Policy NE1 provides identified landscape setting areas in the city with protection from inappropriate development. This land is of intrinsic landscape value to the city and its residents.

Policy NE2 seeks to protect the Valley Parks and only permit development that supports their functions. Exeter has nine Valley Parks (including two new Valley Parks proposed in the Exeter Plan) which provide informal recreation to the public and are also of significant wildlife value.

Policy NE3 aims to protect biodiversity and ecological sites by providing criteria to ensure all development proposals follow the ‘mitigation hierarchy’ (which puts avoiding harm to biodiversity ahead of mitigating harm, with compensation as a last resort) and provide a 10% net gain in biodiversity as is the legal requirement.

Policy NE4 seeks to ensure that development takes a positive approach to protection, enhancement and delivery of green infrastructure. Green Infrastructure provides a network of multi-functional green and blue spaces and other natural features, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental, economic, health and wellbeing benefits.

Policy NE5 aims to protect the Exeter Green Circle, a twelve mile walk that provides a great walking experience within the boundaries of Exeter, providing people with access to nature-rich, beautiful places and encouraging active and healthy lives.

Policy NE6 proposes to introduce a requirement for all major development to increase the level of greening in urban environments through requiring the inclusion of an Urban Greening Factor calculation. This is a Natural England generated measurement of the greenery proposed within planning applications and includes all forms of vegetation including trees, parks, gardens and green roofs.

Policy NE7 seeks to ensure that new developments contribute towards meeting City Council targets for increasing the amount of tree cover in the city to 30%. This will provide enormous benefits to people and wildlife, helping to improve health and wellbeing, providing biodiversity and recreational opportunities, preventing flooding, reducing the impact of climate change and improving air and water quality.

The planning system should enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes. The hills surrounding the city and the connected ridgelines give Exeter a distinctive character and cultural identity. The Valley Parks also contribute significantly to the city’s landscape setting. 

The Exeter Plan is supported by the Exeter Landscape Sensitivity Assessment which appraises open countryside within and around Exeter, including the Valley Parks. The appraisal demonstrates that much of the land around Exeter is of intrinsic landscape value. Open land also performs a variety of other roles, including maintaining identity, enabling informal recreation and providing tranquil areas. It contains high quality agricultural land and areas of nature conservation importance. Overall, this land provides the landscape setting for the city and for surrounding areas. It is the combination of these roles, qualities and their importance to the local population which establishes this land as a distinctive and valued landscape requiring protection from inappropriate development.

Policy NE1 provides protection to the landscape setting areas in the city shown on the Proposals Map. These areas include the sensitive areas to the north and west of the city and the Valley Parks. However, landscape is a strategic issue and our neighbouring authorities are also encouraged to recognise and protect Exeter’s landscape setting.

Development within Exeter’s landscape setting areas will be assessed against a series of criteria, including the distinctive characteristics, special features and qualities that make this valued landscape sensitive to development, as identified in the Exeter Landscape Sensitivity Assessment. Development should:

• Protect and conserve the strategic landscape setting of, and backcloth to, the city, and where possible enhance it.
• Avoid prominent ridges and slopes and, in particular, steeper slopes.
• Protect, conserve and enhance the existing treed and open undeveloped skylines.
• Avoid breaching skylines with development form, keeping roof lines well below skylines formed by vegetation or landform.
• Conserve and enhance the river valley corridors, their floodplains and their settings including the Exe and the Clyst.
• Protect important views to and from the hills surrounding the city of Exeter.
• Protect the landscape’s rural character in close proximity to urban areas by resisting piecemeal urban expansion which undermine landscape patterns and sense of place.
• Protect the character of rural lanes, minimising road widening and signage in association with new development.
• Protect and appropriately manage nationally important historic / archaeological sites and provide interpretation where appropriate.

Plan for a network of green spaces and green infrastructure links to support the current and future population of Exeter whilst integrating new development into the landscape.

Exeter has nine Valley Parks (including two new Valley Parks proposed in the Exeter Plan) which provide informal recreation to the public and are also of significant wildlife value. The Exeter Valley Parks are:

• Ludwell Valley Park: This attractive area of undulating farmland is located between Wonford and Rydon Lane and is an ‘island' of countryside surrounded by residential and office development. There are fine views from here across the city and down the Exe Estuary. There are pedestrian access points on all sides of the park.
• Riverside Valley Park: Stretching from Cowley Bridge to Topsham, this is the largest of the Valley Parks. The landscape character, and wildlife value, of the park alters significantly along its length, from grazing meadows in the north, through the busy Quay/Canal Basin area and then southwards to become part of the Exe Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is a popular informal recreational area that is accessible from many parts of Exeter and it forms a continuous wildlife corridor through the city.
• Mincinglake Valley Park: This ‘finger' of countryside extends down from Stoke Hill between the residential areas of Mincinglake Road and Mile Lane. The lower valley is wooded whilst the upper part comprises meadows that are rich in wild flowers, butterflies and other insects. The park has a system of well laid out paths and there is easy access from adjacent residential areas.
• Alphington/Whitestone Valley Park: This western ridge-line of the city comprises some splendid ‘rural' valleys and ridge-lines that offer excellent views of the city although access is restricted to footpaths, bridleways and lanes. Within the park is the Barley Valley Local Nature Reserve. 
• Duryard Valley Park: A Valley Park to the north of the city. The mix of meadows and woodland here are host to a wide range of wildlife that thrives in the quiet valleys. All the roads within the estate are private but responsible walkers are not prevented from using them. The picnic site off Pennsylvania Road affords fine views across the Valley Park towards Dartmoor. Within the park is the Belvidere Meadows Local Nature Reserve.
• Hoopern Valley Park: This is the only area of natural open space in the St Davids/St James areas of Exeter. It comprises a steeply sided and partly wooded valley that is close to densely populated urban areas and the University of Exeter. It forms an important wildlife refuge and supports, amongst other species, deer, badgers, grass snakes, butterflies and a wide range of birds. There is scope for significant improvement to the habitats found there. Public access is currently limited to the public footpaths that run alongside and across the valley
• Savoy Hill: A relatively small Valley Park to the north of the city close to Beacon Heath. The northern portion comprises a large floristically rich meadow and the southern section is a partially wooded, narrow valley. For such a small area, the park is surprisingly rich in wildlife and the proximity of a large residential area makes the locality particularly valuable for informal recreation.
• Whitycombe Valley Park: A newly designated Valley Park proposed through the Exeter Plan, located on the northern edge of Exwick. The sites includes some pristine meadow and provides views across the city. Whilst small in size, the proximity of a large residential area make this area particularly well used for informal recreation.
• Northbrook Valley Park: A newly designated Valley Park proposed through the Exeter Plan. This former golf course creates a link between the two existing Valley Parks of Ludwell and Riverside and there is significant scope here for making improvements, for example through the Northbrook wild arboretum project. Designating this area as a Valley Park ensures it is retained for the city’s residents to use for informal recreation. 

Many of the Valley Parks (Ludwell, Riverside, Mincinglake, Whitycombe, parts of Duryard, and parts of Alphington/Whitestone) are looked after and managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust. The Riverside and Ludwell Valley Parks Masterplan sets out where new areas of public recreational space can be created, and where improvements to existing space can be made.

The Valley Parks are distributed throughout the city and their proximity to residents and business areas means that they can be visited at any time of day. As such, they contribute significantly to the quality of life offered in Exeter and enable public access to nature as well as informal outdoor recreation. There may also be opportunities for land management interventions within the Valley Parks, particularly in the upper parts of catchments that could help mitigate flood risk and help with climate resilience. Policy NE2 seeks to protect the Valley Parks and only permit development that supports the functions of the Valley Parks.

Exeter is rich in biodiversity. Internationally, nationally, regionally and locally important nature conservation sites in the city support a wide variety of wildlife, including a number of priority species. The protection of these sites is essential and is clearly linked to the city’s attraction, cultural identity, sense of place, economy, tourism and general environmental quality. However, biodiversity has declined and to reverse the decline we need to enhance and restore biodiversity across the whole city.

Proposals that have a likely significant effect on internationally important sites (currently comprising Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites) will be subject to an appropriate assessment in accordance with the Habitats Regulations. Where the assessment indicates that it is not possible to ascertain that the proposal, either on its own or in combination with other plans or projects, would have no adverse effect on the integrity of the site, development will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where there are no alternative solutions, there is an imperative overriding public interest and compensation measures are secured.

Considerable work has been done to avoid any impacts on the Exe Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) and other nearby internationally important sites from increased recreational disturbance due to new residential development. A mitigation strategy has been agreed working alongside East Devon and Teignbridge District Councils and Natural England. This will be reviewed and updated as we move forward with the Exeter Plan. The strategy has three elements; funding for the management of recreation on the Exe Estuary, the provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), and monitoring of impacts and the effectiveness of measures. These measures are funded by development. 

Other areas of particular biodiversity and geodiversity importance include Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), County Wildlife Sites and Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS). 

It is also important to protect and enhance the natural environment which is not designated, including sites of local biodiversity importance and priority habitats. Ecological survey work may be required to establish the potential impact of development on biodiversity. 

Under the 2021 Environment Act there is a requirement to produce a Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). Devon County Council is leading on this work which will set out the priorities and actions required to achieve the Devon Nature Recovery Network. It will also include a map which will show existing habitats and highlight opportunities and priorities. Work on the LNRS started in 2022.

All development proposals will need to provide at least 10% measureable net gains in biodiversity, on site where possible but elsewhere if not, in line with the biodiversity mitigation hierarchy (which puts avoiding harm to biodiversity ahead of mitigating harm, with compensation as a last resort ).  The biodiversity net gain requirement is set out in the 2021 Environment Act and is due to be a legal requirement by the end of 2023.

Policy NE3 provides criteria to ensure all proposals follow the mitigation hierarchy and provide a net gain in biodiversity. In regard to delivering other biodiversity improvements on site, the Residential Design SPD provides helpful guidance, including in relation to bat and bird box provision.

Delivering the Exeter Vision 2040 is dependent on fully using the benefits of green infrastructure including improvements to health and wellbeing, air quality, nature recovery and delivering net zero targets, as well as adapting to climate change by providing urban cooling and reducing flood risk. Green infrastructure also allows for cultural and creative exchanges, while socialising opportunities help to bring communities together.

A Green Infrastructure Strategy has been produced for the Exeter area. The strategy sets out a framework to link existing and planned communities through a coordinated and easily accessible sustainable movement network, together with a biodiversity network that links green and blue (water) assets within Exeter and the surrounding area. Outside the city boundary, residents also enjoy access to other strategic areas of green infrastructure, including Haldon Forest, Poltimore House and the Killerton Estate, which forms part of the wider Clyst Valley Regional Park.  

The Green Infrastructure Strategy provides guidance on specific projects as well as frameworks for the strategic growth areas which are reflected in masterplans. It is important the existing green infrastructure is protected, that enhancements are made and that new green infrastructure is delivered. A review and update of the existing Green Infrastructure Strategy is being undertaken as we move forward with the new Exeter Plan.

All development should protect existing green infrastructure and take opportunities to extend the sustainable transport network and provide steppingstones for wildlife in accordance with the updated Green Infrastructure Strategy.  All new, large scale developments will also need to demonstrate that residents will have easy and sustainable access to green infrastructure by walking and cycling. Where necessary, contributions will be sought to enhance and manage green infrastructure.

Policy NE4 seeks to ensure that development takes a positive approach to protection, enhancement and delivery of green infrastructure.

The Exeter Green Circle is a twelve mile walk that provides a great walking experience within the boundaries of Exeter, from green countryside Valley Parks to the pavements of quiet leafy suburbs. This important green infrastructure asset provides access to nature-rich beautiful places and encourages active and healthy lives. Monitoring the usage of the Green Circle has proven its importance as a sustainable movement route that serves to connect communities, provides socialising opportunities and allows for cultural exchange. It is therefore important that development protects this important city asset.

Policy NE5 seeks to protect the Green Circle and restrict development that adversely affects its functions. 

The Exeter Plan proposes a significant amount of development on brownfield land. This increased densification of the city will be likely to put increased pressure on greenspaces, the natural environment and natural systems that make a fundamental contribution to the identity and liveability of places. The impact of climate change and the need to increase the resilience of urban areas will only place greater demands on these ecosystem services that manage surface water, improve air quality and cool peak summer temperatures. 

In response to this, the City Council through policy NE6 is proposing to introduce a requirement for all major development to improve the provision of green infrastructure and increase the level of greening in urban environments. This will be achieved through the introduction of an Urban Greening Factor. 

The Urban Greening Factor forms one of the five headline green infrastructure standards introduced in 2023 by Natural England as part of their Green Infrastructure Framework. It is a way of measuring the greenery proposed within planning applications for housing and employment, and encompasses all forms of vegetation, including trees, parks, gardens and roofs. 

The Urban Greening Factor will provide significant benefits to cities and their residents, such as improved air quality, reduced heat island effect, and enhanced biodiversity. It will also be used alongside biodiversity net gain to help set the quantity and functionality of Green Infrastructure that should be delivered on-site.

To accompany the Urban Greening Factor, Natural England also released a spreadsheet and user guide for calculating it. The City Council proposes to use the latest version of this for implementing the Urban Greening Factor.

The Urban Greening Factor assessment should be submitted as part of the planning application, along with landscaping proposals and an operation and maintenance plan to show how the greenery will be maintained. This will ensure that suitable green elements are designed in and will remain attractive and viable throughout the life of the development.

Trees provide an enormous multifunctional benefit to people and wildlife, helping to improve our health, providing biodiversity habitats and recreational opportunities, preventing flooding, reducing the impact of climate change and improving air and water quality.

A 2018 assessment of the canopy cover for the city as a whole by UrbanTreeCoverOrg resulted in an estimated cover of 24.5%, which is higher than the UK national average (17%) for towns and cities. 

 The City Council has set a local target to increase this to 30% over the next 20 years. Alongside planting trees on land it owns, the City Council can also play an active role in meeting this target through planning policy.

Policy NE7 seeks to ensure that new developments contribute towards meeting this target. Applications should be accompanied by a Canopy Cover Assessment, measuring the existing level of tree canopy cover on-site, and setting out how the development will achieve a 5.5% uplift, based on the number of new trees planted once they reach maturity.

There may be circumstances e.g. related to design or viability, in which it may not be possible to deliver the trees on-site. In these instances, off-site provision of the additional trees will be acceptable. 

The Devon Local Nature Partnership have published the ‘Right Place Right Tree’ guidance, which should be used when choosing the locations and species of new trees to be incorporated into schemes.