Foreword 04 Note on Glossary 05 1

Ralph Connolly, Amphibian and Reptile Group, Barbara Kinnes, Dave King, Kathy Smyth, Cricket at Brook photographs by John Pheasant Photography.

Foreword 04 Note on Glossary 05 1. Introduction 06 2. An Introduction to Witley Parish 12 3. Overall Vision and Key Planning Principles 16 4. New Development during the Plan Period 17 5. Heritage and Landscape Conservation 30 6. Amenities 34 7. Transport 42 8. Economy 50 9. Natural Environment 54 10. Infrastructure Delivery and Monitoring 60 11. Glossary 62 A. Proposals Map

B. WPC Design Guidelines

C. Baseline Information Statement D. Demographic Report E. Engagement Report (1) F. Engagement Report (2) G. Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening Request H. Housing Needs Assessment I. Local Green Spaces Assessment Paper J. Basic Conditions Statement K. Adopted Map of Neighbourhood Plan Area

Welcome to the revised Witley Neighbourhood Plan. This version has been amended following the statutory consultation that took place in May / June 2019. This is the version that will be submitted to Waverley Borough Council, who will conduct a second statutory consultation.

The Plan has been developed over several years by a team of Witley Parish Councillors and local residents who comprise the Witley Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. Throughout the process, we have listened to the views of the local community collected through exhibitions, surveys and consultations; and we have shaped the Plan to reflect the views of the majority of residents. It is your Neighbourhood Plan.

As a community, we acknowledge that there is an urgent need for new housing. Waverley Borough Council has said we need to provide at least 480 new homes within the Parish between 2013 and 2032. Planning permission for more than half of those has already been granted, but a further 200 homes will have to be built. Our priority is to ensure that new developments are the right mix of housing, in an appropriate place and, most importantly, with adequate infrastructure to support the growing number of residents.

We see housing development as an opportunity as well as an inevitability. Levies on developers of new housing can be spent on significant improvements to the Witley Parish area for the benefit of all residents. These could include upgrades to pavements and footpaths; the creation of cycle routes; improvements to road safety; and the much- needed modernisation of some of our community buildings and facilities.

The policies contained in this document are vital to ensure that any development is appropriate to the needs of our community and will benefit the whole community. We are seeking to ensure that the design of new buildings is both sustainable and attractive; that travel on foot, by bike, by train or by car is easier, safer and more environmentally friendly; that new housing is integrated with existing residential areas and is targeted as much as possible to brownfield land rather than our precious Green Belt.

Witley Parish Council is enormously grateful to the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group for their enthusiasm and persistence in developing this document. It has not been an easy journey. When the Plan is adopted, with your support, we will be empowered to shape developments in the area for the benefit of existing residents and new residents alike.

WITLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

A glossary of the following terms can be found • Travel Plan at the end of this document on pages 62 - 67. • Waverley Local Plan Part 1 (LPP1) and Waverley Local Plan Part 2 (LPP2) • Affordable Housing • Windfall Homes • Agent of Change • Written Ministerial Statements • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) • Conservation Area • AONB - Areas of Outstanding Natural • Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Beauty • Development Plan • CIL - Community Infrastructure Levy • Flood Zones • HNA - Housing Needs Assessment • Green Belt • LPP1 – Waverley Local Plan Part 1 • Heritage Asset • LPP2 – Waverley Local Plan Part 2 • Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) • NPPF - National Planning Policy Framework • Infrastructure Delivery Plan • NPPG - National Planning Practice Guidance • Listed Buildings, Structures, Parks and Gardens • NPSG – Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group • Locally Listed Buildings, Structures, Parks and Gardens • SHMA - Strategic Housing Market Assessment • Local Green Space • WBC – Waverley Borough Council • Major Development • WNP – Witley Neighbourhood Plan • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) • WPC – Witley Parish Council • National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) • Policies Map • Public Realm • Section 106 and Section 278 Agreements • Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) • Special Protection Area (SPA) • Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) • Sustainable Development • Transport assessment

1.1 In April 2012, the Localism Act 2011 1.2 The Witley Neighbourhood Plan (WNP) introduced ‘neighbourhood planning’ is submitted by Witley Parish Council into the English planning system. (WPC), which is a ‘Qualifying Body’ as Neighbourhood planning is carried defined by the Localism Act 2011. In out at a local level and gives local accordance with the designation made communities rights and powers to shape by WBC on 4 November 2014, the new developments in their community by geographical area covered by the WNP preparing a neighbourhood development is land in the Parish of Witley (see map plan (commonly referred to as a on page 7). The WNP relates only to ‘neighbourhood plan’). A neighbourhood development proposals within the Parish. plan is a statutory planning policy document that sits alongside other Development Plan documents prepared by the relevant Local Planning Authority, 1.3 The WNP will run for 15 years from a which in our case is Waverley Borough ‘base date’ of 2017 to 2032, in line with Council (WBC) and its Local Plan Part the Waverley Local Plan (parts 1 and 1 (LPP1) and yet to be adopted Local 2). A review of its policies would take Plan Part 2 (LPP2). A neighbourhood place towards the end of this period, plan sets out a locally distinct policy in order to ensure that the local policy framework for planning decisions, framework stays in place for planning allowing local people to influence what decisions beyond the end date. Changes type of development they would like to in circumstances, such as a revision see in their neighbourhood. The policies to national or district-wide policy, may within this neighbourhood plan for Witley potentially trigger the need for an earlier Parish, once approved and adopted, will review of the WNP. become part of the overall Development Plan for the Borough of Waverley and form part of its suite of adopted planning policy documents. Once it is adopted, 1.4 To pass Examination, the appointed when any planning application for major Independent Examiner must be or minor development in the Parish is satisfied that the WNP meets the ‘Basic submitted, it must seek to conform to the Conditions’ of Neighbourhood Plans policies of this neighbourhood plan. specified in legislation, namely that the WNP:

WITLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN BOUNDARY

• ‘Has regard’ to national planning 1.6 It was originally intended for the WNP to allocate sites, but in March 2018 WPC • policy and guidance including the and the Neighbourhood Plan Steering National Planning Policy Framework Group (NPSG) decided to hand formal 2019, National Planning Practice responsibility for site allocation back to Guidance (which is regularly updated) WBC. As a result, Waverley Local Plan and relevant Written Ministerial Part 2 (LPP2) will allocate sites for the Statements; remaining 200 or so units. To

• ‘Contributes’ to Sustainable accommodate this level of new Development as defined in the NPPF. development some areas of land outside the settlement boundary will have to be That definition broadly defines removed from the Green Belt. Sustainable Development as development that balances economic, 1.7 As part of LPP1, WBC identified four social and environmental sustainability; ‘broad areas for potential adjustment to

• Is in ‘general conformity’ with strategic the Green Belt boundary’ within the planning policies in the Development Parish. At Milford, three broad areas Plan documents prepared by WBC, were identified between the old A3 / A283 and the A3 and its slip road. At namely LPP1 and the emerging LPP2; Witley, one broad area was identified on and land north of Wheeler Lane. The LPP1 • Is ‘legally compliant’, which, in broad outlines that these broad areas will be terms, means it relates to UK legislation the focus for LPP2 site allocations. on Neighbourhood Planning and relevant EU obligations as they currently stand 1.8 However, in addition to these existing such as those related to the environment broad areas of search the NPSG believes that Green Belt land and human rights. associated with Secretts Farm should 1.5 The Waverley Local Plan Part 1 (LPP1) also be considered as part of the LPP2 includes an overall target for a minimum site allocation process. This is because of 480 new homes in the Parish between Secretts Farm is closer to the village 2013 and 2032. Planning permission was centre than the group of the A3 sites granted by WBC in February 2019 for up favoured by WBC, which are in the to 200 homes on land at Milford Golf AONB as well as being more distant Course. Planning permission has also from the centre of Milford. Unlike any of recently been granted on land at the other sites, Secretts can deliver all Wheeler Street Nurseries, Witley (off the remaining residential development Wheeler Lane) for 18 houses, including 5 the Parish is required to provide on one affordable units. If house completions site and has the potential to deliver since 2013 and an allowance for a small some specialist accommodation for the number of ‘’windfall homes’ within the elderly which could include a new care existing settlement areas are taken into home. It also has the space to deliver account, there is a need for allocated other community benefits (see land for approximately 200 further paragraph 4.4 below), including a dwellings in the Parish. sizeable village park which

would also act as a Suitable Alternative 1.12 In addition, the NPSG appointed Natural Greenspace (SANG). LPP2 is professional planning consultants, Nexus currently being prepared by WBC and is Planning, to advise on the technical expected to be adopted in 2020. aspects of creating a planning policy document. WBC has also provided 1.9 It is worth noting that in addition to the technical support. 480 homes planned in the Parish, there are a number of developments near the Parish which may affect local residents and, in particular, put more pressure on roads. These include the development at 1.13 This Plan and its supporting documents the Aarons Hill / Ockford Ridge area to focus on influencing the form and design the north of the Parish which has been of new development in the Parish. The granted consent for 262 dwellings, as ambition is to see new development that well as a number of smaller allocations in minimises negative impacts on existing neighbouring parishes. residents and provides a good quality of life for new arrivals to the Parish. 1.10 This Neighbourhood Plan seeks to determine the quality and form of 1.14 The WNP also seeks to ensure that the development that would come forward land associated with Secretts Farm Shop on whichever sites are chosen for is appropriately considered by WBC as allocation in the Local Plan Part 2. This a ‘broad area for potential adjustment to information is detailed in the WPC Design the Green Belt boundary’ as part of the Guidelines (Supporting Document B), LPP2 process. which is referenced in Chapter 4 of this Plan.

1.15 Engagement Reports (Supporting

Documents E and F) comprehensively 1.11 The WNP has been developed by a detail engagement exercises that have NPSG with devolved responsibility taken place to inform the from WPC. The NPSG is comprised Neighbourhood Plan. Those exercises of a mixture of parish councillors and can broadly be summarised as community representatives. The NPSG follows: membership is composed of a broad

geographical mix across the Parish and • An ‘Introduction to the Neighbourhood members bring a broad selection of Plan’, which involved three public skills to the NPSG. The Parish Clerk has meetings at Chichester Hall (Witley,) provided administrative support to the Pirrie Hall (Brook) and Milford process. Village Hall in February and March 2015 to discuss the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan and to recruit volunteers to assist with the

preparation of it. This exercise was the Neighbourhood Plan are set out supported by a survey, which received within the Engagement Report (Annex 85 responses; F). • Public meeting in Autumn 2016 to inform the wider public on stages of the NP process and obtain further feedback on local key issues and 1.16 This final draft version will be submitted concerns collated from village fêtes in to WBC. Once received, WBC will summer 2016; check the WNP to ensure it is legally • Stakeholder discussions in Spring compliant and will then consult on 2017, which involved 31 people it for a further six weeks. It will then representing medical and dental proceed to an Examination carried out practices, businesses, schools and by an independent planning professional sports clubs, discussing what aspects employed by the Planning Inspectorate, of life in the Parish could be improved. the Government agency that examines This was supported by the distribution planning policy documents and decides of questionnaires to parents of planning application appeals. Finally, pupils at Milford Primary School and a date for a community referendum of Chandler Junior School; local residents of the Parish of Witley will be agreed and, if a majority of residents • Attendance at village fêtes to provide vote yes at referendum, it will become an updates on the neighbourhood plan adopted Development Plan Document. and gain feedback, which has been ongoing on an annual basis since Spring 2016;

• A specific parish-wide consultation on potential development sites in 1.17 Chapters 2 to 10 of the WNP set out the 2017, which included public exhibition key features of the Parish of Witley and events as well as a survey seeking the vision and key planning principles. residents’ views on the sites; and Following this are the policy chapters • A parish-wide exhibition on policy of the WNP, which relate to individual intentions, carried out via the parish topics: newsletter in Autumn 2018. • New Development • In accordance with Regulation 14 of the Neighbourhood Planning • Heritage and Landscape Conservation Regulations 2012 a 6-week public • Amenities consultation on the Regulation 14 Consultation Draft WNP was • Transport undertaken between 3 May 2019 • Economy and 17 June 2019. Details of this • Natural Environment public consultation and how the representations made have informed • Infrastructure Delivery and Monitoring

The policies in these Chapters are the key content of the WNP, as future planning applications in the Parish will be considered against the policies of each.

1.18 The WPC Design Guidelines (Supporting Document B) also support the WNP. This adds detail to specific policies in the WNP and, once the WNP is adopted, will be a material consideration to the determination of planning applications in the Parish and must be taken in account by WBC when determining planning applications.

2.1 Witley Parish is in the Borough of estimates show that the population Waverley in Surrey, about seven miles profile is changing over time. There has (11km) south of the county town of been a clear growth in the number of Guildford. The Parish is a mix of villages residents over 45 years old since 2002, and hamlets set in the Surrey Hills Area particularly those over 65 but also to of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) a lesser extent those between 45 and and contains some scarce and protected 641. This growth in older populations is areas of lowland heath. offset by reductions in the population of younger age groups, most notably those 2.2 The Parish is well connected: it is aged 30-44, but also in more recent years equidistant by rail and road between those aged 0-15. The 16-29 age group the cities of London and Portsmouth. has remained relatively stable since Two A-roads that head south into 2002, but it is by a clear margin the least Sussex connect the parish villages of populous age group in the Parish. Milford, Witley, and Brook, which are linked by country lanes to the hamlets of Wormley, Sandhills and Enton. The Parish boasts a varied range of local 2.5 Witley village is the oldest settlement in retail and community services, and has a the Parish and pre-dates the Norman good provision of both state and private Conquest and appears in the Domesday schools from nurseries to GCSE level. Book of 1086. Through the following centuries, the Parish remained a 2.3 The Parish population at the 2011 solidly rural community with a mix of census was 8,130. Population estimates settlements, agriculture and local trades since 2011 have shown limited year people. Although it retained its rurality, on year population fluctuations, but there are Tudor, Elizabethan and earlier no overall growth trend. Please see properties sporadically placed around the the Demographic Report, Supporting Parish showing that it slowly grew during Evidence Base Document D. In this period. By the 1800s, like much of comparison the population has increased rural England, the Parish also boasted steadily in the Waverley District, South several large country estates with suitably East Region, and England since 2002. grand houses including Milford House and Witley Park. George Eliot (1819– 2.4 Witley Parish has a relatively mixed 1880), the English novelist, spent her age profile, with community feedback final years in Witley village. The opening in indicating that young and older 1889 of Milford and Witley stations on the generations mix happily. Population new London to Portsmouth line drove

1 Based on ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates, as detailed in Figure 7 of Supporting Document D. 12

the first real expansion of the Parish’s with varied commercial units (just outside settlements. By providing connection the Parish). The small hamlet of Enton to London and other towns, the railway is between Witley and Hambledon; and brought further residential development is bordered by local fishing lakes. The and businesses to the area. During the picturesque village of Brook is almost late 1800s, the architect Edwin Lutyens wholly within the Surrey Hills AONB. designed several properties in the Parish, Pirrie Hall (one of the four community some in combination with the garden halls in the Parish) was built in 1923 and designer Gertrude Jekyll. A number of was donated to the community by Lord other architects of the Arts and Crafts Pirrie, KP, of Titanic shipbuilding fame, movement also worked in the Parish who then owned the local Witley Park including Hugh Mackay Baillie Scott estate. Sandhills, the second hamlet who was the architect for Milford Village in Witley Parish, is a mix of residential Hall and a number of other buildings houses and agricultural properties. It particularly in and around the Rake Lane is in the Surrey Hills AONB and on the area Greensand Way, a historic footpath that runs from Surrey to Kent. 2.6 By the turn of 20th Century the land was largely devoted to market gardening. Residential development occurred infrequently until after the Second World 2.9 During the Neighbourhood Plan War. Military Camps in the first and development process, residents of second world wars on the Witley and Witley Parish spoke consistently on the Milford commons still leave their traces aspects of life in Witley Parish that they on the local landscape. found most positive. The interwoven combination of housing, fields and 2.7 In the inter-war and post-war periods woodland is highly valued by the land from market gardening areas and community. The local Surrey Hills AONB local country estates was sold to housing and adjacent heathlands, much of which developers. The first Council Houses are highly protected under environmental came in the 1950s followed by further and habitats legislation, provide private developments in the 1960’s and extensive green spaces that are enjoyed 1970s. Subsequently, most new housing by young and old alike. was built on small brownfield and infill developments. 2.10 The village hubs provide a key focal point for the community. Residents of 2.8 Today Milford is the largest village in the working age come together at evenings Parish and provides the main retail centre and weekends through a variety of clubs for the community offering a good mix of and organisations offering football, shops and services. Wormley developed cricket and fitness classes. There are primarily as a result of the construction also groups catering for music, gardening of Witley station and the arrival of the and other interests. The Clockhouse Coopers Walking Stick Factory, the site in Milford has a varied range of social of which is now a modern industrial site activities for older residents. Local

WITLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

schools, Scout and Guide groups and for its impact on the local landscape and church groups also provide community local environment. It is also important for activities for families, working adults and our villages, especially those earmarked older residents. Secretts Farm Shop has for residential development, to keep their a monthly farmers’ market and summer individual historic character and sense of and Halloween pick your own events. community.

2.11 Annual events such as village fêtes and the Witley Pantomime are always well supported. The introduction of new residential development over the next 10-15 years must be carefully considered

3.1 The overall vision of the WNP is set out below. This seeks to capture the essence of what the WNP is trying to achieve, 3.2 To support the delivery of the Vision, setting a vision for the Sustainable the following key planning principles are Development of the Parish over the next established: 15 years. • Proposals for new development will aim to minimise the impact of Overall Vision development on existing residents;

• New residents on allocated sites will In 15 years’ time, Witley Parish will be integrated with the community, have retained its attractive green and with sustainable transport routes wooded character, and protected its connecting to local amenities; natural environment. New housing will be designed to a high standard and • New development will be well integrated into the existing built attractive, will provide high quality environment. It will support resource- accommodation for living and efficient, sustainable living. Healthcare working, will minimise impact on the and education providers will be environment and will provide ample supported in adapting to a growing and green space accessible to new and ageing population and community, as existing residents; and recreational and sports facilities are • Local businesses and organisations enhanced to accommodate additional will be supported to continue demand. Local businesses, including operating and expanding the local retailers, will continue to be a key feature economy. of our community. The impact of traffic and congestion on residents, including air quality issues, will be addressed by improvements to the local road, pedestrian and cycle networks and there will be enough off-street parking for residents and visitors. Our areas of beautiful landscape and internationally important natural habitats will remain protected from development.

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has fairly similar ratios. However, Witley Parish has a significantly higher 4.1 Under the provisions of policy ALH1 of percentage of detached houses LPP1, as two of the larger villages in compared to the wider South East the district Witley and Milford have to (28%) and England (22%); and contribute a minimum of 480 homes • In Witley Parish, the number of towards the district’s overall target during bedrooms per household is broadly the plan period (see also paragraph 1.5). comparable to Waverley Borough as This necessarily means that there will be a whole with studio or 1 bedroom a lot of new housing development in the rounded at 9%; 25% 2-bedroom; 37% Parish. 3-bedroom; 21% 4-bedroom; and 9% 4.2 A snapshot of housing and demographic 5-bedroom. Furthermore, Witley Parish data for Witley Parish from the last broadly reflects regional and national census in 2011 shows: trends with respect to dwellings with 0 – 3 bedrooms. • There is a population of 8,130 living in 3,173 households;

• The most common household size is one or two people accounting 1. To facilitate new residential for about 61% of households. 16% development that meets local needs of households have four residents and is integrated with existing compared to the average in the South settlements. East (12%); 2. To promote the delivery of a sufficient • A considerable number of properties amount of affordable housing within in the Witley Parish are privately the overall housing requirement, in owned (73%), a similar level to the tenures that appropriately meet need rest of Waverley but higher than the within the Parish, including for social average in England (63%). However, and intermediate housing. the Parish’s 14% of socially rented 3. To support an appropriate amount of properties is similar to regional and specialist housing for older people national averages. Privately rented within the overall housing target, properties in Witley Parish account for where properly located and integrated about 8% of households; within the existing community. • The mix of housing styles in the Parish 4. To support attractive new includes a rounded 37% detached; development that complements the 30% semi-detached; 15% terraced surrounding built environment. and 16% flats. Waverley Borough

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a new Secretts Farm Shop and café), space for other community facilities such as new sports facilities, and a rural business centre. 4.3 To the west and north-west of Milford, 4.5 Benefits arising from a comprehensive between the old A3 / A283 and the A3 residential-led development on the land and its slip road, WBC identified three associated with the Secretts Farm would ‘broad areas for potential adjustment include supporting the longer-term to the Green Belt boundary’ as part viability of a locally important employer, of the LPP1 process. However, the as well as the delivery of a SANG along community is concerned that the land the site’s northern and north-western associated with these three areas is boundary to provide a village park which located within the AONB, is distant from would also serve as a new robust and the local centre, and that in addition to defensible Green Belt boundary. providing housing, the individual sites this area includes are potentially too 4.6 In addition to the three broad areas small to provide new on-site community identified within the LPP1, the NPSG facilities and / or local employment therefore believes that Green Belt land opportunities. With regard to the AONB, associated with Secretts Farm should the NPPF expressly states that great also be considered and appraised as weight should be given to conserving part of the LPP2 site allocation process. and enhancing landscape and scenic Subject to the outcome of assessment beauty within Areas of Outstanding work to be undertaken by WBC as a Natural Beauty which have the highest part of the LPP2 process, including status of protection. Given this, as part Sustainability Appraisal, the broad area of the forthcoming LPP2 process, it of potential adjustment to the Green Belt would appear irrational for WBC to Boundary associated with Secretts Farm propose to allocate land for residential- is the NPSG’s preferred location for led development within the AONB residential-led development to deliver without firstly properly considering all the remaining LPP1 housing requirement reasonable alternative developable sites within the Parish. outside of the AONB. 4.4 The community’s feedback to WPC and the NPSG is that the community’s preferred location for residential-led development is the land associated with Secretts Farm. Residential-led development in this location would have the benefit of delivering in full the remaining LPP1 housing requirement for the Parish on a single site, whilst also potentially providing, but not limited to, a new village park which would act as a SANG, space for new shops (including

Policy ND1 - Locations for Future Growth 4.7 In order to understand the particular housing needs of the Parish the WNP As part of the preparation of the NPSG utilised Government support to Waverley Local Plan Part 2, the broad undertake a Housing Needs Assessment area of potential adjustment to the (HNA) of the area, prepared by AECOM. Green Belt boundary identified by This document, included as Supporting the blue asterisk on Figure 4.1 of this Evidence Base Document I, found that Plan must be considered by Waverley house sizes in Witley, by number of Borough Council, as a reasonable bedrooms, are broadly representative alternative option to those identified on of Waverley District as a whole, with a Plan 5 of the Waverley Local Plan Part slightly lesser number of homes over 1.

FIGURE 4.1: POTENTIAL ADJUSTMENTS TO THE GREEN BELT

three bedrooms. Moving forward, need for affordable housing in the Parish. For is expected to be slightly greater for this reason Policy ND3 reaffirms the three and four bedroom properties than LPP1 affordable housing policy. Policy the District as a whole. This represents ND3 sets an expectation for a 70:30 a rather different mix from the results split between affordable homes for rent of the Woking, Waverley and Guildford and affordable home ownership tenures SHMA of September 2015. Policy ND1 based on the assessment of need seeks to address the delivery of homes contained within the HNA. Affordable that meet the need identified in the WNP homes for rent comprise dwellings HNA. available for social rent or affordable rent. Affordable home ownership tenures comprise starter homes and shared Policy ND2 – Housing Mix ownership. A comprehensive definition of affordable housing is set out within In addition to meeting the housing the Glossary. requirements set out in the Development Plan, new residential developments must provide for a broad Policy ND3 – Affordable Housing mix of housing sizes by number of

bedrooms, with a recommended overall Developments with a net increase of split of: 11 or more dwellings must provide

affordable housing in accordance with • 16.5% of 1 bedroom properties; policy AHN1 of the LPP1. • 21.8% of 2 bedrooms;

• 31.5% of 3 bedrooms; and Developments within the AONB providing a net increase of 6 or more • 30.5% of 4 or more bedrooms. must provide affordable housing in accordance with AHN1 of the LPP1. This mix will be sought unless alternative Witley specific housing need All affordable housing should be evidence is submitted as part of any provided as a 70:30 split between planning application process; or new affordable homes for rent and housing need evidence held by either affordable homes ownership tenures. WPC or WBC indicates an alternative

mix of housing sizes to meet the Proposals which provide affordable Parish’s current or future needs. housing in excess of 30% of the requirements of Development Plan

policy requirement will be supported subject to compliance with other policies within this Plan and the 4.8 The LPP1 includes Policy AHN1, Development Plan. which addresses affordable housing requirements across the Borough. The Witley HNA affirmed the pressing need

4.11 The Parish’s existing bungalow and single storey housing stock provides a valuable contribution towards providing housing suitable for older persons and people with disabilities. The loss of the Parish’s bungalow and single storey housing stock will therefore be strongly resisted.

Policy ND4 – Provision of accessible and adaptable housing

All proposals for residential development must as a minimum meet Building Regulations M4 (2) Category 2 standard: “Accessible and adaptable dwellings” to meet the needs of older people and those with disabilities. 4.9 The HNA demonstrates that Witley Parish has an ageing population, with 10% of all new dwellings should also be a significant designed to meet Building Regulations need for housing for older residents. To M 4(3) Category 3 ‘Wheelchair User help meet this need within the Parish the Dwellings’. HNA outlines that a mix of specialist housing types is required ranging from Where planning permission is required, adaptable homes or sheltered housing development proposals to convert where people have limited care support, or extend existing bungalows or other through to extra care facilities and single storey to two storey dwellings nursing homes which offer a very high will be strongly resisted. level of on-site care. 4.12 The HNA identified need for a 90-bed 4.10 Offering older people a better choice of extra care facility (Use Class C2). While accommodation to suit their changing it is acknowledged that this facility does needs can help them live independently not necessarily need to be located within for longer, feel more connected to the Parish development proposals for their communities and help reduce an extra care facility on sites allocated costs to the social care and health for residential development within the systems. Provision of appropriate Parish would be supported in order housing for people with disabilities to help try and meet the Parish’s local is also crucial in helping them to live needs within the Parish. Development safe and independent lives. An aging comprising Use Class C2 units would population will inevitably see the number contribute towards the Parishes overall of disabled people increase and it is LPP1 housing requirement of 480 important that we plan early to meet dwellings. their needs throughout their lifetime.

4.15 New residential development can Policy ND5 – Specialist housing introduce sensitivities in terms of noise, for Older People light or air pollution from neighbouring sites (e.g. business or agricultural) in Proposals for extra care housing places where there is no prior sensitivity on sites allocated for residential between uses. To mitigate this issue, development would be supported it is the onus of the applicant of the subject to compliance with policies residential development to propose within this Plan and the Development mitigation measures to negate such Plan. situations occurring, rather than the existing premises.

Policy ND6 – General Design 4.13 Witley Parish is currently typified by a Principles varied local vernacular, with a mixture of historic and more modern development, New development must seek to follow ranging from high quality and attractive the Design Guidelines contained in development (including heritage assets), Section 3 of the WPC Design Guidelines to some less remarkable and more (Supporting Document B). This includes utilitarian developments. While there consideration of the following matters is considerable variety in the detail of where applicable: residential and other properties within the Parish, there are clear similarities • Street grid layout in relation to features such as density, building heights, layout and type of • Local green spaces, views and residential buildings. New development character should have regard to these prevailing • Pattern and layout of buildings features. • Building line and boundary treatment

4.14 There are a number of local examples of • Building heights / roofline garages being converted or being used • Traditional architecture for storage rather than car parking. In some cases, cars are simply too large • Materials and building details to fit into garages. These problems • Parking can displace cars onto nearby streets, • Avoidance of integral garages causing parking congestion. Therefore, the criteria relating to parking in the • Public realm and streetscape WPC Design Guidelines seeks parking • Sustainability and eco design arrangements that can be protected in the long term from conversion. Both • Passive design and insulation standard hardstanding areas and car • Air and noise quality ports could fulfil this role. • Light pollution

existing residential areas is to ensure the Applicants submitting Major design of the Public Realm is carefully Development proposals must considered, in particular by locating demonstrate in their Design and Access public open space close to existing Statement how the design responds residents rather than at the other side of to the Design Guidelines contained in development sites. Supporting Document B.

All new developments must integrate

effectively with existing development and not result in unreasonable operating restrictions on existing businesses or facilities. Where there is

likely to be a conflict between proposed development and existing uses nearby, the Agent of Change should provide suitable mitigation prior to its

completion.

4.16 Policy ND7 seeks to set general requirements of all Major Development proposals to ensure that new development is properly integrated into the existing settlements. A key way to achieve this is to ensure that residents are able to walk and cycle into the centre of the villages along dedicated pathways / cycleways or minor streets, rather than along main roads such as the A283. In addition, we believe that it is important (where possible) to provide more than one highway access to new developments to prevent the creation of any further isolated cul-de- sacs accessible only from major roads, provided this does not create negative highway consequences for existing residential streets such as congestion or ‘rat-running’. Another important way to integrate new developments and ensure they make a positive contribution to

Policy ND7 – Integration of Major existing residential areas; Development proposals (d) Creation of new play areas proportionate to the type and scale All Major Development proposals of development; comprising: (e) Creation of two or more vehicle (a) 10 or more dwellings or residential accesses to the site, unless development sites of 0.5 hectare or evidence shows that the creation more; or of more than one access is not feasible, or would have negative (b) The provision of a building or highways implications; buildings where the floor space to be created by the development is (f) Avoiding development over two 1,000 square metres or more; or is storeys unless it can be robustly carried out on a site having an area demonstrated with supporting of 1 hectare or more evidence that it will not have a detrimental impact on views, must integrate with the existing built streetscape or character of the environment. local area, particularly within the Surrey Hills AONB. Generally, taller In order to achieve integration, buildings should be located towards planning applications proposing Major the centre of application sites and Development must seek to incorporate not on the site boundary; the following features into their (g) Avoidance of excessive fencing, development proposals: barriers or other means of enclosure that seek to separate new (a) Residential areas, including developments from existing built up streetlights, signage, benches and areas; and bins. (h) Use of similar street furniture to (b) Creation of new public rights of existing. way (footpaths and cycle paths) connecting new development to the Where a Design and Access Statement existing settlements by the most is required, a proposal should direct possible route. In particular, demonstrate how these features are to applicants must seek to ensure be incorporated or, if not, explain why new developments contribute to incorporation is not achievable. the provision of safe pedestrian and cycle routes to schools, train stations and bus routes; (c) Creation of new areas of public open space on the land within 4.17 A private outdoor space is one that is not development sites that is close to significantly overlooked from the street or other public place. Where proposed, balconies should be at least 1.5m deep

and two metres wide. Where an area of private garden is proposed for the developments must: exclusive use of a dwelling house other than a flat this should be at least 10m in (a) Have regard to the Government’s depth and the width of the dwelling. The Technical Housing Standards garden should be of sufficient size to – Nationally Described Space accommodate a storage shed (including Standard) or a secure bike store), a small patio area (b) Meet Waverley Borough Council’s for sitting out, space to facilitate the adopted space standards or drying of clothes (rotary or washing line), have regard to the Government’s play space, and shrubs and borders for Technical Housing Standards planting, in order to support the health and wellbeing of the occupants and (c) Provide an area of external amenity provide valuable wildlife corridors and space for each dwelling, that is habitats. commensurate to the surrounding area in terms of : 4.18 Policy ND8 seeks to ensure that new i. Private homes are of a sufficient quality to ii. Useable provide new residents with a high- quality living environment, while seeking iii. Secure to ensure that existing residents are iv. Conveniently located not unfairly impacted by development on adjacent sites. Development (d) Not expose new residents to proposals should at the very least meet unacceptable noise emissions the Government’s Technical Housing in accordance with relevant Standards – Nationally Described Space Environmental Health Standards. Standard (and / or subsequent revisions). Every flat or apartment should have Policy ND8 – Safeguarding some private amenity space (including Residential Amenity balconies), which must be at least five square metres if it is private external Development must avoid unacceptable space or three square metres if harm to the amenity of existing provided as a balcony. Balconies should and future occupants of nearby have a minimum depth of 1.5m and land, buildings and residences from width of 2m. Where a private garden overlooking, loss of daylight or sunlight is proposed for the exclusive use of a or overbearing appearance. dwelling house it should be at least 10m All proposals for new market and deep and the width of the dwelling. affordable homes must demonstrate that they provide good levels of internal and external space in order to ensure an appropriate living environment for future occupiers. To achieve this,

Policy ND9 – Safe and Secure 4.19 An important aspect of achieving good Design design is to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour. Safety and security stem from Development should contribute to the good site planning and careful design provision of safe public and private of buildings and spaces. Design has a spaces by: crucial role to play in creating places that not only feel safe but are safe. Policy (a) Providing entrances in visible, safe ND9 has been produced to ensure that and accessible locations; designing out crime is a consideration (b) Maximising natural surveillance; for all new development. There are times when safety will need to be balanced (c) Ensuring that there is adequate differentiation between public and against other considerations, for example through the use of downlighting private space; to provide security while minimising (d) Providing appropriate lighting. impacts on the landscape or ecological interests.

• Water efficiency should be improved in new build and the existing stock. 4.20 In February 2019 the Committee on Climate Change published a report 4.21 In the Treasury Spring statement of entitled “UK Housing: Fit for the Future?” 2019, the Chancellor announced the It said that “Greenhouse gas emission introduction of the Future Homes reductions from UK housing have stalled, Standard which will include measures and efforts to adapt the housing stock “mandating the end of fossil-fuel heating for higher temperatures, flooding and systems in all new homes by 2025’. This water scarcity are falling far behind is about half way through the duration of the increase in risk from the changing this Neighbourhood Plan. climate. The quality, design and use of homes across the UK must be 4.22 The Office for Low Emission Vehicles is improved now to address the challenges proposing to alter building regulations of climate change. Doing so will also for new residential and non-residential improve health, wellbeing and comfort, buildings to include requirements for including for vulnerable groups such as electric vehicle chargepoints. Existing the elderly and those living with chronic non-residential buildings will also illnesses.” The Committee made 6 key need to provide electric charge point recommendations for new homes being infrastructure. built across the UK.

• By 2025 at the latest, no new homes should connect to the gas grid; • All new homes should be made suitable for low-carbon heating at the earliest opportunity; • New homes should deliver ultra-high levels of energy efficiency as soon as possible and by 2025 at the latest, consistent with a space heat demand of 15-20kWh/m2/yr; • Passive cooling measures should be adopted to reduce overheating risks; • There should be an improved focus on reducing the whole-life carbon impact of new homes, including embodied and sequestered carbon. One way to achieve this is to use wood in construction instead of cement and steel; and

Policy ND10 – Energy Efficiency should be proposed with regard to and Design Historic England Advice; (h) Provide electric vehicle charging The design and standard of any points and charge point infrastructure development is encouraged to achieve to the latest standards prescribed by the highest level of sustainable design. the Office for Low Emission Vehicles Proposals for new development should or Surrey County Council, whichever have regard to the following sustainable is higher. design principles:

(a) After 2025 any new homes built in the Parish should not be connected to the gas grid; 4.23 Services infrastructure is crucial to (b) Siting and orientation of buildings the quality of life of new and existing should optimise passive solar gain to residents. This policy is intended to put reduce the risk of overheating; a reasonable expectation on developers (c) The provision of solar photovoltaic to engage with the relevant authorities or solar thermal cells as part of at the outset of a planning application, development or by ensuring that ensuring that capacity is not adversely roofs are designed to maximise the impacted. potential for solar gain if retrofitted at a later date; 4.24 A “High Level Water Cycle Study” was prepared by Capita for WBC in 2016 as (d) The use of the highest quality, part of the supporting evidence for LPP1. thermally efficient building materials; Based on 2012 data, Godalming Sewage (e) Reducing water consumption below Treatments Works (STW) was estimated the requirement in LPP1 policy to have 3.9% remaining capacity. At CC2 (Sustainable Construction and that time it was anticipated that a total Design) of 110 litres per person per of 472 new dwellings would need to day; be serviced by these works. Following increases in housing numbers in LPP1 (f) Provide all new dwellings with the figure is now nearer 1,500. There is gardens with rainwater collection no planned investment for Godalming butts and other greywater use STW although Thames Water said it measures; had ‘investments concerns’ about the Godalming STW. WPC and the NPSG (g) Alterations to existing buildings are therefore understandably concerned should be designed with energy that without further investment there will reduction in mind and comply be insufficient wastewater infrastructure with current sustainable design to serve the Parish. and construction standards. Improvements to Listed Buildings

4.25 To ensure that there is adequate water supply; surface water; sewerage network provide impact studies of the extent, and sewage treatment capacity to serve cost and timescale for any required all new developments developers are upgrade works and a commitment to expected to demonstrate that there is work with relevant parties to secure adequate capacity both on and off the those upgrade works. site to service the development and that it would not lead to amenity impacts Where there is a capacity constraint, for existing users. Developers are WPC will seek phasing conditions to any encouraged to contact the water / waste approval to ensure that any necessary water company as early as possible to wastewater infrastructure upgrades are discuss their development proposals delivered ahead of the occupation of the and intended delivery programme to relevant phase of development. assist with identifying any potential water and wastewater network reinforcement requirements. Where there is a capacity constraint WBC will, where appropriate, apply phasing conditions to any approval to ensure that any necessary infrastructure upgrades are delivered ahead of the occupation of the relevant phase of development.

Policy ND11 – Services Infrastructure

Where appropriate, development proposals should be supported by robust evidence of capacity within the existing utilities network (for water supply, sewerage network and sewage treatment capacity, electricity, gas and broadband) to accommodate the proposed development without a negative impact on existing residents and users. This should be in the form of prior written confirmation from the relevant utility or authority that the necessary capacity already exists or can be created.

Where providers are unable to provide such confirmation, applicants must

and Sandhills). Part of Pepper Harrow Park Registered Park and Garden lies 5.1. The Overall Vision seeks attractive new within the Parish to the north. There development that is integrated with are also a number of non-designated the local built environment and the heritage assets, some of which have surrounding landscape, which includes been identified as locally listed buildings. a significant amount of land within the Potentially more will be listed in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural future, either by WPC or WBC. Beauty.

5.2. Though Witley Parish is well connected by road and rail, a large proportion of 1. To ensure that developments the Parish still reflects its rural heritage, impacting heritage and archaeological is undeveloped and now lies within the assets, including Conservation Areas Green Belt. There is substantial tree cover and Listed Buildings, protect and in and around the villages. The natural enhance the features and the setting landscape comprises a mix of hills, heaths, that make these assets special. woodlands and fields. Agricultural land is mainly used for grazing pastures although 2. To encourage development that seeks the area’s historic market gardening focus to minimise visual impact on the local still continues with the Secretts Farm historic landscape, including the based in Milford. Surrey Hills AONB.

5.3. The housing stock of Witley Parish includes a wide variety of historic buildings. More recently, larger house building programmes in the 1950s-1970s placed a consistent emphasis on brick 5.5. The landscape of Witley Parish makes a exteriors, although there are also obvious strong contribution to its character. The nods to passing trends. As the Parish is quality of its landscapes is demonstrated protected by Green Belt policy, AONB by the extent of the areas designated designation and other special protection either as part of the Surrey Hills AONB status, infill housing design has generally or as an Area of Great Landscape Value. achieved minimal visual impact by Careful consideration of the location and adapting to the local context. design of new development can help to reduce its visual impact on sensitive 5.4. The Parish has a wide range of designated local landscapes. heritage assets, including 100 listed buildings, five Scheduled Ancient Monuments, and four conservation areas (Milford, Wheeler Street, Witley

Policy HC1 – Landscape Conservation 5.6. The following policies are incorporated from the emerging Waverley Local Plan All development proposals should be Part 2 and address a broad range of considerate of the local landscape heritage assets. While these policies and seek to minimise visual impact on are quite technical, we have included the countryside within Witley Parish, them at Waverley District Council’s particularly in the Surrey Hills AONB suggestion with the intention of ensuring and Areas of Great Landscape Value. that heritage assets are given the utmost protection at the earliest possible In order to minimise landscape impact, opportunity. development proposals, including those sites allocated in the Development Plan, 5.7. Listed Buildings are statutorily should: designated for their special architectural and historic interest under the Town and Country Planning (Listed Buildings and (a) Take account of topography when Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Planning selecting the location of new decisions must pay special regard to the development within sites, seeking to desirability of preserving the significance minimise visual impact; of these listed buildings and their setting.

(b) Seek to retain historic boundary walls and hedgerows where feasible 5.8. Non-designated heritage assets are not (including field boundaries); identified by Historic England but instead at a local level. Previously this has taken (c) Include new landscaping and place predominantly through WBC, but planting that complements the WPC is considering identifying non- existing landscape; designated heritage assets in the Parish in the future. (d) Consider the layout of buildings and open spaces to maximise opportunities for long distance views within and from sites.

Development applications must be supported by a statement (whether in the Design and Access Statement or another document) setting out how the proposals have shown regard to the criteria of this policy.

Policy HC2 – Statutory Listed Buildings

Development affecting Statutory Listed Buildings should preserve or enhance the buildings and their settings, and any features of special architectural or historic interest they possess. Proposals that would cause substantial harm to or loss of a Listed Building will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial public benefits gained would outweigh the loss of or harm to the heritage asset. Proposals which would cause less than substantial harm to the significance of the heritage asset will be considered against the other public benefits to be gained.

Policy HC3 – Conservation Areas

Development in or within the setting of (d) Ensuring that the design of any a Conservation Area should preserve shopfronts and advertisements: or enhance the character of the Conservation Area by: i. respects the character of upper floors and neighbouring

buildings in terms of scale, (a) Retaining buildings and other proportion, alignment, features, including trees, which make architectural style and a significant contribution to the materials; character of the Conservation Area; (b) Ensuring the design of all ii. seeks to retain historic and traditional shopfronts; development, within or adjoining Conservation Areas, is of a high iii. includes consideration of quality and responds appropriately the need for and appropriate to the character of the area and form of illumination. Internally surrounding buildings in terms of illuminated signs will not scale, height, layout, design, building be permitted; appropriately style, detailing and materials; designed externally illuminated signs will be considered for (c) Protecting open spaces and views premises with significant important to the character and setting of the area; night time trade, unless the

cumulative effect of such Policy HC4 - Non-designated proposals would compromise the heritage assets character of the area; (e) Adapting buildings to reduce Proposals affecting non-designated energy demand will be supported heritage assets, including locally listed provided historic characteristics buildings, must seek to: and significance are safeguarded and development is done with (a) Respond to and respect the special the permission of relevant architectural and historical interest organisations. of the heritage asset; (b) Site and design proposed Proposals that would cause substantial development so as to conserve the harm to a Conservation Area will asset and its setting. Where this is not be permitted unless it can be not possible, careful attention should demonstrated that: be given to minimising damage or disturbance to the asset or its i. the substantial public benefits setting; gained would outweigh the loss of or (c) Where harm or loss is unavoidable, harm to the heritage asset; and the asset should be appropriately ii. there are no other available and recorded, relocated or restored. suitable alternative sites outside the Conservation Area or its setting, A balanced judgment will be required which could accommodate the having regard to the scale of any harm proposed development.. or loss and the significance of the heritage asset. Proposals which would cause less than substantial harm to the significance of the heritage asset will be considered against the other public benefits to be gained.

6.4 There are also private dental practices in 6.1 Witley Parish currently has a strong Milford and Witley villages. Lucks Yard provision of community infrastructure in Clinic in Milford provides a variety of the shape of schools, health and social private chiropractic, physiotherapy and venues, but demand is high and some other health treatments. The Clockhouse facilities are long overdue for further in Milford also offers chiropody once a investment. The policies in this chapter month for older residents. are designed to ensure that Witley Parish continues to both provide and improve 6.5 Witley Parish also has four busy its community facilities. community halls that host various activities, private functions and provide a 6.2 Witley Parish has a mixture of state focus for annual events such as summer and private school options. Nursery fêtes and Christmas celebrations. schools across the Parish act as feeders for two state infant schools in Milford 6.6 The three village halls in the Parish, in and Witley. Chandler Junior School in Milford, Witley and Brook, were built in Witley provides 7-11 education for these the 1920s and 1930s and are all in need state school pupils, whilst Rodborough of modernisation. Burton Pavilion on Secondary School - on the edge of Milford Heath was rebuilt in 2000 and is Milford - takes students through to 16 home to local football and cricket clubs years old. There are two private co- as well as hosting general community educational schools based in Witley: activities. Barrow Hills offers both infant and junior schooling and King Edward’s provides 6.7 Several of the village green spaces have secondary education. The Music play areas for children though these will Works, which has recently moved to need further modernisation in the longer Rodborough School, is a Yamaha Music term. Local children have repeatedly School and has pupils from the Parish requested a skateboard facility. and the wider locality. 6.8 Playing fields at Milford Heath and 6.3 In both Milford and Witley, local health Chichester Hall are used by local sport facilities are positioned centrally in the teams, but the expanding Milford Pumas village. Milford is supported by two GP youth football club is looking for a practices. The Guildford Rivers practice permanent pavilion if a site becomes is based in Chapel Lane, Milford. Witley available. Medical Partnership has two surgeries, the Milford Crossroads Surgery and one in Wheeler Lane, Witley. Parking is a particular challenge at the Witley practice.

1. To ensure residents have access to high quality healthcare facilities. 2. To support the Parish’s schools and 6.9 The Waverley Local Plan identifies a nurseries and enable them to improve need for a significant number of new and expand their buildings and facilities. homes in Witley Parish. There are currently three doctors’ surgeries in 3. To protect and enhance our network of Milford and Witley. Two of these, Milford community facilities. Crossroads Surgery in Milford and the 4. To help and support local residents Witley Surgery in Wheeler Lane are run to access high quality and suitable by the same team. community facilities, including sports teams and interest groups. 6.10 The current GP surgeries in the Parish are limited in site space and are unlikely to be able to expand to meet the demand. There are concerns that, when more housing is built in the Parish, there will be more difficulty getting a doctor’s appointment and increased parking problems at the existing surgeries. The NPSG is keen to see a new purpose-built healthcare hub that provides facilities for GPs, nurses, a pharmacy and a flexible medical suite.

Policy A1 – New Community Healthcare Hub

Proposals for the development of a new community healthcare hub of not less than 12,500 square feet internal floorspace and at least 40 dedicated parking spaces will be supported provided it is an acceptable design consistent with policies within this Plan and the Development Plan Policies.

6.11 The proposals for the new community walking or cycling to school. School healthcare hub go beyond the provision Travel Plans assist schools to set a of traditional GP services. Plans to strategy to encourage a reduction in the include a wider range of outpatient use of private cars by parents, which services would mean fewer journeys by lessens the impact of school traffic on local residents to the main local hospitals local residents. in Guildford and Frimley. A pharmacy and short-term respite care could also 6.14 A potential expansion plan for be incorporated. Rodborough School has been shared with the local community. The Parish Council in principle supports the expansion of the school and potentially 6.12 Nursery schools across the Parish act any enabling development required as feeders for the two infant schools to fund the expansion, provided in Milford and Witley. Witley Infants the development proposal has an is frequently oversubscribed, leaving acceptable impact on the amenity of families on the southern fringes of the neighbours and the environment and Parish sometimes having to find school provides good quality development. places in Haslemere. Both Witley and Milford Infant schools feed into Chandler Policy A2 – School and Nursery Junior School and all are frequently Provision oversubscribed. Additional classroom capacity has been added to all three Proposals for new schools and but there is limited room on the sites nurseries or expansions to existing for any further expansion. Rodborough schools and nurseries to improve Secondary School - on the edge of facilities and meet demand arising from Milford - takes students through to 16 new development would be supported, years old. It is set on a 25 acre site and subject to conformity with policies has space for future expansion of both within this Plan and the Development educational and other facilities. Plan.

6.13 There are two private co-educational A School Travel Plan setting out how schools based in Witley: Barrow Hills pupils will be supported to travel to offers both infant and junior schooling school using sustainable transport and King Edwards provides secondary methods must support all proposals for education up to A-Level. The Music new and expanded schools. Works, based at Rodborough School, Measures that may be incorporated is a Yamaha Music School attended by include school buses, walking buses or pupils from the Parish and the wider improved cycle storage. locality. It is important that current and future residents of the Parish are able Proposals involving school facilities to send their children to local schools. should be designed, where feasible, to This increases the possibility of children include provision for out of hours use of facilities by local community groups.

Policy A3 – Local Green Spaces 6.15 The National Planning Policy Framework empowers communities to protect The following green spaces, as ‘Local Green Spaces’ of importance to identified at Figure 6.1, are designated local people. Policy A3 lists important as Local Green Spaces: Local Green Spaces in the village and a. Enton Allotments, Petworth Road Supporting Document I provides detailed justification for the identification of these b. Redgate Allotments, Haslemere Local Green Spaces. In accordance Road with the National Planning Policy c. Jubilee Field, Church Road Framework, most types of development d. Milford Heath, Haslemere Road, on these sites would only be acceptable including the area to south of in very special circumstances. The Milford Heath Road Neighbourhood Plan would still support some appropriate development on e. Witley Recreation Ground, Petworth these spaces, including for example the Road introduction of cycle lanes segregated f. Robertsons Green, Brook from roads. g. The Pleck

6.16 Unlike many other semi-rural areas in h. Blackhill Pond, Milford England, the level of recreational access i. Moushill Green, Milford to the countryside is an undisputed strength of Surrey and Witley Parish is j. Land at Pirrie Hall, Brook no exception. At any time of day people k. Green at Amberley Road, Milford can be seen enjoying the Parish’s l. Playground at Amberley Road Local Green Spaces, whether they are more adventurous hikers and cyclists, m. Sandhills Common locals on their daily dog walks or those n. Land at the end of Wheeler Lane, enjoying family time at weekends. The opposite the Star protection of the Local Green Spaces in Policy A3 will help to retain the quality of o. Milford Common and Oxted Green green spaces available to local residents p. Witley Common and visitors. q. Rodborough Common r. Mare Hill s. Sunnyhill Playground t. Middlemarch Playground

FIGURE 6.1: LOCAL GREEN SPACES

6.17 It is important that green space provision children; increases alongside new homes, in order • Pirrie Hall, Brook, which has play to ensure the overall provision of green equipment for younger children; and space per resident is not diminished over • Amberley and Middlemarch, which time. Policy A4 sets out support for such each include a small amount of play spaces, which must also be accessible equipment. to the existing local population. This is particularly true when the need for Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace 6.19 Our recreation grounds at Jubilee Field, (SANG) provision is considered Milford Heath, Witley and Brook are very necessary because it should attract well-used by local sports teams. There people away from protected areas. are several local football clubs in the villages, who play regularly at Milford Heath and Witley; and several cricket Policy A4 – Future Green Spaces teams who play at Milford Heath, Witley with Public Access and Brook. The challenge in the Parish is the lack of suitably flat and well-drained Green spaces created in support of areas on which to play sport. There is new development, including Suitable a thriving junior football organisation Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), (the Milford Pumas), which has over must be publicly accessible at all times 400 members. They are looking for a and, where possible, conveniently permanent home site, ideally including a located within sites in relation to pavilion, pitches and car parking. existing built up areas and accessible by sustainable transport methods. 6.20 With the exception of planned new equipment for older children at Jubilee Field, all the playgrounds are in need of rejuvenation. There is a marked absence of suitable areas for older children 6.18 New Major Development sites are and requests received have included expected to provide new or contribute specialist areas such as a skateboard towards improved play areas where park. In addition, the WNP is keen to appropriate. The Parish includes a support equipment for use of adults and number of play areas including: older residents, such as outdoor gym equipment. • Jubilee Field, Milford, which consists of play equipment for younger children 6.21 Rodborough School has plans to and some exercise equipment for improve its sports facilities, which would older children and adults; be accessible to the local community out of hours. Policy A5 would support that • Witley Recreation Ground, which has ambition. equipment for younger children;

• Sunnyhill, Witley, which has a small 6.22 The Infrastructure Delivery section of this area of equipment for younger WNP considers how improvements may children and some facilities for older be funded.

require upgrading. There are ambitious Policy A5 – Play Areas, Recreation plans to improve both buildings, making Grounds and Sports Facilities better use of the space, increasing the energy efficiency and creating Proposals to develop new or improve opportunities to increase the letting existing play areas and recreation income. This will enable the buildings to grounds in the Parish would be be adequately maintained and continue supported, subject to compliance to be community hubs to serve our with policies within this Plan and the increasing population. Development Plan. 6.26 There are plans to rebuild the existing scout hut in Milford to provide more energy efficient, modern facilities for 6.23 Our community halls are the backbone local scouts and guides. of the social infrastructure in the villages, proving spaces for learning, 6.27 Where appropriate, WPC would support celebrations, entertainment and exercise. the designation of Assets of Community The community halls include: Value as a means of preventing the loss of an important commercial facility. • Burton Pavilion, Milford Heath • Chichester Hall, Petworth Road, Witley Policy A6 – Community Halls • Milford Village Hall, Portsmouth Road, Milford Improvement to existing community • Jubilee Hall, Church Lane, Witley halls (including sports pavilions, scout • Pirrie Hall, Haslemere Road, Brook huts and other buildings available • Scout hut, New Road, Milford for wider community use) would be supported subject to compliance • St John’s Church Centre, Church with policies within this Plan and Road, Milford the Development Plan policies. In • The Clockhouse, Chapel Lane, Milford particular, the following proposals are encouraged: 6.24 Chichester Hall and the Burton Pavilion are also the sports pavilions for the (a) The refurbishment of existing adjacent sports fields, providing community halls to increase energy changing facilities for home and away efficiency and install appropriate teams and officials. Potential expansion renewable energy systems; to Burton Pavilion has been discussed (b) The refurbishment or expansion of and a proposal may come forward community halls to increase their during the Plan Period. ability to raise money through letting space or providing services ancillary 6.25 Both Chichester Hall (built in the 1930s) to the hall use such as a café or bar. and Milford Village Hall (built in 1925) are in a state of disrepair and urgently

7.3 The convenience of local transport infrastructure is affecting traffic levels 7.1 Witley Parish is well served by transport across the Parish with people coming links, benefiting from its proximity to the from outlying rural areas on the Surrey main road and rail networks between / Sussex border to connect with the London and Portsmouth. Local roads A3 and to use the stations at Witley provide easy access to Godalming, and Milford. Parking at both stations is Guildford, Woking and Haslemere, as now under severe pressure during the well as fast connections to regional week. Road networks around Witley motorways and national airports in and Milford are often congested in the South East. The opening of the the morning and evening rush hours. Hindhead Tunnel in 2011 also ensured In addition, larger freight lorries are a faster route to Portsmouth though a increasingly using the local A roads to less welcome consequence is severe Petworth, Midhurst and Chichester to congestion on the A3 trunk road up to access local areas and the wider South Guildford during morning rush hour. Coast region.

7.2 This regional accessibility may be 7.4 The high levels of traffic on the roads has reflected in the car ownership levels in been regularly highlighted as a concern Witley Parish which are comparatively during resident consultations as part of high, with 15% of households owning the neighbourhood plan. Of particular 3 or more private vehicles, compared concern is pedestrian safety in the main to 10% for the South East Region and village hubs with local residents having 7% for England (2011 Census). It is to use very narrow footpaths or navigate therefore no surprise that private car is busy roads with no protected crossing the most popular mode of transport for points. Specific examples are pedestrian travelling to work, used by over 46% routes from Milford Station to the village of parish residents. About 7% of parish centre and for school children walking commuters travel to work by train. along Rake Lane to Rodborough School. Nonetheless the majority of working people (51%) work at home or within 7.5 During term times, levels of traffic are 10km of their home (2011 Census). noticeably higher and congestion worse Bus services are available to local in the peak travelling times so more towns such as Godalming, Haslemere, needs to be done to encourage more Guildford and Midhurst but these do not walking and cycling to and from all local run late into the evening. There is also a schools. hoppa bus service that can be booked for access to local hospitals and other 7.6 Residents are looking to planning vital services. authorities to take account of increased traffic impact from new housing

developments and to ensure the need to improve pedestrian access and safety in village centres and school access routes is implemented. 7.7 Research by the NPSG and feedback from the WNP consultation process has shown that there are many ways the 1. To improve the experience of moving pedestrian environment can be improved around the Parish, for pedestrians, across the Parish. cyclists and those using public transport, in order to support people who want to 7.8 Many pavements in the Parish are very use their cars less. narrow. The speed of the passing traffic, 2. To support steady traffic flow at and the size of some vehicles makes appropriate speeds with minimal them unfit for purpose. This results in congestion and without compromising many people choosing not to walk to air quality or noise, mitigating the impact key destinations, adding to congestion of additional road traffic on local people, on the roads. A key example is Station services, business and the natural Lane, leading to Milford Station, which environment. has sections of very narrow pavement which are currently in a very poor state 3. To expect development to provide a of repair and prone to flooding. Another sufficient amount of parking, while important example is at Petworth seeking to limit, as far as reasonably Road/Church Lane in Witley, where the possible, growth of traffic arising from pavement is very narrow and in close new residential developments. proximity to a large tree. Both these 4. To support the delivery of electric roads are also used by a relatively large vehicle chargepoints and chargepoint number of heavy goods vehicles which infrastructure across the Parish. have to pass very close to pedestrians.

7.9 Locations for new footpaths and new/ improved pavements include:

• Public footpaths through the development on Milford Golf Club to provide access to Church Road, Milford and to Station Lane and Milford Station and provide a connection to Busdens Way to provide safe access to Rodborough

School and other facilities; • • A footpath on the western side of the (a) Traffic• calming measures in villages Guildford and Godalming By-Pass and near residential areas, including Road (A283), allowing the residents the introduction of a 30mph speed of site DS30 (Land at Coneycroft, limit and 20mph speed limit in Milford) if identified in LPP2 as locations with high foot traffic, suitable for development to access including near schools; Milford Village on foot; and (b) Pedestrian refuges in areas of need, • A footpath along Lower Moushill detailed at Paragraph 7.10 above; Road to accommodate DS27 (Land at (c) Improvements to pavements Moushill Mead, Milford), DS29 (Land including widening in key pedestrian at Manor Lodge, Milford) and DS31 routes, connecting residential areas (Land at Old Elstead Road, Milford), (including allocated sites), to railway should those sites be developed, stations, local shops and services; linking them with Cherry Tree Lane. (d) Creation of new footpaths connecting allocated sites and 7.10 Transport analysis carried out by WPC improvement to existing footpaths; with support of the Highways Authority has shown the following areas to be (e) Installation of appropriate street most appropriate for a pedestrian lighting on pavements and footpaths, refuge, linking up existing pathways and increasing safety for pedestrians while not creating an unacceptable allowing the safe crossing of roads: amount of light pollution. • Milford Pharmacy, A3100 Portsmouth Road • At Squires Garden Centre, A3100 Portsmouth Road • On Station Lane, near the bottom of 7.11 A key element of integrating new Rake Lane development into the Parish is through • Wheeler Lane / A283 (Petworth Road) introducing a road layout that does not junction worsen, but potentially improves, the • The White Hart, A283 (Petworth Road) local highways network. • King Edward’s School, A283 (Petworth Road) 7.12 Improvements may be needed to a • Chichester Hall, A283 (Petworth Road) number of highways junctions in the Parish. For example, the junction of Station Lane and Church Road is Policy T1 – Improving the already often congested at peak hours. Pedestrian Environment It is anticipated that this problem will increase significantly when up to 200 Proposals involving the following homes at Milford Golf Course are fully improvements to the pedestrian occupied and add traffic congestion environment would be supported: to the roundabout. The layout of this junction in close proximity to the

mini-roundabout on the A3100 is also unsatisfactory for use by the HGVs Allow for adequate turning space going to and from the large fruit farm (where appropriate); at Tuesley. There is also concern in the (e) Be of a sufficient layout to prevent Parish that pressure on this junction will congestion at junctions e.g. through increase as a result of the thousands of careful use of traffic management new homes which are due to be built on measures; the eastern side of the Borough during (f) Be designed in a way that limits the Local Plan period in the Dunsfold/ impact on traffic flow on existing Cranleigh area. This is because some roads; residents and trade vehicles may opt (g) Support emergency vehicle access to travel to Milford to access the A3. at all times; Another junction that would benefit from upgrading is the junction at the (h) Support the convenient access of Old Portsmouth Road and Cherry Tree servicing and delivery vehicles; and be safely integrated with routes for Road, where existing traffic lights should pedestrians and cyclists. be upgraded to incorporate filter lights on the slip road to allow pedestrians to cross safety. Finally, it would be Improvements to existing road beneficial to upgrade the junction of junctions to accommodate increases Wheeler Lane and the Petworth Road in traffic arising from new development (The Star). are supported.

Policy T2 – New Highways Design 7.13 Census data shows that there is a Proposed new highways, including higher level of car ownership in the junctions must: Parish than in Waverley and Surrey as a whole. Many of their owners are living (a) Maintain the quality and convenience in houses without off-street parking, of pedestrian and cycle routes and meaning streets are already quite introduce new features to enhance congested. Where streets become highly the quality and convenience of these congested it is not uncommon to see routes; cars parked dangerously near junctions (b) Maintain and enhance safety for or on pavements. Requiring certain road users, cyclists and pedestrians; developments to exceed the standards (c) Incorporate design features that will ensure that existing residents are manage the speed of traffic, not impacted by an increase in parking appropriately reducing speeds in pressure on their streets as a result of certain locations without causing new development. congestions; 7.14 While the WNP supports proposals (d) Provide good visibility splays that would allow a reduction in car use, (without signage obscuring visibility); WPC recognises that this is not always

achievable in remote locations and in reality many families will own a greater number of cars than Surrey County Council’s minimum car parking standards.

7.15 Electric vehicles will become the prevalent type of private vehicle between now and 2040, with the Government setting a target for a ban on petrol and diesel cars by then. Since the lifespan of a home far exceeds 22 years, it is important that residents will be able to easily install electric vehicle charging points. We therefore require developers to use the simplest introduction of this infrastructure by fitting passive connections during construction. This requirement to provide fast vehicle charging points (7kw) is in accordance with the expectations of the Surrey County Council Vehicular and Cycle Parking Guidance (2018), which states these are increasingly better value.

7.16 WPC’s consultation exercises have found that the provision of larger capacity car parks at Milford and Witley stations is considered by residents to be an important measure that should be taken to improve road safety and reduce traffic problems in the Parish. This could be facilitated by developers working with Network Rail to provide double decks at each car park (subject to the exact details of proposals).

7.17 There is already a need for more safe parking in the Parish and this will grow with new housing. Parents taking children to and from schools, users of community facilities, surgery patients and people who shop in village centres all find parking difficult and often park on pavements. Car park provision is often inadequate for demand.

Policy T3 – Parking accordance with the following standards (unless superseded by higher standards All new residential developments should adopted by either Surrey County provide sufficient resident and visitor Council): car parking spaces in accordance with the minimum standards set out below: (a) All new dwellings and buildings undergoing a change of use to 1-bed dwelling: 1.5 spaces per unit create a dwelling must have at least 2-bed dwelling: 2 spaces per unit one chargepoint. The number of 3+ bed dwelling: 3 spaces per unit. chargepoints provided should be commensurate to the size of dwelling All major residential proposals should and likely car ownership levels. ensure that at least 10% of all car (b) All new non-residential development parking spaces are provided as or existing non-residential buildings undedicated visitor spaces. undergoing major renovation with more than 10 car parking spaces Development proposals that result in the to have one charge point and loss of existing off-street car parking cable routes for an electric vehicle provision to existing dwellings, below chargepoint for one in five spaces. that set out above, will be strongly resisted unless an equal amount of Chargepoints shall be located so that replacement off-street car parking is they can be accessed by the maximum provided in a suitable and appropriate number of parking spaces at the location within the Parish. development.

Proposals for non-residential Electric vehicle charging infrastructure development are expected to meet within new development shall meet the parking level space standards the minimum technical specification prescribed by the latest Surrey County list published by the Office for Low Council vehicular and cycle parking Emission Vehicles. guidance.

Within major developments, Accessible parking spaces must be opportunities to incorporate public located within close proximity of the electric vehicle charging points should dwellings that they serve and must be be considered, having regard to existing carefully considered in terms of access provision in the local area. between spaces and entrances to Proposals involving an increase in properties, including for wheelchairs. parking capacity at Milford and Witley

Stations or in the village centres would New development shall make be supported, subject to good design, provision for electric vehicle charging space efficiency and conformity with infrastructure, using dedicated other policies within this Plan and the chargepoints specifically designed for Development Plan. charging all types of electric vehicles, in

movement, including any with regular heavy goods vehicle movement, must be supported by a Transport Assessment, 7.18 In order to mitigate the impact of Major which must demonstrate predicted Development on the transport network, levels of traffic generated from the it is important in the first instance to proposed development and the impacts assess its likely impact. The threshold of this additional traffic on roads of Major Developments is set by and junctions within the WNP Area. Paragraph 111 of the National Planning Transport Assessments must identify Policy Framework (2019), which expects areas of established traffic congestion. developments that generate significant Where severe negative impacts on amounts of transport movement to the network are identified developers measure their impact on the network. In will be expected to fund proportionate the context of Witley Parish, which has improvements to mitigate this impact in high volumes of traffic passing through order to make the planning application it, a threshold of Major Developments acceptable. is considered most appropriate for this

policy. Applicants should refer to national Major Development Proposals will guidance on Transport Assessments, be expected to assess the impact of currently contained in National the development on air quality via an Planning Practice Guidance. Transport Air Quality Assessment and propose assessments should include calculations appropriate mitigation measures at peak hours on weekdays, during having regard to existing local policies, school term time. strategies or Air Quality Action Plans.

7.19 Air pollution is becoming one of the main health threats facing the UK. 7.20 Travel Plans are key documents Specifically it comprises greenhouse that help to address the potential gases (such as carbon dioxide (CO2) negative highways impacts through and ozone (O3) and local air pollution. appropriate mitigation measures of new The most important regulated gas for developments on roadways as identified legal purposes in ambient air is NO2. in a Transport Assessment. Travel Plans One of the main causes is vehicles and should also be prepared to include congestion which means engines idle content suggested by national planning and air pollution becomes concentrated guidance, which is also currently in those locations. contained within National Planning Practice Guidance.

Policy T4 – Transport Assessments 7.21 It is important that Transport and Air Quality Assessments and Travel Plans are prepared for developments requiring Major Development applications or heavy goods vehicle access as the other proposals that would cause combination of narrow roads and a significant amount of transport heavy traffic is a problem in the Parish,

particularly on the route between the Hall Hunter fruit farm on Tuesley Lane (off Policy T6 – Cycling Station Lane) and the A3. If any of the business sites around the Parish were to Proposals for the development of a become sites for intensive commercial “Greenway” suitable for cyclists wishing activity, the impact, in terms of air to access Godalming and Guildford pollution, noise, traffic congestion and (north of the Parish) would be supported safety would be considerable. subject to conformity with other policies in this Plan and Development Plan policies. Policy T5 – Travel Plans

New development proposals that are likely to generate a significant amount Policy T7 – Accessibility in the of traffic or regular heavy goods vehicle traffic must provide and agree a Travel Transport Network

Plan setting out how opportunities for encouraging, facilitating and supporting Proposals incorporating practical use of and improvement to sustainable measures to assist residents and visitors travel modes have been maximised with limited mobility will be supported. This includes careful placing of disabled and will be delivered with the aim of reducing pollution levels. This should car parking spaces, safer crossings be proportionate to the likely impact giving ample time to cross, and wider detailed in a Transport Assessment. pavements. Proposals that would make access difficult for people with limited mobility will not be supported.

7.22 The Guildford Bicycle Users Group and Godalming Cycle Campaign have proposed a “Greenway route” from Shalford that goes to Milford through Peasmarsh, Farncombe, Godalming and Eashing. This facility, if completed, will provide cyclists with access to a wider variety of cycle paths to the north of the Parish and could potentially be extended through the sites proposed on the east of the A3 and then to Rodborough School. The proposers of the Greenway intend it for a wide variety of users including pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair and buggy users, and parents wheeling pushchairs. It is not intended for use by people who wish to cycle at speed.

WITLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Witley’s small village centre, parking is a far bigger issue with only four parking 8.1 While the Parish contains no major spaces and people having to cross the settlements, it does have a functioning busy A286 Petworth Road to reach the local economy that warrants protection. grocery and newsagent store/post office. This includes several small industrial estates, as well as small offices, home 8.4 For recreational eating and drinking there workers and retailers. There are still is a mixture of pubs serving food and several pubs and cafés in the Parish, cafés. The Parish also has one licensed although it is regrettable that in recent social club but another, the Fosters Club years two pubs have closed. The pubs, in Witley, has closed quite recently. cafés, shops and businesses throughout 8.5 In terms of local employment, the the Parish contribute greatly to the 2011 Census shows that, compared to prosperity and cohesiveness of the local regional and national averages, Witley community. The major employers in the Parish has a slightly higher proportion area are the schools (Rodborough and of economically active residents at King Edwards being the most significant 74%. Also, a higher percentage of employers in the area). economically active people are currently 8.2 There are over 70 retailers and working part-time. Residents are mostly businesses across Witley Parish employed in highly skilled and better providing a range of services for the paid jobs, with around 40% of residents community. Milford is the location for in management and professional and most retailers including two convenience technical roles. stores, a petrol station, a post office 8.6 The 2011 census data showed 17% and pharmacy, as well as hairdressers of people in the parish work mainly and other personal services. The range from home. For this group and the of independent food retailers in Milford small businesses in the community, is unusual for a village setting these neighbourhood plan focus groups have days with two butchers, a fishmonger, highlighted that the inconsistency of an off licence, a farm shop and a local high-speed broadband services is wine merchant. Witley has two shops a major frustration and a limitation on and a hairdressing salon; and across commercial productivity. the Parish there is a variety of firms, household, IT and digital, veterinary and 8.7 The 2011 census also reported that garden services. Retail stores in other 20% of people in employment within the settlements within the Parish have all Parish travelled less than 5km to work closed. and the majority of working people (51%) work at home or within 10km of their 8.3 Milford has enough retail parking for home. Schools are a significant employer even the busiest shopping periods. In in the area although their Heads have

WITLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

said that the cost of housing makes staff recruitment a struggle.

8.8 The parish community has emphasised that they want future development 8.9 The Parish has a number of retail policies to retain a healthy balance services, including shops, restaurants between residential and commercial and cafés, and pubs. These amenities property. There is a concern that empty are vital to a prosperous rural commercial properties will continue to community and will become more be targeted for residential development. important as the Parish population Feedback from residents has shown that grows. The WNP acknowledges that they want to have the option of working these uses may not be as valuable as locally. Where possible, the conversion other uses (such as residential use) of commercial properties to residential and that it can be financially attractive use will be strongly resisted by WPC. to change the use to another use. This

practice can occur without the need for an express planning application and can result in the loss of pubs to 1. To support our network of local supermarkets, which this policy also shops, restaurants and pubs. seeks to address. It is important that 2. To protect and support the retail uses are only lost where the enhancement of employment sites. site is clearly not viable in its current use. This is most likely to be provided 3. To support residents working in the in the form of marketing evidence, Parish. showing the site has been continuously unsuccessfully marketed for a period of time. Applicants should seek to provide a minimum of two years’ marketing evidence showing the site has been marketed locally and generally on a range of platforms (including online) and at a market price which is consistent with the existing use and does not reflect any increase in price due to actual or potential conversion to residential. Platforms should be the most popular appropriate (having regard to the existing use class) and commonly used for the sector, rather than some obscure or lesser known site. 8.10 In Milford local centre it is important that not only are existing retail units protected, but that new units are

encouraged for the benefit of the to the existing use class) and commonly growing local population. This approach used for the sector, rather than some is consistent with Waverley Local Plan obscure or lesser known platform. Part 1 Policy TCS2.

Policy E2 – Employment Sites Policy E1 – Retail Uses The loss of B Use Class units will be Proposals for the provision of new retail strongly resisted unless the use of and service facilities will be supported, unit has ceased for a period of at least provided that they would support the 12-months and has also been actively vitality and viability of existing retail and marketed for B-Use Class service facilities within the Parish. Proposals for the intensification of Proposals involving the loss of any Employment Sites to create more A-Use Class units in the Parish will jobs would be supported subject to be strongly resisted unless the use of conformity with policies within this Plan unit has ceased for a period of at least and the Development Plan. 12-months and has also been actively marketed for A-Use Class. Limited new employment development in B Use Class will be encouraged where proposals are designed to be available to local businesses, with a mix of smaller and expandable units 8.11 The protection of employment land suitable for small enterprises and within Policy E2 will ensure that Witley start-ups. Support would be subject Parish retains a small but important to conformity with other polices within amount of employment floorspace. It this Plan and the Development Plan. is important that B Class uses are only Proposals for employment development lost where the site is clearly not viable must not result in a net loss of in its current use. This is most likely to residential units unless justified by a be provided in the form of marketing clear local economic need. evidence, showing the site has been continuously unsuccessfully marketed for a period of time. Applicants should 8.12 Policy E3 supports development that seek to provide a minimum of two years’ would positively affect the significant marketing evidence showing the site number of home workers in the Parish as has been marketed locally and generally identified in the 2011 Census. on a range of platforms (including online) and at a market price which is consistent with the existing use and does not reflect any increase in price due to actual or potential conversion to residential. Platforms should be the most popular appropriate (having regard

Policy E3 – Home Workers

Proposals which would assist home workers in the Parish would be supported subject to conformity with policies within this Plan and the Development Plan. Potential opportunities include:

• The creation of a flexible workspace facility for home workers; and • Improvements to high speed internet provision.

9.6 Rodborough Common is 62 hectares managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust for 9.1 The WNP area includes a significant Surrey County Council. It is within the amount of countryside, much of which AONB and classified as a Local Nature is protected for its important biodiversity Reserve and Site of Nature Conservation value. Importance. This is a heathland nature reserve with areas of woodland and 9.2 The Parish has land in the Wealden acid grassland. Reptiles such as the Heaths Special Protection Area, a site common lizard and grass snake can be recognised by the European Union seen, along with many bird and butterfly as hosting important and threatened species including the silver studded heathland birds. This means that blue, which is only found on heathland residential development comprising sites. The reserve is also home to several within 5km of the SPA has to provide nationally scarce invertebrates. Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) away from the SPA, in order to 9.7 Mare Hill Common is 40 hectares of encourage recreational uses such as dog heathland, woodland and scrub which walking on these alternative areas. is currently managed by WBC under a countryside stewardship arrangement 9.4 Witley and Milford Commons are an with Natural England. WBC states, ‘The internationally important example of dry heathland communities at Mare Hill are lowland heathland. It is owned by the of particular importance as they support National Trust. As well as being a site of a number of rare and specialist species Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Witley of birds, reptiles, invertebrates and Common is also designated as a Special plants, and the site is thus protected Area of Conservation, recognising the under both UK and EU law. Mare Hill is importance of its dry heath habitats in a a prime site for invertebrates such as European context. It consists primarily of bees, solitary wasps, and the delicate lowland dry heathland, but also contains silver studded blue butterfly. Three grassland, secondary birch woodland, birds on the European list of threatened ponds and a small area of hazel coppice. species; woodlark, nightjar, and Dartford warbler can be found nesting amongst 9.5 Thursley and Ockley Bog is a designated the heather and grasses. Five reptile Ramsar site. A Ramsar site is Wetland of species, including the threatened sand International Importance under the 1973 lizard, take advantage of the cover and Ramsar Convention. relative warmth in amongst the heathland shrubs’.

9.8 Mature trees are a particular and very important feature of the Parish streetscape which should be maintained and protected wherever possible. There are also many densely wooded areas

throughout the Parish. These and other 9.10 The provisions of policy NE1 are natural spaces serve as wildlife corridors developed based on evidence prepared and help to link the protected areas. in support of the Waverley Local Plan Part 2. The Parish benefits from a 9.9 Areas of the Parish have experienced large number of valued biological and serious flooding events in recent years. geological assets. The most precious of Flood risk must be managed alongside these is the internationally designated new development, particularly on sites Wealden Heaths Special Protection that have identified flood risk, including Area and there are a number of other surface water flood risk. sites of national, regional and local importance. Development can lead to the deterioration or loss of these assets, or provide opportunities to enhance these 1. To ensure local biodiversity is assets, such as through the removal of protected and enhanced and not invasive species. impacted by new development. 2. To ensure new and existing residents 9.11 The impact of pollution from and businesses are not exposed to development is also a growing concern. unacceptable flood risk in relation to Each year in the UK, around 40,000 new development. early deaths are attributable to air pollution according to the Royal College of Physicians. Poor air quality can have a synergistic effect with other issues such as smoking greatly increasing the impact on human health. Relatively minor developments can cumulatively have a significant negative impact on air, water, and soil quality. As such, it is important that all development avoids contributing to the worsening of air, soil, and water quality. The Government has found evidence that the stress of living within an area with environmental hazards, such as poor air quality or a high risk of flooding, can also pose an additional risk to an individual’s mental as well as physical health, further emphasising the importance of Sustainable Development that does not create additional exposure

to existing and new residents. Where noise assessments are required, they (f) Where adverse environmental should conform to the BS4142:2014 (or impacts are unavoidable, and as updated) criteria. the benefits of the development demonstrably outweigh the harm, ensure impacts are appropriately Policy NE1 – Environmental mitigated. Implications of Development Development should:

9.12 It is important that Witley Parish retains (a) Avoid harm to the health or amenity its important woodland for the benefit of occupants of nearby land and of future generations. Policy NE2, taken buildings, and future occupants of the as a whole, will ensure that the Parish development, including by way of an remains an area known for its wooded unacceptable increase in pollution, character. It will ensure that the area’s light, noise, dust, vibration, and trees are correctly managed, which odour, or an increase in flood risk; will benefit the Parish in a number of (b) Not cause a deterioration to the ways, including through the retention of environment by virtue of potential biodiversity and reduction of flood risk. pollution of air, soil or water, including that arising from the storage and use of hazardous substances and which Policy NE2 – Trees and Hedgerows seeks opportunities to improve air and water quality where possible; Subject to compliance with other policies within this Plan and the (c) Not cause harm or damage to Development Plan, proposals will be existing environmental assets such supported which: as areas of ecological or geological value and maximise opportunities to enhance such assets; (a) Retain mature trees of arboricultural significance; (d) In areas where contamination is known or likely to be found, be (b) Protect groups of trees, and subject to a desk-based assessment established hedgerows; of the likelihood and extent of (c) Provide adequate separation land contamination, followed by between trees and hedgerows and an intrusive investigation where the proposed development to ensure appropriate, together with the they are not damaged and continue to provision of any appropriate grow and flourish. remediation measures; Development proposals that would (e) Maximise opportunities to provide result in the loss of mature trees of net gain in relation to ecological and arboricultural significance will be geological assets including through expected to undertake 1:1 replacement the creation of coherent ecological planting unless it can be clearly shown networks;

that this is not feasible. Arboricultural Policy NE3 – Biodiversity significance shall be taken to refer to mature healthy trees. Trees in prominent The protection and enhancement of urban locations that carry visual value should and rural biodiversity will be supported. also be regarded as having arboricultural Sites should be rigorously assessed for significance, particularly those in species present on site and proposals Conservation Areas. Replacement should not cause harm to the habitats of planting should be specified in a protected species. Tree Planting/ Landscaping Plan and trees proposed for removal should be Where a development proposal may specified in a Tree Removal Plan. have a significant impact on a European designated site then a habitats Regulation Major Development proposals should Assessment must be undertaken. include an appropriate landscaping plan to ensure that where appropriate the Where Suitable Accessible Natural Green wooded character of parts of the Parish Space is required its provision must are incorporated into the proposals. apply the principles set out within Natural This should involve the planting of new England’s Guidelines for the Creation trees and hedgerows of native species of Suitable Natural Green Space (or any in gardens, communal areas or roadside subsequent updated guidance from verges where feasible. Natural England)

If mature trees or hedgerows of Efforts to enhance biodiversity, such as special arboricultural significance are through the creation of new habitats, removed within 24 months prior to a the enhancement of existing sites and planning application, WNP will expect the development and implementation replacement planting to be undertaken of ecological management plans will be by the developer to compensate for the supported, particularly where these can loss of such trees or hedgerows as part be conveniently and viably provided as of any landscaping scheme. an alternative to a feature that has less biodiversity value. Green roofs and walls will be encouraged where appropriate. Development proposals should seek to 9.13 The WNP seeks to encourage achieve a net biodiversity gain. development that has the least possible negative impact on biodiversity and Design and landscaping of proposed actually improves the ability of habitats developments should be formed in the to flourish within developed areas. This context of biodiversity conservation. policy reflects that ambition through its Major Developments should incorporate practical expectations of applicants. In design features that support local wildlife particular, the creation and maintenance such as incorporating bird or bat boxes in of wildlife corridors will be important developments and incorporating features during the plan period. that will protect and preserve amphibians and small mammals.

Policy NE4 - Flood Risk 9.14 Parts of the Parish have experienced serious flooding, most notably in the Development proposals that would winter of 2013/2014 where a number result in surface water, groundwater of properties were flooded over the and sewer draining into drainage Christmas and New Year period and gullies, ditches, culverts, pipes or other certain roads became impassable. systems provided for surface water Policy NE4 will support the delivery drainage that will run at some point of Sustainable Development that downstream to areas of recognised contributes to mitigating the risk of built flood risk (Flood Zones 2 and 3) are development on local flood risk. This is required to demonstrate that the wider particularly important for proposals on system is capable of accommodating allocated sites, including Milford Golf the anticipated increase in run-off Course. arising from the proposed development.

9.15 It is the responsibility of a developer to Surface water generated on site is make proper provision for surface water encouraged to be dealt with on site drainage to ground, water courses and by means of Sustainable Drainage surface water sewage. It must not be Systems (SuDS) and a long-term allowed to drain to the foul sewer, as maintenance plan for such schemes this is the major contributor to sewer must also be provided. flooding. All development proposals are required to ensure that existing drainage systems and greenfield run-off rates are not worsened, and ideally are improved as a result of the proposed development. They must also ensure that no increase in surface water flooding will arise at the development site or be displaced into the surrounding area as a consequence of the development.

has set a levy and will decide on what infrastructure most of the funding is 10.1 The development of sustainable spent on. However, 15% of CIL is communities requires the provision automatically granted to parish councils of a wide range of local facilities and for ‘neighbourhood level’ infrastructure, services. Local infrastructure is crucial for which rises to 25% in parishes with an enabling new development to integrate adopted Neighbourhood Plan. successfully with existing settlements, and should protect residents from such 10.4 WPC is in the process of identifying problems as oversubscribed surgeries, several infrastructure projects needed to congested roads and inadequate school support new development in the Parish, capacity. which may be funded through the 25% neighbourhood level grant or, where 10.2 WBC collects financial contributions appropriate, the local authority portion of towards local infrastructure through CIL. a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 Agreements (or Section 278 for highways works). CIL is used to fund ‘off-site’ infrastructure, 1. To secure necessary contributions such as contributions towards local that make the impact of development education provision or improvements acceptable. to main highways. Section 106 and 278 Agreements are used to secure specific 2. To set out priorities for community on-site infrastructure improvements, infrastructure projects. such as improvements to sewers, flood risk mitigation or on-site community facilities, or in the case of Section 278 Agreements, new access points and junction improvements.

10.3 CIL is a relatively new form of collecting infrastructure contributions that was introduced by the Government to regularise developer contributions towards off-site infrastructure. It is a flat rate levy based on the type of use proposed, with a cost per square metre. As the charging authority, WBC

Policy ID2 – Off-Site Infrastructure 10.5 A WPC Infrastructure Delivery Plan will Contributions be prepared shortly after the adoption of the WNP. It is prepared in support of the Section 106 Heads of Terms must WNP and in anticipation of the adoption support planning applications for Major of the Community Infrastructure Levy Development Proposals in the Parish. by WBC. It will be reviewed periodically Applicants must present these to the through the WNP Period to ensure it Parish Council for discussion during the continues to be accurate to the latest determination period. community infrastructure needs.

Policy ID1 – Community Policy ID3 – Monitoring Infrastructure Levy Following the adoption of the WNP, The 25% neighbourhood element of WPC will: the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and where appropriate other (a) Seek to meet with Applicants of money collected through CIL, will be planning applications for Major spent in accordance with the WPC Developments to discuss local Infrastructure Delivery Plan. infrastructure needs and the Development Proposals in the Parish. features of the development prior Applicants must present these to the to the preparation of a planning Parish Council for discussion during the application; determination period. (b) Monitor all planning applications in the Parish to review conformity to WBC must seek the opinion of WPC the Neighbourhood Plan Policies, when negotiating Section 106 or 278 providing representations to WBC as Agreements both prior to and following required; and resolution to grant Planning Permission (c) Seek to monitor applications dealing for Major Development proposals in the with reserved matters on Major Parish. Developments.

The Neighbourhood Plan will be 10.6 WPC has been engaged in the monitored on a regular basis to review assessment of the suitability of many its effectiveness and relevance to strategic sites within the Parish. national and local policies. Should Through this involvement it is aware the Neighbourhood Plan become out of the infrastructure works required to of date, WPC will seek to review it, make sites in the Parish suitable for whether partially or in full. development. Therefore, it is important that WPC is involved in discussions relating to Section 106 and Section 278 agreements.

household’s eligibility to purchase a starter home to those with a particular As defined in the NPPF, affordable housing maximum level of household income, those is housing for sale or rent, for those whose restrictions should be used. needs are not met by the market (including c) Discounted market sales housing: is that housing that provides a subsidised route to sold at a discount of at least 20% below home ownership and/or is for essential local local market value. Eligibility is determined workers); and which complies with one or with regard to local incomes and local more of the following definitions: house prices. Provisions should be in place to ensure housing remains at a discount for a) Affordable housing for rent: meets all future eligible households. of the following conditions: (a) the rent is set in accordance with the Government’s d) Other affordable routes to home rent policy for Social Rent or Affordable ownership: is housing provided for Rent, or is at least 20% below local sale that provides a route to ownership market rents (including service charges for those who could not achieve home where applicable); (b) the landlord is a ownership through the market. It includes registered provider, except where it is shared ownership, relevant equity loans, included as part of a Build to Rent scheme other low cost homes for sale (at a price (in which case the landlord need not be equivalent to at least 20% below local a registered provider); and (c) it includes market value) and rent to buy (which provisions to remain at an affordable includes a period of intermediate rent). price for future eligible households, or for Where public grant funding is provided, the subsidy to be recycled for alternative there should be provisions for the homes affordable housing provision. For Build to remain at an affordable price for to Rent schemes affordable housing for future eligible households, or for any rent is expected to be the normal form of receipts to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision (and, in this affordable housing provision, or refunded context, is known as Affordable Private to Government or the relevant authority Rent). specified in the funding agreement. b) Starter homes: is as specified in Sections 2 and 3 of the Housing and Planning Act

2016 and any secondary legislation made Since August 2018, a person or business under these sections. The definition of a (i.e. the agent) introducing a new land use is starter home should reflect the meaning responsible for managing the impact of that set out in statute and any such secondary change. legislation at the time of plan-preparation or decision-making. Where secondary legislation has the effect of limiting a

Councils are entitled to determine which infrastructure projects.

An AONB is land protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. AONB designation protects the land to conserve A Conservation Area is designated by the and enhance its natural beauty. Natural District Council under Section 69 of the England are responsible for the management Planning (Listed Building and Conservation of AONBs. They must give advice to local Areas Act 1990) as an area of special planning authorities on development architectural or historic interest, the character proposals in an AONB and are invited to make or appearance of which it is desirable to representations to emerging Development Plan preserve or enhance. There are additional Documents. controls over demolition, minor developments and the felling of trees in conservation areas. The NPPF states that great weight should be Designation as a Conservation Area puts an given to conserving and enhancing landscape onus on prospective developers to produce and scenic beauty in AONB, which, alongside a design that preserves and/or enhances the National Parks and the Broads, have the particular qualities of the area in question. highest status of protection in relation to these issues. The conservation and enhancement of wildlife and cultural heritage are also important considerations in the AONB. The Development Plan is the collective term to refer to all statutory planning policy documents adopted relating to a particular area. The WNP will become part of the Development The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Plan once adopted, sitting alongside the is a planning charge introduced by the Waverley Local Plan Part 1 and (once adopted) Planning Act 2008 that enables contributions the Waverley Local Plan Part 2. Over time to be collected from developers to fund Development Plan documents are developed infrastructure improvements to replace most and replace existing documents. of the ‘off-site’ contributions agreed through Section 106 Agreements (see separate definition) such as funding for education and healthcare or sustainable transport. Local The Environment Agency categorises all land Planning Authorities adopt a CIL Charging into ‘Flood Zones’ based on the probability Schedule that sets out a cost per square of flooding from rivers or the sea. The Flood metre of floorspace with different rates for Zones are: different uses (e.g. residential, commercial or hotels). Local Councils (including Parish • Zone 1 (low probability) comprises land Councils) are entitled to 15% of CIL payments, assessed as having a less than 1 in 1,000 which increases to 25% in parishes where a annual probability of river or sea flooding Neighbourhood Plan is adopted. This money (<0.1%). must still be spent on infrastructure, but Local

• Zone 2 (medium probability) comprises land assessed as having between a 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 annual probability of The NPPF defines a heritage asset as a river flooding (1%- 0.1%). building, monument, site, place, area or • Zone 3a (high probability) comprises land landscape identified as having a degree of assessed as having a 1 in 100 or greater significance meriting consideration in planning annual probability of river flooding (>1%). decisions, because of its heritage interest. It • Zone 3b (the functional floodplain) includes designated heritage assets, which comprises land where water has to flow or include Listed Buildings, Listed Parks and be stored in times of flood. Gardens and Conservation Areas, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and World Heritage Sites, and ‘undesignated’ assets, which may be identified by the local planning authority

or parish council (including locally listed A Green Belt is a designation that affects how buildings). land may be used. The approach to managing Green Belt Land is set out in the NPPF.

A Green Belt serves five purposes: HNAs use data from a range of freely available • to check the unrestricted sprawl of large sources to assess local demand for housing built-up areas; and provide information regarding the mix of housing that should be planned for in the • to prevent neighbouring towns merging into future, within the context of the wider strategic one another; housing market area and / or Development • to assist in safeguarding the countryside Plan housing target. For Witley, the HNA from encroachment; addresses what size of housing is appropriate • to preserve the setting and special to meet evolving local needs; how much character of historic towns; and affordable housing is needed within the • to assist in urban regeneration, by Parish over the Plan period to 2032; and what encouraging the recycling of derelict and provision of specialist housing for the elderly is other urban land. required over the Plan period.

Green Belt status is not a reflection of the quality of rural land; it simply reflects whether that land serves the Green Belt purposes set An Infrastructure Delivery Plan is a document out above. that identifies infrastructure needs and priorities for a particular area, setting out Most forms of development are regarded as how needed infrastructure will be funded inappropriate in the Green Belt by the NPPF and delivered. It can relate to many forms and therefore can only be supported in ‘very of infrastructure, such as highways, sewers, special circumstances’, which are undefined utilities infrastructure, green space, education and must be argued as part of individual and healthcare facilities and community halls. planning applications. The Infrastructure Delivery Plan exists to add

detail to the needs and priorities set out in the neighbourhood plan and to proactively set out how they will be assessed. The NPPF states that locally Listed buildings, structures, parks and gardens are Heritage assets identified at a local level. While these assets are technically ‘undesignated’ and Listing marks and celebrates the special Listed Building Consent is not required, the architectural and historic interest of a building, impact of a proposal on an undesignated structure, park or garden. It also adds special Heritage asset may be taken into account protection within the planning system, so when determining a planning application. that the asset can be protected for future generations. The older a listed asset is, the more likely it is to be listed. Listed Buildings are graded into three categories: For housing development where 10 or more homes will be provided, or the site has an area • Grade I buildings are of exceptional of 0.5 hectares or more. For non-residential interest; only 2.5% of listed buildings are development it means additional floorspace Grade I. of 1,000 sqm or more, or a site of 1 hectare or • Grade II* buildings are particularly more, or is otherwise provided in the Town and important buildings of more than special County Planning (Development Management interest; 5.8% of listed buildings are Grade Procedure) (England) Order 2015. II*. • Grade II buildings are of special interest; 91.7% of all listed buildings are in this class and it is the most likely grade of listing for a home owner. The National Planning Policy Framework was published on 27 March 2012 and revised on Works to a Listed Building that affects 24 July 2018, with minor updates published its characteristics require Listed Building in February 2019. It sets out the government’s Consent, regardless of whether Planning planning policies for England and how these Permission is also required or not. are expected to be applied. It focuses on how plans should be made and how decisions should be taken, with a particular focus on delivering sustainable development. The NPPF states that a Local Green Space is an area of green space identified for protection in a Development Plan Document. Policies for managing development within a Local Green

Space should be consistent with those for National Planning Practice Guidance is a Green Belts. web-based resource that provides detailed guidance on planning practice to those

engaging in the planning system. It generally on an SPA, unless appropriate mitigation is expands on the interpretation of the National proposed. Planning Policy Framework, written ministerial statements or case law and its format allows it to be regularly updated to respond to changes in the sector. SANGS are a form of mitigation developed to reduce the impact of residential development on certain SPAs, including in relation to the Policies Maps show the location of Wealden Heaths SPA. SANGs are a group of designations and allocations set in a Local existing open spaces that are enhanced in or Neighbourhood Plan (or relevant other order to attract human activity, such as dog designations such as a conservation area). By walking or picnics, in areas away from SPAs. virtue of simply providing a spatial illustration of Development Plan policies, Policies Maps form part of the Development Plan. The NPPF defines Sustainable Development. At a very general level, the objective of Sustainable Development can be summarised The Public Realm is commonly defined as as meeting the needs of the present without any space that is free and open to everyone. compromising the ability of future generations It includes the space between and within to meet their own needs. buildings that is publicly accessible, including streets, parks and open spaces. Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) Achieving Sustainable Development means A Strategic Housing Market Assessment seeks that the planning system has three overarching to set out a clear understanding of housing objectives, which are interdependent and need needs within an area over a specified time to be pursued in mutually supportive ways (so period. In considering the full objectively that opportunities can be taken to secure net assessed need for housing, consideration is gains across each of the different objectives): given to possible constraints to future housing supply including land supply, development • an economic objective – to help build constraints and infrastructure. A SHMA should a strong, responsive and competitive set out the requirements for market and economy; affordable housing by type, size and tenures. • a social objective – to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities; and • an environmental objective – to contribute to protecting and enhancing our natural, SPAs are areas designated by the European built and historic environment. Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds. In accordance with the Directive, authorities are to ensure that no development takes place that would have a harmful effect

A Transport Assessment is a comprehensive Windfall homes comprise homes on and systematic process that sets out transport development sites generally within the existing issues relating to a proposed development. settlement boundaries (i.e. not within the It identifies measures required to improve Green Belt) but not specifically identified in the accessibility and safety for all modes of travel, Development Plan. particularly for alternatives to the car such as walking, cycling and public transport, and measures that will be need to be dealt with due to the anticipated transport impacts of the In the context of planning, Written Ministerial development. Statements are written statements produced by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, or a Junior Minister in that Department, that A Travel Plan is a long-term management provide clarification on the interpretation strategy for an organisation or site that seeks of planning policy and guidance, legal to deliver sustainable transport objectives and judgements or other relevant matters affecting is regularly reviewed. the planning system

The NPPF defines a local plan as a plan for the future development of a local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community. In law, this is described as the Development Plan (see separate definition) adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. A local plan can consist of either strategic or non-strategic policies, or a combination of the two. In the Neighbourhood Plan area, the Local Plan is comprised of the Waverley Local Plan Part 1 (LPP1) and the emerging Waverley Local Plan Part 2 (LPP2) which deals with site allocations and matters of design details.