LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
Charmouth
lies within the West Dorset Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) and forms part of
the West Dorset Heritage Coast. The Heritage Coast was designated a (World
Heritage Site) by UNESCO in December 2001. The foreshore area is described as
(Land of Local Importance) and the cliffs to the east and west of the river Char
are designated as (Sites of Scientific Importance). These cliffs are noted for
their wealth of fossil and geological exposures caused by continued coastal
erosion,
The foreshore area of Charmouth also
forms part of the (Lyme Bay Sensitive Marine Area) as identified by English
Nature. The reed bed is also designated as a (Site of Scientific Importance) by
English Nature with whom the parish council have a management agreement. The
coastal footpath to the west and east of Charmouth has eroded and diversions are
now in place to meet the network of coastal paths. Land for the reinstatement of
the coastal footpath at Charmouth is currently under negotiation.
The Summery
Between 85% to 99% of the replies
showed that the villagers enjoyed all the aspects of our environment. The
exception was in the quality of the building developments within the village, of
which the figure was 59%
Responses F1: 57
Which aspects of our local
environment do you particularly enjoy and value.
?
All the comments
stated in some way what a wonderful place to live
?
That the village
environment should remain unspoilt.
?
Of concern was the
quality of recent building developments within the village.
?
There was great
concern over the ever -increasing number of second homes.
?
Many new building were
out of character with Charmouth and several old building in the street were
poorly maintained.
?
There should be
greater control of building development and more provision made for homes for
local families.
?
Access to Stonebarrow
by the coastal path was a Charmouth asset, but the diverted route up Stonebarrow
Lane was more dangerous than possible cliff falls on the coastal path.
?
There is a need for
the village to be more colourful and for a shopper’s car park.
?
The area around the
community hall and tennis club should have flowerbeds.
?
Fossils are not the
only interest in Charmouth.
If there was an opportunity to plant
trees along the street and other roads 198 households would support such a
scheme and 163 would support the reduction in the width of yellow lines on the
roads within village.
While 260 households were happy with
the street lighting 51 made no comment.
?
We are happy with the
lighting and any further lighting is unnecessary.
?
More lighting at the
foreshore.
?
Lighting up the Old
Lyme Road and Hill.
?
Dimmer lighting to
reduce light pollution.
?
More lighting in
Double Common.
?
The design of the
lamps and all the different cables were inappropriate to the conservation area.
Are there any areas within the
village that you would like to improve for cyclists, pedestrians and the
disabled?
?
Stop vehicles parking
on the pavements.
?
Pavement required
between the old toilets and Hammonds Mead, Lower Sea Lane.
?
More dropped kerbs.
?
A cycle track down
Lower Sea Lane.
?
Parking in the centre
of the village.
?
Residents parking.
?
Improved access to the
Heritage Coast Centre.
Other comments.
?
A bus shelter
?
A shopper’s car park.
?
Restrict parking on
the street.
Responses F2: 114
Do you think the coastal path should
be retained at any cost.
?
77% of the replies
would support retaining the coastal path.
?
More action should be
taken to acquire the coastal fields.
?
Retain only at a
reasonable cost.
?
A more realistic route
inland should be made.
?
A footpath east and
the west is important with the World Heritage Site.
?
Ban fossiling.
?
The National Trust
should be doing more.
.
Responses F3 :
The major elements of our local
environment that are of the greatest concern are.
?
The cliffs
?
Footpaths.
?
The building
developments
Responses for section F: 87
Some of the comments stated that the
World Heritage Status posed a threat to our local environment and that the area
could be exploited by the tourist and building industries. Others saw the
potential in the World Heritage Status in terms of employment and for the
general economy in West Dorset.
?
The marsh is an
eyesore.
?
The beach should be
litter free.
?
Dog Mess is the worst
problem.
?
Improve the access to
the West beach.
?
Ban fossiling.
?
Scum in the river and
the sea and green algae a problem.
?
Stop second homes.
?
All aspects of the
environment are important.
?
The World Heritage is
our greatest threat.
?
There could be
increasing pressures on the local amenities.
?
It is all about right.
Heritage museum in the WDDC car park.
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