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HOUSING

169. Housing development is a major factor in the growth and change of the urban areas of Havant, Leigh Park, Waterlooville (the western wards), Emsworth and South Hayling. The provision of adequate new housing is vital to economic prosperity and social well-being. New housing development has an important effect on urban regeneration especially where new building brings vacant and underused land into use to contribute to the sustainable development of the Borough. Therefore the selection of sites needs to take account of previously-developed land, good access to local services, the best use of infrastructure and the opportunities for creating well-designed housing.

170. PPG 3: Housing, published in March 2000, has established a sequential approach by stating that there should be a presumption in favour of building on previously-developed sites (including development and conversions) before greenfield land. Local authorities are called upon to manage the release of greenfield sites to control the expansion of urban areas, ensure that infrastructure is co-ordinated with housing development and to deliver the local authority's target for housing on previously-developed land. Monitoring housing completions on previously developed land is an essential feature of the plan, monitor and manage approach which has been introduced by the Government to guide strategic and local policies for housing development.

H1 SCALE OF HOUSING PROVISION

Development of 1,777 dwellings is proposed in the Plan area to meet the Structure Plan Baseline housing requirement for the Borough during the period of 2001 to 2011. In addition, a Reserve housing allocation of 400 dwellings is identified.

Residual Baseline Housing Requirement 2001-2011 1677

Estimated net contribution from outstanding

permissions 340

Estimated windfalls 389

Estimated provision from Leigh Park (CQP*) 250

Estimated provision from West of Waterlooville Major Development Area 110

Allocations in the Plan 688

Total 1,777

* Creating Quality Places project formerly referred to as the Leigh Park Environmental Improvement Plan (LPEIP)

171. The Structure Plan Baseline housing requirement for the Borough between 1996 and 2011 is 2,990 dwellings. An additional Reserve provision is also required for the period 2001-2011, the need for which will be gauged in the light of information on the local housing and labour markets. During the period 1996-2001, net housing completions totalled 1,313 dwellings. Hence, the Borough's residual Baseline housing requirement for the period 2001-2011 is 1,677 dwellings.

172. However, the potential development in Leigh Park is likely to be at least 250 dwellings which is considered to be the minimum for achieving regeneration through the Creating Quality Places project. This means that 1,677 dwellings which are required to achieve the Baseline housing requirement will be exceeded by 100 dwellings. To achieve the Baseline and Reserve requirements, it is necessary to provide for a total of 2,177 dwellings in the Borough between 2001 and 2011. This figure comprises 1,677 dwellings plus 500 dwellings on Reserve housing sites. However, since the Baseline can be exceeded by 100 dwellings, it is possible to achieve this total while reducing the Borough's Reserve requirement from the 500 dwellings proposed in the Structure Plan to 400.

173. The above figures are indicative only and are to be used for the purposes of calculating the overall housing supply to meet the Borough's Structure Plan Baseline housing requirement. They represent a prudent estimate of what can be achieved throughout the Borough during the Plan period. The total number of dwellings which may be constructed in Leigh Park and that part of the MDA within Havant Borough will be ascertained through the Creating Quality Places initiative and the MDA Masterplan respectively. It is anticipated that the above indicative figures are likely to be exceeded in these areas. Any excess will go towards meeting the Borough's long-term housing needs.

Urban Capacity Study

174. The dwellings provision for 2001-2011 is based on the Havant Borough Urban Capacity Study which was completed in October 2001. This study determines the proportion of the Borough's housing requirement which can be built in the urban areas on previously developed sites.

175. The study has estimated the number of dwellings which could be built on identified sites, the gains which are likely to come forward as a result of housing redevelopment, subdivisions and conversions in four 'priority areas', Leigh Park and the Rest of the Borough.

176. The study has played an important role in directing housing development towards the previously-developed sites in the urban areas, particularly in the priority areas. These comprise Havant and Waterlooville Town Centres, the district centres of Emsworth and Mengham/Gable Head and surrounding areas. Dwelling projections, based on housing completions in the past have been determined for the rest of the borough. The estimate of dwellings in Leigh Park is also based on past trends in order to avoid pre-empting the Creating Quality Places ( CQP ) project, (see Policy UA3).

177. A substantial number of the dwellings which contribute to the Baseline Housing Requirement will be built on previously-developed land mainly within the urban areas. However, some dwellings will be built on land which has not been previously-developed such as surplus school playing fields or underused open spaces. It is expected that the CQP project will identify housing potential in Leigh Park. The development of the West of Waterlooville Major Development Area is the only urban extension on greenfield land which is proposed as a baseline site in the Plan. Development will be monitored to gauge to what extent the proportion of dwellings built on previously-developed land throughout the Borough achieves a minimum of 60 per cent of the total housing requirements by 2011.

178. It is possible that urban capacity will tend to reduce as development opportunities are used up. On the other hand the total number of dwellings may turn out to be greater than expected because of development at higher densities on some sites. The 'plan, monitor and manage' approach will necessitate the systematic monitoring of key housing indicators which will prompt a review of the Plan if there are signs of either under or over-provision of housing land.

H2 INFILLING, REDEVELOPMENT, CONVERSION AND

CHANGE OF USE

Within the defined urban areas infilling, redevelopment, conversion or change of use to residential, will be permitted where the environmental quality of an area will be respected.

179. This is a key policy for securing regeneration and the target of 60% of additional dwellings on previously developed land between 2001 and 2011. Implementation of this policy is subject to the need for new development to be related to existing housing and the character of the site and its surroundings. The policy aim is to fully realise the potential contribution to new housing provision from these types of development without compromising environmental quality. The policy complements the specific encouragement being given in other policies to enhanced provision in town, district and local centres, including the potential for using vacant space over shops, and through more mixed-use development.

H3 BASELINE HOUSING SITES

The following sites are proposed for housing development to meet the residual Baseline housing requirement for the Borough.

Policy No	Site	Net Site Area (Ha)	Indicative Dwellings
H3.1	Glenwood School, Silvester Road, Cowplain	0.4	12
H3.2	St Michael's Convent, 354 London Rd, Waterlooville	3.9	70
H3.3	Walton Close/Elizabeth Rd, Waterlooville	0.24	12
H3.4	Corbett Rd/Cunningham Rd, Waterlooville	0.27	16
H3.5	West of New Lane, Havant (Wyeth Car Park)	0.25	8
H3.6	Conigar Road, Emsworth	0.06	2
H3.7	Selsmore Road, Hayling Island	0.2	2
H3.8	Fishery Lane, Hayling Island	0.3	9
H3.9	Land north and south of Ranelagh Rd, Bedhampton and Kingscroft Farm, Brockhampton Road	1.2	55
H3.10	Former post office, East Street, Havant	0.22	9
H3.11	Former clubhouse, Fairfield Road, Havant	0.08	10
H3.12	1-13 North Street Arcade, Havant	0.22	9
H3.13	Market Parade, Havant	0.04	15
H3.14	Palk Rd/West St. (Former Methodist Church)	0.06	2
H3.15	Palk Road Training Centre, Bedhampton	0.27	11
H3.16	R/o Kwik Fit, New Road, Havant	0.22	9
H3.17	Edwards Builders Yard, St Georges Walk	1.95	19
H3.18	Adj. 156 London Road	0.07	3
H3.19	Goodwillies Timber Yard, London Rd, Waterlooville	3.3	96
H3.20	Garages, Forest End, Waterlooville	0.11	5
H3.21	47-71 inc. London Road, Waterlooville	0.15	6
H3.22	R/o 29 High Street, Emsworth	0.05	2
H3.23	Rook Farm, St Mary's Road, Hayling Island	0.34	5
H3.24	Between 115-123 St Mary's Road, Hayling Island	0.12	2
H3.25	92-96 New Brighton Road, Emsworth	0.46	10
H3.26	Skippers Yard, West Town	0.38	14
H3.27	Homewell, Havant	0.41	40
H3.28	Former Purbrook Park School Playing Field, Stakes Rd	2.29	80
H3.29	Land off Oak Tree Drive, Emsworth	1.78	55
H3.30	Padnell Grange, Cowplain	0.45	15
H3.31	Warblington School Field, Havant	1.89	85

180. The allocated sites have been selected to concentrate development in the existing urban areas, with at least 60% of new dwellings on previously-developed land, and to provide a geographical spread across the Borough. The Council will monitor housing completions to ensure the implementation of this policy complies with the sustainable principles upon which the Plan is based. The policy lists allocations for the period 2001-2011. Some sites have already been developed since 2001, such as the former Edward's Builders Yard, Waterlooville Town Centre.

181. In addition there is potential on unidentified sites (windfalls) and in Leigh Park. However, until the Creating Quality Places project is completed it is not possible to say precisely how many additional new dwellings might be provided. However, Leigh Park is a large housing estate with a relatively spacious character. It would be reasonable to consider developing surplus open space in association with an overall programme of environmental and other improvements, to provide housing to meet local needs.

182. The development of all the proposed sites should contribute to the quality of the built environment by considering the constraints and potential in relation to the policies set out in the Design, Historic Heritage and Transport chapters. Density requirements depend on the location of the site, the type of housing and the design but for much of the Borough a minimum of 40 dph will only be permitted. The list of allocations contains a variety of sites both large and small. Many of the smaller sites were identified through the Council's Urban Capacity Study. Some of the larger sites are as follows:

183. The site north and south of Ranelagh Road is mainly greenfield land including well-established allotments. The site also comprises Kingscroft Farm and 1/1A-2, Ranelagh Road which are previously-developed sites. This proposal is well-located in relation to Havant Town Centre and would round off existing development along Brockhampton Road and Knox Road. A replacement site for the allotments will have to be provided at a suitable location.

184. The former Purbrook Park School playing field is no longer used for recreation and is situated at an accessible location within the urban area. Development would release funding for improvements to the sports facilities at the main school site. The new facilities would be available for use by the community thereby helping to reduce the shortfall in playing space provision in this part of the Borough. There is a commitment to carry out these improvements in accordance with the Secretary of State's approval for the sale of the site. In addition the development would retain 1.2 ha for playing space on the site.

185. The land off Oak Tree Drive is a previously-developed site neighbouring the built-up area. The site has had an urbanizing effect on the appearance of the countryside and rural locality. The development would be contained to the west and north by the woodland of Southleigh Forest and therefore would not set a precedent for expansion further into the countryside. Although the site is on the edge of Emsworth facilities and services are reasonably accessible.

186. The Padnell Grange site is located on the edge of the built up area of Cowplain. A modest development of approximately 15 dwellings could be accommodated within the grounds of the Grange whilst respecting the landscape, character and open setting of the existing buildings.

187. Warblington School playing field is well-located close to the centre of Havant. It is intended to invest the proceeds from the sale of the site to upgrade existing recreational facilities at Warblington School and to create a new and improved environmental teaching resource at Fairfield School. Access to the housing development is required from New Lane. The inclusion of the land to the west of the playing field up to this frontage is therefore needed although the nature conservation value of this area should be effectively safeguarded. To minimise the effect of noise from the railway a landscaped space will be required although the number of dwellings should not be reduced below a minimum of 85.

188. St Michael's Convent, Waterlooville is a large site which extends from London Road to the Hermitage Stream to the rear of Hermitage Gardens. The site comprises contrasting areas of greenspace, including the stream valley, all of which should be retained as open space and integrated within the development to achieve a high-quality design. The Convent and the Church of the Sacred Heart are both listed buildings which should be conserved including their setting. A new Parish Church is proposed on part of the site but its location and extent should not result in the reduction of the indicative dwelling potential below 70 dwellings. However, this indicative number of dwellings may be exceeded since the site is at a highly sustainable location and thus a higher overall density would be appropriate. Proposals for more than 70 dwellings would enable the full potential for sustainable development to be realised but they should ensure that the various conservation and design policies are achieved and that there is no encroachment into the greenspaces referred to above.

189. Market Parade, Havant is suitable for both conversion of the upper floors and redevelopment for residential purposes whilst retaining the ground floor for retail and other town centre uses.

190. Edward's Builders Yard, Waterlooville has been redeveloped with 19 flats.

191. Homewell, Havant - The development of this site has commenced.

192. The Goodwillies site in Waterlooville is currently in use as a timber merchants and has received committee approval for outline planning consent for 96 dwellings.

H4 RESERVE HOUSING SITES

The following sites are proposed as Reserve housing sites to provide up to 400 additional dwellings in the Borough. The release of these sites can be managed through agreement by the Strategic and Local Planning Authorities if monitoring identifies a change in circumstances which needs to be accommodated. Until such time as they are formally agreed for release, countryside policies will be applied to these sites.

Policy No	Site	Net Site Area (Ha)	Indicative Dwellings
H4.1	Scratchface Lane, Bedhampton	1.77	65
H4.2	North of Goldring Close, Hayling Island	2.20	85
H4.3	Hampshire Farm, Emsworth	8.40	250

193. Policy H4 in the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review) ( HCSPR ) requires the identification of Reserve housing sites for an additional 500 dwellings in the period 2001-2011. However, the number of dwellings proposed on Reserve sites has been reduced to 400 as explained in the text following policy H1. It is proposed to exceed the HCSPR Baseline requirement by 100 dwellings thereby making it possible to reduce the Reserve requirement accordingly. The supply from Baseline plus Reserve sites between 2001 and 2011 ensures that the total Structure Plan requirement of 2,177 dwellings can be achieved. This 'baseline plus addition' approach enables the process of 'plan, monitor and manage' which is referred to in PPG 3 to be put into effect. These sites will only be released if there is a compelling need to do so.

194. A major consideration before releasing Reserve sites, is the development potential remaining in the urban areas using previously-developed land and also the scope for increasing densities without leading to town-cramming. If greater capacity exists for development within the urban areas and estimates of urban capacity prove to have been too low, it may not be necessary to release the Reserve sites.

195. The development of any the Reserve sites will require the preparation of detailed briefs in accordance with Policy IMP 3. The briefs will take account of design requirements, so that development is integrated into its context while making a positive contribution to the appearance of the Borough. The Reserve sites are not the preferred locations for development for environmental or other reasons. However, the sites possess some advantages which justify development if there are compelling justifications for additional housing.

196. The Scratchface Lane site in Bedhampton is on the western edge of the built-up area adjoining the A3(M) which provides a physical limit to further development. The proposal would not have a significant impact on the Havant Gap and the majority of the site is not visible from the A3(M). However, development will need to incorporate substantial landscaping along the motorway and Scratchface Lane and avoid the more prominent sloping land at the southern end of the site. This site has the potential to provide 65 dwellings.

197. Land north of Goldring Close, Hayling Island forms part of an enclave of the best and most versatile agricultural land. The provision of access would necessitate extending Goldring Close which would inevitably experience increased traffic. However, the site is situated near to the Mengham and Gable Head District Centre and close to Mengham Junior School. The existing tree cover and the hedge along the northern and eastern boundaries of the site, respectively, would need to be strengthened to prevent the development having an unacceptable effect on the setting of the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This site could accommodate some 85 dwellings.

198. Hampshire Farm, Emsworth is situated to the east of Redlands Lane and north east of Westbourne Road up to the River Ems. This development would comprise a major urban extension of about 250 dwellings, but would enable the provision of some 17 ha. of public open space to address the shortfall in the locality (see Policy R16). This open space would separate the new housing from Westbourne village and prevent further development pressures in this direction. The development could also include a doctor's surgery and a pharmacy. The design of the development including the location of these facilities will be addressed in a planning brief in accordance with Policy IMP3.

H5 DENSITY OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

In order to best manage scarce land resources and to meet the present and projected need for small dwellings, housing developments will only be permitted if the proposed density is not less than 30 dwellings per hectare unless there are access and/or environmental constraints on development.

In certain areas of the Borough housing developments will only be permitted if a minimum density of 40 dwellings per hectare is proposed unless there are access or environmental constraints. These areas are those to which one of the following criteria apply:

(i) Within 400 m of a railway station or bus route with a minimum service of 4 buses per hour at peak times.

(ii) Within 400 m of a town, district or local centre or major employment area of 2 hectares or more.

199. This policy aims to achieve sustainable development by making the best use of land and infrastructure. It is therefore necessary for proposals to be built at higher densities than are typical of some recent developments, as indicated in PPG3 . This guidance promotes a minimum density of 30 dwellings per hectare which would typically comprise the development of small detached, semi-detached and terraced houses with gardens. However, at locations close to public transport, local services and employment, densities of at least 40 dwellings per hectare could be justified. Housing at this density would comprise terraces and town houses with some flats. However, it is also important that proposals are well-related to neighbouring housing since this type of development may not be regarded as appropriate at all locations.

200. Increases in density can also help to meet the need for smaller dwellings and affordable housing. As PPG 3 points out the majority of the projected growth will be one-person households. Higher densities will also help to achieve the target of 60% of additional dwellings on previously-developed land (see Policy H1). The layout, appearance and variety of housing types is related to the density of development. However, it is essential that proposals are skilfully designed and respond to the recently-published good practice guidance on urban design in order to create attractive residential environments.

H6 RANGE OF HOUSE TYPES AND SIZES

Housing development schemes will be expected to provide a range of dwelling types and sizes which shall include a generous element for smaller households.

201. It is important to create mixed and balanced communities by permitting development which comprises different types and sizes of dwellings in accordance with PPG 3. Household projections have been produced by the Hampshire County Council Research and Intelligence Unit in relation to the Baseline requirement of 2,990 dwellings (1996-2011). By 2011 married couples will account for an estimated 46% of total households, one person households for 32%, other households for 17% and lone parent households for 5%. Assuming that the Reserve dwellings are not required between 1996 and 2011 it is expected that the number of households in the Borough will have increased by 2,990 which is equivalent to a 6% increase. The major factor in this increase, however, is an additional 3,769 single person households (a change of 31% in this group) which offsets a decline in married couple households of 13%. Between 1996 and 2011 the structure of the population will also change with a decline in the pre-school and school age populations and an increase in the number of people of retirement age. These changes have implications for the type of housing and parking provision, particularly as the greatest increase is in the 75+ age groups.

202. Achieving a mix of dwelling sizes and types in new developments, better matched to local needs, will result in more sustainable local communities. At the same time, greater choice will be available for all groups, in particular those seeking smaller dwellings. A greater variety of dwelling types will lead to visually more interesting residential environments. It is acknowledged that it may not always be appropriate to seek a range of house types in every development scheme, particularly where the sites are small or specific types of housing need or design criteria are identified. However, the Council seeks to set a general target to ensure that 40% to 50% of all new housing is provided as 1 or 2 bed dwellings. The need for this proportion of smaller dwellings is supported by the results of the 2001 Census.

H7 LOSS OF DWELLINGS

Permission will only be granted for proposals involving a net loss of dwellings where:

(i) The property affected is unsuitable for residential occupation.

(ii) Conversion/modernisation cannot be achieved at a reasonable cost.

(iii) The proposal will provide for the recognised economic, social or environmental needs of the community or facilitate regeneration including, where appropriate, mixed-use development which cannot reasonably be met without the loss of the residential unit(s) concerned.

203. The requirement to provide additional dwellings should not be offset by reductions to the housing stock. This should also be retained to the greatest possible extent since avoiding the waste of built resources is one of the principles of sustainable development. It is important, however, that a good residential environment should be available to all the Borough's residents and the policy provides for the demolition or change of use of some dwellings where this cannot be achieved. Conversions of suitable space make a significant contribution to urban capacity but may not be feasible in some cases because of the costs of development relative to property values. It is also important to make the best use of housing stock by modernization, in accordance with the aim of sustainable development, but this is not always cost effective. In a few cases the demolition of some dwellings could be justified to provide sites for other development to meet local community needs where other suitable locations are unavailable.

H8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The Council will seek to achieve through negotiation 30% of the total dwellings provided on new housing developments as affordable housing, on sites of 0.5 ha or more or 15 dwellings or more, having regard to the individual site suitability.

The affordable dwellings are to be integrated with the other housing to be built on the site except where the Council and developer agree they should not be provided on the same site, when an exception will be made to permit the developer to provide them in an alternative location or by means of a commuted payment.

Developers will be expected to enter into an Agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990, to ensure the required provision and retention of on-site or off-site affordable housing or commuted payment in lieu thereof is implemented.

204. Affordable housing is defined for the purposes of this Plan as housing that is available for people who cannot afford to buy or rent decent and appropriate housing from the open market in Havant. It comprises the full spectrum of affordable housing, including social rented and shared ownership housing, intermediate housing, key workers' housing and low cost market housing, and should reflect the identified local need as demonstrated by an up to date assessment.

205. PPG 3 reaffirms earlier planning guidance by stating that the need for affordable housing is a material consideration which should be taken into account in Local Plans. Circular 6/98 provides a detailed explanation of the Government's approach to planning and affordable housing. Affordable housing can be sought on sites of 25 or more dwellings, or sites of 1 hectare or more. The Circular also states that the requirement can be lowered to a level between this threshold and one at 15 dwellings or 0.5 of a hectare or more, where local planning authorities are able to demonstrate exceptional local needs Policy H4 of Regional Planning Guidance for the South East (RPG 9) refers to the adoption of lower thresholds and states that local authorities should '...consider whether there is a need to seek lower thresholds i.e. down to developments of 15 dwellings in urban areas...'. The lower threshold can be justified in terms of need and the constraints on development in the Borough. Further criteria for determining if a site is required to provide affordable housing is contained in paragraph 10 of Circular 6/98.

206. The Council's Housing Market Study published in 2002 demonstrates the need for affordable housing in the Borough. A target of 300 affordable dwellings has been determined for provision on new housing sites between 2001 and 2011 through the application of Policy H8 and this will help to address part of this shortfall. This figure has been based on an estimate of the likely completions on sites of 15 dwellings or more.

207. Most of the Borough's housing capacity depends on development in the urban areas on small sites many of which will be for fewer than 15 dwellings. This means that the potential for affordable dwellings will have to be maximised on the larger sites. However, most of these sites are unlikely to be for a significant number of dwellings.

208. The target of 300 dwellings will be supplemented by other partnership action under the Borough Council's Housing Strategy to provide more affordable homes, including enabling registered social landlords to acquire additional lettings and by making more effective use of the housing stock, for example, action on empty properties, private sector renewal and encouragement for private landlords.

209. The development of the West of Waterlooville Major Development Area ( MDA ) is also a potential source of provision of affordable housing to meet Havant's needs. Notwithstanding the proportion of affordable housing set out in this policy, development on the MDA within Havant Borough will be subject to the same affordable housing requirements as the rest of the MDA within Winchester District.

210. Delivering in Partnership: Havant's Housing Strategy Statement indicates that as many as 600 new affordable homes may be built in the MDA by 2011. The Borough Council is working closely with Winchester City Council and with the principal landowners and developers to ensure the development of affordable housing. This will require providing homes which meet local needs, carefully locating, designing and phasing affordable dwellings, promoting mixed tenures and avoiding large concentrations of rented housing.

211. According to PPG 3, paragraph 10, affordable and other dwellings should be interspersed on the same site. In this respect 'the Government believes that it is important to help create mixed and inclusive communities which offer a choice of housing and lifestyle. It does not accept that different types of housing and tenures make bad neighbours'. However, in exceptional cases it may not be possible to mix different types of housing.

Commuted Payments

212. The commuted payments for development at another location should be paid to a Registered Social Landlord. Such commuted payments might be paid direct, or if an appropriate organisation is not identified at the time of the issue of planning permission, held in trust by the Borough Council until the money and the accrued interest can be used for the construction or acquisition of affordable dwellings. However, the Borough Council does not wish to be prescriptive and more innovative approaches may also be acceptable. The payments per dwelling will be determined in consultation with local housing associations and other relevant bodies, updated and revised as necessary to reflect changing circumstances.

Other conditions

213.

(i) The subdivision of a site will not give exemption from the need to comply with the policy.

(ii) Where the affordable dwellings provided under this policy are not managed by a Registered Social landlord the preferred option is that their occupation will be restricted to nominees of the Borough Council in execution of its duty to deal with housing need.

(iii) Sheltered housing schemes are exempted from the requirements of Policy H8.

H9 SUPPORTED HOUSING PROVISION

Within the defined urban areas development specifically for groups which require supported housing will be permitted provided it:

(i) is accessible to local shops, services, community facilities and public transport;

(ii) is in a reasonably level locality where the mobility of residents, including wheelchair users, will not be reduced; and it

(iii) includes adequate amenity space and provides a pleasant

outlook for residents.

214. Supported housing aims to ensure that people with special needs can exercise choice over where they live. Government and local policies aim to enable people with support needs to live independently in either existing, modified accommodation or by the provision of specialised housing designed to suit the needs of particular client groups. These include the elderly who require sheltered housing, people with mental health needs or learning disabilities and vulnerable young people, for example care leavers. The location and design of supported housing should take into account residents' needs, mobility and their likely dependence on public transport.

215. During the Plan period, there will be a need for a variety of 'supported housing' including a 6-bed home and a 15-bed home (or three smaller homes) for people with learning disabilities. These developments will replace outdated accommodation on Hayling Island and in Leigh Park.

H10 HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

Planning permission will only be granted for the use of a building as a house in multiple occupation provided there would be no harm to the character or appearance of the locality.

216. In certain locations and with some types of property, conversions can be accommodated easily thereby increasing the residential accommodation and making better use of larger houses. However, conversions can also result in cramped accommodation, nuisance to neighbours and congested streets. All these problems with their cumulative impact on an area's character will be taken into consideration when determining planning applications.

H11 SITES FOR GYPSIES AND TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE

Sites for Gypsies and travelling showpeople will be permitted, provided that all of the following requirements can be met:

(i) There is a genuine need for a site in the locality.

(ii) The site is located within a reasonable distance of local facilities and services.

(iii) The site is capable of accommodating the number of caravans/mobile homes proposed together with any equipment for business activities.

(iv) Local agricultural operations and the amenity of existing businesses and residents in the locality would not be adversely affected.

(v) The proposal would not adversely affect the character of the area and the wider landscape or have unacceptable amenity, traffic or other environmental implications.

(vi) Open space provision is not reduced below the National Playing Fields Association standards.

217. Government Circular 22/91 on Travelling Showpeople and Circular 1/94 on Gypsy Sites and Planning indicate that the needs of these groups should be fully considered in the preparation of local plans. Structure Plan Policy H12 requires local plans to make such additional provision for Gypsy accommodation as may be needed either by identifying sites or by criteria-based policies against which planning applications will be judged. There are currently no sites for Gypsies and travelling showpeople in the Borough. The Council will keep under review the needs of these groups in association with other local authorities and agencies represented on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Joint Authorities Gypsy and Travellers Panel. The above Policy H11 provides criteria against which any planning applications for the provision of new sites will be considered.