A New Vision for NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON Community Planning Weekend Report October 2008 We are not in the business of wasting paper! JOHN THOMSON & PARTNERS is a member of the First Mile Mixed recycling scheme. We operate a full recycling programme in our practice and make every effort to contribute to a Greener Way of Living & Working.
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Project code Disclaimer: This document contains statements made by members of the local community in GR.L Littlehampton, which do not necessarily reflect the views of Greencore or John Thompson & Partners. Accordingly, Greencore, John Thompson & Partners shall not be responsible Issue Date or liable for the contents of any statements or opinions made by members of the public, 16/10/08 including any statements that are inaccurate, false, incomplete or offensive.
No responsibility of liability is accepted towards any other person in respect of the use of this report or for reliance on the information contained in this report by any other person or for any other purpose. NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
THE TEAM
Greencore UK Holdings PLC Burton Property Ltd White Young Green St Stephens Green House, Earlsfont Terrace, 5 Merlin Mews, Houchin Street, Bishops Waltham, The Loft, St Clair’s Farm, Wickham Road, Droxford, Dublin 2, Ireland Hants, SO32 1AR Hants, SO32 3PW T. ++353 (0)1 605 1003 F. +353 (0)1 605 1100 T. +44 (0)1489 891 133 F. +44 (0)1489 892 115 T. +44 (0)1489 872929 F. +44 (0)1489 872939 www.greencore.ie www.burtonproperty.co.uk www.wyg.com
ì The demand for cycle routes is clearly thereî
Cycling in our cities
Encouraging cycling in our cities is a national imperative; one that has the full weight In its work for London, Mayer Brown has of government behind it. Cycling brings health benefits to the cyclist through exercise, Pedal power unique and unparalleled experience in and environmental benefits to everyone through reduced petrol pollution, freer roads providing effective cycle network solutions. Mayer Brown Ltd Peter Brett Associates and less demand for space. Conversely, studies show that low cycle use is a symptom Unlocking the potential Roger Tym & Partners of deep-rooted urban problems, which require positive area-wide approaches in For further details on how we can unlock the urban safety, access issues and the revitalising of town centres. As specialists in to improve the quality of life Caversham Bridge House, Waterman Place, potential to improve the quality of life in your Lion House, Oriental Road, Woking, Surrey, GU22 8AP Fairfax House, 15 Fulwood Place, London, WC1V 6HU transport planning, Mayer Brown is involved in creating a more cycle town through cycle networks, see our website friendly urban environment, which encompasses urban design www.mayerbrown.co.uk T. +44 (0)1483 750 508 F. +44 (0)1483 750437 Reading, RG1 8DN and safety management, and also streetscape T. +44 (0)20 7931 2711 F. +44 (0)20 7831 7653 or contact Bob Castelijn by phone: 01483 750508 design solutions where cyclists often or by email: [email protected] T. +44 (0)118 950 0761 F. +44 (0)118 959 7498 provide the key to an improved www.mayerbrown.co.uk www.tymconsult.com quality of life for all. www.pba.co.uk
the journey is the reward
John Thompson & Partners 23-25 Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0DN T. +44 (0)20 7017 1780 F. +44 (0)20 7017 1781 www.jtp.co.uk
3 Aerial View of LITTLEHAmpton From the north with the Greencore site in the foreground NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
CONTENTS
1. Introduction 1
2. Background 3
3. ANALysis 17
4. COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS 27
5. kEY THEMES 37
6. THE VISION 41
7. THE WAY FORWARD 63
8. APPENDIX 65 History Community Planning Weekend
5 Aerial view of LITTLEHAmpton NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
INTROduction North Littlehampton 1
The North Littlehampton Community Planning The key issues for discussion included: Weekend (CPW) was held on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July 2008 in the Wickbourne Centre, Clun Road, • Potential for new development and investment Littlehampton. Over a hundred and twenty people opportunities in North Littlehampton to deliver participated during the weekend and many attended major benefits to the town the Report Back meeting which was held the following • Building effective sustainable movement networks Tuesday 22nd July at 7pm at the All Saints Church in around the town and creating a new gateway to the Wick Street. town • Investing in integrated communities and delivering The aim of the Weekend was to create a sustainable community Infrastructure, including affordable new Vision for North Littlehampton, including the mixed housing and local services use redevelopment of land to the north of the railway • Provision of quality, safe open space line, the Fitzalan Link and the proposed new Academy, • Creating an aspiring, enterprising community and consider how the new investment can help the • Building community spirit and Intergenerational wider regeneration of Littlehampton, including the relationships community of Wick. • Quality of the environment • Developing trust in the regeneration process and continuing community involvement
A broadsheet summarising the Vision for North Littlehampton was produced for the Report Back meeting and subsequently mailed to a database of 200 local people, including all those who participated during the Community Planning Weekend (CPW). This report outlines the findings of the CPW and the resulting Vision.
Community Planning weekend invitation flyer
1 Landmark: East Beach Cafe on Littlehampton Seafront NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
background 2.1 introduction 2
Littlehampton is a seaside resort town in the Arun The resort’s attractions include a Golf Course (open to District of West Sussex, with the villages of Lyminster to non-members), theatre, sports centre, museum and the the north, East Preston, Rustington and Angmering to Look & Sea Visitor Centre. Harbour Park, an all-weather the east and the River Arun to the west. It has a adventure village, offers family fun for all ages. Visiting population of around 27,000 people which includes crews are also welcome at the Arun Yacht Club and Wick and Toddington. Littlehampton Sailing and Motoring Club. Littlehampton has a beautiful natural harbour at the mouth of the River Its origins date back to Roman Times, when it was Arun. The harbour provides a safe haven for all leisure known as Hampton. Although the area was settled by craft as well as being a small commercial port. the Romans a short time after the invasion of AD43, Littlehampton itself remained mainly rural. It is likely that Two significant natural features, the River Arun and much of the land in and around the town belonged to English Channel, exert a considerable influence on the the owners of a villa in nearby Angmering in the 1st and future of the town. The River Arun forms a key 2nd centuries, even though a small villa once stood in the boundary between East and West Littlehampton and, town itself. Evidence of Roman fields, tracks and farms historically, has had an important influence on the have been found in a number of areas of Littlehampton range of activities within the town. Today, the and the people working the land were probably relationship between the river and the shore-based Romanised Celts. activities is less marked as fewer uses are dependent upon river borne transportation. It wasn’t until the 14th Century that it became Little Hampton - this differentiated it from the larger There are three Conservation Areas within Southampton. Officially becoming a town in 1853 when Littlehampton: East Street, River Road and the Seafront. its first local government was established, the growth of The town centre has two distinct ‘quarters’, retail and Littlehampton was fuelled by the increasingly popular sea civic. The retail quarter is rich and diverse yet bleeds out bathing, the sea trade and the influx of visitors that were to poor quality environment. The Civic Quarter has brought via the railway station, which opened in 1863. individual character, specifically around the Town Hall, Also, shipbuilding has been a major source of activity with ‘stand alone’ buildings yet environmental quality of since at least the 18th century and even King Henry VIII’s some of the surrounding spaces is patchy. royal dockyard was located here.
Littlehampton today is typical of a number of small seaside towns, which have experienced difficulty in adapting to changing economic fortunes. The town has suffered the same decline as many other traditional seaside resorts and small manufacturing centres following the gradual demise of both industries between the 1960s and 1980s. Since that time, the town has suffered mixed fortunes with noticeable pockets of deprivation and the town’s fragile employment base. 3 NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
background 2 2.2 The Littlehampton Vision
The Littlehampton Vision is a 25 year plan of how the town centre and surrounding area could be developed. The Vision concept originally came from the Littlehampton Town Centre Action Group which is a cross-sectoral group aiming to make the town centre more prosperous, vibrant and attractive to residents and visitors alike. It highlights the rich natural assets of the town and how they could be better developed and identifies various “areas of opportunity” where existing land use is viewed as underutilised and suggests how it could be enhanced and potential uses.
The Vision is to fundamentally improve the economic, environmental and social well-being of individuals and communities in the town, particularly those in the most deprived areas.
The main objectives are:
Building on its distinctive character, Littlehampton will be a successful, competitive and connected town. The town will provide an attractive, vibrant and safe place to live, work and visit with an excellent range of facilities for all ages and groups.
Littlehampton’s Vision will help the town centre prosper as a place to live, work and shop, and provide a focus for even stronger community activity. The town will be attractive to families throughout the day and evening for shopping, eating and entertainment.
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background 2.3 the Littlehampton Academy 2
The Woodard Corporation has accepted an invitation The Academy proposal fits within wider ambitions from West Sussex County Council to be the lead for extensive education led regeneration of the sponsor for an Academy in Littlehampton. Coastal Strip. The SEEDA Regional Economic Strategy [2006] identifies the need for a developed Littlehampton Academy, as it will be known subject to ‘Skills Escalator’ enabling appropriate skills local consultation, will replace Littlehampton Community development through, for example 14-19 vocational School. The Academy will have places for 1,650 students diplomas or the development of support for the (11 form entry) plus post-16 provision for 250 students. new Children’s Workforce. Academies will link to The date for the proposed opening of the Academy in these agendas with the development of new FE existing buildings is 2009 and the final date for build provision in Worthing and Chichester and with completion will be 2011 extensive developments at the University of Chichester, for instance, which will create clear The Academy will: progression routes for learning on the Coastal • have specialist status for Business and Enterprise and Strip. Science; • be 11-18, with innovative partnerships with local With the support of other partners, such as the providers to deliver the 14-19 curriculum and Children’s Centres in Littlehampton and Angmering promote lifelong learning; Library, the new Academies will be increasingly • develop a curriculum underpinned by the three outward-facing institutions at the heart of their major themes of literacy, numeracy and information local communities dedicated to the promotion of and communication technology; services and facilities for local families and to the • be a visible icon for the promotion of confidence and support of the physical, spiritual and economic aspiration within the local community. regeneration of the area. Spaces for family learning, a strong adult education programme, a further increase in vocational provision and extensive opportunities for “catch up” work and gifted and talented enrichment will be provided.
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background 2 2.4 STAKEHOLDERS BRIEF AND KEY FACTS DOCUMENT
The North Littlehampton site, which includes the Black Ditch land and Hellyer land, consists of approximately 90 hectares of land, largely covered with glasshouses, warehouses and other development, much of which is owned by Greencore Group. A consortium of landowners is being led by Greencore to promote the site as a potential strategic development area for Littlehampton in the forthcoming Arun District Council Core Strategy.
Greencore has brought together a team of specialists, including a dedicated Project Director, to promote and progress the proposals through the planning system, including delivering the future development.
The landowner’s consortium identified an opportunity to respond to Arun District Council’s requirement to identify potential strategic development sites. The consortium recognises that the town has a number of needs, and that the North Littlehampton site could make an important contribution to meeting them. Those needs include:
• Linking the proposals in the “Littlehampton Vision” to the wider regeneration of the whole town; • Improving transport infrastructure – both between the town and the sub-region, and within the town to make the town centre more accessible; • Providing additional employment floorspace to address local economic needs; • Delivering new housing, to fill gaps in the local housing market, including affordable housing, and smaller family market housing; • Providing community facilities to help improve social conditions around wards with high levels of deprivation.
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background 2.4 STAWhat’sKEHOLDER Proposed? S BRIEF AND KEY FACTS DOCUMENT 2 Page 6 Employment & Residential
The commercial and residential elements of the scheme The North Littlehampton site has the potential to help Greencorewould directlyand the respond landowners’ to local business consortium and housing needs address these needs associated with bringing prosperity have highlightedthrough the delivery that of:development of the North to the town. The proposals provide an opportunity to Littlehamptonx 30,000 site square can metres deliver of commercialan exciting development, range of secure a high quality and sustainable new community, benefits forto includethe town accommodation including: suitable for new 'start up' businesses and industrial and warehouse space which responds to the town’s specific needs. • Creatingx 1,500 significant new homes, includingnew employment both open market prospects and affordable housing targeted at meeting housing demand The development in North Littlehampton has the scale for localand housingpeople need whilst providing opportunities for and the potential to act as a catalyst for the regeneration positive changes to the town’s economic base; of the town whilst helping to address a number of • Helpingx A new to districtaddress centre the to serve existing the local transport community problems important issues, which currently hinder Littlehampton’s in the town and improve accessibility in particular progress. into the town centre;
• Providing a better housing mix, which meets the Page 8 The development will also involve no loss of specific housing needs of Littlehampton and its undeveloped greenfield land, because it will replace acres surrounding area; Community Facilities of old glasshouses. It can be provided without harming • Creating additional recreation and sporting facilities Existing local residents and potential new occupiers would see the landscape setting of the town. for the benefitthe provision of of:both existing and new residents;
• Delivering significantx 11.4 hectares oflevels public open of spacepublic open space for use by the local community; x Recreational and sports facilities including a new • Delivering a highmultifunction quality community and centre safe urban environment
of consideredx A architecture new district centre with and local attractiveretail facilities public realm. Bene ts to the Town’s Economy The creation of a new mixed use quarter at North NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON Littlehampton: Stakeholders Brief & Key Facts Document x Has the potential to support an additional 1,000 jobs through the provision of the new commercial space
x Would generate over 200 jobs through increased demands on public services and through retail and leisure expenditure
x Would generate a further 470 job opportunities through the scheme’s construction phase
x Would collectively create 1670 new jobs
x Would generate significant additional income for the town as a result of increased local expenditure of new residents and through the town’s improved accessibility and transport network
NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON Stakeholders Brief & Key Facts Document
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background 2 2.5 stakeholder design CHARRETTE
NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON STAKEHOLDER It ended with a ‘Way Forward’ workshop at which it CHARRETTE 1-3 APRIL 2008 was agreed that a Community Planning Event should be held to involve the public in developing the proposals for A steering group comprising of representatives from North Littlehampton. West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council, Following the design workshop the Greencore team Littlehampton Town Council, the Primary Care Trust and retired to a hotel to produce a ‘Vision for Littlehampton’. the Greencore Group attended a Stakeholder Design This was presented back to the steering group at Charrette on 1st to 3rd April 2008 facilitated by John Littlehampton Town Hall on the following day. Thompson and Partners.
On 1 April the steering group took a guided minibus tour around the town and surrounding area including the Greencore land, followed by a series of briefings from each of the Local Authorities.
On 2 April the steering group attended a one day ‘enquire by design’ workshop at Littlehampton Town Hall. The day started with a workshop to investigate the aspirations of each of the steering group members and how they could be fulfilled. This was followed by a series of ‘Hands On Planning’ sessions to study topics covering Land ownership, the Bigger Picture, Transport Issues, creation of a Community Hub, Environmental Issues, the Regeneration of Wick and the creation of the Fitzalan Link Road.
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background 2.5 stakeholder design CHARRETTE 2
Key Issues raised at the Stakeholders Event
• Understand the challenges faced by Littlehampton in terms of its enormous potential as a compact seaside town full of character and with access to high quality landscape and neighbouring historic towns; • Promote the land at North Littlehampton, including the proposed Academy and the Greencor nurseries land, as key to the regeneration of the whole town; • Provide a range of benefits for the existing areas of deprivation by improving skills, health and economic profile of the area; • Integrate the proposed Academy as a heart - a community focus to serve the whole town; • A robust programming will be essential to seize the opportunities; • Promote the Fitzalan Boulevard as the key first step in delivering a quality scheme including improved connectivity for the whole town; • Formalise Steering Group as a backbone to delivering the Vision; • Create a focused Fitzalan Boulevard Design and Delivery Group; • Establish a programme of coordinated Public Consultation for 2008
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background 2 2.5 stakeholder design CHARRETTE
Two major east west trunk roads serve the towns along the south coast. These are The introduction of a new north south link road will provide Littlehampton with much the A27 to the north and the A259 to the south which skirts the northern edge of improved connections to the A259 and the A27. Littlehampton. Connections between the roads via Lyminster and into Littlehampton are poor.
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background 2.6 Planning Background 2
Planning Policy Context In responding to this new approach, Greencore emerging Regional Spatial Strategy for the South-East, commissioned a number of evidence studies, including: to cover the period 2006-2026) . The Panel’s Report Land at North Littlehampton was previously promoted included a recommendation to increase Arun’s housing through the Arun District Local Plan as an urban • Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisal provision requirement by 100 net dwellings per year extension to Littlehampton. The site was then known • Sustainability Appraisal over the period to 2026, equivalent to 2,000 extra as VHB Site Littlehampton. Representations were made • Ground Conditions Assessment homes over 20 years. to the Arun District Local Plan Public Inquiry and White • Utilities Assessment Young Green (then Hawthorne Kamm) attended the • Flood Risk Assessment That recommendation is currently being considered inquiry as one of a number of expert witnesses. • Drainage Assessment by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State’s The Local Plan Inspector did not allocate the site, opting • Transport Assessment “Proposed Modifications” to the draft South East instead for the alternative urban extension sites at • Ecological Assessment Plan are expected to be published imminently by Felpham and North Bersted, Bognor Regis. The Local the Government. At that time, it will become clearer Plan Inspector did however comment: These reports were submitted to Arun District Council whether Arun District Council is likely to have to in July, 2006, shortly following the publication of its LDF accommodate the proposed increased housing provision. “If further greenfield sites are necessary in the future, Issues and Options paper and during the “evidence This will enable Arun District Council to move ahead this site, together with the other land north of the gathering” stage of its LDF. The evidence studies were with its LDF. railway and the remaining part of Site 7, should be acknowledged by Arun District Council as presenting considered. However, I firmly believe it needs to be a robust basis for supporting the potential allocation of assessed as part of a broader picture to resolve the land at North Littlehampton for redevelopment, and as severance problem caused by the present A259. a result the site was due to be proposed as a strategic Pedestrian and cycle bridges are simply not a quality development allocation by Arun District Council in the solution.” LDF “Core Strategy Preferred Options” draft DPD.
The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 However, after taking legal advice, Arun District Council introduced a new approach to forward planning through postponed public consultation on its Core Strategy Local Development Frameworks (LDFs). LDFs are Preferred Options document which was timetabled to intended to be “evidence based” and “front loaded”, ie. be published in October 2007. That decision followed all necessary information required to assess the suitability the publication of the report of the Panel of Inspectors of land for development has to be gathered at the on the Examination into the draft “South East Plan” (the beginning of the process.
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background 2 2.7 Socio- Economic Background
The Bigger Picture North Littlehampton’s Needs Libraries North Littlehampton is among the 20% most deprived There is only one library in Littlehampton. This is The overall picture of Littlehampton is a of a low-skilled, areas in the country. in the town centre, and the level of provision does low-wage economy, with a poor employment structure, The area has facilities which reflect its high level of not meet West Sussex CC’s standards. With the and pockets of deprivation, most notably in North deprivation: extent of population growth in the north of the town Littlehampton. • For children, the Wickbourne Centre: play centre, consideration should be given to a branch library in nursery and the local Sure Start. This is the only North Littlehampton as an alternative to expanding the This is illustrated by the following specific indicators, in such facility in Littlehampton. existing library. which it compares unfavourably with the rest of West • For young people there is the Hub, a multi-agency Sussex (although these are mostly 2001 Census figures centre for children and young people to age 19 who Open Space there is no evidence that there has been a fundamental are in need of support, or about whom there are The open space study scheduled to report at the end change in the position since): concerns. This is also a facility whose significance of summer 2008 has overrun so up to date information • Littlehampton has a poor employment structure: stretches beyond North Littlehampton. on need is not yet available. The Site and Fitzalan link only 7% of employment is in Banking, Finance and provide a clear opportunity to improve provision in Insurance, compared with 19% in West Sussex Education North Littlehampton. • The economic activity rate is only 80%, compared The main education issue for North Littlehampton with 84% in West Sussex is the replacement of the present secondary school, Sport • The occupation profile shows only 33% of residents Littlehampton Community School, by an Academy There appears to be a shortage of sports facilities in in managerial positions, compared with 47% in West in 2009. It will be in new buildings from 2011. Its will North Littlehampton which the Site, together with land Sussex. have places for 1,650 students, plus 250 post-16 places. along the Fitzalan link, is well-placed to meet. • The figure to the right illustrates Littlehampton West Sussex LEA consider that the Academy will have residents’ comparatively poor levels of qualifications, sufficient places to cover the demand from the Site, but Youth showing the low proportion (12%) qualified to this needs further consideration in the light of current North Littlehampton does have a reasonable level of NVQ4/5 and the high proportion (51%) with no approved development in the area, such as the Eden youth provision, with qualifications, or only NVQ1. Park development (300+ dwellings) and the further developments of about 2,500 dwellings required to • The Flintstone and Keystone Youth Centres meet the SE Plan target of 4,000 dwellings for the • Project 82, which hosts several youth clubs, music Littlehampton/Bognor area. studio, and a drop-in/information centre • Sea Scouts. Health There are currently no primary health care facilities in North Littlehampton, although the PCT is planning a new health centre based round eight GPs. The additional demand from the housing on the Site would justify an additional two GPs on its own, and this is an example of where the Site could help justify an upgrade in provision for North Littlehampton as a whole.
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background 2.7 Socio- Economic Background 2
The Site – how it will help employment
Stakeholders have identified local demand for business units within the size range 50 – 200 square metres to cater for B1 and B2 uses (offices and light industrial). The ‘Commercial Heart’ of the Site could provide these in a location accessible both to the rest of the town and from further afield, giving good access to a pool of labour, as well as suppliers and customers.
The proposals for 2,000 square metre of managed B1 and B2 workspace in a ‘Basepoint’ enterprise zone occupying part of the commercial heart would provide facilities for new (including start-up) and growing businesses.
Depending on the final area allocated for the commercial heart of the Site, employment could be about 500. These jobs will be highly accessible to residents of the rest of the town, particularly North Littlehampton.
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background 2 2.7 Socio- Economic Background
The gateway nature of the Site means that a high quality Creche/Day Nursery Sports of development is essential if it is to realise its potential The new development is an appropriate location to for The existing Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre to have a wider impact on the town as a place to visit a day nursery to cater both for residents and employees. is on the sea-front. Co-location and/or joint use of and do business. The Site has the greatest potential of It will also provide a facility for residents of other parts of facilities at the Academy appears to offer the most cost- any in Littlehampton to attract inward investment. North Littlehampton, given the shortage of provision in effective way of providing good quality sports facilities the area. for North Littlehampton. The Academy is a better In addition there will be retail/service/leisure provision location than one on the Site itself as it has a better to meet the needs of the commercial area and serve Health catchment and would be easily accessible from the Site as a local centre for the Site. The scale of this will The Site is not large enough on its own to generate the via the proposed Fitzalan link. be constrained by the need to complement rather demand for a new health centre, and is too peripheral than compete with existing and proposed provision to be the site of one, but it will be a major factor in The availability of land at the Site does enable the in the town centre and on Wick Street, but it will justifying a new health centre offering a wide range of provision of a range of pitches which will serve the wider widen the range of jobs available, particularly to North services for North Littlehampton. This should be easily area. Littlehampton residents. accessible from the Site, as shown on the Community Planning Weekend indicative masterplan. Youth Centre Community Facilities The location of the existing youth centres in The Site is large enough to generate a demand for new Open Space Littlehampton is such that there is scope for a further facilities and this is reinforced by the approvals and The Black Ditch floodplain will provide extensive space Youth Centre at the Site. The availability of land at the proposals for other development sites in Toddington and for informal recreation as well as a gateway to the Site to provide a centre with its own sports pitch would Wick. countryside (see Access to the Countryside below). allow a wider range of activities than at the existing centres. Community Centres School Depending on size and range of facitilities, the proposed The quantity of housing proposed for the Site would Access to the Countryside community facility on the Site has the potential to offer depend on the distribution of dwelling sizes justifying a wide range of services for the local community from either a one form entry (210 place) or two form entry The development of the Site will provide improved keep-fit to a luncheon club and a play-group. It could (420 place) 4-11 age primary school. The eventual size pedestrian and cycle access to the area north of the also act as a venue for social events and performances. will depend on the extent to which existing schools can Black Ditch between Lyminster, Poling and Angmering. cater for part of the child yield of the Site. Given the This access will be one of the assets of the Site; and the One issue which needs to be considered further is the shortage of nursery facilities in North Littlehampton the improved access will reach back into the town along the extent to which it focuses on meeting the needs of new school should include a nursery. Fitzalan Link. residents of the Site as well as the wider area. A secondary school is not proposed to be located on the In order to maximise the benefits of this improved site. Secondary school requirements would be subject to access, the footpath network north of the Site should be discussion with West Sussex County Council in relation upgraded by converting some of the footpaths to joint to their new Academy proposals. use as cycle routes and improving access across the A27 onto the South Downs.
14 mewsbrook park NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report commercial activity in LITTLEHAmpton
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ANALYSIS 3.1 Littlehampton context 3
East Beach Cafe Town Centre
Key
Site Boundary
A259
Railway
North - South route
River Arun
Littlehampton Town Centre
Wick Neighbourhood
Lyminster Village
Seafront Green Waterfront development Rustington Village Centre
Toddington Village
Bodyshop HQ
Supermarket
Littlehampton Railway Station
East Beach Cafe Waterfront development River Arun
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ANALYSIS 3 3.1 Littlehampton context
Existing Facilities
Community facilities in Littlehampton are mainly concentrated in Wick and close to the town centre. There are limited facilities in North Littlehampton.
School
Place Of Worship
Community Hall
Café
Recreation Ground
Allotments / Open Space
Police & Ambulance
Car Park
Recreation
Civic
Office
Library
Health
Post Office
Retail
Commercial
Transport
Leisure Large sites in North Littlehampton redeveloped for Civic Amenity Tip housing since based plan produced
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ANALYSIS 3.1 Littlehampton context 3
Land Ownership
Development of land owned by Greencore and adjoining owners to the north and publicly owned land to the south of the railway land provide Littlehampton with a once in a lifetime opportunity to enhance and reorganise facilities across the town.
Greencore Group
Adjoining owners
JS Bloor
Littlehampton Town Council
Arun District Council
Arun District Council Housing
Large sites in North Littlehampton redeveloped for West Sussex County housing since based plan produced Council
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ANALYSIS 3 3.1 Littlehampton context
Movement
The main road connection serving the town is the A259 link road. There are poor connections north to A27 via railway crossings (X) and south to town centre and seafront.
There are good direct rail connections to London from the town centre and other poor connections to the south coast, east to Brighton and west to Portsmouth.
X X
TE
U
US RO
700 B
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ANALYSIS 3.1 Littlehampton context 3
Landscape River Arun and floodplain • extends southwards from Arundel; Landscape Appraisal • fields generally defined by drainage ditches; The landscape appraisal is based on A Strategy for the • river is contained by higher land along the riverbank West Sussex Landscape, published by West Sussex which falls away from the river across the flood plain; County Council in 2005, and field surveys undertaken in and 2005 and between 17 and 21 July 2008. It identified that • cycle link along the River Arun from south coast there are four different areas within the landscape cycle route to Arundel. setting of the site, each having a distinct character. Urban Area South Downs • northern edge of Littlehampton has typical urban • designated Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB); fringe uses; • along the southern margin of the A27 (T), which is • mixed use of residential, business parks, a caravan generally in a cutting, vegetation creates a strong park, a golf course and a waste recycling facility north edge to the coastal plain beyond; of A259; • gently undulating landscape defining the edge of the • residential uses dominant south of A259; coastal plain to the south; • historic centres of Littlehampton, Wick and • generally well wooded, including ancient and Toddington have older properties of Georgian and semi-natural deciduous woodland; and Victorian origin; • public access via a network of public footpaths. • greater concentration of public parks along the seafront and through the eastern part of Coastal Plain Littlehampton; • intensively cultivated arable land with few defining • well maintained traditional parks complemented by hedgerow boundaries; natural areas with low levels of maintenance, which • extends southwards to the settlement of are an important landscape amenity in Littlehampton and westwards to the River Arun; Littlehampton; • narrow copses and Poplar shelterbelts; • poor pedestrian and cycle linkages between Site within landscape setting • small scale water meadows along southern margin, individual green spaces; including northern edge of site; and • no green links between town centre and the sea; and • an under utilised network of public footpaths due to • no green links between town centre and countryside A259 and railway limiting pedestrian and cycle links to the north. from Littlehampton into rural area to the north. These areas provide the context within which the site is located. Each area offers both constraints and opportunities, which the masterplan for the proposed development will respond to.
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ANALYSIS 3 3.1 Littlehampton context
Landscape Appraisal
Site Boundary
Settlements
Woodland & plantation forestry
Public open space & allotments
Approximate landscape character area boundary
River Arun and low lying land
Character area
Urban Area
Urban Fringe
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ANALYSIS 3.1 Littlehampton context 3
Site Appraisal The landscape and ecological appraisal of the site was carried out in a series of surveys in 2005, 2006 and over the spring, summer and autumn of 2008. It identified key characteristics and features;
• approximately 90 hectares in area; • substantially covered by buildings, glasshouses, roads, hard surfacing and outdoor growing/storage; Parkland • mix of uses including large nurseries with associated packaging, storage and administration buildings, along with packaging and distribution; • central part of the site comprises of parkland with ornamental tree and shrub species and close mown amenity grassland. Conifers and other trees around sites hold high bird nesting potential; • residential properties on Toddington Lane, including The Old Farmhouse and the Dovecote at Pond Toddington Farm which Grade II Listed buildings; • low-lying area along the Black Ditch has water meadows of biodiversity value.The wetland of drains and ditches supports a range of wetland habitats. The ditches are particularly important for water voles; • lined water storage lagoons on site, the lagoon on eastern boundary is used for fishing and has been managed to increase biodiversity and the shallow margins make it suitable for waterfowl and is part of Lagoon the wetland drainage system. • strip of undeveloped land extends southwards Existing views within site through the western part of the site, forming the reserved route for the southern part of the proposed Lyminster Bypass; and • site for proposed Lyminster Bypass extends over the railway line and south through an area of allotments to the A259.
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ANALYSIS 3 3.1 Littlehampton context
visual Appraisal Visual Appraisal The visual appraisal identifies locations from which the site is visible and its relative scale in the view. This helps adverse impact on views to be minimised during the preparation of design proposals. The appraisal grouped views available into four main groups of similar distance and direction:
• from Arundel and the South Downs - distant views towards the site across low lying land in the coastal plain; • from Poling and nearby public footpaths – view across cultivated land and Black Ditch with several glasshouses in the western part of the site visible; • from Lyminster and nearby public footpaths – near view from bridleway north of the Black Ditch; and • from Toddington and Wick – views of the site for the Lyminster Bypass are available from a wider area compared to the main part of the site which is screened by the railway.
Site Boundary
Settlements
Woodland & plantation forestry
Public open space & allotments
Views towards the site
Higher ground obscuring potential views
River Arun and low lying land
Land above 15m AOD
Land above 5m AOD
Public right of way
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ANALYSIS 3.1 Littlehampton context 3
Landscape Policies and Designations
Site Boundary
Settlements
Woodland & plantation forestry
South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Proposed ‘South Downs’ National Park boundary Ancient Woodland
Registered parks & gardens
Listed buildings
Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM)
Local Nature Reserve
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Strategic & Local gaps
Existing open spaces & allotments
Conservation areas
Setting of Arundel
Protected line of Lyminister Bypass
25 setting up before the event
Main Title SUb heading/Numbered section (eg 1.1) NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
Community planning PROCESS 4.1 INTRODUCTION 4
Over a hundred and twenty people participated in the DATE MEETING North Littlehampton Community Planning Weekend, (CPW) held between Friday 18 and Tuesday 22 July Thursday 10 July • Informal meeting with Luncheon Club at The Tamarisk Centre 2008 at the Wickbourne Centre. The aim of the CPW Monday 14 July • Meeting with Sharon Westcott at Council for Voluntary Services was to create a sustainable new Vision for North Tuesday 15 July • Meeting with Debbie Cullern and families at ‘One Stop Family Shop’ Littlehampton and consider how best the new • Meeting with young people at The Flintstone Youth Centre investment can help the wider regeneration of Friday 18 & • North Littlehampton Community Planning Weekend Littlehampton, including the community of Wick. Saturday 19 July Monday 21 July • Meeting with Project 82 Youth Club and the Keystone Centre After School Club
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Community planning PROCESS 4 4.2 community planning animation
As a run up to the Community Planning Weekend, a number or meetings were held with local groups including on 15 July Mothers and Young Children, at the ‘One Stop Family Shop’ at the Wickbourne Centre and Young People at the Flintstone Centre. We like living in Littlehampton, it’s
Their responses to specific questions were as follows: great to have the beach and sea so close but we wish there was more One Stop Family Shop - Wickbourne Centre to do as a family in the evening! What are the local Issues? What does Littlehampton need? • There is a lack of part time job opportunities for • Better shopping facilities – a department store for young mothers. example or a home store. • You have to rely on a car to get around. • A more frequent direct train link to London. • The Wickbourne Centre does not have the capacity • Money needs to be put into existing services before We always seem to do the same to serve more sectors of the Community, such as creating new ones. older people and teens. • Better links between the sea front, the town and the things at the weekend, play football, • Rustington is a lot more child friendly. residential areas like Wick. • The sea front is a very long walk from town if you • Another primary school. walk around town and hang around have small children and a buggy • A cinema complex or some form of entertainment • The Schools are full already, especially Littlehampton that you don’t have to drive to. in the park – we have to travel out Community School, we need more schools if there • More places in Littlehampton that are child friendly of Littlehampton if we want to do are going to be more people living in Littlehampton. to have a coffee and meet friends. • There isn’t anything for teenagers to do, lack of • More affordable, good quality housing. anything else. sports facilities for example. • Rustington is easier and more attractive a location to shop in. It’s not perfect here, but I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
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Community planning PROCESS 4.1 community planning animation 4
Young People - The Flintstone Centre
What is good about living in Littlehampton? What is bad about living in Littlehampton? • There is a strong sense of community. • Harbour Park is never open and the rides are too • Lots of services and advice for young people. expensive for us to use. • The train station is really good and well organised, • Most of the cafes in Littlehampton and on the there are lots of trains to Brighton and Chichester seafront are to expensive for us to buy food at when and the staff are really friendly. we are out and about. • The Flintstone Centre and the Youth Wing at LCS • You can’t even cycle or roller blade down are really good. the promenade. • The beach is very clean and feels safe. • The senior school we all go to has so many people, it • Littlehampton is a safe place to live. isn’t big enough for all of us and won’t be for new • It is one of the only places in this area of the South people too. Coast that does Street & Hip Hop dancing to a • The swimming pool is not very good fun, its just high level. lane swimming. • Mewsbrook Park is a really good park to hang out in. • Rustington Village has some nice places to eat with What would you like to see in Littlehampton? your friends. • A fishing lake. Wickbourne Centre • A skate park – loads of people blade and it would be well used. • A cinema multiplex like in Chichester. • More shops in Littlehampton. • More facilities for young mums. • Youth clubs open every night offering lots of different activities.
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Community planning PROCESS 4 4.3 community planning weekend
PROGRAMME Friday 18 July 2008 at the Wickbourne Centre Saturday 19 July 2008, at the Wickbourne Centre
14.00 Welcome and Introduction 11.00 Welcome and Introduction 14.15 Workshop 1 – North Littlehampton Today 11.15 Workshop 4 – - What are the local issues? North Littlehampton Tomorrow - Good points and bad points about - Successful integration of new development - North Littlehampton with existing communities? - What are the local needs, how can they - Creating high quality of the environment for be met? people and nature? Workshop 2 - Young People’s Workshop - Getting around Littlehampton? - A chance for young people to develop ideas Workshop 5 - Young People’s Workshop for the area. - Another chance for young people to 15.30 Reports Back and Refreshment Break develop creative ideas for the area. 16.00 Hands-on Planning Groups 12.45 Reports Back and Refreshment Break - An opportunity to work in small, facilitated 13.00 Lunch groups around plans of the area exploring 13.30 Hands-On Planning Groups physical design solutions. Groups may also A further chance to work around plans of the go for walkabouts of the area. area to consider the issues and explore 17.30 Refreshment Break physical design solutions. 17.45 Report Back 15.15 Report Back and Refreshment Break 18.00 Workshop 3 – Opportunities for the local 15.45 Workshop 6 – The Way Forward communities & Hands-on Planning 16.00 Close Groups(continued) - What will the new Academy mean for the local community? - What community facilities are required in the area? - Jobs and training? 19.00 Close
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Community planning PROCESS 4.3 community planning weekend 4
Team Tour On Thursday 17 July, the consultant team spent time studying the area and the site by taking a tour of the area by foot and bus. This was a chance to study local building character and urban form. It also provided the opportunity to put into perspective the infrastructure of the North Littlehampton and Wick area and its relationship to the proposed development site – how the roads work, what form green space takes, what facilities and amenities are present and information about shopping facilities and transport links.
Team Briefing On Friday 18 July before the public sessions commenced, the consultant team were briefed about the background to the projects and the constraints and opportunities. The consultant team included movement and transport engineers, landscape architects, urban designers and a socio-economist. The presentations were accompanied by detailed briefing notes and a question and answer session.
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Community planning PROCESS 4 4.3 community planning weekend
At 2.00pm on the Friday afternoon the public session began. Following a brief introduction from Charles Campion of John Thompson and Partners, the first workshop started. The outcomes were as follows: A new urban extension Friday Workshop: Littlehampton Today must complement and Issues invigorate regeneration • Lack of school places and apprehension over new academy. of the rest of the town. • Lack of accessible medical facilities including dentists. • Apprehension and cynicism over development in Littlehampton. People are wary of the process. • Lack of green space both for formal and informal use. • Lack of new employment opportunities in Littlehampton. • Transport infrastructure is poor with considerable congestion that will only be further stretched by the current housing being built. • The railway line is difficult to cross for pedestrians, cyclists and cars. • There is a need for safe, accessible cycle paths. It’s a good opportunity to meet the needs for existing residents, combined with growth in the most sensible way.
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Community planning PROCESS 4.3 community planning weekend 4
Actions • Provide accessible, quality educational facilities for the residents of North Littlehampton. We’ve got to get a • Provide intergenerational facilities including cafés, shops and a community centre. decent road to • Preservation of the best aspects of Littlehampton’s landscape. Littlehampton. • Ensure that community consultation is maintained to ensure residents feel they “own” the project. • Provide a variety of green spaces that are accessible by foot. • Provide high skilled employment opportunities. • An integrated, environmentally friendly transport system. • A bridge over the railway line linking North and South Littlehampton. • Cycle routes along major roads and through green spaces.
We need things that mix up the generations.
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Community planning PROCESS 4 4.2 community planning weekend
Saturday Workshop: Littlehampton Tomorrow
Issues • Lack of recreational facilities that appeal to both We need to build a young and old residents. • Lack of multi functional green spaces. community as well as • Limited integration between different age groups. • Lack of high skilled employment that promote career building a place. progression for local residents. • There is a need for affordable public transport that links residential areas with the commercial centre. • There isn’t enough affordable housing. • There is a need for eco-friendly housing.
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Community planning PROCESS 4.2 community planning weekend 4
Actions • Provide facilities such as a community centre, cafes and social clubs to facilitate social integration between old and new residents. There have been a lot of • Provide a variety of attractive, multi-functional green spaces. broken promises – • Create a commercial development offering a variety of quality employment opportunities to local people. we don’t want any more! • Provide roads, foot paths and cycle routes that link the main areas of the town. • Develop affordable housing which “adds to the whole rather than detracts”. • Provide reliable, efficient buses, trains and cycle routes which link people to services. • Build houses that use environmentally friendly materials and reusable energy.
We must have a mixed ‘Hands on Planning’ Sessions population so there’s no As well as the workshops. a series of ‘Hands on Planning’ sessions were held to discuss a number of topics ranging ghetto feeling: you don’t from highways and landscaping/ecology to the bigger want all elderly, all picture and what might the neighbourhood contain. families, all immigrants – A review of these ‘Hands on Planning’ sessions can be found in the appendices at the end of this report. you want a mix of people.
35 WORKSHOP NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report key themes 5
Following the public sessions, the community planning team set up a studio in a nearby hotel and worked over three days to analyse the outcomes of the public sessions and create a new Vision for North Littlehampton. This Vision was reported back to the local community on Tuesday evening 22 July. The following were the key themes from the Weekend.
Potential Littlehampton faces challenges but has big potential as a friendly, compact, characterful, seaside town with access to high quality landscape and neighbouring historic towns. Development opportunities in North Littlehampton, including the Fitzalan link, the Academy and Greencore land, are very important for the development of neighbouring communities and the future of the whole town.
Trust There is concern amongst local residents because they feel they have been promised benefits from previous developments that had not then been delivered. There is cynicism that promises relating to future development in North Littlehampton will also fail. Relationships and trust need to be built through the planning process.
Integrated Community New development needs its own community facilities to ensure a healthy, integrated community, but there should also be integration with the wider Littlehampton communities. This should be achieved in part by creating good physical links between neighbouring areas and the The Fitzalan link is key to a lot of town centre and also by pro-active initiatives to welcome things going on in Littlehampton. and engage with new communities.
37 NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report 5 key themes
Getting about Littlehampton is difficult to get to and not well connected internally. Roads are dominated by cars and public transport routes are often indirect with services are patchy or non-existent at times. The new Fitzalan Link provides the opportunity for a new gateway entrance to the town and improved internal connections particularly by foot, cycle and bus. There is also a strong desire to re-open a rail station at Wick.
Open space provision There is a lack of public open space in North Littlehampton. Good quality streets and spaces are recognised as being important as places for communities to meet and commune across the generations. It was suggested that the existing and new communities would be disadvantaged without the provision of these spaces. Bricks and mortar are not the Community Infrastructure & local services only thing – people matter too: There is a lack of facilities in North Littlehampton and the new developments can act as the catalyst to deliver we must have facilities for the improved services for the existing and new communities. It is important that services are in place before new community! residents move in. It’s important that young people who live in the area – and in the proposed development – have a sense of ownership. There must be education, jobs and training provided – it mustn’t be just another housing estate.
38 NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report key themes 5
Economy & Enterprise Many people in Littlehampton have low skills and there is a lack in employment opportunities. The new developments should deliver opportunity to raise skill levels and provide good quality well paid jobs and foster an enterprising culture. Improved connections, including the new link road, are important pre-requisites to attracting new businesses and residents.
Community Spirit and Intergenerational Relationships Littlehampton is recognised as being a friendly community and this needs to be valued and supported. The provision of accessible, safe community spaces and facilities, which foster intergenerational civil society and social capital is key to the future.
Quality of the Environment We need things that mix up the New development must respect and enhance the environment through the design and use of the buildings generations. and landscape. Management and maintenance is key with attention being given to the details to create beautiful and sustainable neighbourhoods. The new urban extension north of the railway land must create high quality open space, good links to the countryside and a positive and attractive northern edge when Whatever happens here must be viewed from the Arun Valley. Continuing Community Participation linked to the centre – it must be People were positive about the Community Planning an extension to Littlehampton, not process and were generally positive about new development opportunities provided they were sensible, a satellite site where people don’t well designed and delivered community benefits. It is important that local people remain involved in the ever come in to the town. process and kept up to date through regular meetings and communications.
39 The vision for north littlehampton NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
the vision 6.1 introduction 6
18 - 22 July 2008 Littlehampton residents participated in the creation of a NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON new Vision for North Littlehampton which includes the COMMUNITY PLANNING WEEKEND mixed use redevelopment of land to the north of the Creating a new vision for North Littlehampton railway for housing, employment and community uses, a new north-south link road bridging over the railway, a new health centre and the Littlehampton Academy. These and other development opportunities could create a once in a lifetime chance to bring in much needed investment into the town and help deliver new homes, jobs and community facilities to benefit the whole area.
Aerial view of North Littlehampton in context
A New Future for North Littlehampton Regeneration opportunities in North Littlehampton, including the Over a hundred and twenty people participated in the North Greencore owned land to the north of the railway, the Fitzalan Weekend participants enjoyed the Community Planning Littlehampton Community Planning Weekend, held on Friday link, and the Academy, are important for the development of 18 and Saturday 19 July 2008 and facilitated by architects and neighbouring communities and the future success of the whole urbanists John Thompson and Partners. The aim of the Weekend town. The proposed new developments can act as the catalyst to process and were generally positive about new was to create a sustainable new Vision for North Littlehampton, deliver improved infrastructure, including affordable housing, and including the mixed use redevelopment of land to the north of services for the existing and new communities. The new Fitzalan development opportunities, provided they are sensible, the railway line, the Fitzalan Link and the proposed new Academy, Link provides the opportunity for a new gateway entrance to the and consider how this new investment can help the wider town and improved internal connections, particularly by foot, cycle regeneration of Littlehampton, including the community of Wick. and bus. There is also a strong desire to re-open a rail station at well designed and, in particular, bring about community Wick. The key issues for discussion included: s Potential for new development and investment opportunities New developments need community facilities to ensure a healthy, benefits. However, trust in the development process was in North Littlehampton to deliver major benefits to the town integrated community, but there should also be integration with as a whole the wider Littlehampton communities. This will be achieved by a key issue among participants and many expressed the s Building effective sustainable movement networks around the creating good physical links between neighbouring areas and the town and creating a new gateway to the town from the north town centre and by pro-active initiatives to welcome and engage s Investing in integrated communities and delivering community with new communities. (Text continued on back page) view that previous developments had promised infrastructure, including affordable housing and local services s Provision of quality, safe open space community benefits but not delivered them. s Creating an aspiring, enterprising community The First North Littlehampton Community s Building community spirit and intergenerational relationships s Quality of the environment Forum s Developing trust in the regeneration process and continuing community involvement Wednesday 17 September, 6pm for 6.30pm One of the key outcomes from the weekend was the The Vision All Saints Church, Wick Street Although Littlehampton faces challenges, it has considerable potential as a friendly, compact, seaside town with access to high creation of the proposed North Littlehampton quality landscape and neighbouring historic towns and villages. EVERYBODY IS WELCOME! Community Forum which will meet regularly as the
The North Littlehampton Community Planning Process is being organised by John Thompson & Partners, Architects, Vision develops into firmer proposals. It is hoped Urban Designers and Community Planners, on behalf of Greencore Group. For more information please contact Sophie Hart, John Thompson and Partners, 43 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8EL Phone: 020 7405 1211 Email [email protected] that as many people as possible will come along to the Forums to discuss and help guide the development of the proposals. Broadsheet Cover issued at CPW Report Back
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the vision 6 6.2 Key URBAN DESIGN Principles
The following urban design principles have informed the strategy for the North Littlehampton development:
1 Inclusive • diverse mix of amenities and meeting places • choice of residential accommodation • thriving business
2 Distinctive • unique character and identity Landmark Building - East Beach Cafe Parkland within site - Existing topography retained • reflects locality and culture • scale, grain, style and materials
3 Legible • easy to navigate • sequence of attractive routes and spaces • landmark buildings
4 Views in and out River Arun distinctive waterfront buildings Rustington Village - good access to amenities • respond to topographical context • attractive skyline/roofscape
5 Microclimate • respond to solar orientation and weather conditions • minimize energy use
South terraces overlooking ‘The Green’ fronting onto the Sea
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the vision 6.2 Key URBAN DESIGN Principles 6
6 Accessibility • provide good access to amenities • encourage use of sustainable modes of transport
7 Flexibility • adapt to accommodate growth and change
8 Overlooking • public spaces are overlooked Private space defined High Street - Active Frontage • community safety
9 Active frontage • active use at ground floor level • vibrant street life
10 Fronts and backs • Clear definition of public and private spaces
Public Transport Wick Parade, Wick Street
Residential development overlooking public space High Street vibrant street life
43 NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report MAsterplan 2 1 1 8 8 7 28 4 5 6 7 25 3 27 14 14 10 10 26 27 1 9 14 18 13 11 12 14 16 20 15 19 17 19
21
24
22 33 30 45 23
36 37 47 29 35 33
40 34 41 39 38
40 34 32
29 39 33 42 43 46 44
44
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the vision 6.3 the masterplan 6
KEY 1. Black Ditch flood plain area. 25. Commercial Heart. 2. Lyminster By Pass. 26. Community Heart. 3. Vehicular link to Lyminster Road via Mill Lane. 27. Green corridor within residential area. 4. Allotments site reformed around new road. 28. Hotel with views across the countryside. 5. Civic Amenity Tip relocated 29. New Fitzalan link road. 6. Lagoon formed where flood plain penetrates 30. New Roundabout connecting the Fitzalan link development site. with A259. 7. Extent of development dictated by level change in 31. New Roundabout connecting Fitzalan link with East this location. Street and Fitzalan Road. 8. ‘Gateway to Littlehampton’ feature buildings. 32. Site of new Littlehampton Academy. 9. Bridge with ‘arches’ over the new railway and 33. Row of houses facing on to new Fitzalan link road. Toddington Lane. 34. New Roundabout serving Academy and 10. Commercial/retail uses under arches. new housing. 11. Youth facility with all weather pitch. 35. New housing served from Fitzalan link and 12. Railway station with car park. Oakcroft Gardens. 13. Existing landscape area with trees retained. 36. New apartments on caravan park site. 14. Sustainable Urban Drainage System. 37. Retained area of open space. 15. Community facility. 38. Retained all weather pitch. 16. Junior School with playing field. 39. Retained school buildings. 17. New allotments. 40. Potential sport facilities. 18. Sports pitches. 41. Retained tennis courts. 19. Pedestrian/cycle paths across railway and A259 42. Potential development site. linking new 43. Potential development on primary school site. neighbourhood with town. 44. Playing fields. 20. Wick F.C ground enhanced. 45. Cornfield School. 21. Allotments reformed around new link road. 46. Pedestrian link between Cornwall Road and 22. New health facility and community hall. Elmgrove Road. 23. Fire Station relocated from town centre. 47 Wick Street environmental improvements. 24. Eden Park development under construction.
N.B. These are initial concepts that may be amended as the design of the development progresses.
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the vision 6 6.4 the wider area
Three dimensional diagrams showing the present situation and the completed proposals with the north- south link road installed creating a new northern gateway to the town. Thus providing a link from the A27 via North Littlehampton to the A259, the Academy and Littlehampton town centre and the sea front.
Toddington Village
Existing
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the vision 6.4 the wider area 6
Toddington Village
Proposed
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the vision 6 6.5 Key movement Principles
The following movement principles will be used to inform the strategy for North Littlehampton:
1. Priority - Movement should be designed to reflect 6. Choice - There should be a well connected network the following hierarchy of priority: of streets and spaces to maximise freedom of • pedestrians movement and access to a choice of means of • cyclists transport • public transport • service vehicles 7. Linkage - Clear and direct pedestrian crossings • other vehicles should be provided across strategic traffic routes linking residential areas with the town centre to 2. Directness - Traffic should use the shortest route encourage walking through the area to minimise pollution. (The shortest route from A to B is a straight line) 8. Adaptability - The urban form should be adaptable to accommodate changing needs throughout the day 3. Hierarchy - The network of streets should have a and over time clear hierarchy 9. sustainability - Movement strategies and related 4. Closeness - Bus stops for town centre services urban form should seek to minimise the use of should reach into the heart of the town centre carbon based products and be flexible - so that the place still works when oil runs out. 5. Car Parking - parking should be designed to cater for different needs (long and short term) and be located 10. Flow - Traffic should be held back at the edge of the appropriately with good pedestrian linkage centre before it is allowed to move at a slow steady rate through the centre thus avoiding fast movement queues
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the vision 6.5 Key movement Principles 6
Key issues raised at Community Planning Weekend Next Steps North to a27 1. Level Crossing on Lyminster Road – Traffic regularly 1. Highway Modelling – A computer model of the local queues back to A259 roundabout, causing significant highway network is to be developed. A number of congestion. (A) meetings have been held with the County Council to agree how this will work. Once an accurate model Lyminster C 2. Local Bus Provision – Local services are poorly has been developed of the existing road layout and connected and it is often necessary to take more traffic models, it will be used to trial road alterations LYMINSTER BYPASS than one bus to complete a journey. Due to the and to examine the effect of development traffic. number of different companies running the services, D ticketing is poorly organised – “Oyster Card” type 2. Mill Lane Link – Two potential junction options will be designed, a roundabout and a change in priorities system suggested. Concerns were also raised B concerning the levels of evening and weekend junction. Both of these will be tested in the above A model. provision. Toddington
3. Rail Services – It was suggested that new rail station 2. Local Facilities Mapping – A map is to be prepared could be opened to serve North Littlehampton (B) showing the locations of the main local facilities, such Wick Parade as shops, doctors, leisure areas, etc. This will allow C 4. Lyminster Bypass and Fitzalan Link – phasing of these us to see where existing and new residents will want FITZALAN LINK two roads was important, especially with the to go. ACADEMY Littlehampton Academy School development (C) Rustington 3. Map of Local Transport Links – a further map is to Centre 5. Mill Lane Link – the idea of a link through from the be prepared showing local bus stops, bus routes and cycle links. This will be overlaid on the local facilities development site to Mill Lane was suggested to act Littlehampton as a temporary bypass (D) map to highlight any gaps in the transport links. Town Centre FITZALAN ROAD 6. Cycle Links – concerns were raised that existing cycle routes in the town are disjointed and do not Sea Front encourage cycling. There is a need for better route planning.
Proposed road arrangement
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the vision 6 6.6 Landscape and ecological Strategy
Landscape and Ecological Strategy • create attractive green links for pedestrians and The development should retain existing mature The Landscape and Ecological Strategy is a fully cyclists to existing public parks in Littlehampton and vegetation, open spaces and the damp meadow habitat integrated part of the development proposals. It aims to the network of public footpaths outside the site; along Black Ditch. Public access should be encouraged create a high quality setting for development, which is • retain all existing natural features as far as possible, to offer opportunities for informal recreation. Existing sympathetic to the site context. It also considers how to e.g. hedgerows, mature trees, ponds and manage mature vegetation within the site, including areas of maximise landscape amenity for future residents of the existing vegetation, removing non-native leylandii mature parkland, should be retained where practicable proposed development, existing residents of conifers and establish native vegetation and Willow/ within the development proposals. This vegetation Littlehampton and encourage increased biodiversity at Poplar shelterbelts to reflect rural areas to the offers amenity benefits and will provide an established the site. It should help to meet wider objectives and: north; landscape element within the landscape setting of the • incorporate sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and development. • help to create an appropriate northern gateway to the biodiversity and amenity benefits that they Littlehampton, reducing the negative landscape provide. The landscape strategy should include structure planting impact of urban fringe uses; to supplement existing vegetation in key areas, for • establish a landscape of relevance to Littlehampton The landscape treatment of the road network should example, to soften views of the site from the north and to reinforce existing “sense of place” and identity; aim to clearly identify its hierarchy. This is to assist with to improve the nature conservation value. However, a • establish a mix of well maintained traditional parks orientating drivers but also to create an attractive balance must be achieved between containing the visual and natural areas, reflecting the type of parks which environment for road users, pedestrians and cyclists. The impact of the proposed development and maximising the are already popular in Littlehampton; road network and associated cycle and pedestrian routes benefit that the fine distant views to the north offer to • include community allotments and orchards; will have a hierarchy of landscape character to provide a the amenity of the site. • preserve the distinctive small scale water meadows “sense of place” and legibility. The non-vehicular along the Black Ditch with the development of a movement framework will be a key feature of the conservation management strategy for the whole proposed development, being fully integrated within the grazing marsh area (across land owners) to ensure a landscape strategy. holistic approach to the management and long term protection of the site; Primary pedestrian and cycle routes should link the • Integrate ecological concepts and principles into the individual parts of the development conveniently, design of the development, including bat roost boxes directly, pleasantly and safely, with the services and in loft spaces, native and locally sourced species amenities available within the development, at Wick and landscaping and habitat creation; the Littlehampton sea front and town centre. Non • design-in “green Corridors” through the site to vehicular routes should generally be associated with the enable wildlife movement and to compliment Public public open space framework where possible, which will Open Spaces; be an interconnected series of green spaces within which • establish a strategic parkway linking the rural area to the development sits. Cycleways and footways should the north of the site to the town centre and the be considered as an integral part of the green space seafront; within the development, considered an amenity in their own right due to their contribution to the active recreation provision.
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the vision 6.6 Landscape and ecological Strategy 6
Existing Proposed
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the vision 6 6.7 Land south of Railway
Wick Street
Fitzalan Link
Academy
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the vision 6.7 Land south of Railway 6
The Greencore site in North Littlehampton is separated The North Littlehampton development, together with from the town by the railway and has poor road the Academy, provides the opportunity to enhance and connections to the town centre. The introduction of a reorganise community facilities across the town as a north south link road with a bridge over the railway whole. This could include the provision of new health together with the implementation of the Fitzalan link and community facilities particularly in the north of the road connecting the A259 south to Fitzalan roundabout town where provision is poor together with the would provide the site with a good connection to the relocation / combination of existing facilities around the town centre and could provide the town with an town. Once the Fitzalan link road is installed, Wick improved link north to the A27 trunk road and beyond. Street could be traffic calmed and the shopping parade This road was considered many years ago and the route, could be environmntally enhanced. mainly publicly owned, remains safeguarded. Relocation of the civic amenity tip, the fire station and West Sussex County Council (WSCC) are already the relocation of allotments could all be considered. progressing proposals to convert the existing secondary Land swaps between the three local authorities may school into a privately funded ‘Academy’ and the assist in achieving the overall requirements. inclusion of the Fitzalan Link road would greatly improve their access proposals. The consensus from the The introduction of a new rail halt on the Southampton community planning process was that the link road to Brighton line together with a new circular bus Wick St shopping parade should be a boulevard style road set in parkland with service around the town and which link the railway separate footpaths and cycle paths overlooked by stations were also considered desirable as were housing. Residential development on part of WSCC improvements to cycle and pedestrian route connections owned land could help fund the link road. to the wider area.
Link road within parkway
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the vision 6 6.8 character areas
1. Commercial/Mixed use Hub
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the vision 6.8 character areas 6
1. Commercial/Mixed use Hub
4 Focused around the new bridge over the railway is the mixed use hub. 2 This would be the commercial heart of the development 1 3 3 and will provide services for the wider area of Littlehampton. The bridge could be built on columns rather than an embankment allowing use to be made of the area under the bridge.
Gateway to Littlehampton Key North of the railway a commercial area incorporating an enterprise zone would overlook the highway. Shops could be located in strategic positions on corners and market stalls could utilize the space under the bridge.
A new railway halt could be located where the bridge Commercial Centre passes over the railway with the station under the bridge, giving easy rail access west to Portsmouth and Chichester and east to the coastal towns to Brighton. A youth facility could also be located under the bridge with an all weather sports pitch adjacent to the railway.
Under the bridge south of the railway, facilities for the Wick Football Club could be located as well as facilities for the allotments which could be on both sides of the road. Health facilities are located at the junction where the link road meets the A259.
Youth Facility under road bridge over railway
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the vision 6 6.7 character areas
2. Residential/Communal Hub
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the vision 6.7 character areas 6
2. Residential/Communal Hub
Seperate from the commercial hub at the centre of the development lies the communal hub. The existing route of Toddington Lane winds its way into the centre of the site through parkland to a lagoon located on an inlet of the flood plain. The existing attractive vegetation is this area is to be retained.
Communal facilities serving the new neighbourhood would be located in this area, such as a primary school and a community centre.
Residential development will overlook the existing green hub, larger houses will overlook the lagoon and a hotel may be located in a key position giving views to the north across the coutryside to Arundel Castle and beyond.
An ecology visitor centre could be located where the lagoon meets the flood plain area.
Houses overlooking Lagoon
4
2 1 3 3
Key
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the vision 6 6.7 character areas
3. Residential areas incorporating high quality landscaping
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the vision 6.7 character areas 6
3. Residential areas incorporating high quality landscaping
Running through the residential development high quality landscaped areas overlooked on both sides by housing are strategically located.
The landscaped areas include water courses which act as part of a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) for the site.
In addition, the spaces provide large amenity areas for use by residents and visitors to the development.
Homes overlooking linear landscaped area
4
2 1 3 3
Key
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the vision 6 6.7 character areas
4. Rural Edge
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the vision 6.7 character areas 6
4. Rural Edge
The area between the Black Ditch and the development is low lying and forms a wildlife/ecological edge to the development. The built edge faces north on to the open countryside and provides views to Arundel and beyond.
The Lyminster bypass will become the main access road into Littlehampton and the buildings either side will form a gateway into Littlehampton.
The road could be raised above the level of the Black Ditch flood plain as a causeway allowing water to pass underneath.
Walkways and cycle ways along the Black Ditch will provide links to the wider area.
View of new development from north areas open countryside
4
2 1 3 3
Key
Walkways / cycleways along Black Ditch
61 POST ITS FROM WORKSHOP NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
the way forward THE CONTINUATION OF THE PROCESS 7
The Way Forward THE WAY FORWARD The following points were agreed to be adopted to August- • Proposals developed ensure that the development progresses satisfactorily. December 2008 “The new Academy should link up with 17 September 2008 • First meeting of North Littlehampton • Develop and promote high skilled employment Community Forum (NLCF) local businesses so that children can know opportunities for the people of Littlehampton. • NLCF held third Wednesday of • Create multi-purpose green spaces which are easily month thereafter there’s the right training and a real job for accessible to local residents. Early 2009 • Plans formalised for Greencore land them when they leave.” • Develop affordable housing which is integrated in to September 2009 • Littlehampton Community School the existing town. reopens as Academy • Provide quality educational facilities for the residents 2011 • New Academy opens of North Littlehampton which is linked to the rest of • First homes occupied on Greencore land the town. • Local authorities, schools, health, businesses and the local community need to be involved in developing Timeline – Littlehampton ACADEMY the vision. • Maintain clear lines of communication with the local August to • Design Competition community and stakeholders through meetings, December 2008 newsletters, local council, newspaper and a website Early 2009 • Planning Consultation to ensure residents feel involved in the project. Late Spring 2009 • Application incl enabling land • Develop intergenerational community facilities which September 2009 • Academy Status are accessible via footpath, cycle routes and roads. • Develop a relationship with the bus and rail 2009/2010 • Procurement Process providers to ensure an integrated, accessible 2010/2011 • Build transport plan for Littlehampton. September 2011 • Academy Opens
N.B. Indicative programme is based on current informa- tion and may be subject to change
63 NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report History - Early map of area
Arundel Castle 1644
64 Land ownership & administration Pre Norman Conquest: owned by Countess Goda, sister of King Edward the Confessor Acquired by Lord Roger de Montgomery (Arundel Castle) 1090 given to Abbey of St Martin de Seez in Normandy who owned village until 1400s; Abbey lands managed by Bailiff – lived Bailiff’s Court, Climping 1610 Manor given to Syon Abbey, Middlesex until 1530 Littlehampton - called Hampton in 1610 – back to Arundel Castle estate Domesday Book - until 1400s; Owned by Duke of Norfolk – until 1930s Toddington - called Totintone Wick & Toddington part of Lyminster Parish Wick (also Weeke, Wyck) not 1881: Wick own parish; both villages incorporated into mentioned - part of Lyminster Manor LH Council 1901
History NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
Appendix A HISTORY A
The railway The railway London to Brighton line opened Sept 1841. The railway London to Brighton line opened Sept 1841. The railway line (Worthing to line (Worthing to Chichester) came through Wick in Chichester) came through Wick in 1846. Locomotive Inn (the ‘Loky’) got a licence. Station 1846. Locomotive Inn (the ‘Loky’) got opened in March. Called ‘Littlehampton & Arundel’; a licence. Station opened in March. three months later ‘Littlehampton’; 1850 renamed Called ‘Littlehampton & Arundel’; 3 ‘Arundel & Littlehampton’. Closed 1863. months later ‘Littlehampton’; 1850 Proposed rail1907 and - plans road afoot to rebuild old station - petition by renamed ‘Arundel & Littlehampton’. Albert Linfield. 1912 used as a ‘halt’ Route suggested for a station in 1865? 1896 map showing location ofroutes original station The railway Closed 1863. 1907 - plans afoot to rebuild old London to Brighton line opened Sept station - petition by Albert Linfield. A 1843 map shows a 1841. The railway line (Worthing to 1912 used as aProposed ‘halt’ rail and road 1896 map showing locationproposed of original station alternative Chichester) came through Wick in 1846. Locomotive Inn (the ‘Loky’) got History routes route for the Working- Proposed rail and road routes Lyminster Bypass a licence. Station opened in March. Chichester railway. A Called1843 map ‘Littlehampton shows a proposed & Arundel’; alternative 3 route for the A 1843 map shows a Proposed railFollowing and construction road of large areas of green houses on Worthing-Chichestermonths later ‘Littlehampton’; railway. 1850 what is now the Greencore site in the 1970s, proposals renamed ‘Arundel & Littlehampton’. proposed alternative Thereroutes was alsofor a the plan Lyminster in Bypass were first suggested. Land set Closed 1863. route for the Working- aside for the road remains available to this day. 1907 - plans afoot to rebuild old 1845A 1843 to put map the branchshows a station - petition by Albert Linfield. 1843Chichester plan showing railway. alternative route line from Lyminster 1912 used as a ‘halt’ 1896 map showing location of original station proposed alternative parallel to the Black Ditch Crossing, parallel to Wick History route for the Working- There was also a plan in Street. 1845 to put the branch Chichester railway. 1843 plan showing alternative route line from Lyminster A 1865 plan apparently parallel to the Black Ditch 1843 plan showing alternative route parallel to the Black Ditch There was also a plan in Crossing, parallel to Wick showed a new road from A 1865 plan apparently showed a new road from the Street. the1845 bend to in put Lyminster the branch bend in Lyminster Road near Mill Lane going westwards 1843 plan showing alternative route line from Lyminster to about where Brook Farm is with a caption ‘central line parallel to the Black Ditch Road near Mill Lane of road to station!’ A 1865 plan apparently goingCrossing, westwards parallel to about to Wick showed a new road from whereStreet. Brook Farm is with Plan of Lyminster byass the bend in Lyminster a caption ‘central line of Road near Mill Lane A 1865 plan apparently Route suggested for a station in 1865? Plan of bypassroad to station!’ going westwards to about showed a new road from 65 Routewhere suggested Brook Farm for a stationis with in 1865?Plan of Lyminsterthe byassbend in Lyminster a caption ‘central line of Road near Mill Lane road to station!’ going westwards to about History where Brook Farm is with Plan of Lyminster byass Route suggested for a station in 1865? a caption ‘central line of road to station!’ History Route suggested for a station in 1865?
History NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
Wick Wick Appendix A 1845 - school for 49 HISTORY 1845 - school for 49 A children children Wick Hall Wicknow on Hall now on Wick Wick Wick this site, builtthis 1900site,1845 - school built for 49 1900 Local economy: agriculture & horticulture; also brick children Wick Hall now on this making (4 main brickfields) - one man & a boy could 1845 - schoolsite, built1845 1900 for -49 school for 49 make 2500 bricks in a day in 1920s! children children Wick Hall nowWick on Hall now on this site, builtthis 1900 site, built 1900
Lyminster Lyminster School openedSchool opened 1878 1878 LyminsterLyminster Lyminster School opened School opened1878 School opened 1878 1878 1896 1896 1932 1932 date 1932 1896 1932 1932 Local economy:Local economy: 1896 agricultureagriculture & & Local economy: horticulture; Localalso economy:brick horticulture; alsoagriculture brick & agriculture & making (4making main (4 mainhorticulture; also brick horticulture; also brick brickfields)brickfields) - one man - onemaking man (4 main making (4 main Building Building & a boy could& a boy make could brickfields) make - one man Worthing Building brickfields) - one man Building Worthing 2500 bricks2500 in abricks day in in & a a dayboy couldin make Worthing & a boy could make WorthingRoad 1928 Road 1928 1920s! 2500 bricks in a day in Road 1928 1920s!2500 bricks in1920s!Brick a makingday in Building Worthing Road 1928 Road 1928 66 1920s! History History History History NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
Appendix A HISTORY A Walking routes
local Walking Routes Path to Poling, diverted when glasshouses built (Public Inquiry 1971) Path to Poling, diverted when glasshouses built (Public Inquiry 1971)
Station PathStation Path
‘Green Lady’ path to Littlehampton town centre (East Street) past Cornfield‘Green Cottages (builtLady’ 1890, demolished path 1960to Littlehamptonwhen school expanded)town centre (East Street) past Cornfield Cottages (built 1890, demolished 1960 when school date expanded)
1879 map
67
History NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
Appendix A A HISTORY
Toddington Area next to BlackArea Ditch nextknown to as Black The Brooks Ditch known as The Brooks Area next to Black Ditch known as The Brooks AreaMill next House to Black converted DitchMill known toHouse Isolation as The converted Hospital Brooks in 1907to Isolation Hospital in 1907
Mill House converted to Isolation Hospital in 1907 Mill HouseCrabtreeArea next converted to Black Field Ditch known be to cameas Is Theolation Brooks White Hospital Rose in 1907 Area next to Black Ditch known as The BrooksCrabtree Field became White Rose CaravanMill House converted Park to Is olationin 1984 Hospital in 1907 CrabtreeCrabtree Field Field be becamecame White White Rose Caravan Rose Park in 1984 Mill House convertedCrabtree to Is Fieldolation became Hospital White Rose Caravanin 1907 Park in 1984 CaravanCaravan Park Park in in 1984 1984 Crabtree Field became White Rose Caravan Park in 1984
Toddington Farm Farm early early 1900s 1900s (built (built c 1570, c 1570, dovecote 1699) dovecote 1699)
Corney’s Tea Rooms for Sunday stroll or Sunday School outtings
Hollyacre Toddington Farm earlyFarmhouse 1900s (built c 1570, Hollyacre Farmhouse dovecote 1699) Toddington FarmToddington early 1900s (built c 1570, Corney’s Tea Rooms for Sunday stroll or Sunday School outtings Toddington Farm early 1900s (built c 1570, History dovecote 1699) dovecote 1699) Corney’s Tea Rooms for Sunday stroll or Sunday School Hollyacreouttings Corney’s Tea Rooms for Sunday stroll or Sunday School outtingsFarmhouse Toddington Farm early 1900s (built c 1570, date dovecote 1699) Toddington HollyacreHollyacre Corney’sHistory Tea Rooms for Sunday stroll or SundayFarmhouse SchoolFarmhouse outtings
ToddingtonToddington Corney’s Tea Rooms for Sunday stroll or SundayHollyacre School outtings
68 History Farmhouse History
Toddington
History Change Wick and Toddington were separate communities (physically - linked socially) until 1901 - ‘street’ settlements until 20th century. NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report 1950s: Wickbourne & Beaumont estates built 1968: Report by Ministry of Food & Fisheries recommending glasshouse crops on coastal plain 1810 Fyffes (20 acres) & Van Heyningens (11 acres 1970 + Appendix A more) VH sold to Hazelwood Foods in 1986 HISTORY A Glasshouses area of 130 acres largest of its kind in Western Europe (as in 1993) Change Change Change 2008 Wick and Toddington were separate communities Wick and Toddington were separate communities (physicallyWick and Toddington - linked socially) were separateuntil 1901 communities - ‘street’ (physically - linked socially) until 1901 - ‘street’ (physically - linked socially) until 1901 - ‘street’ settlements until 20th century. settlements(physically - untillinked 20th socially) century. until 1901 - ‘street’ settlements until 20th century. 1950s: Wickbourne & Beaumont estates built 1912 1950s: Wickbourne & Beaumont estates built 1968:1950s: Report Wickbourne by Ministry & Beaumont of Food estates& Fisheries built 1968: Report by Ministry of Food & Fisheries recommending1968: Report by glasshouse Ministry of cropsFood &on Fisheries coastal plain recommending glasshouse crops on coastal plain 1810 recommending glasshouse crops on coastal plain Fyffes (20 acres) & Van Heyningens (11 acres 1970 + 1810 Fyffes (20 acres) & Van Heyningens (11 acres 1970more) + VH sold to Hazelwood Foods in 1986 1810 Fyffes (20 acres) & Van Heyningens (11 acres 1970 + more) VH sold to Hazelwood Foods in 1986 Glasshouses area of 130 acres largest of its kind in Glasshousesmore) VH sold area to Hazelwood of 130 acres Foods largest in 1986 of its kind inWestern Europe (as in 1993). WesternGlasshouses Europe area (as of in 130 1993) acres largest of its kind in Western Europe (as in 1993) 2008 2008 1950s 2008
History 1912 19121912
1950s 1950’s1950s
History 69 History Hands on planning NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON - community planning weekend report
Appendix B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND B
At the Community Planning Weekend a series of ‘Hands on Planning’ diagrams were produced by groups containing local people, and facilitated by John Thompson & Partners and the Greencore team. 2 1
5
7 HOP 1 - CONSTRAINTS
6 1. Black Ditch 4 2. Flood plain 3. Proposed Fitzalan link 3 4. Allotments 5. Nurseries 6. Body Shop factory 7. Railway line
This group looked at existing features within the area that may influence the design of the development.
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Appendix B B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND
HOP 2 - HEART TRANSPLANT
1. Proposed bus route 2. Bridge over train line 3. Proposed sports facilities 4 4. Nurseries 5. Fitzalan link 2 6. Wick Hall 3 7. Aron Community Centre
This group investigated how new development might 1 affect the location of the ‘heart’ of North Littlehampton. 6
7
5
We need to help link the town up – something to draw people from one end of Littlehampton to the other.
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Appendix B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND B
1 9 HOP 3 - LANDSCAPE This group walked the bridleway between Lyminster and Poling. They looked at the views towards the site to see 1. Lyminster Bypass crossing point with the bridleway how it appeared from the north. Local residents in the should maintain the uninterrupted route between group were familiar with the area, regularly using the 2 3 Lyminster and Poling. public footpaths and the bridleway to the north of Black 2. High quality edge to the development is required to Ditch. The group noted the importance of the low lying 4 form the new entrance to Littlehampton. land along the Black Ditch and its contrast to the 5 3. Natural land in the northern part of the site should intensively farmed land along the Bridleway. Hedgerows not be developed. The hedgerows should be and linear bands of Poplar trees are distinctive features. retained as a buffer zone to the countryside. At the point where the proposed route of the Lyminster 4. Network of well connected open spaces and Bypass crosses the Bridleway, the group stopped to look 10 affordable housing to be distributed through the at features along the line of the road. The group noted development. that the loss of mature Poplar trees where the bypass 6 5. Green link into Littlehampton. links into Lyminster Road would change the well 6. Four main access points into the open space are all vegetated feel of Lyminster. 7 well used. 7. Route of footpath within the park has changed to They also visited the green space between the site for 9 reflect the location of the pedestrian gate at the the proposed Academy and the A259. It is a relatively school. There is a public right of way following the large space with long grass and no obvious signs of west side of the mature trees. maintenance, and it is frequently used for walking dogs 8. The new road should not sever east from west and and there is a line of mature Poplar trees extending discourage the green space from being used by through the site in a southerly direction. They noted resident of Wick. how important it is to have ‘natural’ green spaces, which 9. Ongoing designation of the South Downs as a they prefer to formally maintained parks. National Park. 10. Allotment land lost under the bypass should be provided elsewhere.
Make a lake - encourage wild fowl along the Black Ditch.
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Appendix B B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND
HOP 4 - TRANSPORT
1. Fitzalan Link 2. Nurseries 3. Existing school 6 4. Allotments 8 5 5. Flood plain 6. Black Ditch 7. Rail line 2 8. Lyminster Bypass 7
This group looked at how the new development might 4 affect the transport connections in the area.
1
3
The railway line severs the north of the town – we must have integration with the centre.
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Appendix B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND B
17 HOP 5 – THE BIGGER PICTURE 1. Southern Rail – Contributions to crossing 2. Cycle Routes across Railway 3. Cycle link to Tesco 5 8 9 4. Links across A259 12 5. Fitzalan Link 16 11 20 7 6. Improved links to Wick and shopping areas 1 2 13 24 1 7. Improved bus links from new development 8. Need for allotments on site 4 9. Make use of floodplain 14 10. Green Avenue 3 6 5 11. Retain green area within site 23 21 12. Reinstate rail link, Brighton - Arundel 13. New train halt 10 22 14. New Ambulance and Fire Station 15. Speed limit - cycle safety in town centre 16. Park n Ride 14 17. Tourism - accessibility to National Park 15 18. Cycle route across Arun to Worthing 14 19. Band Stand at the southern end of the Fitzalan Link Road 20. Proper drainage on site 21. School access from new road 19 18 22. Distribution of community facilities in Littlehampton 23. Improve facilities - Wick Street 24. Improve facilities Wick Football Club
This group looked at the ‘bigger picture’ of Littlehampton and assessed what beinefits the “The south east coast is development might create for the town as a whole. perceived as being quite a wealthy area until you come down here and realise there are pockets of deprivation.”
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Appendix B B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND
HOP 6 – LANDSCAPE & ENVIRONMENT Summary of Key Features
1. Low lying land within the floodplain along Black Ecology 6 Ditch. • Wetland habitat creation. 2. Mature trees create a parkland area. • Ditches to be retained and extended into the 1 3 3. Area of importance to biodiversity and ecology. development. 5 4. Water storage lagoons. • Hedgerows to be retained. 5. Mature Poplar and willow trees along Black Ditch. • Existing ponds could be retained. 6. Public footpath to Poling. • Wildlife trust could potential manage Black Ditch 2 4 7. Well used green space north of the Academy. habitats. 8. Green area to follow the route of the Lyminster Bypass. Sustainability 8 9. Maintain at least the same area of allotments. • Renewable energy. • Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). This group considered issues relating to ecology, • The use of green roofs or living walls on key landscape, drainage and sustainability. They went to the buildings. 7 site to look at the Black Ditch land and the lagoons at the • Water reuse and/or harvesting. eastern edge of the site. and were surprised how • Encourage waste recycling and composting. ‘natural’ the Black Ditch land was. The group • Climate change adaptation. commented that this area would be well used by residents if it was more accessible from Littlehampton. Landscape • Green routes. They visited the eastern end of the site to look at the • Mewsbrook Park is a good example of a public park storage lagoons. The smaller of the two lagoons is a in Littlehampton. plastic membrane lined storage tank, whilst the large • Sports pitches. lagoon has a more attractive form with planted edges, • Play provision. giving it a more ‘natural’ appearance. Attractive views • Homezones could be incorporated. are available from this part of the site towards Poling and • Orchards and allotments within development. the South Downs beyond. • Retention of existing mature trees.
The landscape must look natural and blend in.
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Appendix B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND B
HOP 7 – NORTH LITTLEHAMPTON VILLAGE 15 1. New Fitzalan link 2. Connection to A27 2 3. Possible Connection to Lyminster Road 4. Possible health facility 9 18 5. Possible Fire station location 18 6. New railway halt 7. Connection to the south 3 20 10 11 8. Retain green centre with balancing pond 13 13 9. Extent of flood plain 10. Reuse water as feature for development 8 11. Car free green frontage 12 12 14 12. Relocated development 13. Commercial use 19 6 14. Heart of Village 1 15. Park and Ride at crossroads to serve Arundel and 16 Littlehampton 7 4 16. Pedestrian cycle links to rest of town 17. Possible bus route 5 18. New gateway to Littlehampton 19. Enhanced Wick FC football ground 20. Overlooked spaces within the development 17 This group looked in detail at the Greencore site and what uses might be included on the site and surroundings
Vernacular elements should reflect the character of the surrounding area.
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Appendix B B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND
HOP 8 – Movement
1. Train station 2. Cycle links 4 3. New Fitzlan link 5 4. Black Ditch 5. Flood plain 7 6. Allotments
This group looked at various forms of movement around 6 the town in relation to the new development
10 3
Whatever happens here 2 must be linked to the centre – it must be an extension to 1 Littlehampton, not a satellite site where people don’t ever come in to the town.
We’d like to have a nice bridge over the railway – that would stop all the traffic jams!
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Appendix B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND B
HOP 9 - FACILITIES
1. Proposed Fitzalan link 2. Black Ditch 3. Flood Plain
This group investigated amenities in North Littlehampton and how they will link to the new 1 3 development
2
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Appendix B B communITY PLANNING WEEKEND
HOP 10 – HEALTH CENTRE 2 5 1. New multi service health centre 2. Gateway to Littlehampton 3. New station with station forecourt 6 4. Good connections to existing footpaths 4 5. Important views to the new development 6. New informal park 3 7 7. Area for development 8. New Fitzalan link 1 This group comprising members of the Arun Medical Group looked, in particular, at the creation of a new multi service health centre located close to the A259 8 which could serve existing residents of Littlehampton as well as the new residents of the new development.
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