DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (2012-2015)
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (2012-2015) www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com
Version 6.2 February 2012
Section One: Combe Valley Countryside Park Development Strategy
Page
Introduction 3
The importance of green infrastructure 6
Biodiversity in Combe Valley Countryside Park 12
Planning Policy Issues 14
Community Aspirations 17
Recreational Demand Study 18
Park Development Zones 19
Access to the Countryside Park 22
Wildlife Strategy 25
Activity Park Hub 27
Waste Facilities in the Park 33
Park Project Development Strategy 36
Section Two: Combe Valley Countryside Park Implementation Plan 2012 -2015
Page
Ownership 38
Management 39
Implementation Strategy 43
Financial Profile 45
Spreadsheet 47
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SECTION ONE:
COMBE VALLEY COUNTRYSIDE PARK DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
INTRODUCTION
In 2008 the original Pebsham Countryside Park Project Development Strategy and Implementation Plan were agreed and the current Management Board was put into place. A requirement of the new Management Structure was that the Development Strategy and Implementation Plan be reviewed after three years to assess progress and to re-evaluate objectives. This Review takes the form of a single document combining the Strategy & Implementation elements. The original documents remain as background to the project and the review highlights recommended realisable objectives with a suggested milestones and outputs for the next three years 2012 - 2015.
The Vision
“To create and manage a high quality sustainable, attractive, accessible and multi- functional countryside area to serve the recreational, economic and health and well- being needs of residents and visitors”.
The Project
The Pebsham Countryside Park project was first mooted in 1993 as part of the North Bexhill Strategic Framework. It emanated from the ‘strategic gap’ planning policies so as to provide a greenspace in the future when the land occupied by the Pebsham Landfill site between Hastings & Bexhill was restored.
However it was not until 2003 that the Pebsham Countryside Park Project Steering Group was set up to mastermind the restoration of the landfill areas and to manage to countryside between the towns. The Steering Group was formed of representatives from the three Councils Rother, Hastings, and East Sussex.
With the use of funding from a S106 Obligation from Southern Water and the INTERREG III ‘Access for All’ project the Steering Group were able to undertake a major public consultation in 2005, prepare a development strategy and carry out works to footpaths etc.
In 2008 the Pebsham Countryside Park Project Management Board was formed comprising representatives from Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, East Sussex County Council and Crowhurst Parish Council.
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The proposed Countryside Park covers an area of 600 hectares within Rother District and Hastings Borough. In 2011, following a community survey, it was agreed by the Management Board that the Pebsham Countryside Park Project name should be reviewed. It was felt that a new name for the Countryside Park should be selected which reflected the larger area for the Park than that on the original Pebsham Landfill area. In 2012 the Park was formally named Combe Valley Countryside Park. As stated this name reflects the wider context of the Park which forms an important greenspace within the 1066 Country.
The southern part adjoining Bulverhythe contains a landfill site, a waste transfer station, a household waste site and a waste water treatment works. The northern area comprises the Combe Haven valley SSSI and reed beds.
The intention is that the project will create a significant green space between the two towns and that the restored landfill site and adjoining land will be able to be used for recreational purposes.
On the north eastern side of Bexhill a town expansion, subject to the construction of a new Link Road, is proposed with around 1,200 dwellings and 500,000 square feet of employment space. The Bexhill-Hastings Link Road, if constructed, would link central Bexhill with Queensway and would also provide a greenway between the two towns for use by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The actual detailed layout, design and function of the Countryside Park will be determined by the completion of the landfill site and its landscaping and the construction or otherwise of the Link Road and the North East Bexhill development.
In any event the Countryside Park is a long term project which will address the deficiency in green space for the towns of Hastings and Bexhill. The Park will serve an immediate population of 22,500 people and an overall urban population of 130,000 persons. It will provide an opportunity for active recreation, walking, cycling, equestrianism, bird watching, nature studies etc.
“Core” Values
“Core” values for the Development and Management of Combe Valley Countryside Park: High quality Accessibility for all abilities where possible Promotes and enables individuals to improve their health and well-being Sustainable, in the sense that: Development will be suited to the character of the place. Development will follow natural principles, use local and renewable materials and be an example of low carbon dioxide emissions. Development should aim to become financially self supporting Engage with communities in order to get their involvement in development and promote use Support the local economy – to be a catalyst for investment and partnerships.
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Address deficiencies in accessible natural greenspace in the eastern part of East Sussex Conserve and enhance the “green gap” between the two towns and strengthen the connectivity between them. Conserve, enhance and celebrate the biodiversity and historic environment of the area, both land and sea. Stimulate a creative synergy between the arts and the environment. Add value to what is there – improve the aesthetic resource of the place. Have a clear identity for the Countryside Park Be responsive to the needs of the Community
Plan 1: Combe Valley Countryside Park Location
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THE IMPORTANCE OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
The increasing importance of Green Infrastructure is being recognised by Government, Health and Nature organisations. The benefits as shown below are identified in terms of health and well being, community, climate change etc. Combe Valley Countryside Park is a project which provides a significant accessible greenspace between the towns of Hastings and Bexhill and addresses deficiencies in the eastern part of East Sussex. The park will directly serve 22,500 people in adjoining neighbourhoods and provide a major greenspace for the combined populations of 130,000 of Hastings and Bexhill on Sea.
The Government White Paper ‘The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature’1 has particular relevance for the Combe Valley Countryside Park, recommending that a healthy natural environment is a cost-effective tool that can help local authorities to: • support economic and social regeneration • improve public health outcomes • improve educational outcomes • reduce crime and antisocial behaviour • help communities adapt to climate change; and • improve quality of life across an entire area.
The paper highlights the need for effective partnership working that can bring about these multiple benefits and sets out a vision to be adopted for local partnerships who will link action to protect and improve the natural environment, with wider national and local social and economic priorities. They are encouraged to make links with Local Enterprise Partnerships and the new Health and Wellbeing Boards, the East Sussex version of which is currently being established.
Improving Health and Well-being through the use of Green Space
The specific link between sustainable green space and bringing about positive health benefits for the population is reflected in a number of strategic documents. This section reflects the key recommendations that the Combe Valley Countryside Park will aim to reflect in its development work and implementation plan.
A report by the Faculty of Public Health report in association with Natural England2 outlines how high quality well planned and managed green space delivers direct benefits to people’s health and wellbeing. It also delivers indirect benefits because of the activities and outcomes it promotes and enables. These include promoting better mental health, enabling participation in physical activity, enhanced opportunities for outdoor play for children and families, supporting food growing and encouraging greater social cohesion through shared activities that centre around
1 HM Government. The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature June 2011
2 Great outdoors: how our natural health service uses green space to improve wellbeing: an action report. Faculty of Public Health, 2010
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common areas of green space. They also provide opportunities to learn about the environment and to volunteer. The report recommends that local policy makers, town planners, public health practitioners, the voluntary sector and local communities themselves should be strengthening collaborative working to develop green space and make better use of it for the benefit of all.
The Government’s public health strategy ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy People’3 highlights the importance of an active population, recognising the contribution it can make to improving health and reducing health inequalities, the significance of which were highlighted in the Marmot Review4. As a result it outlines an approach that promotes and enables equality of access for all empowering local government and communities to lead on creating healthy neighbourhoods.
Following on from this strategy and with a specific focus on the benefits of activity, the Department of Health document ‘Start Active, Stay Active’5. It sets out strategic guidance for all age groups and highlights a specific need to target, influence and support individuals who are sedentary i.e. do no physical activity. This group is key to public health aspirations and the Combe Valley Countryside Park project needs to ensure that it engages with individuals who fall into this category of behaviour.
The benefits of having a more active population across all age groups are wide ranging and can deliver the following at a local level: increased life expectancy cost savings for local health and social care services improving quality of life healthy development of children and young people improved productivity in the workplace managing stress supports weight management reducing pollution if using active travel options reducing ‘carbon footprint’ acquisition of social skills (leadership, teamwork, co-operation) displacement of anti-social and criminal behaviour opportunities to spend time with family and friends opportunities to meet new friends improving capacity for concentration and learning increasing personal confidence and self-esteem maintaining independence in later life
Reflecting and Acting on Local Strategy
3 Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Our strategy for public health in England, DH, 2010 4 Fair Society, Fair Lives: The Marmot Review, London, February 2010 5 Start Active, Stay Active: a report on physical activity for health from the four home countries’ Chief Medical Officers. Department of Health (DH), 2011
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The Environment Strategy for East Sussex6 produced by the East Sussex Strategic Partnership, aims to deliver on the strategic priority for the environment and climate change set out in ‘Pride of Place’, the Sustainable Community Strategy for East Sussex7. This aims to protect and enhance our natural and built environment for current and future generations, and enable individuals and organisations to tackle and adapt to climate change. The strategy sets out a vision for East Sussex which includes providing local people with more access to large natural green spaces and details action plans based around ten environmental principles that focus work on achieving its vision. Combe Valley Countryside Park contributes to achieving this vision.
The significance of the environment, use of open and green spaces, improving the health of the population and reducing health inequalities is also reflected in the Active Sussex Strategy8 and in local partnership priorities.
Within Rother the delivery of an Local Strategic Partnership priority ‘Active Communities’ will link existing and developing work programmes around health and well-being, with a wider community involvement, volunteering and citizenship agenda. In Hastings, the Active Hastings programme delivers a range of physical activity opportunities that suit an open/green space setting, many in partnership with statutory and voluntary sector partners.
In both council areas, Health Improvement Partnerships lead on supporting the development of a range of interventions, including those to encourage the adoption of healthy and active lifestyles alongside networking and information dissemination. All essential for the effective delivery of a range of projects.
Working with others these partnerships can play a key role in supporting the collaborative planning and delivery, required to maximise the opportunities and benefits that can be achieved through Combe Valley Countryside Park. A range of partners working together can both engage with local communities and support their use and involvement.
Community Use and Involvement
From what we know about the barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle and as a consequence result in prevalence of health inequalities, it is essential that particular strategies that put in place to encourage access to and the use of Combe Valley Countryside Park. In particular communities in Sidley, Pebsham and Central Bexhill should be a specifically targeted along with similar priority areas in Hastings, notably Hollington, Robsack and West St Leonards.
The use of voluntary sector partners, combined with the work of the Community Development Officer and may be in time a possible Friends of Pebsham group could
6 East Sussex Strategic Partnership: Environment Strategy for East Sussex 2011 7 Pride of Place – The East Sussex Sustainable Community Strategy 8 Sussex on the Move: A Physical Activity Strategy for Sussex 2010 - 2020
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provide potential around connecting communities to their local areas, developing active engagement, volunteering and social inclusion. The Combe Valley Countryside Park can be a key delivery element of this work. Opportunities will also be developed to co-ordinate the work of Rother District Council and Hastings Borough Council and its partners to promote these activities within the Countryside Park.
There are a number of other existing work programmes that are being and can be aligned to the Countryside Park development in order to promote access, awareness and branding opportunities. Examples of these and action that can be taken include: taking the Active Rother and Active Hastings programmes into the Countryside Park as a brand around which opportunities to be active can be located and information provided the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) delivers a programme of Healthy Walks and they will continue to encourage walks within the Countryside Park area. This provides an opportunity to strengthen collaborative partnership working, including work with Sussex Wildlife Trust and train community volunteers as walk leaders BTCV also facilitate ‘Green Gyms’. Building on this activity in the Countryside Park such programmes have already opened up new engagement opportunities in terms of physical activity, offering training and skills and maintaining land consideration of opportunities for the provision of allotment sites on the periphery of Hastings and Bexhill within or adjacent to the Park would enable other ways to strengthen partnership working with other organisations such as the Hastings and Rother Community Fruit and Vegetable Project and Local Allotment Associations associate the Countryside Park with the local Change 4 Life campaign using branding such as Walk for Life and Bike for Life will help communities recognise the relevance of national media campaigns and encourage action at a local level engage with additional partners, especially those that work in Sidley, Pebsham, Hollington and West St Leonards who have opportunities to work with priority population groups such as Social Housing providers, East Sussex County Council Targeted Youth Support service and various voluntary and community sector organisations encourage the use of cycling for leisure and active travel as cycling paths are developed encouraging GP’s and other health professionals to prescribe their use to promote health and wellbeing
The ‘Draft East Sussex County Council Strategic Open Space Study’
The ‘Draft East Sussex County Council Strategic Open Space Study’ looks at Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards as defined by Natural England (ANGSt) in relation to East Sussex. The ANGSt Standards are defined as follows.
These standards recommend that people living in towns and cities should have:
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. an accessible natural greenspace of at least 2 hectares in size, no more than 300 metres (5 minutes walk) from home . at least one accessible 20 hectare site within two kilometres of home . one accessible 100 hectare site within five kilometres of home . one accessible 500 hectare site within ten kilometres of home . one hectare of statutory Local Nature Reserves per thousand population.
In terms of higher level open space of county-wide significance. Strategic open space in terms of its quantity is considered in this study to be the larger three categories of the ANGSt standard (details of the standards outlined above). The study considered that 2ha sites are only of local importance and are not part of strategic open space (hence the lower categories of ANGSt were covered by Rother’s Strategic Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study).
The ANGSt analysis in the ESCC work tells us that at the moment, 91% of the county’s population achieves the 20ha standard, 85% the 100ha standard and 60% the 500ha standard. This study reveals that in the largest category in the ANGSt analysis, 500ha sites within 10km of our homes, a wide band of deficiency exists in Rother between Rye in the east, through to Hastings and Bexhill. However, this deficit could be met in particular by the provision of the Combe Valley Countryside Park, but also via a proposed extension of the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
The study proposes that 90% of the County will have access to the largest categories of the national standard upon the completion of two key projects: i) Combe Valley Countryside Park. This will extend to over 600ha between Hastings and Bexhill. It will mean that a further 137,000 people will reach the 500ha ANGSt standard. It will also improve performance against the 100ha and 20ha ANGSt standards. ii) Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Works to improve access management will also increase the proportion of residents who reach the 500ha ANGSt standard.
It also suggests the need for a possible new woodland country park east of Heathfield in Wealden District in order to meet an identified shortfall in this part of the county. If this were to be achieved in the future it would also be within 5km of large parts of Rother, including Burwash.
RDC 'Sport, Recreation & Open Space Study'
Rother’s Open Space, Sport and Recreation Audit and Assessment recommended local standards for a number of recreational activities.
Table 2 demonstrates a general shortage of open space across the District, with only a few areas having sufficient quantity of some types of open space. There are particularly huge deficits of outdoor sports provision and amenity open space in Bexhill.
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Table 2: Recommended Recreation Quantity Standards (by individual area) Surplus /Deficit hectares (equivalent no of football pitches in brackets) Typology Bexhill Battle Rye West East Rother Rother Amenity Deficit 35.64 0 Deficit 3.25 Deficit 21.62 Deficit 12.01 Greenspace ha (40.50) (3.69) (24.57) (13.65) Parks and Deficit 12.55 0 Deficit 1.48 0 Deficit 11.83 Gardens ha (14.27) (1.69) (13.45) Allotments Deficit 9.72 Deficit 0.57 0 Deficit 2.03 0 ha (11.04) (0.65) (2.31) Outdoor Deficit 58.72 Deficit 1.82 0 Deficit 5.73 0 Sports ha (66.72) (2.06) (6.51) Facilities Source: Rother District Council’s Open Spaces, Sport and Recreation Study
Based on the application of the three standards (quantity, quality and access), the Open Space, Sport & Recreation study did propose a number of recommendations for new open spaces and improvements to existing. Whilst the following list is not exhaustive, it is considered to be the key recommendations regarding open space and recreation assets from the ‘Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study’ in relation to Combe Valley Countryside Park.
The Council to endeavour that new play areas in northeast Bexhill residential CYP 4 development contain play areas that are situated so that they serve not only potential new residents but also existing residents without provision. The Council to concentrate on qualitative improvements to other open spaces NSN 2 in southeast Bexhill to compensate for the lack of a natural or semi natural site. The Council to continue plans for additional pitches in the Bexhill area. OSF 2
Subject to demand, the Council to identify new allotment sites on the west ALLOT 3 and east of the Bexhill urbanised area.
The Council to improve the accessibility to, and quality of the beach/coastal GCBCA 1 area in southeast Bexhill.
Ensure all new major developments contain green corridors to reduce GCBCA 2 dependence on cars for short journeys, particularly as part of the Bexhill urban extensions.
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BIODIVERSITY IN COMBE VALLEY COUNTRYSIDE PARK
The Sussex Biodiversity Partnership has identified the Combe Haven and Marline as a Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA) The Combe Haven area falls within the boundaries of the Combe Valley Countryside Park
The key elements within the Combe Valley Countryside Park are identified as follows: This area contains Filsham Reedbed; the largest reedbed in Sussex and also Combe Haven SSSI. To the north of Filsham Reedbed lays a large expanse of fen, reedbed and wet woodland, and within the SSSI there are areas of farmland with high value for wildlife. Around the SSSI lies agricultural land rich in arable plants with a scattering of ancient woodlands. To the north-east the area extends in to two extensive ancient woodlands; Marline Valley and Queens Wood, which extends in to the urban area of Hastings. Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Habitats Wet Woodland Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh (Combe Haven valley) Reedbeds (Filsham) Coastal vegetated shingle (Galley Hill and Glyne Gap)
Designated Sites
Combe Haven SSSI is an extensive site with a variety of habitats including alluvial meadows, drainage ditches and ancient woodlands. Several uncommon species are found including Marsh Violet, Hairy Dragonfly and Variable Damselfly. The site also contains Filsham Reedbed LNR.
Disused Railway, Bexhill SNCI contains a variety of habitats including woodland, scrub and tall herbs. Scrubby areas are important for birds and the area presents an important corridor. Combe Wood is particularly species rich, containing 32 ancient woodland indicators.
Disused Railway, Crowhurst SNCI includes woodland, species-rich grassland and two disused pits. Patches of calcareous grassland occur with species found including Wild Carrot and Pyramidal Orchid.
Old Filsham Golf Course SNCI is an area of semi-improved grassland with developing scrub, and a mosaic of wetter habitats including reedbed. The site is integral to an overall network of habitats in the local area.
Wishing Tree SNCI consists of a reservoir with marginal vegetation, and semi- natural woodlands and meadows.
Woodland Complex at Buckholt Farm SNCI consists of several ancient woodlands predominantly Hornbeam coppice with Oak, Ash, Birch and Sweet Chestnut. There
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are several derelict ponds around the site, and bisecting streams are lined with Alders and many bryophytes.
Opportunities Identified for the Combe Valley Countryside Park are: Wetland habitat management, restoration and creation Floodplain restoration and reconnection Access improvements Opportunities associated with development
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PLANNING POLICY ISSUES The draft Environment Strategy for East Sussex sets a target to provide approximately 90% of the population with access to a 500 hectare open space within 10km of where they live by developing the Combe Valley Countryside Park. This provides greater access for the public to open spaces between Bexhill and Hastings.
The shared approach to future prosperity for the Hastings and Bexhill area in the emerging Local Development Frameworks (LDF) seeks to secure a more prosperous future for both Hastings and Bexhill.
Rother District Council (Local Plan)
The following policies relating to Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park) are contained within the Rother District Council Local Plan (July 2006).
Policy DS5 Development in the following strategic gaps will be carefully controlled and only in exceptional circumstances will development be permitted therein. Any development must be unobtrusive and not detract from the openness of the area. The gaps are identified on the Proposals Map between the following areas: 1. Bexhill and St. Leonards 2. Battle and Hastings 3. Fairlight and Hastings 4. Crowhurst and Hastings 5. Rye and Rye Harbour
Policy BX4 Land between Bexhill and St. Leonards, from Galley Hill in the south to the proposed Link Road to the north, as shown on the Proposals Map, is allocated as a Countryside Park.
Within the Countryside Park area, proposals will only be acceptable where they: 1. are consistent with the establishment and maintenance of the area as a key recreational and amenity resource for Bexhill and Hastings and their wider catchment; and 2. provide for the proper conservation and, where appropriate, management of the Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Site of Nature Conservation Importance within it; and 3. accord with the proper protection of areas at risk of flooding, in accordance with Policy DS1; or 4. are in compliance with other relevant development plan policies for this site.
A management plan will develop a detailed framework for the layout of the Countryside Park, and will in due course provide a supplementary planning document.
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Rother District Council (Core Strategy)
The Rother LDF Core Strategy seeks to provide attractive and accessible fringes of Hastings, consistent with environmental designations. A key objective is to provide accessible green space in line with identified needs and opportunities, including the Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park) and other cross boundary environmental schemes, including green space and urban fringe management.
The following policies relating to Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park) are contained within the Rother District Council Core Strategy (August 2011).
Policy HF1: The Hastings Fringes The strategy for conservation and development in the Hastings Fringes is to: (i) continue to develop proposals for the establishment of the Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park) between Bexhill and Hastings, including through securing appropriate developer contributions
Policy CO3: Improving Sports and Recreation Provision The provision of sufficient, well-managed and accessible open spaces, sports and recreation facilities, including indoor sports facilities, will be achieved by: (i) safeguarding existing facilities from development, and only permitting their loss where it results in improved provision (in terms of quantity and quality) as part of a redevelopment or elsewhere within the locality (ii) allocating land for open space, sports and recreation purposes, and permitting proposals for the improvement of existing or provision of new facilities, in localities where deficits in facilities are identified (iii) application of the quantity, access and quality standards of Rother’s Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study across all open spaces, including indoor sports facilities within the district (iv) requiring either direct provision or financial contributions towards improvements to existing open space, sport and recreation provision to ensure adopted standards are maintained within the locality (v) increasing access to the countryside by promoting improvements to the rights of way network, especially around the urban areas, particularly in reference to Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park) (vi) giving particular support for water-based recreation along the coast near Camber Sands and Bexhill, and at Bewl Water
Policy EN5: Biodiversity and Green Space Biodiversity and green space will be promoted and enhanced by multi – agency working where appropriate to: (ii) establish a major area of accessible open space at Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park), between Bexhill and Hastings
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Hastings Borough Council (Core Strategy)
The greenspace will be used for leisure, relaxation, sport, ecology and education. The Countryside Park will provide access to the countryside, whilst balancing the need to proactively manage wildlife habitats. Current plans envisage an activity park in the vicinity of the landfill site, a coastal park to its south, a wetland wildlife area to the north.
The countryside park, serving an urban population of 130,000, will help to meet a county-wide open space deficiency within the locality as identified within the East Sussex Open Spaces Strategy, and is fundamental in achieving the shared approach to regeneration for Bexhill and Hastings.
The park will be an important part of the green infrastructure network – providing linkages to the rural areas surrounding Hastings, and it will link with local footpaths and the strategic cycleway network.
POLICY Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park)
Hastings Borough Council will work with Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council to establish and manage Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park) as a sustainable multi-functional countryside area with recreation, biodiversity conservation and regeneration opportunities and will support its development in line with the Park Development Strategy and Implementation Plan.
In the Hastings Core Strategy the objective is to work with Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council to develop the new Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park) by 2016
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COMMUNITY ASPIRATIONS
During the Autumn and Winter of 2005/06 a major public consultation was undertaken to identify the level of support for the park project and the aspirations which the community have for it. The report entitled: “What Do People Want?” was prepared by T K Associates.
Key points: 88% of respondents from Bexhill and Hastings and those outside the local area were in favour of the park 63% of respondents from Crowhurst were against the park 47% of respondents considered Nature Conservation to be the primary purpose of the park (the most frequently suggested primary purpose). 66% wanted to be able to watch wildlife “Access for All” was the next most popular primary purpose (22%) and 49% wanted greater walking access in the area Both young and old are keenest on wildlife watching as an activity but the under 30’s favoured sports (42%) over walking (24%) Cycling was very popular with all ages although the under 30’s slightly preferred water sports Horse riding was a close second to cycling overall Some young people want more skateboarding and BMX facilities There was significant demand for more angling waters A significant number of people, particularly from the Crowhurst area wanted no sports facilities There is considerable concern from farming landowners about likely conflict between farming and park activities The need for more play facilities was clearly identified A limited amount of more education and public art facilities were requested by all ages
Review comments. The Park has been developed so far to provide in the main for these aspirations. Particularly of note is the Events programme which concentrates on nature activities, wildlife watching and walking activities. However provision of new angling facilities has proved difficult to date and may continue to be so. Cycling provision within the park depends on future funding. Some limited improvement to equestrian routes has been achieved but more is requested.
Work will continue to increase use of Park as part of more healthier and active lifestyles this will include developing the range of opportunities covered within the Events programme. This will involve assisting the Community Development Officer in preparing the events programme. A specific focus of this work will be working with community based organisations to encourage individuals from the surrounding communities that are least likely to use the Park but more likely to benefit from use.
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RECREATIONAL DEMAND STUDY
At the same time as the public consultation was underway, Acorn Consulting Partnership Limited was leading the production of a Recreational Demands Study in relation to the proposed Park.
This was a technical study at the regional scale which involved consultation with specialist groups and initial consideration of the business case for the options proposed.
The key points from the study have been reviewed and recommendations for 2012 - 2015 are as follows: Open access recreational facilities are desirable Some form of small scale building to act as a park focus and ranger office is desirable The park needs to be promoted by a combination of Political/Officer leadership from the constituent local authorities which form the Management Board The park needs financial commitment to support it at least for the first few years with a view to introducing revenue inducing activities which will assist in future funding “Access for All” must be central to the park development and with art, education and the exploration of more sustainable living the project will deliver social and commercial regeneration
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PARK DEVELOPMENT ZONES
The range of interest available in the Park area is diverse The objective is and remains to:
Retain and enhance the “green gap” between Bexhill and St Leonards on Sea Retain and enhance the landscape character and integrity of the Combe Haven Valley Retain and enhance the natural characteristics of the Beach at Bulverhythe and Glyne Gap Retain and enhance the diversity of natural and cultural interest in the area
The original Countryside Park project area fell into 4 use zones which required different development and management policies. Those zones were identified as follows:
The Activity Park Coastal Park Combe Haven Wildlife Area Upper Wilting Centre
As part of the review it is suggested that the above zones be reduced to three which would be as follows:
The Activity Park - That the boundaries of the Activity Park be revised and reduced so as to concentrate on the Landfill and Playing field area at Bulverhythe and the area immediately adjoining the North East Bexhill development area at Pebsham and Sidley
Coastal Park – No change
Wildlife and Countryside Area – Boundaries to be amended and extended following changes to the Activity Zone and Upper Wilting Centre
[Upper Wilting Centre – Area to remain within the park boundary and included in the Wildlife and Countryside Area. Specific designation to be deleted pending correlation of future policy in accord with emerging Core Strategies within both the Rother District and Hastings Borough Local Development Frameworks]
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Plan 2: Park Development Zones
The Activity Park
In the revised Strategy the amended general development and management policies for the Activity Park are as follows:
The main “green gap” between Bexhill and St Leonards The main activity area and “visitor hub” – managed to maximise recreation and educational opportunities Design the landscape to accommodate significant recreational users Accommodate multi-sports activities Accommodate an operational hub for the park Improve rights of way and access into the park Where compatible with recreational users, enhance the wildlife value of the area Provide opportunities for urban/rural edge recreational and tourist activities for the whole community and visitors Provide the main arrival areas and associated vehicle parking spaces Provide an area suitable for community events and activities Engage the community in understanding the waste story Be the area which provides the main identifiable and appropriately designated entry to the park Version 6.2 Page 20 February 2012 www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com
Coastal Park
In the revised Strategy the amended general development and management policies for the Coastal Park are as follows: Optimise the recreational beach and greenspace experience of the Coastal Park and green infrastructure linkages into Bexhill and St Leonards Conserve and interpret the environmental and cultural heritage value of the area. Provide good pedestrian and cycle links between Bexhill and Hastings via the Connect 2 project and into the Park to the north Interpret issues of coastline conservation and defence Support improved access into the park from Glyne Gap
Wildlife and Countryside Area
In the revised Strategy for the amended general development and management policies for the Wildlife and Countryside Area are as follows: Design, develop and manage this nationally important wildlife area with the primary purpose of nature conservation and work with Natural England and the Environment Agency in relation to their strategies for the Combe Haven Maximise the opportunities to view wildlife from footpaths and hides around the area whilst minimising disturbance
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ACCESS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE PARK
An opportunity exists to provide facilities for access for those of all abilities and all non motorised uses. The objective for public access to the area is to: Improve public rights of way Improve signage on rights of way Improve access to the reed beds Improve external linkages and connectivity of footpaths adjoining the Countryside Park area with the internal footpath network Where possible to provide opportunities for as wide a range of users including those with disabilities, to enable them to enjoy the beauty of the coast and countryside and benefit from physical exercise
There is a variety of public footpaths in the area, including links to deeper countryside such as a branch of the 1066 Country Walk and links to the beach, the urban area and the National Cycle Network (Connect 2). Several of these are unattractive at present and some unsurfaced paths become very wet or impassable at times, others involve difficult road crossings and others involve steps.
The aim is to consider the network as a whole, improving existing footpaths and supplementing them to create a purpose built network which will be designed, where possible, with people with disabilities in mind.
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Plan 3: Access Strategy
Access to the Countryside Park will be by various transport modes as identified below: Vehicular parking around the south side of the Activity and Coastal Park and a main arrivals car park central to the Park.(located on hardstanding of former Household Waste Facility site) Encourage access to the Park via bus routes Link the Park to the Connect 2 cycle route at Bulverhythe Linkage to the Park from a new railway station at Glyne Gap (if constructed in the future) Access points to roads must be attractive and immediately instil a sense of the countryside: - Freshfields Road access to the park should be landscaped and designed to be more rural in character
Path Network
Subject to funding a network of paths will be provided, based upon existing and improved rights of way and the development of permissive paths where applicable: A long countryside park/Combe Haven circuit – circuiting the Wildlife and Countryside Area (dependent upon link road construction) Version 6.2 Page 23 February 2012 www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com
A Pebsham Circuit – A path in the Activity Park (Extent of circuit, route and funding to be determined) A coastal circuit – which will guide pedestrians and cyclists along the back of the beach. Connect 2 Cycle track to be constructed 2011/linkages to park to be considered where appropriate A number of short local circuits to encourage local people to walk or cycle around parts of the park or to get to some key view points. These will particularly include routes based upon Pebsham, Sidley, Crowhurst, Hollington and Filsham areas in addition to those from the new development in north Bexhill A town to town route The 1066 Country Walk which provides a route to Battle, for pedestrians Key path links into communities, neighbourhoods and the National Cycle Network to help reduce the dependence upon motor cars and bring the park closer” to the people
There is a particular issue with an access link from Hollington, with an “at grade” crossing of the live railway line and the need for a safe road crossing of Queensway. It relates to an existing public footpath and would be a desirable link into the park.
The park should therefore: seek to achieve a grade separated crossing of the railway and an improvement to the road crossing at Queensway as a link to Hollington. (This is an aspiration dependent upon collaboration with Network Rail and the Highway Authority and relevant funding)
Some types of access are considered undesirable in the Park and action will be taken to control them. In particular, there is a clear but very limited demand for use by motorcycles and four wheel drive vehicles but it is considered that they do not have a place in the public access areas of the park.
Information
It is essential for visitors to be able to find the Park, and their way around it, therefore: Information will be available on local authority websites, with appropriate links and in interpretation leaflets Access by bus will be examined and opportunities supported to improve it Access from Crowhurst and West St Leonards Stations to be investigated and promoted The Park should be signed with “brown” tourist road signs at appropriate locations. (Bulverhythe) Where appropriate, access points to the area and paths within the area will be indicated and upgraded with distinctive and “branded” way marking signs
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WILDLIFE STRATEGY
The biodiversity of the Countryside Park is already important at national level and is set within a wider coastal area of international importance (Rye Bay and Pevensey Levels) and is one of the string of green space “pearls” along the East Sussex coast. The valley floor of the Combe Haven is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wetland habitats. Within it is the Filsham Reedbeds Local Nature Reserve, which is managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. The remainder of the valley floor is either owned by Hastings Borough Council and let to farmers or in various private ownerships. Just beyond the Countryside Park boundaries lie a RSPB nature reserve (Fore Wood) and another Sussex Wildlife Trust Reserve (Marline Woods).
Discussions with various wildlife organisations together with the strong public support for wildlife conservation and the ability to view it, has drawn the following measures which will be objectives of this strategy:
To identify the valley of the Combe Haven within the Countryside Park, its SSSI and some surrounding low laying land as a Wildlife and Countryside Area in which wildlife conservation will be the primary purpose and the ability to view wildlife as a secondary purpose
Wherever it is compatible with primary purposes elsewhere in the Park area, carry out works and management to conserve and enhance wildlife in the medium to long term
The objectives for the Wildlife and Countryside Area will be achieved by a mixture of: Working with farmers, landowners and DEFRA Working in partnership with various wildlife organisations, including Natural England, Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency Discussions with the local community
Within the Countryside Park area are additional areas of wildlife value: Glyne Gap reedbeds (Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)) Combe Wood and disused railway track (SNCI) Pebsham Wood Various ponds Grassland off Harley Shute Road (SNCI)
It is important to consider improvements to links with other important natural sites and communities in the area, such as Marline Valley SSSI.
Water
The Park serves important drainage functions for the Combe Haven Catchment area. As generally low laying land it is a gathering ground for water from higher ground before it finds its way to sea at appropriate times in the tides. Large areas of the Combe Haven Valley floor are flood plains. This both adds to the visual
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attractions of the area and its importance for wildlife. The objective for the Combe Haven Valley is to:
Liaise with the Environment Agency to retain and maximise function of the valley floor as flood storage area and maximise opportunities to reduce the frequency of flooding of urban areas, in as far as it is compatible with the wildlife importance of the area and interests of land owners.
The strategy for water within the Park is: Maintaining the wildlife lake and wetland to the east of Pebsham Farm Maintaining and improving various, unidentified ponds for wildlife conservation throughout the Park and Nature Reserves Identifying any opportunities to provide angling lakes in appropriate locations within the Park
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ACTIVITY PARK HUB
View of Activity Park Zone
The Recreational Demands Study (2006) identified a range of facilities for which there was demand and capacity to accommodate in the Park. These facilities tend to fall into either urban fringe or rural fringe in character. The zoning of the area allows for accommodating both types of facilities. The community and visitor facilities are primarily planned to be located within the Activity Park. Where appropriate there is also some scope for landowners around the Park to develop visitor facilities which complement the Park.
Regeneration proposals for Bexhill and Hastings identify the significance of the Countryside Park project to making the most of the relationship of the two towns to the surrounding countryside and creating an environment that will attract new business and tourism.
The extent of activities in the overall park depends on whether the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road is constructed as does the development of new houses and businesses at North East Bexhill. Parts of the Park and linkages thereto adjacent to the new development cannot be created until and if that is in place.
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need to be the subject of a Master Planning exercise to provide a landscaped Activity Park with car parking, improved footpath network, and sporting, recreational and tourist facilities.
As part of the MasterPlanning exercise there may opportunities to consider dual use with sports pitches for one off small scale events such as: Model aircraft events Musical events Equestrian events Rallies Shows & exhibitions
Equestrian Activities
The Park has a Riding for the Disabled Centre near Pebsham Farm with an Olympic sized dressage area.
The park gives opportunities to provide for improved equestrian activities which will assist livery yards and riding stables to thrive and provide diversification opportunities for farming landowners. The objective is to create: A network of horse trails by the improvement of existing bridleways and where possible connected bridleways to create circuits Where appropriate small scale horse trails where compatible with other uses
Local Economy
The Park has a contribution to make to the local economy not only through the direct employment on the new facilities but in bringing new business to existing shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. There is an objective to:
support new businesses both in and close to the Park, where they complement the objectives of the Park and do not conflict with other environmental interests. Such new businesses might include:- o Refreshment facilities at or near arrival points to the Park o Small numbers of self-catering holiday accommodation units, built to sustainable principles o Small camping areas o Outdoor activity centres
Such uses would be particularly welcomed if they enabled the reuse of notable rural buildings in such a way as to retain the rural character.
The visitor facilities in Combe Valley Countryside Park should offer a high quality and varied visitor experience and should aim to meet the following sustainability principles: Be suited to the character of the area Aim for zero net carbon impact
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Be financially sustainable Support the local economy Extend the tourist season for Bexhill and Hastings Have a distinctive image Act as a catalyst to new investment and local partnerships. Form part of an eco-tourism “package” to other significant environmental/ conservation locations, (such as Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Hastings Country Park)
Education and the Arts
The Park has a significant contribution to make to formal and informal learning at all levels throughout the community. The objective is to:
Promote the Park as a centre of environmental learning
The opportunities for “formal” learning are both in the academic and vocational field. Links with the following organisations should be promoted: Schools Colleges – particularly Plumpton College and its permanent out centre at the Netherfield centre, as a regional college connected with land based subjects Universities – particularly the University of Brighton in Hastings Other organisations – such as the East Sussex Archaeology and Museums Partnership (ESAMP) which have both learning and teaching objectives Organisations catering for particular social groups which can benefit from outdoor experiences. Youth, Faith, Third Age Conservation organisations providing environmental conservation training and experiences, such as British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and the Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) The Shipwreck Heritage Centre and Bexhill Museum
The opportunities for informal/recreational learning are wide ranging. Activities to be promoted will be: Wildlife and its conservation Waste – how we can reduce it and reuse it Rural & countryside crafts, skills and sports
An education and interpretation strategy is being developed for the Park. This includes: Events programmes Distribution of up to date information about the Park Guides to walks in the Park Websites On site information, boards and signage Exhibitions, public meetings, talks Branding
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There are opportunities to engage professional artists and community art in the life of the Park. Well designed art can both dramatise and interpret the natural and cultural knowledge of places. Hastings and Bexhill are already rich in the arts and the objective is therefore to:
Maximise opportunities for artistic expression within the park, e.g sculpture, and “land art”
Encourage both professional and community art and arts events within the Countryside Park, to complement the primary purpose of the Activity Zone
Landscape Conservation and Enhancement
A primary purpose of the Countryside Park is to conserve the “green gap” between Bexhill and St Leonards on Sea, whilst also providing a link between the two towns. It also acts as a buffer between the urban area and nationally important countryside to the north. It is considered that the valley is probably one of the finest lowland valleys in East Sussex, outside of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Planning permission has been granted for the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road and if built it will have some impact on the character and quality of the Combe Haven Valley. It is considered that, given the design of the preferred route the most significant local impact will be the change to the noise environment but that the integrity of the valley will be retained. The creation of the Combe Valley Countryside Park is a part of the strategy for conserving and enhancing the integrity of the countryside and valley to the north of Bexhill, whether or not the Link Road is built.
Historic Environment
The background work for the Park Project and Bexhill-Hastings Link Road has carried out extensive study of the historic value of the area. It is clear that it is rich in archaeological remains, albeit that there is no single feature which causes it to be outstanding. Save for exceptionally disturbed areas, such as the landfill, the area offers significant opportunities to: Interpret the historic environment, both on the coast and in the countryside through the events programme Create a centre of knowledge in the Park which can be used to “bring history to life” Undertake structured desk top and field research to increase local knowledge – particularly an area where works are proposed Develop the link between the Park and Shipwreck Heritage Centre in relation to the wreck of ‘The Amsterdam’ in the Coastal Park
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Land Owners, Farming & Business Interests
It is the objective to:
Seek working partnerships with landowners, farmers and businesses to help achieve the objectives of the Countryside Park
Keep farmers managing the farm land
Involve landowners, farmers and businesses in the Countryside Park project via the Stakeholders Group which will provide regular liaison with the Management Board
It is not the intention of the local authorities to set out to bring all the land within the Park boundaries, into public ownership. However, some land may be acquired as the result of other developments.
Plan 4 shows the extent of land in public and private ownership in the Park as at November 2011.
Plan 4: Land Ownership
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Local Open Spaces
The Park has 9.3km of urban edge and most of that is adjacent to residential areas. To help meet the needs of these local communities the objective will be to:
Create local open spaces, to include areas for mainly informal recreation
Ensure that there are good physical access routes from the neighbourhoods to the open spaces
The provision of such facilities will need to be subject of further investigation during 2012 -2015 and will be influenced by whether or not the Link Road and North East Bexhill development takes place and whether safe entrances into the Park can be achieved from the Hollington area.
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WASTE FACILITIES IN THE PARK
The Draft Waste and Minerals Plan for East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove, Consultation Document October 2011 has identified Waste Facilities in areas of the Park as shown on Plan 5:
1. The Waste Water Treatment works
2. Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and Waste Transfer Station (WTS) – in and around the location of the former Waste Derived Fuel Plant
3. Household Waste site (Civic Amenity and recycling centre) – to be relocated from its current position to within the WRF and WTS complex in 2012
4. Waste Landfill Site, which is due for closure to non inert waste in 2014 with the restoration aftercare of the closed area completed by 2018
Plan 5: Waste facilities in the Park
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In Autumn 2011 the Management Board put forward the following formal views on the emerging Waste Local Development Framework. These views constitute the strategy for the development of the Park in relation to Waste and the Activity Park adjacent to Bulverhythe
With regard to the emerging Waste & Minerals Plan the Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park) Management Board view in relation to Policy CS2 relating to Pebsham is as follows:
That the landfilling at the current land disposal site at Pebsham be completed by 2014 and that subsequently the land be restored and landscaped with the inclusion of a single footpath and viewpoint linking the suggested car park on the former household waste site with the footpath network in the Combe Haven and that the area be made available for public use as part of the Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park) greenspace
That the current Pebsham Household Waste Facility be relocated to within the allocated Material Recovery Facilities/Waste Transfer Facilities site (Policy WLP 8e/Inset Plan 9 – East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Waste Local Plan) in 2012
That the existing hardstanding currently within the Household Waste Facility be retained, after the relocation of the facilities, and be able to be reused as a car parking area for the Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly Pebsham Countryside Park)
That for reasons expressed above the currently allocated land as shown in Inset Plan 9 Policy WLP 8e be reviewed as part of the strategic location allocations/areas of search work for the emerging Waste and Minerals Plan. It is requested that the land to the east of the Freshfields access road be deleted and allocated as part of Countryside Park allocation within the Rother District Council LDF. This would allow for the retention of the existing landscaping screen to the south of the suggested car park and visitor access point to the Countryside Park
That any additional or expanded facilities for waste within the current Material Recovery Facilities/Waste Transfer Facilities site and Household Waste facilities or Waste Water Treatment site be required to contribute to the development of the Park by appropriate landscaping and financial contributions via S106 Obligations (or by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or subsequent alternative contributory methods)
The Management Board accepts that, given the need for some waste handling facilities Pebsham has been adopted as the location for certain elements. The objectives of the Management Board for the Waste Facilities area within the Park are:
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Ensure that Waste Facilities blend in with the Countryside Park in their: o Setting & landscaping o Design o Vehicular access arrangements and
Integration into the “community/visitor hub” of the Park by: o Helping to tell the “story of waste etc” o Encourage social responsibility for our waste
They contribute to modifications to the Park to strengthen the countryside character and reduce the industrial character of the waste facilities and access to them by: o Earthworks and planting around the facilities o Separation of waste traffic from park visitors where possible
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PARK PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (Zones and Phased Implementation)
The objective is:
To work towards the development concepts shown on the Development Zone maps for each area, but
To identify key development phases related to different levels of investment and management
The planning and background work have generated some broad phases which are being developed into an implementation strategy within the Implementation plan.
Various works to footpaths and signage have been undertaken in parts of the Park. The Park is in use and is being promoted by the Community Development Officer, Ranger and Events programme.
Implementation of the basic infrastructure of the area is managed through the expertise within the local authorities, with some specialist support. This is funded through the implementation budgets.
What has become clear, through the Development Strategy and Implementation planning, is that significant community benefits can be realised in all phases of the Park development and it is not necessary to commit to the complete overall project from the outset.
Consultation & Community Involvement
Community consultation has been a major foundation for this strategy. It is the objective to:
Engage with the community and continue to use the views of the community as the Countryside Park develops (Events/Community Development Officer work)
Farmers and landowners both within the Countryside Park and close to it will be important partners in taking these projects forward and managing them. The objective is to:
Maintain contact between landowners, farmers and Countryside Park ranger staff with a view to dealing with practical issues as they arise. (Stakeholders Group)
The relationship between the Countryside Park and the local business community is important for mutual benefit. This particularly applies to local pubs, stables, holiday sites and other recreational centres. The objective will therefore be to:
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Maintain liaison with the business community to discuss issues of mutual interest relation to business success and growth. (Stakeholders Group)
The Countryside Park offers major opportunities for community groups and individual members of the community to become directly involved in physical work and action in the area. Organisations such as BTCV and volunteers can provide qualified supervision of countryside conservation activities for the enhancement of the Park with positive benefits to health. There is therefore an objective to:
Promote opportunities for the involvement of supervised groups and individuals in physical improvements to the park
Management and Funding of Countryside Park
Options for management, funding and implementation programme for the first 3 years were addressed through the Park Implementation Plan. As time moves on there is a need for revision and updating of aspects of the plan and as funding opportunities change, it will be necessary to modify the funding strategy. In this regard an Implementation Plan for the period 2012-2015 forms a specific section of this updated Development Strategy.
One of the “core” values in the original strategy was that the area should aim to become financially self supporting. This remains a long term aspiration.
--oo0oo--
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SECTION TWO:
COMBE VALLEY COUNTRYSIDE PARK IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2012 -2015
This section is the three year review of the original Implementation Plan relating to the Development Strategy as produced in 2008. The new Implementation Plan is to be read in conjunction with the Development Strategy Review and will set the agenda for the Countryside Park for 2012 – 2015.
OWNERSHIP
Approximately a third of the land covered by the proposals for the Combe Valley Countryside Park is already local authority owned and managed. Hastings Borough Council owns much of the land in the eastern part of the proposed Park.
Rother District Council owns a relatively small area of land in the western part of the proposed Park, the majority of which is the route of a disused railway line and an area of woodland known as Happy Landings. The remainder is in private ownership, much of it used as grazing land.
East Sussex County Council has purchased land in the northern part of the park as part of the mitigation and compulsory purchase requirements in relation to land assembly for the possible Bexhill to Hastings Link Road.
Recommended implementation strategy
The Combe Valley Countryside Park should be developed incrementally, building on the existing ‘patchwork’ ownership situation. If funding permits a limited and targeted programme of small scale land acquisition should be developed to improve footpaths and linkages within the park area. Involvement and dialogue with private landowners should be developed to ensure delivery of a coherent and integrated management plan for the Park.
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MANAGEMENT
A number of organisations are currently involved in managing land within the boundary of the proposed Countryside Park:
East Sussex County Council: o Maintains Public Right of Way network o Maintains landfill site o Manages Connect 2 cycle project in Coastal Park o Manages Bexhill to Hastings Link Road project and land acquisition
Hasting Borough Council: o Employs the Countryside Ranger based in the area o Countryside team occasionally active in the area o Maintains sports pitches at southern end of the site o Environmental Services (litter collection etc)
Rother District Council o Environmental Services (litter collection etc) o Responsibility for maintaining railway line o Provides administrative resources for Combe Valley Countryside Park Project o Oversees the North East Bexhill Masterplan (LDF)
Sussex Wildlife Trust: o Manages the Filsham Reedbeds Local Nature Reserve o Employs the Community Development Officer
English Heritage o Manages wreck of Amsterdam in Coastal Zone
Private landowners (farmers, Southern Water, Biffa, Veolia)
Commercial organisations (e.g. Hastings Garden Centre, Bourne Leisure, leaseholders e.g. Pebsham Riding School)
Since 2008 following on from the recommendations from the original Implementation Plan the Park has been managed by a Management Board comprising two elected Members from each of the constituent Councils viz Rother District Council, Hastings Borough Council and East Sussex County Council plus one member from Crowhurst Parish Council. The Management Board has an executive role within the Park project but relies upon decisions from its executives in the Local Authorities for its implementation.
In addition provision is made in the Terms of Reference for an additional member to be added from a Friends Group if constituted in the future. This appointment is in abeyance to await the outcomes of the work of the Community Development Officer in building links with the community during the period 2010/2013. The best form of Community representation for the Park will reviewed as part of this work and a recommendation made to the Management Board by 2013.
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Management Strategy
The strategy for managing the Combe Valley Countryside Park Project is as follows:
Management Board (MB)
A Management Board that includes two representatives from the three local authorities (elected members) and one from Crowhurst Parish Council.
Review by 2013 whether to add an additional Member to the Management Board to represent Friends Group or similar after analysis of work by Community Development Officer.
Chair appointed for a two year period and to alternate between local authorities on following basis 2011-2013 Hastings Borough Council, then East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council.
The Board to meet at least three times a year to monitor progress, agree future strategic direction and be the strategic decision making body.
Each year there will be an annual launch of the Events Programme and this will provide a forum for the community to interact in relation to the development and promotion of the Park.
The Board to agree revisions to the Development Strategy.
A key role of the Board is to prepare and agree a three year rolling Implementation plan and an annual budget for implementation within it.
The Board is responsible for reporting the annual budget and and progress towards meeting the Development Strategy objectives back to the three local authorities and other funding agencies and seeking their agreement where appropriate.
Officer Delivery Group (ODG)
An Officer Delivery Group from the three authorities and others as appropriate to provide technical and professional support to the Management Board and project.
The ODG shall meet four times a year or as necessary to progress the objectives of the Development Strategy and Implementation Plan, provide support to the Management Board, arrange an Events Programme, and manage the Park project.
The ODG is bound by the Management Board’s budget and would be expected to deliver the Development Strategy objectives within the resources available.
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During the life of this implementation plan it is intended to maintain a minimum of the existing Ranger input (half a full time post). The ranger will help to develop the Countryside Park, overseeing physical improvement works, consulting with landowners and users and reporting to the ODG.
Community Development Officer/Stakeholders Group
In order to engage with the Community and Landowners, farmers and businesses two strands of communication in relation to the Countryside Park project have been established.
Community Development Officer
In conjunction with Sussex Wildlife Trust a part time Community Development Officer has been appointed for a three year term (2010-2013) to promote the park.
The role of the Community Development Officer is to engage with groups and communities in the locality and wider area to publicise and promote the countryside park.
In addition the Community Development Officer and Ranger will be involved with the Events Programme as a means of promoting the park.
In 2012 the Management Board will need to consider a contract extension for the part time Community Development Officer post in order to continue the promotion of the park and the events programme.
Stakeholders Group
During 2010 the Management Board held an exploratory meeting with Stakeholders of the Park comprising landowners, farmers and businesses located within or adjoining the park.
Following on from that meeting it was decided to formalise the group in order to establish a dialogue with commercial interests relating to the park.
The Stakeholder Group will meet twice a year with elected representatives of the Management Board and officers from the ODG to discuss the development of the park and relevant issues.
The Stakeholder Group will provide opportunities to discuss possible partnership working and collaboration with commercial interests to develop the park.
Key issues raised at the Stakeholder Group will be reported back to Management Board for consideration.
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Management Structure Diagram
COMBE VALLEY COUNTRYSIDE PARK MANAGEMENT BOARD (7 members (+1))
OFFICER DELIVERY GROUP (ODG) (10 members)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER STAKEHOLDERS GROUP
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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Factors affecting the Implementation Strategy
There continue to be a number of key factors affecting the implementation stage of the Combe Valley Countryside Park: The relocation of the household waste facility to the Veolia site The proposed completion of the landfill site by Biffa (2014). Restoration by 2018 The uncertainty of whether the Bexhill to Hastings link road across the northern side of the site will receive funding and the uncertainty of whether the North East Bexhill development will go ahead. If the development takes place additional funding for the Park will be achieved via S106 agreements or contributions via Community Infrastructure Levy or subsequent alternative contributory methods The need to spend the £362,000 funds available from Southern Water under the Section 106 agreement by the end of 2015 The need to spend the £45,000 funding from Biffa via a S106 contribution. £25,000 in the first year (2011) followed by four annual contributions of £5000 Local Authority Funding Cutbacks
Most of these key factors are outside of the control of the Countryside Park. It is therefore necessary to have an adaptable approach to developing the project.
Benefits of continuing to adopt a phased approach are as follows: It allows the project team to respond to the above major external drivers for change, as well as associated funding and resourcing issues It allows continued market testing and refinement of project proposals It increases the opportunity to bring in commercial partners
These factors, which are not always within the control of the Project, will affect the phasing of implementation. For that reason alone it is necessary to plan for a reasonably predictable period and within a flexible approach, which as such can respond to changing circumstances and does not unreasonably commit any partners to any additional financial implications.
However, there are potential gains to be made in strengthening collaborative working across a range of partners which will seek to identify ways of maximizing use of existing resources for the benefit of residents using the Park.
Strategy for implementing the Park
An adaptable phased approach is being adopted, which is best described as a “development ladder”. The number of steps capable of being taken is limitless, but each step will be designed to provide public benefit. The height climbed up the ladder will be controlled by resources and/or needs. This approach remains the primary principle of the Implementation Plan. It combines management flexibility with robust decision making. It is based upon capital investment but revenue implications are carefully considered.
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Three Year Implementation Programme
Implementation measures and constraints
It is clear from the Development Strategy review and the programme and funding constraints that the focus during the next three years of park development should be: The development and enhancement of the Activity Zone, including land to the south of the land raise area and the provision of a car park on the household waste site, along with commencement of work on the Pebsham circuit on a phased and revised basis Opportunities for grant funding and partnership working to achieve the enhancement of the Activity Zone should be investigated Continue the promotion of the Countryside Park via the work of the Community Development Officer, Ranger and the annual Events Programme Formally embodying the development of the Countryside Park into the adopted local development frameworks for Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council
The development of the greenway in the northern part of the park is dependant on the funding of the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road. If this project goes ahead then this will provide the following: A greenway for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders linking Sidley with Queensway The opportunity to provide picnic areas and green space on land acquired by East Sussex County Council for mitigation measures Section 106 or CIL monies for the development of the park from the North East Bexhill development Provision of car parking areas and access points into the park constructed as part of the North East Bexhill development
Aspirations for the Park in the longer term would be: Improved access into the park from the Hollington area by the provision of a footbridge over the railway line and a safe pedestrian crossing across Queensway
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FINANCIAL PROFILE
As part of the review of the Implementation Plan the requirement is to consider “milestones” for the creation of the park over the next three years, and to refresh priorities in a time of austerity. These requirements include both aspects of the Park that are essential and those that are desirable, with resources focussed on the essential.
In the review elements that are considered essential and desirable have been weighed and an implementation plan using resources that are felt to be certain at this time has been drawn up.
Resources
These resources are those already dedicated to the area, such as by Hastings Borough Council for the maintenance of playing pitches and by private landowners to maintain the landscape, as well as the additional resources for the park. The additional resources are £362,000 remaining from the s.106 agreement with Southern Water, up to £45,000 available from the s.106 agreement with BIFFA, and the annual contributions from East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council, currently in 2011 £19,410 each. As permitted by the s.106 agreement with Southern Water, £50,000 will be retained for long term maintenance. The S.106 agreement with Southern Water requires their notification of expenditure over £50,000; East Sussex County Council has met Southern Water and explained the overall approach and Southern Water has written to indicate that it is content with the plan for the use of the monies.
This implementation plan also sets out the ‘shopping list’ for which additional sponsorship and funding might be sought, for example possible bids in relation to the landfill tax credit schemes. This plan gives reasonable certainty for what can be delivered with existing resources and continuing resources. If sponsors or funding can be found on a one-off or continuing basis then more can be delivered or savings obtained.
Implementation Plan
Following feedback from the general public and stakeholders via the work of the Community Development Officer and the Stakeholders Group the Implementation Plan comprises two main deliverables within existing resources for the development of Combe Valley Countryside Park:
• Upgraded and New Paths – focusing on upgrading existing paths, gates and bridges, to ensure good links from the urban area to the countryside, to provide improved circuits within the Park;
• Park access, signage and information – improving the access points to the Park, providing improved signage, waymarkers, information boards and Version 6.2 Page 45 February 2012 www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com
direction signs in and around the Park. Promoting the Park by improved publicity, the Events Programme and website links;
THE APPENDED SPREADSHEET contains the Implementation Plan for 2012- 2015. It also sets out some aspirational outputs for which additional funding would be required. Expenditure details are approximate, for the purposes of giving a guide to the allocation of resources. The spend profile in this plan will be monitored quarterly and the deliverable outputs will be reviewed annually against the available budget, with other options being developed if resources allow.
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COMBE VALLEY COUNTRYSIDE PARK - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Cumulative Available Implementation Deliverables Description Estimated Cost Cost Budget Date Using existing resources: Current budget: £407,000 Section 1: Install surfacing and drainage measures. From Playing fields car park to Sussex Wildlife Trust Board. 878 m long x 2.5 m wide. And improve access to Filsham reed beds £103,500 £103,500 £303,500 Summer 2013 Section 1: Bridge improvements to improve access in this area £17,300 £120,800 £286,200 Summer 2013 Section 2: Install surfacing and drainage measures. From opposite Garden centre to Cottages 388 m long x 2.5 m wide £34,500 £155,300 £251,700 Summer 2012 Section 3: Install surfacing and drainage measures. From Pebsham Lane to access track to Lake 212 m long x 2m wide £24,300 £179,600 £227,400 Summer 2012 Upgraded & Section 4: Re-surface from access road new paths to land fill site, to grassed area by lake 161 metres x 2.5 metres £21,100 £200,700 £206,300 Summer 2012 Northern quadrant (where Biffa currently operate): Re-grade and surface section around landfill as indicated on map 228 metres X 2 metres (potentially to be undertaken by Biffa, at no cost to the Park) £25,300 £226,000 £181,000 2014 Environmental survey / works £10,000 £236,000 £171,000 2012/2013 Design and supervision of path improvement works £10,000 £246,000 £161,000 2012/2013 Fencing/railings for disabled access £10,000 £256,000 £151,000 2012/2013 Long term Maintenance £50,000 £306,000 £101,000 As required Access Gates £16,000 £322,000 £85,000 Summer 2013
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Improve Signing at entrances to Park £5,000 £327,000 £80,000 Autumn 2012 Improve Signing in Park (including interpretation boards) £20,000 £347,000 £60,000 2013 Road crossings within the Park £12,000 £359,000 £48,000 Summer 2013 Park access, Access to Countryside Leaflet £5,000 £364,000 £43,000 Spring 2012 signage and Design of Park Map £2,000 £366,000 £41,000 Spring 2012 information Additional Archaeological Outreach £5,000 £371,000 £36,000 Ongoing Improve Access to Park £9,000 £380,000 £27,000 Autumn 2012 Improvement to Crowhurst car park £5,000 £385,000 £22,000 2012 Seating near lake area £2,000 £387,000 £20,000 2013
Deliverables currently unfunded: Other Extent of work to be options for scoped following delivery consideration Improve access into Bexhill of works in 2012 2014 Extent of work to be scoped following delivery Improve access to connect 2 of works in 2012 2014 Extent of work to be scoped following delivery Improve access along old railway track of works in 2012 2014 Long term Visitors Centre Currently insufficient funding to undertake these works. These remain Aspirations New recreational facilities aspirations which are dependent on additional future funding Improve Access from Queensway into Park Path over the currently landfill mound
Note: general Construction type - lay a terram, 300mm recycled concrete foundation layer, 150mm type 1, Limestone wash wearing course
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