InformationHeritage Strategy 2019-2031
East Devon has a rich historic environment and an abundance of heritage assets which have helped to shape its distinctive character and identity.
Our heritage assets, which are valued parts of the historic environment, are an irreplaceable resource that provide significant social, economic and environmental benefits for East Devon. It is important that we set out a positive strategy for their conservation and enjoyment, for this and future generations.
In East Devon we are fortunate to have over 3200 assets of significant architectural and historic importance that are listed nationally. These include:
- Listed Buildings
- Scheduled Monuments
- Registered Parks and Gardens
- Conservation Areas
- A World Heritage Site coastline
We also have a wealth of heritage assets of more local interest in our towns, villages and countryside that contribute to the special character of their locality.
We have recently produced a Heritage Strategy for the District. This includes:
- Information on the role of the Council and other organisations
- A summary of our historic environment, its heritage assets and their significance
- Current policies and programmes relating to the management of our heritage assets
- An analysis of the value of our heritage, socially, economically and environmentally
- Details of how we can work with communities and other partners
- A 12 year action plan for the delivery of our recommendations.
The strategy was adopted in March 2019 following a public consultation.
Latest News
The first year of the East Devon Heritage Strategy has been a productive one, with 19 actions successfully delivered to date. Full details are available in the Heritage Strategy Monitoring Report (2019–2020). Our Conservation Officers have also been working within Development Management to deliver our statutory duties.
Actions during 2019-2020 included:
- Adopting a new Guide to the Listing of Local Heritage Assets for East Devon
- Setting up a new List of Local Heritage Assets
- Creating a new Council Heritage Working Group
- Developing and delivering a pilot scheme Conservation Area Appraisal, Review and Management Plan involving the community, with training
- Working with partners, including Historic England, the Devon Historic Environment Record team, East Devon AONB and local history organisations
- Supporting events such as the East Devon AONB Heritage Conference
- Promoting the heritage of East Devon and the strategy through press releases
- Improving the Council’s heritage webpage with links to further guidance
Pilot Scheme
A pilot scheme involving local people in their built heritage was launched in East Budleigh in October 2019, as part of the East Devon Heritage Strategy (2019–2031).
The project aimed to build knowledge and skills amongst volunteers to help manage, protect and enhance the heritage assets of their area, bringing many benefits. Initial training was provided for 14 people, including members of the Otter Valley Association, Sid Vale Association and East Budleigh Parish Council.
There was excellent feedback from the event, with all participants reporting an improvement in their knowledge and understanding of conservation areas. Volunteers commented that they found the training enjoyable, informative and inspirational.
Further sessions with members of this group led to the production of the East Budleigh Conservation Area Appraisal, Review and Management Plan. It also led to the listing of local heritage assets identified within the conservation area.
Many partners made the project possible, with funding from the East Devon AONB Sustainable Development Fund and the Norman Family Trust, and support from the Otter Valley Association, East Devon District Council and Historic England.