InformationHeritage Strategy 2024 - 2042

What is the Heritage Strategy (2024-2042)?

East Devon is an area with a rich historic environment. Nationally and internationally important heritage assets and archaeology are abundant across the district, from Iron Age Hillforts to Roman camps, Medieval places of worship and World War II airfields, historic Farmstead groupings and Jurassic Coast, to grand Georgian and Edwardian residences. This wealth of heritage spanning thousands of years is valued by both locals and visitors alike.

The second Heritage Strategy (2024-2042) is a an updated summary of our heritage, its significance and its benefits socially, economically and environmentally, alongside details of the planning policy landscape, statutory requirements and planning tools available to protect our heritage. The Second strategy supersedes the first strategy that was adopted in 2019. This strategy includes objectives for the future of our district, with an action plan covering the strategy period for the delivery of our recommendations and how we can work with partners to achieve this. The strategy outlines 3 core themes, followed by a plan for implementation and monitoring. The themes include:

1. Understanding and appreciating our historic environment
2. Positively managing our historic environment,
3. Enhancing and benefiting from our heritage. 

This strategy was adopted by committee on the 5th May 2026. Adoption followed a round of public consultation in which feedback was gathered from the public and organisations such as Historic England, the National trust, Devon Archaeological Society and the DCC Historic Environment Team and local organisations. Much of this feedback has been incorporated into the Second Heritage Strategy. 

Please view the second East Devon Heritage Strategy: Heritage Strategy 2024-2042

 

The second Heritage Strategy sits in alignment with and works towards shared goals in existing plans and documents including:

• The emerging East Devon Local Plan (2024-2042)
• The Cultural Strategy (2022 - 2031) 
• The East Devon Tourism Strategy