The South Hams Society, an environmental and heritage charity, was founded in 1961 to protect the natural landscape and the built character of the South Hams, and particularly of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Society aims to encourage high standards of planning and architecture which respect the special character of the area and that fosters a healthy biodiversity. The Society is a supporter of the right development – in the right places – and actively opposes inappropriate and harmful development.
Latest News …
Leader of the Council confronts SHS Chair during Special Council Meeting
A letter written to the Gazette by the SHS Chair and published on the morning of South Hams District Council’s Special Meeting on 13 October, called to discuss applying to add...
South Hams Society AGM
Thursday April 28 at 6:00pm. Guest Speaker: Anthony Mangnall, MP
Lock’s Hill planning – Letter of Representation
A Section 73 planning application was recently submitted by Blakesley Estates to vary Condition 7 of their existing outline Lock’s Hill planning permission. "The intention,” said...
Collaton Park Letter of Objection
It’s hard to see how the proposed construction of 125 homes and a number of commercial business units close to Newton Ferrers won’t irreparably harm the landscape and scenic...
Chillington shows the dangers in the governments proposed planning bill
Chillington shows the dangers in the governments proposed planning bill by SHS member : Alyson Cadd-Harlington There has been widespread concern that the government’s...
K4 Garden Mill – Planning Appeal Decision
On Tuesday 18th May, 2021 the Society sent the email below to Patrick Whymer, Head of Practice, Development Management, and Andy Bates, the Chief Executive at South Hams District...
The South Hams Society AGM 2021
The Society's 60th AGM will take place online via Zoom on Thursday 22nd April at 6.00pm Members will be sent full details and are encouraged to take part. Click here to download...
CALL FOR RESPONSE – PLANNING APPLICATION AT ‘APPLEFORD’, BOWCOMBE CREEK
Beautiful Bowcombe Creek is located close to Kingsbridge, at the start of the road which leads to Torcross and Dartmouth, through some of the South Hams’ most picturesque...
Letter to Judy Pearce and The South Ham District Council Urging Action
Signed by many groups across the South Hams, below is a letter urging bolder action on climate change and biodiversity loss. To Council Leader Judy Pearce and the Members of...
GOVERNMENT TO REVISE NEW PLANNING PROPOSALS
The government looks set to rework some of its controversial planning reforms – and the algorithm - for determining where new homes are to be built in England. The original...
Covid -19 – Safety and Social Distancing
Thank you for visiting the South Hams Society Web site. As part of our arrangements to comply with the Government’s instructions, we have postponed our Events programme until further notice. We will review the situation when the Covid-19 emergency measures are relaxed.
In the meantime, we will continue to post ‘Calls to action’ for urgent planning cases where we believe the proposed development would cause harm to the South Hams landscape and beauty. These calls will be for action which you can take safely online.
Meanwhile, if you are out exercising on any of our lovely beaches, do please take a bag for and collect what litter you can. Informal beach cleans can continue! Stay safe and healthy and let’s help others do that too.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – Why they matter
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are Britain’s best landscapes, designated by government and protected by law. There are 46 such landscapes, each with its own special character. The South Devon AONB was designated in 1960. It covers 60 glorious miles of coastline, estuaries and countryside between Plymouth and Torbay, and south of Dartmoor National Park.
The special features of the South Devon AONB include its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, secretive estuaries, patchwork countryside, iconic hedgerows and historic villages – to name but a few!
Protecting Trees & Woods – The South Hams Guide
Trees, woodland and hedges are an integral part of Devon’s countryside and towns, and provide multiple benefits to society, including filtering air pollution, reducing surface water run-off and contributing to sustainable drainage, improving water quality and the stabilising of soils and slopes. Devon’s hedges are particularly special. They are of great historical importance, define the County’s beautiful farmed landscapes, and support an immense amount of wildlife.
Your Privacy Matters
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