The Petersfield Society
Safeguarding the future of the Petersfield area
Our exciting new publishing project In this issue:
Come and take part! The new book p.1
In 2015 the Petersfield Society will be celebrating 70 years of Planning matters p.2 working to sustain Petersfield as a thriving market town. To mark the occasion the Society is proposing to publish an Local planning explained p.3 illustrated book that will be a celebration of the town, its people, its environment, and its social and recreational The Plump Duck p.4 activities. The Heath path p.4 Over the next few weeks we will be contacting as many Petersfield clubs, societies, groups, bodies and organisations From the Chairman p.5 that we can, to request an article and some interesting photos. The Committee in pictures We need help straight away with this task, which involves p.6 liaising with each group and following through to the final copy in the South Downs action p.7 autumn. The SDNPA Partnership book will be Management Plan p.7 organised along themes, such as Buriton pond restored p.8 'sports clubs' or 'schools'. News from the Alton Perhaps you Society p.8 have an interest Society’s 2014 programme in a particular p.9 area that you could follow up? 101 civic ideas p.10
In the longer News from the Midhurst term we will also Society p.11 need people with editorial, Joining the Society p.12 w r i t i n g , journalistic and Points of special photographic interest skills to help Help us with our book w i t h t h e p.1 publishing process. Can you see any ideas Design concept by Paul Martin to follow up? p.10 We also need your ideas for a title. It is provisionally called "A celebration of Attend the Society’s Petersfield - its people and activities". meetings p.9
If you would like to help with this ambitious new project or have ideas for the title please contact David Jeffery Winter 2013-14 ([email protected] or 01730 263889), as soon as you Newsletter can. Vol. 28, No. 2
Registered Charity No. 213404 Winter 2013-14
and it will be very interesting to follow how Planning matters and if it makes any difference to There is increasing pressure from amendments of the scheme proposed. developers to take advantage of the present Majestic Wines have already arrived next to planning uncertainties relating to the the station and Lidl is about to open. The allocation of local land for new housing. fight to temper excessive and intrusive The application for 76 dwellings off The signage would appear to have been partly Causeway has in this respect has successful for the time being. The Society progressed the furthest, with a full wrote in their letter of objection to very planning application submitted and being large elevated signs: “Intensive, poorly processed. designed, unsustainable, corporate Many see housing development between the advertisement signage is having a seriously Causeway and the Caravan Park as an detrimental effect upon the character of inevitable conclusion. The same view is town”. Fortunately, these were refused but adopted by the South Downs National Park large signs mounted on the building facade Design Review Panel, although they express were approved. The more modest low sign clear reservations over the design and along Station Road shown here and currently in place is quite sufficient. However this is probably not the end of the saga.
The junction between College Street and Station Road is surrounded by many important buildings of historic significance, some of which are listed. layout put forward. Criticism is strong Both the imposing Old College opposite The about the almost standard suburban style Good Intent, and Bridge House on the large house layout with detached garages north side of Station Road (next to Merrits and lacking reference to Petersfield town Way) are about to be conveyed into new density and street patterns. ownership and alteration proposals are likely. It is important that buildings of this There is a suggestion that the proposed kind creating the character of Petersfield density can be increased to accommodate and its streetscape are retained as living town houses more familiar to central elements of town, so the Society follows Petersfield rather than an assemblage of developments and engages with new the developer’s standard house types stored owners if possible. We always seek to avoid in the company plan chest. The site situations as occurred with 22 High Street deserves carefully designed unique houses where a multitude of repeated and refused with much closer reference to characteristic planning applications tested the system. In buildings of Petersfield. A more linear and this case there is finally a compliance order purposeful and logical street pattern is to deal with implemented, but not recommended, lined by housing with approved, changes. integral garages releasing larger areas of the site for pedestrian movement and green I end with noting that an application for a open space. new building off 23 Pulens Lane has been refused, in line with the objection posted by However, there is no reference to the the Society. This was a back land sentiment expressed in the Petersfield Town development, intrusive to the open Design Statement for a slower and more countryside beyond, in an area of special organic growth around town. The full housing character. Vincent Edberg report can be viewed on the SDNPA website
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Local planning explained …
Do you find all the recent press coverage and information circulated about the housing issues in Petersfield rather confusing? This article tries to explain why development could be allowed now without the Petersfield Neighborhood Plan (PNP) being completed, and why it is important to keep pressure on the Government to allow “prematurity” to be considered as a reason for refusal.
The South Downs National Park (SDNP) and East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) have been preparing a new Local Plan to replace the one which terminated in 2011. This is called the Joint Core Strategy (JCS).
At the public examination in Autumn 2012, the Inspector reported that he had “serious concerns” with regard to the JCS’s soundness, that there was an absence of an up-to-date Strategic Housing Market Assessment, and that it would not provide sufficient housing to meet “objectively assessed need”. He indicated that, although the Plan sought to meet affordable housing needs by 2026, it would not address needs that exist now. He therefore requested that more work be undertaken on identifying additional provision for housing in the District.
In Autumn 2013, the Authorities put forward new ideas for a range of housing in the Petersfield area: for 400-700 additional homes by 2028. Meanwhile, developers argued strongly for at least 1000 houses in Petersfield, but the SDNP, the CPRE and ourselves reiterated the landscape constraints. We also said that it was for the PNP to allocate sites (in line with the Government policy on localism). The Causeway
In December 2013, the Inspector published his proposed modifications to the JCS. He proposes a target of “a minimum” of 700 houses for Petersfield, to retain the old “reserve” sites (rather than deleting them), and to accept the deletion proposed by EHDC, that new development should make the best use of previously developed land within the existing built-up area. These proposals are now subject to consultation. (cont. on p11.)
Well designed housing - views of the acclaimed development at Privett Green
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The Plump Duck - February 2014
The addition of a fixed canopy wrapping two sides of the Plump Duck Cafe at the Heath is proving a great success for this thriving business since the new owner Ian Baker took over last year. Beverages and light meals can now be served under shelter all year round, attracting more visitors to this lake-side venue. The rustic character of the timber frame structure finished with a cedar shingle roof blends in very well with its surroundings. The design was by local architect Vincent Edberg and constructed by Mr Baker and his father as a self build project.
The new fixed canopy in action
Update on the raised path on the Heath
When the Millennium Path was constructed round the western, northern and eastern perimeter of the lake it was hailed as a great achievement. However, there was a seventy yard gap at the southeastern corner between the edge of the wooded area and the car park on Sussex Road. This area was liable to flooding from spring water and rain draining off the road. In winter and wet weather the area became a quagmire and most unpleasant to negotiate.
Readers will remember the tremendous amount of work that went into constructing a raised path last summer to solve these problems. (See the Autumn 2013 issue of this Newsletter). Churcher’s students, Friends of the Heath members, with assistance from the Petersfield Society, achieved completion in a very short time.
The path has now been open for a little over six months. It has so far survived both drought and storms without showing any signs of deterioration. This winter, proving to be as wet as promised, has been an especially testing time for both its design and construction - both of which have passed with flying colours.
Left: a reminder of the hard work put in by Churcher’s students
Right: a reminder of the beautiful sunny day in July 2013 when the path was opened
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Chairman’s report - Spring 2014
As I noted in my last report in Autumn’s Newsletter, this is a time of great change in the planning system, locally and at government level. Nationally the government is pushing very hard to increase house building and this means that it tends to see planning as an obstruction rather than a way of ensuring that what is built is acceptable in terms of impact and design. There is great emphasis on the need for a 5 year supply of housing and for up-to-date plans. There has also been a relaxation of regulations and increased pressure on the Planning Inspectorate to allow appeals for development, at almost any cost. The CPRE, Civic Voice and the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) have been unanimous in voicing their concerns, as have many MPs in a recent debate on the issues in Westminster Hall in January 2014.
Locally this means that, unless there is an approved plan in place, there will be a free- for-all by developers. We are already seeing the implications of this in planning applications coming forward regarding the previous “reserve” sites, such as the Causeway. I have explained elsewhere (see p3) the difficulties that this is creating in Petersfield: enough to say that we are not alone in facing these difficulties and have put them to our MP Damian Hinds via the CPRE.
On a more positive note, as you have seen on page 1, we are proposing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Society with a commemorative book to celebrate Petersfield. We want to record our mixed urban and rural environment, our lively social and recreational activities and the wide range of contemporary events in the town. I hope that you will all assist us by contributing and purchasing the book as a souvenir or gifts for friends and family!
We are also seeking assistance in developing our planning and architectural input to proposals by developers and owners. We often get enquiries from prospective applicants about how their ideas will fit the town’s character and setting and we try to encourage the best from them. To do this we need some planning or architectural expertise (or at least enthusiasm) to help us with this work. In addition, when proposals come forward to the planning authority we like to be able to give a view if we think there are matters that should be taken into account by the planning officers. So please get in touch if you think that you can help.
We are also always looking for more committee members to join us - you do not need any specific expertise, just an enthusiasm for the town and its surroundings and a willingness to work with a team of like-minded people. So please get in touch if you think that you can help. [email protected] or tel. 0300 123 0787 Tony Struthers, Chairman
By post or by e-mail? Most membership organisations are encouraging their membership to receive communications by e-mail. As more and more people have internet access this makes sense both from the cost and immediacy of information access angles. Please let us know if you are willing to receive this Newsletter by e-mail. We will of course continue to send out print versions to those members who prefer this method of delivery. [email protected] Our web site Have you visited our web site recently? It is being improved all the time. www.petersfieldsociety.org.uk
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The Petersfield Society Committee in pictures
We thought that readers might like to know who we are and what our roles and our particular interests are.
John Billington spent 40 years in the chemical industry, filling many management and leadership roles, the highlight of which was as managing director of ICI Tioxide’s pigment business in Southern Africa based in Durban He moved to Petersfield 2 years ago with his wife Elaine to be nearer to their family.
Graham Brown is a retired architect with over 40 years experience in the full range of building design and procurement services and in project and practice management, as a practitioner, consultant, dispute resolver, and educator.
Vincent Edberg is a local architect, who has been involved in many projects in and around Petersfield. He is a past Chairman of the Society and concentrates on planning and conservation issues.
Keith Hopper now retired, worked as a Chartered Highway Engineer for over 40 years. His areas of special expertise are town centre enhancement, traffic calming, home zones and public consultation.
Matt Hunter is a retired IT professional with wide interests, including music, the arts, travel and the countryside, with experience in running other voluntary organisations. He has recently returned to the area after living his working life in Lancashire and Yorkshire. He is Secretary of the Society.
David Jeffery is a local historian and past Chairman of the Society. He concentrates on planning issues as they affect the historical core of the town. He is on the forthcoming book sub-committee, and is co-editor of the Society's Newsletter.
Sue McNaughton is a retired editor and publisher and now has time to appreciate Petersfield, its environment and activities. She co-edits the Society Newsletter and is involved with any community projects and also with the forthcoming book.
Peter Marshall is a Petersfield town councillor and currently Town Mayor. He supports closer ties on planning, conservation and the Neighbourhood Plan to protect and enhance Petersfield's environment.
Christopher Napier spent 14 years in the Royal Navy, mainly in submarines, then qualified as a solicitor and became a partner of the City law firm Clifford Chance. He is heavily involved with CPRE, both nationally and locally, and is President of the Society.
Tony Struthers is a Town Planner, former Director of Development Services and Deputy Chief Executive of Salford City Council. He is a Past President of the Royal Town Planning Institute and is active in the voluntary sector in East Hampshire, having chaired Community First and Home-Start Butser. He is currently Chairman of the Society and is its planning adviser.
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South Downs take action against flooding and soil erosion
Six hundred native trees are being planted on farmland in the South Downs National Park to help prevent a repeat of recent disastrous flooding and soil erosion there. 1.2 million people depend on water from the South Downs National Park but much of this ground- and river-water is currently failing EU standards due to pollution: this adversely affects the wildlife in the Park. Problems include soil eroded from farmland being deposited in the rivers, interrupting river flow, and contributing to flood risk.
David Hamilton Fox, who manages the Cowdray Home Farms, in West Sussex, said: “The River Rother in the heart of the South Downs National Park floods most years but this winter has been particularly bad. As well as misery for locals we have lost a considerable amount of topsoil, which is vital for growing crops, and will eventually increase the silt in the river – perhaps leading to more flooding.
We’re working with the South Downs National Park Authority, the Universities of Northampton and Oxford, and the Arun & Rother Rivers Trust as part of a project to identify precisely where the soil erosion is happening and exactly where to take action to prevent it in the future. We’re already using soil traps which have made some improvement but we’re now going to plant 600 native trees on the estate – it’s a very sustainable way to make the ground more stable.”
Meanwhile water companies are working with the National Park to find more long-term solutions to sources of pollution. For years water companies have been concerned about rising trends in nitrate pollution, which is very expensive to treat. New research being spearheaded by the National Park - and developed in partnership with the Environment Agency, Southern Water, Portsmouth Water and the Downs & Harbours Clean Water Partnership - will finally identify the specific causes of nitrate pollution so that they can be directly targeted by water companies and other partners
Partnership Management Plan - launched
The South Downs National Park Partnership Management Plan is now complete. Shaping the future of the South Downs National Park. the Plan has been a joint venture from the start: many individuals, organisations, and networks in and around the National Park helped to shape it and will now be involved in its delivery.
Like all the national parks, the South Downs is a living, working, and populated landscape, which has been subject to countless and continuous influences over millennia. Despite many pressures, its special qualities have endured - largely due to the efforts of the many people who live in it, work in it, or visit it.
This plan sets out a shared vision for how the National Park could be in the future. It includes 11 long-term aims, and provides a framework for communities, landowners, charities, businesses and public bodies to work together to make this vision and these aims a reality. It focuses on the ways that partnership action can make a tangible difference over the next five years.
For more information see: http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/about-us/management-plan
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Restoration of the old pond in the Buriton Chalk Pits
The old pond in the Buriton Chalk Pits is being restored. This pond, which is believed to have been used when the chalk pits and limeworks were an active industrial site, has been overgrown for many years. The existing slim concrete lining, which villagers can recall playing on many years ago, will be protected under the new clay lining. This clay lining will create a natural surface that should not need significant maintenance. It will be filled by rainwater and planting will be confined to appropriate native species. Unfortunately the recent wet weather has held up progress, but work will recommence as soon as possible
This historic old pond is situated adjacent to the junction of the Hangers Way, the Shipwrights Way, and the South Downs Way. It forms part of a chain of ponds including those in Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Buriton village which will be good for a wide range of wildlife.
There will be wheelchair access to the pond and a seat nearby so that everyone can pause and learn about the natural history and local heritage.
The work is funded by grants from Hampshire County Council, the South Downs National Park Authority and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Over recent years the Parish Council has done a great deal to conserve and enhance the natural history of the old chalk quarries. This has greatly improved opportunities for public access and understanding of the industrial heritage of the parish.
For more information on the Chalk Pits, activities taking place there and walks around the area, see: http://www.buriton.info/buriton_chalk_pits
News from the Alton Society
The Alton Society launched the Alton Neighbourhood Plan on February 1. The launch was busy all day and a total of 750 people came to see the exhibits, talk to members of the steering group and hear the presentations.
The Society has just published Walks Among Alton's Historic Buildings. The book is divided into chapters, each one covering an area of the town, which can then be walked to see the buildings described. The author is Edward Hepper who is happy to acknowledge the support of other Society members including local historian Jane Hurst. On sale at £5.00 from the Curtis Museum, the Allen Gallery and Waterstone's.
The clear winner of the John Ambrose Award 2013 was the magnificent new bandstand in the town gardens This award, presented each year for the best project completed in the year, won the vote of a panel of Society members, Committee members and members of Alton Town Council
For more information on the Society and its activities see: www.altonsociety.org.uk
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The Society’s programme for 2014
February 26th “The Good Life” – Petersfield Community Garden and orchard
An introduction by David Petche from the Adhurst Estate Allotment Association to illustrate the concept of a community garden, followed by
a talk on the Petersfield project, its formation, design, first year achievements and future plans, given by Sue Edberg, Camilla Moreton and Lyn Paterson, garden members.
T h e r e w i l l b e a m p l e opportunity to ask questions of the speakers at this event.
March 26th The Petersfield Town Council and the role of the Mayor
The Town Mayor for 2013-4, Peter Marshall, will outline his vision of the role of Mayor within the framework of the Town Council. He will be joined by senior representatives of EHDC and the SDNPA to discuss the separate identities and roles of the four local councils (SDNPA, HCC, EHDC, PTC) which play their part in the life of Petersfield will also be examined.
A workshop will give the public the opportunity to discuss the organisation of local government.
June 25th The South Downs National Park – an update and appraisal of its work
Margaret Paren, Chair of the SDNP Authority, will speak on the recent work of the SDNP and assess its influence and impact on the part of Hampshire area within its boundaries.
There will be a chance to ask questions about any aspect of the Park and its future role in our community.
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101 civic ideas (for Petersfield?)
Civic Voice is the national charity for the civic movement in England. It wants to make places more attractive, enjoyable, and distinctive. It has published a stimulating guide, 101 civic ideas, available as a download from its website. This guide was created a couple of years ago, but has lost nothing in the passing of time and remains a great source of ideas for anyone who cares about the town in which they live. As someone who appreciates Petersfield, please look at this document and see if there are any ideas you would like to follow up yourself or might suggest that the Society supports.
See: www.civicvoice.org.uk/uploads/files/101_civic_ideas_1.pdf
This is what Civic Voice President, Griff Rhys Jones, says about the guide:
“We all have something we love about where we live. It might be a patch of open space or a nugget of local history. Or maybe you have a town centre that makes you proud, or a festival that puts a spring in your step. There is so much that is so important to all our lives in the place where we live.
Civic societies have been champions of what makes places attractive, enjoyable and distinctive for generations. Across England there are hundreds of volunteer-led and community-based civic societies who work on a daily basis to remind us of what is important and to campaign for its future.
It is easy for anyone to get involved in their local group. There are so many ways to show Planting fruit trees we care and play our part. This guide is packed full of ideas from civic societies which can help. Whether you are looking to raise funds, get more young people involved, harness the internet, raise your profile, engage business, mount a campaign or get creative, there is sure to be something here for everyone. If there’s a great idea missing then let us know. The guide celebrates the diversity and range of activities taking place across the civic movement and unites us with a simple idea: that we can all do something, however big or small, to make our towns, villages and cities great places to live in.”
Dear reader, you will have seen in other parts of this newsletter two requests for assistance. They are going to be repeated here in the hope that repetition reaps response!
From page 1. We really do need help with our book. Please consider giving some time over the next few months to be the contact point for a particular group (such as doctors, sports clubs, children’s charities). We will be seeking short contributions from each organisation within each group, plus some interesting photos about their activities. Contact: David Jeffery ([email protected] or 01730 263889).
From p.5 We do need more committee members to deal with our extended remit. You do not need any specific expertise, just an enthusiasm for the town and its surroundings and a willingness to work with a team of like minded people, so let us know if you would like to get involved. Contact: [email protected] or 0300 123 0787.
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News from the Midhurst Society
The Society has written to the Town Council to express concern over excessive clutter in the main streets of Midhurst. Whilst they do not want a completely clear street, and want the town to look busy and active, there are certain aspects which are unattractive and potentially dangerous.
The Society has submitted comments on the proposals to extend the existing conservation area in the town centre. It raised concerns about the appropriateness of some areas such as in Bepton Road and the area around the Wharf. Although the Wharf area is of historical significance and merits some protection on that basis (the bridge is already a listed building through the efforts of the Society) the buildings in Wharf Road are mostly industrial, which may not appropriate for a conservation area.
The Society has supported the work of the Midhurst Vision Group, and the Portas Review Pilots Application. It has membership on the relevant groups and will continue to contribute to this important development for the town.
For information on the Society, see: www.midhurstsociety.org.uk
Local planning explained … (cont. from p.3) We have said that we object to these proposals. We believe that a minimum of 700 houses could mean development without any upper limit; we also object to the non- deletion of the reserve sites as we consider that the allocation of land should be done by the PNP, and we believe that brownfield land should be the priority for development.
The PNP is being progressed as fast as possible, but developers are queuing up to submit planning applications. The SDNPA, as planning authority, has to consider these applications on their merits and unfortunately is not allowed to cite ‘prematurity’ as a reason to refuse. Without an adopted JCS, it is likely that the Inspectors would allow an appeal if there was refusal that could not be justified on other grounds. This could lead to a lot of poor developments in the wrong places: this could seriously compromise the setting and character of the town.
Many communities are facing similar pressures. We feel that the Government is being unsympathetic to localism and is not prepared to allow communities to complete their plans. Challenges on grounds of prematurity are being resisted by ministers if a JCS has not been adopted and a Neighbourhood Plan is not yet in place. These points have been put to Damian Hinds MP and he has promised to raise them with Ministers. Tony Struthers
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