Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report June 2016
Havant Borough Local Plan 2036
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report
Purpose of this paper To set out the scope and level of detail of the Havant Borough Sustainability Appraisal, including the relevant background and environmental issues, the assessment methods to be used and the structure and contents of the SA Report. Why? To comply with regulatory requirements Objectives . To identify the sustainability context . To identify the sustainability baseline . To identify the sustainability issues
Any queries about the report should be sent to: Email [email protected] Telephone 023 9244 6539 Address: Havant Borough Council Public Service Plaza Civic Centre Way Havant PO9 2AX
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 Contents Page
1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1
2. METHODOLOGY ...... 6
3. SUSTAINABILITY CONTEXT, BASELINE AND ISSUES ...... 10
4. ACCESSIBILITY AND TRANSPORT ...... 13
5. AIR QUALITY ...... 19
6. BIODIVERSITY AND GEODIVERSITY ...... 22
7. CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 28
8. ECONOMIC FACTORS ...... 34
9. HEALTH ...... 39
10. HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT AND LANDSCAPE ...... 46
11. HOUSING ...... 53
12. MATERIAL ASSETS ...... 59
13. POPULATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE ...... 64
14. WATER AND SOIL ...... 69
15. SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES ...... 83
16. CONSULTATION ON THE SCOPING REPORT ...... 86
17. NEXT STAGES OF SA PROCESS ...... 88
APPENDIX 1 ...... 89
APPENDIX X ...... 92
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 1. Introduction
Background
1.1 This document is the Scoping Report for the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the Havant Borough Local Plan Position Statement and subsequent Local Plan Review. The Position Statement represents the first stage of the Local Plan Review.
1.2 The Scoping Report is the first stage of the SA process. Scoping is the process of deciding the scope and level of detail of an SA, including the relevant background and environmental issues, the assessment methods to be used and the structure and contents of the SA Report. The Scoping Report will summarise the tasks and outcomes of the first stage of the SA process and must answer the following key questions:
Scoping Question How this will be addressed by SA report
What is the plan trying to achieve? An outline of the contents and main objectives of the plan What is the sustainability context? An outline of the relationship between the plan and other relevant plans and programmes, including the relevant environmental protection objectives established at national or international level What is the sustainability baseline? An outline of the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the environmental characteristics of the areas likely to be affected What are the key sustainability issues? Any existing environmental issues/problems which are relevant to the plan, including those relating to any areas of particular environmental importance Table 1: Scoping Report Objectives
1.3 The Havant Borough Local Plan (Allocations) was adopted in 2014 and covers the period up to 2026. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local plans to be kept up to date and to reflect the housing needs in their area. To boost significantly the supply of housing, local planning authorities are expected to identify and annually update the supply of specific deliverable sites to provide five years worth of housing against their housing requirements.
1.4 The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) is preparing a Spatial Strategy which will cover the period up to 2034. The Spatial Strategy will set out housing and other development requirements for the PUSH area and will inform the review of the Havant Borough Local Plan, based on an updated assessment of housing and employment needs. Consultation on the PUSH Draft Spatial Strategy is expected in the summer of 2016.
1.5 It is therefore desirable to set out the Borough Council’s position to ensure a proactive approach in maintaining an appropriate supply of housing and to assist planning decisions in the interim.
1 An Overview of Havant Borough
1.6 Havant Borough covers an area of approximately 55 square kilometres, on the south coast of England and is located on the coastal plain between the South Downs and the sea. Havant Borough is one of ten local authorities within the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) (Figure 1).
Figure 1: The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire Sub-Region
Source: http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/ADOPTED%20CORE%20STRATEGY%20.pdf
1.7 The borough has a population of 116,500 (based on mid-year population estimates 2010(Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2011)). The borough is made up of five key settlement areas; Waterlooville, Havant, Emsworth, Leigh Park and Hayling Island. These five areas are made up of 14 wards (Figure 2).
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Figure 2: The Five Areas of the Borough
Source: http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Adopted%20Allocations%20Plan%20July%202014 %20-%20Copy.pdf
1.8 Havant’s location on the south coast has played a key role in the history of the borough and continues to be important for the tourism industry and recreational activities (HBC, 2011). Each of the five key areas of the borough has their own distinctiveness, history and characteristics. Central to this is the rich historical resource, reflected by its 14 conservation areas and 300 listed buildings and 7 scheduled monuments. The Borough also contains part of the grade II* registered historic park and garden of Leigh Park (Staunton Country Park). The range of historical assets are a substantial and integral part of the cultural heritage in the borough and crucial to its high quality environment.
1.9 Havant is an important area for conservation and wildlife. The borough has a significant number of international, national and locally designated sites. The diverse range of species thrive on a variety of important and protected habitats, which are crucial to Havant’s high quality environmental resource.
1.10 Havant has an ageing population which is expected to increase the dependency ratio. The overall level of health is good within the borough although this varies between wards. Havant has significant pockets of deprivation and has some of the most deprived areas in Hampshire.
1.11 Havant’s economy has traditionally been manufacturing based with many advanced manufacturing and marine businesses still located in the borough. Changes to the structure of the local economy have resulted in issues relating to unemployment, lower skills levels and out commuting.
3 The Havant Borough Local Plan Review
1.12 The PUSH Spatial Strategy is expected to set out significantly higher housing delivery targets than the requirement set out in the current Havant Borough Local Plan given the level of housing need identified in the PUSH Strategic Housing Market Assessment1. The current plan sets out a requirement for the delivery of 6,300 new dwellings up to 2026, which equates to 315 homes per annum.
1.13 In order to meet the new requirements, a review of the Local Plan is required. The current plan is set out in two documents: The Havant Borough Local Plan (Core Strategy) 2009 and the Havant Borough Local Plan (Allocations) 2013. Although the review proposes just one local plan, this will be delivered in two distinct phases:
1. The Havant Borough Position Statement
2. The Havant Borough Local Plan
1.14 In view of the fact that revised housing requirement figures are likely to be published in summer 2016, the Council considers it important to set out, at the earliest opportunity, its position in terms of meeting these future requirements and how it proposes to deal with speculative proposals in the interim. It is recognised that the adoption of a new local plan is likely to take considerable time. The council will therefore publish a position statement in summer 2016, to coincide with the publication of the draft PUSH Spatial Strategy. The position statement will cover the entire borough and will set out high level proposals for meeting future housing delivery requirements. In addition, it will set out how the council proposes to deal with proposals for speculative development, ahead of the adoption of a new local plan. The position statement will represent the first stage of the local plan review.
1.15 The position statement will not be subject to an examination, but will be the subject of public consultation and will go through the full political process, resulting in adoption by late summer 2016.
1.16 The Local Plan Review will follow on from the high level work presented in the position statement. The new local plan will set out proposals for the development of strategic sites, allocations for new housing, employment, retail and leisure development and development management policies to ensure the delivery of sustainable, high quality developments which respect the unique natural environment of the borough. The plan will reflect the requirements of the PUSH Spatial Strategy. Timetable
1.17 The timetable for the publication of the Havant Borough Position Statement and how the SA process will relate to this is set out in Table 2 below.
SA stage SA sub stage Position statement 2016 Stage Jan to Stage A: Setting 1. Identify other relevant policies, plans and programmes and SA Drafting of May the context and objectives position objectives, 2. Collect baseline information statement establishing the 3. Identify sustainability issues and problems baseline and 4. Develop the SA framework deciding on the 5. Consult the consultation bodies on the scope of the SA report (5 scope weeks)
1 Source: http://www.push.gov.uk/strategic_housing_market_assessment.htm 4 May/ Stage B: 1. Test the housing statement guiding principles and site allocations Drafting of June Developing and against the SA framework position refining 2. Develop the statement options including the reasonable statement alternatives and alternatives assessing 3. Evaluate the likely effects of the statements and alternatives effects of 4. Consider ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising Housing beneficial effects Statement 5. Propose measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing the statements June/ Stage C: See p7 (table 1.1) of adopted Local Plan SA, July 2014 for breakdown Local plan July Prepare the SA of tasks: panel and report of http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Binder1_16.pdf consultation Housing Statement
Sept to Adoption of Housing Position Statement Cabinet/ Oct Council 2017 Re-assess drafts Feb/March against SA Assessment of local plan policies and site allocations against Drafts to objectives (stage objectives set out in Scoping Report Cabinet B), if changes Briefing and are made to Cabinet statements May Stage D: Seek Consultation representations of to the SA report statements from consultation bodies and public May/June Re-assess drafts against SA objectives (stage B), if changes are made to statements Jan 2018 Finalise SA Adoption of report for Local Plan adoption and non-technical summary Feb Stage E: Post 1. Prepare and publish post-adoption statement Monitor and onwards adoption 2. Monitor significant effects of implementing the statements report in reporting and 3. Respond to adverse effects AMR monitoring Table 2: Timetable
5 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 2. Methodology
Sustainability Appraisal Objectives
2.1 The SA process must fully integrate sustainability considerations within the production of the position statements and the local plan review. The Council, statutory consultees, other environmental bodies and working groups will be engaged in the SA process at appropriate stages. This chapter sets out the broad approach to the SA process, the stages involved, and highlights where the relevant information can be found in this Scoping Report and appendices.
Best Practice Guidance
2.2 The approach for carrying out the SA of the Local Plan Review is based on current best practice and the following guidance:
Planning Practice Guidance: Strategic environmental assessment and sustainability appraisal: http://planningguidance.communities.gov.uk/blog/guidance/strategic-environmental-assessment- and-sustainability-appraisal/
Stages of Sustainability Appraisal
2.3 The Planning Practice Guidance sets out five stages in the SA process. These are shown, alongside their relationship with the Local Plan Process, in Figure 3 below:
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Figure 3: Sustainability Appraisal and Local Plan Process
2.4 This Scoping Report is the main output of the first stage (stage A) of the SA process presented above. Chapter 16 discusses in more detail the subsequent stages and outputs of the SA process that will be carried out following the conclusion of the statutory consultation of the Scoping Report.
7 Sustainability Themes
2.5 The policy and plan review, the baseline data, and the identification of sustainability issues (i.e. the first three stages in the diagram above) have been presented through a series of sustainability themes. These themes incorporate the required topics listed in the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive as well as other topics identified as being of significance in the borough, so that a broad and effective range of sustainability themes are covered by the appraisal process. The selected sustainability themes incorporate the SEA topics derived from Annex I(f) of the SEA Directive:
Access and transport
Air quality
Biodiversity and geodiversity
Climate change
Economic factors
Health
Heritage
Housing
Material assets;
Population and quality of life
Water and soil.
2.6 Table 3 below presents full details about each sustainability theme in terms of content and specifically, details of the required SEA topic. It is anticipated that presenting the information through these sustainability themes will help enable the reader to easily locate the SA information representing their specific areas of interest.
Sustainability theme SEA topic included in EU What is Included in the Directive 2001/42/EC sustainability theme
Accessibility and Population Transportation infrastructure transportation Walking and cycling Accessibility
Air quality Air Air pollution sources Air quality hotspots Air quality management
Biodiversity and geodiversity Biodiversity flora and fauna Habitats Species Nature conservation designations Landscape features Geological features
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Climate change Climatic factors Greenhouse gas emissions by source Greenhouse gas emissions trends Effects of climate change Climate change adaptation
Economic factors Material assets Economic sectors Business start-ups Employment sectors Skills and unemployment Sites and premises
Health Human health Health indicators Healthcare inequalities Sport, fitness and activity levels
Historic environment and Cultural heritage Historic development of the landscape Borough Designated and non-designated sites and areas Setting of cultural heritage assets Archaeological assets
Housing Population House prices and affordability Material assets Housing quality and vacancy rates Homelessness
Material assets Material assets Energy Waste arising and recycling rates Minerals Previously developed land Population and quality of life Population Population size and migration Population density Age structure Indices of Multiple Deprivation Unemployment Crime Recreation and amenity (including open space and green infrastructure)
Water and Soil Soil Watercourses Water Water resources Water quality Flooding Agricultural land category Table 3: Sustainability Themes
9 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 3. Sustainability Context, Baseline and Issues
Policy Plan and Programme Review
3.1 The content of the position statement and new local plan will be influenced by other policies, plans and programmes (PPPs) and by external sustainability objectives contained in policies or legislation. The SA process will take advantage of potential interactions between these policies, plans and programmes while also addressing any inconsistencies and constraints.
3.2 While the position statement is intended to guide future development rather than provide detailed allocation or development management policies, it is acknowledged that this represents the first stage in the local plan review process. It is therefore important to set out the sustainability context (policies, plans and programmes) which will influence both the position statements and the local plan. In order to ensure continuity throughout the process, the PPP review follows the thematic approach outlined in section 2 above, so that it is relevant for the current position statements and future iterations of the Havant Borough Local Plan.
3.3 Notwithstanding this, there are a number of PPPs which are particularly relevant to the development of the position statement, which is primarily intended to guide future housing delivery. These documents are summarised in Table 4 below. The PPPs most relevant to each theme are then identified in chapters 4 to 14.
Title of PPP Main objectives of PPP How it affects or is affected by the position statement
National Presumption in favour of sustainable Statement must reflect national policies on Planning Policy development. housing; meeting objectively assessed needs Framework and identifying sufficient housing sites for market and affordable housing. Consider planning for large scale development e.g. new settlements. New development should avoid environmentally or historically sensitive areas. Solent LEP A plan for growth which will build on The position statement will need to reflect the Strategic the Solent’s strengths and plan economic objectives of the LEP plan. Economic Plan towards a more ambitious future. 2014-20 Transforming Solent recognises and builds on current strengths, harnesses the drivers for growth and addresses the barriers, which if not addressed, could constrain growth. PUSH Spatial The South Hampshire Strategy (to Consultation on the PUSH Spatial Strategy will Strategy 2036) will bring together the take place in the summer of 2016. Ahead of that, evidence in the SHMA with a range Havant Borough Council is publishing a position of other factors to consider what statement to show how it will aim to meet the level of development should be development requirements identified in the planned for across the PUSH area. SHMA and also identify constraints to meeting these requirements. This position statement will provide the councils position on speculative development. 10 PUSH Green To set out the green (GI) GI should be incorporated into future Infrastructure infrastructure requirements needed development proposals at the outset. Strategic Strategy to support future development GI features are set out as a framework for the delivery of local GI projects which will improve the quantity, quality and connectivity of GI in the PUSH area. PUSH SFRA Considers the impacts of flood risk The impacts of flood risk should be considered across the sub-region and where appropriate, mitigated against at both a local plan and site specific level. Solent The strategy sets out a range of In order to meet the requirements of the Habitats Recreation measures which will mitigate against Regulations, new residential development will be Mitigation the impacts of recreational expected to contribute towards the mitigation project Interim disturbance associated with new measures outlined in the interim strategy (or Strategy development – addressing the definitive strategy once adopted) or provide a requirements of the Habitats bespoke package of measures, to the Regulations. The methodology for a satisfaction of Natural England. tariff to provide this mitigation is set out. Solent Waders To inform decisions relating to New development should avoid sensitive and Brent strategic and individual development locations. Hayling Island is particularly affected Goose Strategy proposals, to ensure that sufficient by important/uncertain designations. While a 2010 breeding and roosting sites are designation will not always prevent development, available. it may influence the range of mitigation measures required to make development acceptable. Hampshire To provide a resilient, cost effective, New development locations should reflect the County Council fully integrated sub regional transport aspirations of the LTP. Local Transport network, enabling economic growth Plan 2011-2031 whilst protecting and enhancing health, quality of life and environment. Havant Borough Provides a vision for the borough. The adoption of the position statement and Council Economic growth and environmental subsequent Local Plan will be key in delivering Corporate sustainability are key to this vision. this vision. Strategy 2015- 2020 Havant Borough The Local Plan comprises the Core The plans set out development locations in Local Plan Strategy (2011) and the Allocations accordance with the requirements of the South Plan (2013). These set out broad East Plan. Given the publication of the PUSH development locations, detailed site SHMA which shows a significantly higher allocations and development housing need, there is a need to review these management policies. allocations to meet future requirements. The position statement will set out the council’s approach to this. Table 4: Key Plans, Policies and Programmes
Baseline Data Collection
3.4 Chapters 4 to 14 also present a review of current environmental and social-economic conditions affecting Havant by sustainability theme. Information selected seeks to set out the current state of the environment and inform the situation at the local level.
3.5 One of the purposes of consultation on the Scoping Reports is to seek views on whether the data selected is appropriate. The baseline has been constructed using a wide range of data sources, with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) used if available. The data has been presented through tables, text and GIS mapping, and all data sources have been referenced as appropriate. 11 3.6 Where possible, data has been presented at the most local level. This enables more specific information to be included on the communities and areas most affected by possible issues and will help identify areas most in need of change.
Key Sustainability Issues
3.7 Drawing on the PPP review and the baseline data, Chapters 4 to14 set out key sustainability issues relevant to the local plan review process. The identification of these sustainability issues will help the SA process focus on the key issues and opportunities which may be addressed through the review.
3.8 The key issues will inform the development of the SA framework which will be used to assess the policies and proposals included in the position statement and subsequent local plan Review. The SA framework and the methodology behind it is presented in chapter 15.
12 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 4. Accessibility and Transport
Plans, Policies and Programme Review
4.1 European and UK transport policies and plans place emphasis on the modernisation and sustainability of the transport network. Specific objectives include reducing pollution and road congestion through improvements to public transport, walking and cycling networks and reducing the need to travel. National policy also focuses on the need for the transport network to support sustainable economic growth throughout the country.
4.2 While the PPPs highlight that congestion and poor air quality resulting from transport are key issues for a number of areas in Hampshire, the PUSH area has been highlighted as an area where these issues are a particular concern. Hampshire-wide and local plans therefore focus on appropriate design, location and layout of development, increasing investment in infrastructure, improving the quality and accessibility of public transport, supporting walking and cycling, and enhancing road safety. The Hampshire Third Local Transport Plan (LTP3) (2011) highlights the need for Hampshire’s transport network to support the sustainable growth, competitiveness of the Hampshire economy, and help sustain the high quality of life of local residents.
Baseline Data
4.3 Havant’s strategic position on the south coast of England provides and connects it with excellent regional and national transport links via road, motorway and rail. Havant is dominated by the A3 (M) and A27. The A27 cuts through the coastal fringe of Havant and provides a strategic connection along the south coast. To the east the A27 connects Havant to Chichester and Brighton. To the west the A27 connects Havant to much of urban south Hampshire including Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham and Southampton. At Portsmouth the A27 merges to form the M27 which provides links to the M3 and Winchester. The A3 (M) runs on a south/north trajectory bisecting Waterlooville and Havant. The A3 (M) provides a strategic route which connects to the A27 and urban south Hampshire and also provides links to Petersfield and Guildford. The opening of the Hindhead tunnel in 2011 strengthened links between the south coast and London. One year after opening, there has been a 25% increase in the amount of traffic on the A3, south of the tunnel. Although much of this traffic has come from alternative routes, the greater reliability of the route and improved journey times means that confidence in making the journey to the south coast is greatly improved. (source: assets.highways.gov.uk – Post Opening Project Evaluation).
4.4 The A3 (M) and A27 strategic routes are supported and supplemented by adjacent routes, principally the A3, A259 and A3023. The A3 connects the A3 (M) to the M27 at Junction 13 via Waterlooville. The A259 connects Emsworth to Havant, the A27 and Chichester whilst the A3023 forms the only road connecting Havant to Hayling Island. Additional supportive roads include the B2149, B2148, B2150 and Purbrook Way. There are known congestion problems in peak hours at various locations along the A27 and A3(M) including the A27/B2149/A3023 junction and A3(M) Junction 5.
13 4.5 Havant Borough has four rail stations at Havant, Bedhampton, Emsworth and Warblington. The rail station in Havant is a major rail interchange station on the main south coast rail network. It is serviced by the following routes:
Portsmouth, Havant, Petersfield, Guildford, Woking, London (Waterloo) by South West Trains
Portsmouth, Havant, Emsworth, Chichester, Worthing, Hove, Brighton by Southern Railway
Southampton, Fareham, Havant, Emsworth, Chichester, Worthing, Hove, Brighton by Southern Railway (some run via Southampton Airport on Saturdays)
Portsmouth, Havant, Chichester, Horsham, Gatwick Airport, London (Victoria) by Southern Railway (not Sundays)
Portsmouth, Havant, Emsworth, Chichester, Hove, Gatwick Airport, London (Victoria) by Southern Railway (Sundays only)
Southampton, Fareham, Havant, Emsworth, Chichester, Horsham, Gatwick Airport, London (Victoria) by Southern Railway (not Sundays)
Portsmouth, Havant, Emsworth, Chichester, Littlehampton by Southern Railway (not Sundays)
Great Malvern, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, Southampton, Fareham, Havant, Chichester, Worthing, Hove, Brighton by Great Western Railway.
4.6 It is shown below that Havant is very well serviced by train, given that it provides a major connection point between Portsmouth and routes to both London and Brighton. The following information shows the rail service frequency for the four rail stations within the borough.
14 Bedhampton Station 5 per hour to Portsmouth (SR, SW) 1 per hour to Guilford and London Waterloo (SW) 1 per hour to Chichester and Littlehampton
Emsworth
4 per hour to Havant (SR) 4 per hour to Chichester (SR)
1 per hour to Littlehampton (SR) 2 per hour to Worthing and Brighton (SR) 1 per hour to Gatwick Airport and London Victoria (SR) 4 per hour to Portsmouth (SR) 2 per hour to Fareham and Southampton (SR)
Havant Station 3 per hour to Guilford and London Waterloo (SW) 4 per hour to Emsworth (SR) 5 per hour to Chichester (SR, GW) 2 per hour to Worthing and Brighton (SR, GW) 1 per hour to Littlehampton (SR) 2 per hour to Gatwick Airport and London Victoria (SR) 2 per hour to Fareham and Southampton (SR) 6 per hour to Portsmouth (SR, SW) Occasionally to Bristol and Great Malvern (GW)
Warblington Station 2 per hour to Portsmouth (SR) 1 per hour to Chichester and Littlehampton (SR) Occasionally to Bristol and Great Malvern
Table 5: Train Routes
SW: South West Trains, SR: Southern Railways, GW: Great Western Railways
Source: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
4.7 In addition to a well serviced rail network, the borough benefits from extensive and regular bus services. Havant’s bus station is located opposite Havant Park on Elms Lane and was redeveloped in 2006. The list below shows the main services operating in the borough.
Bus Route Destinations First 7 Wecock Farm - Waterlooville - Crookhorn - Cosham - North End - City Centre - Southsea First 7C South Downs College - Crookhorn - Cosham (college service) First X9 Hambledon - Denmead - Berewood - Waterlooville - Stakes - Widley - Queen Alexandra Hospital - M275 - City Centre – Gunwharf Stagecoach 20 Havant - Leigh Park - Crookhorn - Queen Alexandra Hospital - Cosham - Stamshaw - City Centre – Gunwharf Stagecoach 21 Havant - Leigh Park - Farlington - Copnor - St Marys Hospital - - City Centre – Gunwharf Stagecoach 23 Leigh Park - Havant - Farlington - Cosham - City Centre - Gunwharf – Southsea First 27 Rowlands Castle - Leigh Park - Havant - Denvilles – Emsworth Emsworth & Havant - Denvilles - Emsworth - Westbourne – Southbourne District 28 Stagecoach 30 Havant - West Town - Hayling Island - Eastoke – Havant Stagecoach 31 Havant - Eastoke - Hayling Island - West Town – Havant Emsworth & Asda - Bedhampton - Havant - Emsworth - Westbourne - Southbourne (shopper District 36 service Tuesdays only) 15 Stagecoach 37 Havant - Leigh Park - Crookhorn - Stakes Lodge - Waterlooville - Hurstwood - Cowplain - Horndean - Clanfield - Petersfield (some journeys continue as 38 to Alton) Stagecoach 39 Havant - Leigh Park - Crookhorn - Stakes Hill - Waterlooville - Wecock Farm First 52 Fareham - Cosham - Crookhorn (school service) Xelabus 74 Havant - Solent Road (free shopper service) First 145 Hambledon - Denmead - Waterlooville - Crookhorn - Bedhampton - Havant - Emsworth (school service) Emsworth & Denmead - Milton Road - Cowplain - Hazelton Way - Horndean - Rowlands Castle - District 300 Funtington - Ashling - Chichester (monthly shopper service) Stagecoach 700 Felpham - Bognor Regis - Chichester - Southbourne - Emsworth - Havant - Hilsea - North End - Mile End - City Centre - Gunwharf Table 6: Bus Routes
Source: http://www.havant.gov.uk/getting-and-around-havant-borough/bus-services-havant-borough
4.8 The A3 ZIP Bus Priority Corridor Scheme from Horndean to Portsmouth was completed in 2008. This has enhanced links between Horndean and Portsmouth via Havant for residents and employers west of the A3 (M). The A3 ZIP bus provides excellent north and south bus links with Portsmouth. Despite this, east-west connections between Havant and Waterlooville would still benefit from improvement.
4.9 In terms of non-motorised modes of transport Havant has a comprehensive network of cycle routes and Public Right of Way (PRoW). Havant’s cycle network consists of a combination of off road and on road routes. There are good cycle lanes along the A3 and New Lane. Off road cycle routes are distributed around the borough, including connections with Staunton Country Park. Although there have been significant improvements to the cycle network over the past few years, it remains fragmented. The council hopes to address this by adding additional lengths of cycle route to the network, which will eventually link up fragmented routes to form a complete cycle network. The borough’s cycle network is detailed and is best viewed through the council’s website using the following link:
http://www.havant.gov.uk/getting-and-around-havant-borough/cycling
4.10 A number of long distance walking routes and cycling routes are available within Havant that cover a range of scales. The National Cycle Network’s South Coast Route (NCN 2) from Kent to Cornwall and the NCN 22 route from London to the Isle of Wight are long distance routes that pass through Havant. In addition, Havant has a number of long distance routes such as the Staunton Way, the Wayfarers Walk and the Solent Way. These form important cross boundary routes that link to open space beyond the borough.
4.11 Hampshire County Council has published seven Countryside Access Plans. Havant Borough falls within the Solent Access Plan. The plan identifies measures for improving access to the countryside. The extent of the Solent CAP area is shown in figure 4 below.
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Figure 4: Solent CAP Area
Source: http://www.hants.gov.uk/rh/countryside/access/solent.pdf
4.12 In addition, Natural England are currently improving access to the coast through the “England’s Coastal Path” project. The project will create continuous access for walkers around the coast and much of the borough will be included in the proposals:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/england-coast-path-in-the-south-of-england
4.13 Table 7 below shows the preferred modes of travel to and from work in Havant. It shows over 50% of journeys involve the use of a car. This reflects the average for Hampshire, although it is higher than both south-east England and England averages. Havant has a below average walking rate compared to Hampshire, the south-east and England. Havant has a similar cycle rate compared to the south-east and England average, although is slightly below the average for Hampshire.
Home Train Bus Taxi Car Car Motor Cycle Walk Other working Driver Passenger Cycle Havant 5.8 1.8 2.9 0.4 41.9 3.9 0.7 1.9 4.7 0.3 Hampshire 8.1 2.9 2.0 0.2 44.3 3.2 0.7 2.2 5.7 0.4 South 8 4.8 3.0 0.2 39 3.1 0.6 2.0 6.7 0.3 East England 6.6 3.3 4.7 0.3 34.9 3.2 0.5 1.9 6.3 0.3 Table 7: Modes of Travel to work in Havant 16-74 years
Source: ONS, 2011
17 Key Transport and Accessibility Issues for Havant
Havant Borough has excellent road and rail links within Hampshire and the south east region. This is attributed to support out migration to work which causes peak flow congestion.
Increased traffic growth within the sub-region is a principle cause of congestion on motorways and the transport network.
High car dependency - the private car is still the most widely used mode of transport.
Residential, employment and retail growth in the borough has the potential to impact on the borough’s transport network.
18 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 5. Air Quality
Plans, Policies and Programme Review
5.1 A number of objectives have been established in relation to air quality at both the European and the UK level, emanating from the 1996 European Air Quality Framework Directive. The Air Quality Standards Regulations (AQSR) 2010 aim to minimise negative impacts of air pollution on human health and the environment, specifying both limit values and emissions reduction targets for a range of specific pollutants.
5.2 At all spatial levels (national, regional and local), there is a strong emphasis placed on reducing the ambient concentration of pollutants associated with transport emissions, in particular Nitrogen
Dioxide (NO2) & Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5).
5.3 Air Quality Plans for the achievement of the NO2 EU limit values in the UK were produced in 2011, with publications including a Draft list of UK & National policy measures, and a UK Overview of Air Quality.
5.4 Defra has produced a Regional Air Quality Plan for the Portsmouth Urban Agglomeration, which
includes a portion of Havant Borough. The Plan reports progress towards meeting the NO2 objective value across this area and includes projected compliance dates that account for the aggregate effect of EU, national and local policy. The latest plan includes a summary of policy measures in place within each component local authority area.
5.5 Agglomerations & zones are classified with respect to the degree of compliance limit values and classifications are reviewed every 5 years. This assessment applies to the same sub-set of pollutants for which local authorities undertake assessments under the Environment Act 1995 (‘regulated pollutants’), namely:
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Nitrogen Oxides (NOX)
Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM22.5)
Lead (Pb)
Benzene, and;
Carbon Monoxide (CO).
Baseline Data
5.6 National monitoring networks are in place for a range of heavy metals, hydrocarbon species, acidifying and eutrophying pollutants and regulated pollutants. These networks satisfy minimum requirements of 2008/50/EC and the 4th daughter directive (2004/107/EC) whilst also providing empirical data for a wide variety of additional pollutants.
19 5.7 In accordance with it’s duties under the Environment Act 1995, Havant Borough Council has also been undertaking reviews and assessments of air quality. These assessments consider all regulated pollutants on a 3 year cycle, and provide updates on local monitoring in intervening years.
5.8 Pollutants not monitored locally are considered contextually in accordance with national guidance or are considered with reference to proxy data from local network monitoring sites within the south east.
5.9 The review and assessment process has consistently indicated that with the exception of NO2, regulated pollutants are unlikely to be elevated above their respected limit values (over their respective averaging periods).
5.10 Indicative non-automatic monitoring of NO2 has identified roadside exceedances of the EU limit value at road junctions prone to periodic local traffic congestion and at the roadside of strategic local routes carrying in excess of 25000 vehicles per day.
5.11 Ambient concentrations of NO2 are demonstrably improving at background monitoring locations (including urban background locations), in some cases with the magnitude and rate of change returning a statistically significant relationship. This is considered to be largely due to broadly stable volume local road traffic (low growth rate) combined with a growing proportion of the UK vehicle fleet comprising vehicles with Euro(I – VI) compliant engines. Euro emissions standards have progressively reduced permitted emissions for both petrol and diesel engines manufactured & sold
to the EU market, reducing the permitted emission of total NOx from new diesel engines by over 84% over the period 2001 (Euro III) to 2015 (EuroVI). Progressive penetration of Euro compliant engines into the UK fleet is by means of the natural life-cycle and vehicle stock replacement.
5.12 Improvements in local ambient NO2 have not been identified at the roadside of strategic local routes, busy junctions or town centre locations. Local air quality at these types of location remains
broadly static and NO2 concentrations typically exceed the upper assessment threshold (80% of objective value, or 32 µg/m3). The absence of improvements seen elsewhere in the borough is expected to be associated with local factors, particularly with respect to the physical form of local built environment, the dynamics of local traffic flows & journey profiles and the performance of road junctions signal controlled crossings.
5.13 The latest air quality screening assessment (2015) concludes that exceedance of the NO2 objective during 2012, 2013 or 2014 at a relevant location was unlikely, but also that concentrations remain of concern at Havant town centre locations between Langstone Road and Park Road North (the ‘Park Road Corridor’), and adjacent to the A3 in Waterlooville.
5.14 At present no areas within the Borough have been declared air quality management areas. It is however foreseeable that a relatively small proportional change in local traffic flows, or alterations to the built environment (including buildings, or changes to junctions, signals, roads or footpaths) could result in material changes to air quality concentrations at locations where exposures are relevant to the objective values. It is desirable to pursue policies that seek to achieve progressive & incremental improvements in local air quality such that the aggregated effect might contribute to a
material reduction in ambient NO2 concentrations and in turn, a wider general public health benefit.
20 Key Air Quality Issues for Havant
Uncertainty continues to exist around potential exceedance of the Nitrogen Dioxide annual limit value at relevant locations in Havant Town Centre. Increases in traffic stimulated either by new residential development or by growth in employment and retail has the potential to materially affect air quality, especially where routing through areas sensitive to increases in local air pollution such as the ‘Park Road corridor’ Changes to the local built environment could materially affect local air quality, in particular where air movement and pollution dispersion is restricted, local traffic flows are either constrained or significantly altered, or the distance between busy carriageways and exposure locations relevant to the regulated pollutants are reduced. Introduction of new relevant exposure to areas where existing air quality is poor could result in local exceedances of limit values. This could occur through conversion of commercial premises to mixed uses or live/work units, or through new development. Significant growth in visitor numbers has the potential to adversely impact local air quality though increased traffic flows. Reductions in urban planting (including reductions in existing tree canopy) could contribute to an adverse air quality impact at critical locations, through loss of pollutant interception and absorption capacity.
21 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 6. Biodiversity and Geodiversity
Plans, Policies and Programme Review
6.1 The biodiversity and geodiversity objectives of planning policies at a national level are set out in paragraph 109 of the NPPF.
Protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils;
Recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services;
Minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures;
Preventing both new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability;
Remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated
or unstable land, where appropriate.
6.2 In 2011, the Government published the Natural Environment White Paper which has a focus on promoting high quality natural environments, expanding multifunctional green infrastructure networks and initiating landscape scale action to support ecological networks. The White Paper specifically seeks to: protect core areas of high nature conservation value; promote corridors and ‘stepping stones’ to enable species to move between key areas; and initiate Nature Improvement Areas, where ecological functions and wildlife can be restored.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-natural-choice-securing-the-value-of-nature
6.3 The White Paper is supported by Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services (Defra, 2011 – progress update July 2013). The strategy provides a comprehensive picture of how England is implementing international and EU commitments. It seeks to halt overall biodiversity loss, support healthy, well-functioning ecosystems and establish coherent ecological networks with more and better places for nature for the benefit of wildlife and people.
6.4 At a local level the Havant Biodiversity Action Plan (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, 2011) sets out the local priorities for biodiversity in the borough ensuring important nature conservation sites at international, national, and local scale are protected and enhanced.
6.5 PUSH is currently in the process of tendering for a consultant to update the Integrated Water Management Study (IWMS) for South Hampshire in order to fully understand the environmental capacity of the Solent Natura 2000 Sites to receive additional treated water that will arise from new housing. Future iterations of the SA report will take this study into account when it is finalised (expected December 2016).
6.6 There is information available in the Site Improvement Plans and the Designated Site System for threats and adverse conditions for the underpinning SSSI units. The SSSI Condition Assessments
22 are updated periodically and are subject to change. N.B We have recently agreed new water quality targets for the transitional water (estuary) or coastal water (TRAC) SSSIs, and we also have new biological and nitrogen modelling information. This new information is likely, in some cases, to change the conclusion of the condition assessment.
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/category/6149691318206464
https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/
Baseline Data
6.7 Havant Borough has an extensive and diverse range of areas important for nature conservation and biodiversity. The borough is home to a range of sites of international, national, and local importance. The coastal areas form a particularly important wildlife sanctuary within Langstone and Chichester harbours, surrounding Hayling Island. The Havant Biodiversity Action Plan (2011) provides a comprehensive vision and framework for future action to conserve biodiversity in the borough. The Plan also provides detailed maps and explanations of the designations affecting the borough and provides a comprehensive baseline for biodiversity in the borough, which should be read alongside this chapter:
http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Havant%20Biodiversity%20AP%20Comp iled%20Final%20Draft%2019aug.pdf.
Some of the most important designations include:
o Langstone and Chichester Harbour Ramsar site;
o Chichester and Langston Harbours SPA;
o Solent Maritime SAC;
o Langstone and Chichester Harbour, Sinah Common and Warblington Meadow SSSIs;
o Brook Meadow, West Hayling, Gutner Point, Sandy Point, and the Kench LNR’s (Local Nature Reserve);
o 135 SINCs
Designation Number in Havant Havant number as Area (ha) Havant area as % % of Hampshire of Hampshire total total SAC 1 8 2274 6 SPA 1 1 2436 6 Ramsar 1 2 2435 7 SSSI 4 1 2682 9 LNR 5 9 171.6 10 SINC 135 4 3 3.3 Table 8: Designated Conservation Sites in Havant and Hampshire County Council
Source: http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Havant%20Biodiversity%20AP%20Compiled%20Fin al%20Draft%2019aug.pdf
23
6.8 These designations illustrate the importance of the area for its habitats and species. Over 30% of the Borough’s area is designated SPA, SAC or Ramsar (Havant BAP, 2011). The harbours are important for their range and variety of habitats that support a diverse number of species. The harbours are part of a large estuarine basin with extensive mud and sand flats supporting an abundance of eelgrass. The area is significant for wintering wildfowl, waders and breeding birds. The intertidal mudflats are important for species such as the ringed plover (Charadrius hiaticula) and black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa) and provide an overwintering site for 5.7% of the world’s population of dark-bellied Brent geese (Branta bernicla bernicla).
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=162
6.9 Of particular significance to the Solent SPA and SAC is the threat of eutrophication (when the environment becomes enriched with nutrients leading to algal bloom). This has been highlighted in the Environment Agency/Natural England’s recent letter to the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH). A copy can be found at appendix X of this report. Natural England has produced conservation advice relating to the Solent SAC, which can be found here:
https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/Marine/MarineSiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=UK0030 059&SiteName=solent&countyCode=&responsiblePerson
6.10 Havant Borough contains a number of sites identified as having importance for Brent Geese and Waders. These sites, both on the coast and inland, make up a comprehensive network which support biodiversity and geodiversity in the borough. Further information can be found here:
http://www.solentforum.org/forum/sub_groups/Natural_Environment_Group/Waders%20and%20 Brent%20Goose%20Strategy/Solent%20Waders%20and%20Brent%20Goose%20Strategy.pdf
6.11 The presence of protected bird species in the Solent lead to the creation of the Solent Disturbance Mitigation Project (SDMP). This has now been carried forward through the work of the Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership (SRMP). This work recognises the impact of recreational disturbance from new development along the south coast and seeks to mitigate this through a range of initiatives, such as wardening, education and dog initiatives. The projects are funded through financially based mitigation packages from developments and are prioritised in partnership with Natural England (NE) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Further information can be found here:
https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/community-and-environment/environment/solent-recreation- mitigation-strategy.aspx
6.12 The WeBS Alerts system provides a method of identifying changes in numbers of waterbirds at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. The system is supported by the British Trust for Ornithology and can be found here:
http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/webs/publications/webs-alerts
6.13 As shown in table 9 below, Havant is home to a relatively large proportion of important priority habitats, almost 2550 hectares. In order to protect and support this diverse range of habitats and features of conservation importance, the Havant Biodiversity Action Plan has set out a number of objectives. The objectives of the Havant BAP are:
to present an accurate and up-to-date description of the habitat and wildlife resources in the area;
to identify local priorities for action based on larger landscape-scale processes; 24 to ensure that national and county objectives are translated into effective local action;
to stimulate effective local partnerships for biodiversity;
to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity;
to support a range of biodiversity conservation measures: protection, restoration and habitat creation;
to identify the resources required for action and those already available;
to provide a systematic basis for monitoring and reviewing progress; and
to feed progress to the Hampshire Biodiversity Partnership and work towards best practice.
UK BAP Priority Habitat found in Area(s) Ha Havant BAP areas Havant Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh 129.25 Harbour & Coastal Harbour & Coastal Coastal saltmarsh 573.64 Harbour & Coastal Coastal sand dunes 64.51 Hayling Island & Harbour & Coastal Coastal vegetated shingle 48.78 Hayling Island &Harbour & Coastal Intertidal mudflats 943.29 Harbour & Coastal Lowland calcareous grassland 8.24 Mainland Lowland dry acid grassland 32.32 Mainland &Hayling Island Lowland heathland 0.20 Hayling Island Lowland meadows 81.25 Mainland & Hayling Island Lowland mixed deciduous woodland 327.89 Mainland & Hayling Island Purple moor grass and Rush pastures 5.28 Mainland Reedbeds 0.57 Mainland Saline lagoon 18.97 Harbour & Coastal Seagrass beds 92.7 Harbour & Coastal Sheltered muddy gravels 129.1 Harbour & Coastal Wet woodland 75.43 Mainland Wood pasture and parkland 16.17
Total 2547.59ha
Table 9: UK BAP Priority Habitat within Havant
Source: http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Havant%20Biodiversity%20AP%20Compiled%20Fin al%20Draft%2019aug.pdf
6.14 In addition to the conservation designations, there are three Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) that lie either within or border Havant (Hampshire Biodiversity Partnership). The Chichester/Langstone harbour and Hayling Island BOA present an opportunity for the creation and restoration of coastal grazing marsh, coastal salt marsh, vegetated shingle, purple moor grass and rush pastures. Portsdown Hill BOA allows for the restoration of high quality chalk grassland. Bordering Havant is the Forest of Bere BOA, where opportunities to restore and create lowland heath, wet woodland, lowland dry acid grassland and lowland meadow exist. Further information can be found here:
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/landscape-and-heritage/hbic/hbic-projects/hbic-boas/hbic-boa- maps.htm
25 6.15 The wealth of designated habitats in the borough is also supported by other uses, which contribute to and connect the borough’s green infrastructure network. For example, allotments can provide pollination sites, act as a sanctuary for urban wildlife and contribute significantly to biodiversity within urban areas. Havant has eleven allotments sites, all currently with waiting lists attributed to them. Allotment sites in the borough are set out in Table 10 below.
Location Number of plots Conigar Road 4 Elizabeth Road 7 Gable Head 71 Hooks Lane 26 Mitchell Road 2 New Road 64 Newbarn Road 22 Plant Farm 113 Purbrook East 96 Purbrook West 94 Redlands Grange 30 Stockheath Road 45 Victoria Road 72 Victoria Road (housing) 1 Warblington Road 120 Table 10: Allotment Sites in Havant
Source: HBC 2016
6.16 Cemeteries are also important in providing supportive habitats for a range of species within urban areas. There are three cemeteries in the borough; at Church Lane Warblington, Hulbert Road Waterlooville and New Lane Havant. In addition there are three golf courses in Waterlooville and Hayling Island. Golf courses if appropriately managed can be important means of supporting wildlife in urban areas.
6.17 Private gardens and street trees contribute to ecological networks and form an often underappreciated biodiversity resource. As highlighted in the Lawton Review (Making Space for Nature, 2010) into England’s ecological networks, improving connectivity between habitats needs to be enhanced. Private gardens and street trees can act as island stepping stones for species moving between habitats. They can also provide a means of connectivity between larger habitats and nature conservation sites. Havant Borough has a good private garden resource and is a well wooded area, with street trees and small treed areas. This resource reflects the remnants of the Forest of Bere.
6.18 The NPPF makes provision for the designation of Local Green Spaces. These are put forward by local communities as areas of particular value and are designated by the council, according to various criteria. The Havant Borough Local Plan (Allocations) designates local green spaces at Policy AL8 and these contribute significantly to the borough’s GI network as well as helping to support biodiversity. Spaces are allocated in each of the five areas and can be viewed by clicking on the links to area maps here:
http://www.havant.gov.uk/planning-policy-design/local-plan-policies-map
6.19 Biodiversity within Havant Borough, especially in the coastal areas, is under threat from urban development, climate change (especially coastal squeeze), pressures from heavy use and high population densities. There is an opportunity for green infrastructure, which includes biodiversity, to be used to address some of these issues and is crucial to supporting future economic growth and housing delivery. Where protected species are found on a development site, measures are taken to
26 ensure appropriate ecological mitigation and compensation to minimise the impact of works on ecological features as a result of commitments provided at the site allocation or planning application stage through environmental Statements, protected species licences or constraints identified during subsequent survey work.
6.20 Geodiversity is the collective term describing the geological variety of the earth’s rocks, fossils, minerals, soils and landscapes together with the natural process which form and shape them. Geodiversity underpins biodiversity by providing diversity of habitat and the ecosystem, with the soil being the link between them. It also embraces the built environment by providing the basis for neighbourhood character and local distinctiveness through building stone and material.
6.21 In Havant Borough, the geology is characterised by plateau gravel on Hayling Island and around Emsworth, river gravel around Havant town centre and London clay in Leigh Park, Waterlooville and Cowplain.
Key Biodiversity and Geodiversity Issues for Havant
A substantial part of the borough is affected by international, national and local designations
A significant number of protected species are present within the borough which must be identified and if necessary, mitigated for when new development is proposed
Eutrophication of the Solent SPA and SAC
New development has the potential to increase pressure on wildlife sites. New developments can lead to habitat fragmentation and increased recreational pressures
Enhancements to the borough’s green infrastructure network can help support and protect biodiversity within the borough and improve the connectivity between habitats. However, it should be noted that many of the boroughs GI sites support important SPA/Ramsar bird populations. The capacity of existing green infrastructure features to absorb future recreational pressures may be limited
Species may be affected by potential increases from noise and light pollution
Housing allocations have the potential to lead to direct and indirect impacts on inland supportive habitats/sites for Brent Geese and Wader populations and the integrity of European sites. It is important to note that European protected sites are supported by sites outside international and national designations.
27 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 7. Climate Change
Plan, Policies and Programme Review
7.1 Climate-related PPPs focus on both mitigating the causes of climate change and adapting to the effects of climate change. Commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions range from international regional level. The PPPs address policy development across all sectors and at all levels, combining both demand management (reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency of use) and supply side measures (low carbon options including fuel mix and renewables). A number of the PPPs state specific targets to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
7.2 In December 2015, representatives from 195 countries negotiated the Paris Agreement, a global agreement on the reduction of carbon output and a commitment to keep global warming to below 2 degrees centigrade. Although the agreement will not become binding on its member states until 55 parties who produce over 55% of the world's greenhouse gas have approved the agreement, it sets out aspirations at the highest level which will form the basis for national, regional and local policies.
7.3 The significance of climate change at a national level is demonstrated through the 15 paragraphs of the NPPF dedicated to climate change, flooding and coastal change. Paragraph 93 notes the key role planning has to play in securing reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimising vulnerability and providing resilience to the impacts of climate change, while supporting the delivery of renewable and low carbon energy.
7.4 The Havant Borough Council Corporate Strategy 2015-2020 identifies Environmental Sustainability as a key priority. The strategy outlines the council’s commitment to joint working with PUSH; to develop and implement an Energy Strategy for the Solent and to explore renewable energy options for the council’s estates and local communities.
7.5 Adaptation measures proposed by PPPs at a local level include a presumption against development in flood risk areas, appropriate design of new development, the promotion of new infrastructure such as sustainable drainage systems and improved maintenance to help address the changes that are likely to occur as a result of climate change. Key documents include the PUSH Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (http://maps.hants.gov.uk/push/) and the North Solent Shoreline Management Plan (http://www.northsolentsmp.co.uk/). SMPs aim to balance the management of coastal flooding and erosion risks, with natural processes, and the consequences of climate change. The North Solent Management Plan proposes policy of “hold the line” around Havant Borough. There are three coastal strategies that cover Havant Borough. These are the Eastoke Sectoral Strategy, Portchester Castle to Emsworth Strategy and South Hayling Beach Management Plan.
7.6 Havant Borough Council has agreed an Energy Strategy, which sets out a strategic framework to deliver energy projects across the borough until 2020. It aims to improve energy security, reduce fuel poverty and maximise economic benefits. The strategy can be viewed here:
http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Havant%20Energy%20Strategy%20Febr uary%202016%20FINAL.pdf
28 Baseline Data
7.7 Havant Borough has an extensive coastline and as such, the impact of climate change is a significant issue for the borough. Local emissions are seen as contributing to national and international changes in climate, with implications for a range of environmental and socio-economic receptors. Notwithstanding this, carbon dioxide emissions in Havant have been steadily falling since 2005. This shows a favourable position when compared to county, regional and national figures, also shown below. The majority of emissions in Havant come from domestic sources (43%) followed by transport (31%) and finally industry and commerce (26%).
Year
Industry and Commercial Domestic Transport Total 2005 1.6 2.4 1.7 5.7 2006 1.6 2.4 1.6 5.7 2007 1.6 2.2 1.6 5.5 2008 1.6 2.2 1.5 5.4 2009 1.3 2.0 1.5 4.8 2010 1.4 2.1 1.5 5.0 2011 1.2 1.8 1.4 4.5 2012 1.3 2.0 1.4 4.7 2013 1.2 1.9 1.4 4.5 Table 11: Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Havant by Sector.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/local-authority-emissions-estimates
Per capita Per capita Per capita Per capita emissions emissions emissions emissions Havant Hampshire South East Nationally 2005 5.7 9.0 8.2 8.8 2006 5.7 8.7 8.1 8.7 2007 5.5 8.7 7.9 8.5 2008 5.4 8.4 7.6 8.2 2009 4.8 7.7 6.9 7.4 2010 5.0 7.4 7.0 7.6 2011 4.5 6.7 6.4 6.9 2012 4.7 6.8 6.6 7.1 2013 4.5 6.6 6.3 7.0
Table 12: Carbon Dioxide Emission Estimates by Area.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/local-authority-emissions-estimates
7.8 In June 2009 the findings of research on the probable effects of climate change in the UK was released by the UK Climate Projections (UKCP09) team. UKCP09 gives climate information for the UK up to the end of this century and projections (not predictions) of future changes to the climate are provided. Projections are broken down to a regional level across the UK. The UKCP09 land projections are presented as probability distributions, rather than as single values, in order to represent the uncertainty in potential future changes in climate. The 2009 projections remain the most up to date figures available.
29 7.9 Below are a series of graphs to illustrate UKCP09 information for the South East region to the end of the century. This is presented in five (10, 33, 50, 67 and 90%) probability levels for each 30-year time period:
Figure 5: Changes in mean temperature in the South East to 2099 as a result of a medium emissions scenario.
Source: http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/
Figure 6: Changes in summer mean precipitation in the South East to 2099 as a result of a medium emissions scenario.
Source: http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/
30
Figure 7: Changes in winter mean precipitation in the South East to 2099 as a result of a medium emissions scenario
Source: http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/
7.10 Resulting from these changes, the study has suggested that a variety of risks exist for the South East. The risks relevant to Havant resulting from climate change include:
Increased incidence of heat related illnesses and deaths during the summer;
Increased incidence of illnesses and deaths related to exposure to sunlight (e.g. skin cancer, cataracts);
Increased incidence of pathogen related diseases (e.g. legionella and salmonella);
Increase in health problems related to rise in local ozone levels during summer;
Increased risk of injuries and deaths due to increased number of storm events;
Effects on water resources from climate change;
Reduction in availability of surface water in reservoirs and rivers for abstraction in summer;
Adverse effect on water quality from low river levels and turbulent rivers flow after heavy rain and a reduction of water flow;
Increased risk of flooding, including increased vulnerability to 1:100 year floods (fluvial);
Increased risk of flooding, including increased vulnerability to 1:200 year floods (coastal);
Changes in insurance provisions for flood damage;
A need to upgrade flood defences and improve flood risk management measures e.g. land raising
Increased likelihood of summer droughts and soil and water deficits, leading to demand for increased irrigation; 31 Soil erosion due to flash flooding;
Loss of species that are at the edge of their southerly distribution;
Spread of species at the northern edge of their distribution;
Impact on the amount of grassland from a reduction in summer rainfall;
Deterioration in working conditions due to increased temperatures;
Changes to global supply chain;
Increased difficulty of food preparation, handling and storage more difficult due to higher temperatures;
An increased move by the insurance industry towards a more risk-based approach to insurance underwriting, leading to higher cost premiums for local business;
Increased demand for air-conditioning;
Increased drought and flood related problems such as soil shrinkages and subsidence;
Impacts from an increased number of tourists due to warmer weather;
Risk of rail tracks buckling due to increased temperature and road surfaces melting more frequently; and
Flooding of roads and railways.
7.11 Also of significance are the findings of the PUSH Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), which assesses flood risk in the PUSH sub region and provides guidance to assist planners and flood risk managers meet housing and development needs. The SFRA has provided a snapshot of flood risk issues throughout the PUSH sub-region using flood risk, climate change and flood defence asset information available in 2007. The Environment Agency also produce flood risk mapping, however it is the inclusion of climate change in the SFRA predictions which is of significance. The PUSH SFRA is currently in the process of being updated and updated guidance will be reflected in the sustainability appraisal process as and when it becomes available.
7.12 Notwithstanding this, there have been some changes to the climate change allowances that should be used for planning purposes. The review and update of the climate change allowances has been finalised and is published here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessments-climate-change-allowances
This has replaced previous guidance ‘Climate Change Allowances for Planners’.
7.13 Work to review and update the allowances is based on new scientific evidence and the Environment Agency recommend the use of these figures as they are the most up to date. The main changes are to peak river flow allowances;
1. They are provided for each river basin district rather than a single national allowance
2. A range of allowances are provided based on different probabilities for each epoch, rather than a single allowance for each epoch
3. The allowances for the upper end of the range are significantly higher than previous single national allowance.
32 7.14 There is also a small change to peak rainfall allowances. Rather than a single allowance, a range of allowances is provided.
7.15 The EA also advise that the extreme sea levels have been revised locally. The extreme sea levels which were previously used for planning purposes are out of date due to new data which is available and the revised epochs in the latest climate change guidance. Whilst the majority of present day extreme sea levels in estuaries in harbours are within /- 0.1m of the previous data set used by the EA, there are locations where the change is more notable. The new data set is based on more scientifically robust techniques and whilst few locations have seen more significant change, the new data set will offer a far more representative picture of risk. A detailed briefing note, provided by the Environment Agency, is attached at Appendix 2.
7.16 The PUSH SFRA contains specific guidance for Havant Borough at Appendix C:
http://maps.hants.gov.uk/push/Reports/ReportList.htm
7.17 The SFRA notes the following vulnerability to climate change in the borough:
The SFRA has generated predicted tidal outlines for a number of years up to 2115 (see SFRA Map Set 1E). These outlines account for the most up-to-date predicted rises in sea-level over the coming century due to climate change and therefore allow the identification of locations that will be most vulnerable to this change due to their local topography. In Havant Borough, Hayling Island is the most sensitive area to sea level rise, particularly the southern half of the island. With much of the island low-lying, predicted sea-level rise could result in extreme tidal events inundating more of the island. In addition to this effect of rising sea levels, it is anticipated that climate change will result in an increase in fluvial flood flows. This may put additional pressure on areas in the town of Havant adjacent to the streams.
Key Climate Change Issues for Havant
Climate change has the potential to increase the risk of tidal and coastal flooding, especially around Hayling Island.
Climate change has the potential to increase the risk of surface water flooding and fluvial flooding.
Increase in extremes of weather as a result of climate change will present major challenges to the borough. For example an increase in the occurrence of drought is likely to reduce water availability in the wider sub region.
High quality landscapes and seascapes within the borough have the potential to be affected by changes in rainfall, invasive species, soil erosion and other implications of climate changes such as coastal erosion.
Implications of sea level rise and coastal flood defence management need to be considered. The North Solent Shoreline Management Plan is key is this respect.
33 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 8. Economic Factors
Plans, Policies and Programme Review
8.1 The improvement and maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment are key aims of strategies at UK and European levels. Other economic objectives include improvements to the education system to increase the skill levels of both children and adults and improved productivity and innovation, particularly with regards to technology.
8.2 At a regional level, the Solent and M3 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) were established to support local areas to determine local economic priorities and undertake activities to drive economic growth and the creation of local jobs. Emphasis is placed on sustainable economic growth and private sector investment which will enable the creation of new businesses and help attract new businesses to the region. This includes building on the area’s reputation for advanced manufacturing and engineering, supporting the visitor economy and developing links with the area’s universities. Key priorities for the LEPs include:
Enterprise and innovation – new high growth companies, additional jobs and new export markets to drive productivity and economic growth
Accelerate delivery of infrastructure, housing and employment space
Transport – deliver and improve connectivity
Skills and employability – match skills with needs of economy
Inward investment – from UK and abroad
Development of growth hubs and sector based clusters.
8.3 At a local level, local plan policies and “Prosperity Havant” seek to maximise the borough’s key strategic location and excellent connectivity, with the aim of transforming town and commercial centres to attract inward investment and high growth companies. Policies are in place to help new and expanding businesses create sufficient, quality jobs for local people. This is set against the backdrop of a high quality environment and a strong visitor economy.
8.4 The Havant Borough Local Plan (Core Strategy) seeks to promote a dynamic and diverse knowledge based economy whilst raising skill levels and employability amongst the borough’s current and future workforce. In addition it seeks to support and encourage tourism whilst protecting sensitive environmental assets. It sets a target to achieve 3.5% Gross Value Added (GVA) growth per annum by 2026. This mirrors regional aspirations.
34 Baseline Data
8.5 Table 10 below shows business survivability within Havant reflected through the number of businesses by age group. Although there has been a slight decrease in the number of younger businesses between 2013 and 2014, the number of more established businesses (4-9) years has seen a significant increase over the same period.
2013 2014 Businesses by age Havant England Havant England Less than 2 Years 545 323,615 520 307,225 2 - 3 Years 485 244,690 460 233,840 4 - 9 Years 970 496,135 1,045 521,490 10 or more Years 1,455 797,640 1,400 780,110 TOTAL 3,455 1,862,080 3,425 1,842,665 Table 13: Number of VAT and/or PAYE based Enterprises in Havant
Source: Office of National Statistics 2016
Earnings by Workplace
8.6 Table 14 below shows the average wage rates within Havant compared to the South East and Britain as a whole. It shows that wage rates for both men and women are significantly below the regional average but only marginally below the national average.
8.7 The data below is taken from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2015. Annual estimates are provided for the tax year that ended on 5th April in the reference year and they relate to employees on adult rates of pay who have been in the same job for more than a year. ASHE is based on a 1% sample of jobs taken from HM Revenue and Customs Pay As You Earn (PAYE) records. Consequently, individuals with more than one job may appear in the sample more than once.
Havant South East Great Britain Median Gross Weekly Pay All Full Time Workers 520.1 574.9 529.6 Male Full Time 557.5 626.5 570.4 Female Full Time 450.6 499.5 471.6 Median Hourly Rate 13.33 13.12 14.62 All Full Time Workers Male Full Time Workers 13.99 15.54 13.93 12.57 12.09 13.29 Female Full Time
Table 14: Average Wage Rates
Source: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157306/report.aspx?town=HAVANT#tabempocc Annual Survey of Hours and earnings, Office of National Statistics.
35 Employment by Sector
8.8 As shown by Table 15 below, the service sector continues to make up the largest employment sector within Havant. This is similar to regional and national trends. Manufacturing and construction sector are larger employment sectors compared to regional and national trends. Interestingly the number of people employed within the accommodation and food services sector reflects regional and national trends, despite Hayling Island providing a strong tourist offer in the borough.
Havant Havant South East Great Britain (employee jobs) (%) (%) (%) Total employee jobs 41,800 - - - Full-time 25,700 61.5 67.8 68.3 Part-time 16,100 38.5 32.2 31.7 Primary Services (A-B: 0 0.1 0.2 0.4 agriculture and mining) Energy and Water (D-E) 600 1.5 1.1 1.1 Manufacturing (C) 4,500 10.7 6.2 8.5 Construction (F) 2,200 5.3 4.8 4.5 Services (G-S) 34,500 82.5 87.6 85.6 Wholesale and retail, including motor trades 7,200 17.2 17 15.9 (G) Transport storage (H) 900 2.2 4.6 4.5 Accomodation and food 2,900 6.8 7.4 7.1 services(I) Information and 1,700 4 5.8 4.1 communication (J) Financial and other 8,200 19.7 22.5 22.2 business services(K-N) Public admin, education 11,900 28.6 25.6 27.4 and health (O-Q) Other Services (R-S) 1,600 3.9 4.8 4.4
Source: NOMIS 2016 Table 15: Employment by Sector Employment by Occupation
8.9 Table 16 below shows that those employed in professional occupations form the greatest proportion of the Havant workforce. It also shows that Havant has a higher proportion of those employed in managerial and director occupations compared to regional and national averages. This represents a change sine the Local Plan (Allocations) SA, when the reverse was true. This trend has implications for economic growth in the borough, where it is recognised that the skills of school leavers and the workforce do not always match the skills required by employers. This can result in significant implications for in-commuting, having knock-on effects for congestion and pollution where cars are the main mode of transport.
36 Havant Havant South East Great Britain
(numbers) (%) (%) (%) Managers, directors and senior officials 7,300 12.8 11.9 10.3 Professional occupations 10,600 18.4 21.7 19.7 Associate professional & technical 9,500 16.5 15.7 14.1 Administrative & secretarial # # 10.7 10.7 Skilled trades occupations 6,600 11.5 10.1 10.6 Caring, leisure and Other Service occupations # # 8.9 9.3 Sales and customer service occs # # 6.9 7.7 Process plant & machine operatives 5,600 9.7 4.9 6.3 Elementary occupations 9,200 16 9 10.8
Table 16: Employment by Occupation
Source: ONS annual population survey (figures Oct 2014 – Sep 2015)
# Sample Size too small for reliable estimate (see definitions)
Notes: Numbers and % are for those of 16+
% is a proportion of all persons in employment
Qualifications
8.10 Table 17 shows that in general, Havant has lower qualification attainment levels compared with regional and national levels. Havant has a higher proportion of those aged 16-64 with no qualifications whilst having a significantly lower proportion of those with NVQ4 or above compared with regional and national trends.
Havant Havant South East Great Britain
(level) (%) (%) (%) NVQ4 and above 21,600 30.2 39.1 36 NVQ3 and above 38,700 54 60.5 56.7 NVQ2 and above 52,800 73.7 77.1 73.3 NVQ1 and above 62,200 86.8 89.2 85 Other qualifications # # 5.2 6.2 8.8 No qualifications 7,000 9.8 5.6
Table 17: Qualifications
37
Key Economic Issues for Havant
Average earnings are below the national average and significantly below the regional average. In addition there is significant disparity between earnings between men and women.
Tourism and the visitor economy are an important and growing resource within the borough.
The boroughs population suffers with a lower than average educational attainment compared to the region.
The borough has a high proportion of professional and managerial jobs yet the skills levels do not match this. This creates issues in terms of in-commuting.
New business start-ups and support for younger businesses needs to be encouraged. The number of younger businesses is falling.
38 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 9. Health
Plans, Policies and Programme Review
9.1 National and regional health related PPPs focus on improving rates of infant mortality and life expectancy; reducing work related illness and accidents; significantly improving levels of sport and physical activity particularly among disadvantaged groups; promoting healthier modes of travel; supporting the public to make healthier and more informed choices in regards to their health; improving accessibility to healthcare and leisure/recreational facilities; and reducing health inequalities, particularly for children and older people.
9.2 Havant Borough Council is a partner of the Havant Health and Wellbeing Board, which meets quarterly to share ideas and initiatives influencing the health and wellbeing of the borough’s residents. The board has helped inform the Hampshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which identifies four priority areas:
Theme Aim Starting well So every child can thrive Living well Empowering people to live healthier lives Ageing well Supporting people to remain independent, have choice, control and timely access to high quality services. Healthier Helping communities to be strong and support those who may need extra help. communities Table18: Hampshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy – Priority Areas
Source: www3.hants.gov.uk/getdecisiondocumentfile?...23%20Health%20and%20Wellbeing%20Board%20Joint%2 0Health
9.3 Local plan policies focus on the need to retain, maintain and create opportunities for both formal and informal physical activity. Criteria based policies exist to ensure that facilities valued by local communities are not lost unless there is an overriding justification or replacement facilities of equivalent or superior quality. However, there is a shifting focus towards quality rather than quantity, with the promotion of high quality, multi purpose facilities – often contributing towards not only sport and leisure, but also transport and ecological objectives as well.
39 Baseline Data
9.4 The health of residents in the borough is mixed when compared to regional and national averages. Whilst there are some aspects of the borough which fair favourably in terms of health, there are a number of areas relating to health which have the potential to be significantly improved. Figure X below shows that the most serious issues facing the borough are:
Deprivation
Number of under 16s in poverty
Low GCSE achievements
Violent crime
Smoking in young people
Low percentage of physically active adults
Malignant melanoma
Self harm
Diabetes
9.5 Average life expectancy in Havant is 83.2 for women and 79.7 for men. This is very close to the England average of 83.1 and 79.4 respectively (Public Health Observatory, 2015). Despite this, within areas which are among the most deprived in Havant, life expectancy can vary significantly. According to the Public Health Observatory (2015) life expectancy is 9 years lower for men and 7 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Havant than the least deprived.
40
Table 19: Health Summary for Havant
Source: Health Profile of Havant 2015 (Source Public Health Observatories, 2015)
41 Obesity
9.6 Table 20 below shows the prevalence of underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese children and adults in Havant (2013). The regional value is for the south east. At reception age, the number of overweight children in the borough is worse than the national average. By year 6, this has improved and the number of overweight children is slightly lower than the national average. Reception children are aged between 4 and 5 and Year 6 children are aged 10-11 years.
Table 20: Weight
Source: Public Health England: National Child Measurement Programme 2013/14
Low Birth Weight
9.7 Table 21 below shows the percentage of low birth weights recorded in Havant between 2008 and 2012. Despite a rise to 7.4% in 2007, this has now fallen again to the 2003 figure of 6.9% which is still below the national average.
Low Births Total Low Births % 2008-2012 2008-2012 Havant 454 6.9 South East 48,035 6.9 England 251,444 7.4 Table 21: Birth Weights
Source: Local Government Association, 2015.
This is the proportion of all live and still births with a valid birth weight recorded with a birth weight less than 2500g. The figure reported is an average over the 5 year period reported.
42 Smoking Estimates
9.8 Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) provide estimates of the cost of smoking at different locations in England. Using the ASH ready reckoner tool, the following estimates have been calculated.
Smoking prevalence in Havant is below the national average.
Area Estimated Smoking Population Smoking Prevelance Cost Total Lost Productivity (Deaths) Lost Productivity (Smoking Lost Productivity Days) (Sick NHS to Cost Later in Care Life ofCost Accidental Fires England 7,815,123 18.4% 13.8bn 3bn 6.5bn 1bn 2bn 1.1bn 259m
South East 1,190,176 17.2% 2.2bn 454m 1.1bn 168m 291.2m 168.7m 39m
Hampshire 162,469 15.4% 309.4m 71m 147.8m 21m 41.1m 25.1m 3m
Havant 13748 14.2% 27.8m 7m 12.5m 2m 4m 2.3m 271,000
Table 22: Smoking
Source: ASH 2015 www. ash.org.uk/localtoolkit/docs/Reckoner.xls
Participation in Sport
9.9 Table 23 below illustrates the percentage of adults engaged in sports and active recreation within Havant. Although there has been a slight increase since 2012/13, figures still remain lower than average and it is recognised that this is an area where improvement should be made.
9.10 According to the Sport England Area Profile published in 2015:
34% of adults in Havant are inactive compared to the national average of 27.7%.
50.4% of adults (16+) report undertaking 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity compared to the national average of 57.0%.
30.5% of adults (14+) take part in sport at least once a week compared to the national average of 36.5%.
20.4% adults (16+) take part in sport and active recreation three times a week compared to the national average of 23.9%.
43 Time period Time period Time period 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 England 24.4% 24.1% 23.3% South East 25.4% 25.5% 24.6% Hampshire and IOW 25.0% 25.9% 25.0% Havant 21.5% 20.3% 22.9% Table 23: Active Recreation in Havant
Source: Sport England Active People Survey 2016 - http://localsportprofile.sportengland.org/LocalAuthorities.aspx
9.11 These figures can be broken down further to ward level. Adult participation in sport at ward level is shown in Figure 8 below. The sports participation indicator measures the percentage of people (age 16+) participating in at least 30 minutes of sport at moderate intensity at least once a week. This includes all recreational cycling. It does not include recreational walking but includes more intense/strenuous walking activities such as power walking, hill trekking, cliff walking and gorge walking. More than half the borough falls within the low or low-middle categories, with areas of Leigh Park and Waterlooville showing particularly low levels of participation in sport.
Figure 8: Adult Participation in Sport
Source: Sport England Participation Small Area Estimates.
Please note this data was updated in October 2015. Modelled estimates of participation are based on data from Sport England’s Active People Survey 6 (October 2011-October 2012).
MSOA participation estimates are based on modelled estimates of participation. Modelled estimates combine survey data from Active People with other data sources that are available at the area level (for example, health indicators, socioeconomic status etc). Middle Super Output areas (MSOA’s) are a geography for the collection and publication of small area statistics. MSOA’s have a minimum population of 5,000; and a mean population of 7,200. 44 Adult Participation in Sport and Active Recreation
9.12 A further indicator includes active recreation in addition to sport. This includes light intensity activities such as bowls, archery, croquet, yoga and Pilates, for those age 65 and over. The percentage of the adult population (age 16 and over) who participate in sport and active recreation, at moderate intensity, for at least 30 minutes on at least 12 days out of the last 4 weeks (equivalent to 30 minutes on 3 or more days a week) is shown below. More than half the borough falls into the low or low/middle participation rates, again indicating an area for significant improvement. Leigh Park and an area of Waterlooville is highlighted as an area of low participation.
Figure 9: Adult Participation in Sport and Active Recreation
Source: Sport England Participation Small Area Estimates - http://localsportprofile.sportengland.org/LocalAuthorities.aspx
45 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 10. Historic Environment and Landscape
Plans, Policies and Programme Review
10.1 At an international level, there are European conventions of relevance, including the Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe (Granada Convention) and the Convention on the Protection of Archaeological Heritage (Valetta Convention).
10.2 Historic environment priorities at a national level are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. The NPPF makes it clear that the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment is an integral part of sustainable development and that the planning system should contribute to protecting and enhancing the historic environment. The conservation of heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance is one of the 12 core planning principles in the Framework and local planning authorities should recognise that heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource. The Framework sets out a number of requirements for local plans:
set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats [126];
include strategic policies to deliver the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment [156];
contain a clear strategy for enhancing the natural, built and historic environment [157];
identify land where development would be inappropriate, e.g. for its environmental or historic significance [157];
be based on adequate, up-to-date and relevant evidence about the historic environment [158 and 169].
10.3 At a local level, policies and conditions attached to planning permissions, exist to protect designated resources and their settings (such as listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, and registered parks and gardens); recognise the cultural aspects of landscape and to establish mechanisms for their protection against inappropriate development; recognise the potential value of unknown and undesignated resources; and preserve/enhance sites and landscapes of archaeological and historic interest so that they may be enjoyed by both present and future generations. Such policies and conditions reflect the protection afforded to heritage assets by the NPPF and national legislation including the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
10.4 Conservation area appraisals exist for all conservation areas, with six areas having a conservation area management plan. These are available to view on the council’s website.
10.5 In PPPs, there is a strong link between landscape and green infrastructure provision. In this respect policies advocate the provision of open space, green networks and woodland as opportunities for sport and recreation, creating healthier communities, supporting and enhancing biodiversity,
46 reducing temperatures in built up areas in summer, reducing the impact of noise and air pollution, and limiting the risk of flooding.
10.6 To support the local plan review work, a full landscape character assessment has been undertaken. This provides evidence on those areas which, in landscape terms, are most capable of accommodating additional development whilst protecting the most sensitive parts of the borough. Where appropriate, the findings will be incorporated into future sustainability appraisal work.
Baseline Data
10.7 Important historic features in Havant are recognised through historic environment designations. These include listed buildings, scheduled monuments and registered parks and gardens, which are nationally designated and conservation areas, which are usually designated at the local level. Heritage England is the statutory consultee for certain categories of listed building consent and all applications for scheduled monument consent. The historic environment is protected through planning policies and through conditions attached to planning applications affecting an historic asset.
10.8 There are 243 listed building entries on the National Heritage List for England for Havant Borough. These include Grade I listed (Church of St Peter in North Hayling, and Church of St Thomas a Becket in Warblington), and Grade II and II* listed (Warblington Castle and The Old Rectory in Bidbury Lane). Havant, like other local authorities, has also compiled a ‘local list’ containing sites deemed to be of historic importance to local communities. The list currently contains 83 entries including buildings, locally important parks, gardens and visible archaeological sites:
http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/List%20of%20Blgs%20of%20Local%20I nterest.pdf
The Hampshire Archaeology and Historic Buildings Record includes entries for Havant Borough: http://historicenvironment.hants.gov.uk/AHBSearch.aspx
10.9 The landscape of Havant shows obvious signs of ancient anthropogenic influences with sites and monuments of significant archaeological interest, such as Warblington Castle. Havant has 14 designated conservation areas. These focus on a wide range of features and characteristics, not just listed buildings. The Sir George Staunton Conservation Area contains part of the grade II* registered historic park and garden of Leigh Park. The Brockhampton Conservation Area in contrast focuses around the natural springs and historic buildings associated with the area’s role in the development and generation of wealth within Havant during the industrial revolution:
http://www.havant.gov.uk/conservation-areas-and-listed-buildings/detail-conservation-areas- borough-havant
10.10 Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Conservation areas contain buildings, structures and other features of historic or architectural importance which, together with the open spaces between them, interact to create areas of special quality and interest.
10.11 The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 imposes a duty on local planning authorities to “determine which parts of their area are areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and……designate those areas as conservation areas.” This is judged against local and regional criteria, rather than national importance as is the case with listing. Conservation area designation
47 increases the local planning authority's control over demolition of buildings and over certain alterations to residential properties which would normally be classed as 'permitted development' and not require planning permission.
10.12 The following conservation areas are found in Havant and are illustrated in Figure 10 below:
Sir George Staunton
St John's
Old Bedhampton
The Black Dog
St Faith's
Lymbourn Road
Wade Court
Warblington
Emsworth
Mill Lane
Langstone
St Peter's Hayling Island
Coastguards
Brockhampton
48
Figure 10: Conservation Areas in Havant
Source: http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/HavantConservationAreas.pdf
49 10.13 According to the National Heritage list for England, Havant has seven scheduled monuments and one Registered Park and Garden. These are shown below:
Heritage Asset Designation Location Black Barn, Warblington Scheduling Havant, Hampshire Fort Purbrook, Scheduling Havant, Hampshire Roman site south west of Scheduling Havant, Hampshire Littlepark Wood Warblington Castle Scheduling Havant, Hampshire Tourner Bury, Hayling Island Scheduling Havant, Hampshire Bevis's Grave long barrow and Scheduling Havant, Hampshire early medieval cemetery World War II Heavy Anti-aircraft Scheduling Havant, Hampshire gunsite (P2) at Sinah Common Leigh Park (Staunton Country Park and Garden Grade II* Leigh Park, Havant, Hampshire Park)
Table 24: Scheduled Monuments and Registered Parks
Source: Historic England 2016
10.14 It should be noted that not all of the Havant’s historic environment resource is subject to statutory designations, and non-designated features comprise an important aspect of heritage which is often experienced on a daily basis by many people. Whilst not listed, many buildings and other neighbourhood features are of historic interest. These are often considered important by local communities and there are a number of parks, gardens and transport-related historic features of this nature in the borough. In conjunction with landscape features, historic landscapes such as the Forest of Bere, are an integral part of the borough’s historic environment resource. The South Downs National Park lies adjacent (at its closest point) to the borough. As such, development within Havant could impact the setting of the National Park.
10.15 Havant’s coastline and the eastern side of Hayling Island fall within the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It features numerous biodiversity designations, recreational activities, farming and marine businesses. There is a delicate balance between the various activities and the dangers of the harbour becoming congested and overcrowded. Figure 11 shows the Chichester Harbour AONB in relation to Havant.
10.16 AONBs were designated under the provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to protect high quality landscapes and to secure their permanent protection against development that would damage their special qualities. AONBs are designated solely for their landscape qualities, for the purpose of conserving and enhancing their natural beauty (which includes landform and geology, plants and animals, landscape features and the rich history of human settlement over the centuries). The conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage are important considerations in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
10.17 There are a number of policies relating directly to the Chichester Harbour AONB, both in the Havant Borough Local Plan and in the Chichester Harbour Management Plan. This has helped protect the area against inappropriate development over recent years and helped retain the unique landscape for which the area is designated.
50
Figure 11: Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Source: http://www.conservancy.co.uk/assets/assets/CHC%20Management%20Plan%20Final%2026.3.14.pdf
51
Key Historic Environment and Landscape Issues for Havant
Archaeological remains, both seen and unseen have the potential to be affected by new development. Inappropriate siting, design and layout of housing, retail and employment provision has the potential to impact on the historic environment within the district. Havant Borough has a rich historical environment and distinctive townscape and landscape which needs to be protected and supported. Distinctive historic environment assets are at risk of neglect and decay. This is especially relevant to those assets which have not been afforded the same degree of protection as designated assets. The Chichester Harbour AONB covers a relatively large proportion of Havant’s coastline. The AONB is a nationally important landscape.
52 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 11. Housing
Plan Policies and Programme Review
11.1 The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the national policy to deliver a wide choice of high quality homes. The policies aim to boost significantly the supply of housing, providing choice, high quality, affordability and opportunities for home ownership. This is set against wider objectives to create sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities and economic growth.
11.2 At a national level, the Zero Carbon Buildings policy forms part of the Government’s wider strategy to achieving the Climate Change Act 2008 target. The policy requires all new homes from 2016 to mitigate, through various measures, all the carbon emissions produced on-site as a result of the regulated energy use.
11.3 The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire has published the South Hampshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment which provides an up-to-date and objective assessment of the housing market in south Hampshire in 2013, setting out the current context and projections of the need for affordable and market housing to 2036. It sets out the different factors affecting the individual authorities within PUSH and considers the need and demand for housing of different type, size and tenure. The report also looks at the impact of demographic change, the state of the economy and the changing benefits system. The findings of the SHMA will inform the housing requirements set out in the South Hampshire Strategy, which in turn, will inform the requirements for individual districts. The conclusions set out in the SHMA indicate an increased need for housing in the PUSH sub region:
http://www.push.gov.uk/strategic_housing_market_assessment.htm
11.4 The Havant Borough Local Plan focuses on the choice and affordability of housing, the quality of housing, access to services and meeting the housing needs of certain groups, including elderly people, disabled people and gypsies, travellers and travelling show-people.
Baseline Data
11.5 The total housing stock in Havant Borough was 52,781 dwellings on Census day March 2011 (Office of National Statistics)). The borough has 51,311 households of which 69.0% are owned privately, 9.91% are rented privately, 19.6% are socially rented and 1.01% are rent free. According to the Small Area Population forecasts produced by Hampshire County Council there is forecast to be a 6.9% increase (or 3,700 additional dwellings) by 2021, up from 53,400 dwellings in 2014 (http://documents.hants.gov.uk/population/Havantinfographic-2014SAPF.pdf). A population increase of 5.3% is expected over the same period.
11.6 The Havant Borough Council Annual Monitoring Report 2015 shows a total of 2363 dwellings were competed between 2006 and 2015. The Local Plan (Core Strategy) requires 6,300 net additional dwellings over the plan period from 2006-2026, which equates to 315 dwellings per year. This target will be reviewed as part of the new Local Plan.
53 House Prices
11.7 The data below is derived from the House Price Statistics release by the Office of National Statistics. The first table shows the number of sales counts of households in Havant from 1995 to 2014. The same statistical release shows median sales prices for Havant for this time period, which are shown in the second table below.
All dwelling Detached Semi- Terraced Flats & types detached Maisonettes
1995 1,881 532 603 476 270 1996 2,259 733 669 609 248 1997 2,820 884 778 781 377 1998 2,582 738 761 714 369 1999 2,801 874 829 734 364 2000 2,230 581 656 671 322 2001 2,465 619 743 723 380 2002 2,605 673 823 712 397 2003 2,318 541 701 713 363 2004 2,351 622 706 666 357 2005 1,926 452 600 571 303 2006 2,598 694 758 745 401 2007 2,505 655 705 660 485 2008 1,284 311 373 313 287 2009 1,428 390 430 403 205 2010 1,464 453 426 362 223 2011 1,369 404 389 371 205 2012 1,427 409 395 390 233 2013 1,847 589 505 490 263 2014 2,152 690 587 565 310
Table 25: House Sales in Havant
Source: Office of national Statistics. Accessed 26th January 2016, available from: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-406271
54 All dwelling Detached Semi- Terraced Flats & types detached Maisonettes
1995 57,500 83,313 59,000 48,625 39,000 1996 61,000 88,200 62,500 51,000 36,748 1997 67,973 103,000 69,950 54,995 39,375 1998 73,000 115,000 76,500 58,975 42,000 1999 79,000 123,475 82,000 63,590 48,000 2000 89,850 146,500 97,000 74,950 55,000 2001 105,000 170,000 114,995 85,000 62,875 2002 128,000 193,000 138,000 98,500 73,500 2003 146,000 234,950 163,500 123,995 89,995 2004 165,000 249,950 177,000 133,725 105,000 2005 168,000 249,995 182,000 138,500 109,000 2006 177,541 258,500 189,950 145,000 116,000 2007 190,000 283,000 205,000 158,000 125,000 2008 181,478 275,000 195,000 152,500 127,500 2009 174,995 250,000 180,000 147,000 113,000 2010 190,000 293,000 195,000 151,750 119,950 2011 185,000 260,000 195,000 150,000 112,000 2012 185,000 270,000 197,500 152,250 116,000 2013 199,995 292,000 204,000 155,100 115,000 2014 219,000 310,000 226,000 170,000 123,500 Table 26: Average House Prices in Havant
Source: Office of national Statistics. Accessed 26th January 2016, available from: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-406271
11.8 Rightmove produce house price data derived from the Land Registry. According to data updated on 6th January 2016, most of the sales in Havant over the past year were for terraced properties which on average sold for £175,725. Semi-detached properties had an average sold price of £226,107 and flats averaged at £125,006. Havant, with an overall average price of £217,770 was cheaper than nearby Bedhampton (£228,823), Purbrook (£232,252) and Farlington (£269,664).In the past year house prices in Havant were 4% up on the year before and 18% up on 2013 when they averaged at £184,757.
11.9 The Land Registry House Price Index shows headline information about larger areas to compare the above Havant data. Although Havant is relatively cheap in the south-east, average house prices are significantly higher than the national average.
Land Registry House Price Index November 2015
Havant Hampshire South East England and Wales Average House Price (£) 217,000 248,155 258,137 186,325 Annual Change (%) 4 7.2 8 5.6
Table 27: Average House Prices
Source: Rightmove 2016 - http://www.rightmove.co.uk/house- prices/detail.html?country=england&locationIdentifier=REGION%5E607&searchLocation=Havant.
11.10 The number of homes on the Local Authority waiting list in Havant has fallen since peaking at 4,232 in 2008. In comparison, the south east has seen continued increases in households applying for social rented housing, except during 2008/09 which saw a slight decrease. 55 Havant Hampshire England
1997 2,120 15,341 1,021,664 1998 2,220 17,144 1,020,229 1999 2,714 19,127 1,036,751 2000 3,264 22,070 1,038,720 2001 3,735 22,634 1,039,265 2002 3,138 24,071 1,093,342 2003 2,349 24,558 1,268,718 2004 2,480 28,635 1,437,735 2005 2,256 30,357 1,547,280 2006 2,202 32,361 1,634,301 2007 4,198 39,846 1,674,421 2008 4,232 37,905 1,769,939 2009 2,185 30,628 1,763,140 2010 3,021 38,332 1,740,997 2011 4,629 .. 1,824,830 2012 4,415 39,783 1,851,426 2013 2,924 37,923 1,685,804 2014 2,548 30,379 1,368,312 2015 2,803 28,071 1,240,855 Table 28: Households on the Local Authority Housing Waiting List
Source: Gov.uk 2016. [Accessed 28 January 2016]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-rents-lettings-and-tenancies
11.11 In this context affordability is an issue for the borough. Despite reductions in the number of people on housing waiting lists, numbers still remain relatively high. To help address this, the Havant Local Plan (Core Strategy) sets a target of 30%-40% of new homes in developments over the size of 15 dwellings to be affordable. In total 194 affordable homes were built during the monitoring period 2014-15, which represents 39% of net completions.
Homelessness
11.12 The table below illustrates the number of households accepted as homeless by Havant. It is derived from data collected by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Havant has seen a significant reduction in the number of households being accepted as homeless. In the period April 2014 to March 2015 114 households were accepted as homeless. This compares favourably to the 879 households accepted as homeless during 2008/09.
56 Eligible homeless Eligible Eligible homeless Eligible but not Total Decisions and in priority need homeless and in but not in priority homeless priority need but need intentianal 2007-2008 100 3 34 527 664 2008-2009 95 1 67 716 879 2009-2010 120 3 7 31 161 2010-2011 95 4 16 35 150 2011-2012 53 9 1 36 99 2012-2013 60 3 8 18 89 2013-2014 39 12 28 26 105 2014-2015 33 18 32 31 114 Table 29: Homelessness
Source: Gov.uk 2016. [Accessed 28 January 2016]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-homelessness
Aging Population
11.13 An aging population will increase pressure for certain types of housing. The tables below illustrate the aging population projections for Havant and show that the need to provide housing for an aging population will be a key requirement for the borough.
All residents 60+ Age 60 to 64 Age 65 to 74 Age 75 to 84 Age 85 to 89 Age 90 + All Usual Residents
Person Count Havant BoroughMar 11 33621 8196 12865 9134 2254 1172 120684 % 28% 7% 11% 8% 2% 1%
Table 30: Current Figures
Source: Office of National Statistics
Current Figures 2015 Projections 2021 Projections 60+ Population % Increase from Increase from Current to 2021 Current to 2021 figures figures
Havant Person Count 33621 35028 38462 4841 14.40% % 28% 29% 30%
Table 31: Forecast Figures
Source: : Hampshire County Council Small Area Population Forecasts 2015 - http://www3.hants.gov.uk/factsandfigures/population-statistics/pop-estimates/small-area-pop-stats.htm
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Key Housing Issues for Havant
An ageing population is likely to increase pressure for a certain type of housing.
Havant generally has lower house prices compared to other local authorities within Hampshire. Despite this, affordability remains an issue.
There is a significant disparity between average earnings and house prices.
The findings of the PUSH Strategic Housing Market Assessment indicate that pressure for more housing will increase across the sub region
58 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016 12. Material Assets
Plans, Policies and Programme Review
12.1 Material assets include a range of policy areas, including waste management, minerals, energy production and previously developed land (PDL).
12.2 The European Union Renewables Directive (2009/28/EC) requires that 20% of the energy consumed within the EU is renewable. The target for the United Kingdom, by 2020, is 15%. The UK’s Renewable Energy Roadmap Update (2013) confirms that, “excellent progress is being made to achieving this challenging target”. Targets at a local level are set out in the Havant Borough Core Strategy in policy CS14 (Efficient Use of Resources).
12.3 The Government’s strategic approach to waste management is outlined in the Government Review of Waste Policy in England (2011) which is committed to working towards a zero waste economy as part of the transition to a green economy. This works on two key principles:
1. A more sustainable approach to the use of materials, delivering environmental benefits and supporting economic growth.
2. To improve the service to householders and businesses while delivering environmental benefits and supporting growth.
12.4 National level PPPs seek to protect mineral resources to ensure a sufficient supply of material to provide infrastructure, buildings, energy and goods (NPPF, 2012). At a local level, the Hampshire Waste and Minerals Plan was adopted in October 2013. It sets out the strategic approach to minerals and waste issues for the Hampshire authorities. The Havant Borough Local Plan (Allocations) safeguards those areas identified for minerals and waste workings.
12.5 National, regional and local level PPPs also promote the use of previously developed land.
Baseline Data
12.6 Havant Borough Council is a partner of Project Integra, a partnership working to provide an integrated approach to the collection, treatment and disposal of municipal waste in Hampshire. The project includes about 750,000 households and over 800,000 tonnes of waste a year. The project has resulted in significant improvements in the amount of waste going to landfill, as shown in Figure 12 below.
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Figure 12: Household Waste Treatment
Source: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/projectintegra
12.7 Table 32 shows the methods of waste management employed within Hampshire as part of Project Integra. It shows that during 2009/10 energy recovered waste management was the predominant method of managing waste followed by recycling. During 2000/01 Landfill was the preferred method of waste treatment. The table shows that there has been a significant shift away from landfill towards energy recovery. The volume of waste composted has steadily increased since 2001, effectively doubling. Recycling has seen an overall increase since 2001 although has slightly reduced since its peak during 2007/08.
60 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016
Waste 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 type tones L/fill 639,970 667,193 640,139 534,658 441,699 158,898 132,126 107,087 85,988 86,000 75,352 70,344 57,545 61,308 52,334 Energy 0 0 15,725 96,000 172,391 418,807 420,440 411,168 402,411 398,728 411,007 405,649 424,941 443,385 453,353 recovery
Compost 51,848 42,183 58,543 58,351 73,751 74,604 86,026 92,841 94,933 99,155 94,600 103,339 92,613 97,088 102,559
Recycling 109,551 117,748 136,055 142,808 158,133 165,982 196,267 213,389 202,493 189,158 183,883 175,162 170,352 168,450 170,029
Table 32: Methods of Waste Management
Source: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/projectinte
61 Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report | June 2016
12.8 Havant Borough Council has recently announced its partnership with Norse Commercial Services, a Joint Venture Company which will be providing Operational Services from the 1st of April 2016 for the borough, dealing with refuse and recycling collections. The partnership is intended to help ensure service quality, better value for money and income opportunities. Any profit made will be shared evenly between Havant Borough Council and Norse.
12.9 The Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan Safeguard Proposals Map (2013) shows that land at Leigh Park and land separating Havant from Emsworth is safeguarded for its clay and sharp sand and gravel deposits. There are two sites safeguarded for oil and gas exploration at Little Park Wood and Staunton Country Park. There are three waste recycling centres found on Hayling Island, Havant and Waterlooville. The area around Broadmarsh is an important area for waste transfer, household waste recycling and is home to a waste water treatment works.
12.10 Policy 15: Safeguarding - mineral resources (sand and gravel and brick-making clay) in the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan (HCC, 2013) states “Hampshire’s sand and gravel (sharp sand and gravel and soft sand) and brick-making clay resources are safeguarded against needless sterilisation by non-minerals development, unless ‘prior extraction’ takes place. Safeguarded mineral resources are defined by a Mineral Safeguarding Area (MSA) illustrated on the Proposals Map. Development without the prior extraction of mineral resources in the MSA may be permitted if”:
it can be demonstrated that the sterilisation of mineral resources will not occur; or
it would be inappropriate to extract mineral resources at that location, with regards to the other policies in the plan; or
the development would not pose a serious hindrance to mineral development in the vicinity; or
the merits of the development outweigh the safeguarding of the mineral.
12.11 Policy 16 of the Minerals and Waste Plan (HCC, 2013) protects infrastructure that supports the supply of minerals in Hampshire, which is safeguarded against development that would unnecessarily sterilise the infrastructure or prejudice its use or jeopardise its use by creating incompatible land uses nearby. Minerals sites with temporary permissions for minerals supply activities are safeguarded for the life of the permission. The Hampshire authorities will object to incompatible development unless it can be demonstrated that”:
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Figure 13: Hampshire Waste and Minerals Plan Policies Map
Source: http://documents.hants.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste/HampshireMineralsWastePlan-PoliciesMap.pdf
12.12 Policy CS17 of the Havant Borough Local Plan (Core Strategy) supports development on previously developed land. The Havant Borough Annual Monitoring Report 2015 reports that of the 513 gross completions during the reporting year, 26% were built on previously developed land.
Key Material Asset Issues for Havant
Recycling rates are favourable in Hampshire. Minimising waste generation and the sustainable management of waste should be sustained. New opportunities for improved recycling rates through the partnership between Norse and Havant Borough Council should be maximised. A number of locations within the borough fall within mineral and waste safeguarding areas. The transport of waste and minerals within the borough has the potential to affect those living near routes used for this purpose. Increased demand for energy and water resulting from economic growth and social changes has the potential to increase pressure on the borough’s natural resources. Renewable energy generation and efficiency measures need to be supported. The proportion on new housing to be built on previously developed land is likely to reduce in comparison with previous trends, as less land becomes available.
63 13. Population and Quality of Life
Plans, Policies and Programme Review
13.1 PPPs on population include a range of different objectives, including tackling social exclusion, improving human rights and public participation, improving health and ensuring every child has the chance to fulfil their potential by reducing levels of education failure, ill health, substance misuse, crime and anti-social behaviour. At a regional and local level, support for cultural diversity and young people are key aims.
13.2 The Equality Act 2010 identifies protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. Under the Act, people are not allowed to discriminate, harass or victimise another person because they have any of the protected characteristics.
Baseline Data
13.3 The population of Havant was estimated to be 120,684 people, as of census day March 2011 (Office for National Statistics). The population of Havant is growing; according to the Hampshire Council Small Area Population Forecasts the figure is forecast to reach 128,383 by 2021.
130000 128000 126000 124000 122000 120000 118000
2014 - 2021
Figure 14: Population Forecast
Source: Hampshire County Council. 2015 -nhttp://www3.hants.gov.uk/factsandfigures/population- statistics/pop-estimates/small-area-pop-stats.htm
13.4 Although some areas of the borough are characterised by an aging population, including Hayling Island in particular, the table below shows that the two largest categories are currently ages 30-44 and 45-59. If these groups choose to stay in the borough, the aging population will become more widespread, with implications for specialist housing and health services. This is illustrated in Table 33 below:
64 Person Count Mar 11 % Count Mar 11 Age 0 to 4 6710 6% Age 5 to 7 3944 3% Age 8 to 9 2448 2% Age 10 to 14 7195 6% Age 15 1580 1% Age 16 to 17 3145 3% Age 18 to 19 2890 2% Age 20 to 24 6798 6% Age 25 to 29 6444 5% Age 30 to 44 21001 17% Age 45 to 59 24908 21% Age 60 to 64 8196 7% Age 65 to 74 12865 11% Age 75 to 84 9134 8% Age 85 to 89 2254 2% Age 90 and Over 1172 1% All Usual Residents 120684 100% Table 33: Population by Age
Source: Office for National Statistics
Deprivation
13.5 According to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2015, Havant is ranked 142nd most deprived local authority out of a total of 326. Previously it was ranked 101st in 2010, 126th in 2007 and 137th in 2002. This shows an improvement.
13.6 In Havant Borough, there are large variations in quality of life, as shown by levels of deprivation. The borough contains some of the most deprived wards in Hampshire, as shown in Table 34 below. Addressing the inequalities between the most deprived areas and the least deprived areas is a key priority for the borough.
Ward Area 2015 Ranking Battins LP Community Centre 1,397 Warren Park Warren Park South 2,261 Warren Park Botley Drive (N), Lyndhurst House 2,492 Hart Plain Wecock Village to Milton Road 2,495 Bondfields Havant Town FC, Oakshot Drive. 2,975 Bondfields Wakeford Way, Sharps Copse 3,058 Warren Park Botley Drive (S),Riders Lane (N) Proctor & Gamble site 3,624 Hart Plain Rachel Madock, Wecock Common & Woodcroft Farm 3,742 Warren Park Warren Park North 3,910 Battins Sir George Staunton Country Park 3,926
Table 34: Wards Ranked in the Bottom 10 for Overall Deprivation
Source: East Hampshire District Council
65 Dependency Ratios
13.7 In order to try and forecast what impact aging may have on Havant, dependency ratios have been calculated for the borough. Dependency ratios provide a ratio of those not in the labour force and those typically in the labour force to measure the pressure on the productive population.
13.8 To calculate these ratios – residents have been broken down into three categories – those aged 0- 14 who are classed as Child Dependents, those aged 15-64 and are classed as the Productive Population and those aged 65+ who are classed as Aged Dependent. The number of residents in each age bracket have been calculated and then expressed as a percentage of the total population. This has been used to show the current dependency ratio.
13.9 Some caution must be exercised when reading these figures as they do not take into account the fact that those in the over 65 bracket whilst classed as dependent, may actually be working. It also fails to take into account the number of economically inactive residents that fall into the productive population age bracket.
13.10 Hampshire County Council Small Area Population Forecasts, published in 2014, predict a rise in dependency ratios in the borough. The total dependency ratio is forecast to reach 72.1 dependents per 100 people of working age by 2021 (up from 67.2 in 2014). A summary of the ratios can be found here:
http://documents.hants.gov.uk/population/Havantinfographic-2014SAPF.pdf
13.11 By 2021, the population of Havant is forecast to rise to 128,383, with 30% of residents falling within the Aged 60+ category.
Job Seekers Allowance
13.12 Table 35 below shows that Havant Borough has a higher than regional average of those claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), although the figures mirror national averages. Over twice the numbers of men are claiming JSA compared to women. The table is taken from the Office for National Statistics Regional Labour Market Data (data has been rounded to the nearest 5).
Havant Havant Hampshire Hampshire South South UK UK Count % Count % East East Count % Count % Male 710 2 3,740 0.9 35,150 1.3 475,930 2.3 Female 410 1.1 2,270 0.5 20,790 0.7 264,785 1.3 Total 1,115 1.5 6,010 0.7 55,935 1 740,715 1.8 Table 35: Job Seekers Allowance
Source: Jobcentre Plus Administrative System
66 Department for Work and Pensions Benefit Claimants
13.13 The data below is taken from the NOMIS Labour Profile for Havant and shows that people claiming benefits in Havant is generally higher than in the south east as a whole, but comparable with the national average.
Havant Havant South East Great Britain (numbers) (%) (%) (%) Job seekers 1,040 1.4 1 1.7 ESA and incapacity benefits 4,420 6.1 4.5 6.3 Lone parents 990 1.4 0.9 1.1 Carers 1,340 1.8 1.2 1.5 Others on income related 200 0.3 0.2 0.3 benefits Disabled 1,070 1.5 1 1.1 Bereaved 120 0.2 0.2 0.2 Main out-of-work benefits* 6,650 9.2 6.6 9
Total claimants 9,180 12.6 9 12.2
Source: DWP benefit claimants - working age client group *Main out-of-work benefits includes the groups: job seekers, ESA and incapacity benefits, lone parents and others on income related benefits. See the Definitions and Explanations below for details Note: % is a proportion of resident population of area aged 16-64
Table 36: Benefits
Source: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157306/report.aspx#tabwab
Crime Statistics
13.14 The table below contains ONS recorded crimes for headline offences by Community Partnership Area.
Havant Hampshire Total recorded crime - including fraud 7,139 111,836 Total recorded crime - excluding fraud 7,139 111,836 Violence against the person 2,075 28,531 Homicide 0 17 Violence with injury 889 13,178 Violence without injury 1,186 15,336 Sexual offences 241 3,330 Robbery 13 689 Theft offences 2,695 47,126 Burglary 539 10,940 Domestic burglary 198 3,659 Non-domestic burglary 341 7,281 Vehicle offences 337 7,253 Theft from the person 40 1,271 Bicycle theft 231 3,677 Shoplifting 785 10,844 67 All other theft offences 763 13,141 Criminal damage and arson 1,181 16,883 Drug offences 273 5,346 Possession of weapons offences 52 646 Public order offences 455 7,383 Miscellaneous crimes against society 154 1,902
Fraud 0 0 Table 37: Crime
Source: Police Recorded Crime, Home Office
NB - Police recorded crime data are not designated as National Statistics.
NB - Caution must be taken when interpreting small numbers of offences.
13.15 Quality of life and wellbeing is intrinsically linked to access to open space and the natural/semi- natural environment. A high quality green infrastructure network is crucial to supporting many of the aspirations of the Local Plan (Core Strategy 2011) and key sustainability issues. Green infrastructure provision continues to be supported through the local plan and through work with other PUSH authorities. The PUSH GI Strategy sets out high level projects, which are seen as key to providing the framework for local authorities to implement local projects, improving both provision and connectivity.
Key Population and Quality of Life Issues for Havant
An ageing population and increased dependency ratio in the borough will lead to implications for service provision. The population of the borough is expected to increase slightly over the next decade. There is significant variation in deprivation levels within the Borough. Havant has some of the most deprived areas within Hampshire, especially around Leigh Park. The borough has a higher benefit claimant rate than regional averages. The maintenance of a high quality green infrastructure network in Havant will be a key contributor to overall quality of life in the borough. Promoting high quality design is a key aspect of sustainable development, contributing to enhancing places for people. This is recognised by the NPPF. The Local Plan (Allocations) should support and encourage high quality design.
68 14. Water and Soil
Plans, Policies and Programme Review
14.1 National water policies are primarily driven by the aims of the EC Water Framework Directive, as translated into national law by the Water Framework Regulations 2003. The purpose of the directive is to establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters (rivers and lakes), transitional waters (estuaries), coastal waters and groundwater. The general objective of the Water Framework Directive was to achieve good ecological and chemical status for all surface waters by 2015. Although this target has not been reached, it is widely recognised that there have been some good achievements and that the figures show an overall improvement.
14.2 The NPPF seeks to ensure that flood risk is taken into account at all stages of the planning process to avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding, and to direct development away from areas of highest risk. The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for PUSH was produced in December 2007; further details can be found in section 7 above and via the PUSH SFRA website:
http://maps.hants.gov.uk/push/default.aspx
14.3 National and regional strategies also have a strong focus on maintaining and protecting the availability of water throughout the country and particularly in the south east, where water supply is under stress. Portsmouth Water is responsible for the water supply in the borough. The Portsmouth Water Resource Management Plan was adopted in 2014 and sets out how the company will address water supply and demand over a 25 year period. Water supply and use is guided by the Environment Agency’s Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies. Havant Borough is covered by the East Hampshire Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS).
14.4 The latest publically available assessment of water bodies in the south east is provided by the Environment Agency and is available here:
http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/RiverBasinDistrict/7
Baseline Data
14.5 Havant has an extensive coastline along the southern boundary of the borough and numerous inland watercourses. There is currently 56km of coastal frontage including 42km around Hayling Island. There is approximately 32km of watercourse within Havant.
14.6 The main watercourses within the Borough include the Hermitage Stream, Lavant Stream and River Ems. Many of the watercourses within the borough have been modified in some way. The Hermitage Stream flows for approximately 7km from its source in Cowplain until it discharges into Langstone Harbour. In the past the Hermitage Stream has been heavily modified with concrete walls and artificial straightening. These modifications have affected the natural function of the stream. The Environment Agency in conjunction with Havant Borough Council has undertaken work to restore the natural flow of the stream by removing concrete walls in Leigh Park. Proposals to extend river restoration to other reaches of the Hermitage Stream are supported by the council and the Environment Agency. These proposals can help meet the objectives of the Water Framework
69 Directive as they contribute to the overall quality of the rivers in the borough. Figure 15 shows the locations of the main watercourses in Havant.
Figure 15: Main Watercourses in Havant
Source: https://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Map%20Showing%20Main%20Rivers%20in%20H avant%20Borough.pdf
70 14.7 The vulnerability of groundwater to pollution is determined by the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil and rocks, which control the ease with which an unprotected hazard can affect groundwater. Groundwater Source Protection Zones (SPZs) indicate the risk to groundwater supplies from potentially polluting activities and accidental releases of pollutants. Designed to protect individual groundwater sources, these zones show the risk of contamination from any activities that might cause pollution in the area. In this context they are used to inform pollution prevention measures in areas which are at a higher risk and to monitor the activities of potential polluting activities nearby.
14.8 Source Protection Zones (SPZ’s) are used to identify those areas close to drinking water sources where the risk associated with groundwater contamination is greatest. SPZ’s have three sub- divisions – SPZ1, SPZ2 and SPZ3. The special interest zone no longer exists.
14.9 The Environment Agency has recently updated its SPZ classifications, to take account of a recent increase in proposals for deep subsurface activities. Historically, groundwater sources were protected by a covering layer of low permeability deposits, such as clay. However, where activities permeate the clay and affect the chalk underneath, there is a greater risk of pollution to groundwater sources. New ‘sub surface’ activity SPZ1 and SPZ2 are represented by hatched lines on the EA maps and are referred to as SPZ1c and SPZ2c. These areas show operators of sub surface activities the areas where the EA may seek to limit or control activities.
14.10 A large proportion of Havant Borough is defined as Zone 1c and as such, the EA may seek to limit or control works by operators of subsurface activities. The ground around Havant is particularly sensitive due to the presence of the Havant Springs. This may have implications for new development in the future and while not necessarily a “show stopper”, should be considered during the earliest stages of a proposal.
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Figure 16: Groundwater Source Protection Zones
Source: http://maps.environment- agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?x=471500.0&y=106500.0&topic=groundwater&ep=map&scale=9&loc ation=Havant, Hampshire&lang=_e&layerGroups=default&distance=&textonly=off#x=471500&y=106500&lg=1,10,&scale= 8
14.11 Havant and Bedhampton Springs provide 35% of the water used by Portsmouth Water to supply customers. This is a network of natural chalk springs which have been used for public water supply since 1860. The springs are reported to be the largest group of springs used for this purpose in Europe. Winter rainfall helps to recharge the aquifer of the South Downs to the north. A proposal for a reservoir at Havant thicket has been identified for some time, which could store surplus spring water.
14.12 Portsmouth Water confirm that while the reservoir is not included in their current Water Resources Management Plan (2014), it remains a feasible option for the future:
https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/9A3E1C1C-2773-4BBE- B8E2-A0C365AB18F9.pdf
14.13 The Water Resource Management Plan is under regular review and a number of factors could trigger the need for the reservoir. Portsmouth Water states that it will continue to work with the Water Resources in the South East Group (which comprises the Environment Agency and all water companies in the SE) to promote the benefits of the Havant Thicket Reservoir as a potential new regional water resource and green infrastructure site. The benefits of the reservoir in the context of WRSE modelling would be promoted, on the basis that any water from it could be shared between companies. However, the EA point out that at this stage, it would not promote Havant Thicket on its own as there is no evidence to support a need by Portsmouth Water alone. As a result the timescales for the reservoir remain uncertain, but the reservoir option could be brought forward at any time. This would need to be justified through the WRMP.
72 14.14 CAMS are strategies developed by the Environment Agency for managing water resources at the local level. CAMS are produced for every river catchment area in England and Wales. Havant Borough is covered by the East Hampshire Cams, further details can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/east-hampshire-catchment-abstraction- licensing-strategy
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Figure 17: East Hampshire Cams Area
74 14.15 The East Hampshire Cams falls within the South East River Basin District. Over 3.5 million people live within the area, which also supports a rich diversity of wildlife and habitats. The South East River Basin Management plan identifies the main issues affecting the basin as:
Physical changes to rivers, lakes and estuaries e.g. flood defences
Pollution from waste water – population growth and changes in rainfall patterns are putting increasing pressure on the sewer network
Pollution from towns, cities and transport
Changes to the natural flow and level of water – not enough water for people and wildlife
Negative effects of invasive non-native species
Pollution from rural areas – increase in soil and sediment causing algae growth
14.16 The South East River Basin Management Plan provides links to comprehensive monitoring information on water quality, which includes information relevant to Havant. The key findings are shown in Figures 18 – 22 below. The maps can be scrutinised further by clicking the link below each map and zooming in on Havant Borough.
Figure 18: Chemical Status and Quantitative Status for Groundwater
Source: https://ea.sharefile.com/share?cmd=d&id=s6032429bce84ee98#/view/s6032429bce84ee98?_k=kegk6p
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Figure 19: Chemical Status of Surface Freshwaters, Estuarine and Coastal Waters
Source: https://ea.sharefile.com/share?cmd=d&id=s6032429bce84ee98#/view/s6032429bce84ee98?_k=kegk6p
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Figure 20: Ecological Status or Potential for Surface Freshwater, Estuaries and Coastal Water Bodies – Overview showing Classification Categories
Source: https://ea.sharefile.com/share?cmd=d&id=s6032429bce84ee98#/view/s6032429bce84ee98?_k=kegk6p
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Figure 21: Ecological Status or Potential for Surface Freshwater – Detailed view showing Water Body Designations
Source: https://ea.sharefile.com/share?cmd=d&id=s6032429bce84ee98#/view/s6032429bce84ee98?_k=kegk6p
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Figure 22: Ecological Status or Potential for Estuarine and Coastal Waters – detailed view showing water body designations
Source: https://ea.sharefile.com/share?cmd=d&id=s6032429bce84ee98#/view/s6032429bce84ee98?_k=kegk6p
14.17 The PUSH Strategic Flood Risk Assessment identifies the primary source of flooding within the borough comes from the sea. Tidal flooding is known to affect Brockhampton, Langstone and Emsworth on the mainland and Eastoke, Selsmore and Mengham on Hayling Island. Flooding from wave overtopping the frontage of south Hayling Island has also been a significant problem in the past.
http://maps.hants.gov.uk/push/Reports/ReportList.htm
14.18 The secondary source of flooding within the borough is fluvial. Flooding from the Hermitage Stream, River Lavant and River Wallington is known to occur. Key areas at risk from fluvial flooding include Havant Town Centre, Leigh Park, West Leigh and Stockheath.
14.19 Historically groundwater and surface water flooding is known to occur in the borough. In many parts of the borough drainage systems date back to before the 1960s and as such surface water flooding from drainage and sewer systems is known to occur in areas such as the Florins, Petersfield Road, Park Lane, and Hulbert Road. Source:
http://maps.hants.gov.uk/push/Reports/HavantGuidanceDocument.pdf#
79 Soil Quality
14.20 The Soil Strategy for England shows soil as a vital natural resource, with a range of key functions. These include:
Support of food, fuel and fibre production;
Environmental interaction functions (e.g. regulating the flow of and filtering substances from water, emitting and removing atmospheric gases, storing carbon);
Support of habitats and biodiversity;
Protection of cultural heritage and archaeology;
Providing a platform for construction; and
Providing raw materials.
The Soil Strategy can be viewed here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69261/pb13297-soil- strategy-090910.pdf
14.21 Soil quality has a strong influence on the quality of agricultural land. The Agricultural Land Classification system provides a method for assessing the quality of farmland to enable informed choices to be made about its future use within the planning system. The Agricultural Land Classification system classifies land into five grades, with Grade 3 subdivided into Subgrades 3a and 3b. The best and most versatile land is defined as Grades 1, 2 and 3a, which is deemed to be the land which is most flexible, productive and efficient in response to inputs and which can best deliver future crops for food and non-food uses such as biomass, fibres and pharmaceuticals.
14.22 LPAs, as part of their Local Plan process, should prioritise the use of lower quality land (i.e. non BMV) in preference of that of higher quality (grade 1, 2 and 3a) in line with para 112 of the NPPF. Local planning authorities should ensure that they have sufficient detailed information to apply the requirements of the NPPF at the beginning of the local plan process in order to provide the necessary evidence to underpin the Local Plan. More detailed site specific surveys enable a more definitive classification including the subdivision of Grade 3 land; consequently it is feasible that the results of more detailed surveys may be different from the broad-brush provisional map.
14.23 The areas of best and most versatile agricultural land in the borough (Grade 1) is located south and east of Havant along the costal belt, between Havant and Emsworth and on north Hayling Island. These areas represent the fertile alluvial soils of coastal plains. There are also further areas of Grade 2 agricultural land on Hayling Island and between Havant and Emsworth. Figure 23 shows the agricultural land classification for Havant.
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Figure 23: Agricultural Land Classification for Havant
Source: http://www.hants.gov.uk/pdf/draft-jbl-report.pdf
81 Key Water and Soil Issues for Havant
Tidal and fluvial flooding is a significant risk within the borough, especially around Hayling Island, Brockhampton, and Emsworth. Surface water flooding is also a significant issue within the borough, especially in areas with ageing drainage systems. Climate change is likely to increase the risk of all types of flooding present within the borough. Part of Havant is designated a groundwater source protection area, indicating risk to groundwater supplies. The local plan should seek to ensure continued protection of ground water sources. Chemical water quality within the borough has seen overall improvements, although this varies between different watercourses. Biological water quality has seen an overall reduction from good to fair from 1990 to 2006. Further improvements in water quality are needed to ensure Water Framework Directive targets are met. An increased demand for water has implications for water supply A need to increase the capacity of wastewater treatment plants and sewers; The local plan must ensure there is enough waste water treatment capacity and water resources are available for housing growth. Additional housing has the potential to impact upon water quality. Havant has some areas of high quality agricultural land either grade 1 or grade 2. This land has the potential to be threatened by growth and associated infrastructure. New and improved infrastructure has the potential to lead to an increase in soil erosion and soil loss.
82 15. Sustainability Objectives
15.1 The Havant Borough Position Statements and Local Plan proposals will be assessed against SA objectives, which are shown in the SA framework below. The framework contains fourteen objectives, each of which is linked to the themes which were identified as being of importance to the borough, in chapters 4 to 14. The objectives have largely been carried forward from the SA of the Havant Borough Local Plan (Allocations). This plan was adopted in July 2014 and a review of the objectives has determined that they still provide appropriate and up to date assessment criteria. However, the previous objectives did not include criteria specific to flooding. Havant is a coastal borough with a number of significant water courses. Although climate change includes flooding, it is considered appropriate to add an additional objective which addresses the issue of flooding from all sources and will be particularly key to Hayling Island. This is added in the table below. In addition, the previous objectives on climate change have been amalgamated into a single objective. Finally, word changes have been made since the SA of the Allocations Plan, where it is considered that this would improve the clarity of the objective.
15.2 In September 2015, the PUSH Spatial Strategy SA Scoping Report was published for consultation amongst member authorities. This report is still confidential. However, as a member authority, Havant Borough Council made comments, particularly in respect of the proposed objectives. The wording and content of the objectives below have been cross referenced with those in the PUSH SA Scoping Report, to ensure they broadly align.
SA Objective Sustainability Theme
Develop a dynamic, diverse and knowledge-based Economic factors and quality of life economy that excels in innovation with higher value, lower impact activities Provide affordable, environmentally sound and good Housing, population and quality of life quality housing for all Safeguard and improve community health, safety Health, population and quality of life and wellbeing Promote and support climate change mitigation and Climate change adaptation through reducing Havant’s greenhouse gas emissions from all sources and plan for anticipated levels of climate change Reduce the risk of flooding from all sources and the Climate change, air, water and soil resulting detriment to public wellbeing, the economy and the environment. Take a sequential approach to development and avoid putting more people and property at risk of being affected by flooding, where possible. Manage flood risk where necessary.
Protect, enhance and manage buildings, features, Historic environment and landscape areas and landscapes of archaeological, historical and cultural heritage importance and their setting Protect, enhance and manage the character and Historic environment and landscape appearance of the landscape and townscape, 8 maintaining and strengthening local distinctiveness and sense of place. Protect, enhance and manage biodiversity and Biodiversity and geodiversity geodiversity – supporting the enhancement and connectivity of ecological green networks
83 Protect and conserve natural resources Material assets, air, water and soil Reduce waste generation and disposal, and Material assets promote the waste hierarchy of reduce, reuse, recycle/compost, energy recovery and disposal Improve the efficiency of transport networks by Climate change, accessibility and transport. increasing the proportion of travel by sustainable modes, by promoting policies which reduce the need to travel and provide opportunities for walking and cycling Improve air, water (ground and surface) and soil Air, water and soil qualities through reducing pollution both diffuse and point source Reduce poverty and social exclusion and close the Quality of life, housing gap between the most deprived areas in the Borough and the rest of the Borough Ensure easy and equitable access to services, Accessibility and transport, quality of life, economic facilities and opportunities factors
Table 38: Sustainability Appraisal Objectives
15.3 The SA Framework provides a way in which sustainability effects can be described, analysed and compared. The extent to which a policy or allocation meets an objective will be assessed using the following grading system:
Grade Appraisal symbol Strong positive effect ++ Positive effect + Neutral/no effect 0 Negative effect - Strong negative effect -- Uncertain effects +/- Table 39: SA Objective Grades
15.4 The purpose of the SA Framework’s objectives is to provide a way of ensuring the proposed plan’s policies consider the sustainability needs of the area in terms of their social, environmental and economic effects. The SEA topics identified in Annex I (f) of the SEA Directive are one of the key determinants when considering which SA objectives should be used for the environmental criteria. Consequently, the SA objectives incorporate all sustainability themes to ensure the assessment process is robust and thorough.
15.5 The SA objectives have drawn on the baseline information, the key issues and other plans and programmes of particular interest discussed in this Scoping Report. They have also drawn on information made available as part of the emerging PUSH Spatial Strategy SA work and is heavily influenced by the SA work undertaken in connection with the Havant Local Plan (Core Strategy and Allocations). The SA objectives differ from those used for the Local Plan (Core Strategy) but align with those used in the Allocations Plan. This is due to the fact that the baseline assessment did not identify the need for new objectives, with the exception of the new flood risk objective.
15.6 The SA Framework of the Havant Borough Local Plan (Allocations) included a series of questions or ‘decision making criteria’ for use when applying the SA Framework to the assessment of proposed policies and allocations. These are accompanied by indicators and targets for each SA Objective. In assessing the policies in the Allocations Plan, the decision making criteria were found to be a useful “sub question” to consider and help the assessor understand the purpose of the
84 objective. These can be found using the following link and will help the assessor understand the purpose of the objective:
http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/SA%20Scoping%20Report%20Aug% 202012.pdf
15.7 Following consultation on this SA Scoping Report, Historic England has recommended the addition of the following decision making criteria. These will be added to future iterations of the SA:
number of designated heritage assets” (which should be split by asset, including Conservation Areas);
% of Conservation Areas in Havant Borough with an up-to-date character appraisal (and management plan;
number and proportion of heritage assets at risk;
the number of locally listed heritage assets
the percentage of planning applications where archaeological mitigation strategies were developed and implemented.
85 16. Consultation on the Scoping Report
16.1 This chapter summarises the stages of the SA processes that will be carried out for the Housing Statement and Local Plan following consultation of this Scoping Report.
Refining Options and Assessing Effects
16.2 The assessment of options (or alternatives) is an important requirement of the SEA Directive, which requires that the Environmental Report includes the following information about reasonable alternatives: “an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information’’.
16.3 Reasonable alternatives should be assessed through the SA process. The assessment of alternatives will take place following consultation on the SA Scoping Report and enable options for the Local Plan to be explored. High level options (of the Housing Statement) will be assessed against the SA objectives and assessment findings will then be interpreted with a written commentary, presenting results according to effect on the relevant sustainability themes. Whilst this report would not be a requisite of the SEA Directive, a report of this nature can help demonstrate iteration between the plan making process and the SA, and provide a coherent story of the plan’s evolution and choice of options. This high-level assessment will accompany Regulation 18 consultation on the Housing Statement and will help deliver the requirement of Article 6.2 of the SEA Directive.
Sustainability Appraisal and Publication
16.4 The next stage of the SA will involve assessing the Housing Statement and then successive drafts of the Local Plan. Whilst assessment work has been undertaken in the previous stage, the information that is prepared during subsequent stages is more detailed. In terms of the assessment methodology, a two stage sequential approach to assessment is proposed. The first stage is to produce a high level assessment of all policies and proposals presented in the Housing Statement. The second stage is more detailed and evaluates specific aspects of the local plan; particularly those which are identified as being potentially adverse in some way.
16.5 Findings from the high level assessment will be presented in matrix format. The high-level matrix is not a conclusive tool or model. Its main function is to identify at a strategic level whether or not the assessment requires a more detailed examination or whether satisfactory conclusions may be drawn from the high-level assessment without the need for further, detailed analysis of a particular policy.
16.6 In cases where further detailed analysis is required, a secondary level of assessment will be used. This introduces the application of detailed assessment matrices. The purpose of detailed assessment matrices is to provide an in-depth assessment of the different aspects of a particular
86 policy which revealed potentially significant adverse effects at the high-level assessment stage. The detailed assessment matrices evaluate specific aspects of the local plan proposals to meet the requirements of the SEA Directive.
16.7 Detailed Assessment Matrices will include:
A description of the predicted effect
The duration of the effect: whether the effect is long, medium or short term
The frequency of the effect: will it be on-going?
Whether the effect is temporary or permanent
The geographic significance: whether the effect is of localised, regional, national or international significance
The magnitude of effect
The severity of significance
Whether mitigation is required/possible to reduce the effect.
16.8 As required by the SEA Directive, cumulative, synergistic and indirect effects will also be identified and evaluated during the assessment. An explanation of these is as follows:
Indirect effects are effects that are not a direct result of the plan, but occur away from the original effect or as a result of a complex pathway.
Cumulative effects arise where several developments each have insignificant effects but together have a significant effect or where several individual effects of the plan have a combined effect.
Synergistic effects interact to produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual effects.
16.9 The assessment of these effects will be presented in tabular format and show where the different effects arise when two or more draft policies operate together.
Draft Sustainability Appraisal Report
16.10 The above process will lead to the preparation of a sustainability appraisal report. This is designed to provide sustainability feedback to the plan makers at each stage of the local plan’s preparation.
16.11 The purpose of the SA report is to enable plan makers to take on board assessment findings, and proposed mitigation and monitoring, before finalising the Local Plan.
16.12 The SA report will be written in a form suitable for public consultation and use by decision-makers. This version of the SA report will be fully compliant with all aspects of the SEA Directive as set out in Annex 1 of the Directive. In line with the requirements of the SEA Directive, a Non-Technical Summary will be produced to accompany the finalised consultation version of the SA report. It is important to recognise that whilst the local plan is technically made available as a “published version”, in order to meet the requirements of the SEA Directive (Article 6.1), this is a consultation exercise as part of the SA process.
87 17. Next Stages of SA Process
Consultation on the Scoping Report
17.1 The SEA Regulations state that a Scoping Report shall be prepared which will be the subject of consultation with statutory consultation bodies for a minimum period of five weeks. The statutory consultees are Historic England, the Environment Agency and Natural England.
17.2 Public involvement through consultation is a key element of the SA process. The SEA Regulations require consultation with statutory consultation bodies but not full consultation with the public at the scoping stage. Regulation 12 (5) of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (SI 1633) states that:
“When deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information that must be included in the report the responsible authority shall consult the consultation bodies’’.
17.3 Statutory consultation on the SA scoping report took place between the 22nd April and 5pm Friday 27th May. The responses from this consultation have now been incorporated into this SA scoping report. The responses largely consisted of factual updates or corrections to the PPP review and the baseline data.
88 Appendix 1
Addressing the needs of housing growth and protecting the Marine Environment in the Solent Area
We have produced this note to help Local Planners and other partners understand challenges we have in the Solent around nutrients and sewage discharges alongside the need for growth.
Background
The natural environment in the Solent area makes it an attractive place to live and work. Much of the Solent area is of high nature conservation value. There are several European Protected Areas (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) and Ramsar sites. As such, the estuarine habitats, their typical species, and wetland bird populations are protected by national and European law and represent internationally important biodiversity.
Nitrogen levels from agriculture and sewage are contributing to the growth of opportunistic green seaweed mats in many parts of the Solent area. These mats smother estuarine habitats and restrict the growth, distribution and variety of food available for wetland birds.
Much of this nitrogen is from agriculture; however, a smaller but still substantial proportion is from human sewage. To conform to the requirements of the Habitats Regulations local authorities planning for growth have to be certain that development has either avoided harm to European Protected Areas or mitigated the impact to ensure that there is no adverse effect on the integrity of the site. There is currently little certainty that future development of the scale proposed in the PUSH area can meet these tests without mitigation.
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires the conservation objective standards for Protected Areas to be met by December 2015 but, if this is not possible, provides for extended timelines to 2021 and then 2027. The Protected Areas in the Solent widely fail to meet their standards on water quality due to the abundance of green seaweed and they will continue to fail unless there is concerted action to significantly reduce nitrogen levels.
What has been done so far?
A variety of actions to reduce nitrogen inputs to the marine environment in the Solent area have already been implemented, including regulatory and voluntary measures. Agricultural inputs have been reduced by the introduction of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and schemes such as Catchment Sensitive Farming. The Solent Diffuse Water Pollution Plan is a joint Natural England / Environment Agency plan that details actions being taken to reduce diffuse pollution. However, the reductions achieved by these measures are small relative to the amount of nitrogen still draining from agricultural land.
The Habitats Regulations Review of Consents in the Solent area in 2005 led to the tightening of many sewage permits, and sewage inputs have been tackled by nitrate stripping at many Solent sewage treatment works. In 2005 several sewage permits had available ‘headroom’ which would provide capacity for some growth, but this will have reduced over the last 10 years.
89 What is the risk from development growth?
The Environment Agency and Natural England recognise that to meet the requirements of both the Habitats Directive and WFD further reductions in the amount of nitrogen and locally phosphorus entering the Solent is needed. Most of this reduction needs to be delivered from agriculture.
However it is also important that nitrogen inputs from development growth do not keep increasing or this will erode the rate of reduction in agricultural inputs that has been delivered. This is likely to be a challenge in the Solent area due to the rate and scale of planned growth, but without further action to mitigate development growth, a risk of local deterioration cannot be ruled out.
Environment Agency’s role in planning and permitting
The Environment Agency is a statutory consultee for planning purposes, and must be consulted in the town and country planning process. Our comments relate to the environmental matters that we are responsible for reviewing, including flood risk and water quality. We only comment on planning policies or applications - we do not decide them.
The Environment Agency is also a statutory consultee on the Strategic Environmental Assessment / Sustainability Appraisals produced by Local Planning Authorities. And Environmental Impact Assessments produced by other organisations and developers.
The Environment Agency issue/regulate the permits for the water companies to operate STW’s, if any additional capacity is required the water company will have apply to us for the permit to be amended. We will only amend permits if there is no impact on the water environment.
Natural England’s role in Protected Areas and planning
Natural England is a statutory consultee for a range of Development Management Consultations including development consent orders, many planning applications, local development orders and associated Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
Natural England is a statutory consultee on Development Plans, including Local Plans and Neighbourhood Development Plans, as well as Habitats Regulations Assessments and Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessments. As a statutory consultee the scope of Natural England’s response reflects the legislation or regulations under which we are consulted.
Natural England is the sole statutory consultee for assessments of plans and projects carried out under the Habitats Regulations. We define the conservation objectives for the Protected Areas and provide supplementary advice on these objectives. This information provides the foundation in a Habitats Regulations Assessment against which Competent Authorities, such as the PUSH planning authorities, can consider whether a plan or project can be shown not to affect site integrity.
We also carry out and report nationally and to the European Commission on the condition of the designated habitats and species against the conservation objective standards.
90 Next Steps
We are keen to work with PUSH to consider the developing evidence base and to understand the scale of the challenge involved in delivering development aspirations while protecting and improving water quality across the Solent area.
We would welcome the opportunity to work with PUSH authorities and water companies to develop a strategic solution for reducing additional nutrients arising from future growth.
This might include targeting housing development in the least sensitive areas, direct actions like upgrading sewage treatment works, the locational placement of sewage discharges and reducing wastewater volumes that are required to be treated. It might also include indirect actions such as offsetting the nitrogen generated from new development by taking land out of nitrogen intensive use, e.g. agricultural fields where nitrogen fertiliser is applied. (An example of the indirect approach for Poole Harbour in Dorset is available here).
Solutions that deliver multiple benefits should be considered for example providing low nutrient amenity greenspace, reducing flood risk and protecting the quality of drinking water resources.
For further details please contact:
Francesca Barker, Natural England – Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Area Team [email protected]
Charlotte Lines, Environment Agency – Solent and South Downs [email protected] (or [email protected])
91 Appendix 2
Revised Extreme Sea Levels Solent & South Downs Area (April 2016)
Extreme Sea Levels (ESLs) are used by the Environment Agency and other Risk Management Authorities to inform our understanding of, and decisions relating to flood risk.
Introduction The purpose of this briefing note is to summarise the latest extreme sea level dataset that will be used by the Environment Agency in Solent and South Downs (SSD) Area. The briefing note and supporting information also sets out how extreme sea levels are projected to increase as a result of the recently published "Flood Risk Assessments: climate change allowances". These allowances are applicable specifically to spatial planning. This document read in conjunction with the accompanying interactive pdfs therefore provides a comprehensive set of present day and future extreme sea levels upon which we will base our statutory planning advice.
Environment Agency Extreme Sea Levels: The Data
The latest ESL’s are based on the following datasets:
Coastal Flood Boundary Data (CFBD), 2011. This is a nationwide database of present day extreme sea-levels around the coastline. They are valid for the open coast only and cannot be applied to areas that lie within estuaries, harbours or tidal rivers.
Extreme Sea Levels for Southern Estuaries and Harbours, 2015. This project used the CFBD data and carried out additional work to assess how the open coast levels change within estuaries, harbours and tidal rivers across the SSD Area. Levels are based on statistical analysis of recorded sea-level data and the use of outputs from additional hydrodynamic models including the Southampton Water Coastal Modelling Study, 2014 and Isle of Wight Coastal Remedial Works, 2015.
Together, these 2 datasets provide a comprehensive set of present day extreme sea levels for the open coast, estuaries, harbours and tidal rivers.
Notable Changes
Whilst the majority of present day extreme sea levels in estuaries and harbours are within +/-0.1m of the previous dataset used by the Environment Agency, there are locations where the change is more notable. For example, on parts of the River Hamble the levels have raised by 0.4m and on parts of the Western Yar the levels have fallen by -0.3m. The new dataset is based on more scientifically robust techniques and, whilst a few locations have seen more significant change, the new dataset will offer a far more representative picture of risk.
92 Climate Change
The following climate change allowances have been applied to the combined extreme sea level dataset:
Sea level allowances for each epoch in millimetres (mm) per year 1990 to 2025 4 2026 - 2050 8.5 2051 - 2080 12 2081 - 2115 15
These allowances are in accordance with the 'Flood risk assessments: climate change allowances' published 19 February 2016 and can be viewed at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessments-climate-change-allowances
In some locations along the open coast there has been a minimal change of +0.1m to 2070 and 2115 extreme sea levels. This is due to the revised epochs over which the climate change allowances are now applied. Changes to estuaries, harbours and tidal rivers are proportional to the new present day levels identified in the Extreme Sea Levels for Southern Estuaries and Harbours, 2015 project.
Using the Dataset
We have provided the data as a series of interactive pdfs.
To turn on the interactive element, go to edit - analysis - object data tool. Then, select the point of interest and the following levels should appear:
Name Definition T200_PD The present day extreme sea level for a tidal flood event with a 1 in 200 (0.5%) chance of occurring T200_2070 The predicted extreme sea level for the year 2070 for a tidal flood event with a 1 in 200 (0.5%) chance of occurring T200_2115 The predicted extreme sea level for the year 2115 for a tidal flood event with a 1 in 200 (0.5%) chance of occurring T1000_PD The present day extreme sea level for a tidal flood event with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of occurring T1000_2070 The predicted extreme sea level for the year 2070 for a tidal flood event with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of occurring T1000_2115 The predicted extreme sea level for the year 2115 for a tidal flood event with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of occurring
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