THE HEART of Constable country is in good hands for at least a few more decades thanks to new conservation measures being launched today.The Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Countryside Project unveiled its new strategy for the area based, around an ambitious view of how the valley should be in 2030, at East Bergholt Church.
THE HEART of Constable country is in good hands for at least a few more decades thanks to new conservation measures being launched today.
The Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Countryside Project unveiled its new strategy for the area based, around an ambitious view of how the valley should be in 2030, at East Bergholt Church.
Their vision covers five key themes: landscape, farming and biodiversity, settlements and people, enjoying the area, the river and its tributaries and traffic and transport.
Katherine Blake, project manager, said: "The strategy production process has brought together a wide range of other key partners. It marks the first time that they have come together to agree on policy guidance for the area.
"The strategy will have a lifetime of five years and the accompanying action plan will be monitored and updated annually."
The strategy aims to maintain the special qualities of the area by getting organisations working together to tackle wide-ranging issues including encouraging sustainable agriculture in the valley and enhancing and protecting the landscape and its historical features.
Supporting viable village communities is also part of the plan. This will be achieved by providing affordable housing, encouraging businesses that contribute to the local economy and retaining local services.
The Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) prepared the strategy on behalf of the local authorities of the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley – Essex County Council, Suffolk County Council, Babergh District Council, Colchester Borough Council and Tendring District Council – after
the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 required local authorities to prepare a management plan for areas of outstanding natural beauty.
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