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Telephone. ’~ ...... Code A , Fax c ...... ; ._.~._:,_ ...... GOSPORT My Ref. DOiSM/L4(j) BOROUGH COUNCIL Your Ref: Please ask for." Chief Executive: Malcolm Crocker David Ottley~ x~.,~ ...... Extension: Direct Line: Cod eA ~ "" Email." i ~,,,ocNo [; ...... ~oa;7~-=-: ...... L ...... =i Mr Gareth Cruddace Hants & Isle of Wight Health Authority Oakley Road Southampton Hants SO16 4GX 20 February 2004

Dear Mr Cruddace

RE: HASLAR PENINSULA POLICY STATEMENT

Please find enclosed a copy of the Haslar Peninsula Policy Statement which was approved by the Council’s Policy & Organisation Board on 21 January 2004.

If you have any questions about the content of the document please contact the Head of Forward Planning, David Ottley, telephone" ...... Co_de_A_ ...... i ...... Yours sincerely ...... ~UUt;; /’qk ~-~-a-;~-i ~ O ~_M- ~ ~ 5 ~-~<-E ~ ...... CHIEF EXECUTIVE

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? FORWARD PLANNING Head of Forward Planning: David Ottley f%

INVESTOR IN PEOPLE DOH603767-0002

GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL

HASLAR PENINSULA

POLICY STATEMENT January 2004 DOH603767-0003

GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL

HASLAR PENINSULA POLICY STATEMENT January 2004

1.0 PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER

1.1 The purpose of this paper is to set out the key issues determining the future land use and transport planning of sites within the Haslar peninsula given that there are significant environmental and transportation constraints.

1.2 The paper does not provide a definitive guide to the future use or development of any site, and there have been no detailed site inspections or surveys of buildings and other structures specific to the preparation of this paper.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The Haslar Peninsula

2.1 Most of the Haslar peninsula has been in the ownership of the Armed Services for more than 200 years, but the last 30 years have seen some significant changes. These include:

i) Closure of the Gunboat yard, and its restoration by DERA. ii) Evolution of the Admiralty Research Establishment to the Defence Research Establishment and then to Qinetiq. iii) Consolidation, then closure of HMS Dolphin as a submarine base, and subsequent use in connection with Haslar Hospital. iv) Development of the Joint Services Sailing Centre and adjoining yacht marina. v) Establishment of the Submarine Museum as an important visitor attraction. DOH603767-0004

vi) Consolidation of RNH Haslar as the Triservice Hospital, then threatened closure and current uncertainty as to its future. vii) Reinstatement of a direct vehicular link with Gosport Town Centre across Haslar Bridge. viii) Increased security leading to more limited access to significant parts of the Peninsula.

The Wider Context

2.2 Gosport’s community has been inexorably linked with the Armed Services, and particularly the for over 250 years. Since 1945, the has declined as a naval power, and the ending of the Cold War in Europe in the f late 1980’s led to various reviews of the Defence establishment. Further \ reviews of the defence estate are in progress against a background of international uncertainty following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and subsequently.

2.3 Until recently, approximately one third of the Borough of Gosport was in the ownership of the Ministry of Defence. Now significant areas of land are subject, or potentially subject to release. Gosport Borough Council has responded to this significant change with a series of initiatives including:

Publication of a Community Strategy setting out the aspirations of the

local community and prepared under the guidance of the Gosport

Partnership which brings key organisations active in community involvement together.

Establishment of an active Local Strategic Partnership.

Provision of Development Briefs for and subsequent negotiation with developers of major brownfield regeneration sites.

Obtaining major funding from European and National Government sources to assist with regeneration projects. DOH603767-0005

Implementation of a landmark scheme for the Renaissance of Harbour in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and funded by the Lottery Commission.

Preparation of a Review of the Borough Local Plan to provide an up to date planning policy framework.

2.4 The consequences of major changes in the Defence Estate and the release of significant areas of land elsewhere in Gosport are pertinent to the consideration of suitable future uses on the Haslar peninsula. Some of the key factors are ¯

1) Loss of jobs in the MoD and related sectors (and a decline in the manufacturing sector) has led to over 4000 jobs being lost since 1989 in Gosport Borough. Further Defence land reviews may lead to more job losses.

~ 2) Competition between sites for new development, this also creates uncertainty regarding future patterns of development.

3) Gosport’s peninsula location and problems of access which require a sustainable planning solution.

4) Gosport is within the South Hampshire Priority Area for Economic Regeneration in Regional Planning Guidance (RPG9).

5) Various Reviews of Defence operations and the Defence Estate are brining significant additional Service personnel to the area.

3.0 HASLAR PENINSULA

3.1 Haslar Peninsula is located to the south of Gosport Town Centre. To the west are the residential areas of Clayhall and Anglesey, a number of MoD establishments, including Fort Monkton, and the important open spaces at Stokes Bay and Gilkicker. To the east there are views of Old Portsmouth and

Southsea across the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, and to the south The Solent and Spithead, with the Isle of Wight beyond. Potential development DOH603767-0006

opportunities presented by its attractive location are severely constrained by heritage and nature conservation designations and restricted road access.

3.2 For the purpose of this study, Haslar peninsula is considered to include: the former HMS Hornet, now Fort Blockhouse 3 Fort Blockhouse 1, including the former HMS Dolphin Royal Hospital, Haslar Qinetiq and Marine Technology Park Joint Services Adventure Sail Training Centre Submarine Museum

Together these sites comprise of about 60 hectares and are shown on Plan 1.

Environmental Designations and Constraints

Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area, Ramsar site

3.3 A large area of Haslar Lake to the west of Haslar Bridge is included within the Portsmouth Harbour Special Protection Area, which is designated under the European Union Birds Directive. It is also designated as a Ramsar site, an internationally important wetland, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Portsmouth Harbour Development Group has been established to monitor developments within and in proximity to the Special Protection Area.

Trees

3.4 There are a number of significant trees worthy of protection on the Haslar Peninsula. Within the Haslar Conservation Area anyone wishing to cut down, top or lop a tree (except small trees, and ones that are dead, dying, or dangerous) is required to give six weeks notice to the local planning authority. The Borough Council is also empowered to make a tree preservation order in respect of Crown land if it is considered expedient to do so in order to preserve trees in the event of the land ceasing to be in Crown ownership.

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Coastal Zone

3.5 PPG 20 (Coastal Planning) highlights the role of the planning system to reconcile possible development with the need to protect, conserve and, where appropriate, improve the landscape, environmental quality, wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities of the coast. Policies should conserve and improve the coastline whilst acknowledging the special character of the coast. The whole of the Haslar peninsula is within the Coastal Zone as defined in the Gosport Borough Local Plan Review and the Portsmouth Harbour Plan.

Conservation Area i, 3.6 The major part of the Haslar peninsula, except for the Qinetiq site/Haslar Marine Technology Park, was designated as a Conservation Area in 1990. This designation is intended to preserve and enhance the historic or architectural interest of the area and provides a safeguard against inappropriate development.

Listed Buildings

3.7 There are a number of buildings within the peninsula that are included in the Statutory List of Buildings of national historic and/or architectural interest. These are summarised in the following table.

Grade II* Listed Buildings (MOD numbers in brackets)

The main Haslar hospital building comprising: A Block (96) A/B Pavilion (103) B Block (108) C Block (114) Centre Block (17) D Block (16) E Block (18) E/F Pavilion (18) F Block (27) Chapel of St Luke (29) DOH603767-0008

Grade II Listed Buildings (MOD numbers in brackets)

Medical Stores NW of Main Entrance (129) Boundary Wall to NE of RNH Haslar, N of Central Gateway Smoking Room (130) Central Gateway & Railings Lodge (1) Medical Stores SE of Main Entrance Boundary wall to NE of RNH Haslar, S of Central Gateway. No~s 1 - 5 (6 - 10) No.12 (12) Water Tower No.s 13 & 14 (113 & 111) 1 Haslar Terrace (48) 2 Haslar Terrace (47) 3 Haslar Terrace (46) 4 Haslar Terrace (45) Surgeon Rear Admiral’s Residence (43) 5 Haslar Terrace (60) 6 & 7 Haslar Terrace (61 & 62) 9 & 10 Haslar Terrace (64 & 65) 8 Haslar Terrace (63) Walls & Gateway attached to Garages and E end of Haslar Terrace Walls & Gateway attached to Garages and W end of Haslar Terrace Garages to Haslar Terrace (66) Garages to W of Haslar Terrace (50)

There are also a significant number of other buildings which are important for their contribution to the historic significance of the setting of the Conservation Area.

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

3.8 There are three groups of Scheduled Ancient Monuments within the peninsula. These are:

Fort Blockhouse No.276 Haslar Gun Boat Sheds No. 505 Haslar Gun Boat Sheds (Miscellaneous Buildings) No. 506 A-F

The Haslar Gun Boat Sheds (Miscellaneous Buildings) No. 506 A-F includes the Guard Houses and a major section of the wall to the Haslar Marine DOH603767-0009

Technology Park. These are nationally important archaeological sites and any proposals to carry out works to a Scheduled Ancient Monument would require consent from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Designated Park and Garden

i;! ¯ 3.9 English Heritage has designated the whole of the Haslar Hospital site as a Park and Garden of national historic interest, Grade II. The main purpose of the register is to help ensure that the features and qualities of the listed landscape are safeguarded during ongoing management or if any change is being considered which could affect them.

Access

3.10 The peninsula geography of Gosport means that all traffic leaving the town must do-so by only three possible routes. The A32, B3333 and B3385 provide the

main routes from the Town Centre to Fareham, the A27, the M27, Portsmouth and other destinations to the east. These routes have come under increasing pressure over recent years, due to growth in out commuting and general traffic levels. There is significant congestion in the peak periods particularly at the Quay Street junction in Fareham. The third route, the B3334 passes through Stubbington linking with the A27, the M27 and destinations to the west.

3.11 The Haslar peninsula is located at the south eastern tip of Gosport and it has limited access. From the northeast, access is by way of a single track traffic signal controlled bridge, which provides access to Gosport Town Centre and the Ferry terminal. Given the Special Protection Area status and Ramsar designation of Haslar Lake there is little prospect of the Haslar Bridge being widened. To the west of the Haslar Peninsula access is via Clayhall Road and Fort Road and traffic must pass through the residential areas of Clayhall and Anglesey.

The Haslar peninsula is served by two bus services (one per hour) which both run a circular route from Gosport Town Centre. The bus station provides an interchange with other bus services which serve the Borough. Gosport has no DOH603767-0010

direct rail service but the proposed Light Rapid Transit will link Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham, but this will not be completed until 2008 or possibly later. The nearest stop will be located at the ferry terminal, approximately 800 metres from the southern side of Haslar Bridge.

Sustainability

3.12 Gosport presently has a very significant negative labour market account, with major out commuting to Portsmouth, Fareham and beyond which creates congestion on all routes at peak times. There is a pressing need to provide additional employment within the Borough which could help to reduce the growth in out commuting and meet the Government’s aim of reducing the need to travel.

4.0 POLICYBACKGROUND

4.1 National Planning policy is set out in a series of Planning Policy Guidance Notes and new style Statements. Of particular relevance to the Haslar Peninsula are: PPG1 PPG12 and draft PPS12 and PPG13 PPGs 4,9,15 and 20 are also important to this area.

4.2 The Planning & Compulsory Purchase Bill currently passing through Parliament will make fundamental change to the national Planning System, with increased emphasis on community involvement and sustainable development.

4.3 Regional Planning Guidance for the South East (RPG9) published in March 2001 identifies Gosport as being within the South Hampshire Priority Area for Economic Regeneration. Policy RE7 of the Strategy provides a framework, with emphasis on economic regeneration and renewal including inward investment. DOH603767-0011

4.4 Gosport Borough already more than meets its housing allocation of 2980 dwellings in the Structure Plan (Review) for the period to 2011.

4.5 The Hampshire County Structure Plan, 1996-2011 (Review) adopted in January/February 2000 includes policies UB1, UB2 and UB4 which address issues of urban regeneration and the need to consider the constraints of transport infrastructure and the provision of and appropriate mix of uses (in accordance with PPG1). The Hampshire Local Transport Plan 2001-2006 provides a policy led strategy for transport provision in the area.

4.6 The Gosport Borough Local Plan, adopted in April 1995 allocates most of the Haslar peninsula for Ministry of Defence use.

4.7 The First Deposit Local Plan Review was published in December 2002. The Review document is more specific in allocations on the Haslar peninsula. The Qinetiq site is allocated for employment use, reflecting its development as a M~ine Technology park, while Haslar Hospital is designated as a hospital, reflecting the substantial investment in medical infrastructure in recent years. The remainder of the peninsula is shown mainly for Ministry of Defence use, with the Submarine Museum and playing fields specifically identified for community and open space purposes.

5.0 PRINCIPLES FOR FUTURE USES

5.1 If there are to be any changes on the Haslar peninsula, then any proposals must be in general conformity with the policies of Regional Planning Guidance, the Hampshire County Structure Plan: Review and Gosport Borough Local Plan: Review (Deposit). In due course these documents will be replaced by the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South East, the South Hampshire Sub Regional Study and the Local Development Framework for Gosport.

5.2 Any proposals must also have regard to the Gosport Borough Community Strategy published in 2003 and the principles first established following the Community Vision Fair held in February 1998. SEFS (The South East DOH603767-0012

Forum for Sustainability) may be consulted on the appropriateness of any proposals.

5.3 Sustainability will need to be demonstrated both in terms of the overall use of any part of the Haslar Peninsula and specific elements.

5.4 Quality will be required in the design of buildings, and townscape and landscape elements, reflecting the exceptional location of the site. CABE (The Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment) will be consulted on any significant proposals.

5.5 All proposals must have regard to the built and natural environmental

constraints relating to the site and should have the general support of English

Heritage, English Nature and the Environment Agency following early

consultation.

5.6 Proposals for any site within the peninsula must demonstrate how the land use elements are integrated with transport and in particular how the site is to be accessed and served by public transport. Significant transport infrastructure improvements would be essential if any new uses increase traffic volumes, but this will be difficult to achieve given other constraints.

5.7 Proposals for any site within the peninsula will aim to provide for the same level /’ of employment as existed previously when in active use.

5.8 Proposals for residential development will not normally be acceptable for sustainability reasons. However, key worker accommodation may be appropriate in connection with the hospital and other employment sites.

5.9 All development must be accessible to the mobility impaired.

6.0 APPROPRIATE FUTURE USES

6.1 Set out below are potential uses for sections of the Haslar peninsula.

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Fort Blockhouse 3, including the former HMS Hornet

6.2 The former Homet site has been largely vacant for some years. The site is constrained by two Ancient Monuments and the proximity of the Portsmouth Harbour SPA/Ramsar site. Options for this site could include office or leisure development, taking advantage of its proximity to the Town Centre and to the Millennium Walkway.

Fort Blockhouse 1, including the former HMS Dolphin

6.3 The former Dolphin site contains a range of buildings of different size, condition and purpose typical of an MoD Establishment. The easternmost section of the site has a quite exceptional location immediately overlooking the western side of Portsmouth Harbour mouth. Fort Blockhouse dominates this part of the site and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Were it to be no longer required for defence purposes parts could be used for commercial use, while it would also present an exceptional opportunity for conversion to a hotel or holiday apartments to a very high standard.

6.4 The westernmost part of the site contains a number of recent accommodation blocks and an important open space, the latter should be retained. The accommodation blocks could be converted to institutional or educational use, linked to training establishments in the Portsmouth Harbour area, or used to house key workers.

Haslar Hospital

6.5 This part of the peninsula is dominated by the Hospital building itself, which comprises of the original 18th Century building, now a Listed building, and a number of recent additions. The preferred future use of this building is clearly for a hospital given the recent substantial investment in medical facilities and its potential role in providing a more sustainable location for health facilities, particularly for residents of Gosport and Fareham, but other institutional or

11 DOH603767-0014

educational uses might be possible alternatives for parts of the complex if these are no longer needed for hospital use. However, high security uses which would lead to loss of amenity will not be acceptable. Along the Spithead frontage are several accommodation blocks. Those not required as part of the hospital could be used to provide office accommodation in an attractive and prestigious location. Alternatively they could be used for key worker accommodation or married quarters, taking advantage of the views across the Solent.

6.6 Buildings along the northern boundary could be considered for employment use, possibly linked to further development on the Qinetiq site.

6.7 The Haslar Hospital Grounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, which precludes their development.

Qinetiq

6.8 Qinetiq is developing as a marine technology centre of excellence as a Research Establishment, and there is scope for further development related to this initiative.

6.9 The Gunboat Sheds, at the eastern end of the site are a Scheduled Ancient Monument and were restored as part of works at DERA. They are not required by Qinetiq and may offer the potential for a museum or alternatively for a sympathetic recreational or marine related employment use.

The Joint Services Adventure Sail Training Centre

6.10 The Joint Services Adventure Sail Training Centre, together with the Hornet Sailing Club, can be expected to continue to occupy its present site. On-shore facilities could be expanded and additional car parking provided; however, given constraints on mooring numbers in Portsmouth Harbour and the SPA/Ramsar status of this part of the Harbour, there is only very limited scope for minor consolidation of moorings. The Coastal Forces War Memorial should be safeguarded.

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Submarine Museum

6.11 The Submarine Museum is a major heritage attraction and provides the southernmost destination for the Millennium esplanade. Its present site is somewhat cramped and certain areas, including the approach route are rather stark. There may be scope for significant environmental improvements, and the provision of complementary visitor related facilities, such as a restaurant/care, if demand demonstrates a need.

Improving Pedestrian Access

(’/ / 6.12 As part of any proposals for change, extension of the millennium walkway might be considered into the Dolphin site and pedestrian access improved along the Solent shoreline.

7.0 IMPLEMENTATION

7.1 The future of the Haslar peninsula area is govemed by a number of complex issues and constraints. A community based local development framework agreed by Gosport Borough and the Defence Estate, and with support from Hampshire County Council English Heritage and English Nature will be a fundamental requirement of any proposals for the redevelopment and (~ \ enhancement of this important historic and environmentally sensitive area.

7.2 Any organisation interested in the future use of sites on the Haslar peninsula must enter into dialogue with the relevant organisations at the very earliest opportunity to achieve the Borough Council’s objectives.

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