Jurassic Coast Transport Infrastructure Gap Analysis Study

2.5.4 Most of the study area has designations (AONB and Heritage Coast, for example) whichgive a presumption against major development. In terms of landscape designations,the majority of the study corridor falls within the East Devon or Dorset AONBs (Figure2.2). The only exceptions to this are the built-up areas of Seaton, Colyford andSidmouth-Sidford and other parts of the Axe Valley, which themselves are designatedas an Area of O utstanding Landscape Value or Green Wedge. Three parts of the studycorridor are additionally designated as Heritage Coast: south of the A3052 inSalcombe Regis parish, between Boshill Cross and Lyme Regis, and most of the studycorridor east of Lyme Regis to and including Chideock) or Land around Sidmouth,Sidford, Salcombe Regis, Seaton and all land south of the A3052 between Colyford andLyme Regis is designated as a Coastal Preservation Area.2.5.5 All the major settlements within the study corridor except Newton Poppleford haveconservation areas (Figure 2.3). Listed buildings occur in many parts of the studycorridor; however, scheduled ancient monuments are less common. The studycorridor has relatively few sites designated for their biological or heritage interest(Figure 2.4). The River Axe upstream from Axe Bridge is the only internationallydesignated site; b eing a Candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the 1992EU Habitats Directive. This, along with land south of the A35 between Charmouth andMorecombelake, are the only Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).2.5.6 It is recommended that small capacity sites ( less than 50 spaces and, depending onlocation, less than 15) are trialled as the LPA will need to be satisfied that proposedsites have sufficiently limited impact as to warrant permission in protected areas.Early pre-application discussions with the LPA will be important in ascertaining thelikelihood of being granted planning permission.2.5.7 The need for car-bus interchanges within the AONB would need to be fullydemonstrated at the planning application stage. The design, layout and scale wouldrequire careful thought to ensure its appropriateness. Whilst some existing car parksare within designated environmental or landscape sites, it has been assumed thatthese designations would not inhibit their use as an interchange if this did not requiremajor works to be undertaken.Doc No 3 Rev B: - Date: November 2008G:\Final Report Web version\CTR-ADA Study Report Rev9.4. doc