Final Green Infrastructure Strategy - Appendices June 2010 PUSH GI Strategy Appendices Adopted June 10

Final Green Infrastructure Strategy - Appendices June 2010 PUSH_GI_Strategy_Appendices_Adopted_June_10

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Appendix A: Planning – National Planning Policy and SE Plan Policies

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Appendix A: Planning – National Planning Policy and SE Plan Policies

This Appendix provides details about national Planning Policy Guidance relevant to green infrastructure and regional planning policies in the South East Plan (2009) which are relevant to green infrastructure.

Table A.1: National planning policy documents relevant to green infrastructure

Planning Policy Statement on Eco-towns – supplement to PPS1

Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development

Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change - Supplement to PPS 1

Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing

Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning for Town Centres

Planning Policy Statement 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation

Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Spatial Planning

Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning and the Historic Environment

Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and Planning

Planning Policy Guidance 17: Planning for Open space, Sport and Recreation

Assessing Needs and Opportunities: A Companion Guide to PPG17

Planning Policy Guidance 20 : Coastal Planning

Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy

Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution Control

Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk

Table A.2: Policies in the adopted South East Plan (2009) which relate to green infrastructure in PUSH

Policy No. Title Relevance to green infrastructure in PUSH

SP2 Regional hubs Increased green infrastructure in regional hubs (Portsmouth and Southampton)

CC2 Climate change Shading and flood management

NRM2 Water quality Increased number of SUDS

NRM3 Strategic water resources development Havant Thicket

Policy No. Title Relevance to green infrastructure in PUSH

NRM4 Sustainable flood risk management SUDS and de-culverted rivers, and managed realignment

NRM5 Conservation and improvement of Protection of European sites biodiversity

NRM7 Woodlands Ancient Woodland ( especially the Forest of Bere Land Management Initiative proposal) and wood fuel

NRM8 Coastal management Important to balance the needs of biodiversity with recreation at various locations

C4 Landscape and countryside management Important principles to protect the sub-region’s landscape character and manage the open countryside

C5 Managing the urban rural fringe Relevant to various GI themes at a range of locations

C6 Countryside and rights of way management Enhancing existing routes and encouraging strategic multi-functional non-motorised opportunities to travel

TSR1 Coastal resorts Related to the CZ sub-regional initiative; relevant for coastal resort of Portsmouth, Hayling Island and Southampton

TSR2 Rural tourism Various locations in the sub-region especially the proposed Forest of Bere Land Management Initiative.

S1 Supporting healthy communities Community access to parks and open spaces

S5 Cultural and sporting activity Greenspaces such as playing fields and outdoor sports facilities

BE1 Management for an urban renaissance Development and implement public realm and open space strategies

BE6 Management of the historic environment Protecting, conserving and enhancing the historic environment

CC6 Sustainable communities and character of High quality environment with a rich heritage of the environment historic buildings, landscapes and habitats, which contribute to quality of life

CC8 Green Infrastructure Requires Local Authorities to plan for GI in their LDFs. Core Strategies and SPDs must address the need for networks of multi-functioning green space.

Appendix B: HRA issues identified from LDFs in the sub- region

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Appendix B: HRA issues identified from LDFs in the sub-region

HRA Mitigation proposed

New Forest

HRA of the New Forest District Core Strategy Submission Document - Tesserae Environmental Consultants (September 2008) (Appropriate Assessment)

Adequate protection of international sites from all direct and indirect effects of development, which would allow control of development if adverse effects were identified in the future, with particular reference to in-combination effects of visitor pressure.

Promotion of the role of green infrastructure and commitment to resourcing its delivery across a wide area (e.g. the PUSH area) to reduce in-combination effects (i.e. provision of new country parks or other informal open space attractions)

Appropriate levels of open space provision within new development and addressing shortfalls in existing provision. In particular for development areas close to the walkers

Management of the sites to address additional recreational pressures and the ability to secure resources from new development to contribute to this where necessary

Measures to establish a partnership monitoring strategy for the interest features of the sites to inform management measures and trigger additional mitigation if required

Commitment to active partnership working with key stakeholders in the region to deliver the necessary open space, green infrastructure and site access management measures

Test Valley

HRA of the Test Valley District Core Strategy Submission Version - Tesserae Environmental Consultants (March 2009) (Appropriate Assessment)

Recreational Disturbance Mitigation

The Test Valley Borough Local Plan 2006 (saved) policy ESN22 requires provision of public open space for proposals including a net increase in the number of dwellings where there is an identified deficit of POS. It is acknowledged that the open space standards sought are designed to meet the requirements of the residents and do not include an additional provision for the mitigation of recreational disturbances to European sites. However, the provision of public open space in line with ESN22 has the potential to aid in meeting the day to day needs of residents, therefore reducing the need to utilise the designated sites. Chapter 4, Conserving the Environment, details the Council’s intention to “protect and conserve the Borough’s natural… environment, including wildlife, landscapes, natural resources…”

The Council has submitted a Core Strategy to the Secretary of State (March 2009) but was subsequently withdrawn. This incorporated greater reference to the provision of green infrastructure

UE Associates Ltd © 2010 B-3333 Final Green Infrastructure Strategy - Appendix B June 2010 PUSH_GI_Strategy_Appendices_Adopted_June_10 and the work currently being undertaken at the subregional scale. The plan included the proposal for a Forest Park (policy SCSP12) which would have formed part of the green infrastructure network. It would have provided an alternative local green space, thus potentially reducing the need to utilise the European designations for this purpose. Work on a revised Core Strategy is under way and the merits of retaining the Forest Park provision can be considered.

Air Quality Mitigation

Work is currently being undertaken in relation to this matter by PUSH; as such it is likely that appropriate mitigation measures will be developed at the sub-regional scale. The plan has been developed to try and minimise the level of traffic generated as a result of proposed development. Strategic sites have been located so as to take account of their accessibility and commuter patterns, with additional details on expected pedestrian and cycle links being provided. The plan also promotes sustainable modes of transport. These measures alone are not considered to provide sufficient certainty that there will not be a significant effect on the designations as a result of changes in air quality. However, when accounting for the requirements for mitigation, it is considered that there is sufficient scope for lower level plans and planning applications to provide the necessary level of mitigation in relation to air quality changes to enable the conclusion of no adverse effect on the European designations either alone or in-combination.

Winchester

HRA for Proposed Allocation of Francis Gardens, Winchester as a Local Reserve Site (May 2006) (Appropriate Assessment)

Any residual impacts arising from the development to either the SAC or nearby SSSIs can be mitigated by either site layout considerations or planning conditions at the planning application stage, and planning policies currently exist in the emerging WDLPR to support the imposition of such conditions. Should a development proposal come forward that is contrary to these principles, there therefore remains a means by which permission for harmful development could be withheld. The Council is proposing to make a minor change to the Local Plan Review explanatory text so as to emphasise the need to address Plan policies on nature conservation, flooding, pollution, etc. Existing tree stands and associated vegetation on site can be substantially retained, and the extent of any development will be limited to the western half of the site. Winchester City Council will, in dealing with any subsequent planning applications for the site, seek to ensure that prospective developers incorporate measures to conserve and enhance the nearby SSSI. However, given the physical separation that exists between the allocation and the SSSI it is probable that these will be limited to on-site elements.

HRA of Winchester City Core Strategy Preferred Option Consultation Draft– Enfusion (March 2009) (Screening)

No mitigation at this stage in HRA process

Havant

HRA of Havant Borough Draft Core Strategy Revision 2 – UE Associates (June 2009)

No mitigation at this stage in HRA process

HRA of Hayling Seafront Masterplan - Tesserae (July 2008)

(Screening Statement)

No mitigation at this stage in HRA process

Southampton

HRA of Southampton City Council Core Strategy Summary Report – Halcrow Group (March 2009) (Screening)

Recreation impacts

Provision of alternative space

The draft PUSH Green Infrastructure Study and Southampton’s draft Green Space Strategy should outline future areas that could be used to divert recreational pressure away from International Sites, such as the Solent European Marine Sites and the New Forest. Both of these aim to allow for more and better provision of green space that may alleviate recreational impacts on International Sites, providing recreation takes place outside of International Sites or is well managed if occurring within the Sites.

Natural England’s SANGS (Suitable Accessible Natural Green Space) guidance was also referred to in order to show how recreational pressure from developing new residential areas can be diverted away from International Sites.

It was also recommended that SCC could explore the possibility (with Test Valley Borough Council) of there being enough capacity at Lords Wood Forest Park to compensate for the impacts of their Core Strategy and continue to work through PUSH and other measures to ensure that adequate mitigation is secured.

The key to providing effective mitigation for International Sites within Southampton’s 10km buffer zone was seen as being to not displace recreational visitors to other International Sites, either within or beyond the buffer zone.

Access and habitat management

It was recommended that the Council could continue working with partnerships such as PUSH to secure S106 funding for habitat management.

Coastal squeeze impacts

It was recognised that any mitigation for this impact was likely to need the cooperation of numerous local authorities, government bodies and other stakeholders. The forthcoming North Solent Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) was seen as the key document that should aim to mitigate the impacts of coastal squeeze on the International Sites. The Solent Dynamic Coast Project (SDCP) study has been produced to inform the SMP and its Appropriate Assessment. The Solent Coastal Habitat Management Plan should also be used to inform the SMP in order to meet the requirements of the Habitats and Birds Directives.

It was recommended that Defra guidance should be used when considering future plans or projects in areas vulnerable to coastal squeeze in order to meet the requirements of the Habitats and Birds Directives.

Strategically planned development could help to mitigate the known problem of coastal squeeze for Solent and Southampton Water SPA/ Ramsar and the Solent Maritime SAC. It was recommended that the Core Strategy should make specific reference to the International Sites vulnerable to coastal

UE Associates Ltd © 2010 B-5555 Final Green Infrastructure Strategy - Appendix B June 2010 PUSH_GI_Strategy_Appendices_Adopted_June_10 squeeze and policy should be aimed at minimising potential impacts. Specific areas known to be vulnerable or suspected to be potentially vulnerable to coastal squeeze should be monitored in order to gauge the impacts of climate change and other forecast changes to the coastal zone.

Compensation habitat creation

The SDCP shows that Solent and Southampton Water SPA, Portsmouth SPA and

Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA (and their Ramsar designations) do not have enough nearby land available to provide adequate compensation for intertidal coastal squeeze with the current defence configuration. However, there is compensation land available further east in the Solent, near Pagham Harbour SPA. The SDCP therefore calls for a ‘north Solent’ scale approach to compensation in its conclusions and recommendations.

It was recommended that Southampton City Council should work with the partners involved in the SDCP to ensure that development is suitably placed and of an appropriate size. All partners should work to the end of providing the compensation land available near Pagham Harbour. Of key importance to mitigating air pollution impacts from the Core Strategy is to ensure that the implementation of CS18 will lead to a reduction in private vehicle usage. Widening roads such as the M27 may counter the impacts of modal shifts to more sustainable transport. Long-term solutions to congestion and private vehicle usage will be needed. There are several AQMAs in Southampton and the combined impacts of shipping, transport, buildings, industry and Southampton Airport are known to have cumulative effects for many pollutants. Southampton is also classified by the Environment Agency as a ‘Zone of Industrial Pollution Sources’ (ZIPS). It was recommended that Southampton City Council should work with other local authorities in the area to address the data gap on the impacts of this pollution on biodiversity.

Water quality impacts

It was recommended that the Council work with the Environment Agency, water companies and PUSH partners to address water quality issues and use Best Available Technology to reduce nitrogen levels and address other water quality issues. Currently the Environment Agency’s consent regime helps to protect water quality. When considering development proposals and future site allocations the Council should take into account existing sewage treatment capacity. AA should also be carried out at a local level where sewage discharges or run-off could lead to a significant impact on an International Site. The SFRA should be used to inform site allocations and guide development away from areas that could potentially flood and disperse pollutants either directly or indirectly into International Sites if inundated. It was recommended that Policy CS9, Port of Southampton, which includes plans for transhipments, should include wording to safeguard the integrity of International Sites. New wording to reflect this recommendation has now been added to the policy background of CS9.

Water resources impacts

It was recommended that the Council should work with the Environment Agency, water companies and PUSH partners to address water resource issues and devise long-term strategies for water resource management. This work should not only focus on future demand control but also leakage control and the requirements and impacts of supporting water resource infrastructure. AA should also be carried out at a local level where new developments could lead to significant water resource impacts on an International Site.

Ecological connectivity and flight/view line impacts

The Council should work with the Environment Agency, Natural England, Hampshire Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, PUSH partners and other stakeholders to address any potential impacts of tall buildings on flight

UE Associates Ltd © 2010 B-6666 Final Green Infrastructure Strategy - Appendix B June 2010 PUSH_GI_Strategy_Appendices_Adopted_June_10 patterns or view lines of listed bird species. SCC has recently commissioned the Wetland Bird Flight Path Survey, which should help to address the current lack of published research on these impacts. The survey will help to identify flight paths used by over-wintering and migratory wildfowl and waders around Southampton city centre, with particular reference to species for which the Solent and Southampton Water Special Protection Area (SPA) and Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site have been designated. As a precautionary measure while the research is underway, tall buildings should not be situated in close proximity to the Solent International Sites and the appropriate distance may need to be discussed with Natural England and the Environment Agency. Site-level Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments should also be used where developments are in close proximity to International Sites.

Fareham

HRA of Fareham Borough Council Core Strategy - UE-Associates (March 2009) (Screening)

No mitigation at this stage in HRA process

East Hampshire

HRA of Whitehill Bordon Opportunity UE-Associates (March 2009) (Pre-screening data report)

No mitigation at this stage in HRA process

Portsmouth

HRA of Portsmouth City Council Core Strategy – UE-Associates (August 2008) (Screening)

No mitigation at this stage in HRA process

HRA of Sommerstown and Northsea Area Action Plan Preferred Options – UE-Associates (March 2009) (Interim Appropriate Assessment)

Disturbance from Recreation

Policy ties to green infrastructure

The AAP should make specific reference to the strategic provision of green infrastructure, as is likely to be recommended by the forthcoming South Hampshire Green Infrastructure Strategy. Such reference would ideally be made in AAP policy given that it is preceding the Core Strategy, although it is recognised that they would be better placed within the latter. It could also be contained within the supporting text to proposed policy SNS9, with specific links to the anticipated Core Strategy policy on green infrastructure and the green infrastructure strategy. A suitable form of text would be:

“In order to prevent adverse effects upon sensitive European sites in the New Forest and on the coast, the City Council will work with other local authorities (including the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire) to develop and implement a strategic approach to protecting European sites from recreational pressure. This will include a suite of mitigation measures, with adequate provision of alternative recreational space and support via developer contributions for access management measures within and around the European sites.

“It is recognised that the provision of alternative natural greenspace, to relieve recreational pressure

UE Associates Ltd © 2010 B-7777 Final Green Infrastructure Strategy - Appendix B June 2010 PUSH_GI_Strategy_Appendices_Adopted_June_10 upon sensitive European sites surrounding the district will need to be provided in order to ensure that the levels of growth proposed within the AAP do not result in adverse effects upon European site interest features. This provision of alternative natural greenspaces will need to be over and above that provided for public open space in accordance with national policy. This will include the development and implementation of green infrastructure strategies in order to improve local access to informal open spaces, the countryside and the coast in less sensitive areas which are easily accessible to the present and future populations living in major conurbations in Somerstown and North Southsea, Portsmouth and south Hampshire, and the provision of new alternative natural greenspaces for people to enjoy a similar experience to that found at the European sites. This could include the provision of improvements to Southsea Common to increase its attractiveness to local visitors.”

On site, shorebased

Wardening - Wardens can provide face to face contact and can directly intervene when they observe particular activities (such as dogs off the lead on mudflats). They can have an educational role, showing people wildlife etc.

Onsite education - Ensuring visitors are aware of the conservation importance of sites should help encourage responsible access.

Landscape design and careful design of routes - Planting, screening, careful routing, provision of access infrastructure (boardwalks, marked paths, steps etc) can all influence visitor flows within sites and the potential of people to cause disturbance. Subtly directing people along the inside of borrowdykes or below seawalls can mean they are invisible to birds on the mudflats.

Architectural Design - Much can be done with architecture near to the mudflats to reduce potential impacts, including considerations of layout and massing, arrangement of glazing and balconies and lighting design.

Control of parking - Limiting car park spaces or closing car parks in particular locations is likely to be contentious, but is likely to be effective in reducing visitor numbers.

Modification of parking charges - Changing parking charges to reflect a higher cost during particular times of year or times of day may encourage people to choose alternative locations.

Bylaws - Bans on dogs, the requirement for dogs to be on leads or fines for dog fouling may encourage dog walkers not to use particular areas.

Control of Strategic Events - Particularly disturbing events such as firework displays or concerts near the foreshore can be subject to more stringent planning control.

On site waterbased

Careful provision of facilities - Provision of public slipways, trailer & vehicle access to shore etc. in predetermined locations where boat access is likely to be away from bird interest.

Proactive work with clubs and groups – Selfpolicing is ideal as it is low cost and self regulating – example would be waterskiing club revoking membership for anyone caught speeding.

Education - Information on access points, speed limits, zoning etc easily accessible to all, through leaflets, web etc. Reasons for zoning etc should be carefully explained.

Zoning - Designated areas for particular activities.

Permits / vessel registration - System of permits or similar to limit numbers and maintain records. Should enable a mailing list of particular users to be maintained.

Policing - Policing of watercraft zoning, speed limits etc, with fines or other penalties for infringement.

Bylaws - Bylaws to control particular activities and set speed limits.

Monitoring and Scientific Study - Strictly speaking monitoring and scientific study is not direct mitigation. However, in recent years developers have secured agreements to undertake detailed monitoring of waterfowl from the SPAs/Ramsar sites to increase our knowledge base to inform future management and land allocations and this has been a practical alternative to other mitigation proposals in cases where the science was simply insufficient for the mitigation to be designed with any confidence in effectiveness or value for money and grounds for refusing development were thin (e.g. inland sites used by Brent Geese remote from the intertidal zone of the Solent).

Water Resources and Abstraction

Proposed policy SNS12 requires new development in the Somerstown and North Southsea area to meet certain Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM building standards, to help secure reductions in per capita water consumption alongside Portsmouth Water’s metering policy. Reference is also made to sustainable drainage systems in the supporting text.

Further to this, it is recommended that Portsmouth City Council continue to work closely with Portsmouth Water in facilitating the water resource developments identified in the latter’s final WRMP.

Policy recommendations from the IWMS (Atkins, 2009)

Planning applications for water management infrastructure will be permitted on sites within and outside exiting builtup areas, provided:

the infrastructure is either required to meet an existing need or a need that is reasonably expected to arise during the Plan period; and

the infrastructure is located and designed so as to minimise its impact on the environment, having regard to the locational and operational requirements of the infrastructure proposed. Where infrastructure is proposed outside existing builtup areas, the Applicant should demonstrate that a sequential approach has been adopted to the identification of the site, having regard to the locational requirements of the infrastructure proposed, considering:

firstly, available sites within the builtup area;

secondly, available previously developed sites outside builtup areas; and

finally, undeveloped sites outside builtup areas. The term water management infrastructure is defined as the provision of water supply and wastewater treatment infrastructure, and infrastructure designed to mitigate the risk of surface water, fluvial, tidal or groundwater flooding.

Planning permission will be granted for developments provided that:

sufficient water supply, surface water drainage, foul drainage and sewage treatment capacity already exist; or

UE Associates Ltd © 2010 B-9999 Final Green Infrastructure Strategy - Appendix B June 2010 PUSH_GI_Strategy_Appendices_Adopted_June_10 to demonstrate that there is adequate capacity both on and off site to service the development, through the submission of appropriate information in support of their planning application. In some circumstances this may make it necessary for developers to arrange for appropriate studies to ascertain whether the proposed development will lead to the overloading of existing infrastructure.

When there is a capacity problem and improvements in offsite infrastructure are not programmed, developers will be expected to requisition or otherwise fund infrastructure improvements. Planning conditions and section 106 agreements may be necessary to accommodate this process. These will include phasing arrangements if appropriate.

Waste Water Pollution

Policy recommendations from the IWMS (Atkins, 2009)

The Council will require development proposals to demonstrate avoidance, reduction and management of unacceptable harm to natural watercourses, groundwater and the risk of flooding arising from systems to manage surface water from the proposed development. Information on these measures must be submitted with an application and include detailed proposals for the long term maintenance of proposed surface water management systems.

The Council will require that for applications on previously developed sites, all developments over 500m2 and residential developments proposing either 10 dwellings or more or having an area of 0.5 hectares or more, should demonstrate through calculations that the rate of runoff of surface water from the site is less than the conditions before development.

The Council will require that for applications on greenfield sites, all developments over 500m2 and residential developments proposing either 10 dwellings or more or having an area of 0.5 hectares or more should demonstrate through calculations that the rate of runoff of surface water from the site will be equal to or less than the original conditions before development.

Calculations should take account of the unavoidable climate change anticipated in the locality over the lifetime of the development. Best practice design of SUDS will follow a hierarchy from control at source and infiltration, to a range of management features including; Permeable surfaces; Filter drains/strips; Basins, ponds and wetlands; Soakaways; Infiltration trenches; Rainwater reuse; and Green Roofs.

Further guidance on sustainable drainage systems will be included in an SPD.

Planning applications for water management infrastructure will be permitted on sites within and outside exiting builtup areas, provided:

the infrastructure is either required to meet an existing need or a need that is reasonably expected to arise during the Plan period; and

firstly, available sites within the builtup area;

secondly, available previously developed sites outside builtup areas; and

finally, undeveloped sites outside builtup areas.

The term water management infrastructure is defined as the provision of water supply and wastewater treatment infrastructure, and infrastructure designed to mitigate the risk of surface water, fluvial, tidal or groundwater flooding.

Planning permission will be granted for developments provided that:

sufficient water supply, surface water drainage, foul drainage and sewage treatment capacity already exist; or

additional capacity will be provided in time to serve any individual phase of the development without unacceptably reducing the level of service to existing users, or causing harm to the environment. The Council will seek to ensure that there is adequate water supply, surface water drainage, foul drainage and sewage treatment capacity to serve all new developments. Developers will be expected to demonstrate that there is adequate capacity both on and off site to service the development, through the submission of appropriate information in support of their planning application. In some circumstances this may make it necessary for developers to arrange for appropriate studies to ascertain whether the proposed development will lead to the overloading of existing infrastructure.

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Appendix C: Review of relevant programmes

Final Green Infrastructure Strategy - Appendix C June 2010 PUSH_GI_Strategy_Appendices_Adopted_June_10

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Appendix C: Review of relevant programmes

Plan / programme / Actions / targets strategy

Theme I: Sustainable economic development

Economic Development Theme 4: Sites and Premises addresses quality and quantity of Strategy - Partnership for employment land in the right locations. Urban South Hampshire The strategy recognises the importance of ensuring sufficient quality (PUSH) and quantity of employment land in the right locations to facilitate and enable the growth of the South Hampshire economy.

There are no specific outcomes or targets that relate directly to the attractiveness of workplaces, or facilitating tourism opportunities.

The Strategy for Tourism The regional strategy for tourism in the South East – Tourism in the South East ExSEllence – is a strategic overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the South East. (Tourism ExSEllence) Targets and performance indicators to monitor progress on the (2004) strategy are yet to be established, but in the interim, an overall target has been set of increasing South East’s market share of overseas and domestic tourism spend by 5% over the next decade. This would mean the Region would capture 13% of domestic spend, 15% of overseas spend and 25% of day visitor spend in England.

The strategy (pg. 16) sets priority areas with key actions to help deliver 3 key objectives (see below):

Key Objective I - Promoting a ‘must visit’ region

Key Objective II - Providing an unrivalled experience for the visitor

Key Objective III - Establishing effective management and organisation

Theme II: Biodiversity conservation and enhancement

Hampshire Biodiversity The plan describes Hampshire's biodiversity, and identifies habitats and Action Plan species of priority concern, presents a strategy for information, data and raising awareness of biodiversity. The plan also contains detailed Volume 1 (Published in Habitat, Species and Topic Action Plans (working document with plans September 1998). to be added as become available), with targets, objectives and related Volume 2 actions for 14 individual priority habitats and 493 species of priority concern, and specific topics such as ‘water and biodiversity’ and (Published July 2000). ‘education and awareness’ and ‘urban areas’, that have a considerable Updated 2005 - ongoing influence on biodiversity conservation.

The plan contains detailed Habitat, Species and Topic Action Plans (working document with plans to be added as become available). It includes detailed action plans for individual habitats and species of priority concern, and specific topics such as ‘water management’ and

Plan / programme / Actions / targets strategy

‘education and awareness’ that have a considerable influence on biodiversity conservation.

South East Biodiversity The strategy includes: Strategy (2009) Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) map identifies the regional priority areas of opportunity for restoration and creation of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats. Hampshire has set out its BOAs and these appear in the Strategy. 16 BOAs have been identified in the PUSH sub region.

SMART targets for UK BAP habitats (that refer to maintaining extent, achieving condition, restoration and expansion/creation). Once identified, targets for species will be set following national Species Action Plan objectives, and accountability assigned to relevant bodies.

Brent Goose Strategy The principal aim of the strategy is to ensure that sufficient feeding (2002, updated 2009) resources continue to be available to ensure the survival of the Brent Goose population ( the strategy identifies all current and potential

feeding sites outside he intertidal habitats of the harbours of South East Hampshire). The underlying principle is to protect at least the existing level of grazing resource, ensuring no net loss. To achieve this, the strategy aims to reduce pressures by promoting an integrated approach to land use and management, together with a programme of raising awareness and understanding. The strategy also identifies the most important sites for wintering Brent Geese and outlines a number of policies and proposals to minimise human impact on such sites. The Strategy is used to help determine planning applications.

Theme III: Sense of place and cultural heritage

Hampshire County Council Replaces the Hampshire Landscape Strategy, providing a baseline Landscape and description and characterisation of the County, including 23 of the Townscape Character larger settlements and the waters of the Solent and Southampton Assessment Water. Evaluation of the key qualities of each character area and the forces for change impacting on them provides the springboard for the development of indicators of landscape change. Townscape character assessment provides a framework for town access planning and forms part of the evidence base for the County Councils new highways policy, the Companion Document to the Manual for Streets.

District Level Landscape New Forest - A comprehensive assessment of the landscape of the Character Assessments district was undertaken and adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in 2000 (the New Forest District Landscape Character Assessment). Twenty-seven different landscape character areas are described and mapped. For each area, key characteristics, formative influences, key environmental features and principles for landscape

Plan / programme / Actions / targets strategy

management are set out.

Test Valley - In February 2003, Hampshire County Council, in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council and the Countryside Agency, commissioned a comprehensive integrated landscape character assessment of Test Valley Borough, known as the Test Valley Community Landscape Project.

Fareham - Fareham Borough has a Landscape Assessment' that was adopted in May 1996.

Havant – Published in 2007, it is the most recent of the District assessments and includes a detailed townscape assessment.

East Hampshire – Produced in 2006, the East Hampshire character assessment is closely aligned to the South Downs assessment.

Theme IV: Recreation

Countryside Access Plans The three Countryside Access Plans explore the specific issues affecting (CAPs): New Forest & the enjoyment of the countryside in a particular part of the county and South-West Hampshire, propose broadly defined actions to address them. (many of the actions Forest of Bere, & The relate to enhancing and improving the existing network). Solent

Theme V: Coastal and freshwater resources

Shoreline Management SMPs aim to determine sustainable policies for management of the Plans shoreline and to set a framework for the future management of erosion and flood risks along the coastline. An SMP considers the objectives,

policies and management requirements for 3 epochs; (a) present day (0-20 years); (b) medium-term (20-50 years); and (c) long-term (50-100 years).

The Objectives of an SMP are:

• To define the flooding and erosion risks to people, and the developed, historic and natural environments

• To identify the preferred policies for managing those risks

• To identify consequences of implementing the preferred policies

• To set out procedures for monitoring the effectiveness of the policies

• To inform others so future land use and coastal zone development can take account of the risks, the time frame of risks and the policies

• To comply with environmental legislation and social obligations

Plan / programme / Actions / targets strategy

There are currently two SMP’s covering Hampshire which set policies to which all actual works must conform, so unless works co-incide with those stated in the SMP or CDS they may not get funding or consent. The second round of Shoreline Management Plans commenced in 2006. In Hampshire the two existing plans will be replaced by the North Solent Shoreline Management Plan.

The North Solent Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is the first revision to the Western Solent and Southampton Water SMP and the East Solent and Harbours SMP. The coastline covered by the Plan extends between Selsey Bill, in the east, and Hurst Spit, in the west, and includes Portsmouth, Langstone and Chichester Harbours. The North Solent SMP will therefore need to take account of natural coastal processes, existing defences, and the natural and built environments and be compatible with adjacent coastal areas. The final SMP will be published in April 2010.

The Environment Agency’s Regional Habitat Creation Programme is another relevant project which aims to provide a strategic and proactive approach for the provision and delivery of compensatory habitats.

River Basin Management The South East River Basin District Management Plan describes the Plan main issues for the South East River Basin District and sets out objectives and actions to ensure no deterioration in status across the water environment, bring protected areas up to the right standards, and make sure that action in urban water environments helps make cities, towns and villages better places. Annex G to the Main document provides a summary of the significant pressures and the risks resulting from human’s activities on the status of surface water and groundwater.

A public consultation was held on the draft River Basin Management Plans between 22 December 2008 - 22 June 2009. The final plan will be published on 22 December 2009. Weblink: http://wfdconsultation.environment- agency.gov.uk/wfdcms/en/southeast/Intro.aspx

CAMS Catchment abstraction management strategies (CAMS) are six-year plans which record how the Environment Agency (EA) is going to manage water resources. Of the 12 CAMS in the EA southern region three lie within the PUSH sub region:

East Hampshire (2003, updated 2008):

This Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) covers an area of 571 km2 in East Hampshire. It is largely rural to the north with the major urban areas of Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth located on the flat coastal plain to the south. Chalk represents the most

Plan / programme / Actions / targets strategy

important water bearing rock (aquifer) in the country and underlies the northern half of the CAMS area and also Portsdown Hill further to the south. This aquifer supports important public water supply abstractions notably at Havant and also feeds the River Meon, flowing through a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Other important rivers in the area include the Hamble and Wallington. These streams flow over clays and tend to be more responsive to rainfall, consequently suffering from low summer flows. Abstraction from these rivers in the summer can be a problem. Much of the coastline within this CAMS area is designated under the European Habitats Directive for its conservation value. Some of the important issues to be addressed by the East Hampshire CAMS include:

• Surface Water abstractions are contributing to low river flows

• Over licensing of water resources

• Impact of abstraction from the Upper Greensand aquifer is not fully understood

• Urban development will increase pressure on water resources

New Forest (2007, updated 2008):

New Forest CAMS incorporates the catchments of the Avon Water, the River Lymington, the River Beaulieu and the Bartley Water together with the other small streams draining south to the Solent. There are no major aquifers in the New Forest. The rivers react quickly to rainfall and flows in the summer are often naturally low. The New Forest is regarded as a unique habitat supporting a rich diversity of mammal, bird, fish, invertebrate and plant communities and has recently become a National Park. The northern part of the New Forest is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds. Many of the New Forest streams drain south into the Solent which includes Southampton Water SPA and Solent Maritime SAC. Abstraction is principally from minor sand aquifers or from surface waters. There is a small public water supply abstraction at Ampress Works in the Lymington catchment. Agriculture and horticulture are important industries and utilise water for spray and trickle irrigation.

The petrochemical complex and power station at Fawley is an important local employer and depends on a reliable water supply. The New Forest is a popular tourist destination with the population dramatically increasing in summer months. A balance needs to be maintained between the requirements of the environment and that of people.

Plan / programme / Actions / targets strategy

Test & Itchen (2006, updated 2008):

The Test and Itchen CAMS incorporates the catchments of the River Test and the River Itchen and their tributaries, together with the Chalk aquifers that feed them. The rivers are regarded as two of the finest Chalk streams in the world with their crystal clear waters supporting a rich diversity of mammal, bird, fish, invertebrate and plant communities. Both are classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) throughout their courses, with the Itchen additionally designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). These catchments also supply most of the Hampshire public with water. The high quality of water in these rivers sometimes leads to conflicting demands on available resources. Both rivers are internationally famous as the home of fly-fishing and are privately managed for trout and salmon fishing along their entire lengths. The catchments also support thriving watercress, fish farming and mineral water bottling industries, all of which are highly dependent on reliable and abundant water supplies. Arable farming in the area also utilises water for the irrigation of crops.

There are major public water supply abstractions at Testwood in the Test catchment and Otterbourne and Gaters Mill in the Itchen catchment. The Testwood abstraction exports to the Isle of Wight a significant proportion of the Island's public water requirements. A balance needs to be maintained between the requirements of the environment and that of people.

Theme VI: Climate change adaptation and mitigation

District-wide climate Portsmouth Climate Change Strategy - The strategy sets out an action change strategies. plan in appendices (reviewed on an annual basis) under 4 main priorities. Priority 2 ‘Adapt to climate change’ recognises that, amongst other factors, a lack of green space leaves the city prone to flooding during intense storms. There are also a number of other National Indicators that PCC will need to report to the Audit Commission e.g. NI175 Access to services and facilities by public transport, walking and cycling’.

Southampton’s Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy – This sets out the actions the council intends to deliver to adapt to and mitigate against climate change.

Eastleigh Climate Change Strategy – This strategy contains nine objectives (leadership, carbon neutral Eastleigh, energy, transport, waste, waster, biodiversity, risk management, and Encouraging positive action through Education and Awareness) and an associated action plan in its appendices(to be updated annually).

Gosport will be producing an Action Plan setting out how they intend

Plan / programme / Actions / targets strategy

to implement the Commitments in their Climate Change strategy.

Theme VII: Food and fuel production

Forestry Commission GI This guidance sets out Forest Enterprises delivery of Green guidance for PUSH Infrastructure within the PUSH sub region, seeking to define sustainable green infrastructure in terms of trees, woodlands and forests. It aims to provide a clear understanding of the opportunities of forestry. The guidance sits under the Quality if Life Objective QL1 ‘Attractive and inspiring places’, in particular activity 4 ‘develop the role of the Forestry Commissions estate and other agencies as exemplars if innovation and good practice in wooded Green Infrastructure provision’.

Theme VIII: Well-being and health

The South East Strategy The strategy highlights the various health benefits of green space and, Health Strategy (2008) in doing so, under the aim of ‘safer communities’, sets out an objective to ‘increase, safe, sustainable and green spaces’, with a number of related actions and indicators.

Multiple Themes

Hampshire Sustainable The strategy recognises that the scale of planned housing growth will Communities Strategy place burdens on infrastructure, including utilities, other public services (2008) and water resources; and on the environment, including green space, biodiversity and consumption of natural resources.

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Appendix D: Supporting Evidence for the GI Framework

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Figure D.1: Accessible Natural Greenspace (ANGSt) analysis (2ha )

Figure D.2: Accessible Natural Greenspace (ANGSt) analysis (100ha)

Figure D.3: Accessible Natural Greenspace (ANGSt) analysis (500ha)

Figure D.4: Biodiversity Opportunity Areas in the South Hampshire sub-region

Figure D.5: Landscape Character Areas in the South Hampshire sub-region

Figure D.6: Country Parks, National Parks and Recreational Routes.

Figure D.7: Potential river restoration locations in the sub-region

Figure D.8: River water quality

Figure D.9: Flood risk areas

Figure D.10: Forestry Commission woods

Appendix E: Proposed Projects

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Appendix E: Proposed Projects

This Appendix sets out further information in relation to the proposed projects. The projects are often reflected in some of the sub-regional initiatives; their links are presented in Table E.1. If the projects are achieved, they will help fulfil the strategic sub-regional initiatives.

Table E.1 Relationship between Proposed Projects and Sub-Regional Initiatives

Figure E.1: Broad locations of each project in Area 1, the Coastal Zone.

AREA 1: The Coastal Zone

C1 Hythe Managed Retreat

Description Saltmarsh and mudflats north of Dibden village are within New Forest Coast Biodiversity Opportunity Area and currently have limited access. This project could seek to use this site for managed retreat in order to meet the habitat creation aspirations of the BOA and potential Habitats Regulations Assessment mitigation. Justification Supports Theme II Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

Scale Local Form Area 1 Objectives 3, 4

Local Authorities New Forest District Council

C2 Marine Bill Coastal Access Initiative

Description The Marine and Coastal Access Bill proposes continuous linear access around the coast. This will affect land around the coastal part of the sub-region. Before access routes can be confirmed, route proposals will be subject to Habitats Regulations Assessment. Coastal Access in the sub-region will coincide with various European sites of nature conservation interest hence this project will take some time to be completed once the feasibility work begins. Justification Supports Theme IV Marine Bill Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

Scale City/town Form Area 1 Objectives 2, 7, 15

Local Authorities All coastal districts

C3 Royal Victoria Country Park

Description Royal Victoria Country Park on the seafront is not associated with nature conservation or species sensitivity. This project should seek to enhance recreational enjoyment. This site should play an important role in providing enhanced recreational capacity to ensure that nature conservation and recreational considerations are managed in an integrated manner. Justification Supports Themes II, IV Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

Scale City/town Form Area 1 Objectives 3, 4, 8

Local Authorities Eastleigh Borough Council

C4 Hook Lake, Hamble Estuary

Description Hook Lake on Southampton Water comprises grazing marsh and reedbed and is a popular recreational resource. This project should seek to create an intertidal compensation habitat as part of the Solent Dynamic Coast Project and Regional Habitat Creation Programme, offsetting losses as a result of the North Solent Shoreline Management Plan policies. Justification Supports Theme II Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

Scale Local Form Area 1 Objectives 3, 4

Local Authorities Fareham Borough Council

C5 Chilling Farmland

Description Open level farmland owned by HCC Countryside Service but presently tenanted with no open access. PROW cross the area and there is existing access to woodland areas and Titchfield Common. This area is within The Solent Biodiversity Opportunity Area. The project should seek to enhance access, biodiversity and rural landscape character through countryside stewardship schemes. If open access were to be introduced, leading to >500 ha, this site would enhance ANGSt levels across the sub-region. Justification Supports Themes II, VII ANGSt Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

Scale Local Form Area 1 Objectives 3, 4, 14

Local Authorities Fareham Borough Council

C6 Lower Meon Valley

Description From Titchfield upstream to Wickham, the River Meon is a narrow valley floor with a parallel footpath/cycleway. It is not obvious in the wider landscape but is important due to the historic nature of Titchfield (a Saxon village) and Wickham and its linkage from the seafront through to the Forest of Bere. It is an important recreational resource for Fareham and Gosport, but access is

limited for continued careful management of wildlife. Several important BAP habitats occur here (floodplain grazing marsh, lowland mixed deciduous woodland, eutrophic standing water habitats, fens and reedbeds). It is also within the Meon Valley Biodiversity Opportunity Area. The project should seek to conserve and enhance this area to ensure continued contribution to sense of place, climate change adaptation, providing open space close to urban areas for recreation, (carefully managed) tourism as well as connecting coastal areas with countryside inland. Justification Supports Themes II, IV Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

Scale Local Form Area 1 Objectives 3, 4, 7

Local Authorities Fareham Borough Council

C7 Alver Valley Country Park

Description Groundwork Solent and Gosport Borough Council have worked with local people to create a masterplan for this area, creating a woodland park in the urban fringe. Improvements to footpaths adjacent to the River Alver, and the addition of allotments, will enhance the GI multifunctionality of the area. It is therefore ideal to become a country park. The Alver Valley, Gilkicker Point and Lee on the Solent are all identified as Biodiversity Opportunity Areas, with huge potential for the creation of vegetated shingle, fen and reed bed, heathland and saline lagoons. Restoration of coastal processes at the Alver Valley outfall could also be investigated to create estuary and shingle spit features. The Country Park project should seek to create habitat corridors which connect these sites and which strengthen the wildlife network in the area. There may also be opportunities to enhance wildlife corridors to the north of the Country Park (within the strategic gap between Fareham/Gosport and Lee/Stubbington) and to the east through Rowner Copse. Justification Supports Theme II, IV and VIII Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

3, 4, 6, 8, 10, Scale Local Form Area 1 Objectives 15 &16

Local Authorities Gosport Borough Council

C8 Gosport Ranges

Description Bedenham and Frater MOD sites are significant ecological sites. They contain habitats such as coastal wetland, mudflats, floodplain grazing marsh and ancient deciduous woodland. The site currently has limited public access, to the benefit of the environment. This project should seek to enhance biodiversity and limit recreational provision here as there is potential conflict between the two. Programmes or Stewardship Schemes to advise on the improved management and enhancement of pasture, scrub hedgerows, eutrophic waters and woodlands could be put in place. There may be scope to extend biodiversity and public recreational opportunities at the existing open space north of the Vector Aerospace (Fleetlands) site, should the area become available. Justification Supports Theme II Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

Scale Local Form Area 1 Objectives 3, 4

Local Authorities Gosport Borough Council

C9 Wallington Estuary, Portchester

Description The internationally important mudflats, vital for birds including Brent Geese, are of high biodiversity and habitat value at this site. It is located within an urbanised setting distinctive for its maritime activity and historic waterfront development. Limited stretches of the shoreline are accessible but there is no access for much of it. Grassy areas around Portchester Castle provide a subsidiary habitat for birds in the harbour. The project should seek to conserve and enhance the biodiversity value of this area retaining its character and the contribution it makes to the setting and sense of place of adjacent urban areas. Further access and recreational use of this shoreline should be discouraged and existing access carefully managed in the overwintering period. Justification Supports Themes II, V Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

Scale City/town Form Area 1 Objectives 3, 4, 10

Local Authorities Fareham Borough Council

C10 Portsmouth Seafront

Description Southsea Common is a core elements of Portmouth’s green infrastructure, forming a significant greenspace which is used principally for recreation but also by Brent geese. It is unique in respect of size. Southsea Common requires GI improvements to enhance the greenspace for recreational users and wildlife. This may help divert recreational pressure away from European sites. The seafront has great potential to become used more widely and attract a greater number of visitors. The project should enhance the common and reinforce links with local seafront features including the various scheduled ancient monuments and listed buildings, the historic dockyard, the Gunwharf, Spinnaker Tower and western waterfront. Towards the east of the seafront, Eastney Beach provides a more natural landscape. Comprising bare shingle, shingle vegetation and coastal grassland, there is an excellent diversity of coastal flora to experience. The city council intends to create a new route to make it possible to walk around the coast from Southsea Marina to Eastney Swimming pool. The design of such a route would ensure that the amount of people visiting the beach could increase without damaging the delicate coastal vegetatation. The project should seek to enhance seafront greenspaces through landscaping which responds to coastal character, increasing access routes and the provision of a range of differing high quality facilities in order to create valued and attractive recreational spaces which address the deficiency of open space within the urban fabric of Portsmouth. Care should be taken to avoid conflict with management of land for Brent geese. Opportunities should be sought to engage residents through provision of interpretation and pro-active work with clubs, schools and groups in order to address open space deficit and improve heath and well being. Justification Supports Themes II, IV, VIII Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation ANGSt

Scale City/town Form Area 1 Objectives 2, 4, 5, 8, 16

Local Authorities Portsmouth City Council

C11 Project Deleted

C12 Hayling Island, Habitat Creation

Description West Northney: This site on Hayling Island in Langstone Harbour has the potential to provide new intertidal habitat as coastal squeeze mitigation, if required. Note that West Northney has been identified by the Solent Dynamic Coast Project as a bird roosting site so any loss of roosting habitat may need to be recreated at a different site as part of HRA mitigation. North Common: This site on Hayling Island has the potential to provide intertidal habitat as coastal squeeze mitigation, if required. Note that North Common has been identified as a bird roosting site (the site is used by Brent Geese) so any loss of roosting habitat may need to be recreated at a different site as part of HRA mitigation. Northney Farm: This site on Hayling Island in Chichester Harbour has the potential to provide intertidal habitat creation as coastal squeeze mitigation, if required. Note that Northney Farm has been identified as a Brent Geese grazing site so any impact on Brent geese will be considered as part of the HRA process. There may be opportunities to create grazing marsh as well at this site. Justification Supports Theme II Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

Scale City/town Form Area 1 Objectives 3, 4

Local Authorities Havant Borough Council

Figure E.2: Broad locations of each project in Area 2, the Forest of Bere.

AREA 2: The Forest of Bere

F1 Connecting and enhancing woodlands

Description Enhance linkages between woodlands in the Area, encourage active woodland management and create new woodlands. Increase carrying capacity of the woodlands via on-site provision, increased area and improve transport connections including possible cycle hire. This will require revenue and capital support to increase carrying capacity. Active management should promote fibre and wood-fuel production as well as recreation and biodiversity. New woodlands of greater than 10 hectares should link to existing woodlands, to promote recreation and habitats networks. Woodland links to the Strategic Development Areas and Major Development Area in the Area could be developed. In particular, linkages should be enhanced between the following FE owned and managed woodlands: West Walk - an accessible woodland in the South Downs NP which could act as a central greenspace hub for the Forest of Bere. West Walk has provision for cyclists and equestrians, natural play, BBQ facilities, toilet facilities and ‘Walking to Heath’ programmes. These qualities should be enhanced and extended throughout rural Winchester. Creech Woods (Denmead) - a productive woodland with opportunities for amenity (walking, cycling, play etc.), carbon sequestration, productive management, species management etc. The link from West Walk to Creech Woods is important and could act a multi-functional GI route. An enhanced link should also be made for walking, cycling and horseriding from West of Waterlooville to Creech Woods. Stoke Park Woodland (Bishopstoke) - an urban woodland with good public access, which has some local deprivation, as do other adjacent areas. Woodland has existing recreation facilities including BMX trail facilities. In the future will contain natural play and health and well being facilities. Whitely Pastures - an ancient woodland site and SSSI, lying adjacent to Whiteley Village and Business Park. Park Hills Wood and Greenwood do not fall within any Biodiversity Opportunity Areas but offer opportunities for increased woodland access. The project should seek to develop well-networked recreational routes to these woodlands and encourage healthy living activities. Careful management of the woodlands will be important. This project should also be linked to other woodland areas outside of the Forest of Bere Area, such as Botley Wood, Queen Elizabeth CP and Havant Thicket/Queens Inclosure, and the South Downs NP. This will enable improved walking, wildlife, cultural and landscape orientated tourism, and possibly market the sub-region as an alternative visitor destination to the national parks. Justification Supports Themes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII & VIII

ANGSt Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation GI to meet growth requirements

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Scale City/town Form Area 2 Objectives 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Local Authorities Winchester, Eastleigh, Fareham, Portsmouth, East Hampshire, Havant

F2 Enhancing Catherington Down SSSI

Description Catherington Down is a County Council owned LNR on the edge of sub- urban East Hampshire. It currently provides a very valuable GI resource and is heavily used by the local public for dog walking. There could be opportunities to manage access around the SSSI in combination with habitat creation/restoration to provide an enhanced GI resource. Justification Supports Theme II, VIII ANGSt PPG17 recommendation Biodiversity Opportunity Area

3, 5, 6, 8, 9, Scale Local Form Area 2 Objectives 15

Local Authorities East Hampshire District Council

F3 Creating and enhancing links around Portsdown Hill

Description Portsdown Hill hosts a significant number of historic forts and offers recreational users outstanding views across Portsmouth, the Forest of Bere, and Portsmouth, Langstone and Chichester Harbours. This project should seek to create an historical Themed route around Portchester and linking Fort Nelson, Fort Southwick and Nelson’s Monument on Portsdown Hill. Care should be taken to conserve the mature landscape character and historical integrity of these sites and to improve the links between the northern edge of downland and the coastal fringe in order to improve connectivity, enjoyment and health and well being, and raise awareness of the heritage value of the forts. This project should promote and improve existing foot/cycle links from Portsdown Hill to the North of Fareham SDA, the Meon Valley, Portsea Island, and Havant. Disturbance affects on wildlife will need to be carefully managed. There could be opportunities to increase the extent of calcareous grassland

along the M27 corridor to the west of Portsdown Hill. Some junctions/roundabouts already support a diverse and rich chalk grassland flora. This could include management of the M27 cuttings and the creation of new areas of calcareous grassland from existing areas of permanent pasture. This could be linked with additional public open space. Justification Supports Themes II, IV, VIII ANGSt Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation PPG17 recommendation Health maps for Natural England Biodiversity Opportunity Area GI to meet growth requirements

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Scale City/town Form Area 2 Objectives 6, 8, 11, 15, 16

Local Authorities Portsmouth, Winchester, Havant, Fareham

F4 River Meon and River Hamble Corridors

Description The River Meon and River Hamble act as corridors into and out of the PUSH sub-region, crossing urban South Hampshire, the Forest of Bere and the South Downs NP. The corridors falls within the ‘Forest of Bere’ Biodiversity Opportunity Area and comprises of water meadows, farmland and woodland. The project should seek to conserve and enhance these corridors as semi-natural refuges through the creation of wooded stepping stones (such as the planting of trees on arable field edges and within hedgerows) in order to connect existing woodland habitats, enhance biodiversity and reinforce local landscape character. Access to the river Meon should be sustainably managed, in particular in relation to North of Fareham SDA. There is scope for the disused railway along to River Meon to be enhanced as a multifunctional GI corridor asset for people and wildlife. There will also be opportunities to link GI associated with the N/NE Hedge End SDA with the river corridors. Justification Supports Themes II, IV, V Biodiversity Opportunity Area GI to meet growth requirements

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Scale City/town Form Area 2 Objectives 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16

Local Authorities Winchester, Fareham, Eastleigh

F5 Improving recreational spaces in settlements

Description Settlements of Colden Common, Newtown, Bishops Waltham, Waltham Chase, Wickham, Denmead and Southwick all have scope for better quality and increased variety of children’s play areas and sports pitches. This project should seek to enhance existing provision and develop new recreation spaces in order to improve quality of recreation experience and address deficits. Particular actions should include: Creation of new recreation ground at Newtown Creation of new teenage play areas and sports grounds in northern housing areas of Bishops Waltham on land reserved for recreational use in the Local Plan Review Upgrading of main recreation ground in Colden Common to ‘Neighbourhood Equipped Areas for Play’ from ‘Local Equipped Areas for Play’. Creation of new play facility in north western part of Wickham and new facilities for teenagers at the Mill Lane play area Denmead is separated from Waterlooville by an area of countryside which has been designated as Local Gap and offers breathing places for residents/workers. This project should seek to retain this gap and its sense of openness and to utilise it for recreational use (including additional children’s play facilities and sports pitches where there is no adverse effect on landscape character) in order to address the open space deficit in this settlement, enhance recreation and improve heath and well being. There is potential for the two Community Schools and the secondary Specialist Technology College at Swanmore to develop their sustainability and incorporate Local Roots projects. Justification Supports Themes IV, VIII GI to meet growth requirements PPG17 recommendation

3, 5, 6, 8, 9, Scale City/town Scale Area 2 Objectives 15

Local Authorities Winchester City Council

F6 Enhancing the River Wallington Corridor

Description The River Wallington corridor acts as a riverside greenway from Fareham to Winchester. This project should seek to enhance its biodiversity value and develop circular routes connecting historic sites and points of interest with local settlements and North of Fareham SDA. Existing recreational routes should better connected, in addition to improved provision of signage and small-scale public facilities, in order to promote heath and well-being,

improve recreation opportunities and reinforce sense of place. Justification Supports themes II, III ANGSt Biodiversity Opportunity Area GI to meet growth requirements

3, 5, 6, 8, 9, Scale City/town Scale Area 2 Objectives 15

Local Authorities Winchester City Council, Fareham Borough Council

F7 Manor Farm Country Park

Description Manor Farm is an established GI asset with potential to expand. This would help provide extra accessible green space for the nearby proposed SDA at Hedge End. Justification Supports Theme IV GI to meet growth requirements ANGSt Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

3, 5, 6, 8, 9, Scale City/town Scale Area 2 Objectives 15

Local Authorities Southampton City Council

F8 Horndean and Clanfield Green Gap

Description The aim of this project is to maintain and enhance the green gap between Horndean and Clanfield that comprises pasture fields with open urban fringe character. This project should seek to increase open access to this area and develop its use for allotments, informal open space and recreation in order to address the local shortfall in provision particularly in the southern part of Clanfield. This would encourage healthy living activities and retain the rural character of the area.

Justification Supports Themes II, IV, VIII GI to meet growth requirements

3, 8, 15, 16 Scale Local Form Area 4 Objectives

Local Authorities East Hampshire District Council

F9 NE Clanfield Greenway

Description Green Lane, Clanfield is a potential site for new housing. This project should seek to create a greenway through the proposed development within which new recreational space (aimed in particular at young people), and allotments can be provided to meet current shortfalls in provision of such GI. The Masterplan for this development should also include planning for green roofs, green walls, SUDS. Land to the north of the development should be safeguarded and maintained for biodiversity. Justification Supports Themes IV, V GI to meet growth requirements Health maps for Natural England

Scale Local Form Area 4 Objectives 4, 7, 8, 9, 13

Local Authorities East Hampshire District Council

F10 Havant Thicket Reservoir

Description Havant Thicket reservoir is a potentially valuable GI resource that sits astride the Havant/East Hampshire boundary. The site is currently a predominantly woodland area owned by The Forestry Commission, Hampshire CC and Portsmouth Water. The reservoir, which is planned for development within 10 years, provides an opportunity to create a suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANGS) in the north of the borough which will be a significant recreational attraction, and could ease pressure on sensitive coastal habitats. The site is an important recreational resource for Leigh Park and Waterlooville and has ‘Walking to Health’ programmes in partnership with HCC, FC, PCTs and Portsmouth CC. The reservoir will also help to relieve pressure on water resources in South; recharge of ground water through the implementation of SUDS and the incorporation of naturalistic wetlands in development are likely to enhance the local GI network. This could lead to an increase of approximately 65ha of multifunctional open access greenspace in the managed GI network. Justification Supports Themes I, II, III IV, V, VI, VII Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation

3, 8, 9, 13, Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 14,15

Local Authorities East Hampshire District Council, Havant Borough Council

Figure E.3: Broad locations of each project in Area 3, the Western Arc.

AREA 3: The Western Arc

W1 Forest Park

Description Existing woodlands located adjacent to residential areas of Southern Test Valley, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh and Southampton are currently managed by the Forestry Commission, although some of the woodlands are in private ownership. These woodlands provide a setting to the north west of Southampton and the Southampton University buildings and provide an important link between the urban core and wooded farmland north west of the M27. The woods are accessed via existing pedestrian and cycle routes, particularly from North Baddesley, Nursling and Rownhams and Southampton.

Test Valley’s Core Strategy (submitted 2009 but subsequently withdrawn) included a proposal for a Forest Park (policy SCSP12). This aimed to link up the woodlands of Lords Wood, Rownhams Wood, Hut Wood and Toot Hill, and associated open spaces and included the creation of new footpaths, mountain bike trails, signposting, information boards and car parks. The GI strategy supports such a proposal which could provide an additional and alternative local green space potentially reducing the need to utilise European designation sites for this purpose. This project should seek to:

Develop a wide range of connecting green routes which aim to reduce the need to travel to this area by car. Any new car parking should be carefully located and limited in size. Link, both physically and in terms of management, Testwood Lakes, Itchen Valley country park and Lakeside country park with the proposed Forest Park, as a cross boundary project. This could seek to seamlessly serve the recreational, leisure, tourism, health, sport and biodiversity needs of the two major urban areas of Southampton and Eastleigh, and enhancing the green gap between them. Enhance the cycleway network along the River Test, to the Testwood Lakes visitor centre and into Southampton, Test Valley and Forest Park, in order to provide attractive alternative areas of recreational space to the New Forest NP. This could include strengthening links from the Totton – Test Valley Way long distance footpath (formally known as the Test Way) and the Sustrans cycle route (National Route 24 Southampton to Bath, via Salisbury) to the Forest Park. Investigate the potential for more intensive recreational use on the fringe of the built-up area, particularly in areas with accessible links into Forest Park. Retain areas of lowland heath mosaic landscape character to the north of Southampton (in Lord’s Wood by Castle Hill and by Bracken Hall). Promote woodfuel production and link to local markets. There are also a number of large and robust woodlands west and north east of Romsey, and to the north lies Fishlake Meadows, closely

adjacent to, but outside of, the PUSH boundary. Linkages, for people and wildlife, should be promoted, both between those large landscape features with each other, and between them and people and wildlife areas within the PUSH boundary. Separately from the Forest Park, there is potential for habitat creation in the River Test valley between Romsey and the M27, comprising of improved grassland and water meadows. This project should seek to create around 300ha of freshwater habitat, and could hold specific opportunities for managed realignment. Justification Supports Themes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII ANGSt Health maps for Natural England Biodiversity Opportunity Area Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation GI to meet growth requirements

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, Scale City/town Form Area 3 Objectives 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Local Authorities Southampton, New Forest, Eastleigh and Test Valley

W2 Project deleted

W3 Project deleted

A strategy for watercourse enhancement and cycle/footpath W4 improvements in Totton

Description Network of narrow waterway corridors (many of which are culverted) which pass through the urban area but have limited access. Project should explore opportunities to enhance watercourse corridors through deculverting, creation of green corridors, and improvement/creation of footpaths and cycleways in order to enhance local identity, biodiversity, health and well- being and meet the GI deficit in these areas. Justification Supports Themes IV, V, VIII GI to meet growth requirements

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Scale City/town Form Area 3 Objectives 11, 12, 15, 16

Local Authorities New Forest District Council

W5 Safeguarding the setting of West Totton

Description Future urban development at west Totton on land which forms part of the landscape setting to Totton, is crossed by footpaths which connects to the town with the wider countryside and contains Hanger Farm which is a Conservation Area and centre of local community activity. Land around Hanger Farm should continue to provide for recreation and community uses and allow the wider countryside to penetrate the urban form. Care should be taken to protect the character of the conservation area through incorporation into a green corridor. Footpaths connecting the urban area with the wider countryside through the proposed development site should be safeguarded. Justification Supports Themes II, II, IV GI to meet growth requirements Biodiversity Opportunity Area 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, Scale Local Form Area 3 Objectives 11,12, 14, 15, 16

Local Authorities New Forest District Council

W6 GI wedge at Hounsdown

Description An area with potential for new development at Hounsdown, south of Totton comprising open farmland dissected by small streams. Project should seek to convert some areas of open farmland to recreational use along Jacob’s Gutter Lane, and create greenways along stream corridors through the proposed development in order to enhance biodiversity, provide new recreational routes and access to natural open space. Justification Supports Themes II, IV GI to meet growth requirements Biodiversity Opportunity Area

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Scale Local Form Area 3 Objectives 8, 11, 12, 14, 15,16

Local Authorities New Forest District Council

Linking accessible woodland / Knellers Lane as a corridor for W7 enhancement

Description Knellers Lane and adjacent woodland areas. Project should seek to plant appropriately located native woodland in order to ameliorate noise pollution and link existing woodland habitats (Biodiversity Opportunity Areas) along Knellers Lane (south-west of Totton) to the Barley riverside. Justification Supports Theme II GI to meet growth requirements Biodiversity Opportunity Area 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Scale Local Form Area 3 Objectives 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16

Local Authorities New Forest District Council

W8 Emer Bog SAC

Description Emer Bog is valued for its transition mires and quaking bogs and is part of the restoration proposals for the Biodiversity Opportunity Area (Ampfield- Baddesley-Chilworth-Lordswood). Emer Bog and associated North Baddesely Common should be the core of a more extensive habitat creation scheme to restore heathland/acid grassland around them and provide a sustainable extensive grazing unit. This action will help improve the ‘unfavourable recovering’ status of Baddesley Common SSSI. Justification Supports Theme II Biodiversity Opportunity Area

Scale Local Form Area 3 Objectives 3, 4, 6, 9

Local Authorities Test Valley Borough Council

W9 Enhancing watercourses in Marchwood

Description Watercourses in the built up area of Marchwood are culverted and the land adjacent to them would benefit from SUDS adaptations. This project should investigate opportunities to de-culvert where feasible and provide access routes in order to enhance biodiversity and connect the New Forest NP to the coastline. Justification Supports Theme II, V ANGSt

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Scale City/town Form Area 3 Objectives 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15,

Local Authorities New Forest District Council

Figure E.4: Broad locations of each project in Area 4, the Urban Realm and its Setting.

AREA 4: The Urban Realm

U1 Monks Brook

Description The Monks Brook is an important corridor linking Chandlers Ford and the River Itchen north of Southampton. The Brook is already subject to an Environment Agency restoration project. Its role as a multifunctional GI asset could be expanded to include local biodiversity and landscape enhancements. Increased access for different users could be achieved if a riverside greenway was introduced. Justification Supports Theme V Biodiversity Opportunity Area Health maps for Natural England GI to meet growth requirements

Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 1, 3, 7, 10

Local Authorities Eastleigh Borough Council

U2 Southampton & Eastleigh Strategic Green Gap

Description This area should seek to seamlessly serve the recreational, leisure, tourism, health, sport and biodiversity needs of the two major urban areas. A distinctive landscape mosaic of conifer and broadleaf woodlands, rivers, floodplains and farmland containing a network of paths that link Forestry Commission woodlands and Council Country Parks. As part of this project links should ensured between Lakeside Country Park and the proposed Forest Park at Lords Wood. These GI assets should be maintained and enhanced for the benefit of neighbouring communities and aim to maintain a green gap (and greenway) in between Southampton, South Hampshire Employment Zone by Southampton airport, and Eastleigh town. A sense of ‘openness’ should be retained, and biodiversity should be enhanced (in keeping with habitat restoration opportunities of the Itchen Valley BOA) through appropriate management. Justification Supports Themes IV, VIII Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation GI to meet growth requirements

Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 2, 3, 6, 7, 15

Local Authorities Eastleigh Borough Council

U3 Shorburs Greenway

Description This project is a greenway which is fork shaped, running from Weston Shore, on the coast, in a north-easterly direction up through residential areas. The corridor divides at the railway. The northern part of the greenway leads out to the Rose Bowl cricket ground and passes through Sholing Common. The northern arm of the greenway includes ‘Muddy Bottom’ allotments. Increased allotment space should be considered elsewhere at appropriate locations along the greenway. The southern part leads out to the motorway (M27) and passes through Weston Common. The corridor should seek to increase tree planting to augment the existing woodland areas. Streams at this location include Sholing Common stream and Tanner’s Brook. Another GI feature in the corridor is Miller’s Pond, which should become an integral feature of the greenway. Justification Supports Themes IV, V Health maps for Natural England

Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 3, 7, 9, 13

Local Authorities Southampton City Council

U4 Lorsdale Greenway

Description This greenway follows a circular route from Vinery Gardens allotments in the south, passing through Old Shirley, Coxford and Aldermoor, before following a northerly direction through allotments and up into Lordswood. The greenway will provide non-motorised access between homes, schools, places of work, amenities (e.g. the Hospital) and other local facilities. The corridor includes the Millbrook and ponds. Opportunities to increase the number of ponds should be explored. Woodland enhancement and increased tree planting can also be achieved along the route of the greenway. Additional greenways could potentially link up to future Country Park in southern Test Valley (Project W1) and therefore be part of a cross boundary project. Justification Supports Themes V, IV

Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 3, 7, 9, 13

Local Authorities Southampton City Council, Test Valley Borough Council

U5 River Itchen corridor

Description The river and its bank sides (which are sometimes very narrow in parts of Southampton) represent a core GI asset, which serves the workplaces and

residential locations along its route. Landscape enhancements at this location will enhance biodiversity and quality of life value, especially tranquil recreation, and reinforce sense of place. Chessil Bay LNR which is located on the eastern banks of the Itchen estuary has significant potential for interpretation and managed public access. Justification Supports Themes II, III, IV, VIII Biodiversity Opportunity Area Health maps for Natural England

Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 1, 3, 6, 10

Local Authorities Southampton City Council

U6 Locks Heath Greenway

Description This project is a greenway based on the road/lane which connects Locks Heath and the former Coldeast Hospital and school to the River Hamble and a number of coastal paths. This project should seek to ameliorate this route through clear pavement routes, community art features and tree planting. The route should be promoted it as a more prominent and pedestrian/cyclist friendly greenway in order to enhance the character of the urban environment and provide better recreational routes, connecting open spaces and promoting heath and well-being. Justification Supports Themes V, VIII Health maps for Natural England Biodiversity Opportunity Area

Scale City/town Scale City/town Objectives 1, 3, 6, 10

Local Authorities Fareham Borough Council

U7 Park Lane Recreation Ground

Description Park Lane Recreation Ground in central Fareham town presents an opportunity for a good GI asset. Projects should seek to enhance this open space and develop its function as an urban park through the creation of new children’s play space, creation of semi-natural grassland and tree planting and the incorporation of a fitness trail. Justification Supports Theme IV Health maps for Natural England ANGSt

Scale local Scale local Objectives 1, 3, 6, 10

Local Authorities Fareham Borough Council

U8 HMS Sultan site recreational / heritage route

Description This MOD site lies in the centre of Gosport but its limited public access currently prevents GI connections between the west and east of Gosport. The site holds many landmarks and memorable places; ‘Fort Rowner’ and ‘Fort Grange’ (both Scheduled Ancient Monuments) which could be key components in an attractive heritage-Themed recreational route around Gosport. This project could open up these forts to the public, linking up ‘Fort Brockhurst’ in the north east and ‘Fort Gilkicker on the coast, as well as enabling a strategic GI link across the centre of Gosport (linking the planned Alver Valley Country Park to the town centre). A Sustrans cycle route currently runs diagonally across the HMS Sultan site. This could be connected to a new north/south cycle route, linking to playing fields at the southern end the HMS Sultan site. This would provide employees at the site with strategic links with residential areas and other amenities, an attractive working environment; incorporating landscaping, green roofs/walls and more natural vegetation, and generally offer a higher quality outdoor space. This could lead to an increase of approximately 25 ha of new greenspace. Justification Supports Themes I, II, IV, VIII Heath maps for Natural England

1, 2, 3, 5, 6, Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 7, 16

Local Authorities Gosport Borough Council

U9 Foot/Cycle Network for Portsmouth to Key GI assets

Description There is currently an intermittent foot/cycle route along the coastline of Portsmouth and links into urban Portsmouth could be better signed and promoted. The current route has limits in terms of its value for social cohesion, recreation and as a means of commuting. Project should seek to create a network of cycle and footpath routes which link to Portsmouth’s GI assets. There is an identified need for a networked foot/cycle route round Portsea Island with better links to: Sustrans cycle track on east coast of Portsea Island Southsea Common Solent Way in Havant Portsdown Hill and Winchester Wayfarers Walk and Pilgrim’s Walk Hayling Island Gosport and Isle of Wight (via ferries) Proposed Park & Ride scheme at Tipner

Proposed South Hampshire Bus Rapid Transit Scheme The route could run through paths along Hilsea Lines, the pedestrian/cycle bridge at Perrone Road, the pedestrian bridge over Port Creek, the paths south of A27 between A27/A2030 junction and Hilsea Roundabout, and the proposed link between new development at Lakeside and Cosham town centre which will go around the southern edge of King George V playing fields. The route could also include proposed Tipner-Horsea Island bridge, around Horsea Island, around the western edge of Port Solent, connecting to Southampton Road. Allaway Avenue could also be included which is a quieter route connecting the two north-south routes through Paulsgrove and Portchester and runs adjacent to areas of greenspace and parks. Disturbance affects on wildlife will need to be carefully managed and the GI route set back from the waterfront in fragile areas. Cycle ways may not be feasible in some sensitive coastal frontage areas or in parts of the city used for military or port functions. Works will be needed around the Eastney area to deliver the proposal, as part of the access is currently tidal; Portsmouth City Council has already begun planning these works. Justification Supports Theme IV ANGSt PPG17 recommendation Health maps for Natural England GI to meet growth requirements

Scale City/town Scale City/town Scale City/town

Local Authorities Portsmouth, Fareham, Havant, Winchester

U10 A Country Park for Portsmouth

Description The former Paulsgrove landfill site, including the area of Horsea Island south east of Port Solent, should be allocated as a recreational resource. The project should seek to create an informal ‘country park’, to overcome the deficit of public open space for Portsmouth’s residents. Apart from being a simpler land use than some in relation to contaminated land, this would also help facilitate residential development across the city and south east Hampshire, especially at Tipner and Port Solent, by providing a major new coastal recreational location in an area of relatively low sensitivity in ecological terms. It would also better allow for the protection of the high importance Brent goose site south of Port Solent (ie, less recreational pressure on this site). Furthermore, parts of the area could be ecologically enhanced, with access discouraged through landscape design, to provide new Brent goose foraging areas. Staged restoration could create a prominent and distinctive landform as its location is at a ‘gateway’ of Portsmouth. Justification Supports Themes II, IV ANGSt

PPG17 recommendation Contributes to HRA avoidance and mitigation Health maps for Natural England GI to meet growth requirements

Scale City/town Scale City/town Scale City/town

Local Authorities Portsmouth City Council

U11 Pocket Parks for Portsmouth

Description A substantial deficit of greenspace exists within urban Portsmouth. The project should establish and promote an improved network of pocket parks with better linkages across Portsmouth. This could include promoting the public use of school playing fields or negotiations with other institutions’ land such as MOD land or cemeteries. Pocket parks and greenspaces could potentially be linked up by a better network of trees across the city. Justification Supports Theme IV ANGSt PPG17 recommendation Health maps for Natural England GI to meet growth requirements

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 7, 8, 11, 15, 16

Local Authorities Portsmouth City Council

U12 Horndean business and industrial estates GI Improvements

Description Horndean is one of most significant villages in East Hampshire for businesses, including industrial estates along the motorway. This project should seek to enhance open space and streets within estates through tree planting and management as well as provision of attractive spaces to sit in order to improve attractiveness of workspaces and encourage new investment/ businesses. Opportunities exist to create cycle and footpath links into adjoining residential areas in order to promote healthy routes to work. Justification Supports Themes I, VIII

Scale Local Form Area 4 Objectives 1, 7, 15

Local Authorities East Hampshire District Council

U13 Strengthening north-south connections along transport corridors (A3M)

Description The sidings of the A3(M) act as an important linear corridor running from the coastal habitats at Langstone Harbour through to Staunton Country Park and East Hampshire. The multifunctional benefits of the transport corridor should be utilised by enhancing its biodiversity potential. Adjacent motorway habitats should be carefully managed, with more native trees planted, screening and fencing where appropriate. The potential for green bridges across the A3(M), and for greening the A3 in Cowplain, should also be explored. This would enhance the landscape setting of the borough. Justification Supports Theme II, III

Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 3, 6

Local Authorities Havant Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council

U14 Multifunctional Stream enhancements

Description Resurfacing the existing corridor or providing new foot/cycle paths along the stream corridors at Leigh Park and West Leigh (Hermitage Stream, Riders Lane Stream, Lavant Stream and Park Lane Stream) and enhancing the landscape presents the opportunity to improve access to high quality natural open space and will contribute to a local sense of place. Justification Supports Themes III, IV Local Authorities Havant Borough Council

5, 10 Scale Local Form Area 4 Objectives

Local Authorities Havant Borough Council

U15 Gosport Waterfront (Haslar to Priddy’s Hard)

Description There are a number of projects along the Gosport Waterfront which link closely to the development of key strategic sites in the Borough. These have the potential to improve recreational opportunities for local residents, improve the management of sensitive habitats, protect historical features and improve the Borough’s distinctive maritime heritage. Projects include: Haslar Hospital- including reinstating the coastal walk along the Solent frontage as well as public access to the nationally important historic park and garden with measures to enhance biodiversity; Extension of the Millennium Promenade in the Coldharbour area; The creation of the Priddy’s Hard Ramparts Park which will add to the

existing green corridor adjacent to Forton Lake; Improve the appearance and quality of access around the creeks (Haslar Lake, Workhouse Lake and Stoke Lake) with improved interpretation of natural features with the involvement of local communities. Justification Supports Themes I, II, III, IV, VIII PPG17 Audit Recommendation GI to meet redevelopment requirements Health maps for Natural England

1,2,3,4,5,6,8, Scale City/town Form Area 4 Objectives 15 &16

Local Authorities Gosport Borough Council

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