Plans for a protected greenspace in the Clyst Valey have received support from East Devon Councillors.

East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) strategic planning committee unanimously gave their backing to the Clyst Valley Regional Park.

With ambitious plans to provide benefits for people, nature, climate, water, soils, jobs, education, landscape, and the historic environment, this initiative can now guide partners towards a shared vision and values through the newly-approved 25-year masterplan.

Following a public consultation between November last year and January, support for the project has been positive.

More than 240 consultation responses were received and more than 750 people are signed up as friends of the Clyst Valley.

More than 85 per cent supported the proposed funding strategy, where money to provide the Park will come from developer contributions, grants from Government, public bodies and charities such as the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

The idea of creating a charitable organisation was welcomed with more than half of responses indicating a willingness to pay up to £50 per annum to become a ‘member’ so that more green projects can be delivered.

The majority of responses agreed with the aims of the masterplan.

Mark Williams, chief executive of EDDC, said: “The publication of the masterplan for the Clyst Valley Regional Park is a significant milestone in terms of turning the concept in to reality.“

Next steps include securing funding to take forward a variety of aims for the Clyst Valley Regional Park over the next 25 years.

Clyst Valley Trail linking the Exe Estuary Trail to the Exe Valley Way – opening up the possibility of an Exmoor to Exmouth national trail in future

  • Land-based learning centre and café at Heathfield Farm, Broadclyst
  • A new cycle trail linking Cranbrook to Exeter along a quiet route
  • Renaturalising the River Clyst between Clyst Honiton and Cranbrook
  • Clyst Canopy – 20% increase in trees through both planting and natural regeneration
  • Crystal Clear Clyst – restoring good water quality in the river
  • A new visitor hub at Ashclyst Farm and cycle/pedestrian links into the Forest from Cranbrook, Broadclyst and Killerton