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Thursday 31 May 2018

Support growing for a Jurassic National Park > what it could do for East Devon

There is an increasing interest in a National Park in these parts:
Futures Forum: Support growing for a Jurassic National Park
Futures Forum: Support growing for a Jurassic National Park > press release from Dorset

The project has in fact been building for some time now:
Support growing for National Park bid (which could bring £90m funding to Dorset) | Dorset Echo

Some five years ago it was not getting the support from the District Council, though: 

Campaign for new Jurassic Coast national park

13 Jun 2013

Campaigners have put forward the idea of a national park to stretch along the Jurassic Coast from Exmouth in Devon to Poole in Dorset. Dorset and East Devon National Park Group claims the status would benefit the economy and provide environmental protection.

But East Devon District Council has recommended councillors oppose the plans, saying they would result in a loss of planning powers and could restrict growth.


Campaign for new Jurassic Coast national park - BBC News

Here is an outline from the EDW blog of how such a project might affect East Devon positively: 

WHAT CAN A NATIONAL PARK DO FOR EAST DEVON?

30 MAY 2018

“Following Michael Gove’s announcement that the Government will look at creating new National Parks – what will it mean to East Devon if a Dorset East Devon National Park were to become a reality?

A National Park is an exciting vision for our countryside, communities and economy and it can become a reality. It would work in partnership to:

• Conserve and enhance our great landscapes and heritage
• Boost our economy and attract new funding, investment and jobs
• Make the new National Park a global brand and destination; adding opportunity and value to our tourism businesses and local producers
• Help farmers and land managers to access funding and other support
• Work with communities for appropriate development, affordable homes for local people and a thriving, successful location
• As the planning authority for its area, partner with Councils and help deliver what our communities need

IT WILL LOOK AFTER OUR ENVIRONMENT

The Dorset landscapes and heritage are very special. They have been judged to be amongst the top 4 percent in the country.

The environment is Dorset’s and East Devon’s greatest economic asset and the National Park would have a duty to look after and promote our environment and heritage.

IT WILL SUPPORT COMMUNITY LED DEVELOPMENT IN THE RIGHT PLACES

The National Park would work with communities, councils and businesses to meet local needs, including housing and affordable homes for local people. National Parks are not against development, and they build on neighbourhood
plans to support thriving local communities.

The National Park would be a one-stop-shop for co-ordinated planning advice and would work in partnership with other local authorities.

IT WILL BOOST THE RURAL ECONOMY

A National Park would boost the rural economy and attract investment and jobs. Tourism is the area’s largest economic sector, and a National Park brand would put the area on the world map and encourage visitors to stay longer and spend
more.

It would help develop an area wide marketing strategy, manage tourism pressures and could attract funding for sustainable transport.

IT WILL HELP FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS

A National Park would help farmers and landowners to access funding and other support, and help them diversify and thrive as well as pursue conservation and recreational opportunities.

IT WILL BRING NEW AND EXTRA FUNDING

National Parks are separately funded by Government and not by residents or businesses. They also bid for extra funds which are invested in the local economy, in partnership with communities, not-for-profit and commercial businesses, farmers and landowners.

A National Park will be an asset and a close, efficient partner for the Councils and complement their work. It would bring additional resources and free up some council funding to help support local services and communities.

The South Downs NPA has secured over £100m in core and project funding since 20115.

HOW WOULD NATIONAL PARK STATUS HELP DORSET AND EAST DEVON?

National Parks have a responsibility to:

• Conserve and enhance the environment.
• Promote recreation, health, and the enjoyment and understanding of the special qualities of their area.
• Foster the economic and social wellbeing of their communities.

Let’s hope East Devon District Council make the right decision!
What can a National Park do for East Devon? | East Devon Watch
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