Exe Valley Plan

The Exe Valley Plan -Index

The Rural Parishes of the Exe Valley Plan

Population density Less than a century ago, most people of working age in the area owed their living to the land. Now only a few owe their living to agriculture, and this has affected population densities. Clayhanger’s population in 1851 was 289, but is only 114 today. Burlescombe, Sampford Peverell, Silverton and Rewe, by contrast, have increased their populations. Bickleigh’s population is static. The reasons for the increases are varied. The proximity of Exeter is the single most important factor for Silverton, Thorverton, Rewe and Stoke Canon, while good connectivity has been critical for Sampford Peverell. Burlescombe has developed a significant quarrying and industrial base. Communities such as Clayhanger are remote from services such as schools, shops and health centres, and local residents can easily become isolated. The closure of village shops and post offices has made a significant impact on rural populations, since those without their own transport, are dependent on infrequent rural public transport. If fuel prices continue to rise and no low-carbon transport solutions are found, more villagers will become isolated, and may find they have to move to the town to access basic services.

	Economic Sustainability In the more accessible villages, the rural communities of the Exe Valley might be encouraged to diversify, so that the answer to the question: "On balance, is the community a self-reliant unit with its own employment, or do most people commute elsewhere?" will not be: "Most commute". In fact 80% of returns to the question "Where do most people work?" report "elsewhere". Generally, both in the questionnaire and the Parish Plans, there is a desire to be a ‘balanced’ community. Quite what other employment can be provided to enable these communities to become "balanced" is unclear from the returns. Many mention "tourism". There are many examples of holiday lets, chalets, shoots, bed and breakfast businesses, an equestrian centre, fishing and the use of country houses such as Stoodleigh Court and Huntsham Court, although curiously neither of these country houses was mentioned in the returns. Stoodleigh Court accommodates a thriving business centre that includes book publishing for national client firms. Fursdon House was mentioned in Cadbury’s return (the Chairman of the Parish Council owns the property). There was little mention of other tourism venues - Bickleigh, a tourist "hotspot" in the Exe Valley, notably did not respond to the questionnaire.

Exe Valley Community Strategic Plan 4 February 2007