Green light for Dawlish Countryside Park
A new countryside park for the local community has been given the go-ahead today on land between Exeter Road and Eastdon Woods north of Shutterton Lane in Dawlish.
Proposed by Councillor Price and seconded by Councillor Mayne, Teignbridge Planning Committee unanimously approved the change of use planning application for the new countryside park which will provide a natural recreational area for local people to enjoy now and into the future.
This natural, green space is needed to help protect internationally important conservation sites at nearby Dawlish Warren and the Exe Estuary, providing more leisure choices for the growing population and people living in new developments nearby.
Cllr Humphrey Clemens, Teignbridge’s Executive Member for Housing and Planning, said: “I’m delighted that work can now commence on this site, which will provide enjoyment for local people and visitors as a countryside park for years to come.
“The new countryside park will be public open space with wild countryside and walks, available to all. It will be home to native wildlife, such as cirl buntings, as well as wildflower grassland, scrub and woodland. It will give people more choice about where they go to explore the environment and enjoy nature at its best, in addition to nearby important wildlife sites at Dawlish Warren and the Exe Estuary.
“Teignbridge officers can now develop the detailed layout and start works onsite so that it can be open to the public next Summer.
“This site will provide a wonderful and permanent green space for local people and visitors alike to walk, play and exercise their dogs.”
Teignbridge, in partnership with Exeter and East Devon Councils, recently established the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee, to help protect these key conservation sites. The three authorities are working together to provide safe areas for all users to enjoy and care for the bird populations they support.
The 26.4 hectare (65 acre) site (around the size of 26 rugby pitches) has been purchased with money from developers, known as Section 106 payments and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), on new developments across the three council areas.
