and leisure; enhancing the landscape setting and
context for development; as well as habitat provision and access to nature.
•
Opportunities to improve the landscape and visual quality of motorways
(particularly the M5 corridor – a visually discordant element that separates the
Borough into two halves) and other major roads through the Borough (such as
the A38 between Wellington and Taunton).
•
Opportunities to restore former mineral extraction sites (especially in the
Blackdown Hills AONB) for habitat creation and for people – not only can this
improve the landscape character, but it can enhance the geological record and
create priority wildlife habitats; presenting particular opportunities for nature
conservation.
•
Opportunities to enhance the River Tone corridor through the Borough,
balancing access and ecological enhancement (‘blue ways’). Also opportunities
for new access (including extension of navigable canals) and ecological corridors
along smaller watercourses such as Galmington Stream, Sherford Stream and
Back Stream, which can improve access to nature, whilst enhancing landscape
character and biodiversity.
•
Maturing of conifer plantations allow strategic opportunities for developing
mixed woodland strategies or reversion to open moorland (particularly in the
Blackdown Hills AONB and Quantock Hills AONB).
•
Opportunities for conservation schemes for Historic Parks, particularly in the
Quantock Hills AONB, to restore and enhance the historic landscape
character, and where appropriate, provide interpretation and opportunities for
access, recreation and leisure.
39
•
Orchards in the Blackdown Hills AONB and on the fringe of the Mid Somerset
Hills are a particular feature; providing opportunities to restore and enhance
the historic landscape character as well as increase local food production.
•
It will be important to maintain veteran trees, planning for their future
replacement to ensure a continued tree cover – notable opportunities for new
planting of native species that could enhance links to the Vale of Taunton
landscape (suitable native tree species include Willow, Alder, Ash, Birch, Oak,
Hawthorn, Beech, Elm, Hornbeam and Field Maple).
3.64.
This section sets out the landscape character baseline for the Taunton area, with
reference to the Landscape Character Assessment of Taunton’s Rural-Urban Fringe.
Relevant strategies and guidelines for this area have also been considered when
identifying issues and developing green infrastructure opportunities.
3.65.
The relevant landscape character areas and a short summary of their characteristics
and key strategy objectives are set out below, and illustrated in Figure 3.7.
3.66.
Taunton lies in the lowest part of the Vale of Taunton, which highlights the scale and
prominence of the surrounding landscapes, in particular, the AONB landscapes of the
Blackdown Hills and Quantock Hills. Although the Hills offer views of the town, they
possess a strong rural character and retain a strong sense of detachment34 from
Taunton and its immediate setting.
3.67.
Taunton likes at the confluence of several landscape types35, including:
3.68.
•
Type 1: Farmed and Settled Low Vale
•
Type 2: Urban River Floodplain
•
Type 3: Rural River Floodplain
•
Type 4: Farmed and Settled High Vale
The River Tone passes through the heart of Taunton, in an east-west direction.
Taunton West (Area 2A) is a wide, flat floodplain with much of the land use
characterised by pasture and arable cropping. Tree cover along the river corridor,
including Netherclay Community Woodland and the Community Orchard at Frieze
Hill add to the well-treed character of the floodplain. The area is well-served by
public footpaths, including West Deane Way. Taunton East (Area 2B) is a small area
of open space alongside the River Tone, east of Taunton. The area has a mixed
landscape character, defined by the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, the mainline
railway and several valuable community greenspaces, such as the Hankridge Riverside
34
Taunton Deane Borough Council (2005) Landscape Character Assessment of Taunton’s Rural-Urban Fringe,
pg.17, para. 2.12.
35
Taunton Deane Borough Landscape Character Assessment.
40
wetland park, the Children’s wood and playing fields. Much of this area is locally
designated as a ‘Green Wedge’.
3.69.
The northern landscape setting of Taunton is defined by Areas 1A, 1B and 1C of the
Farmed and Settled Low Vale, which lie at the foothills of the Quantock Hills AONB.
The Quantock Hills form a prominent backdrop and strong contrast to the flat, lowlying vale. Within Area 1A, the undeveloped ridgeline of Raghill is a notable landform
feature in this flat landscape north west of Taunton; providing a sense of enclosure to
the settlement.
3.70.
The Back Stream (Area 3A) and Norton Brook (Area 3B) Rural River Floodplain meander
through the Farmed and Settled Low Vale to the north west of Taunton. The flat lowlying floodplain of Area 3A provides a strong contrast to the pronounced Quantock
Hills AONB to the north. Back Stream (a tributary of the River Tone) meanders
southeast towards Taunton, through a pasture fields and woodland, comprising a
peaceful quiet character. South of Back Stream, Norton Brook (also a tributary of
the River Tone) is defined by a flat narrow floodplain of pasture, with some arable
farmland and playing fields. Willows are a common feature, which distinguishes the
floodplain from the surrounding Low Vale.
3.71.
Two prominent spurs of the Blackdown Fringes Farmed and Settled High Vale, (Area 4A)
extend into the south western settlement edges of Taunton, including Cotake Hill
and the sinuous ridge at Stonegallows. Small deciduous woods and copses and high
hedges along rural lanes are a key features of the landscape, contributing to a welltreed character. Its distinctive landform and wooded skyline contain views from
Taunton.
3.72.
At the foot of the High Vale, Areas 1D to 1G of the Farmed and Settled Low Vale,
extend towards the southern settlement edge of Taunton. Several streams incise the
landscape, forming a gently undulating landform. The landscape generally comprises a
rural character, composed of medium-large sized arable and pasture fields, defined by
hedgerows, forming a patchwork effect (as views from the Blackdown Hills AONB).
However, in places, the landscape is influenced by ‘urban fringe’ land uses such as
transportation routes, industrial units, new housing estates and large playing fields.
The woodland swathes, blocks and park pale associated with Poundisford Park and
substantial 16th century properties with orchards (within Area 1E) provide a highly
distinctive landscape setting, south of Taunton. Parts of this landscape feel removed or
disconnected from the town, due to the severing effect36 of the M5.
Key Issues
3.73.
The following issues have been identified at the local level for Taunton and its
immediate setting:
•
Maintaining the openness of the ‘green wedges’ such as the Vivary, French Weir
and Staplegrove Green Wedges;
36
Taunton Deane Borough Council (2005) Landscape Character Assessment of Taunton’s Rural-Urban Fringe,
pg.17, para.2.13.
41
•
Maintaining important views to key landmarks and distinctive/memorable
features within Taunton and its setting (including church towers and views to
the surrounding Quantock Hills AONB and Blackdown Hills AONB), which
contribute to a sense of identity.
•
Visual sensitivity of the slopes and ridgeline/skyline of Raghill and spurs within
the Blackdown Fringes Farmed and Settled High Vale (Area 4A);
•
Sensitive historic landscape features associated with Poundisford Park and other
distinctive relics such as orchards in the Farmed and Settled Low Vale on the
southern fringe of Taunton.
•
The issue of climate change will have growing implications for Taunton. In
particular, the management of water levels within low-lying parts of Taunton’s
setting provide opportunities for nature conservation (i.e. restoration of
wetlands), agri-environment schemes (i.e. promotion of arable reversion to
grassland) and sustainable urban drainage systems which deal with changing
surface drainage patterns (associated with development pressures).
•
Management of important landscape features within the Taunton’s setting,
including small deciduous woods and copses, high hedges along rural lanes,
hedgerow trees and veteran trees.
Key Opportunities
3.74.
The following opportunities have been identified at the local level for Taunton and its
immediate setting, which were informed by stakeholders during a workshop event
held on 16th March 2009:
•
The ‘green wedges’ extending into Taunton town centre provide notable
opportunities for enhancing the landscape character and setting to Taunton,
whilst improving areas for recreation and play. Management of these spaces
will depend on their use and function – where appropriate, existing landscape
features may be enhanced, such as a culvert, species-poor defunct hedgerow or
heavily mown grassland; and where possible, new areas of habitat may be
created to improve the biodiversity resource locally.
•
The River Tone and other smaller watercourses (such as Galmington Stream,
Sherford Stream and Back Stream) provide opportunities for enhancing and
creating multifunctional green infrastructure corridors which can offer a variety
benefits including flood attenuation, creation/restoration of wetland habitats,
green links for wildlife and people as well as an improved landscape setting to
Taunton through new planting (also enhances biodiversity) and improved
management.
•
Opportunities to improve the landscape and visual quality motorways
(particularly the M5 corridor – a visually discordant element that separates the
Borough into two halves) and other major roads through the Borough (such as
the A38 between Wellington and Taunton) – there are notable opportunities
for multifunctional green infrastructure including the creation of new habitats
42
which also provide attenuation (noise and visual) to nearby Taunton, green
links for wildlife and people as well as an improved landscape setting to the
motorway through new planting and management of verges (also enhances
biodiversity).
•
Opportunities to plan and implement SuDS as an integral part of new
development as well as existing urban areas and greenspaces (associated
opportunities for improving biodiversity, enhancing landscape character and
setting to urban areas and generating a strong sense of place and identity).
•
Opportunities for conservation schemes for Historic Parks and Gardens to the
north and south of Taunton, to restore and enhance the historic landscape
character (including their setting), and where appropriate, provide
interpretation and opportunities for access, recreation and leisure as well as
ecological connectivity with nearby habitats, where possible.
•
Orchards are a particular feature of the Farmed and Settled Low Vale; providing
opportunities to restore and enhance the historic landscape character as well
as increase local food production and improve biodiversity through
restoration/creation of hedgerows and semi-improved grassland. For example,
the Community Orchard at Frieze Hill in the Tone River valley.
•
It will be important to maintain tree cover in and around Taunton, including
small deciduous woods and copses, high hedges along rural lanes, hedgerow
trees and veteran trees. Plan for their future replacement to ensure a
continued tree cover and seek opportunities for new planting of native species
that could enhance links to the Vale of Taunton landscape (suitable native tree
species include Willow, Alder, Ash, Birch, Oak, Hawthorn, Beech, Elm,
Hornbeam and Field Maple).
43
ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY
Introduction
3.75.
This section describes the ecological composition and biodiversity features
within the study area, alongside potential issues and opportunities related to
this subject. Our review of ecology and biodiversity is undertaken at two
levels;
•
a borough-wide strategic level, addressing the towns, villages and rural
areas within Taunton Deane and
•
for the local level of the town of Taunton.
Table 3.5: Habitat and species action plans at the county and
borough scales
Planning
Authority
Habitat Action Plans
Species Action Plans
Somerset
Ditches & ponds (focusing on
rare plants and invertebrates)
Bats
Gardens & urban green space
Otter
Lapwing
Hedgerows & hedgerow trees
Roadside verges & green lanes
Traditional orchards
Water & wetlands
Wood pasture, parkland &
veteran trees
Taunton Deane
Purple moor grass & rush
pasture
Native wildflowers of arable
land
Calcareous & neutral grassland
Wood white Leptidea sinasis (a
butterfly)
Heathlands
Woodland
Sourcing baseline data
3.76.
The ecological characterisation took account of datasets provided by
Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC), including international,
national and local sites and ancient woodland inventory sites (Figure 3.8).
3.77.
Existing BAP habitats and the aspirational Strategic Natural Areas37 are
mapped in Figure 3.9.
37 The aspirational ‘South West Nature Map’37 prepared by the South West Biodiversity Partnership identifies
Strategic Nature Areas (SNAs) in the region to conserve, create and connect wildlife habitats at a landscape
scale. SNA boundaries were determined in 2005. Recent amendments to these have been discussed with SERC
and have been taken into account during this characterisation, as appropriate.
44
Existing GI provision
3.78.
3.79.
Taunton Deane encompasses six Natural Areas38 as shown in Figure 3.10.
Key habitats present are summarised as follows:
•
The Vale of Taunton and Quantock Fringes39 – The network of
ancient hedgerows, watercourses and small scattered woodlands
provide semi-natural habitats within the intensively managed landscape.
The range of habitat types result from historic, intensive farming.
•
Exmoor and the Quantocks40 – Central area of heathland and grass
moorland across the higher elevations, with deep valleys, often wooded,
occurring along the watercourses that feed catchments from this upland
plateau.
•
Devon Redlands41 – A lowland area dominated by mixed farmland.
Of international importance for lowland heathland; about 1,400 ha
remain but primarily outside the borough.
•
Blackdowns42 – Of national importance for a variety of habitats
including lowland heathland, wet heath and acid grassland, purple moorgrass and rush pastures and other mires (reflected in the SNAs and BAP
habitats described below). One of the most important Natural Areas in
the UK for ancient and species-rich hedgerows.
•
Mid-Somerset Hills43 – The three key characteristic habitats include
ash-maple woodlands, calcareous grasslands and neutral grasslands
(reflected in the SNAs and BAP habitats described below). The
interconnecting hedgerow network is also noted within the citation.
•
Somerset Levels and Moors44 – The largest area of lowland wet
grassland and associated wetland habitat remaining in the UK,
maintained by summer cattle grazing, often in conjunction with hay or
silage production.
Natura 2000 and SSSI sites within the borough include Quants SAC
designated owing to the presence of marsh fritillary, Hestercombe House
SAC, which supports a lesser horseshoe bat roos (a site representative of the
species in the south west of England), and the Somerset Levels and Moors
Natural Areas are defined by NE to reflect the local distinctiveness of characteristic wildlife and natural
features across England. Natural Areas form a framework against which appropriate objectives for nature
conservation are determined (as part of the NE strategy ‘Beyond 2000’).
39 Comprises the broad valley running between the Quantock and the Brendon Hills. Extends east of the
Quantocks to Bridgwater and the Somerset Levels, and north to Bridgwater Bay on the coast. Encompasses
Taunton town.
40 Encompasses the Quantock Hills, which are isolated from Exmoor by the Vale of Taunton, and the Brendon
Hills. Designated patches also lie in the north west of the borough and north of Taunton town.
41 Twice clips the south west boundary of the borough, close to Ashbrittle and Sampford Arundel.
42 Southern portion of the borough; extending from the M5, south beyond Honiton.
43 South east portion of the borough; south east of the M5, flanking the A358.
44 East portion of the borough, encompassing Bridgwater and extending north to the coast. Encompasses
floodplains of the Tone and Parrett River catchments.
38
45
SPA and Ramsar site – one of the largest and richest areas of traditionally
managed wet grassland and fen habitats in lowland UK. The later site
encompasses floodplains of the Rivers Axe, Brue, Parrett, Tone and their
tributaries. The wetland is also designated on account of the waterfowl
assemblage and specifically, populations of wintering Bewick’s swan, golden
plover, shoveler, teal and widgeon.
3.80.
3.81.
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats which have been recorded in
Taunton Deane by Natural England (these are also mapped in Figure 3.9)
are as follows:
•
Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh
•
Purple moor-grass and rush pasture
•
Lowland heathland
•
Lowland mixed woodland
•
Lowland meadows
•
Upland oakwood
•
Wet woodland
•
Upland heathland
•
Fens
•
Lowland dry acid grassland
•
Lowland calcareous grassland
•
Lowland beech and yew woodland.
Ancient woodland is scattered in peripheral northern areas of the
borough. The largest such area is Badger Copse and Buncombe Wood near
Bagborough. A number of relatively large Ancient Woodland sites occur
across the Blackdown Hills AONB in a belt parallel to the M5, including
Murlinch/Hadcombe Woods, Young/Piddle Woods, Farm/Buckland Woods
and Staple Park Woods.
3.82. Two Target Areas for Higher Level Stewardship funding lie within the
borough; (i) Quantock Hills and Fringes in the north of the borough,
extending to Bridgwater Bay, and (ii) the Somerset Levels in the east.
Management of these areas to benefit biodiversity is a function of the financial
viability of appropriate farming methods:
•
The Quantock HLS Target Area encompasses heathland, ancient
semi-natural woodland and species-rich hedgerows that support species
associated with the heathland and woodlands, such as nightjar and
greater horseshoe bat. Resource protection issues include diffuse pollution
on farmland affecting the condition of valuable wetland habitats in the River
46
Tone and Parrett catchments to the south45. Aims of this Target Area
include creation of new permissive access and maintenance, restoration
and creation of locally appropriate habitats such as grazing marsh, fen,
reedbed, wet woodlands and species-rich grassland.
•
3.83.
The Somerset Levels and Moors HLS Target Area includes one of
the most extensive areas of wetland in lowland Britain. Habitats
present include species-rich wet grasslands and associated rhynes and
ditches that support important breeding and wintering wildfowl and wading
bird populations. Important areas of fen, reedbed, degraded raised bog and
wet woodland are also present, with species-rich calcareous grasslands
present on the Poldens46. Aims of this Target Area include enhancing
public access and creation of locally distinctive habitats including
limestone grassland on the Poldens and provision of habitat for wet
grassland birds (e.g. lapwing, snipe, redshank, curlew and yellow
wagtail).
The following European Protected Species have been recorded as
occurring within or in close proximity to the district of Taunton Deane47:
•
Great crested newt;
•
Hazel dormouse;
•
Otter;
•
All species of UK bat are listed on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive.
Data from SERC indicates that at least nine species of bat have been
recorded in the vicinity including:
•
o
greater and lesser horseshoes
o
pipistrelle species
o
Daubentons’s
o
Natterer’s
o
noctule
o
brown long-eared
o
serotine
o
barbastelle.
Marsh fritillary butterfly (in the Quants SAC).
Natural England. HLS Target Area Statement SW19: Quantock Hills Target Area. [on-line]
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/images/hlstargeting/Quantock_Hills.pdf (accessed February, 2009)
45
46 Natural England. HLS Target Area Statement SW21: Somerset Levels and Moors Target Area. [on-line]
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/images/hlstargeting/Somerset_Levels_&_Moors.pdf (accessed February, 2009)
47
Somerset Environmental Records Centre (2009).
47
3.84.
Species listed within the borough BAP include the wood white
butterfly, rare in southern England, which is usually found in woodland glades
and scrub. Recent, serious decline is principally linked to habitat
fragmentation and isolation through unsympathetic management and climate
change. Two woods in Somerset have lost the species in the last ten years
and the BAP estimates that local restriction is now restricted to an area of
about 3 square miles around Staple Fitzpaine. ‘Native wildflowers of arable
land’ are listed as a group species action plan, which seeks to achieve areas of
stable and self-maintaining populations of rarer arable wildflowers in Taunton
Deane District, where they ‘naturally’ exist in Arable fields, on trackways and in
gateways and on thin soils.
Key GI deficiencies: existing
3.85.
The aspirational SW Nature Map identifies Strategic Nature Areas (SNAs),
which aim to link or buffer existing priority BAP habitats and semi-natural
habitat at the regional scale. The SNAs were drawn up to direct restoration
projects. The correlation of SNAs and BAP habitat within the borough are
summarised in Table 3.6:
48
Table 3.6: Key concentrations of semi-natural habitat in Taunton Deane
according to the SW Nature Map
Habitat
Threats
BAP Purple moor-grass &
rush pasture (PMG&RP)
Threats identified in the BAP:
1) Lack of grazing48
2) Scrub invasion (via natural succession)
3) Tree planting, e.g. at Blackdown Hills
AONB
Calcareous & neutral
grassland
Threats identified in the BAP:
(relates to the UK BAP
Priority Habitats Lowland
meadow and Lowland
calcareous)
2) Scrub and/or bracken invasion
1) Agricultural improvement
3) Lack of grazing (species–rich swards
become denser and coarser)
4) Climate change
5) High levels of aerial nitrogen deposition
6) Outdoor pig rearing.
Heathlands
Once widespread across the ridge-top and
plateau areas of the Blackdowns, over the
greensand and clay-with-flints, heathlands
occur in fragments of restricted distribution
and limited extent. Key causes, as is typical
across the UK, include:
2) Planting of conifers.
Woodland
Threats identified in the BAP include:
1) Plantation woodland – both coniferous
and broad-leaved
3) Scrub and bracken invasion
4) Climate change
5) High levels of aerial nitrogen deposition
6) Afforestation.
48 The BAP cites the tick-born redwater fever as a key cause of previous, lack of grazing; whereby cattle over 30 months
could not be sold for human consumption made it difficult to use rough pasture to slowly raise cattle to marketable weight,
particularly where ESA agreements usually entailed no winter grazing.
49
Key GI deficiencies: future
3.86.
Deficiencies in future potential green infrastructure requirements are based on
projected population growth figures estimated from SPD and LDF documents. 3.86.
Requirements of the future population for access to green space will need to
accommodate this level of growth, both in terms of increased visitor numbers and
the spatial distribution of sites of ecological value in respect of growth/access points.
Areas of ecological value potentially subject to particular pressure include potential
impacts of changes to hydrology, physical damage to habitat (e.g. trampling,
fragmentation, edge impacts, prevention of natural processes), non-physical
disturbance (e.g. lighting, human presence, noise) and pollution (air and water).
3.87.
Associated with population growth and the tourism economy, improvements to the
transport infrastructure will be sought in the region, for example, including extension
and widening of the local road infrastructure. Key potential issues on wildlife relate
to direct impacts of habitat fragmentation and loss, and indirect impacts such as air
pollution and nitrogen deposition. On a species-specific level, using the example of
bats as an indicator species group, this may entail roost loss, severance of commuting
and migration routes, as well as reduction in the extent and quality of foraging
resources.
3.88.
Overlaying the changes in future human demand, are the additional pressures on
biodiversity that stem from climate change. Broadly, climate change is likely to bring
about hotter, drier summers and milder, wetter winters. This may have a range of
specific effects on biodiversity:
49
•
Increases in the frequency and magnitude of flooding may cause physical damage
to riverine habitats;
•
Greater risk of drought may have particular implications for drought-sensitive
habitats such as freshwater wetlands. Downstream effects of reduced water
attenuation within upland habitats within the flood plain;
•
Increased erosion rates (as a result of both higher winter rainfall and annual
temperature), which may have particular effect on rural areas where
agricultural land use interfaces semi-natural habitats;
•
Potential increase in vegetation growth rate, particularly of vigorous species,
resulting from the extended growing season as the climate warms and from the
fertilising effect of extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere49. This in turn can
evoke significant effect(s) on floral communities and ecosystems;
•
Consequent change in species distribution, both in terms of latitude and
altitude, and possible loss of species unable to migrate to alternative suitable
habitat i.e. from relatively isolated habitat patches;
•
Changes in the timing of natural events, and as not all species adapt at the same
rate, risk of faltered breeding cycles and population stability (e.g. mismatch
between hatching and availability of foraging resources);
Natural England (April 2008)
50
•
Potential for increased incidence of pests and disease (i.e. warmer summers
enable build up of higher insect numbers or enable pathogens to take hold).
Key GI opportunities
Extend management recommendations from national and international
sites
3.89.
Specifically in respect of Natura 2000 Sites, potential threats identified in the Habitats
Regulations Assessment of the draft RSS for the South West50 include:
•
Potential for significant loss of bat foraging habitat and commuting features
outside of Hestercombe House SAC associated with the residential expansion
of Taunton (currently undergoing full Appropriate Assessment);
•
Potential effects from water pollution and alteration to the hydrology of
Somerset Levels & Moors SPA and Ramsar from urban development at
Taunton and Bridgwater;
3.90.
Initial findings of the HRA of the Taunton Deane Community Strategy by TDBC has
identified likely recreational impacts on Exmoor and Quantock Oakwoods SAC, and
potentially also Exmoor Heaths SAC51.
3.91.
SSSIs are subject to condition assessment monitoring. Recommendations for
improving the favourability of each site may be followed as part of the borough GI
opportunities.
Encourage wider uptake of the full range of HLS funding opportunities
3.92.
HLS funding opportunities are available for land managers incorporating approaches
that favour wildlife both within and outside the Target Areas. Such environmental
schemes can compliment SNA targets by incorporating the principals of connectivity
and buffering as well as specific BAP actions, such as for ‘native wildflowers of arable
land’.
3.93.
Within the Quantock HLS Target Area, specific objectives for land management
include relatively generic opportunities, which could be applied more broadly across
the borough:
•
Maintain/restore/create important areas of the following habitats: heathland,
wetlands, species-rich grasslands, ancient semi-natural woodlands and speciesrich hedgerows;
•
Implement land management practices and capital works to minimise soil
erosion from land at risk of generating diffuse pollution affecting the catchments
of the Tone and the Parrett;
50 Land Use Consultants (2007) Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West:
Final Report.
51
Larry Burrows, TDBC Ecologist, pers.comm.
51
•
3.94.
Additionally, landscape features that benefit wildlife are highlighted –
maintain/restore characteristic field boundaries such as hedgerows, hedge
banks, stone-faced banks or stone walls; also the small-scale, traditional
orchards.
Within the Levels HLS Target Area, specific objectives for land management focus on
the characteristic habitats associated with ground water levels, for example:
•
Protect and restore degraded lowland raised bog and other habitats on deep peat
soils to reduce losses of carbon from nationally important carbon stores;
•
Implement land management practices and capital works to minimise soil erosion
from land at risk of generating diffuse pollution affecting watercourses, including the
rhynes and ditches.
Extend and buffer existing priority habitat areas
3.95.
Extension and buffering existing priority habitat areas can ensure long-term
robustness without the need for intensive management, thereby maximising the
potential for flora and fauna to cope with the pressures of climate change. The
aspirational SNAs are linked to policy through the RSS and therefore provide a
strong framework for GI to be further developed within the borough, thereby
delivering landscape scale ecological benefits.
3.96.
BAP actions for SNAs in the borough seek to meet landscape scale targets set out in
the ‘Rebuilding Biodiversity/Nature, concentrating efforts on SNAs. Specific actions
in respect of each habitat type are summarised as follows:
3.97.
•
Purple moor-grass & rush pasture (PMG&RP) – Raised Water Level
Management Plans on the levels and moors, are a listed as a ‘key tool’ for
ensuring maintenance and restoration.
•
Calcareous & neutral grassland – actions reflect the generic BAP principles
listed above.
•
Heathland – restoration may not be appropriate in small, relatively isolated
patches within the urban area. However, acid grassland habitat creation is
desirable in small and/or frequently accessed sites where establishment of acid
grassland may be more realistic than that of heath.
•
Woodland – BAP actions include creation of significant areas of floodplain
woodland, and refer to the Tone Floodplain Woodlands project as an example
deliverable.
Within the urban area of Taunton, the River Tone is of particular importance as a
wildlife corridor to Daubenton's bats and otters moving east-west through the area.
Opportunities to protect and extend such existing key features of habitat
connectivity may also be prioritised.
52
Maximise connectivity
3.98.
Maximise connectivity of semi-natural habitats more generally to reduce
fragmentation, thereby enhancing the long term viability.
Habitat creation and extension within flood plain areas
3.99.
Development within the flood plain is not typically encouraged and therefore flood
plain areas provide an opportunity to focus GI provision. Ecological benefits are wide
ranging and include extension of linear habitats, protection of existing aquatic and
terrestrial features despite increased recreational access, and promotion of
connectivity. Additionally, the ecological value of land may be enhanced in tandem
with alleviating the effects of climate change, for example, across the degraded
grazing marsh (falls within the woodland SNA) north west of Fitzwarren. The role of
strategically placed floodplain woodland includes reduction and delay of surface
runoff, reduction of soil compaction/increase infiltration, reduce impact of rainfall,
increase water uptake by trees and reduce diffuse pollution.
3.100. Extension and buffering of BAP habitats may be delivered through agri-environment
schemes, developer contributions (e.g. as part of off-site mitigation) and public or
grant funded initiatives. The Parrett Catchment Project52, for example, supports
changes in agricultural land management, such as grassland and woodland recovery
within the floodplain. Project deliverables include practical advice to land managers,
evaluation of feasibility and of implementation costs.
Focus on protected species
3.101. Encompassing habitats relied upon by protected and notable species within the GI
provision can avoid, or at least minimise, detrimental impacts on such species.
Proposed development to the north of Taunton, for example, will affect horseshoe
bats53. GI provision within, and extending beyond, this area may enhance habitat
opportunities for bat.
Existing GI provision
3.102. Lang’s Farm SSSI lies on the narrow flood plain of a tributary of the River Tone,
approximately 2km west of Taunton itself. It comprises a type of unimproved, herbrich neutral grassland of a type now rare in the UK.
3.103. Taunton itself encompasses six LNR sites54 in and around the built area of the town,
as summarised as follows:
52 Partnership bodies include Natural England, the Environment Agency, FWAG, National Farmers’ Union, Forestry
Commission, local drainage boards, Local District and Borough councils and local Wildlife Trusts
www.parrettcatchment.info/what-we-are-doing/rural/arable-reversion-to-woodland/
53
Findings of initial Appropriate Assessment underway by TDBC, Larry burrows, pers.comm.
Source: http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/tdbcsites/her/lnrhome.asp and www.englishnature.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_projects_details.asp?ID=161
54
53
•
Children’s Wood / Riverside Park LNR – Runs east from the town centre,
south of the railway line, encompassing grassy banks and berms of the historic
(1960s) flood alleviation works alongside the River Tone. Wooded areas and
standard trees have established and the site is managed to optimise grassland
diverse. Lake habitat located at Hankridge Riverside. Faunal species recorded
include otter, bats, including both pipistrelle species and lesser horseshoe, and
birds including nesting kingfisher, sand martin and reed warbler.
•
Frieze Hill Community Orchard LNR – Former allotments and
agricultural land now reverted to rough grassland North of Roughmoor. The
habitat mosaic includes a network of dry ditches on site and mature standards.
•
Wierfield Park LNR – Linear plot along the River Tone, at the eastern end
of Frieze Hill. The habitat mosaic encompasses woodland/carr, bramble/thorn
scrub, tall ruderal herbs and semi-improved grassland, with mature alder and
willows along the river margin. Faunal species associated with the river
corridor include otter, brown long-eared bat, lesser horseshoe bat and
kingfisher. Bluebell was recorded within the woodland ground flora.
•
Netherclay LNR – Lies south of Roughmoor, bordering the River Tone
(forms southern site boundary). Former agricultural land now managed with an
on-going tree planting programme to complement the existing hedgerow of the
eastern boundary. Mammals using the site include badger and otter.
•
South Taunton Streams LNR – Encompasses tributaries of the River Tone,
associated ponds, other wetland habitats and several areas of species-rich
grassland, woodland and hedgerow. Protected species present include
established colonies of water vole, and records of otter, bats, including
common and Nathusius’ pipistrelles, lesser horseshoe and noctule, kingfisher,
sand martin, great crested newt, brook lamprey and previously white-clawed
crayfish.
•
Norton Hillfort LNR – Wooded perimeter of the scheduled ancient
monument, including a diverse woodland structure, dead wood habitats and a
small pond at the south east of the site. The woodland understorey includes
wild service tree and ancient woodland ground flora indicators present include
bluebell, wood anemone, dog’s mercury and moschatel. Badger and roe deer
have been recorded.
Key GI deficiencies: existing
3.104. Current and imminent concerns regarding biodiversity relate, in part, to the
insensitive redevelopment of sites within and close to existing habitats, particularly
those supporting protected species. Riparian species including otter, water vole,
various bat species and kingfisher, within the relatively urban environs in and around
Taunton are significant natural assets in the town. However, population viability is
threatened, for example, by encroaching development, inappropriate tree
management, insensitive lighting and disturbance associated with increased
recreational access.
54
Key GI deficiencies: future
3.105. Requirements of the future population for access to green space will need to
accommodate population growth, both in terms of (i) spatial distribution of ecological
sites and (ii) increased visitor numbers. Such effects on ecological sites at the town
centre, such as the Tone corridor, may be further exacerbated as a result of urban
regeneration.
3.106. Potential development within and immediately surrounding the town may cause
indirect impacts on the qualifying features of the surrounding Natura 2000 network.
Examples include detrimental effects associated with water quality on the Somerset
Levels and Moors SPA/Ramsar and with recreation on the Quantock Oakwoods
SAC. Potential development, in particular, south west and north of the town may
cause indirect impacts on transient commuting and foraging habitat of the
Hestercombe horseshoe bats.
Key GI opportunities
Balance access requirements with protection of especially vulnerable
features
3.107. Provision of new ‘green wedges’ extending into the urban centre to accommodate
for proposed residential expansion.
3.108. Provision of GI should seek to ensure that there is adequate capacity within the
green space to accommodate both recreational access and ecological viability. The
design and management of sites can incorporate areas protected from encroachment
and disturbance without loosing the sense of ‘countryside’. Mechanisms may include
boardwalks, informal fencing, sunken posts and features of natural play, scrub
screening, landscaped embankments (with features contained or planting overlain),
willow spiling and drop levels.
3.109. Provision of allotments and community gardens can support a range of bird, reptile
and amphibian species as well as providing social benefits, such as promotion of a
sense of community, self-sufficiency, recreation and education. GI sites that
encourage active community involvement may alleviate some pressure on wildlife
corridors under pressure from relatively high levels of access.
Capitalise existing green space management resources
3.110. Structural diversity of habitats within existing green spaces can be achieved through
relaxation of park management, where recreation and safety needs permit. Allowing
a more complex habitat mosaic to develop can be cross-complimentary to the
principles of natural play and controlling disturbance to sensitive features. Increased
suitability for wildlife foraging and nesting include relaxation of severe mowing
regimes to encourage a taller more diverse grassland sward, retention of deadwood
habitat, expansion of hedgebanks and associated verges, and allowing scrub belts to
develop (particularly of fruit-bearing species).
Maximise connectivity: linear ‘edge’ habitats
55
3.111. This is of particular importance for brownfield regeneration sites, which themselves
extend and link into the river and railway corridors through Taunton. More broadly,
provision of trees, scrub and hedgerows compliment the woodland SNA, diffusing
this further into the built environment.
3.112. It is recognised that the ANGSt calculations55 (where completed under PPG17)
excludes areas such as sports pitches that can contribute to alleviating some of the
pressures on biodiversity associated with increased recreational access. Narrow
belts of semi-natural habitats at the periphery of sports pitches (a few metres width)
can incorporate valuable refuges, hibernacula, foraging and commuting habitat. To
maximise the benefit, appropriate lighting is required.
Maintenance and restoration of functioning watercourses
3.113. The ‘Waterlinks’ project focuses on the River Tone and within Taunton seeks to
provide pedestrian and cycle access to 3 km of riverside. Engineering features to be
provided include a bridge, weir and floating marina56. The WonderTree project
makes use of land within the River Tone corridor and is readily accessible from the
town centre. Benefits of the scheme include interaction with, and understanding of,
the natural environment, community involvement and active leisure.
3.114. Increased access brings potential disturbance of protected species present, such as
kingfisher. Sensitive habitat design and management is therefore required to
accommodate both human and wildlife users. Opportunities for encompassing the
entire river corridor; those associated with open water habitats, in-channel features,
reinstating a more naturalised bank profile, integrating features into/onto sheer walls
and bridges (for example, an otter ledge forms part of the mitigation for the Tangier
development on the River Tone), and opening up culverts. They may focus on
encouraging the return of native mammals and birds through urban areas by direct
habitat links or by accommodating prey sources for such flagship species.
Focus on local protected and notable, habitats and species
3.115. Flagship and indicator species for Taunton Deane can provide a useful focus for
enhancement schemes, such as Daubenton’s bats and otter, which may illustrate how
development has affected the GI provision through Taunton’s town centre.
3.116. Water vole, lesser horseshoe and barn owl foraging habitat occur in the vicinity of
the potential development sites in and around Taunton, and kingfisher nests at
Children’s Wood LNR. Protected species must be accommodated within
appropriate mitigation packages, which can be planned in advance by the provision of
linear green space. The green space may provide (i) alternative or connected habitat
55 There are two main standards that relate to the provision of natural and semi-natural green space; the Woodland Trust’s
standard for woodland areas and NE’s ANGSt. The Woodland Trust standard is (i) no person should live more than 500m
from at least one area of accessible woodland of no less than 2ha in size (ii) there should be also be at least one area of
accessible woodland of no less than 20ha within 4km (8km round-trip) of people’s homes. The NE ANGSt is (i) that no
person should live more than 300m from their nearest area of natural green space of at least 2ha in size, (ii) provision of at
least 1ha of Local Nature Reserve per 1,000 population, (iii) that there should be at least one accessible 20ha site within
2km from home, (iv) that there should be one accessible 100ha site within 5km, and (v) that there should be one 500ha site
within 20km.
56
www.waterlinks.info/map.html
56
to accommodate the species, (ii) alternative habitat for recreational human users or
(iii) both. The habitat mosaic within the green space must consider native species
particularly sensitive to disturbance. Water voles for example are sensitive to
disturbance associated with urban expansion, such as reduced and/or severed habitat,
and predation by domestic cats.
Use biodiversity to ameliorate the effects of climate change
3.117. Delivering ecological services that help ameliorate the effects of climate change, such
as flood protection (e.g. SUDS and functional flood storage) and micro-climate
control (e.g. offsetting urban heat island effects through shading and cooling from
trees, green walls an green roofs), which simultaneously provide habitat niches and
foraging opportunities for a range of species.
57
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Introduction
3.118. This section describes the characteristics and distribution of cultural heritage
features within the study area, alongside potential issues and opportunities
related to this subject. Cultural heritage elements within Taunton Deane are
shown in Figures 3.11 and 3.12. Our review of cultural heritage features is
undertaken at two levels;
•
a borough-wide strategic level, addressing the towns, villages and rural
areas within Taunton Deane and
•
for the local level of the town of Taunton.
3.119. Taunton has a rich history which is still visible today in many of its buildings,
landscapes and archaeological features. The town was a key location in the
War of the Roses, the Civil War, and incorporates many historic features
including Taunton Castle, Norton Camp Hill Fort, and the Bridgwater and
Taunton Canal. The ‘town on the Tone’ has been established along the river,
which was the heart of a once thriving textiles industry. The town is
surrounded by the rolling hills of Somerset, with both the Blackdown Hills
AONB to the South, and the Quantock Hills AONB to the North visible
from the town.
3.120. Taunton’s connection with the surrounding countryside has been managed
and maintained over the past few decades, and the town has formed around
several designated Green Wedges, which allow access to green space even in
the town centre. Today, Taunton has approximately 587.37 hectares of
public open space, which is managed specifically for recreation and access to
nature.
3.121. The Borough of Taunton Deane has a rich architectural heritage with many
fine towns, villages, country houses, agricultural, industrial and other
buildings. At present there are approximately 2000 listed buildings and 42
Conservation Areas in the borough.
Registered Parks and Gardens
3.122. There are 6 Registered Parks and Gardens within Taunton Deane Borough,
four of which are listed Grade 11 (Poundisford Park, Cothelstone Manor,
Hatch (Beauchamp) Court, & Wellington Park), one is Grade 11* (Nynehead
Court), and one is Grade 1 (Hestercombe).
3.123. Poundisford Park, the closest of these to Taunton town, lies to the south
of Taunton between the villages of Trull and Pitminster. It is a formal garden
created in the 17th century set within a medieval deer park, together with
further formal gardens associated with a secondary house within the park.
The site is 180 hectares in size comprising 2 hectares of gardens and pleasure
grounds associated with Poundisford park and Poundisford Lodge, and 178
58
hectares enclosed within the medieval park pale (a scheduled monument) of
which 40 hectares remains as parkland. The northern tip of the site is
crossed from north-east to south-west by the M5 motorway. The site is
generally level, with southerly views extending to the Blackdown Hills AONB.
3.124. Surviving areas of parkland are concentrated in the east and south-east
quarters of the registered site, with a small area or park to the south and
west of Poundisford Lodge, and larger areas to the South and West of
Poundisford Park. The medieval park pale which surrounds the park is still
visible in parts, though it was dissected by the motorway.
3.125. Hestercombe Gardens are also close to the town of Taunton, lying less
than a kilometre north of the Town between Gotton and Upper Cheddon.
They consist of a collection of three gardens representing three different
periods of landscape history. These include a Georgian Landscape Garden
which lies in the valley to the north of the house and was created between
1750 - 86 by the then owner of Hestercombe, Coplestone Warre Bampfylde.
There is also a Victorian Terrace on the south side of Hestercombe House
which was personally laid out by the first Viscount Portman between 1873
and 1878 when he was undertaking considerable remodelling of the house.
The third garden is an Edwardian Formal Garden created by Sir Edwin
Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll who designed the planting scheme for the
garden. Hestercombe gardens are open to the public for an entry fee.
3.126. Hatch Court Park is a deer park surrounding Hatch Court, north of the
village of Hatch Beachamp. The 45 hectare park lies approximately 6
kilometres to the south east of Taunton Town, and at the southern end of a
ridge which stretches from Hatch to Somerton and is wooded along its
southern side. In addition to the deer park there are landscaped pleasure
grounds and gardens.
3.127. There are two Registered Parks and Gardens in or close to Wellington.
3.128. Nynehead Court Park is a 100 hectare site located to the north of
Wellington between the River Tone and Nynehead village. The park was
created in the 18th century, although major landscaping works were carried
out in the early 19th century. The parkland is crossed by serpentine loops of
the River Tone, running west to east. The loops were originally part of a
much larger man made lake measuring 1200 yards long by 45 yards wide but
this has become silted up over the last two centuries. The Southern
Boundary of the park is marked by remains of the Grand Western Canal,
and the south-eastern corner is crossed by a railway. Nynehead Court is
currently in use as a residential home for the elderly. There is currently
public access to the gardens and house on request, and TDBC have provided
an information leaflet for visitors.
3.129. Wellington Park (Grade II) is located to the north-west of the town
centre, at the edge of the urban area. The Edwardian Park is within 10
minutes walk of the town centre and is open to the public free of charge
(daily from 8am to dusk). It features a bandstand, a ha-ha, caretaker’s cottage
and war memorial. To the north west the park adjoins suburban housing and
59
is adjacent to recreation grounds. The ha-ha which bounds the park to the
south-west provides notable open views. A restoration programme funded
by TDBC and the Heritage Lottery Fund was completed in 2000.
Wellington’s industrial heritage is evident at the park’s basins.
3.130. Cothelstone Manor Gardens (Grade II) surround Cothelstone Manor, and
include a formal drive, forecourt and remains of formal gardens. They are
located at Cothelstone in the north east of the borough at the southern end
of the Quantock Hills AONB. Parts of the manor house and gardens are
private and oNCAsionally available to the public for hire.
3.131. There are an additional 9 Registered Parks and Gardens outside the borough
but within 10km of it (St Audries, Nettlecombe Court, Fairfield, and
Crowcombe Court in West Somerset; Barrington Court and Burton
Preysent in Yeovil; Bridwell in Mid Devon District; East Lambrook Manor in
South Somerset; and Halswell Park in Sedgemoor). These all form part of an
extensive network of historic features in the borough.
Other Sites and Monuments
3.132. The borough contains a number of historically important settlements, which
is reflected in the large number of Scheduled Monuments and other notable
sites and monuments scattered throughout the borough. The majority of
sites are located within or around these settlements. There are also more
rural sites which are associated with parks (e.g. the Poundisford Park Pale) or
military features (e.g. RAF Culmhead).
3.133. There are 46 Scheduled Monuments in the Borough, including numerous
earthworks such as bowl barrows and cairns. There are several castles and
two hillforts. Outside Taunton town, the castles and hillforts include Castle
Neroche, a motte & bailey castle located 7km to the south east of Taunton
within a plantation, The Castles, a hillfort to the west of the borough, and
Burrow Mump, a motte castle at Burrowbridge. The Sites and Monuments
Record identifies Scheduled Monuments and other significant sites, some of
which are as contemporary as the Second World War, and include large
areas, such as Cothelstone Manor, and various parklands. Together, these
areas cover a significant amount of the borough. The potential links between
these features and the role they can play as part of a green infrastructure
network is demonstrated by the fact that a number of these monuments
form focal points for circular walks promoted by the Borough Council (See
Open Space & Links Chapter).
3.134. There are also a number of site specific initiatives which could provide a
useful links between other green infrastructure projects. Such projects
include the Neroche Area scheme, a Landscape Partnership Scheme
supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and a range of local organisations.
Led by the Forestry Commission and working closely with the local
community, the Scheme is working to protect and celebrate the heritage of
an area which includes Castle Neroche and much of the Blackdown Hills
AONB, and to provide opportunities for quiet enjoyment, education and
training in countryside skills.
60
3.135. The Grand Western Canal, which stretches from Wellington in the South
West of the Borough, into the centre of Taunton town, is also recognised as
being of historical interest. This part of the canal from Lowdwells to Taunton
is derelict, though restoration is being considered. Remaining features of
interest include parts of the canal’s unusual boat lifts. In Taunton Deane
borough, the canal runs through villages and opens countryside before
approaching the town through the green wedge and finishing right in the
centre of the town.
3.136. Cider orchards have also played an important role in Taunton’s history and
for a long time were a prominent feature of the landscape. Ancient orchards
are evident throughout the borough, for example between Taunton and
Wellington at Stoford Manor and near Poundisford and Shoreditch and
Haygarth’s Farm to the South of Taunton town.
Key GI Issues and opportunities
Issues
•
A significant amount of development is proposed in the borough
(mainly in and around Taunton) but also elsewhere, and in the region as
a whole. This must be accommodated whilst ensuring the setting and
physical structures of the borough’s cultural heritage are protected.
Opportunities
•
Poundisford Park and Hestercombe Gardens are both located close to
Taunton Town, and there is potential to provide improved
interpretation at these sites.
•
Nynehead Court Park is of a significant size (100ha) and is connected by
existing linkages such as the River Tone and historic route of the Grand
Western canal.
•
Key heritage features which characterise the borough (such as the
industrial heritage evident through the canal systems and the cider
apple orchards) would provide suitable foci for a Green Infrastructure
network.
•
There are so many sites and monuments that there is potential for
connections to be made between them. Circular walks which include
identified sites and monuments are already promoted by the Council.
•
Green Infrastructure network should link up with existing initiatives
such as the trail at Castle Neroche.
•
Taunton’s historic orchards could provide a focus for walks and or
trails.
•
Cultural heritage features in towns and villages outside Taunton could
be linked using the Green Infrastructure network, for example features
61
at Wellington, and features outside the District such as the Sedgemoor
battlefield.
3.137. Taunton’s history can be traced back over more than 1100 years, as a focus
for trade, conflict and rebellion, notably the anti royalist stance taken by the
town during the civil war and Monmouth rebellion. The town’s history is
evident in its architecture and monuments, and particularly in the town
centre itself, which boasts Taunton Castle amongst other historic features.
Cultural heritage elements within Taunton Deane are shown in Figures 3.11
and 3.12.
Registered Parks and Gardens
3.138. There are no Registered Parks or Gardens in Taunton Town itself. However,
Poundisford Park and Hestercombe Gardens are both less than a kilometre
from the urban edge of the town.
Other Sites and Monuments
3.139. There are many Sites and Monuments scattered throughout Taunton urban
area and its surrounding landscape, consisting of a variety of ancient sites,
including Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs), and those from the 20th
Century, such a numerous features dating from the Second World War.
3.140. The majority of sites are part of or consist of other features such as
landscape parks, woodland or registered parks or gardens (e.g. Prior’s Wood,
a large site to the east of Taunton is a SAM and the fishponds and whole of
Pyrland Park, and Staplegrove Park both to the north of the town are SAMs).
3.141. To the north west of the Town, between Norton Fitzwarren and
Staplegrove, there is a concentration of SAMs, including the Norton Camp
Hillfort, cropmarks, and other features dating from the Second World War.
At the very south western tip of the town there is also a large area of SAMs
consisting of crop circles and landscape parks. The Taunton Urban Extension
Study noted that whilst the area around Norton Camp Hillfort would not be
suitable for an urban extension due to the setting of cultural heritage
features, the clusters of cultural heritage features to the south west are not
significant enough in scale to rule out broad areas of development. They
should be considered as part of a more detailed appraisal instead57.
3.142. The town centre is characterised by many of its historical features. The old
town centre itself is medieval and contains Taunton Castle, a Saxon site built
up with a Motte & Bailey during the early 12th century by Henry de Blois,
which has since been subject to many alterations58. The castle is now used
as the County Museum. From the town centre south to the southern green
wedge, there are several SAMs, including the Jellalibad barracks, fishponds,
57
Taunton Urban Extension Study, Terence O’Rourke et al, November 2005. page 24.
Clare Gathercole (2002). "English Heritage Extensive Urban Survey, An archaeological assessment
of Taunton".
58
62
Wilton Gaol, the convent and Nunfield Camp. Several of the main roads and
bridges are recognised to be important historical features.
3.143. The Taunton Urban Extension Study59 considered the cultural heritage of
Taunton. It recognised the clusters of listed buildings on the urban fringe and
surrounding villages as noted above. It considered that whilst these are
nationally important designations, the clusters are not of a scale to rule out
broad areas of development.
Issues
•
How to encourage development whilst protecting the setting and
physical structures of the town’s cultural heritage.
•
Some of the town’s cultural heritage features appear to be within areas
at risk from flooding.
•
There appear to be cultural heritage features in the proposed areas for
residential development as outlined in the SW RSS.
Opportunities
59
•
The rich cultural heritage of the town and resulting sites and
monuments in the town provide opportunities for the development of
routes/connections/trails which have a heritage theme.
•
The historic route of the Grand Western Canal provides an
opportunity to provide a key GI linkage from a cultural heritage feature.
•
The Green Infrastructure network should link up with existing
initiatives such as the Taunton heritage trail.
Terence O’ Rourke (2004) Taunton Urban extension Study.
63
FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT
Introduction
3.144. This section describes the hydrology and flood risk and management issues
and opportunities within the study area.
Policy Background
3.145. Appropriately designed green infrastructure can play an important role in
managing flood risk, when integrated carefully with other land use demands.
3.146. The South West RSS Panel Report proposes that 18,000 new dwellings are
provided in Taunton, and a further 3,800 dwellings to be provided across the
borough by 2026. Development on this scale has significant implications on
flood risk. Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk (PPS25)
sets out the Government’s national policy on flood risks issues. Within the
context of green spaces the following key planning objectives within PPS25
are relevant. LPAs should prepare and implement planning strategies that help
deliver sustainable development by:
a. Making the most of the benefits of green infrastructure for flood storage,
conveyance and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
b. Safeguarding land from development that is required for current and
future flood management (e.g. the conveyance and storage of flood water
and for flood defences)
c. Re-creating functional floodplain and setting back defences
d. Reducing flood risk to and from new development through location,
layout and design, incorporating sustainable drainage systems
These four key principles are discussed further below.
3.147. PPS25 states that green infrastructure should be used to store excess flood
water and convey flood water. Because green infrastructure can be designed
to accept flood water without damage, they are very appropriate for this use.
Sustainable Drainage Systems cover a wide range of techniques which
essentially aim to mimic natural processes as much as possible. New buildings
and other impermeable surfaces (e.g. road and car parks) interfere with the
natural drainage processes and enhance runoff and can increase flood risk by
increasing surface water flooding or increasing flood flows in watercourses.
SUDS techniques aim to enhance infiltration (allowing more water to enter
the soils below) or hold up (attenuate) surface water so that excess flood
water is discharged more slowly and safely. There are many ways this can be
achieved in connection with green spaces.
3.148. Flood management often requires the construction of flood defences or flood
basins. It is essential that there is sufficient space to build defences (at a
reasonable cost) and this space should be safeguarded, particularly where it is
expected that climate change may increase flood risk and subsequently
require further works to address this increased risk. Green infrastructure is
ideal from this perspective as it allows future works to be constructed
64
relatively cheaply (avoiding the demolition of the built environment). As the
ideal location for flood risk mitigation works is next to watercourses, the
green infrastructure developed can be integrated with a wide range of
environmental and recreational uses.
3.149. There is a growing recognition that building on the floodplain is generally not
sustainable, and if possible this historical trend should be reversed. In some
cases (particularly in urban centres) this objective cannot be met because of
the existing built environment. However realignment (or retreat) of flood
defences away from watercourses has a number of interrelated benefits:
a. The possible provision of further green space and associated habitats and
species
b. The provision of increased flood conveyance and flood storage within the
enlarged floodplain. Functional floodplain refers to land which frequently
floods and people generally consider as the ‘normal’ floodplain of the
watercourse
c. The provision of more easily maintained defences, consistent with more
sustainable approaches.
3.150. It is essential that green infrastructure is planned with development. Careful
location, layout and design can ensure that new development is at minimum
flood risk, and the wide range of benefits associated with green space can be
achieved.
Green Infrastructure Opportunities
3.151. The Taunton Deane Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) was prepared in
September 2007 to inform the preparation of the LDDs, having regard to the
catchment-wide flood risk. The maintenance and extension of green
infrastructure will go hand-in-hand with the development of the town, and
the opportunity should be taken to design green space to support
regeneration through sustainable drainage.
3.152. Within this context green infrastructure can be designed to help address
existing flood risk problems and/or to support sustainable drainage for new
development. Figure 3.13 illustrates the principal flood risk areas as
identified through the SFRA, and existing and potential future flood
attenuation areas.
3.153. In the Taunton Deane area, green infrastructure could be used in many ways
to support regeneration through flood risk management functions. The
functions of green infrastructure and the scope within Taunton Deane is
summarised in Table 3.7 below.
65
Table 3.7: Green Infrastructure Flood Management Opportunities
Green Infrastructure Flood
Risk Management Option
Description
Flood Risk Function
Potential in
Taunton Deane
Landscape Design, including
enhanced flood plain through
appropriate re-creation of
woodland and wetland habitats
Good landscape design,
minimising impermeable areas
Minimises additional runoff
associated with new
development
High
Green Roofs
Appropriately selected
vegetation on roofs constructed
with appropriate drainage and
impermeable layers
Reduces volume of runoff and
attenuates flow
High potential, particularly where
new offices are proposed. Extent
of use dependant on economic
factors.
Filter Strips
Wide gently sloping grass strips
usually adjacent to roads
Mainly pollutant removal, some
attenuation
Medium
Swales
Normally small shallow channels
to convey water to larger
watercourses
Attenuates flow and provides
conveyance. Pollutant removal
Medium
Infiltration Basins/Devices
Landscaped basin which
temporarily stores water and
Reduces volume of runoff and
Dependant on underlying soils.
67
Description
Flood Risk Function
Potential in
Taunton Deane
enhances runoff percolation into
the ground. Other infiltration
devices exist (e.g. French drains,
soakaways) but these are
generally not associated with
green infrastructure
attenuates flow
Green Roads/Parking
Normally reinforced grass roads
(often reinforced by open
concrete block filled with soil).
Usually used in low speed, low
intensity areas, such as
emergency access roads,
overspill car parking and similar
applications
Reduces volume of runoff
Some potential with commercial
buildings. Very site specific
Maintenance and promotion of
gardens and green space in
residential areas
Conversion of gardens to drives
and car parking can increase
runoff and increase flood risks
locally (possibly to the individual
property). Maintenance of green
space (or reversion of drives to
green space) is beneficial
Reduces volume of runoff (and
resists increase in runoff in some
areas)
Extent of paving of gardens
uncertain at the local level, but
exists.
Detention Basin
Normally dry landscaped basin
which stores water and allows
controlled discharge
Attenuates flow. Pollutant
removal
Usually designed to receive
water from individual
developments. High potential
68
Description
Flood Risk Function
Potential in
Taunton Deane
Detention Pond
Normally wet landscaped pond
with additional storage capacity
and allows controlled discharge
(essentially similar to the basin
above but with some permanent
water)
removal
Usually designed to receive
water from individual
developments. High potential
Detention Reservoirs
Large scale structures normally
built to attenuate flows on
significant watercourses (rather
than individual developments).
Often includes large bank and
throttle structure built across
the valley
removal
Large scale structures which can
help address existing flooding
issues as well as supporting new
development. Potential is limited
by appropriate space and valley
shape. It is unlikely that there
could be many of these
structures within the Taunton
Deane area, but where proposed
they will be strategically
important.
Extended Floodplain (Managed
Realignment)
Additional green space provided
adjacent to existing
watercourses. Safeguarding of
existing floodplain also essential
Attenuates flow, increases
conveyance
There are only a limited number
of places where new floodplain
could be created. However
essential that existing green
space is maintained adjacent to
watercourses so that existing
attenuation and conveyance is
maintained.
69
Rural Land Use Management
Key:
Description
Flood Risk Function
Potential in
Taunton Deane
Rural land use can influence how
much water runoffs the soil.
Alternatives such as tree planting
can reduce flood run off and
associated flood risk
Potential for reducing runoff
Science is limited in this area, and
the impact of different vegetation
on runoff varies significantly
depending on soil type, season
and plant type. Needs
assessment on a case by case
basis. New woodland (for
example) may provide multiple
benefits of which flood
management is only one.
Potential uncertain on flood
management grounds alone.
Attenuation: Increased attenuation reduces the rate at which water is discharged. Lower peak flows help to reduce flood risk
Conveyance: The capacity to transfer water. Higher conveyance normally results in lower water levels locally and reduced flood risk
Runoff: The proportion of water which flows off the land surface (as opposed to percolating into the ground). Impermeable areas
increase runoff
70
Specific Opportunities
3.154. The techniques discussed above outline the possible range of techniques
available to promote green infrastructure which also contributes to flood risk
management.
3.155. Some opportunities are widespread, and can be applied frequently,
particularly in conjunction with new development. Conversely there are
some techniques which are highly site specific and normally more strategic.
3.156. Table 3.8 below summarises how frequently the technique can be applied
and also how a technique is likely to be delivered. The table does not aim to
limit the applicability of certain approaches, but it does intend to illustrate
where the techniques are most likely.
Table 3.8: Delivery and location of Green Infrastructure Flood
Management Options
Likely Delivery
Mechanism
Frequency & Location
Widespread
In conjunction
Urban Landscape
with development Design
Filter Strips
Swales
Occasional
Specific Locations
Infiltration Basins
Detention Reservoirs *
Green Roads/Parking
Extended Floodplain
Green Roofs
Detention Basins
Detention Ponds
In conjunction
with existing
development **
Maintenance and
Promotion of
Gardens
In conjunction
with rural
landowners
Rural Land
Management***
By Central and
Local
Government and
Agencies
Rural Land
Management ***
Detention Reservoirs*
Extended Floodplain
* Detention reservoirs are likely to be delivered by developers in conjunction with Local
Authorities and the Environment Agency.
** Other techniques from the ‘with development’ mechanism may also apply, particularly in
conjunction with refurbishment or where existing problems have been identified.
*** Rural land management is likely to be delivered by farmers in conjunction with agrienvironmental funding from Central Government
71
Specific Locations
3.157. Many of the approaches recommended to assist in flood management, can be
provided widely, and often in conjunction with development or
refurbishment. However some techniques should be considered for specific
locations only.
3.158. Detention reservoirs are normally large structures frequently storing in
excess of 100,000 m3 of water during flood events. Norton Fitzwarren dam
built in 2007 (see Figure 3.13) can store up to 700,000 m3. They are
frequently designed to attenuate flood flows on watercourses to reduce peak
flows downstream and reduce flood risks. Equally they can be designed to
replace any floodplain storage lost in conjunction with development. When
considering new detention reservoirs they are normally appropriate where:
•
There is a need to provide significant flood storage to address existing
flooding issues, loss of floodplain storage or large scale increases in runoff
associated with development
•
The topography of the land and the existing land drainage is consistent
with the provision of a detention reservoir
•
The detention reservoir is consistent with planning objectives and
environmental opportunities
•
There are no alternative methods which provide a better means to
manage flooding
•
Appropriate funding is available for both the construction and long term
maintenance of the detention reservoir
3.159. The need for large detention reservoirs has to be considered carefully.
Construction of detention reservoirs commits the owners of the facility to
the strict requirements of the Reservoirs Act 1975, and the associated costs
and liabilities.
3.160. Taking the above constraints into account, the areas where a flood detention
reservoir may be appropriate are in the Comeytrowe and Monkton
Heathfield (Refer to Figure 3.13). These are areas where significant
development is proposed which could fund the facilities. Elsewhere there is
likely to be insufficient funding to support the development of flood detention
reservoirs.
3.161. An indicative location for the Comeytrowe reservoir is shown in Figure
3.13. The facility is located on the Galmington Stream just south of the
existing urban area. In the Monkton Heathfield area the hydraulic situation is
more complex, with multiple watercourses and drainage routes. Based on
available data, the area is likely to be more appropriate for smaller detention
basins and ponds. Therefore no indicative location for a detention reservoir is
recommended, but this option should be considered in future drainage
strategies.
72
3.162. Elsewhere it is unlikely that there would be sufficient development to justify a
flood detention reservoir, and detention basins and ponds are likely to be
more appropriate in conjunction with the other sustainable drainage systems.
Other Location Specific Flood Management Approaches
3.163. Longrun Farm Floodplain Compensation area is shown in Figure 3.13. This
is a good example where the floodplain has been extended to increase flood
storage in the River Tone. This increase was designed to offset the reduction
in floodplain storage associated with development through the centre of
Taunton. Generally building on the floodplain is only permitted where it is
essential for wider planning reasons. There may be other areas where the
floodplain can be extended, and opportunities should be taken particularly
where existing derelict development can be removed and the river corridor
extended, to the benefit of both flood risk and wider environmental interests.
3.164. Rural land management is an approach that can be adopted widely in the
catchment. The Draft River Basin Management Plan for the South West River
Basin District stresses the importance of land management to reduce runoff
and help reduce excess nutrients and pesticides entering watercourses from
agricultural land.
Wider Benefits of Green Infrastructure Flood Management
Opportunities
3.165. Green infrastructure which provides flood management benefits frequently
achieves wider environmental objectives. These opportunities are discussed
throughout this report, but are summarised briefly in Table 3.9 below. The
scoring adopted in the table indicates the likely potential benefits associated
with the technique. Whether the potential is realised depends on good
design.
73
Table 3.9: Wider benefits of flood management opportunities
Green Infrastructure
Flood Risk
Management Option
Wider Benefit
Pollutant
Control
Biodiversity &
Ecology
Other Potential
Urban Landscape Design
●●●
●●●
Recreational/Sustainable
Transport/Reduced heating and
cooling demands for
buildings/others
Green Roofs
x
●●
Reduced cooling demands for
buildings
Filter Strips
●●
●
Swales
●●
●●
Infiltration
Basins/Devices
●●●
●●
Green Roads/Parking
●
●
Maintenance and
promotion of gardens
and green space in
residential areas
●
●●●
Detention Basin
●●●
●●
Detention Pond
●●●
●●●
●
●●
Extended Floodplain
(Managed Realignment)
●
●●●
Rural Land use
Management
●●●
Contribution to base river flows
Recreational
Recreational
Sustainable Transport
●●●
x No Significant benefit
●Low Potential Benefit
●●
Recreational
Medium Potential benefit
●●● High potential benefit
74
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES
Introduction
3.166. This section describes the socio-economic character within the study area,
and associated issues and opportunities related to green infrastructure. The
review of socio-economic character has been undertaken at two levels: a)
borough-wide strategic level, and b) local level.
3.167. The following section provides a strategic overview of the socio-economic
context for the borough of Taunton Deane.
Population
3.168. Taunton Deane has a population of around 102,000. The average population
density is 2.2 people per hectare (English average is 3.77). 1.6% of the
population comprises of black or minority ethnic groups compared to 8.1%
nationally. The ‘dependency ratio’ within Taunton Deane is higher than the
national average as a result of the ageing nature of the Borough’s
population.60
Multiple Deprivation
3.169. In comparison with the other English regions, the South West performs well
in terms of multiple deprivation levels. However, there is intra-regional
variation, with a notable decrease in productivity and earnings, and a rise in
multiple deprivation, as one moves from the north and east to the south and
west of the region. Additionally, Multiple Deprivation is concentrated in the
urban areas of Taunton and Wellington (refer to Figure 3.14).
3.170. With regard to housing and services deprivation, Taunton Deane has 8 Super
Output Areas which are within the 10% of the most deprived in Somerset.
Income Deprivation
3.171. Whilst the South West is the most unaffordable place in the UK to buy a
house, prices within Taunton Deane itself are especially high compared with
income levels, meaning the district has a higher house price to income ratio
compared with South West and England. This is coupled with a decline in the
supply of affordable rent housing. In 2002/2003, the highest rates of homeless
applications were made in Taunton Deane since records began in 1977.
Whilst this has reduced in recent years, it remains a problem. 61
3.172. Whilst rural employment makes up 40% of employment across the Borough,
much of this is in sectors predicted to decline over the next decade, such as
agriculture.62
60
Taunton Deane Sustainable Community Strategy (2007)
http://consultldf.tauntondeane.gov.uk/portal/spatialplanning/tdscs/scs
61
Ibid.
62
Taunton Deane Sustainable Community Strategy (2007)
http://consultldf.tauntondeane.gov.uk/portal/spatialplanning/tdscs/scs
75
Health Deprivation
3.173. Life expectancy in Taunton Deane compares favourably with the national
average, at 80.09 and 78.51 years respectively. Over-16 obesity levels are
nearly half the national average, and the infant mortality rate is 4.6%
compared with 5.1% nationally.63
3.174. There are 7 Super Output Areas within Taunton Deane which are within the
10% most deprived in Somerset for the health and disability domain.64
Living Environment
3.175. The Borough has experienced a significant increase in traffic levels over the
last 20 years. This has negatively impacted on greenhouse gas emissions:
within the Borough’s AQMAs, vehicular NO2 emissions would need to be
reduced by more than 37% to prevent the annual mean objective being
exceeded.65
Key GI Issues and Opportunities
•
Where GI is located in areas of social deprivation, it should be designed to
contribute to improved quality of life through provision of appropriate
facilities.
•
Perceived and real barriers to accessing GI should be addressed.
•
An ageing population has implications for the accessibility of GI, i.e. ensuring
it is accessible by transport modes other than private vehicles. This is also
crucial in addressing the increases in traffic levels across the borough.
•
Health and disability related deprivation is concentrated in Taunton, with
implications for the urban provision and accessibility of GI, and how this can
address health issues (e.g. obesity, exercise levels). The potential of GI as a
both a health and educational resource across the borough should be
realised.
3.176. The following section provides a more detailed socio-economic picture of
Taunton town.
Population
3.177. Pyrland & Rowbarton and East Taunton have populations that are significantly
younger compared with the Borough as a whole.
Multiple Deprivation
3.178. Figure 3.14 shows the spatial variation in Multiple Deprivation across
Taunton, with the highest levels focused in the north (Pyrland and Lyngford)
63
Ibid.
South West Public Health Observatory – Health and Social Needs in Somerset (2004): Appendices
3-9. http://www.swpho.nhs.uk/resource/item.aspx?RID=9296
65
Ibid 3.
64
76
and east (Halcon) of the town. The SOA of Lyngford North is in the 15%
most deprived wards in the country.
3.179. Whist Halcon ranks low on the IMD (i.e. high deprivation) compared with the
Borough as a whole, there is stark variation across the ward, with the south
faring far better than the north and west.66
Income Deprivation
3.180. Lyngford, Pyrland & Rowbarton have significantly lower average annual
household incomes compared with the Borough as a whole.
3.181. Lyngford and Halcon have a higher proportion of households with dependent
children but no working adult compared with the Borough average. Lyngford
North ranks as the third worst ward in Somerset on the Income Deprivation
Affecting Children Index.67
Health Deprivation
3.182. Regarding health and social needs, Halcon has been highlighted as the third
highest priority ward in Somerset, with Lyngford as the fifth highest. Within
the Borough itself, the top five priority wards are: Halcon; Lyngford; Pyrland
& Rowbarton; Wellington North; and Eastgate, as shown in Figure 3.15.
3.183. The proportion of people permanently sick or disabled in North Taunton is
higher than the Borough average; in Lyngford it is 50% higher. 22% of
Lyngford’s population is obese.
Living Environment
3.184. Eastgate ranks the highest in the Borough for the percentage of households
with inadequate living space, followed by Halcon and Fairwater.
Key GI Issues and Opportunities
66
67
•
Specific attention should be paid to the north and east of Taunton nature of
GI provision in these areas, for example: ensuring GI provides a range of
recreational spaces for children and young people; integrating GI within
health and education programmes, for example looking at the potential role
of urban agriculture in this; and ensuring that inclusive design principles are
embedded in the design of green spaces.
•
Accessibility may be a particular problem in Halcon, where the locality’s
physical setting, i.e. the presence of physical barriers, such as the A385, the
railway and the River Tone, could have implications for how easily local
residents are able to access green spaces. GI enhancements should be
designed to alleviate these barriers to access.
English Indices of Multiple Deprivation (2007)
www.communities.gov.uk/communities/neighbourhoodrenewal/deprivation/deprivation07/
South West Public Health Observatory – Health and Social Needs in Somerset (2004)
http://www.swpho.nhs.uk/resource/browse.aspx?RID=9281
77
CONSULTATION
INTRODUCTION
3.185. To inform the Green Infrastructure Strategy, a stakeholder workshop was
held at the TDBC offices in Taunton. Workshop attendees are listed in
Annex 1. The purpose of the workshop was to share and validate LUC’s
research on the Borough’s existing environment and green infrastructure
assets, as well as Len Croney’s research on current public open space
provision in the Borough, and gather any missing information and
recommendations from stakeholders.
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
3.186. In this first session, stakeholders were invited to examine and comment on a
series of maps showing the key environmental characteristics of the borough
which would influence the strategy (Landscape, Ecology, Open Space & Links,
Cultural Heritage). Stakeholders were asked the following questions, in
relation to the maps, and some key responses are provided below by theme.
1. Are there any sites that are not shown on the map(s) which you feel are
important in relation to (the theme)?
2. Are there any initiatives or projects relating to these sites, or wider
initiatives which are relevant to (the theme)?
3. Do you have any other updates or comments in relation to (the theme)
and related issues in Taunton Deane?
Landscape
3.187. Stakeholders emphasised the influence key features such as hedgerows,
orchards, field patterns as well as local topography have on the landscape of
Taunton, and felt that this should be illustrated on the maps. Watercourses
were identified as key features for access, transport and biodiversity
functions, as well as having a visual impact on the landscape. Cultural heritage
was also noted as an integral characteristic of Taunton’s landscape, these
included specific features such as orchards and hillforts, particularly those
which form vertical, man made way-markers within the landscape (particularly
church towers, follies etc).
Biodiversity and nature conservation
3.188. Stakeholders identified several key issues for biodiversity and nature
conservation which had not been identified on the map. These include the
need to protect key habitats such as the river structure (for Bats and Otters),
and also balance the need to protect species and habitats with a desire to
improve access to nature for people. Some priorities have been identified
such as the possibility of extending the ecological mitigation area designed to
protect the foraging grounds of the bat population at Hestercombe House.
79
Cultural heritage
3.189. Stakeholders identified a number of cultural heritage features which had not
been identified through the characterisation data collected for the
characterisation maps. These included features such as locally important
parks and gardens, commons, lime kilns, orchards and woodlands. Additional
background on the rich history of Taunton overall as well as of specific
cultural heritage sites was also provided. It was felt that due to the high
number of scheduled monuments identified on the maps, it might be best to
highlight key sites.
3.190. Stakeholders identified a number of opportunities and principles to inform
the strategy in terms of open space and access. These opportunities included
the possibility of incorporating art into open space in Taunton, and enhancing
access to the countryside through the existing Park and Ride facilities in
Taunton town. Allotments were also identified as a key open space resource
which has not been thoroughly considered through the characterisation
exercise. Other priorities in relation to open space identified through this
exercise include the need to balance the provision of access for the
community whilst enhancing ecological protection.
3.191. A detailed summary of comments is provided in Appendix 2.
2ND SESSION: FUTURE GI – PRIORITIES AND
OPPORTUNITIES
3.192. The second workshop session was aimed at exploring the existing
opportunities and priorities in more detail. Small groups of stakeholders
looked at a different part of the borough (North West Taunton town, North
East Taunton town, South Taunton and Wellington and environs). The
following questions were discussed in relation to the maps:
Review proposals
•
•
•
Are the current proposals appropriate?
Are there any opportunities which haven’t been identified?
Do any of the proposals overlap with other initiatives?
Implementation
•
•
•
How might the GI proposals be implemented, and by whom?
Are there any organisations/initiatives who may be interested in working to
deliver the strategy?
How should the proposals be prioritised?
3.193. The feedback from group discussions is summarised below by group.
80
North West Taunton town
3.194. As with the rest of Taunton, ecological management and protection
opportunities were identified as a priority in this area. Apart from strategic
points such as a need to maintain connectivity with the countryside when
designing new development (e.g. at Staplegrove), and making blue links wide
enough to not affect wildlife, specific recommendations were made in relation
to ecology such as increasing the structured planting along waterways for
bats. Managed lighting along these links was also mentioned, in terms of
timing lighting to allow for the safe use of routes, as well as to minimise
impacts on bats.
North East Taunton town
3.195. Stakeholders in this group identified a number of additional opportunities and
amendments to the opportunities maps. These include the addition of a new
green link from Halcon to the Quantock Hills AONB including new
community woodland and an extension of the green link at Vivary to include
both Taunton and Neroche castles. Emphasis was placed on ensuring the
provision of BAP species and links to BAP species (e.g. through woodland
blocks) and wildflower field margins as part of the species action plan.
Priorities for French Weir were also discussed in this group, with the need
for a bridge and enhanced footpaths and waterways at French Weir. Wet
woodland and short rotation coppice were recommended for the area.
South Taunton
3.196. The South Taunton group emphasised the importance of using green
infrastructure to link rural and urban areas. Suggestions included linking
different habitats (e.g. ancient woodlands or orchards) and for different users
(walkers, cyclists, horseriders), and using the arts to link the interpretation of
routes. This may be done through the use of sculpture trails which can be
successfully linked up with school projects. The importance of sustainable
transport links was also discussed in this session. Stakeholders were keen to
ensure that transport links within and around new development (e.g. at
Comeytrowe) are sustainable. Stakeholders were keen to encourage the
development of community woodland and orchards as part of the green
infrastructure network. Their role as a source of fuel and food was
emphasised.
Wellington
3.197. Stakeholders considering the opportunities for green infrastructure in and
around Wellington identified a number of opportunities which had not been
noted on the maps. This included opportunities to provide links between
Wellington and the wider area, such as to the Blackdown Hills AONB. The
proposed development area around Cade’s Farm was identified as an area
which would benefit from planning for green infrastructure to ensure that GI
was well integrated into the development.
81
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
3.198. A public exhibition of the green infrastructure proposals was held on 28th May
at Taunton Library, and 29th May outside the Coop in Wellington. The main
proposals maps were presented, alongside visual and written interpretation of
the principles on which the green infrastructure strategy is based. Members
of the public were asked to respond to the questions via a feedback form, or
to give general comments, which were more commonly provided.
RESPONSES
3.199. Written responses provided on the feedback forms circulated at the event,
and verbal responses were also recorded. The questions in the feedback
form are listed below. The responses are summarised in Appendix 2.
•
Do you think the current proposals reflect community aspirations?
•
Are there any other opportunities which have not been identified?
•
Are there any proposals which stand out as priorities for the Borough?
•
Do you have any comments or recommendations to make in relation to the
following green infrastructure functions in Taunton:
o Biodiversity enhancement
o Landscape and cultural heritage
o Recreation, education and health
o Functional ecosystems, including flood management
o Climate change adaptation and mitigation
o Sustainable transport
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PART 2:
STRATEGY
4.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY
INTRODUCTION
4.1.
This section outlines the vision for Taunton’s green infrastructure network.
Overarching concepts and functional objectives which have guided the identification
of green infrastructure opportunities in the Borough, and which should inform future
provision and management of GI, are also provided here. The specific green
infrastructure proposals are described below and set out in Figures 4.1 to 4.4.
VISION FOR TAUNTON’S GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Our vision is to create a network of green infrastructure across the Borough, focussing on the
opportunities provided by new development areas. This will help to conserve and enhance
the Borough's natural and cultural heritage, to enhance quality of life for Taunton’s residents,
and secure climate change mitigation and adaptation.
OVERARCHING CONCEPTS
4.2.
The following concepts represent best practice green infrastructure principles which
should be applied to all future planning, design and enhancement of green
infrastructure in Taunton Deane:
•
Sustainable: Green infrastructure should be designed and delivered sustainably,
with minimal use of natural resources, designed to be low maintenance wherever
possible, and incorporate renewable energy use where possible.
•
Multifunctional: Most green spaces contribute more than one function. The
desired functions of each green space should be considered and management
should be designed to ensure a balance between the sites key functions. This
potential for green spaces to provide multiple functions is demonstrated in
Figures 4.5 and 4.6 overleaf.
•
Integrated: Taunton’s green infrastructure network should be integrated, both
with adjoining green spaces and links, and with nearby community centres and
focal points such as town centres, schools and residential areas.
•
Climate change adapted: Where possible, green infrastructure should be
designed and managed both to help alleviate the effects of climate change on
Taunton, and to withstand the effects of climate change on the green
infrastructure network itself. Figure 4.7 provides an illustration of ways in
which climate change adaptation can be incorporated into urban areas.
•
Deliverable: Green infrastructure opportunities need to be deliverable.
Feasibility assessments should be undertaken on each green infrastructure
proposals, and those which are deliverable in the short term should be
prioritised.
85
•
Quality: All green infrastructure should be designed to be high quality, in terms
of appearance, access provision and/or wildlife habitat provision as appropriate.
Best practice standards should be referred to in design and enhancement of sites,
including the Green Flag Standard (for public access), TCPA Biodiversity by
Design Guidance and local biodiversity guidance (for wildlife habitats), and the
Natural England Green Infrastructure Guidance (for general GI best practice).
•
Reflect local character and sense of place: Green infrastructure should be
managed to reflect local character and sense of place wherever possible, through
planting appropriate species, sensitive design of built infrastructure, and
appropriate interpretation of natural and cultural heritage features.
•
Engage communities: Communities should be engaged in the enhancement
and creation of green infrastructure in Taunton, particularly to inform the
detailed design stage for new green spaces and links, and when changing the
management of existing green spaces. Taunton Council should develop good
communication channels with local community groups and representatives,
including schools.
•
Partnership working to support GI management: TDBC should engage
relevant local delivery partners and community organisations to promote a
partnership approach to GI delivery and management. This could involve the
creation of a green infrastructure forum or partnership for the Borough,
responsible for overseeing the effective management of green infrastructure in
perpetuity.
FUNCTIONAL OBJECTIVES
4.3.
The following objectives are specific to the six key functions of Taunton’s green
infrastructure as described in Section 3, and seek to address the key issues and
opportunities identified through our analysis. Illustration of how these objectives can
be met through simple management changes at sites across Taunton Deane are
provided in Figures 4.5 – 4.8.
4.4.
To alleviate open space deficiency in existing communities, and avoid open space
deficiency in new communities, whilst ensuring all open space provision is high
quality, attractive and safe.
Landscape
4.5.
To maintain and enhance landscape quality, ensuring that the green infrastructure
network appropriately reflects landscape character and sense of place.
Cultural heritage
4.6.
To protect Taunton’s extensive networks of cultural heritage features, and provide
interpretation of key features for the benefit of local communities and visitors to the
Borough.
86
Ecology and biodiversity
4.7.
To conserve and enhance the Borough’s existing biodiversity assets, whilst also
increasing the potential of the whole GI network to provide space for wildlife.
Flood management and functional eco-systems
4.8.
To ensure that the GI network achieves its potential to provide a flood management
function, by incorporating appropriate features such as attenuation ponds, SuDS and
swales. Other ecosystem functions such as local climate control, dispersing air
pollution and filtering water to enhance water quality should also be encouraged
through management.
Socio-economic issues
4.9.
To help alleviate socio-economic deprivation in Taunton’s less affluent areas, by
providing access to nature, recreation opportunities and attractive green community
centres which improve quality of life.
87
Figure 4.5: Opportunities to improve Green Infrastructure alongside ‘Blueways’
89
Figure 4.6: Positive transition between settlement edge & ‘Blueway’
90
Figure 4.7: Opportunities to improve Green Infrastructure in highly urban areas
91
Figure 4.8: Opportunities to improve Green Infrastructure in parkland areas
92
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK
4.10.
The proposed spatial green infrastructure network is outlined in Figs 4.1 – 4.4. This
network has been identified through desk-based information review, mapping data,
site visits and refined through stakeholder consultation. The GI proposals have been
categorised according to their key function, but many of the proposals are multifunctional, and the range of functions each proposal could deliver is outlined in Table
4.1. For example, the proposed new country park within Monkton Heathfield Green
Wedge has been categorised as green space creation, but should also fulfil
biodiversity and landscape objectives through being designed sensitively using native
species, and has the potential to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems to
contribute to local flood attenuation.
4.11.
The green infrastructure opportunities have been categorised as follows, with a list of
specific spatial opportunities provided overleaf. It should be noted that many of
these proposals are aspirational, and the locations identified should be seen as
indicative only, with further research being required to determine the appropriate
location for each proposal.
•
Green space enhancement: investment and management to enhance the value
of existing green spaces, particularly for biodiversity (in line with local and county
Biodiversity Action Plans), climate change adaptation and appropriate public
access, but also incorporating flood management, interpretation and educational
elements where appropriate.
•
Green space creation: creation of a new, high quality, publicly accessible green
space incorporating a range of functions including well-designed access
infrastructure, appropriate natural habitats (in line with local and county
Biodiversity Action Plans), climate change adaptation and local flood attenuation
features, and appropriate interpretation.
•
Key gateway: landscape enhancement to improve the perception of Taunton at
key gateways, such as key rail and road routes into Taunton and Wellington, and
strategic public rights of way into the towns.
•
Opportunity for cultural heritage interpretation: Sites where there are
existing heritage features which could benefit from better conservation
management alongside encouraging public access and providing public
interpretation.
•
Strategic flood attenuation: Locations where there is potential for
strategically significant flood attenuation ponds to reduce flood risk downstream
and in the locality. We have not attempted to accurately define the location of
this attenuation, as this would be the subject of a more detailed feasibility study.
•
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS): Locations where it may be
appropriate to incorporate SuDS into existing/proposed green infrastructure, to
alleviate flood risk in the immediate locality. We have not attempted to
accurately define the location of the SuDS, as this would be the subject of a more
detailed siting study.
93
•
Blue link: Existing or proposed access link along a river or stream, for use by
pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders where appropriate. Management will
conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage features,
including zoning areas to be prioritised for wildlife and public access to ensure a
balance between these two functions. The route of these links is indicative and
the appropriate route should be informed by further research and consultation to
determine feasibility.
•
Green link: Existing or proposed access link through urban and rural areas, for
use by pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders where appropriate. Management will
conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage features,
including zoning areas to be prioritised for wildlife and public access to ensure a
balance between these two functions. The route of these links is indicative and
the appropriate route should be informed by further research and consultation to
determine feasibility.
•
Circular route around Taunton: Possible route of a multi-user path (for use
by pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders where appropriate) to allow increased
access around Taunton town.
•
Landscape setting to conserve: Designated and non-designated landscapes
where the setting should be conserved and enhanced alongside future
development.
•
Structural landscape mitigation: Planting of native hedgerows and tree bands
to conserve the existing landscape character alongside future development.
•
Ecological setting to conserve: Land which should be protected from
development and maintained and enhanced for relevant species (in this case, as
foraging area for bats for which Hestercombe House SAC is designated)
•
Orchard opportunity zone: Area where there is potential to create a
community orchard to reflect the Taunton’s cider orchard heritage.
•
Rural edge landscape enhancement: Area where there is a need to enhance
the rural character of countryside at the urban/rural fringe.
•
New Green Wedge opportunity areas: Broad opportunity areas where the
creation of a new Green Wedge may be appropriate, in light of future
development planned around Taunton and Wellington. These are opportunity
areas only, and do not reflect the size and coverage of any green wedge area.
The primary purpose would be to deliver "positive, environment-led planning for
the future, helping to avoid a situation where urban open spaces are dispersed
and unconnected, and thus unable to provide the many functions wedges
achieve", as outlined in Policy EN13 of the Taunton Local Plan. Further research
and consultation should inform the location of any new green wedge, its fit with
proposed development, and the functions it would provide to planned new
communities.
94
•
Enhance Green Wedge: All existing designated Green Wedges should be
managed to maximise green infrastructure benefits and functions provided, in line
with Taunton Local Plan Policy EN13.
•
Strategic destination: Sustainable transport options to strategic destinations
should be improved where necessary, and their setting should be conserved.
95
Borough-wide opportunities
4.12.
In addition to the spatially-specific opportunities listed above, a number of boroughwide opportunities have been identified. These are as follows:
Environmental education and natural play
4.13.
Taunton has a wealth of green infrastructure assets, which have high potential to be
utilised for environmental education. The outdoor environment and natural areas
provide a significant and unique contribution to children’s education. In addition,
semi-natural areas provide inspiration for natural play which children value and learn
from through investigating the natural world, growing flowers and vegetables,
exploring their sensory abilities and building and digging using sandpits and gravel68.
The borough-wide Wild Play Days initiative is a three year programme funded by the
Big Lottery Fund, and which delivers natural play events in every ward of the
Borough, to encourage children’s engagement with the natural environment, and
parent’s confidence and enthusiasm for natural play.
Art in the landscape
4.14.
Through the Public Art and Design study recently commissioned by the Borough, the
Council should consider the potential for appropriate and inspirational art within the
green infrastructure network. This may be particularly appropriate at those locations
identified as ‘Key Gateways’ where art which provides some interpretation of the
cultural or natural heritage of the area could shape and enhance perception of the
locality.
4.15.
Taunton adopted a Public Art and Design Policy in 2007, which GI provision should
support. The aims of the policy are:
•
•
•
•
To improve the attractiveness and functionality of the current built and natural
environment;
To ensure that new developments are creatively designed and improve the
quality of their surroundings;
To support sustainable transport & to improve legibility to & from transport links
and the centre;
To improve community cohesion e.g. at Monkton Heathfield and areas of
proposed development.
Integrated sustainable transport around the borough by land and water
4.16.
68
The enhancement of the existing GI network provides a unique opportunity to
enhance the Borough’s sustainable transport network. This should include the
integration of existing public rights of way and multi-user paths, and the creation of
new paths and links where there are gaps in the network. In addition to wholly
sustainable transport links such for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders, the
network of public transport should be linked to green infrastructure where possible.
This may include the use of existing and proposed Park and Ride schemes to take
people from Taunton centre and residential areas to strategic green spaces. There is
also potential for a river taxi along the River Tone corridor, to bring people into the
Play England ‘Making Space For Play’ (no date provided)
96
town centre as well as out into the surrounding rural areas. The Council should
work closely with the Transport Department at the County Council in achieving this
opportunity.
Opportunity for reintroduction of the European Beaver
4.17.
During the stakeholder workshop, several comments were received from local
stakeholders and wildlife enthusiasts about the potential for re-introduction of the
European Beaver (Castor fiber). There are several schemes currently underway in the
UK to trial the reintroduction of this native mammal into the wild, and there is some
support for Taunton to become the home to a re-intriduced beaver population.
Beavers require a 2 kilometre length of river of suitable habitat within 20 metres of
the watercourse to support a colony. They like easy access to grasses, non-woody
herbaceous plants and riparian tree species, especially poplars and willows. Water has
to be at least 60 cm deep at its lowest near burrow/ lodge sites and have gradients
typical of lowland rivers. Bank material needs to be soft to fine. Larry Burrows, the
county Ecologist, has advised that the upper reaches of the Tone catchment have
potential as a suitable location for a reintroduction scheme. Further survey work and
feasibility studies should be undertaken to determine the most suitable stretches of
the river, and other issues for consideration.
97
Table 4.1: Summary of Green Infrastructure Opportunities
An existing site with some good features, but potential to enhance
connectivity through the site, improved signage and interpretation.
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2.
Vivary Park
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3.
French Weir Country Park
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4.
Wondertree Project
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5.
Pyrland Hall
6.
Firepool Weir
7.
Musgrove Hospital
8.
Monkton Heathfield Country
A good quality site with Green Flag Award. Potential to enhance benefits by
planting native species to encourage biodiversity, and also to increase the offer
of the park through more regular/varied events.
Some accessible green spaces exist within the green wedge, and there is
potential to connect and expand these to become a strategic green space/
country park. The area also has considerable potential for natural flood
attenuation through woodland and wetland creation, as well as forming part of
an important ecological corridor to which the country park could contribute.
There is potential to create the Wondertree Project at a 65 acre area
farmland north of the Somerset College of Art and Technology. The project
would aim to promote appreciation of trees and their potential uses. This
innovative project should be integrated into Taunton’s wider green
infrastructure network.
Pyrland Hall is owned by the National Trust, and they are keen to increase
public access to parts of the site, to contribute to provision of access to
nature.
A restoration scheme is planned at Firepool Weir, and this will enhance the
offer of the Tone corridor, increasing biodiversity and heritage interest, and
the landscape of the river corridor.
The Somerset Primary Care Trust has indicated that it is willing to open up its
land as publically accessible green space to promote access to nature and
healthy lifestyles in the local community.
There is potential to create a new country park in this area of the borough,
Landscape
Wellington and The Basins
Cultural
1.
Social
Key GI functions
Flood
management
Summary
Biodiversity
Project
Recreation
Ref.
No.
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GREEN SPACE CREATION/ENHANCEMENT
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which is in close proximity to areas which currently experience open space
deficiency.
9.
Bathpool Green Space
This previously developed site along the River Tone is currently not in use,
and its restoration as a semi-natural green space would contribute to the
ecological and flood plain functionality of the river corridor.
10.
East Wellington
The eastern part of Wellington is currently deficient in accessible green space,
and it is suggested that a new green space should be created to serve
communities on this side of the town.
11.
Vivary Park green wedge / town The Vivary Green Wedge plays an important role as a ‘gateway’ between
centre
Taunton and the surrounding countryside, and this role should be enhanced
through appropriate interpretation, signage, landscaping and features in the
landscape, including art.
12.
Road, rail, and West Deane
As one of the main gateways to the borough, there is potential to enhance the
Way from west enter Taunton
landscape and provide a sense of place and cultural context.
13.
Rail from east enters Taunton
As one of the main gateways to the borough, there is potential to enhance the
14.
M5 enters Taunton across canal As one of the main gateways to the borough, there is potential to enhance the
15.
West Deane Way enters
As a key gateway to the town, there is potential to enhance the landscape and
Taunton from North
provide a sense of place and cultural context.
16.
Wellington Park and town
As a key gateway to the town, there is potential to enhance the landscape and
centre from West
provide a sense of place and cultural context.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE INTERPRETATION
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Landscape
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Cultural
Social
Key GI functions
Flood
management
Summary
Biodiversity
Project
Recreation
Ref.
No.
Park
17.
Staplegrove Mills
18.
Norton Camp Hill Fort
19.
Creechbarrow Hill
The interpretation of this heritage feature should be improved to provide a
sense of place and historical reference for local communities and visitors.
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21.
22.
Boat Tug on Great Western
Canal and Nynehead Park
The Basins
23.
Wellington Monument
24.
Castle Neroche
Cultural
Landscape
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Social
Castle and River
Key GI functions
Flood
management
20.
Summary
Biodiversity
Project
Recreation
Ref.
No.
STRATEGIC DESTINATIONS
25.
River Tone and Firepool Weir
26.
Poundisford Park
27.
Quantock Hills AONB
28.
Hestercombe House
29.
Blackdown Hills AONB
This attractive river corridor runs through Taunton and passes several
interesting features, including Taunton Castle and Firepool Weir.
This historic site is unfortunately severed by the M5 at its northern perimeter,
but the remainder of the park is intact and is an attractive and interesting
destination which should be promoted as a destination.
The AONB is a destination of national significance, and enjoyment of the area
by residents of Taunton Deane should be encouraged.
Hestercombe House is an attractive site, listed as a Registered Park and
Garden. The site draws large numbers of visitors and use of sustainable
transport such as cycling to access the House should be encouraged.
The AONB is a destination of national significance, and enjoyment of the area
by residents of Taunton Deane should be encouraged.
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LOCAL FOOD INITIATIVES
30.
Vivary Community Orchard
The coutryside to the south of Taunton has a long history of apple growing
and cider production. A community orchard would provide an opportunity
101
Social
Cultural
31.
Strategic link from Taunton to
the Blackdown Hills AONB (via
Vivary Green Wedge)
Good quality multi-user paths should be promoted along this route.
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32.
Strategic link from Taunton to
the Quantock Hills AONB (via
Monkton Heathfield Green
Wedge)
Circular path around Taunton
Vivary Green Wedge and the
River Tone corridor through
existing green spaces on the
western edge of the M5
Across the Vivary Green
Wedge between Comeytrowe
and Dowslands
Linking Norton Fitzwarren with
French Weir Green Wedge to
the south
Linking Staplegrove with French
Weir Green Wedge to the
south
Linking central Wellington to
Bradford on Tone and the River
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for local people to celebrate this heritage, whilst also learning about food
growing and having access to locally grown fruit.
ENHANCE AND CREATE SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT LINKS
33.
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36.
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38.
102
Landscape
Key GI functions
Flood
management
Summary
Biodiversity
Project
Recreation
Ref.
No.
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√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
42.
New access and ecological
corridor along the Galmington
Stream
√
√
√
√
√
43.
corridor along the Stockwell
Stream
corridor along the Back Stream
Enhance the River Tone
corridor through the borough,
balancing access and ecological
enhancement
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
44.
45.
103
Landscape
Flood
management
Cultural
41.
Key GI functions
Social
40.
Tone corridor/West Deane
Way.
Enhance existing link from
Staplegrove to the Quantock
Hills AONB, partially along the
West Deane Way
Enhance existing link from
central Wellington to Nynehead
Court
Enhance existing link through
Wellington south towards the
Wellington Monument and the
Summary
Biodiversity
39.
Project
Recreation
Ref.
No.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSALS BY FUNCTION
Introduction
4.18.
The next few pages provide a summary of each of the six green infrastructure
themes, in terms of the current challenges, key opportunities, and relevant green
infrastructure proposals as identified through the GI study. A comprehensive list of
the proposals for green infrastructure is provided above in Table 4.l.
105
OPEN SPACE AND ACCESS
Current issues
•
Some open spaces are in need of enhancement and extended management to
support a range of functions.
•
Open space deficiencies in the east, west and south of the borough.
•
Some areas of central Taunton have very poor access to local open space,
including Halcon, Pyrland and Lyngford.
•
There is a lack of accessible open space in east Wellington.
•
Lack of semi-natural greenspace in Taunton town.
•
The M5 severs the GI network, particularly south of Taunton town.
•
Existing barrier to access over the River Tone in Taunton Town centre to
French Weir Park.
•
There is not continual riverside access in the town centre.
•
Many public rights of way should be upgraded to provide multi-user links for
pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders.
•
There are few radial public access routes around the town.
Open space opportunities
•
Making links with Quantock Hills and Blackdown Hills AONBs. Both nearby
AONBs offer significant informal recreation opportunities, and sustainable
access links such as footpaths and cycleways from major residential areas to
these areas should be enhanced.
•
There is considerable potential to improve both the quality of urban parks
through small changes to green space management.
•
There are several private green spaces within and around the town, with
potential to be made publically accessible.
•
There are good semi-natural areas in the west which could be managed to
encourage people to visit for recreation and tourism.
•
The River Tone Corridor is a key recreational asset, and improved access to
the river that does not compromise the ecological functioning of the river as a
wildlife corridor should be encouraged for central areas of Taunton, which are
currently deficient in access to nature.
•
The three green wedges provide significant opportunities for recreation which
is not currently realised. Better multi-user access paths through the Green
Wedges should form a key element of future enhancement.
106
•
Vivary Park provides a good link to the countryside to the south east of the
town.
•
There are good access routes from Taunton centre to the NW through
Staplegrove. These should be maintained and enhanced in light of potential
growth to the north of the town here.
•
The riverside path is severed in Taunton town centre, and users are directed
over a busy road without an appropriately-placed pedestrian crossing. A more
appropriate pedestrian/cycle route should be provided if possible.
•
There are plans underway to restore the lock and weir at Firepool, and this has
the potential to increase the ‘offer’ of the river corridor.
•
There is potential to create natural play spaces within existing open spaces or
at new sites, in order to create local destinations for young families, revitalise
community centres and increase access to nature opportunities for children
and young people.
Green Infrastructure proposals
4.19.
The following green infrastructure proposals identified in Figure 4.1 will contribute
to the improvement of open space and access within Taunton Deane:
Green space enhancement
•
River Valley Park along the River Tone
•
Extend and link existing green spaces to create a country park at French Weir
Green Wedge
•
The Basins
•
Vivary Park
•
Wondertree Project
•
Pyrland Hall
Green space creation
•
New country park within the Monkton Heathfield Green Wedge
•
Firepool Weir
•
Musgrove Hospital
•
Bathpool Green Space
•
East Wellington Green Space
•
Monkton Heathfield Country Park
107
Access links
•
Strategic access links to Blackdown Hills AONB and the Quantock Hills AONB
•
New multi-user access routes along the Galmington, Stockwell and Back
Streams
•
Circular path around Taunton
•
New multi-user access routes between:
o Vivary Green Wedge and the River Tone corridor through existing green
spaces on the western edge of the M5, whilst being sensitive to existing
biodiversity value, e.g. Hazel Dormouse.
o Across the Vivary Green Wedge between Comeytrowe and Dowslands
o Linking Norton Fitzwarren with French Weir Green Wedge to the south
o Linking Staplegrove with French Weir Green Wedge to the south
o Linking central Wellington to Bradford on Tone and the River Tone
corridor/West Deane Way.
Blue link (create)
•
New access and ecological corridor along the Galmington Stream,
incorporating wetland habitats and water storage along the river banks where
feasible
•
New access and ecological corridor along the Stockwell Stream, incorporating
wetland habitats and water storage along the river banks where feasible
•
New access and ecological corridor along the Back Stream, incorporating
wetland habitats and water storage along the river banks where feasible
Blue link (enhance)
•
Enhance the River Tone corridor through the borough, balancing access and
ecological enhancement, whilst ensuring the rivers importance as a wildlife
corridor is not compromised.
108
LANDSCAPE
Current issues
4.20.
The following issues have been identified at the strategic level for Taunton Deane
Borough:
•
Sensitive views to and from the Quantock Hills AONB and Blackdown Hills
AONB.
•
Sensitive views to and from Exmoor, including uninterrupted views to
Dartmoor and the North Devon coast on a clear day.
•
Implications of man-made climate change for the Borough. In particular, the
management of water levels within the Somerset Levels and Moors and lowlying parts of the Vale of Taunton.
•
Habitats such as beech woodland may be vulnerable to climate change, which
may affect the ‘fine avenues of beech along the ridge’ within the Blackdown
Hills.
•
Management of important landscape features within the borough, including
hedgerows, veteran trees and woodland.
•
Management and reinstatement of beech hedgebanks in the Quantock Hills
AONB, which are particularly distinctive feature in this landscape.
•
Management of the historic landscape, including conservation of historic parks
and gardens, orchards, as well as the setting of Conservation Areas and
scheduled monuments.
4.21.
The following issues have been identified at the local level for Taunton and its
immediate setting:
•
Maintaining the openness of the ‘green wedges’ such as those at Vivary, French
Weir and Staplegrove;
•
Maintaining important views to key landmarks and distinctive/memorable
features within Taunton and its setting;
•
Visual sensitivity of the slopes and ridgeline/skyline of Raghill and spurs within
the Blackdown Fringes Farmed and Settled High Vale (Area 4A);
•
Protect sensitive historic landscape features associated with Poundisford Park
and other distinctive relics such as orchards on the southern fringe of Taunton.
•
Management of important landscape features within the Taunton’s setting,
including small deciduous woods and copses, high hedges along rural lanes,
hedgerow trees and veteran trees.
109
•
Opportunities to improve the landscape and visual quality motorways,
particularly the M5 corridor and other major roads through the Borough.
•
Opportunities to restore former mineral extraction sites (especially in the
Blackdown Hills AONB) for habitat creation and for people, and to improve
the landscape character.
•
Opportunities to enhance landscape of the River Tone corridor through the
Borough.
•
Maturing of conifer plantations allow strategic opportunities for developing
mixed woodland strategies or reversion to open moorland (particularly in the
Blackdown Hills AONB and Quantock Hills AONB).
•
Opportunities for conservation schemes for Historic Parks, particularly in the
Quantock Hills AONB, to restore and enhance the historic landscape
character.
•
Orchards in the Blackdown Hills AONB and on the fringe of the Mid Somerset
Hills are a particular feature; providing opportunities to restore and enhance
the historic landscape character.
•
It will be important to maintain veteran trees, planning for their future
replacement to ensure a continued tree cover – notable opportunities for new
planting of native species that could enhance links to the Vale of Taunton
landscape.
•
Management of the green wedges should, where appropriate, enhance existing
landscape features.
Green Infrastructure proposals
4.22.
The following green infrastructure proposals will contribute to conserving and
enhancing the landscape of Taunton Deane:
•
River Valley Park along the River Tone
•
Extend and link existing green spaces to create a country park at French Weir
Green Wedge
•
New country park within the Monkton Heathfield Green Wedge
Enhance key gateways
•
Enhance landscape at key gateways to Taunton and Wellington, including:
•
Vivary Park green wedge / town centre
110
•
Wellington Park and town centre
•
West Deane Way enters Taunton from North
•
M5 enters Taunton across canal
•
Rail from east enters Taunton
•
Road, rail, and West Deane Way from west enter Taunton
Conserving landscape setting
•
Conserve and enhance landscape setting of Hestercombe House, Nynehead
Court and Poundisford Park, ensuring the function of the area as foraging
grounds for the bat population at Hestercombe House is not compromised.
•
Conserve landscape setting of Blackdown Hills and Quantock Hills AONBs
Create community orchard
•
Create community orchard within Vivary Green Wedge
Conserve views
•
Conserve views from key viewpoints including Hestercombe House, Cotlake
Hill, Creechbarrow Hill, Nynehead Court and from Wellington to Rockwell
Green
Edge enhancement and structural landscape mitigation
•
Rural edge landscape enhancement at Staplegrove Green Wedge
•
Provide structural landscape mitigation alongside development through planting
of native hedgerows and tree blocks.
111
ECOLOGICAL NETWORK
Current issues
4.23. Current issues are reflected in the Strategic Nature Areas identified through the
aspirational SW Nature Map. The potential to realise the Strategic Nature Areas
through improved management of sites in the Taunton is outlined in Table 4.3.
4.24.
Ecological impacts which may result from proposed population growth include
changes to hydrology, physical damage to habitat (e.g. trampling, fragmentation, edge
impacts, prevention of natural processes), non-physical disturbance (e.g. lighting,
human presence, noise) and pollution (air and water).
4.25.
Improvements to the transport infrastructure including extension and widening of the
local road infrastructure have potential to cause habitat fragmentation and loss, and
indirect impacts such as air pollution and nitrogen deposition.
4.26.
Using bats as an indicator species group, this may entail roost loss, severance of
commuting and migration routes, as well as reduction in the extent and quality of
foraging resources.
4.27.
Additional pressures on biodiversity are likely to result from predicted man-made
from climate change. Broadly, climate change is likely to bring about hotter, drier
summers and milder, wetter winters. This may have a range of specific effects on
biodiversity:
69
•
Increases in the frequency and magnitude of flooding may cause physical damage
to riverine habitats;
•
Greater risk of drought may have particular implications for drought-sensitive
habitats such as freshwater wetlands. Downstream effects of reduced water
attenuation within upland habitats within the flood plain;
•
Increased erosion rates (as a result of both higher winter rainfall and annual
temperature), which may have particular effect on rural areas where
agricultural land use interfaces semi-natural habitats;
•
Potential increase in vegetation growth rate, particularly of vigorous species,
resulting from the extended growing season as the climate warms and from the
fertilising effect of extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere69. This in turn can
evoke significant effect(s) on floral communities and ecosystems;
•
Consequent change in species distribution, both in terms of latitude and
altitude, and possible loss of species unable to migrate to alternative suitable
habitat i.e. from relatively isolated habitat patches;
•
Changes in the timing of natural events, and as not all species adapt at the same
rate, risk of faltered breeding cycles and population stability (e.g. mismatch
between hatching and availability of foraging resources);
Natural England (April 2008)
112
•
Potential for increased incidence of pests and disease (i.e. warmer summers
enable build up of higher insect numbers or enable pathogens to take hold).
4.28.
Insensitive redevelopment of sites within and close to existing habitats, particularly
those supporting protected species are a threat to biodiversity. Populations of
riparian species including otter, water vole, various bat species and kingfisher, within
urban Taunton may be threatened by inappropriate tree management, insensitive
lighting and disturbance associated with increased recreational access.
4.29.
Requirements of the future population for access to green space will need to
accommodate population growth, both in terms of (i) spatial distribution of ecological
sites and (ii) increased visitor numbers. Such effects on ecological sites at the town
centre, such as the Tone corridor, may be further exacerbated as a result of urban
regeneration.
4.30.
Potential development south west and north of the town may cause indirect impacts
on the qualifying features of the surrounding Natura 2000 network, such as impacts
on commuting and foraging habitat of the Hestercombe House horseshoe bats.
4.31.
Initial findings of the HRA of the Taunton Deane Community Strategy by TDBC has
identified likely recreational impacts on Exmoor and Quantock Oakwoods SAC, and
potentially also Exmoor Heaths SAC70.
Key opportunities
4.32.
4.33.
Extend management recommendations from national and international sites to
address threats such as:
•
Potential loss of bat foraging habitat and commuting features outside of
Hestercombe House SAC;
•
Potential effects from water pollution and alteration to the hydrology of
Somerset Levels & Moors SPA and Ramsar from urban development at
Taunton;
•
Potential air quality impacts on Natura 2000 sites cause by additional transport
infrastructure to the north of Taunton;
•
Potential increased recreational pressure on the Exmoor and Quantock
Oakwoods SAC.
Recommendations for improving the favourability of SSSIs as detailed in condition
assessments should be addressed through green infrastructure where appropriate.
4.34. Encourage wider uptake of the full range of HLS funding opportunities. Such
environmental schemes can compliment SNA targets by incorporating the principals
of connectivity and buffering as well as specific BAP actions, such as for ‘native
wildflowers of arable land’.
70
Larry Burrows, TDBC Ecologist, pers.comm.
113
4.35.
Extend and buffer existing priority habitat areas to ensure long-term robustness
without the need for intensive management, thereby maximising the potential for
flora and fauna to cope with the pressures of climate change.
4.36.
Create and enhance areas of green space in line with BAP habitat provision
requirements.
4.37.
Maximise connectivity of semi-natural habitats to reduce fragmentation and enhance
long-term viability.
4.38.
Habitat creation and extension within flood plain areas. The ecological value of the
flood plain may be enhanced in tandem with alleviating the effects of climate change,
for example, across the degraded grazing marsh (falls within the woodland SNA)
north west of Fitzwarren.
4.39.
Provide strategically placed floodplain woodland to reduce surface runoff, reduce soil
compaction/increase infiltration, reduce impact of rainfall and increase water uptake
by trees and reduce diffuse pollution.
4.40.
Extend and buffer BAP habitats through agri-environment schemes, developer
contributions (e.g. as part of off-site mitigation) and public or grant funded initiatives.
4.41.
Incorporate habitats relied upon by protected and notable species within the GI
network to avoid, or at least minimise, detrimental impacts on such species.
4.42.
Provision of GI should seek to ensure that there is adequate capacity within the
green space to accommodate both recreational access and ecological viability.
4.43.
Provision of allotments and community gardens can support a range of bird, reptile
and amphibian species as well as providing social benefits, such as promotion of a
sense of community, self-sufficiency, recreation and education.
4.44.
Structural diversity of habitats within existing green spaces can be achieved through
relaxation of park management, where recreation and safety needs permit.
4.45.
Increase connectivity through linear edge habitats, particularly at brownfield
regeneration sites, which themselves extend and link into the river and railway
corridors through Taunton.
4.46.
Provide narrow, appropriately lit belts of semi-natural habitats at the periphery of
sports pitches (a few metres width) can incorporate valuable refuges, hibernacula,
foraging and commuting habitat.
4.47.
Maintain and restore functioning watercourses, whilst ensuring sensitive habitat
design and management is provided to accommodate both human and wildlife users.
4.48.
Focus on local protected and notable, habitats and species in enhancement schemes,
such as wood white butterfly listed in the borough BAP, but also bats as listed in the
county BAP and otter.
4.49. Water vole, lesser horseshoe bat, Daubenton’s bat, otter and barn owl foraging
habitat occur in the vicinity of the potential development sites in and around
114
Taunton. Protected species must be accommodated within appropriate mitigation
packages, which can be planned in advance by the provision of linear green space.
4.50.
Delivering ecological services that help ameliorate the effects of climate change, such
as flood protection (e.g. SUDS and functional flood storage) and micro-climate
control (e.g. offsetting urban heat island effects through shading and cooling from
trees, green walls an green roofs), which simultaneously provide habitat niches and
foraging opportunities for a range of species.
4.51.
The following green infrastructure proposals will contribute to the provision of
habitats, and the conservation, enhancement and creation of biodiversity within
Taunton Deane:
•
The Basins;
•
Vivary Park;
•
French Weir Country Park;
•
Wondertree Project;
•
Pyrland Hall.
•
Firepool Weir;
•
Musgrove Hospital;
•
Monkton Heathfield Country Park;
•
Bathpool;
•
East Wellington.
Green link (create)
•
Strategic link from Taunton to the Blackdown Hills AONB(via Vivary Green
Wedge);
•
Strategic link from Taunton to the Quantock Hills AONB (via Monkton
Heathfield Green Wedge);
•
Circular path around Taunton;
•
Vivary Green Wedge and the River Tone corridor through existing green
spaces on the western edge of the M5;
•
Across the Vivary Green Wedge between Comeytrowe and Dowslands;
115
•
Linking Norton Fitzwarren with French Weir Green Wedge to the south;
•
Linking Staplegrove with French Weir Green Wedge to the south;
•
Linking central Wellington to Bradford on Tone and the River Tone
Green link (enhance)
•
Enhance existing link from Staplegrove to the Quantock Hills AONB, partially
along the West Deane Way;
•
Enhance existing link from central Wellington to Nynehead Court;
•
Enhance existing link through Wellington south towards the Wellington
Monument and the Blackdown Hills AONB.
Blue link (create)
•
feasible;
•
wetland habitats and water storage along the river banks where feasible;
•
wetland habitats and water storage along the river banks where feasible.
Blue link (enhance)
•
Enhance the River Tone corridor through the borough through measures that
do not compromise the ecological functioning of the river as a wildlife corridor,
with particular regard to Daubenton’s bat and otter populations, thereby
balancing access and ecological enhancement.
116
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Current issues
•
New development must be accommodated whilst ensuring the setting and
physical structures of the borough’s cultural heritage are protected.
•
Some of the town’s cultural heritage features appear to be within areas at risk
from flooding.
•
There appear to be cultural heritage features in the areas suggested for
development.
Key opportunities
•
Poundisford Park and Hestercombe Gardens are both located close to Taunton
Town.
•
Nynehead Court Park is of a significant size (100ha) and is connected by
existing linkages such as the River Tone and historic route of the Grand
Western canal.
•
Key heritage features which characterise the borough (such as the industrial
heritage evident through the canal systems and the cider apple orchards) would
provide suitable foci for a Green Infrastructure network.
•
Circular walks which include identified sites and monuments are already
promoted by the Council.
•
The Green Infrastructure network should link up with existing initiatives such
as the trail at Castle Neroche.
•
Cultural heritage features in towns and villages outside Taunton could be linked
using the Green Infrastructure network, for example features at Wellington,
and features outside the District such as the Sedgemoor battlefield.
•
The historic route of the Grand Western Canal provides an opportunity to
provide a key GI linkage from a cultural heritage feature.
4.52.
The following green infrastructure proposals will contribute to conserving and
interpreting the cultural heritage of Taunton Deane:
Opportunities for cultural heritage interpretation
•
Staplegrove Mills
•
Norton Camp Hill Fort
•
Creechbarrow Hill
117
•
Castle and River
•
Boat Lift on Great Western Canal and Nynehead Park
•
The Basins
•
Wellington Monument
•
Castle Neroche
Enhance and maintain strategic destinations
•
River Tone and Firepool Weir
•
Poundisford Park
•
Quantock Hills AONB
•
Hestercombe House
•
Create and enhance green space
•
The Basins
•
Vivary Park
•
French Weir Country Park
•
Wondertree Project
•
Pyrland Hall
•
Firepool Weir
•
Musgrove Hospital
•
Monkton Heathfield Country Park
•
Bathpool
•
East Wellington
118
FLOOD MANAGEMENT
Current issues and opportunities
•
Flood risk areas include areas of central Taunton, and the proposed urban
extensions have potential to increase flood risk in these areas.
•
Flood detention reservoir near the Galmington Stream at Comeytrowe;
•
Flood attenuation ponds on the Allensbrook and Maidenbrook streams in the
Monkton Heathfield Green Wedge;
•
SuDS networks linked to new development;
•
Effective rural land management in line with the South West River Basin
District Management Plan;
•
Potential for flood plain extensions;
•
Swales, filter strips and infiltration basins to reduce run off and minimise
pollution to waterbodies;
•
Green roofs to reduce urban run off;
•
Good landscape design to minimise impermeable surfaces within development.
4.53.
The following green infrastructure proposals will contribute to the provision of areas
for flood attenuation, water storage and reduced peak flow within Taunton Deane:
•
Strategic flood attenuation along Galmington Stream at Comeytrowe;
•
Local SuDS at Monkton Heathfield along the Allensbrook and Maidenbrook
Streams;
•
Local SuDS at Staplegrove along the Mill Lease Stream.
Blue link (create)
•
feasible;
•
wetland habitats and water storage along the river banks where feasible;
•
wetland habitats and water storage along the river banks where feasible.
119
Blue link (enhance)
•
Enhance the River Tone corridor through the borough, balancing access and
ecological enhancement.
120
CONTRIBUTING TO QUALITY OF LIFE
Current issues
•
There are existing areas of significant social and health deprivation, particularly
at Halcon, Lyngford and Pyrland in Taunton;
•
Taunton has an ageing population, with implications for the design of access
infrastructure within green spaces, along public rights of way, and in terms of
the need for public transport provision to key sites;
•
Health and disability related deprivation is concentrated in Taunton, with
implications for the urban provision and accessibility of GI, and how this can
address health issues (e.g. obesity, exercise levels).
Key opportunities
•
Ensure that where green infrastructure is located in areas of significant socioeconomic deprivation, it is designed to maximise the sites contribution to the
alleviation of this deprivation;
•
Existing and new green infrastructure should be designed to provide access for
visitors of all ages, and for less able-bodied people;
•
The potential of GI as a both a health and educational resource across the
borough should be realised;
•
Areas where there is a recognised deficiency in open space and/or barriers to
access to open space should be prioritised for future provision of new parks
and open spaces.
4.54.
The following green infrastructure proposals will contribute to a good quality of life
within Taunton Deane, through provision of access to open space for recreation,
health, exercise and well-being:
•
French Weir Country Park;
•
Pyrland Hall.
•
Firepool Weir;
•
Musgrove Hospital;
•
Monkton Heathfield Country Park;
•
Bathpool;
121
•
East Wellington.
Create green links
•
Circular path around Taunton;
•
Vivary Green Wedge and the River Tone corridor through existing green
spaces on the western edge of the M5;
•
Across the Vivary Green Wedge between Comeytrowe and Dowslands;
•
Linking Norton Fitzwarren with French Weir Green Wedge to the south;
•
Linking Staplegrove with French Weir Green Wedge to the south;
•
Linking central Wellington to Bradford on Tone and the River Tone
Create blue links
•
New access and ecological corridor along the Galmington Stream;
•
New access and ecological corridor along the Stockwell Stream;
•
New access and ecological corridor along the Back Stream.
122
5.
IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING
POLICY
5.1.
Green Infrastructure should be incorporated into Taunton’s Core Strategy through a
bespoke green infrastructure policy. This policy should reflect the key objectives of
the strategy, which in turn reflect the functions and benefits of green infrastructure.
The spatial GI opportunities map and areas of existing deficiency in the GI policy.
5.2.
The SW RSS (Proposed Changes) requires GI provision to be based on a sound
understanding of GI assets, including location, size, functions, accessibility, user
groups, and intensity of use71. The GI Strategy has helped to identify the location and
size of existing assets, as well as to identify existing issues and specific functional and
spatial opportunities. Information on the accessibility and use of sites is available
through the Open Space Strategy and 2009 update completed by Pengelly
Consultants. As the various green infrastructure opportunities are prioritised for
delivery alongside development, additional research and feasibility studies should be
completed at a site level regarding the exact location of GI features, and fit with built
development.
Development Plan Documents
5.3.
The GI Strategy allocates specific areas of land for green infrastructure provision.
Following further site investigation to define boundaries of GI proposals, these areas
should inform the Site Allocations DPD, which will allocate land for a range of uses.
The Site Allocations DPD would be subject to the Tests of Soundness, including
community consultation72.
Supplementary Planning Documents
5.4.
To support the GI policy in the core strategy, and the GI sites identified in the Site
Allocations DPD, an SPD on green infrastructure can be adopted. The purpose of the
SPD should be to inform the planning, design and management of green
infrastructure, by outlining the key principles which should be followed. PPS 12
requires that SPDs must be consistent with national and regional planning policies as
well as the policies set out in the DPDs, and conform to the statement of community
involvement, but are not subject to the Test of Soundness.
GOVERNANCE
5.5.
The Council should consider sharing the responsibility for management of its key
green space sites with other non-government organisations. This could help to
alleviate the management burden on the Council, which is likely to increase with
increased green infrastructure provision. Organisations which could be considered
71
para.6.2.18, Draft Revised Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West Incorporating the Secretary of State’s
Proposed Changed – for public consultation July 2008.
72
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now Communities and Local Government (2004) Planning Policy
Statement (PPS) 12: Local Development Frameworks
123
for site management include the Somerset Wildlife Trust, the Forestry Commission,
Groundwork and the Land Restoration Trust.
5.6.
There is potential to create a parks and green spaces forum for Taunton Deane, on
which a range of green infrastructure management and delivery partners could sit.
Such a forum could enhance communication between the Council and key partners,
and increase the application of best practice green infrastructure delivery and
management which is appropriate to the Borough.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY
5.7.
At present, the majority of the public open space in Taunton is managed by the
Council. Practical management of green spaces is undertaken by the Taunton Deane
Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) which is contracted by the Council. This
approach was established 20 years ago, however, the Council has recently elected to
review the DLO and its remit.
POTENTIAL FOR MANAGEMENT ADAPTATION
5.8.
5.9.
Taunton Deane’s green space provision and management is fairly high in general.
Access infrastructure is well-maintained on the whole, and there are many attractive
sites within Taunton and Wellington, and attractive countryside in rural areas. There
are however, opportunities to adapt management to ensure that the existing and
future green infrastructure network delivers a larger number of benefits. These
include:
•
Management to encourage areas of natural or semi-natural habitat, to enhance
the potential for all sites to provide access to nature and biodiversity benefits.
•
Incorporation of small-scale water management features to provide flood
management and water filtration functions alongside enhancing landscape
quality, access to nature and provision of locally important habitats.
•
Review of management practices within green spaces where heritage features
exist, to ensure that these features are properly conserved and, where
appropriate, interpreted.
The review of the DLO and green space management should consider the potential
to improve management practices in line with best practice, with resulting benefits
for the quality and functionality of green spaces. Some more specific suggestions for
management changes are provided below.
Create semi-natural areas within open spaces
5.10.
The Council should encourage changes to management regimes on urban green
spaces and on green edge features and verges. Many sites in Taunton are currently
mown and maintained as amenity grassland, but could provide a greater range of
benefits, including providing space for wildlife and enhancing the sense of place, if the
mowing regime was replaced by cutting or grazing and semi-natural habitats were
allowed to become established.
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Encourage space for wildlife along waterways, footpaths and other
transport corridors
5.11.
Semi-natural habitats should also be encouraged along the river banks, adjacent to
other water bodies, and along footpaths. The creation of such semi-natural areas
could provide important urban habitats for invertebrates, birds and small mammals.
Such management changes should be delivered in parallel with environmental
education and awareness-raising to encourage support from the local community.
Use native species in planted flower beds
5.12.
Where appropriate, native species should be planted in place of exotic species. This
provides another opportunity to provide space for wildlife and enhance the sense of
place. The species used should reflect the ecological composition of the area, and
should aim to reflect local Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitats.
Work closely with community groups
5.13. The Council should consider the potential for community groups to take on
management of parts of local open space. The council could ‘loan’ land to
community groups to manage in the medium term, applying the legal concept of
‘usufruct’, allowing free access to the public providing that the property itself is not
injured in any way. If managed effectively, this can help reduce the site management
costs to the Council, whilst providing local communities with increased ownership of
their local space.
5.14.
Where they exist, ‘Friends Of’ groups should be contacted and encouraged to take
responsibility for managing green spaces. In addition, Taunton is part of the
‘Transition Towns’ network. The Transition Towns initiative in Taunton is likely to
involve skilled individuals who have expertise in managing land for local food
production. These individuals may be keen to become involved in or voluntarily
manage areas of land as additional allotments or local community food gardens. The
Somerset Wildlife Trust may be keen to manage appropriate sites.
DELIVERY OF NEW GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Prioritise GI opportunities according to deliverability
5.15.
Some initial prioritisation of the GI opportunities has been undertaken to inform this
strategy, however future assessment will be needed to ensure that sites and projects
which are deliverable in the short term are prioritised by the Council. A list of key
criteria designed to measure deliverability against which potential projects should be
assessed is provided below.
Deliver new green infrastructure alongside or prior to built
development.
5.16.
Green infrastructure should be phased alongside development, in order to ensure GI
is integrated with built development. This approach will also complement the
provision of funding by developers to help deliver nearby GI.
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Work more closely with Somerset County Council
5.17.
Stakeholders at the GI workshop commented that Somerset County Council (SCC)
should play a key role in delivery of the GI strategy. Many of SCC’s projects were
identified as being functional rather than recreational (e.g. provision of transport
infrastructure) and there is potential to enhance the recreational function of these
projects.
Work with statutory bodies to negotiate consent issues at outset
5.18.
Early consultation and negotiation should take place with the statutory environmental
bodies, specifically the Environment Agency and Natural England. This early contact
will help to identify any potential consent issues at an early stage, for example
securing EA permission for changes to management affecting waterbodies. And GI
provision can be designed to incorporate any statutory or consent requirements.
FUNDING
Funding secured
5.19.
Taunton Council currently secures funding for its green infrastructure network from
three broad sources:
•
Local government funds from TDBC;
•
Developer contributions secured through planning; and
•
Bespoke green space funding streams to which application for funds is made.
County and borough funding
5.20.
Local government funds are derived from central government grant plus council tax.
Councillors decide budget allocation between competing services.
Developer contributions
5.21.
The Council tends to secure developer funding for green infrastructure on a case-bycase basis through planning contributions. The council approach is based on Local
Plan policies, however developer negotiations sometimes result in reduced amounts
being secured by the Council, and is also dependent on provision of a robust
evidence base to support the request.
Bespoke funding streams
5.22.
There are bespoke green space funding streams available from a range of sources, to
which Taunton Council make applications when officers have time to bid for these
funds.
Potential funding sources
5.23.
A range of options exist for securing funding for green infrastructure provision and
enhancement. Funding should be sought from a range of sources in combination.
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Key funding sources include those listed below. Additional resources would be
needed to support application for these funds, as the application can be timeconsuming.
Bespoke national funding streams
5.24.
Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund grant initiatives e.g. Parks for People
which supports capital and/or revenue requirements of projects to improve public
parks and create opportunities for communities to learn about the natural
environment. Subject-specific funding streams such as the Access to Nature and
Community Spaces Fund from the Big Lottery Fund, the Local Food Fund
administered by the Wildlife Trusts, and the Parks for People Fund, which allocates
grants for projects involving urban or rural green spaces designed for informal
recreation and enjoyment. In addition, the Environmental Stewardship Scheme and
English Woodland Grant Scheme, which provide funding per hectare of land managed
for a specific habitat (e.g. woodland) or in an environmentally sensitive way.
Community Infrastructure Fund
5.25.
The Community Infrastructure Fund is overseen by Communities and Local
Government (CLG) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The funding is
directed at locations which have been identified as a Growth Area, Growth Point or
Eco Town, and should be invested in infrastructure, which can include green
infrastructure at these locations. The successful applications for the last round of
funding (CIF2) were announced in February 2008, and the government has yet to
confirm whether and when a third round will commence.
Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund and the Landfill Communities Fund
(formerly the Landfill Tax Scheme)
5.26.
The Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund supports projects mitigating the effects of
aggregate extraction on local communities and the natural environment. The Landfill
Communities Fund is a funding scheme for community and environmental projects
around landfill sites. One stream of the LCF is the SITA Trust’s Enriching Nature and
Enhancing Communities grants, for projects around qualifying waste processing and
landfill sites73. Such funding streams may be appropriate in the Blackdown Hills
AONB, where there are several sites of mineral extraction which would benefit from
restoration to semi-natural landscapes.
Planning obligations, roof tax or Community Infrastructure Levy initiatives
73
•
Planning conditions – local authority requires green space restoration or
provision on site of particular development. Separately applied to each
proposal.
•
Planning obligations (S106 agreements) – local authority agrees with developer
that they will fund provision and management of green space required by a
particular development. Separately negotiated for each proposal.
www.sitatrust.org.uk
127
•
Roof taxes – local planning authority requires developer to pay a standard tariff
per new dwelling to fund essential supporting infrastructure.
•
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) - charge levied by local authorities on
new developments, using published formulae based on size and character of
development, with proceeds to be spent on local or sub-regional infrastructure,
including green spaces, required by the development plan(s).
On-site income generating activities
5.27.
TDBC currently generate revenue from the private sector or the general public in
return for benefits they receive from green space. This approach should be
expanded to new sites where feasible. Income sources from businesses include rent
or franchise fees for operating commercial activities within the green space,
sponsorship or charitable donations, contributions to large scale planting to offset
carbon emissions, sale of renewable energy from generating facilities built in the
green space. Charges to the public may include entry to special features or
exhibitions, hire of event space for parties and weddings.
Endowment
5.28.
There is potential to secure long term funding for green infrastructure from
investment income earned on assets such as property or shares owned by the local
authority or other body responsible for green space. A management body such as an
independent charitable trust can be established to manage and protect the
endowment's capital. Financial management expertise must be secured to effectively
manage the investment.
Recommended funding approach
•
To enhance existing green spaces: bespoke national funding streams
detailed above (para. 7.13), as well as council funding. The Environmental
Stewardship Scheme (CSS) is also a useful source of revenue funding, and
capital from private sector sources (e.g. water authorities, local business) can
sometimes be secured to provide new facilities.
•
To secure funding for creation of small green spaces and green
infrastructure: funding from developers secured by CIL or planning
obligations, Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) and Community Infrastructure
Fund (CIF), in addition to local authority funds.
•
To secure funding for creation of strategic green spaces such as
country parks: Creation of strategic green spaces such as the country parks
proposed at French Weir and Monkton Heathfield Country Parks will require
funding from various sources, which may include Council funds at the outset
for the purchase of land by Taunton Council. It may be appropriate to recruit a
small team of rangers to manage these new country parks, as this will allow the
ranger team to undertake the majority of site management, which tends to be
more economically efficient then out-sourcing the work. This approach has
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been successfully applied by South Somerset District Council at Yeovil Country
Park.
•
To enhance and connect public rights of way and multi-user paths:
SCC and Sustrans funding, plus RIF, Growth Point funding, and funding from
developers secured by CIL or planning obligations.
•
To maintain the green infrastructure network:
o Income generating activities, local authority funding, and in the longer term
funding from developers secured by CIL or planning obligations.
o The Council should also consider the potential for a Trust to be established
to provide funding for the green infrastructure network. This tends to work
by long-term funding being provided from investment income earned from
property or shares owned by the local authority or other body responsible
for green space. Notable examples of this approach include the River Nene
Regional Park and The Parks Trust, Milton Keynes.
•
To manage allotments and community gardens: bespoke funding
streams exist which can supplement the funding provided by allotment rental
payments, such as the Local Food Fund administered by the Wildlife Trusts. In
addition, local groups can share management responsibilities, such as the local
Transition Towns team.
•
To maintain, enhance and create areas for nature conservation and
biodiversity: NE ‘wildspace’ grants74 are currently being pursued by the
Council at several sites across the borough. In addition, the Council should
encourage wider uptake of the full range of HLS funding opportunities. HLS
funding opportunities are available for land managers. Where sites are suitable
for designation as Local Nature Reserves, this makes them eligible for additional
biodiviersity-focussed funding streams. Taunton Council should work with the
County Ecologist and the Somerset Wildlife Trust to gather evidence to
support designation of sites.
Land Use Consultants, August 2009
74
http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_grant.htm
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Do not delete this section break
APPENDIX 1
Method employed for study
INCEPTION
The inception meeting would provide an opportunity to discuss the method of approach,
make any refinements as necessary, and to agree project timings and outputs. In
particular we would wish to discuss:
• Key aims of the Strategy and vision for green infrastructure
• Key green infrastructure issues to be addressed by the study
• Data to be provided to LUC by the Council and stakeholders, and potential
gaps in the dataset;
• Key strategic initiatives operating in the Borough;
• Relationship between the strategy and Boroughs LDF preparation process(in
particular the direction they see the Core Strategy developing in and possible
timings);
• Alignment with the emerging updated Parks and Open Spaces Strategy in
particular opportunities for aligning of public consultation exercises
• The approach we intend to use to identify areas of deficiency in provision of
green infrastructure (in particular the method by which quantity and quality of
green infrastructure provision is to be assessed).
• Key stakeholders to involve in the development of the study
• The exact nature and timings of public consultation
• Timetable for delivery of outputs
To assist this process we would prepare a draft Inception Report for discussion at
the meeting.
STAGE 1: DATA COLLECTION AND CHARACTERISATION
Task 1: Review existing and emerging green space audits, and other
relevant policies and plans
We would undertake a rapid desk based review of current national, regional and local
planning policy to understand the context in which the study will sit. We anticipate
that this would include reviewing the following:
• Draft South West RSS and accompanying Sustainability Appraisal;
• The Habitat Regulations Assessment of the South West RSS;
•South West Regional Flood Risk Assessment;
•Taunton Deane Small Sites Allocation DPD and accompanying Sustainability
Appraisal;
• Local Plans;
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• Taunton Deane Strategic Flood Risk Assessments.
This review would aim to ensure that the study fully addresses the range of
challenges and opportunities posed by the significant levels of proposed growth, and
would also identify the following type of information:
• The approach to green infrastructure as set out in current policy;
• Any standards for green infrastructure provision e.g. per head of population, or
objectives for delivery of other green infrastructure functions e.g. restoration of
functional flood plain;
• Existing green infrastructure projects and initiatives (especially potential links to
initiatives in adjoining areas);
• Development proposed within the emerging Local Development Framework
(including the urban extensions for Taunton and Wellington), which will provide an
understanding of pressures on green infrastructure and areas that may require
additional green infrastructure;
• Stakeholders involved in delivery of green infrastructure in the region.
We would also undertake a review of the current systems for funding, delivery and
management of green infrastructure, including the role of the county and district
councils, and other key organisations such as the Forestry Commission and
Groundwork. We would undertake this review through a web search, and would
augment it through speaking to key staff at these organisations to ensure a joined up
approach to green infrastructure planning with adjacent local authorities and to
maximise the benefits of an improved GI network within Taunton Deane for other
sensitive greenspaces outside the Borough which currently attract large numbers of
visitors from within Taunton Deane. This task is important to inform the working up
of the Implementation Strategy, which will set out potential partners for delivering
enhanced and new green infrastructure and will set out potential funding and delivery
mechanisms, which requires a thorough understanding of current arrangements and
involvement.
Task 2: Collate existing GIS data on current Green Infrastructure
Relevant sources of data for the Borough will be identified and compiled in GIS. This
will enable a picture of the special features of the Borough to be built up and also for
the existing Green and Blue (rivers, canals etc) Infrastructure (referred to jointly as
Green Infrastructure for the rest of this submission) to be identified. The emerging
updated Taunton Deane Parks and Open Spaces Strategy will be the starting point for
mapping GI, access to this information will be discussed with the Council at the
Inception meeting, no costs have been included in the proposal for the purchase of
any GIS data. The table below gives an indication of other potential data sources
which may be required:
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Data set
Potential Source
Ordnance Survey base maps
National and International Nature
Conservation Designations
LUC
Local Nature Conservation Designations
Historic Landscape Character Assessment (if
available)
Heritage Designations (Scheduled Ancient
Monuments and Registered Parks and
Gardens)
LUC
Borough of Taunton Deane owned land
Cycleways and greenways
Long distance routes
Rights of Way Improvement Plans
Access Land
Natural England
Green corridors
Local and borough parks
Green spaces within institutional land (e.g.
housing estates, hospitals)
Previously Developed Land
We would produce a series of GIS maps of the study area mapping the following data
to create an integrated and comprehensive dataset:
• Biodiversity sites including statutory and local designations, including Natura 2000
sites, and National/Local Nature Reserves;
• Registered common land and CROW S.15 common land;
• Open Access Land;
• Forestry Commission Land;
• National Trust owned land;
• Definitive Rights of Way and trails;
• Areas of inaccessible land e.g. MOD land.
Task 3: Characterisation of Taunton Deane
Building on Task 2 and any other relevant studies identified at inception and during
Task 1, a desk based study would be undertaken to define the character of the
135
environment within Taunton Deane. It is likely that the following information would
be included:
• Landscape character;
• Historic and cultural character (e.g. HLC, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings,
and conservation areas);
• Ecology (e.g. BAP habitats, Ecological Network Mapping);
• Socio-economic factors (e.g. population density and distribution, Index of Multiple
Deprivation, priority ranking of regeneration areas, health deprivation ranking,
mortality rates for circulatory diseases, IMD ranking of living environment;
• Functional ecosystems character (e.g. flood plain, river systems and catchments);
• Areas of flood risk
• Leisure and employment sites
It is important to understand where there is potential for provision of future green
infrastructure (or green infrastructure enhancements). Data that would be collated to
help to build up a picture of potential includes:
• Areas of derelict /disused land, local authority owned land and agricultural land.
This data would not automatically dictate where green infrastructure investment
should take place but would help to inform potential opportunities.
For tasks 2 and 3 GIS specialists on the project team will compile and present data
on current green infrastructure provision, and characterisation of the Borough in the
form of a collection of themed maps.
Task 4: Identify location of potential major developments
The significant levels of recommended growth in the Borough means that maximising
the benefits of green infrastructure to the growing population will be key to the
success of the GI Strategy. Working closely with the Council existing sites that have
been allocated or identified for development and likely future options for
development and urban extensions (including those in the small site allocations DPD)
will be identified and mapped by the team’s GIS specialists. Obviously there will be
uncertainty as to which sites will actually be taken forward and developed and this
flexibility will have to be taken into consideration when developing options.
STAGE 2: IDENTIFYING DEFICIENCIES & NEED
Task 5: Identify areas of deficiency and current needs
Areas that are deficient in access to green spaces, corridors, routes will be identified
and mapped along with Green Infrastructure needs, including priorities for green
infrastructure creation and opportunities for enhancement of existing provision. This
would involve analysis of the existing data and linking layers of information e.g.
136
relationships between deficient areas of open space and social deprivation/health in
order to prioritise needs.
A project meeting will be held at the beginning of this stage to discuss the data
collection stage and also to agree with the council the criteria for defining deficiencies
and need. The criteria will be based on ANGSt and any other locally identified
standard, whilst we would consider deficiencies primarily from human and access
perspectives we would also aim to make reference to other GI functions such as
flood water attenuation, biodiversity connectivity etc.
Task 6: Identify areas of potential future need considering new
development
On the basis of the locations of potential new developments identified in task 4 the
needs under future population growth will be identified.
Task 7: Identify ways for green infrastructure options to alleviate
pressures on Natura 2000 and other sensitive sites
Potential impacts of the South West RSS on Natura 2000 sites in and around
Taunton Deane have already been identified through the assessment of the RSS
against the Habitats Regulations (LUC undertook this assessment). The options for
Taunton Deane’s green infrastructure network should be reviewed in terms of their
potential to alleviate visitor pressure on nearby Natura 2000 sites.
Task 8: Stakeholder Workshop on preliminary options
We would seek to validate the findings of the characterisation, deficiency and needs
analysis through a stakeholder workshop. Stakeholders will be identified at the
Inception stage and during task 1. The Workshop will provide an opportunity to:
• Ensure we have identified, at a range of scales, the key sustainability issues facing the
study area;
• Ensure we have accurately identified the current provision of green infrastructure;
• Ensure we have accurately identified the green infrastructure needs and deficiencies
of the Borough;
• Discuss the range of functions which green infrastructure can provide, and what is
currently being provided (or is deficient) in the Borough;
• Discuss the key pressures currently facing green infrastructure and potential future
pressures;
• Discuss key opportunities for green infrastructure provision;
• Identify Stakeholders priorities for green infrastructure provision in the Borough.
137
STAGE 3: OPTIONS DEVELOPMENT
Task 9: Develop, map and refine options
Following on from the identification of needs (tasks 5 & 6) and ideas developed in the
Stakeholder Workshop (task 8) a set of options will be developed and mapped.
These options will take into account both current and future needs. The Council will
be kept in close contact and a project meeting will be held during this period which
will provide another opportunity to discuss the development of the options with the
Council.
Task 10: Public consultation on refined options
Once refined the set of options will first be presented to the Council for approval
and then undergo public consultation. The exact nature of this consultation will be
discussed at the Inception meeting; ideally there will be an opportunity to coordinate
consultation on the GI Strategy with any consultation that is being undertaken on the
update Parks and Open Space Strategy. However as this possibility is as yet unknown
provision has been made in this submission for presenting the options on the
Council’s website and throughout the Borough in public buildings. Two consultation
events will also take place during the consultation period in both Wellington and
Taunton in order for the public to come and see the options and make comments on
them.
A consultation response report will be produced and presented to the Council
following public consultation and a project meeting will be held to discuss the
responses and suggest amendments to the options.
STAGE 4: DEVELOP GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY
Task 11: Develop options into final green infrastructure proposals
Following on from the public consultation, the options will be further developed to
take into account opinions received during the consultation process in consultation
with the Council.
Task 12: Develop implementation, management and maintenance
recommendations
Once the green infrastructure proposals are finalised (Task 11) implementation,
management and maintenance recommendations will be developed for each of the
proposals.
The strategy would review options for funding which might include:
• Section 106 agreements;
• Roof taxes;
• Public sector grant funding;
• Earned income;
138
• Endowments.
The priority of the component parts of the green infrastructure proposals would also
be considered with all sites being allocated a priority rating of high, medium or low
depending on likely timescales of development, current deficiency in terms of
quantity/ quality and other considerations such as potential for enhancement to
provide multiple benefits.
We would review existing grounds maintenance costs for green infrastructure
(existing management and maintenance cost information to be supplied by the client)
and assess the need for increased expenditure following our site assessments and the
proposals outlined in the implementation strategy.
These recommendations would be included in the GI strategy.
Task 13: Prepare Draft & Final Strategy
A draft of the strategy will be prepared outlining the final green infrastructure
network proposals (including maps) and details of the accompanying implementation,
management and maintenance recommendations. An outline of the process
undertaken to develop the Strategy would also be given along with the supporting
information collected during the Strategy’s development. The draft will be presented
to the Council and following comment the report would be finalised and issued.
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APPENDIX 2
Full details of consultation responses
TAUNTON DEANE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE:
FINDINGS OF STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP
INTRODUCTION
5.29.
On Monday 16th March 2009 Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC), and Land
Use Consultants (LUC) held a stakeholder workshop at the TDBC offices in
Taunton, as part of the development of the Taunton Deane Green Infrastructure
Strategy. Workshop attendees are listed in Annex 1.
5.30.
The purpose of the workshop was to share and validate LUC’s research on the
Borough’s existing environment and green infrastructure assets, as well as Len
Croney’s research on current public open space provision in the Borough, and gather
any missing information and recommendations from stakeholders.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
5.31.
After an introduction to the workshop and presentation of work undertaken to date,
two workshop sessions were held to gather maximum stakeholder input. The
agenda for the day is outlined below.
13.30
Introduction and welcome
13.40
13.50
14.10
16.30
Purpose and structure of the workshop
Presentation of work undertaken to date
Presentation of research on Taunton’s
open space standards
Introduction to ‘key themes’ exercise
Ist Session: Key themes exercise –
carousel session commenting on themed
maps
Tea /Coffee
Introduction to break-out sessions
2nd Session: Break-out Groups:
Identifying priorities and opportunities
for Green Infrastructure in Taunton
Deane
Feedback from break-out groups
16.50
17.00
Next steps
Close
14.30
14.40
15.10
15.30
15.40
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Ralph WilloughbyFoster, TDBC
Emma Deen, LUC
Emma Deen, LUC
Len Croney, consultant
Katy Lock, LUC
All
Andrew Tempany, LUC
All
Volunteer from each of
the breakout groups
Emma Deen, LUC
1ST SESSION: EXISTING GI – ‘KEY THEMES’ EXERCISE
5.32.
In this first session stakeholders were invited to examine and comment on a series of
maps showing the key environmental characteristics of the borough which would
influence the strategy (Landscape, Ecology, Open Space & Links, Cultural Heritage).
The content of the maps had been explained briefly in the presentation on key
findings to date. Stakeholders were asked the following questions, in relation to the
maps:
4. Are there any sites that are not shown on the map(s) which you feel are
important in relation to (the theme)?
5. Are there any initiatives or projects relating to these sites, or wider initiatives
which are relevant to (the theme)?
6. Do you have any other updates or comments in relation to (the theme) and
related issues in Taunton Deane?
5.33.
There was a lot of overlap between comments on the different maps, with an overall
need to highlight key sites and wildlife interest identified in particular. The key
observations made by the stakeholders are described below under the headings of
the ‘key themes’.
Landscape
5.34.
Stakeholders emphasised the influence key features such as hedgerows, orchards,
field patterns as well as local topography have on the landscape of Taunton, and felt
that this should be illustrated on the maps. Watercourses were identified as key
features for access, transport and biodiversity functions, as well as having a visual
impact on the landscape. Cultural heritage was also noted as an integral
characteristic of Taunton’s landscape, these included specific features such as
orchards and hillforts, particularly those which form vertical, man made waymarkers
within the landscape (particularly church towers, follies etc). It was felt that some
key features, such as Burrow Mump, should be specifically highlighted on the map.
5.35.
Other man made features which stakeholders felt characterised the landscape, but
perhaps in a more negative way, included electricity pylons and roads. The M5 was
considered a physical and noise barrier, and the A38 considered to have urbanised
the landscape between Taunton and Wellington, though the strategic importance of
these features was also noted.
5.36.
A number of specific sites, projects and initiatives were highlighted as worthy of note
in landscape characterisation. These include the ‘Ten Parishes’ group, which
organises community and creative events within, and inspired by, the landscape.
Other projects and initiatives highlighted include the Avalon interpretation centre at
Shapwick, the Somerset Levels and Moors Wave project, the Quantock Hills project
and River Parrett Trail. It was suggested that features such as the River Tone and
Neroche Forests and Woodlands present opportunities for creative interpretation
and public art. Higher level stewardship schemes for landscape and access
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enhancements were also noted as projects which might tie into the green
infrastructure strategy.
Biodiversity and nature conservation
5.37.
Stakeholders noted a number of wildlife sites and habitats which were not shown on
the biodiversity and nature conservation characterisation map. Several of these
omissions were due to a lack of data, for example, on local wildlife sites and other
data sources such as the Forestry Commission’s wood habitat options mapping and
BAP sites. LUC will endeavour to gather this data.
5.38.
Apart from specific sites which had been omitted, stakeholders identified several key
issues for biodiversity and nature conservation which had not been identified on the
map. These include the need to protect key habitats such as the river structure (for
Bats and Otters), and also balance the need to protect species and habitats with a
desire to improve access to nature for people. Some priorities have been identified
such as the possibility of extending the ecological mitigation area designed to protect
the foraging grounds of the bat population at Hestercombe House.
Cultural heritage
5.39.
Stakeholders identified a number of cultural heritage features which had not been
identified through the characterisation data collected for the characterisation maps.
These included features such as locally important parks and gardens, commons, lime
kilns, orchards and woodlands. Additional background on the rich history of Taunton
overall as well as of specific cultural heritage sites was also provided. It was felt that
due to the high number of scheduled monuments identified on the maps, it might be
best to highlight key sites. Locally important heritage features will be added to the
maps where data is available.
5.40.
There were several open space and access features which are not available through
GIS data and therefore were not provided on the maps. These features included
trails such as the River Parrett Trail and Neroche Trail as well as longer distance
routes. A number of additional site-based features were also identified, such as the
Waterlinks wet woodland project and Netherclay community woodland and remnant
orchard at Dipford Road.
5.41.
Stakeholders also identified a number of opportunities and principles to inform the
strategy in terms of open space and access. These opportunities included the
possibility of incorporating art into open space in Taunton, and enhancing access to
the countryside through the existing Park and Ride facilities in Taunton town.
Allotments were also identified as a key open space resource which has not been
thoroughly considered through the characterisation exercise. Other priorities in
relation to open space identified through this exercise include the need to balance
the provision of access for the community whilst enhancing ecological protection.
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2ND SESSION: FUTURE GI – PRIORITIES AND
OPPORTUNITIES
5.42.
The second workshop session was aimed at exploring the existing opportunities and
priorities in more detail. Stakeholders were separated into break-out groups, each
looking at a different part of the borough (North West Taunton town, North East
Taunton town, South Taunton and Wellington and environs). The groups then
discussed a number of questions about their designated area in the context of the
opportunities maps, which had been created using data gathered to date.
5.43. The following questions were discussed in relation to the maps:
Review proposals
•
•
•
Are the current proposals appropriate?
Are there any opportunities which haven’t been identified?
Do any of the proposals overlap with other initiatives?
Implementation
•
•
•
How might the GI proposals be implemented, and by whom?
Are there any organisations/initiatives who may be interested in working to deliver the
strategy?
How should the proposals be prioritised?
The feedback from group discussions is summarised below by group:
North West Taunton town
5.44.
As with the rest of Taunton, ecological management and protection opportunities
were identified as a priority in this area. Apart from strategic points such as a need
to maintain connectivity with the countryside when designing new development (e.g.
at Staplegrove), and making blue links wide enough to not affect wildlife, specific
recommendations were made in relation to ecology such as increasing the structured
planting along waterways for bats. Managed lighting along these links was also
mentioned, in terms of timing lighting to allow for the safe use of routes, as well as to
minimise impacts on bats. Mill Lease Stream and Kingston Stream were identified as
key features for ecological activity. The use of smaller streams for public access was
also mentioned.
5.45.
The West Deane Way was recognised as a key asset to be emphasised as a green
link.
5.46.
Stakeholders identified a number of opportunities related to the French Weir green
wedge, including recommendations for wetland planting, improved public access
interpretation, and the opportunities for education presented by the close proximity
of Somerset College of Art and Technology. It was noted that schools need safe
access to the river and ponds at French Weir.
5.47.
Area 4 on the opportunities map (Pyrland Hall) was noted as having no public access
at present but it was suggested that the National Trust could dedicate some land for
146
public access. New trees to supplement veteran trees were recommended for this
area along with an emphasis on the benefits of community orchards. The bridge over
the railway which had been included on the opportunities map was identified as being
very costly.
North East Taunton town
5.48.
Stakeholders in this group identified a number of additional opportunities and
amendments to the opportunities maps. These include the addition of a new green
link from Halcon to the Quantocks including new community woodland and an
extension of the green link at Vivary to include both Taunton and Neroche castles.
Emphasis was placed on ensuring the provision of BAP species and links to BAP
species (e.g. through woodland blocks) and wildflower field margins as part of the
species action plan.
5.49.
Priorities for French Weir were also discussed in this group, with the need for a
bridge and enhanced footpaths and waterways at French Weir. Wet woodland and
short rotation coppice were recommended for the area.
5.50.
Emphasis was placed on promoting Taunton as the protected species capital of
Somerset.
5.51.
In terms of delivery and implementation, s106 agreements with developers were
cited as an obvious option, though the current economic climate was identified as
potentially restricting the opportunities this presents.
5.52.
A number of specific project partners were also mentioned for particular projects,
such as the Forestry Commission and the Crown Estate (e.g. on land to the north
east of Taunton and the Quantock Hills). Potential funding sources identified include
Somerset county landscape grants and IDB (Bathpool). The Country Parks Trust was
mentioned as a potential means for management of the GI network.
South Taunton
5.53. The South Taunton group emphasised the importance of using green infrastructure
to link rural and urban areas. Suggestions included linking different habitats (e.g.
ancient woodlands or orchards) and for different users (walkers, cyclists,
horseriders), and using the arts to link the interpretation of routes. This may be
done through the use of sculpture trails which can be successfully linked up with
school projects.
5.54.
The importance of sustainable transport links was also discussed in this session.
Stakeholders were keen to ensure that transport links within and around new
development (e.g. at Comeytrowe) are sustainable. The potential for linking the
existing Park and Ride system up with the green infrastructure network was also
discussed, in terms of providing part of an access route to the rest of the borough for
tourists visiting Taunton itself, as well as the potential to provide specific facilities
such as circular routes from the M5 service station at Taunton/Wellington. The M5
was recognised as a barrier to an integrated green infrastructure network.
Stakeholders recognised the potential to enhance bridges over the motorway,
particularly for deer and dormice.
147
5.55.
Stakeholders were keen to encourage the development of community woodland and
orchards as part of the green infrastructure network. Their role as a source of fuel
and food was emphasised.
5.56.
The role of drainage and SUDS was mentioned, particularly in terms of the provision
of habitats for wildlife.
5.57.
The concept of ‘Wild Play’ was mentioned by all of the groups as a good way to link
green infrastructure, education and wildlife protection.
5.58.
In terms of implementation, stakeholders in this group identified Somerset County
Council (SCC) as playing a key role. Many of SCC’s projects (e.g. were identified as
being functional rather than recreational and there is potential to enhance the
recreational function of these projects.
Wellington
5.59.
Stakeholders considering the opportunities for green infrastructure in and around
Wellington identified a number of opportunities which had not been noted on the
maps. This included opportunities to provide links between Wellington and the
wider area, such as to the Blackdown Hills. Some information was missing such as
some of the waterways, and one of the gateways identified (i.e. at Wellington Station)
found to be inaccurate.
5.60.
The proposed development area around Cade’s Farm was identified as an area which
would benefit from planning for green infrastructure to ensure that GI was well
integrated into the development.
5.61.
The groups felt that more could be made of Wellington’s heritage assets, and that
these could be integrated into the green wedge using interpretation and signage. A
need for wildlife corridors and ensuring foraging areas for bats were provided was
also identified. Water corridors should be broad enough to incorporate the river
and the canal as one broad ‘blue link’ to enhance opportunities for wildlife.
5.62. The group identified a number of other features/approaches which they thought
should be included in the strategy once developed. These include the need to
improve the connectivity across Wellington, linking the existing greenspaces, as well
as between the villages. The green wedge was identified as an area which could be
made into an ‘urban park’.
NEXT STEPS
5.63.
The stakeholder workshop has provided Land Use Consultants with a wealth of
additional information and local knowledge which can be applied to the green
infrastructure strategy. Comments and information gathered will be used in the
development of the strategy itself, and will be incorporated into the characterisation
sections of the report where possible.
Land Use Consultants
17th April 2009
148
S:\4400\4443 Taunton Deane Green Infrastructure\Documents\LUC reports\Workshop\Workshop Findings\TD GI Stakeholder
Workshop Note 170409.doc
149
ANNEX 1 - LIST OF ATTENDEES
1. Phil Bisatt, TD Senior Planner TDBC
2. Ian Clark, Heritage and Landscape Officer TDBC
3. Pam Motum, TD Nature Conservation/Reserves Officer
4. Barbara Collier, TD Nature Conservation/Reserves Officer
5. Phil Anelay, Planner TDBC
6. R. Willoughby-Foster, Manager TDBC Forward Plan Unit
7. Ann Rhodes, Senior Planner TDBC
8. Dave McCubbin, Tourism Officer TDBC
9. Caroline Corfe, TDBC Arts Officer
10. Cllr Simon Coles, TDBC
11. Cllr Bishop TDBC
12. Cllr Andrew Govier, TDBC
13. Hannah Fountain, Somerset County Council, Smarter Choice Team Leader, Somerset
County Council
14. Phil Stone, Somerset County Council, Countryside and Coast Manager, Environmental
Regeneration (replaced by Joy Williams, Countryside Project Officer, Environment
Directorate)
15. Larry Burrows, Ecologist SCC
16. Justin Milward, Woodland Trust
17. Mark Bolland, Head of Centre, Field Studies Council, Nettlecombe Court
18. Michelle Osbourn, Planning and Advocacy Coordinator, Somerset Wildlife Trust
19. David Allwright, Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
20. Kath Powell, Environment Agency
21. Francis Farr- Cox, Environment Agency
22. Nigel Smith, Environment Agency
23. Gavin Saunders, Neroche Project
24. James Maben, Neroche Project
25. Linda Tucker, Natural England
26. John Clark, from Wellington community workshop
27. Martin Drennan, Sport England
28. David Fovargue, Entec, re Crown Estate
29. Plus one for David Fovargue, Entec, re Crown Estate
30. Len Croney, consultant carrying out audit of open space in borough
31. Alan Watson (National Trust)
32. Allan Cavill, National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
33. Graham Ward and Mrs Bazley, Taunton Civic Society
34. Richard Dommett MBE, Somerset Waterways Development Trust
35. Dave Durdan, Somerset Waterways Development Trust
36. Katy Menday, South Somerset District Council
37. Frances Stewart, Chief Executive, the Carymoor Environmental Centre
38. Chris Mulcahy, Parks Manager, TDBC
Apologies:
K Hughes, TDBC
Cllr Lewin Harris, TDBC
Glen Gillespie, Natural England (replaced by Linda Tucker)
150
PUBLIC EXHIBITION: COMMENTS RECEIVED
INTRODUCTION
5.64.
A public exhibition of the green infrastructure proposals was held on 28th May at
Taunton Library, and 29th May outside the Coop in Wellington. The main proposals
maps were presented, alongside visual and written interpretation of the principles on
which the green infrastructure strategy is based. Members of the public were asked
to respond to the questions via a feedback form, or to give general comments, which
were more commonly provided.
RESPONSES
5.65.
Written responses provided on the feedback forms circulated at the event include
the following (by question):
Do you think the current proposals reflect community aspirations?
•
No, but that’s not to say they are unwanted.
•
Yes, they make an admirable start.
•
There should be real parks not just playing fields.
•
Cycling and walking should be encouraged, and more pedestrianisation.
Are there any other opportunities which have not been identified?
•
It would be nice to have some footpaths for pedestrians only, rather than having to
share with cyclists.
•
Potential to extend existing green wedge at Wellington south towards Blackdown
Hills, and new green wedge East and North of Rockwell Green
•
Bridleways for horses should also be enhanced.
•
Lighting of rural walkways between parts of the town.
•
Waterway east of M5 is a wildlife haven.
•
The green infrastructure network should provide more environmentally friendly links
to schools.
•
Parks should be made more attractive with more trees.
Are there any proposals which stand out as priorities for the Borough?
•
Maintaining and enhancing informal access to open spaces in the town.
•
Green links and blue links – important to use waterways and rural paths to improve
sustainable access between Wellington and Taunton
151
•
Flood protection.
•
Cycle routes and school access.
•
Improve Taunton town centre with more pedestrianisation, cycle routes and trees.
Do you have any comments or recommendations to make in relation to
the following green infrastructure functions in Taunton:
Biodiversity enhancement
•
Change green space management to encourage wildlife
•
Many waterbodies should be dredged as they are silted up.
Landscape and cultural heritage
•
Need research on quality of agricultural land and how to protect the high quality
areas
•
Preserve and protect existing areas.
Recreation, education and health
•
Proposals look good.
•
Agree with proposals - it is important to encourage access to nature.
•
Rural cycleways.
•
Increasing the depth of water would allow for greater range of water-based activities.
Functional ecosystems, including flood management
•
Support well-planned flood management alongside development
Climate change adaptation and mitigation
•
Keep the green wedges and enhance flood plain
•
We need to reduce reliance on cars!
•
Must increase capacity to cope with floods and drought.
Sustainable transport
•
5.66.
Create green lanes for high occupancy cars, and priority bus routes to speed up
more sustainable transport options.
Some more general written and verbal responses were received, which included the
following:
•
"Looks very positive!"
152
•
"Like the proposals - Keep up the good work!"
•
Several individuals suggested that improving public access and connectivity
across Taunton Deane with high quality multi-user routes was a priority for
the Borough. Other suggested priorities for the Borough included flood
protection, reducing traffic in Taunton town centre, maintaining informal
public access to green space and planting more trees. Some individuals also
suggested that Park and Ride schemes could be a way of providing better and
more affordable access to the countryside.
•
Comments were also made on the expense of using public transport, and the
need to provide more affordable alternatives’ to the car to improve access to
the countryside for the less able-bodied.
153

Green Infrastructure Report - Taunton Deane Borough Council

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