345. The policies in this chapter allow a range of
recreational development while safeguarding the countryside, coast
and open spaces. The policies are concerned with maintaining
environmental quality, access to playing fields, provision of new
open space, access to sport and recreation in the urban fringe,
coastal recreation, leisure routes and the protection of open
spaces where they can contribute to the quality of life.
R1 COUNTRYSIDE AND COASTAL RECREATION
DEVELOPMENT
Recreation development in
countryside and coastal areas will be permitted
provided:
(i) the proposal takes into
account the possibility of integration with other existing or
potential recreational development;
(ii) on the coast, public access
to the shore is provided where practicable; and
(iii) recreational activities do
not adversely affect the character and appearance of the
countryside and coast, or cause harm to nature conservation
interests.
346. This policy caters for the
continued enjoyment of the varied coastal, countryside and urban
fringe areas. Integration of attractions adds to their leisure
value, especially where they are complementary or linked in a
sequence, for example the green chains (See policy R13
Environmental Qualities of Open Space). Access, parking and leisure
buildings also need to be integrated to improve sustainability and
reduce intrusion into the countryside. The environment of the
countryside and coast is an attraction in its own right and it is
therefore essential to ensure that recreational development is
limited to an appropriate level so that the landscape qualities are
not diminished.
R2 PROTECTION OF THE STAUNTON COUNTRY
PARK
Development will only be permitted which
maintains and enhances the Country Park without harming its
appearance and historic character.
347. The Country Park is a popular place
to visit because of its historical associations and the attractive
parkland, ancient woodland and rolling landscape. This distinctive
character would be destroyed by development which does not take
account of the sense of place and its relationship with
recreation.
R3 RECREATION PROVISION AT CAMPDOWN
Planning permission will be granted for active and
passive recreation either as a comprehensive development or
alternatively as a series of co-ordinated but incremental
proposals. Developments will be considered which include sports
pitches, other open space, footpaths and cycle
routes.
Part of the site should be reserved to accommodate
deficiencies identified in assessments of open space supply and
demand and to replace losses resulting from development within the
urban areas.
Development on the site should be sited and designed
to achieve all the following requirements:
(i) minimise visual intrusion into the Havant Gap and
to ensure that the majority of the site retains a feeling of
openness;
(ii) ensure that the continuity of open land is
maintained through the Havant Gap; and
(iii) safeguard views across the site and of the
surrounding landscape.
Routes for pedestrians and cycles should connect with
existing and planned provision as well as connecting viewpoints and
other places of interest within the site.
Vehicular access should be provided from College Road
near Athena Avenue.
The archaeological value of the site should be fully
protected from the effects of development, including the alignment
of the Roman Road, and interpreted and displayed as a part of the
leisure attractions of the site.
Flood lighting should be effectively controlled near
the A3(M) and also to avoid disturbance to local
residents.
Where possible linked habitats should be funded from
commercial developments to enhance the area as publicly accessible
and biodiverse countryside.
348. This proposal has emerged from the Borough Regeneration
Strategy following consultation with the local community. The
development can be justified strategically in terms of recreational
provision, the potential for health promotion, and the
accessibility of the site. The Campdown Community Facility
Feasibility Report has identified a shortfall in the Borough for
different types of pitches, courts and provision for athletics and
field events. The site is centrally located within the Borough to
provide these facilities, and any playing fields which need to be
replaced or additional provision required as a result of housing
development.
349. The Council is aware of a need for quality accommodation,
spectator facilities and playing space for local sports clubs. The
Borough has earned an excellent reputation for sporting
achievements, in some cases at national level. Performance would be
sustained and improved by investment at this location coupled with
encouragement to all sectors of the community to participate in
sport.
350. The proposed development would be accessible from the
main road network and by bus. Vehicle access will be via College
Road. Improved pedestrian access from Scratchface Lane and
Portsdown Hill Road will be investigated along with the possibility
of cycle access.
351. It is essential to retain the open landscape and to
ensure as much public access as possible for enjoyment of the
panoramic views. The spectator facilities and ancillary buildings
will, therefore, have to be carefully sited and make the best use
of existing and new planting following a comprehensive landscape
appraisal of the site.
352. The proposal will be developed on the basis of a wide
ranging partnership including the Borough Council, commercial
interests and sports clubs. The Council is likely to seek
innovative proposals for financing the scheme, including Sports
Council Lottery funding. There may also be scope for providing
replacement open space at this location by means of section 106
agreements.
353. Although the emphasis of the proposal is the provision
for sport and active recreation, it is important to ensure that
heritage and nature conservation are fully safeguarded and, as
appropriate, diversify the leisure experience.
R4 EXTENSION OF CROOKHORN (CITY OF PORTSMOUTH) GOLF COURSE
Extension of the Crookhorn Golf Course on land north
of Portsdown Hill will be permitted provided features of nature
conservation and archaeological importance are
safeguarded.
354. This proposal is compatible with the role of the Havant
Gap for recreation and the extension will help to satisfy the
demand for more space for playing golf while maintaining the open
character of the area which is an important viewpoint over the
harbours. The land between Fort Purbrook and Crookhorn Lane and
east of Farlington Redoubt are Sites of Importance for Nature
Conservation. The layout of the golf course should therefore ensure
that this site, in particular, is effectively safeguarded.
R5 NOISY RECREATION
Recreation proposals will only
be permitted where:
(i) the quietness of the
countryside and residential areas would not be disturbed by noise
levels which are unacceptable for residents and
visitors;
(ii) traffic generation and
parking would not affect road safety;
(iii) the safe use of public
rights of way and open space would not be affected;
and
(iv) there would be no harmful
impacts on historic landscapes and nature
conservation.
The Borough Council will seek
suitable sites for these activities where disturbance can be
minimised through co-operation with particular groups and in
discussion with local residents and organisations with an interest
in the proposed development. Where possible degraded or
previously-developed sites outside the urban areas should be used
for these types of recreation.
355. This policy applies to several
activities including two and four wheel motor sports, shooting,
motorised water sports, combat games (such as 'paintball') and
flying model aircraft. These activities can cause disturbance to
local residents and nature conservation. This is a particular
problem in the Borough where open land is limited in extent and
near housing areas. There are also a number of nature conservation
sites which require special protection. When considering planning
applications the Borough Council may decide that temporary
permissions would be appropriate so that the activities could be
stopped if problems arise. Although sites for noisy recreation are
likely to be limited, some potential might be identified on
set-aside farmland near main roads where traffic noise is a problem
or where the activity can be screened by banks and trees.
R6 HORSERIDING DEVELOPMENTS
Development associated with
horseriding and the stabling of horses will only be permitted
where:
(i) it would not have a harmful
effect on the appearance of the area and important wildlife
habitats;
(ii) it would not reduce the
enjoyment and safety of other users of bridleways;
and
(iii) it is located near to
roads which can be used safely by horseriders and is well related
to bridleways and other off-road access.
356. In recent years there has been an
increase in the number of pony paddocks and horse related
recreation, especially in the urban fringe. Keeping horses can help
to diversify recreational opportunities but the impact on the
appearance of open land resulting from makeshift buildings, such as
field shelters, can be a problem, especially where fields are
visible from roads and housing. There is also the danger of
conflict in some areas where horse-related developments would
increase the use of bridleways and local roads. However,
horseriders need direct access to public rights of way for safety
reasons. The Borough Council has made a commitment to improve the
network of riding routes in consultation with Hampshire County
Council Rights of Way section and with local riders. (See Policy
R19 Leisure Routes.) There is a need for more stabling for public
use at an accessible location where an equestrian centre, which
could be the venue for major open events, could be developed.
R7 BEACHLANDS - RECREATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
At Beachlands development will
be permitted only where it is for recreational uses which would not
be detrimental to the open character and wildlife interests of the
area.
357. The openness and wildlife of this
unique area have been identified by visitors as one of the main
reasons for visiting Hayling Island. However, there may be scope
for enhancing the attraction of Beachlands by suitable development
which does not alter the character and biodiversity of the
area.
R8 MOORINGS IN CHICHESTER AND LANGSTONE
HARBOURS
Development which would result
in any modification to or redistribution of moorings, marine berths
or launch on demand facilities (dry berths) in the Harbours will
only be permitted if there is no detriment to maritime recreation,
safety of navigation or the environment of the Harbours, and no
harmful effects on nature conservation within the Chichester and
Langstone Harbour SSSIs,
SPA, Solent
Maritime SAC and Ramsar
site.
358. There is currently no provision for
new moorings in either Chichester or Langstone Harbours. This
policy allows for development involving possible future
modification or redistribution of existing moorings, marine berths
or launch on demand facilities for reasons of good management,
environmental benefits and the prevention of congestion.
R9 NEW SLIPWAYS AND JETTIES
The construction of new slipways
and jetties will only be permitted if they do not:
(i) have a detrimental effect on
nature conservation;
(ii) intrude into the natural
character of the coastal landscape;
(iii) reduce the effectiveness
of flood defences;
(iv) adversely affect the
natural coastal processes and fishery interests; and
(v) inhibit the natural transfer
of beach sediment along the shore.
New slipways will only be
permitted if they do not extend into the foreshore.
359. Slipways and jetties can adversely
affect the integrity of nature conservation sites and also harm the
appearance of significant landscapes and seascapes. More slipways
and jetties would also result in substantial increases in the use
of the Harbours causing further disturbance to wildlife. The
recessing of new slipways would mitigate impacts and allow some
flexibility for development at acceptable locations.
360. Slipways and jetties can have
significant cumulative effects on the geomorphology of the
coastline. Flow patterns can be changed, in particular the
deposition of suspended material. The effects on marine flora could
be significant, especially if the number of slipways and jetties is
increased. The greater number of craft which would be attracted to
the Harbours would have further adverse effects on nature
conservation. Changes in hydrology, erosion and sediment deposition
also have an impact on the use of the Harbours for fishing.
361. Slipways and jetties also inhibit
the natural movement of beach sediment along the shoreline. The
sediment will accumulate upstream but downstream there will be a
loss which may harm shoreline habitats. These changes will
contribute to 'coastal squeeze' which is effectively the reduction
of the intertidal zone. Changes to the geomorphology can also
impact on the stability of coastal defences with consequent costs
for the remedial works which would be needed.
R10 BROADMARSH SAILING CENTRE
A water-based recreational development will be
permitted at the eastern side of the Broadmarsh Coastal Park near
Brockhampton Lake with direct access from the existing slipway. A
small scale proposal including an ancillary clubhouse (for not more
than 20 boats) will be considered but the development should be
primarily for water-based leisure activities in Langstone
Harbour.
The development should be limited in scale, complement
the character of the coastal landscape and safeguard
internationally important nature conservation areas associated with
its location on the edge of Langstone Harbour SSSI,
SPA,
SAC and
Ramsar site. No dredging in the Harbour will be permitted as part
of this development.
362. This policy reinforces the recreational potential of the
Broadmarsh Coastal Park and is one of the limited opportunities for
this type of development in the Borough. Since the existing slipway
would be used the policy responds to the Langstone Harbour
Management Plan which states that there should be no substantial
increases in launching capacity, especially along the northern edge
of the Harbour. It is likely that an appropriate assessment will be
required in order to assess the potential impact on the features of
the European sites of nature conservation importance (Policies NC2
and NC3). Quality of design could achieve a focus for the Coastal
Park which is presently lacking. It is possible that the policy
will attract private investment for either a commercial or
club-related development and a 'starter club' building may be
acceptable.
R11 BROADMARSH INTERPRETATION CENTRE
An Interpretation Centre will be permitted in the
Broadmarsh Coastal Park near to the Farlington Marsh Nature Reserve
subject to all of the following being achieved:
(i) the provision of access direct from Harts Farm Way
adjacent to the existing car park;
(ii) no additional car parking being
required;
(iii) the building being limited in scale and
appropriate to its coastal location; and
(iv) there being no significant harmful effects on
nature conservation or to the coastal landscape.
363. Although Langstone Harbour is internationally important
as a wildlife site there is no interpretation for the public of
nature conservation and the evolution of the coastal landscape. The
centre would make a major contribution to the attractiveness of the
Coastal Park and the shoreline path for visitors and would relate
directly to the special characteristics of the Borough which are
closely associated with its waterfront location. The existing
vehicular access to the Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve, which is
in the Portsmouth City area, is unsatisfactory and the only
alternative is from Harts Farm Way. For this reason, the most
appropriate site for the interpretation centre is at the western
end of the Coastal Park.
R12 WATERLOOVILLE LEISURE CENTRE DEVELOPMENT
The development of land adjacent to the Leisure Centre
will be permitted for indoor recreational facilities which
complement and extend the existing provision and contribute to
reducing deficiencies in the Waterlooville area.
364. The population of the Waterlooville area has increased
substantially but the provision of indoor recreation space is
generally poor. The site is next to the existing swimming pool and
fitness centre. This means that there are economies resulting from
grouping leisure provision on adjacent sites as well as advantages
for users.
OPEN SPACE
365. The Borough's open space comprises children's playing
space, playing fields and courts and a variety of 'other open
spaces' which have a recreational value such as woodlands, land
beside the Hermitage Stream and amenity space in housing areas.
Open spaces are a valuable leisure resource. They enhance the
appearance of the Borough, the sense of place of districts and
wards and also provide habitats for wildlife. For these reasons
there are strong justifications for resisting the loss of open
spaces. However, the need for building, including the regeneration
of run-down areas, can result in open spaces coming under pressure
for development. Some open spaces are misused, underused or poorly
located and it may be appropriate to develop them and replace
provision at another location. For any or all of these reasons the
development of open space might be justified but it is essential
that the release of land is based on the strict application of
criteria including evidence of surpluses and deficiencies using
standards recommended by the National Playing Fields Association
(
NPFA) in
1992.
366. The Open Space Review is based on the
NPFA Standards and
assesses the provision of children's playing space (equipped and
casual) for each ward and public, school/college and private
playing fields and courts in each of the four districts of Havant,
Waterlooville, Emsworth and Hayling Island. This study has shown
that all wards have a deficiency of equipped playspace except in
Battins where there is a small surplus. The provision of casual
playing space varies across the Borough with some wards having
substantial surpluses (Barncroft, Bondfields and Purbrook) although
there are significant deficiencies in Emsworth, Hart Plain, Hayling
West and St Faiths. All the districts are deficient in playing
fields and courts especially Waterlooville where the shortage is
almost 25 ha. The Open Space Review identifies areas which are
accessible from each of the playspaces, playing fields and courts
as well as greenspace (for informal recreation) and urban parks.
Some open spaces are linked together to form 'green chains' which
cross the urban areas to connect with the open countryside.
367. Integra Leisure Consultancy carried out a Playing Pitch
Assessment for the Borough Council in 2000 based on the guidelines
set down by Sport England. The conclusions of this assessment
support the Open Space Review with regard to playing field
requirements.
368. The aim underlying the open space policies is to secure
the retention, improvement and fullest possible use of the
Borough's varied open space assets. Policies are included to ensure
that any changes to open spaces are beneficial and that where
possible the loss of open space is compensated for
effectively.
MINIMUM OPEN SPACE STANDARDS RECOMMENDED BY
NPFA
|
(EQUIPPED)
(CASUAL)
|
0.25 HA/1000 POPULATION
0.45 HA/1000 POPULATION
|
|
PLAYING FIELDS AND COURTS
(INCLUDING PRIVATE, SCHOOL & COLLEGE
PROVISION)
|
1.7 HA/1000 POPULATION
|
|
TOTAL
|
2.4 HA/1000 POPULATION
|
R13 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITIES OF OPEN
SPACE
Development of open space for
alternative uses will not be permitted where it
would:
(i) break a sequence of open
spaces which form a green chain; and/or
(ii) diminish the contribution
of open space to the identity and landscape of the Borough and to
local areas and wards; and/or
(iii) reduce the attractiveness
of adjacent open space.
369. This policy refers to a variety of
open spaces such as woodlands, commons, ornamental gardens and
parks as well as playing space for children and adults. It is
desirable but not a necessary condition of open space that it
afford public access. The environmental qualities of open space
complement its recreational use in several ways. Green chains are,
or offer, the potential for walking and cycling in green
surroundings and connect centres, housing areas and workplaces.
However, the value of green chains does not depend entirely on
several open spaces being physically connected. In some cases the
visual sequence results from neighbouring open spaces simply being
visible within 300m to 400m or accessible along footpaths.
370. Open spaces help to provide
orientation when moving around the Borough by adding contrast,
visual interest and views out of the built-up area along roads and
railways. Open spaces also contribute to the appearance and
identity of districts, wards, housing areas and centres and help to
shape the Borough's urban form. Some open spaces are significant
wildlife habitats which add diversity and educational value.
Evidence of historical significance also adds interest to the
recreational value of open space. Physical survivals from the past
can contribute to local distinctiveness and to the character of
wards and districts, for example, The Queen's Inclosure and Park
Wood.
R14 PROTECTION OF CHILDREN'S PLAY
SPACES
The redevelopment of existing
play space for alternative uses will not be permitted except where
one of the following apply:
(i) There is a local surplus of
provision in relation to the National Playing Fields Association
standard.
(ii) There are opportunities for
compensating for the development by improving play space close to
the development sites.
(iii) There are opportunities
for providing accessible replacement play space in the local
area.
The Borough Council expects
applicants to enter into an agreement under Section 106 of the Town
and Country Planning Act, 1990 to secure improvements to play space
or new provision.
371. This policy only refers to equipped
and casual play areas which have been specifically designated for
children's play. Some of these are combined with other open spaces
for example in urban parks. Many of these spaces need to be
retained for children's healthy enjoyment but some may be suitable
for other local needs such as community buildings or affordable
housing. Proposals could be considered where sufficient play space
would remain in the surrounding area to meet the National Playing
Fields Association (
NPFA) standards
following development. Alternatively, it may be possible to
maintain this level of provision by replacing the open space. In
some areas there may alternatively be scope for upgrading local
play spaces.
372. The method for assessing a surplus
should be based on the catchment area of the play space proposed
for development. According to the NPFA children travel less than
about a quarter of a mile (400 m) to play. However, it is important
to take account of heavy traffic, the absence of bridges and
subways across roads and railways, watercourses, groups of large
buildings and areas perceived as unsafe or unattractive. Such
barriers will restrict the extent of the catchment area. Allowing
for such constraints the amount of play space in any area and its
estimated population (children and adults) can be compared with the
NPFA
standard to determine if a surplus exists. This assessment should
take account of areas where children could or do play safely as
well as designated playing spaces. The release of land will only be
considered up to the level of the surplus.
R15 PROTECTION OF PLAYING FIELDS AND
COURTS
The redevelopment of playing
fields and courts for alternative uses will not be permitted except
where developers compensate for the loss of open space. One or more
of the following should be provided:
(i) Laying out and equipping
replacement open space of at least an equivalent area and
quality.
(ii) Upgrading existing playing
fields and/or courts.
(iii) Development for indoor
sports and recreation subject to there being no adverse effects on
the neighbouring residential environment.
The replacement provision should
take account of public recreational requirements.
Synthetic turf pitches are only
permitted where residential amenity and nature conservation
interests would not be adversely affected.
The Borough Council expects
applicants to enter into an agreement under Section 106 of the Town
and Country Planning Act, 1990 to secure
replacement.
373. Playing fields and courts include
pitches, greens, athletics tracks and training areas which are
mainly for youth and adult use. These open spaces are provided by
the Borough Council, form part of school and college sites or are
managed or owned by private sports clubs. Schools and college open
spaces are included even though they may not be currently available
for public use although this could be allowed via a 'community
management strategy'. These open spaces provide a resource of open
land which, if developed, could not be replaced. Like school and
college open spaces, private sports grounds provide an existing or
potential resource for use by the public. Golf courses are not
included, as suggested by the
NPFA, because they
are single use recreational spaces and are all private except for
the municipal course at Crookhorn.
374. There is a shortage of playing
fields and courts in relation to the
NPFA standards
throughout the Borough but mainly in Waterlooville. The Borough
Council is therefore concerned that the amount of this type of open
space does not fall below the existing level of provision and that,
where possible, the shortages can be reduced. The Government has
emphasised the importance of resisting the loss of sports pitches
which contribute to a healthy society and to the environment of the
urban areas. It is important therefore that playing pitches are
only developed for other uses if one or more of the following
justifications apply:
- Sport England is satisfied that there is an excess of playing
fields in the catchment and the site has no special significance
for sport.
- The proposed development is ancillary to the use of the site
for playing fields and does not affect the quality of provision or
reduce the number of pitches.
- The proposal only relates to land which is incapable of being
used for sport or for safety margins and does not reduce the
playing area or result in the loss of other sporting/ancillary
facilities.
- Playing fields which are developed are replaced by provision of
at least equivalent quality, quantity and management in a suitable
location before the development starts.
- The proposal is for an indoor or outdoor sports facility which
would outweigh the loss of the playing fields.
375. In accordance with the requirements
of section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act, 1998, the
County Council may seek the development of playing fields to
rationalise its land holdings as a means of financing recreational
and educational improvements. Where such compensatory proposals
come forward, the Borough Council expects the new or enhanced
sports or recreational facilities so provided to be made available
for public use, where appropriate, to offset the loss of open space
and complement the requirements set out in the policy
criteria.
376. Some re-ordering of the pattern of
playing fields and courts may be justified to provide better
facilities, for example in Strategic Gaps. Areas where new playing
fields and courts could be provided have been identified in Policy
R16. There is also a need to retain playing fields and courts
within the built up area for accessibility and environmental
reasons.
R16 NEW OPEN SPACE
Planning applications for playing fields and courts
and/or other forms of open space will be permitted
at:
(i) Cabbagefield Row in the northern end of the Havant
Gap.
(ii) Horndean Road, Emsworth.
(iii) Meyrick Road, Bedhampton.
(iv) Hampshire Farm, Emsworth.
377. These proposals are intended primarily to increase and
improve the provision of open space at key locations. However, they
are also available for the replacement of open space and for
accommodating new playing field provision which is required in
relation to new housing development. There is the potential for
combining sports pitches for organised games with other leisure
activities. These open spaces complement the more extensive
recreation proposal at Campdown referred to in Policy R3.
378. Cabbagefield Row is a level area of farmland adjoining
the Staunton Country Park boundary. This is an accessible location
where replacement open space could be provided. This proposal is
particularly relevant in this respect as replacement provision for
any open spaces developed through the Creating Quality Places
project in Leigh Park. There is a shortage of playing fields and
courts throughout the Borough and Cabbagefield Row is relatively
centrally located.
379. The land at Horndean Road has been acquired by the
Borough Council for open space. This location has direct access
from the main road system and the proposal will help to reduce the
substantial shortfall in the provision of playing fields in
Emsworth. It is intended that this open space will be laid out and
equipped for sport and recreation through developer contributions
from nearby housing developments.
380. Portsmouth Water plc have indicated that they will make
available approximately 0.6 ha of land they own lying to the west
of Meyrick Road, for use as public open space in conjunction with a
comprehensive package of proposed employment and residential
development on the other land they own in the locality at Palk Road
(Policy EMP1.5) and Ranelagh Road (Policy H3.9). The proposed open
space will be secured and laid out through legal (Section 106)
agreements to provide recreational facilities and local amenity in
connection with the proposed housing and employment developments.
It will also result in improved public access to Hermitage Stream,
which would be protected and enhanced in accordance with Policy L4
Stream Corridors.
381. The proposal at Hampshire Farm extends to some 17 ha and
will be provided by the development of the adjoining land for
housing (Policy H4.3). Open space is an appropriate use in the
Strategic Gap and would address the acknowledged shortfall in the
locality. The proposal would also safeguard a major part of the
open area between Emsworth and Westbourne and prevent any
subsequent pressures for development.
R17 PLAYING SPACE RELATED TO NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Housing developments for more than 5 dwellings will
only be permitted provided they make provision for children's play
space and playing fields and courts in accordance with the National
Playing Fields Association (NPFA)
standards.
Play space, including playing fields and courts, can
either form part of the development or be provided at an
alternative location which the Borough Council considers
acceptable.
The Borough Council expects the payment of
contributions where the amount of open space which is required is
too small, or where it would be inappropriate, to justify provision
as part of the development.
The payment should be sufficient to cover the cost of
acquiring, preparing, equipping and maintaining the proportion of
playing space related to the development where possible at a
neighbouring and accessible location.
Alternatively contributions may also be negotiated to
improve the capacity of existing playing space to meet the
requirements of the occupiers of the new housing.
The Borough Council expects applicants to enter into
an agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning
Act, 1990 to secure the provision of open space or
contributions.
New playing fields and courts provided as a result of
these agreements should be located in relation to the strategic
assessments of the need for provision.
382. Adequate provision of open space related to new
development is essential for proper planning, not least of all to
avoid town cramming. The policy applies to proposals involving the
development of more than 5 dwellings. All residents have a
requirement for accessible open space as either active or passive
users. On-site provision will be expected in larger schemes
(minimum of 70 dwellings), but the policy provides for
contributions towards off-site provision, where on-site provision
would be either inappropriate or unsatisfactory.
383. The contributions will be added together until there is
sufficient money to pay for either a new open space or the
upgrading of existing provision. The contribution will be based on
estimates of the costs of acquiring the land and preparing,
equipping and maintaining it to the standards required by the
Borough Council at the time of the planning application. The
details of the application of this policy in terms of contributions
and the location of provision and improvements are set out in
Supplementary Planning Guidance Provision and Improvement of
Playing Space for New Housing Development .
R18 ALLOTMENTS
Developments which result in the
loss of allotments will only be permitted if one of the following
applies:
(i) The allotments are no longer
required because of lack of demand.
(ii) Development of the land is
required for a recognised local community need.
Where allotments are released
for development and if there is a demand, provision should be made
either by bringing existing spaces into use or by creating new
provision.
384. The reasons for retaining open
space apply equally to allotments. The Borough Council is thus
concerned to safeguard their contribution to leisure but recognises
that a flexible approach is required. Development may be justified
where it meets other requirements especially where allotments are
underused. There is a general shortage of allotments on Hayling
Island resulting in long waiting periods. Investigations will be
undertaken with the aim of identifying a site for additional new
allotment provision on Hayling Island.
R19 LEISURE
ROUTES
Planning permission will not be
granted for development which would interrupt the continuity of
existing or potential leisure routes. Where possible this network
will be extended by negotiating public access with landowners.
Where appropriate the Borough Council will expect developers to set
aside a corridor to implement a section of a route crossing their
site. A high priority will be given to local requirements including
the protection of areas of nature conservation
significance.
Proposals for improving and
creating new routes should take account of the requirements of
people with mobility problems.
The use of leisure routes by
cyclists and horseriders will depend on the suitability of the
route and the possibility for achieving safe conditions for all
users. Proposals for the combined use of recreation routes will
only be permitted if pedestrians and cyclists can be segregated
from horseriders.
385. The policy is justified by the
recreational potential of the urban fringe and the countryside on
Hayling Island, at Warblington and north of Emsworth. Use of these
areas can be improved by extending public access for walkers,
cyclists and horseriders by linking rights of way to provide
circular and varied routes via countryside gaps, green chains,
stream valleys and along the coast as part of the Rights of Way
Improvements Plan. Improved access for people with restricted
mobility is also important since existing rights of way are often
narrow, with uneven surfaces and obstacles such as stiles.
386. The Solent Way and Wayfarers' Walk
long distance paths, the Staunton Way, the Hermitage Stream Path
and the Hayling Billy Trail already cross the Borough and serve as
a framework for future initiatives. However, the priority for an
additional leisure route is on Hayling Island where a circular path
would improve countryside access for local residents as well as
contributing to 'green tourism'. The route is likely to be most
popular if it is continuous and as close as possible to Chichester
Harbour in order to complement the existing access to the coast
along Langstone Harbour and Beachlands.