Poole Local Plan Review

Draft Green Belt Review

Issues & Options June 2016 Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 1 Contents 1. Introduction ...... 3 2. Past Designation and Review of the South East Dorset Green Belt ...... 5 South East Dorset Structure Plan (1980) ...... 5 Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Plan (2001) ...... 5 Regional Planning Guidance 10 (2001) ...... 6 Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West (RSS) ...... 7 Summary ...... 9 3. Context for Green Belt Review ...... 10 National Planning Policy on Green Belt ...... 10 4. A Review of Poole’s Green Belt ...... 12 Site Assessment Methodology ...... 12 Assessing Characteristics ...... 12 Assessing against the Purposes ...... 13 Settlement Type Definitions ...... 16 Identifying Areas for Assessment ...... 17 5. Site Assessments ...... 21 Parcel 1 Public Open Space at Turlin Moor...... 21 Parcel 2 - Upton Country Park and Farm – South of A35 ...... 23 Parcel 3 - Land south of Creekmoor (north of A35 and Upton Road) ...... 25 Parcel 4 - Land west of Creekmoor (south and north of former railway line)...... 28 Parcel 5 - Corfe Hills School and Broadstone Gold Club...... 30 Parcel 6 - Farmland to east of Higher Blandford Road Corfe Mullen ...... 32 Parcel 7 Farmland extending across from Corfe Mullen / Ashington to Merley Court Caravan Park...... 34 Parcel 8 Western edge of Merley to both north and south of Merley Park Road ...... 36 Parcel 9 Farm Land north of Oakley Lane and south of A31 / River Stour (north of Merley)...... 38 Parcel 10 - Tract of land north of A341 Magna Road on eastern edge of Merley...... 40 Parcel 11 - Tract of land north of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, south of River Stour floodplain...... 42 Parcel 12 - Tract of land north of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood ...... 44 Parcel 13 Knighton Heath Golf Course, Bearwood...... 47 Parcel 14 - Tract of land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, east of Canford Arena ...... 49 Parcel 15 Tract of land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, east of Arrowsmith Road ...... 51 Parcel 16 - Tract of land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood ...... 53 Parcel 17 - Low density residential area to south and east of A341 Queen Anne Drive, East of A349 and West of Arrowsmith Road...... 55 Parcel 18 - Gravel Hill, Dunyeats, Arrowsmith Copse ...... 57 6. Conclusion and Next Steps ...... 59

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 2 1. Introduction 1. The general extent of the South East Dorset Green Belt was first designated in 1980, as part of the adoption of the South East Dorset Structure Plan (1980). 2. The designation was primarily seen as a means of restricting the outward growth of the conurbation of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch; and protecting the separate identity of towns such as Wimborne, Wareham and Ringwood. An attitude of control and containment was the main premise of strategic planning policy at that time and the long-term growth needs of the sub-region were assessed periodically through structure and regional planning. 3. The South East Dorset Green Belt was last subject to strategic review in the work that was undertaken for the draft South West Regional Spatial Strategy in the mid-2000s. This work recommended some land to be released from the South East Dorset Green Belt to meet strategic development needs although did not include any from Poole 4. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out a presumption in favour of sustainable development1 and requires local planning authorities to plan positively for the current and future needs of their population. In this context, the Borough of Poole is undertaking a review of the Poole Local Plan to consider the latest evidence on development needs within and beyond the Borough boundary. Of particular relevance is the Eastern Dorset Strategic Housing Market Assessment (December 2015) that identifies that Poole’s housing needs are 710 homes per annum in the period 2013 to 2033. By contrast the current housing requirement for Poole is to provide 500 homes per annum between 2006 and 2026. 5. In accordance with the NPPF the Local Plan Review will be considering all available evidence to establish an updated spatial strategy aimed at meeting objectively assessed needs where possible. Poole is subject to considerable environmental and physical constraints with the sea to the south, Green Belt to the north and a range of internationally protected sites. These constraints mean that we have to plan carefully to meet Poole’s development needs in a sustainable and realistic manner. 6. However, notwithstanding the constraints to development, there is a need to look at all options for meeting Poole’s development needs. The increase in housing needs, in particular, represents a significant challenge for the borough and as a result may require the consideration of outward expansion to meet some of the development needs. The council must assess the potential for outward expansion if it is found that Poole’s development needs cannot be met within the urban area. For Poole, this inevitably involves considering land that falls within the South East Dorset Green Belt. As part of this consideration, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the Green Belt within the Borough. 7. This process relies significantly upon a Green Belt Assessment, which is an evidence-based study of the extent to which different parts of the South East Dorset Green Belt within the Borough display the essential characteristics of openness and permanence; and meet the purposes of Green Belt as originally set out in the South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 and those in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). 8. While the Green Belt review will assist in the decision making process with regard to identifying the best location or locations for housing development sites and where it might be appropriate to alter the

1 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Department for Communities and Local Government March 2012 Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 3 Green Belt boundary, this report is only concerned with the objective site assessment stage of the review. No consideration has been given to the suitability of the assessed parcels for development – only how development would impact upon the contribution that the particular parcel makes to the purposes of Green Belt. 9. The assessment has been carried out in a rigorous and consistent manner, using a robust methodology. As outlined above, no consideration of development potential was made to ensure that the judgements reached were as objective and evidential as possible and focused on the function of the Green Belt within Poole’s boundaries. 10. This paper does not have any policy weight, but forms part of the evidence base for the Local Plan Review. Any decisions to review the Green Belt boundary will be made through the Local Plan Review process. This report is published alongside a further Issues and Options consultation that consider possible growth options and sites that could be taken forward to meet Poole’s development needs. The Issues and Options consultation document includes potential sites that would need to be released from the Green Belt as part of the Local Plan review. This report therefore will assist the principle of releasing land from the Green Belt through the Local Plan process by assessing the contribution of sites / areas of land towards the purpose of Green Belt. Further work will need to be done as a second stage of assessment to consider the relative merits of potential sites in the Green Belt for the ability to deliver sustainable development to help meet Poole’s development needs.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 4 2. Past Designation and Review of the South East Dorset Green Belt

South East Dorset Structure Plan (1980) 11. The creation of a Green Belt around the Poole-Bournemouth conurbation was first proposed in the South East Dorset Structure Plan Submission Draft 1978. Following the inquiry, the Secretary of State inserted a policy which set out the purposes of the Green Belt which were incorporated into the adopted Structure Plan 1980. These purposes were:  To protect the separate physical identity of individual settlements in the area by maintaining wedges and corridors of open land between them; and  To maintain an area of open land around the conurbation. 12. The supporting text in the adopted Structure Plan 1980 suggested that in addition to these two principle aims, the Green Belt would also provide for the development of suitable forms of countryside recreation easily accessible to a large number of people. 13. The detailed boundary of the Green Belt was defined in subsequent local plans for the relevant local authorities, namely Purbeck District Council, East Dorset District Council, New Forest District Council; and the boroughs of Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole. Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Plan (2001) 14. The Structure Plan was not adopted until February 2001, despite the Examination in Public taking place in late 1996. Settlement Policy E of the Structure Plan stated “…The purpose of the Green Belt is to protect the separate physical identity of individual settlements in the area by maintaining wedges and corridors of open land between them and to maintain an area of open land around the conurbation…” 15. The 2001 Structure Plan identified the Green Belt as a means of restricting the outward growth of the conurbation. At the time there were a number of long-standing strategic greenfield allocations throughout South East Dorset and therefore the plan did not envisage any further release from the Green Belt as necessary. 16. Supporting para 3.18 of the 2001 Structure Plan stated “When originally defined, the boundaries of the South East Dorset Green Belt allowed for a considerable amount of green field development…As time goes on the effect of the Green Belt will be to concentrate development within existing built up areas, again helping to reinforce a more sustainable pattern of development. Not only will less greenfield land be used, but there will be a consequent reduction in housebuilding rates. The latter has been accepted and intended in South East Dorset since the preparation of the original South East Dorset Structure Plan. The retention of the present boundaries means that this reduction will come into effect during the period of the plan” 17. This approach of setting a housebuilding target “so markedly below the likely levels of need and demand” was put forward as a way of restricting in-migration. The Panel that oversaw the examination felt that this was a “high risk strategy, and one which, in the absence of specific machinery for excluding in-migration could well result in the even wider spread of hardship which the panel fear”. The panel allowed the plan to go forward provided that if the control of in-migration was not succeeding, then the County Council could take “corrective action…in time to avoid the undesirable social consequences which they fear”. The Panel Report recommended: “that the County Council…should

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 5 take speedy action to draw up an alteration to the plan should there appear to be a risk that pressures on the housing market will lead to an unacceptable increase in social problems”. 18. Notwithstanding the Panel’s comments on the impact of continuing with Green Belt policy, the structure plan was adopted in 2001 with the South East Dorset Green Belt extent carried forward from previous plans. Regional Planning Guidance 10 (2001) 19. Regional Planning Guidance for the South West region (RPG 10) was published in 2001. This document superseded the Regional Planning Guidance for the South West issued in 1994, which covered the period to 2011. The RPG set out a broad development strategy and spatial framework for the period to 2016 and beyond. The South West region comprises of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, the former Avon area (Avon hereafter) and the Isles of Scilly. It is relevant that the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation is the second largest urban area in the region after Bristol. 20. RPG Policy SS 1: Regional Spatial Strategy stated that “In the South East sub-region, it is important to sustain economic growth, while recognising that the level of protection afforded to environmental assets at international level means that physical development will be constrained. Policies should recognise this area’s important contribution to the SW region, as well as its links with the adjoining Hampshire part of the South East region;”. It is therefore apparent that the existing Green Belt was not highlighted as a constraint on development in the same way that Poole Harbour and the Heathlands were. 21. Policy SS 2: Regional Development Strategy provided strategic guidance for Local Planning Authorities in the preparation of development plans. The aim was to focus growth and development around the Primary Urban Areas (PUAs) such as the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation. The PUAs were seen as offering the best opportunity for accommodating the majority of development in the most sustainable way. The aim was to concentrate most development within the PUA but where this was not possible, development should be in the form of planned urban extensions in sustainable locations. Such urban extensions were expected to have good access to the urban area by public transport, cycle and foot. 22. Given the previously identified need to protect Poole Harbour and the Heathlands, it is apparent that any urban extension to the Bournemouth / Poole Conurbation would have to be accommodated within the South East Dorset Green Belt. This is acknowledged in the section on Principal Urban Areas at paragraph 3.11 where the RPG states: “Bristol, Bath, Bournemouth and Poole, Gloucester and Cheltenham are partly or wholly surrounded by Green Belt. Some growth relating to these PUAs appears to have been leaping the Green Belt to nearby commuter towns, leading to less sustainable patterns of development and travel. The purposes of Green Belt policy (as set out in PPG2) remain an essential part of RPG for the South West. However, the need to ensure that future patterns of development are more sustainable means that the boundaries of these Green Belts should be reviewed in the next round of structure plans.” 23. The need to carry out a review of the Green Belt was formalised in RPG Policy SS 4: Green Belt: “Green Belts in the region should continue to fulfil the purposes set out in PPG2. As a key element of the future planning of the region, local authorities when preparing their development plans should: • critically review the Green Belt to examine whether boundary alterations are needed to allow for long term sustainable development needs;

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 6 • remove land from the Green Belt for development if, on balance, this would provide the most sustainable solution for accommodating future development requirements; • include additional land within the Green Belt where clearly necessary for the purposes set out in PPG2.” 24. The sustainable growth ethos of the RPG and the requirements of Policy SS4 were not reflected in the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Plan that was published earlier in the same year. So, despite the clear requirement in the RPG to carry out a review of the Green Belt, it was not until the preparation of the regional Spatial Strategy in 2005/2006 (see the section below) that any attempt was made to do this. Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West (RSS) 25. The 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act replaced Regional Planning Guidance with Regional Spatial Strategies. Evidence gathering for RSS involved joint working at a strategic level between Dorset County Council, Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole. As part of this joint work on the Regional Spatial Strategy and as advised in RPG10a Green Belt review was undertaken. This identified the effectiveness of the South East Dorset Green Belt and which areas were most sensitive to change. The joint work culminated in the preparation of South East Dorset Joint Study Area Reports (2005)2. Of these reports SED04 identifies potential releases from the South East Dorset Green Belt. No releases were identified in Poole. 26. The 2005 Green Belt Review looked at the function of the Green Belt and considered its continued effectiveness against both national policy but also the specific reasons why it was first designated across South East Dorset. The key conclusions from this work as discussed as follows:  Maintaining open corridors and wedges - The 2005 work identified that, related to Poole, Wimborne Minster and Merley were in particular individual settlements with a separate physical identity that are protected by the Green Belt.  Key Gaps – Related to Poole, key gaps were identified as being to the south and north of Merley as well as running broadly along the River Stour west-east to maintain a strategic gap between the main urban areas of Poole and Bournemouth to the south and the individual settlements to the north. SED04 notes at paragraph 4.12 that “in many places the gaps are narrow and their ability to perform their function is potentially vulnerable to even minor development”.  Key Urban Edges – Key edges were identified to the south and north of Merley and northern tip of Broadstone where the width of the key gaps separating settlement areas is 1km or less.  Safeguarding the countryside from encroachment – The most sensitive areas were identified beyond Poole’s boundaries.  Light Pollution – SED04 identified that Poole’s Green Belt was largely still affected by a degree of light pollution. Again, the areas with least light pollution were far beyond Poole’s boundaries.  The Green Belt to the north of the Poole built up area (BUA) was identified as a “Strategic Countryside Recreation Zone.” Part of this area was also identified as a Heathland Support Zone  Preserving the setting of historic towns – Wimborne Minster is the nearest town with a historic setting to Poole. The most sensitive part of Wimborne’s setting was identified to the west and south west of its main urban area. For Poole, this covered some of the open Green Belt to the west of Merley.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 7

27. The 2005 work ultimately identified areas outside of Poole’s boundaries as suitable to accommodate regional growth, these are shown on Figure 1. This accorded with the regional strategy at the time to focus Poole’s growth to the town centre as part of regeneration plans that remain in place today. Figure 1: Potential Green Belt Releases identified in SED04

28. The work did, however, identify there was potential to create a large area of strategic countryside running through the north of the borough to provide a distinct separation between the main urban area of Poole and Bournemouth and the more rural settlements to the north (Figure 2). Figure 2 Inset of the area north of Poole

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 8 29. As the RSS work progressed, Colin Buchanan and Partners prepared an independent review of the local authority technical work on Green Belt review (entitled Strategic Green Belt Review, February 2006)3. The work was carried out on behalf of the South West Regional Authority. The report concluded that the Green Belt Reviews carried out in the South West Region – including the work on South East Dorset Green Belt – lacked consistency. Fundamentally, the report identified that an assessment of the Green Belt based upon an understanding of the purposes had not been undertaken in all cases. There was also inconsistency in the selection of general areas of search and a need for a more careful analysis of the areas, particularly with regard to landscape character. It was stated that the reviews carried out did not consider a longer term strategy that would consider more radical and possibly more sustainable strategic options, beyond the time scale of the emerging RSS. 30. Due to the change in Government in 2010, the RSS was never adopted, as the Localism Act (2011) deleted regional planning. However, the individual local authorities used the evidence base and allocated some of the land identified for release in the RSS-related Green Belt work in their Local Plans and amended the Green Belt boundary accordingly. Summary 31. The Green Belt was first designated in 1980 and has had the intended effect of restricting outward growth and maintaining green wedges. The South East Dorset Green Belt was last reviewed was in 2005 / 2006 as part of the strategic work undertaken for the RSS. Whilst the RSS was not adopted the evidence base is considered to remain credible and has been used to inform Green Belt release in both East Dorset and Christchurch in recent years (Joint Core Strategy Adopted 2014). For Poole, however, the RSS work did not identify any land suitable for release although it is noted at that time the housing needs for the town could be accommodated within the urban area as part of strategic regeneration plans.

3 Colin Buchanan and Partners Strategic Green Belt Review Final Report South West Regional Assembly February 2006 Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 9 3. Context for Green Belt Review 32. Recent and emerging evidence indicates that there is a need to provide additional housing and other development growth over and above that currently planned for in the Poole Core Strategy (2009). 33. In particular, the Eastern Dorset Housing Market Area Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) identifies a need for 14,200 dwellings (710 dwellings per year) in Poole in the period 2013 to 2033. The SHMA also identifies that around 50 percent of all new homes should be houses to meet the needs for families. 34. The Borough of Poole continues to carry out work to assess the potential to meet housing needs within the urban area through allocating new sites and considering increasing densities in certain parts of the borough. If it is determined that the borough cannot reasonably meet its housing needs within the urban area the only other option is to consider outward expansion through planned release of any suitable Green Belt sites. 35. The Dorset Workspace Strategy identifies a need for 33ha new employment land in the period 2013 to 2033. Allocated employment land within Poole is under pressure for redevelopment for housing. Local agents indicate that there is a demand for large areas of new employment land to enable local firms to expand and stay within Poole. Land to the West of Wheelers Lane (formerly safeguarded land outside the Green Belt) was granted planning permission for 1-2 large industrial buildings. 36. With a third of the local workforce due to retire in the next 10 years, and poor affordability of housing, local firms could be forced to relocate elsewhere to secure a sustainable work force. This could have significant negative dis-benefits to the industrial port that is Poole. National Planning Policy on Green Belt 37. Paragraph 79 states that the Government attaches great importance to Green Belts with the fundamental aim of the policy to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. Para. 79 confirms that the essential characteristics of Green Belt are their openness and their permanence. 38. Para. 80 sets out that the Green Belt serves five purposes:  To check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;  To prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another  To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment  To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and  To assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

Paragraphs 83 and 84 of the NPPF state that:

“…Once established, Green Belt boundaries should only be altered in exceptional circumstances, through the preparation or review of the Local Plan. At that time, authorities should consider the Green Belt boundaries having regard to their intended permanence in the long term, so that they should be capable of enduring beyond the plan period.

When drawing up or reviewing Green Belt boundaries local planning authorities should take account of the need to promote sustainable patterns of development. They should consider the consequences for sustainable development of channelling development towards urban areas inside the Green Belt boundary, towards towns and villages inset within the Green Belt or towards locations beyond the outer Green Belt boundary”.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 10 39. This report does not seek to demonstrate exceptional circumstances as advised in Para 83 of the NPPF. Whether there are exceptional circumstances to warrant altering Green Belt boundaries will be a matter that will be addressed through the Local Plan process through considering a range of demographic, environmental, social and economic evidence. This report will, however, help identify how effective the Green Belt is for both Poole as well as the wider South East Dorset strategic context. If exceptional circumstances are demonstrated to warrant altering Poole’s Green Belt boundaries, this report will assist the process of selecting land to be released alongside full and proper consideration of the need to promote sustainable patterns of development.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 11 4. Assessment of Poole’s Green Belt 40. This Green Belt assessment is the first stage of the review process that looks at the overall function of the Green Belt by broad site area. The Stage 2 work will assess further the issues around delivering sustainable development as well as identifying any changes to the boundaries.

Site Assessment Methodology 41. The methodology used in the assessment has been designed to establish a thorough evidence based approach to the assessment that could be used by other authorities and repeated across the whole of the South East Dorset Green Belt. In this respect, the assessment and scoring system has had regard to other reviews carried out elsewhere in the country, together with advice from the Planning Officers’ Society, Local Government Association and the Planning Advisory Service 45 (Update 2015) 42. The site assessment first tests the extent to which land within the Green Belt contributes to the two essential characteristics of Green Belt (openness and their permanence) as set out in paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). 43. The assessment then reviews land against the five purposes of Green Belt as set out in paragraph 80 of the NPPF. These are set out as:  to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;  to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another;  to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment;  to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and  to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

44. Please note that this report does not assess the Green Belt within Poole against the fifth para 80 NPPF purpose (relating to Green Belt assisting urban regeneration). This was on the basis that Green Belt would only be considered for release if the Council concluded through the Local Plan review that that development needs could not be met in the urban area. 45. Given the strategic and historical context, land will also be assessed against the original purposes of the designation as set out in the 1980 South East Dorset Structure Plan. These purposes are:  To protect the separate physical identity of individual settlements in the area by maintaining wedges and corridors of open land between them. Please that this purpose is very similar in function to the second NPPF Para 80 purpose to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another and therefore will be combined in the assessment.  To maintain an area of open land around the conurbation.  To provide for the development of suitable forms of countryside recreation easily accessible to a large number of people.

Assessing the NPPF Essential Characteristics 46. With regard to the NPPF Para 79 essential characteristics, “openness” will be assessed primarily against the presence of built form within land parcels. However, topography and tree cover will also have an impact upon how any built-form is perceived and be factored in within this assessment. Therefore, in addition to the presence / type / use of buildings in the parcel, the assessment will identify the relevant Landscape Characterisation and will consider tree cover together and the size of

4 Page 4 Planning on the Doorstep: The Big Issues – Green Belt, LGA and PAS, Updated February 2015 5 Planning on the Doorstep: The Big Issues – Green Belt, LGA and PAS, Updated February 2015 Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 12 enclosures / fields. The assessment graded the characteristics into “High”, “Medium” and “Low” based on the following scoring:

Table 1 Assessing Characteristics – Scoring Openness High Rural in character with only very sporadic agricultural built development within the parcel. Topography means that the openness of the parcel is apparent in long distance views. This would generally be parcels made up of large open fields, common land or extensive tracts of woodland. Medium Rural in character but with some grouped built development contained / grouped within the open areas which remain the dominant feature. Low Semi-urban in character with built form dispersed throughout the parcel. 47. The assessment of “permanence” will primarily focused on the boundaries of the parcel. The scoring was as set out in the parcel below: Table 2 Assessing Characteristics – Scoring Permanence High The boundary is a readily recognisable permanent physical feature that is unlikely to change. E.g. A-Roads, significant topographical features (steep valleys or escarpments), railway lines (and former railway lines), coastline and rivers. Medium The boundary is marked by a recognisable feature that is less visually significant or that lacks permanency. E.g. minor roads or lanes, streams, woodland blocks and hedgerows. Low The boundary is insignificant and either is not marked by a physical structure or is marked but by features or structures that are moveable and temporary by nature. This would include residential garden boundaries and fence lines.

Assessing against the Purposes 48. To reflect the comprehensive and detailed nature of the site assessment, a 4-point scale was chosen which allowed the individual parcels to be rated as making either a High, Medium or Low contribution. There was also the opportunity to record where a parcel made no contribution to the purposes of Green Belt. The ratings that were applied to each criterion are as set out in the table below. Table 3 Ratings High Parcel performs well Medium Parcel performs moderately well. Low Parcel performs weakly. No Contribution Parcel makes no, or a negligible contribution

49. Table 4 below sets out in more detail how the NPPF paragraph 80 and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Green Belt purposes were assessed. Table 4 detailed Assessment Criteria NPPF Purpose 1: Check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas

High The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area but is clearly rural in character. There Contribution is a clear boundary and a strong differentiation between rural and urban. There are no typical ‘fringe’ uses or buildings on the edge of the built-up area (e.g. broken boundary fences, extended domestic gardens, pony paddocks, stables, small holdings, unmanaged scrub, fly-tipping, unauthorised motorcycle access) Development would represent significant expansion of the large built-up area into the

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 13 countryside. Medium The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area but is suburban in character; or Contribution The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area but is compromised by urbanising development within it (such as Classic Urban Fringe with small sporadic buildings, structures and uses e.g. pony paddocks. Garden centres, small holdings formal recreational uses); or The parcel is adjacent to the large built up area but is protected from sprawl by other designations. Low The parcel is close to but not immediately adjacent to the large built-up area or Contribution The parcel is open and rural in character and is adjacent to the large built up area. However, the parcel is contained on three sides by the urban area. No The parcel is remote from the large built-up area – development here would be Contribution isolated or associated with a different settlement NPPF Purpose 2: Prevent neighbouring towns from merging

High Development of this parcel would result in physical or visual coalescence, or a Contribution significant narrowing of the physical gap with no landscape elements to preserve separation Medium Development of this parcel would result in significant narrowing of the physical gap, Contribution but landscape feature(s) would preserve a wedge or corridor that would maintain a sense of separation; or Development of this parcel would result in a moderate narrowing of the physical gap, but with no landscape a wedge or corridor to preserve separation Low Development of this parcel would result in a moderate narrowing of the physical or Contribution perceived gap, but with a landscape wedge or corridor to preserve separation No Development of this parcel would not result in any perception of the narrowing of the Contribution gap between the large built up area and/or towns and settlements NPPF Purpose 3: Assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment

High The parcel is adjacent to either the built-up area of the conurbation or of a settlement Contribution or town. The parcel has a well defined boundary. The parcel is open and rural in character and lacks urbanising development. Development would represent encroachment into the countryside. Medium The parcel is mixed in character - with both urban and rural elements; or Contribution The parcel has a degree of separation from the edge of the built-up area; or The parcel relates more strongly to the wider countryside (is rural in character) than to the urban area, but openness is compromised by urbanising development within it; or The boundary between the countryside and the built-up area is not well-defined. Low The parcel relates more strongly to the settlement than to the wider countryside; or Contribution The parcel relates to both the settlement and the wider countryside, or has a degree of separation from both; or The openness of the parcel is compromised by urbanising development within it No The parcel is too lacking in openness to be considered countryside – it represents a Contribution potential anomaly within the Green Belt; or The parcel is too remote from the edge of the built-up area to prevent encroachment. NPPF Purpose 4: Preserve the setting and special character of historic towns

High The parcel’s openness is a key element in the relationship between the settlement Contribution and key characteristics identified as contributing to special character or historic setting – development would detract significantly from the town’s historic character Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 14 Medium The parcel’s openness is a key element in the relationship between the settlement Contribution and key characteristics identified as contributing to special character or historic setting – development would detract significantly from the historic character town of the town Low The parcel forms a minor element in the setting of an historic town; or forms a more Contribution major element but has limited openness No The parcel does not form part of the setting of an historic town Contribution South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purpose - To maintain an area of open land around the conurbation High The parcel is open and rural in character and is situated immediately adjacent to the Contribution large built up area. Development would represent encroachment into the countryside and a complete loss of open land around the conurbation Medium The parcel is open and rural in character and is situated immediately adjacent to the Contribution large built up area. Development would represent encroachment into the countryside but not a complete loss of open land around the conurbation; or The parcel is situated immediately adjacent to the large built up area but openness is compromised by urbanising development within it; or The parcel is open and rural in character but is not situated immediately adjacent to the large built up area. Low The parcel is remote from the built up area and openness is compromised by Contribution urbanising development (urban fringe uses) within it; or The parcel is open and rural in character but remote from the built edge of the conurbation and there are other landscape features that maintain the open area around the conurbation. No The parcel is affected by urbanising development and cannot be considered to Contribution constitute open land South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purpose - To provide for the development of suitable forms of countryside recreation easily accessible to a large number of people High The parcel is easily accessible from the urban areas and is currently well-used by the Contribution public for informal recreation in a rural setting. It offers a ‘right to roam’ in addition to a range of different recreational experiences. The parcel provides links to other recreation areas and trails both inside and outside the Borough of Poole. Medium The parcel is easily accessible from the urban areas and is currently well-used by the Contribution public for informal recreation in a rural setting. It is limited in area and does not offer a range of experiences. Access to formal recreation opportunities (such as golf, playing field use etc.) is limited by membership. The parcel is not well-linked to other recreation areas and trails both inside and outside the Borough of Poole. Low There are recreation opportunities but the parcel is either: close to the urban area but Contribution has no, or only limited, access via public rights of way; or it is remote from the urban area but does have access via public rights of way. The parcel may include formal recreational facilities but they are not accessible or usable by the general public. No The parcel is remote from the urban area or is close to the urban area but does not Contribution have access via public rights of way; and / or there are no recreational facilities of any sort, either public or private. 50. Consideration was given to proposed land use changes and development plan proposals in the South East Dorset Green Belt in the adjoining areas of Purbeck and East Dorset districts. Such proposals could have an impact upon the openness and purpose of Green Belt land in the Borough of Poole.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 15 51. The assessment criteria were incorporated into a table, which also included space for notes to help explain how the rating was decided upon. A site visit was undertaken to each area of land included within this assessment.

Settlement Type Definitions 52. Three of the purposes of Green Belt as set out in the NPPF reference particular types of settlement: purpose 1 relates to large built-up areas, purpose 2 refers to neighbouring towns and purpose 4 considers the setting of historic towns. For the purposes of this review, the Bournemouth-Poole- Christchurch conurbation constitutes a large built-up area. This will include smaller settlements that have been subsumed into the conurbation and are now a contiguous part of the large built-up area. Therefore, the wards and neighbourhoods of Broadstone, Bearwood, Canford Heath, Creekmoor, Hamworthy, Upton (in Purbeck), Corfe Mullen (within East Dorset) Kinson and West Howe (in Bournemouth Borough) are considered to form part of the large built up area. 53. Neighbouring towns are defined as Wimborne Minster to the north and Wareham to the west. Bournemouth is a neighbouring town to the east but forms part of the larger built up area of the urban conurbation. 54. Both Wareham and Wimborne Minster are considered to be “Historic Towns”. In this respect, the Purbeck Local Plan6 (page 10) refers to “the iconic Saxon walls of Wareham”. In the Purbeck Heritage Strategy7, (page 30) reference is also made to the Saxon / early medieval (c. 410 – 1066) origins of “the town at Wareham, where the town walls were constructed and a grid-like pattern of streets emerged”. The Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan Part 1 - Core Strategy8 on Page 8 refers to the historic town centre of Wimborne Minster, which is characterised by narrow streets, attractive older buildings and complemented by the Minster. The setting of both of these historic towns includes an area of flat and open river valley. In the case of Wimborne, the Saxon walls of the town rise dramatically above the water meadows of the Rivers Piddle and Frome. The towers of the Minster at Wimborne can be clearly seen from the south, in the expansive views of the town across the Stour Valley. 55. Merley, combined with Canford Magna, and the isolated housing area at Oakley Hill, form distinct settlements that are within the borough boundary and outside the Green Belt designation but which are also distinctly separate from the larger built up area. This issue is relevant for the assessment in terms of NPPF purpose 2 that seeks to prevent ‘towns’ merging. This wording raises ambiguity over how then to assess ‘settlements’ around which Green Belt might exist and be effective in preventing coalescence. Given that one of the original intentions of the South East Dorset Green Belt was to maintain gaps between settlements (and not just towns) we have worked on the basis that NPPF purpose 2 will be applied to our assessments of Poole’s settlements where relevant. 56. There are small groups of isolated built development within the Green Belt designation such as Merley Hall, Ashington and Knighton. For the purposes this review, these hamlets are not considered to constitute settlements in their own right. The settlement definitions are summarised in Table 5 below.

6 Purbeck Local Plan Part1: Planning Purbeck’s Future November 2012 https://www.dorsetforyou.com/local-plan/part-1/purbeck 7 The Purbeck Heritage Strategy 2010 – 2015 https://www.dorsetforyou.com/purbeckheritagestrategy 8 Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan Part 1 - Core Strategy April 2014 Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 16 Table 5 Settlement Definitions Settlement Type Settlement Name(s) Large Built Up Area Poole / Bournemouth Conurbation including the neighbourhoods of: Broadstone, Bearwood, Canford Heath, Creekmoor, Hamworthy, Upton (in Purbeck), Corfe Mullen (within East Dorset) Kinson and West Howe (in Bournemouth Borough) Neighbouring Town / Wareham, Wimborne Minster, Merley, combined with Canford Magna Individual Settlement and housing at Oakley Hill; West Parley (in East Dorset District which is contiguous with Ferndown) and Lytchett Matravers (in Purbeck District). Historic Town Wareham, Wimborne Minster

Identifying Areas for Assessment 57. In selecting the land parcels for assessment, a comprehensive approach was taken and the starting point was that the whole of the Green Belt within the boundary of the Borough of Poole was considered appropriate for review. The only selective element to the process was the exclusion of areas of protected heathland, river valley floodplains and the open water of Poole Harbour (flood zones 2 and 3), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)). 58. In these locations development is precluded by permanent environmental constraints. The openness of these designations has to be maintained permanently – regardless of the Green Belt restrictions. On this basis, there is no need to assess what impact development would have upon the contribution of these areas to the Green Belt purposes. The map at Figure 3 shows where these constraints apply.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 17 Figure 3: Environmental Constraints

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 18 59. The remaining Green Belt areas suitable for assessment were divided up into geographically distinct character areas. Parcels were identified as being of similar land uses and vegetation cover with obvious boundaries. 60. The discrete areas of land within the Green Belt were assessed in terms of their contribution to the purposes of Green Belt. As previously explained, the assessment did not consider the suitability of the parcels for development but does consider the impact that development would have upon the overall function of the purposes of the South East Dorset Green Belt within the Borough of Poole. The areas of land assessed are identified in Figure 4. They are listed below in Table 6: Table 6 List of Land Parcels Parcel Site No. 1 Public Open Space at Turlin Moor 2 Upton Country Park and Farm south of A35 3 Land south of Creekmoor North of A35 Parcels A & B 4 Land west of Creekmoor South of former railway line 5 Corfe Hills School & Broadstone Golf Club 6 Farmland to east of Higher Blandford Road Corfe Mullen 7 Farmland to west of Merley Park 8 Land west of Merley including Merley Hall and Oakley Hill 9 Farm Land north of Oakley Lane, south of A31 / River Stour (north of Merley) 10 Land north of A341 Magna Road Canford School 11 Land north of A341 Magna Road North & West of Moortown Farmhouse 12 Land north of A341 Magna Road E of Moortown Farmhouse 13 Knighton Heath Golf Course, Bearwood 14 Land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood 15 Land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood West of Canford Arena 16 Land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood South of Canford Arena 17 Low density residential area to south and east of A341 Queen Anne Drive 18 Gravel Hill, Dunyeats, Arrowsmith Copse 61. The completed site assessments of the identified land parcels are set out in the following section.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 19 Figure 4: Map of Land Parcels

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 20 5. Site Assessments Parcel 1 Public Open Space at Turlin Moor. Site Name Parcel 1 Public Open Space at Turlin Moor.

Essential Characteristics Score Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Valley Pasture and open High and free from built form. The open grassland is in recreational use (informal open space) with blocks of woodland and mature over-grown hedgerows around former field parcels. The land is influenced by the presence of the housing and associated buildings along the southern boundary. Permanence Flat land adjacent to Lytchett Bay which is part of Poole Medium harbour. There is a strong physical boundary of Lytchett Bay to the North and West. To the south there is a poorly defined edge to the housing and associated buildings in Turlin Moor. The eastern boundary is marked clearly by a hedgerow. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area and relates to Low sprawl of large built-up both the settlement and the wider countryside. The Contribution areas settlement at Turlin Moor does not have a strong and well- defined boundary with the open space area. Due to the water body of Lytchett Bay providing a fixed and permanent constraint on built development there is an alternative to Green Belt in checking the unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas. To prevent neighbouring This parcel does not extend beyond the existing western built No towns merging into one edge of Turlin Moor or Rockley Park caravan Park. Contribution another Development of this parcel would result in a moderate narrowing of the physical gap between Turlin Moor and Upton, but these form part of the large built up area and are not individual settlements in their own right. The landscape feature of Lytchett Bay would preserve a sense of separation To assist in safeguarding The countryside character of the area is affected by the Medium the countryside from urbanising influence of the buildings at Turlin Moor. The Contribution encroachment parcel prevents the built form extending further towards the water’s edge although the flood risk zone is also a very effective means of preventing the further encroachment of development in this location To preserve the setting The parcel does not form part of the setting of the historic No and special character of towns of Poole or Wareham contribution historic towns South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The parcel is open in character but is not predominantly rural High open land around the due to the impact of the housing development at Turlin Moor Contribution conurbation. and the lack of a strong boundary between the two. The land does, however, perform well in maintaining an area of open land around the conurbation.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 21 To provide for the The parcel is easily accessible from the urban areas and is High development of suitable currently well-used by the public for informal recreation in a Contribution forms of countryside semi-rural setting. It offers a range of different experiences recreation easily accessible to a large number of people.

Status of adjacent land Green Belt to the west and north. The formal playing field to the east is not within the green belt.

Summary The parcel performs moderately well against the purposes of green belt albeit the trong physical boundary of Lytchett Bay combined with flood risk, provide effective physical constraints on development in this location. The parcel does provide easily accessible recreational facilities but there is still the potential for these to be improved to provide a more enriching and inclusive experience. The primary contribution of this land is its function in maintaining an area of open land around the conurbation, which was a key aim of the original 1980 Green Belt designation.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 22 Parcel 2 - Upton Country Park and Farm – South of A35 Site Name Parcel 2 - Upton Country Park and Farm – South of A35

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Lowland Heathland. High The parcel is open farmland and recreation land with pockets of mixed woodland and mature hedgerows. Buildings consist of listed Upton House and associated out buildings. There is also a collection of agricultural buildings still in use. Permanence A35 to the north, Poole Harbour (open water) to the east, High the built edge of Hamworthy/ Upton the west and the railway embankment to the south. The landscape feature of Lytchett Bay would preserve a sense of separation NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area at Upton High sprawl of large built-up areas and is open and rural in character. The parcel effectively Contribution prevents eastward expansion of the large built up area. To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would not result in the No towns merging into one narrowing of the gap between Poole and Wareham or Contribution another Wimborne The southern section of this parcel maintains a gap between Turlin Moor and Upton. To assist in safeguarding the The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area of Upton High countryside from but is open and rural in character – development would Contribution encroachment represent encroachment into the countryside. To preserve the setting and The parcel does not affect the historic setting of either No special character of historic Wareham or Wimborne. Contribution towns South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of open The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area at Upton High land around the conurbation. and is open and rural in character. It provides space Contribution around the edge of the built up area. To provide for the The parcel is easily accessible from the urban areas and is High development of suitable currently well-used by the public for informal recreation Contribution forms of countryside in a rural setting. It offers a range of different experiences recreation easily accessible to and the parcel provides links to other recreation areas a large number of people. and trails both inside and outside the Borough of Poole. The parcel is comprised of a Country Park and Suitable Alternative Green Space that provides open access to the public. There are some remaining areas of farmland still in agricultural uses but a network of footpaths provides access around these fields and views over them.

Status of adjacent land The open area to the north of the A35 falls within the green belt. Part of this area is allocated for education use. Summary The parcel performs well in terms of the purposes of the Green Belt. However, it is noted that if the parcel were removed from the green belt, the existing status of the land as a Country Park and SANG would still be

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 23 as effective in preventing encroachment of development. The position of Poole Harbour (Creekmoor Lake) to the east would also prevent development from the east. The parcel scores highly for the purposes of recreation, however this provision is not reliant on the Green Belt designation

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 24 Parcel 3 - Land south of Creekmoor (north of A35 and Upton Road) Site Name Parcel 3 - Land south of Creekmoor (north of A35 and Upton Road)

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Lowland Heathland. This parcel has two distinct parts; land to the west of Roberts land and land to the east, which are assessed separately as follows: Land to the west of Roberts Lane - consists of open High agricultural fields (currently grassland). The mixed woodland of Northmead Copse screens the built development on the southern edge of Creekmoor, off Northmead drive (Grebe Close, Martin Close and Nuthatch Close) The land to east of Roberts Lane is an enclosed area Low with a mix of low-density and higher density residential with recreational uses plus park and ride. Permanence Land to the west of Roberts Lane - strong physical High boundary of the Old Roman Road and Longmeadow Lane to the west; Woodpecker Drive and Northmead Drive to the North; the line of Roberts Lane to the east; and Upton Road and the A35 to the south.

Land to the east of Roberts Lane – less defined to the Low north and west due to urbanising development within the parcel. The A35 is a strong permanent physical feature along the southern boundary

NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted Land to the west of Roberts Lane Low sprawl of large built-up areas The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area but Contribution there is a strong differentiation between the urban (Built-up) and rural area (non-built-up). There is no ‘fringe’ as such. Development would represent an expansion of the large built-up area into the countryside, however, this would not expand out beyond the existing western expanse of the conurbation. Any development would be restricted by the A35 to the south and Longmeadow Lane to the west. Land to the east of Roberts Lane Low The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area and Contribution relates more strongly to this than to the wider countryside. The parcel is more enclosed than land to the west and contains a mix of residential, recreational and commercial uses. Development would not constitute sprawl (the outward linear expansion of greater Poole.)

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 25 To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would not result in any No towns merging into one perception of the narrowing of the gap between the Contribution another towns of Poole and Wareham. Development on this parcel would result in the narrowing of the physical gap between the settlements of Upton and Creekmoor but these neighbourhoods form part of the large built up area and are not individual settlements in their own right. To assist in safeguarding the Land to the west of Roberts Lane High countryside from The parcel is open and rural in character. Development Contribution encroachment would represent encroachment into the countryside Land to the east of Roberts Lane Low The parcel relates to both the settlement and the wider Contribution countryside, but openness is compromised by urbanising development within it To preserve the setting and The parcel does not affect the setting of the historic No special character of historic towns of Wareham or Wimborne Minster. contribution towns South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of open Land to the west of Roberts Lane High land around the conurbation. The parcel is adjacent to open the large built up area Contribution and is open and rural in character. Land to the east of Roberts Lane Low The parcel is located on the outer edge of the Contribution conurbation but the openness of the parcel is compromised by urbanising development within it. To provide for the Land to the west of Roberts Lane Medium development of suitable forms The parcel is close to the urban area but does not have Contribution of countryside recreation access via public rights of way. Northmead Copse is easily accessible to a large designated as Public Open Space and is accessible from number of people. Woodpecker Way but is not connected to the surrounding farm land. The farm land does not include any recreational facilities either public or private. A bridleway runs along the western edge of the parcel. Given that the POS is in the ownership and management of the Borough of Poole, the retention of this area for recreation is not dependent upon the Green Belt designation. Land to the east of Roberts Lane Medium The parcel is easily accessible from the urban area and Contribution includes public open space and play facilities that are accessible from the urban area via Millfield. Part of the parcel is therefore currently well-used by the public for informal recreation in a semi-rural setting. There is no access to formal recreation opportunities (such as golf, playing field use etc.). The parcel is not well-linked to other recreation areas and trails both inside and outside the Borough of Poole. Given that the recreation area is in the ownership and management of the Borough of Poole, the retention of this area for recreation is not dependent upon the Green Belt designation.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 26

Status of adjacent land Green Belt to the west and south. Upton Heath is immediately adjacent to the west and is protected Heathland. Upton Country Park (owned and managed by Borough of Poole is situated to the south west, on the southern side of the A35. Part of the adjacent farm land has been converted to a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG)

Summary Both parcels make a low to moderate contribution to the purposes of the Green Belt. Whilst the land creates a sense of openness and transition to the countryside the land is well contained with the physical barrier A35 to the south meaning that any use of the land would be restricted.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 27 Parcel 4 - Land west of Creekmoor (south and north of former railway line). Site Name Parcel 4 - Land west of Creekmoor (south and north of former railway line).

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Lowland Heathland. High Mixed deciduous/ coniferous woodland with heathland to west and housing along western edge of Creekmoor to east – designated as Public Open Space. The only built form present in the parcel is a semi-detached residential property in the very southern portion (Ty-coed Cottages). Permanence Longmeadow Lane forms a strong permanent boundary along High the eastern side, as do the rear garden fences of the residential properties. The western boundary is less defined as it is situated beyond the line of the former Roman Road but roughly coincides with the edge of the woodland and the eastern edge of the heathland. There are no ‘fringe’ uses in the area. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area and while to Medium sprawl of large built-up southern portion comprises of mixed woodland, the northern Contribution areas; portion due to the presence of rear gardens and fences backing onto open areas of POS which have a park-like character. Development in this portion would not represent significant expansion of the large built-up area into countryside due to strong physical containment offered by the Bridleway along the former Roman Road. Also there is some sporadic residential development beyond this parcel and the built form of Corfe Mullen projects further west. The development of the southern portion would project beyond the strong physical boundary of Longmeadow Lane and involve the loss of woodland, however, the heathland of Upton Heath forms a physical constraint beyond this.. To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would not result in any perception Low towns merging into one of the narrowing of the gap between the conurbation and Contribution another; Wareham. To assist in safeguarding The parcel is only very narrow and development would not Low the countryside from result in a significant encroachment into the countryside. Contribution encroachment; Upton Heath to the west is protected Lowland heath and is a permanent physical barrier to urban development. Also, the status of the land as Public Open Space in the ownership and management of the Borough of Poole provides additional protection. To preserve the setting The parcel does not form part of the setting of the historic No and special character of town of Wareham. Contribution historic towns; and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The open heathland positioned to the west of the parcel, and Medium open land around the the open countryside beyond that, provides a larger and more Contribution

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 28 conurbation. significant area of open land than the woodland and public open space within the area – particularly than the northern portion that is enclosed by the former Roman Road. The land relates more strongly to the wider countryside than to the settlement and lacks urbanising development – development would represent encroachment into the countryside but not a complete loss of openness between the conurbation and surrounding settlements.

To provide for the The woodland is located immediately adjacent to the urban High development of suitable area of Creekmoor. The majority of the parcel is designated as Contribution forms of countryside Public Open Space and is the ownership and management of recreation easily the Borough of Poole. The area provides access to the accessible to a large heathland to the west (Upton Heath) and the public bridleway number of people. (1/338) that runs north – south along the borough boundary, following the course of the Roman Road. The parcel is easily accessible from the urban areas and is currently well-used by the public for informal recreation in a rural setting. It offers a range of different experiences and the parcel provides links to other recreation areas and trails both inside and outside the Borough of Poole.

Status of adjacent land The open heathland of Upton Heath (SSSI) is to the west is situated within the administrative area of Purbeck District Council and / or East Dorset District Council. It also falls within the SE Dorset Green Belt.

Summary The parcel performs low to moderately well for Green belt purposes. In the northern portion, the former Roman Road forms an obvious edge to the built up area. To the south, the physical presence of Upton Heath to the west of this area also provides an effective means of preventing urban sprawl and coalescence – more so than the narrow parcel of land under consideration. The current use of the parcel as Public Open Space is not dependent upon the Green Belt status of the land.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 29 Parcel 5 - Corfe Hills School and Broadstone Gold Club Site Name Parcel 5 - Corfe Hills School and Broadstone Golf Club

Essential Characteristics Openness Landscape Characterisation is Lowland Heathland. The High (with majority is used as a golf course. The parcel is very open and the free of urbanising development with the exception of the Club exception of House for the Golf Course. Corfe Hills School is an anomaly in Corfe this respect. School) Permanence The southern boundary of the parcel is delineated by the edge Medium of the built form of Broadstone and the western boundary by Corfe Mullen. The northern boundary is less obvious where the parcel abuts farmland. The eastern boundary is marked by the former railway line that is now used as the Castleman Trail. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area but is clearly High sprawl of large built-up rural in character. There is a clear boundary and a strong Contribution areas; differentiation between the heathland and the urban areas. Development would represent significant linear expansion of the large built-up area into countryside. To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would result in significant Medium towns merging into one narrowing of the physical gap between the built form at Contribution another; Dunyeats Hill in the east and Corfe Mullen to the west. However, these areas form part of the large built up area and do not constitute settlements in their own right. There would also be some narrowing of the gap between Broadstone and Merley (which is a separate settlement) although the woodland at the Delph could maintain an element of visual separation. To assist in safeguarding The parcel is adjacent of the built-up area of the conurbation Medium the countryside from but with a well defined boundary. The parcel is open and rural Contribution encroachment; in character and lacks urbanising development. Development would represent encroachment into the countryside. To preserve the setting The parcel does not form part of the setting of an historic town No and special character of Contribution historic towns; and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The parcel is situated adjacent to the large built up area and is High open land around the rural and open in character. Development would represent a Contribution conurbation. loss of openness between the conurbation and surrounding settlements To provide for the The parcel is close to the urban area but has only limited Medium development of suitable access via public rights of way. There are formal recreation Contribution forms of countryside opportunities available in the form of the golf course but recreation easily access is limited to members only. There is no ‘right to roam’ accessible to a large over the golf course, access is limited to footpath 5 (which links number of people. from the Bridleway on the former Roman Road to the west and runs to the south of Corfe Hills School and then follows the

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 30 access track from Higher Blandford Road. This footpath stops at the former railway line) Footpath 2 runs to the north west in the adjacent parcel.

Status of adjacent land The majority of the land adjacent to this parcel is designated heathland (SSSI) and the remainder falls within the 400 metre protection zone. The urban development to the south and west (Broadstone and Corfe Mullen) forms part of the large built up area. The woodland (The Delph) to the east is owned and managed by the Borough of Poole as Public Open Space (POS) the former railway line (Castleman Trail) also has POS status.. There is agricultural farmland to the north, within which there is some sporadic residential development. Both the POS and the farmland are covered by the Green belt designation. Summary This parcel performs strongly in terms of the purposes of Green Belt. However, the environmental constraint on development provided by the Heathland would apply even if the parcel did not fall within the Green Belt. The presence of the built form of Corfe School indicates that the Green Belt boundary could be redrawn to exclude it without affecting the wider aim of Green Belt in this part of the borough.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 31 Parcel 6 - Farmland to east of Higher Blandford Road Corfe Mullen Site Name Parcel 6 - Farmland to east of Higher Blandford Road Corfe Mullen

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is River Terrace. The High topography is steeply undulating. The area is made up of small agricultural fields, which are generally pasture but with some arable. The fields are enclosed mature hedgerows and interspersed with areas of mature mixed woodland. There is sporadic residential and agricultural development in the form of groups of cottages and houses (former agricultural workers cottages) at the roadside plus isolated larger detached houses in substantial grounds. There is an open area of heathland on the western edge of this parcel. Permanence The built-up edge of Corfe Mullen forms a strong well-defined Medium boundary along the western edge of this parcel. The other boundaries are less strong, being defined by hedgerows and a woodland edge. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area (at Corfe High unrestricted sprawl of Mullen) but is clearly rural in character. There is a clear Contribution large built-up areas; boundary and a strong differentiation between rural and urban.

To prevent neighbouring The topography and soft landscaping within this parcel would Medium towns merging into one result in any development within it being visually contained. Contribution another; Development would not be discernible from Wimborne but would bring the built form of the conurbation (from Corfe Mullen) closer to the western edge of Merley. To assist in safeguarding The parcel is rural in character and can be considered to be High the countryside from “countryside” rather than urban. Contribution encroachment; To preserve the setting The parcel does not form part of the setting of an historic town. No and special character of As outlined above, the parcel is not discernible from Wimborne Contribution historic towns; and and does not form part of its setting. South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of Development would represent encroachment into the Medium open land around the countryside from Corfe Mullen (which is part of the Contribution conurbation. conurbation) but due to the open land to the north, east and south, would not result in a complete loss of openness between the conurbation and surrounding settlements

To provide for the The parcel is close to the urban area of Corfe Mullen but has Low development of suitable only limited access via public rights of way (PROW). The former Contribution forms of countryside railway that cuts through the middle of the parcel is designated recreation easily as Public Open Space but is not connected directly to the PROW accessible to a large Bridleway No. 5. There is however a small parcel of land number of people. adjacent to the former railway line that has open access. Limited parking is available off Merley Park Road. There appears

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 32 to be open access to the area of heathland, which is accessible from Footpath / Bridleway No. 5. This is also linked to the bridleway that runs along the route of the former Roman Road. A PROW (DCC No. 4 Waymans Way) runs westwards from Ashington Lane, and continues into the East Dorset District Council (EDDC) area towards East End in Corfe Mullen.

Status of adjacent land The land to the north, east and south of the parcel is also green belt, but significantly, the golf course is designated Dorset Heathland. Land at Lockyers School and North of Corfe Mullen is allocated for housing as part of a New Neighbourhood. This area does not adjoin the parcel but Corfe Mullen has been identified as being suitable for development. The following is an extract from page 101 Christchurch and East Dorset Adopted Local Plan Core Strategy (2014) : “Corfe Mullen is one of four settlements in East Dorset that has been identified as appropriate to locate new strategic housing. This is because the community is well placed to access key services, facilities and employment. Although the village itself is comparatively poorly served in terms of these features it does adjoin Broadstone and Poole where facilities are available.” Summary The parcel performs well against the purposes of Green Belt. It is noted that there are various environmental designations related to this parcel that could have a similar effect as Green Belt policy.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 33 Parcel 7 Farmland extending across from Corfe Mullen / Ashington to Merley Court Caravan Park. Site Name Parcel 7 - Farmland extending across from Corfe Mullen / Ashington to Merley Court Caravan Park.

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is River Terrace and Valley High Pasture. Open agricultural land with large fields and low boundaries. Pasture and arable. Land slopes down towards the River Stour with open views across the river valley towards Wimborne Minster. Some sporadic agricultural and residential development. Permanence A31 and River Stour form a strong permanent boundary to the Medium north of the parcel. The southern boundary relies upon hedgerows and bands of woodland. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the The parcel is not adjacent to the large built-up area but part Medium unrestricted sprawl of does sit adjacent to the settlement of Merley at Oakley Hill. It Contribution large built-up areas; does, therefore, prevent the westward expansion of this area. To prevent Development of this parcel would result in built form in an Medium neighbouring towns otherwise open area to the south west of Wimborne between Contribution merging into one the town and Corfe Mullen. It would also result in a moderate another; narrowing of the physical and perceived gap between Merley (to the east) and East End at Corfe Mullen to the west. However, the Stour River Valley to the north and the open farmland to the south (and heathland beyond) would preserve a sense of separation. To assist in The parcel is open and rural in character but is remote from High safeguarding the the urban area. Development would involve the loss of open Contribution countryside from countryside but would be isolated in form and therefore encroachment; would not represent encroachment of the large built up area into the countryside. However, the parcel does abut the development at Oakley Hill and therefore does prevent encroachment at the eastern end. To preserve the The northern portion of the parcel. The northern section of High setting and special this parcel (immediately south of the A31) forms a significant Contribution character of historic element in the setting of the historic town of Wimborne towns; and Minster. This area sits adjacent to the water meadows which form the setting of the town to the south and south west. The parcel would be visible from the western and southern areas of Wimborne Minster and the Minster is visible when looking northwards from view points along Willett Road. South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The parcel is open and rural in character and abuts the built High open land around the edge of the conurbation at Corfe Mullen Contribution conurbation. To provide for the The parcel is made up of agricultural land and private Low development of residential properties. It is relatively remote from the urban Contribution. suitable forms of area and has only limited access across or through the fields

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 34 countryside recreation via public rights of way. There are no formal or informal easily accessible to a recreational facilities available for public use. large number of people.

Status of adjacent land The parcel is surrounded by Green Belt land. The closest development allocation is on the south-western edge of Wimborne at Netherwood Mead. Policy WMC5 Cuthbury Allotments and St Margaret's Close New Neighbourhoods, Wimborne of the East Dorset Local Plan Core Strategy 2014 refers. (page 8). This will have some impact upon the perceived closeness of the built-up edge of Wimborne although the majority of the development will be to the north of the B3078 approach road. Joint Housing Allocation Policy Sept 2014. The water meadows to the north are partially covered by Flood Risk Zone 3 and there is archaeological interest on the site of a Roman Fort. Summary Due to its openness and rural character, this parcel makes a strong contribution to the purposes of Green Belt.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 35 Parcel 8 Western edge of Merley to both north and south of Merley Park Road Site Name Parcel 8 - Western edge of Merley to both north and south of Merley Park Road to include Higher Merley Farm, Merley Park, Merley Park Golf Course. Also area to north of A31 and island site between A31, A341 & B3073.

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is River Terrace and Valley Medium Pasture. The farmland in the southern portion of the parcel is rural in character with built form limited to the buildings at Higher Merley Farm. However, the northern portion is more visually enclosed and is affected by roads and road junctions. The openness of the immediate area around Merley House (which is a Grade I Listed Building) is seriously compromised by static caravans and touring units plus associated buildings. The Cobham sports ground has a significant amount of associated built form including a clubhouse. There is a ribbon of housing at the eastern end of Merley Park Road on the southern side. Permanence Roads, woodland and built form at Oakley Hill provide a strong Medium permanent boundary to the north and east of the parcel (including the Castleman Trailway). The western boundary is defined by woodland and the southern boundary by woodland and hedgerows along the northern edge of the Broadstone Golf Course NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted The parcel is not adjacent to the large built-up area of Poole or No sprawl of large built-up Wimborne – development here would be associated with the Contribution areas; smaller settlement of Merley To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would result in a narrowing of the Medium towns merging into one gap between Merley and the large built up area at Corfe Contribution another; Mullen. To assist in safeguarding The parcel is largely rural in character (particularly the southern High the countryside from portion) and therefore relates more strongly to the wider Contribution encroachment; countryside than to the settlement of Merley, but openness is compromised by urbanising development (caravan park, housing and sports complex plus major road infrastructure) within the parcel, particularly in the northern portion. To preserve the setting The northern part of the parcel form part of the setting of the Low and special character of historic town of Wimborne. Contribution historic towns; and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The parcel is moderately open and although separated from Medium open land around the the large built up area at Corfe Mullen, development would Contribution conurbation. result in a reduction in the open land around the conurbation. To provide for the Although the parcel is very close to the urban edge of Merley Low development of suitable and Wimborne, there are no public rights of way through this Contribution forms of countryside area to link to others. The Castleman Trailway does run along recreation easily the former railway track along the south eastern boundary of accessible to a large the parcel, but there is no access from the trailway onto the

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 36 number of people. land to the west. Merley Court Caravan Park offers holiday accommodation for tourists but is still private and is not accessible to the public. The Cobham sports ground is also private together with the Golf Course, which are used by members. Higher Merley Farm offers equestrian activities and training but again is a private facility.

Status of adjacent land The farmland to the west of the parcel is green belt, as is the heathland (SSSI) to the south.

Summary This parcel makes a moderate contribution to Green Belt purposes and any development within could lead to a narrowing of the gap between Corfe Mullen and Merley, which would then increase the strategic importance of maintaining Parcel 6 as Green Belt. The parcel is, however, comprised in Green Belt terms by the existing development that relates well with the western edge of Merley.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 37 Parcel 9 Farm Land north of Oakley Lane and south of A31 / River Stour (north of Merley). Site Name Parcel 9 Farm Land north of Oakley Lane and south of A31 / River Stour (north of Merley).

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Valley Pasture and River High Terrace. Open and undeveloped agricultural land. Currently grassland divided into paddocks. However, the built form of houses on the northern edge of Merley is clearly evident when viewed from the north, which is an urbanising influence. Permanence Oakley Lane forms a well-defined boundary between the urban High area of Merley to the south and the agricultural fields. The River Stour forms a physical boundary to the north although visually, the avenue of trees along the carriage drive to Canford School from the Lodge to the west forms a stronger boundary. The tree cover along the former railway line blocks views from Wimborne Road to the west and screens the rear gardens of the residential properties to the west at Oakley Hill along Oakley Road. The A31 also cuts through the parcel and creates visual separation between the north western portion and the southern portion of the parcel. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the The parcel is not adjacent to large built up area of the No unrestricted sprawl of Bournemouth / Poole Conurbation and therefore does not Contribution large built-up areas; restrict sprawl from the large built up area. The parcel is, however, adjacent to the settlement of Merley and is open and rural in character. Development in this parcel would represent an expansion of Merley into countryside, but as previously stated, this is not part of the large built up area. To prevent This parcel clearly help maintains a gap between Merley and Medium neighbouring towns Wimborne and any development would result in a reduction in Contribution merging into one separation. Maintaining a gap in this location was identified as another; having importance in the 2005 South East Dorset Study work. However, it is noted that Stour River and associated flood plans provides a landscape feature that can maintain permanent separation. To assist in The parcel is open and rural in character and development would High safeguarding the represent encroachment into the countryside. Contribution countryside from encroachment; To preserve the setting The parcel offers views towards the historic town of Wimborne Low and special character of Minster but does not form part of the water meadow setting. Contribution historic towns; The physical presence of the A31 and the trees along the former carriageway causes a visual separation that limits the contribution made when the site is viewed from vantage points on the southern edge of Wimborne. South East Dorset Structure Plan Submission 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The parcel is open and rural in character but is remote from the No open land around the conurbation – being situated on the northern edge of the Contribution

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 38 conurbation. settlement of Merley. The development of this parcel would not affect the open area around the large built up area. To provide for the The parcel is close to the urban area but recreation opportunities Low development of are limited to access via the public right of way that follows the Contribution suitable forms of former carriage drive to Canford School (footpath 30). The countryside recreation eastern end does, however link via a footbridge over the River easily accessible to a Stour to the Dorset Public Right of Way 18. There is no right of large number of people. access onto the agricultural fields. With the exception of boat house facilities for the private school, there is no formal recreation provision in this parcel.

Status of adjacent land The area to the east, south of the A31and north of the River Stour in East Dorset District, is a Suitable Alternative Greenspace. The area to the north of the A31, within EDDC administrative area is allocated for development as part of the South of Leigh Road New Neighbourhood and Sports Village. This area does not adjoin the parcel but is visible from within it (and vice versa). (see Policy WMC8 on pages 96 & 97 of Christchurch and East Dorset Adopted Local Plan Core Strategy (2014)). Summary The parcel as a whole performs relatively well in terms of the purposes of Green Belt due to the open character and function it serves in preventing coalescence between Merley and Wimborne. It is noted, however, that the river and associated flood plains provide permanent separation between the two settlements even without the Green Belt designation. The A31 also provides a further physical feature that helps maintain separation between the land closest to Merley and Wimborne.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 39 Parcel 10 - Tract of land north of A341 Magna Road on eastern edge of Merley. Site Name Parcel 10 - Tract of land north of A341 Magna Road on eastern edge of Merley. Includes land and buildings that form grounds of Canford School and the Hamworthy Club.

Essential Characteristics Sub Areas needed? Openness The Landscape Characterisation is River Terrace. Low Originally part of the formal parkland attached to Canford Magna Manor house – now used as a private school. Some belts of native deciduous species but significant ornamental planting with non-native species In terms of character, the parcel can be divided up into the school buildings to the north and the formal recreation areas, which include rugby and football pitches to the south. This includes the pitches that form part of the Hamworthy Club facilities. There is no agricultural land in this parcel.

Permanence A341 forms a strong boundary to the south with the River Stour Medium immediately to the north. The transition from the golf course to the east is delineated by the physical boundary of Moortown Drive. The western edge is defined by Canford Lane. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the The parcel is adjacent to the built-up area of Canford Magna No unrestricted sprawl of and Merley, but these settlements are separate from the larger Contribution large built-up areas; urban area of the conurbation. The parcel is a mix of public school and formal recreation uses and is a mix of open space and sporadic buildings, therefore there is already encroachment into this area. To prevent neighbouring Given the dominance of the Canford School buildings on the Low towns merging into one very northern edge of this parcel, the land to the south does not Contribution another; form part of the perceived gap between Merley/Canford Magna and Wimborne. In terms of maintaining the physical and visual separation of Merley and Bearwood (part of the large built up area), the parcel has a limited impact due to the presence of development already on the land and the existence of the golf course and agricultural fields to the east. To assist in safeguarding The parcel does not contain ‘countryside’ as such, and is used Medium the countryside from for formal recreation, education and ancillary educational Contribution encroachment; purposes. However, the parcel is immediately adjacent to the urban area of Canford Magna / Merley and therefore prevents the eastward expansion of the settlement. The openness, particularly of the north and western portions are already compromised to some extent by urbanising development within them. To preserve the setting Given the position of the Canford School buildings on the very No and special character of northern edge of this parcel, the land to the south does not Contribution historic towns form part of the setting of the historic town Wimborne Minster. The water meadows in the food plain of the River Stour will remain open.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 40 South East Dorset Structure Plan Submission 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The parcel is not immediately adjacent to the conurbation, Low open land around the being separated from the edge of the large built up area by Contribution conurbation. other areas of open land (to the south of the A341). The openness of the land is compromised by urbanising development within it. Provide for the The area is within easy reach of residents in Merley / Canford Low development of suitable Magna however, with the exception of the footpath 29 (see Contribution forms of countryside below) the majority of this parcel is not freely accessible to the recreation easily public. The parcel is made up of the private grounds, playing accessible to a large fields and outbuildings of Canford School plus the grounds and number of people. buildings of the Hamworthy Sports Club.

Footpath 29 runs through the middle of the parcel from Magna Road in the west to Moortown Drive in the east to then connect with the Stour Valley Way through to Knighton..

Status of adjacent land The land to the north of the school buildings is also within the Green Belt but falls within the Stour Valley flood plain and is therefore likely to remain free of development.

With the exception of the Hamworthy Sports Club, the parcel forms part of the setting for the historic Canford House and is protected in part by Conservation area designation. Summary This parcel only makes a low to medium contribution to green belt purposes. The land is relatively open compared to the built up areas of Canford Magna and Merley as it is less-developed, but is not rural in character. The gap between the conurbation at Bearwood and Merley / Canford would not be significantly reduced and an area of open land would be maintained. There is also scope in this parcel to consider a limited alteration of boundaries most closely related to the edge with Merley due to the urbanising effect of the school.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 41 Parcel 11 - Tract of land north of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, south of River Stour floodplain. Site Name Parcel 11 - Tract of land north of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, south of River Stour floodplain. Includes non-agricultural uses of Canford School Golf Course and Canford Magna Golf Course, Canford Business Park, Canford Magna Garden Centre and Moortown Farmhouse.

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is River Terrace (River Pasture Medium to north). Some belts of native deciduous species but significant ornamental planting with non-native species including eucalyptus, as part of the Canford Magna Golf Course soft landscaping. Also non-native fast growing conifers along the eastern boundary of the Canford Garden Centre. In terms of land uses, the parcel can be divided up into the predominantly open Golf Course areas and the more developed areas of the Canford Garden Centre, the Canford Business Park (commercial uses) and the residential houses, cottages and converted farm buildings around Moortown Farmhouse. There is no agricultural land in this parcel. Permanence A341 forms a strong boundary to the south with the River Medium Stour to the north. The transition from the farmland to the east is not so obvious as the change is in character and management rather than delineated by a strong physical barrier. The western boundary follows the physical line of Moortown Drive. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted The parcel does not adjoin the large built up area of the Low sprawl of large built-up Poole/Bournemouth conurbation but does occupy land beyond Contribution areas; and therefore has some effect in checking unrestricted sprawl. Development here would be isolated and more associated with the settlement of Merley / Canford Magna. There is already the encroachment of domestic residential and commercial paraphernalia/uses within the parcel. To prevent neighbouring The parcel forms part of the existing gap between Merley and Medium towns merging into one the large built up area at Bearwood and development of it Contribution another; would reduce this. To assist in safeguarding The parcel is separated from Canford Magna and Merley by Medium the countryside from formal playing fields and sports pitches. There is already an Contribution encroachment; element of encroachment within the parcel as the openness is compromised by urbanising development and the golf course use within it. To preserve the setting The parcel does not extend beyond the existing built line of No and special character of Canford School and will not have any impact upon the water Contribution historic towns; meadow setting of Wimborne Minster. South East Dorset Structure Plan Submission 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The openness of the parcel is compromised to a degree by Medium open land around the urbanising development within it. The parcel is separated from Contribution conurbation. the edge of the conurbation by other areas of open land (to

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 42 the east and south). Provide for the The area is within easy reach of residents in Merley / Canford Medium development of suitable Magna and Bearwood. However, it is not well served by public Contribution forms of countryside transport (one bus per hour currently). The majority of this recreation easily portion is laid out as a golf course which allows access, but it is accessible to a large limited to members of the golf club. number of people. The Dorset Way Footpath 125 runs through the middle of the parcel from Moortown Drive (and Magna Road beyond in the west through to Knighton in the east.

Status of adjacent land The agricultural land to the north is also within the Green Belt but falls within the Stour Valley flood plain and is therefore likely to remain free of development. There are some large horticultural and agricultural establishments to the north of the river in East Dorset at Hampreston and Little Canford. These have the potential to grow further but the river Stour remains a significant and permanent barrier to further expansion southwards towards Poole. Summary This parcel of land makes a moderate to the purposes of Green Belt.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 43 Parcel 12 - Tract of land north of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood Site Name Parcel 12 - Tract of land north of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, south of River Stour floodplain. East of Moortown Farmhouse

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is River Terrace. High Tree cover is limited to field boundaries. The parcel consists of large open undulating agricultural fields. Currently grassland. Buildings are grouped away from the urban edge in the north of the parcel, around Knighton Farm and Farmhouse plus associated cottages. There is a concentration of trees to the east of the farm buildings, adjacent to Knighton Lane. The buildings are used for residential, agricultural and commercial purposes. Two HV power lines cross the eastern half of the parcel. There are pylons in situ. Permanence The land to the north is within Flood Risk Zone 3 (FRZ3) Medium but there is no strong change in character between the area outside the FRZ3 but the land does fall away to the north and provides open views across the Stour Valley to Hampreston and Little Canford. There is a lane with hedgerows on either side running east from Knighton that forms a reasonably permanent physical boundary. The southern boundary is clearly delineated by the A341 Magna Road. A ribbon of housing along the northern side of the Magna Road backs onto the parcel but there is a strong and well-defined boundary between the gardens and the agricultural fields. There are no ‘fringe’ activities on the edge. The western boundary with the garden centre is marked by a hedgerow, which extends northwards along the eastern edge of the Golf Course but beyond that the boundary becomes indistinct. However, there is a change in character from agricultural to a more ‘manicured’ environment of the golf course with non-native, more ornamental planting. Purposes - NPPF Notes Score To check the The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area at Medium Contribution unrestricted sprawl of Bearwood. It is open and rural in character. There is large built-up areas; already an element of sprawl (ribbon development) along the southern boundary of the parcel and development would intensify and represent a significant expansion of the large built-up area into the countryside and there is no obvious physical landscape feature to restrict further expansion to the west. However, the south eastern portion of the parcel (east of Knighton Lane) would not project out beyond the existing western edge of Bearwood to the south of Magna Road. It is noted also that the land to the north of the parcel is a flood zone

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 44 that would provides a level of restriction to a sprawl of the built up area. To prevent Development of this parcel would result in a limited loss Low Contribution neighbouring towns of the physical gap between the western edge of the merging into one large built up area at Bearwood and the settlement of another; Merley / Canford Magna. The openness of the remainder of this gap is compromised by the urbanising development that already exists at Canford Garden Centre and Canford Business Park. Development of this parcel would not result in any perception of the narrowing of the gap between the large built up area and Wimborne. To assist in The parcel is immediately adjacent to the large built-up High Contribution safeguarding the area at Bearwood. It is open and rural in character and countryside from lacks urbanising development. Development would encroachment; represent an encroachment into the countryside. However, the south eastern portion of the parcel (east of Knighton Lane) would not project out beyond the existing western edge of Bearwood to the south of Magna Road. To preserve the The parcel does not form part of the setting of the No Contribution setting and special historic town of Wimborne. character of historic towns; Purposes - South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 To maintain an area The parcel is positioned immediately adjacent to the High Contribution of open land around large built up area at Bearwood and is very open and the conurbation. rural in character with a lack of urbanising development. Development on this parcel would represent encroachment and a loss of openness into the countryside to the west and north of the conurbation. To provide for the With the exception of the Stour Way (Footpath 29) Low Contribution development of running along the northern edge of the parcel, there are suitable forms of no public rights of way across the land. The fields are in countryside agricultural use, some grazed by sheep. Access, recreation easily particularly by dog walkers would be problematical. accessible to a large number of people.

Status of adjacent The agricultural land to the north is also within the Green Belt but falls within the land Stour Valley flood plain and is therefore likely to remain free of development. There are some large horticultural and agricultural establishments to the north of the river in East Dorset at Hampreston and Little Canford. These have the potential to grow further but the river Stour remains a significant and permanent barrier to further expansion southwards towards Poole. The Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan Part 1 Core Strategy includes an allocations for a new neighbourhoods and a possible SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) on the south western edge of West Parley at Holmwood House and Coppins. Summary This parcel of land performs relatively well in terms of the purposes of Green Belt. The location of the parcel means that does have an effect in checking the unrestricted sprawl of the large built-up area of the Poole/Bournemouth

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 45 conurbation. It also makes a contribution to safeguarding the countryside from encroachment.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 46 Parcel 13 Knighton Heath Golf Course, Bearwood. Site Name Parcel 13 Knighton Heath Golf Course, Bearwood.

NB – only part of this parcel is currently designated green belt. A substantial part was designated as safeguarded land when the Green Belt was first designated. The safeguarding has been related to housing, transport and employment development over successive local plans. However, physically and visually, the parcel is contiguous with the designated green belt areas and therefore has been assessed as such. Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Lowland Heathland. The High majority is used as a golf course. The parcel is very open and free of urbanising development with the exception of the Club House for the Golf Course. Permanence The built form of the conurbation encloses the whole of the Medium northern and eastern boundaries. The western boundary is open and there is little delineation between the golf course and the open heathland. The A3049 (Canford Way) forms the southern boundary. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area but is clearly Medium unrestricted sprawl of open and rural in character. There is a clear boundary and a Contribution large built-up areas; strong differentiation between rural and urban. The internationally protected heathland further west provides a permanent restriction to sprawl. To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would not result in any perception No towns merging into one of the narrowing of the gap between the large built up area and Contribution another; Wimborne. The expanse of heathland to the west forms a permanent and effective gap between this area of the conurbation and the neighbourhoods of Broadstone and Canford Heath. To assist in safeguarding The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area but is clearly High the countryside from open and rural in character. There is a clear boundary and a Contribution encroachment; strong differentiation between rural and urban and there is a lack of urbanising development – development would represent encroachment into the countryside To preserve the setting The parcel does not form part of the setting of the historic town No and special character of of Wimborne. Contribution historic towns; and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The parcel is immediately adjacent to the large built up area. It High open land around the is open and lacks urbanising development. Development would Contribution conurbation. result in a loss of open land around the conurbation. To provide for the The parcel is easily accessible from the urban area and there are Medium development of suitable bridleways across the parcel. Access to the formal recreation Contribution forms of countryside opportunities offered by the golf course is limited by recreation easily membership. accessible to a large number of people.

Status of adjacent land The open land to the west of the parcel is designated and protected as

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 47 heathland. Part of the parcel was originally safeguarded for a road scheme.

Summary Although part of this parcel is not designated as Green Belt, it is continuous with the area to the west that is. There are no physical boundaries between the Green belt and the non-Green Belt areas. Despite the anomaly in the designation (due to the land currently being reserved for employment development) the parcel does meet the purposes moderately well. It is surrounded by urban development on three sides and development would not result in any significant coalescence between the large built up area and individual settlements. However, development would be restricted by the heathland designation in the south and west. There is no obvious delineation on the western boundary of the parcel that separates the non-heathland from the heathland areas.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 48 Parcel 14 - Tract of land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, east of Canford Arena Site Name Parcel 14 - Tract of land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, east of Canford Arena and the Canford Recycling Centre NB – only part of this parcel is currently designated green belt. A substantial part was designated as safeguarded land when the Green Belt was first designated. The safeguarding has been related to housing, transport and employment development over successive local plans. However, physically and visually, the parcel is contiguous with the designated green belt areas and therefore has been assessed as such. Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Heath / Farmland Mosaic. Medium Open fields formerly in agricultural use now used for a mix of equestrian (horse / pony paddocks) and formal recreation (football training pitch) and some unmanaged open grassland. There is urbanising development, which includes Bearwood Primary School, some residential, equestrian, commercial (boarding kennels) and smallholding-type properties. Permanence Wheelers Lane forms a strong permanent boundary to the Medium east and also forms the western edge of the built-up area of Bearwood. There is some development on the western side of Wheelers Lane. The western and southern boundaries are less well defined but the A341 Magna Road is a strong permanent boundary to the north. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the The parcel is immediately adjacent to the large built-up area High Contribution unrestricted sprawl at Bearwood of large built-up areas; To prevent Development of this parcel would result in a reduction in the Medium neighbouring physical gap between the western edge of the large built up Contribution towns merging into area at Bearwood the settlement of Merley / Canford Magna. one another; The parcel is generally rural in character but is compromised by urbanising development within it. Development of this parcel would not result in any perception of the narrowing of the gap between the large built up area and the town of Wimborne. To assist in The parcel is adjacent to the large built-up area and generally Medium safeguarding the rural in character but is compromised by urbanising Contribution countryside from development within it. The parcel is already subject to an encroachment; element of encroachment. To preserve the The parcel does not form part of the setting of the historic No Contribution setting and special town of Wimborne. character of historic towns; and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an The parcel is immediately adjacent to the conurbation at Medium area of open land Bearwood but the openness of the parcel is compromised by Contribution around the some urbanising development (urban fringe uses) within it. It conurbation. is also relevant that 17.5 ha of this parcel is subject to an

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 49 extant planning permission (2014) for 16,000 square metres industrial development. To provide for the The parcel is adjacent to the urban area and is crossed by Medium development of public rights of way (a bridleway runs to the south of the Contribution suitable forms of parcel and the southern portion of Wheelers Lane is also a countryside bridleway). The parcel contains formal recreational facilities recreation easily but they are not accessible or usable by the general public. accessible to a There is no open access over the land within the parcel but it large number of does link to the heathland areas to the south. people.

Status of adjacent The land to the south of the parcel is designated heathland. To the west and north land the land is also green belt. There is an active land fill site and waste recycling facility to the west and Canford Arena is used for open air display and events. Summary The parcel makes a decent contribution to the purposes of Green Belt land.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 50 Parcel 15 Tract of land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, east of Arrowsmith Road Site Name Parcel 15 Tract of land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood, east of Arrowsmith Road including Canford Arena and the Canford Recycling Centre

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Heath / Farmland Mosaic Medium Former agricultural fields now in use for horse grazing, open air arena and playing pitches. Some agricultural land remains in the very north west of the parcel. Some original hedgerows remain. Significant intrusion by roads and parking areas plus open storage for the arena use. The rural character is very dilute. Permanence The A341 Magna Road forms a strong permanent boundary Medium along the northern edge. There are hedgerows to the east and west of the parcel and tracts of mixed woodland to the south. The parcel is visually separate form the waste recycling centre and the landfill site (White’s Pit) to the south. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted The parcel is not immediately adjacent to the large built-up Medium sprawl of large built-up area but is close to it. Openness is compromised to a limited Contribution areas; extent by urbanising uses and development. There is encroachment of commercial / recreational / equestrian uses associated buildings and structures (clubhouses, port-a-cabins, outdoor storage, stabling, outdoor schooling area for horses). To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would result in a reduction in the Medium towns merging into one physical gap between the western edge of the large built up contribution another; area at Bearwood and the settlement of Merley / Canford Magna. The parcel is generally rural in character but is compromised by urbanising development within it. Development of this parcel would not result in any perception of the narrowing of the gap between the large built up area and the town of Wimborne. To assist in safeguarding The parcel is not adjacent to the large built-up area, and Low the countryside from openness is compromised urbanising uses and development. Contribution encroachment; There is encroachment of commercial / recreational / equestrian uses associated buildings and structures (clubhouses, port-a-cabins, outdoor storage, stabling, outdoor schooling area for horses). To preserve the setting The parcel does not form part of the setting of an historic No and special character of town. contribution historic towns; and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The parcel is reasonably open in character and is separated Medium open land around the from the edge of the large built up area by only a narrow Contribution conurbation. parcel of land. To provide for the The parcel is close to the urban area but has no public access No development of suitable over it. There are no public rights of way within the parcel Contribution

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 51 forms of countryside although a bridleway runs to the south and a footpath runs recreation easily along the western boundary. The parcel includes formal accessible to a large recreational facilities (football training pitches) but they are number of people. not accessible or usable by the general public

Status of adjacent land The land to the north, south east and west is designated green belt. There is an active waste recycling facility to the south and an active landfill site at White’s Pit.

Summary This parcel performs relatively well against the purposes of the Green Belt.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 52 Parcel 16 - Tract of land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood Site Name Parcel 16 - Tract of land to south of A341 Magna Road between Merley and Bearwood. Including land to the south of Canford Arena including Canford Recycling Centre and White’s Pit.

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Heath/Farmland Mosaic. Medium Large blocks of mixed woodland and scrub with some open areas of unmanaged grassland. Visually enclosed due to the vegetation and topography a stream runs in a valley in the eastern section. The large industrial complex acts as an urbanising influence as does the activity associated with the landfill at White’s Tip. Permanence Boundaries are not marked by permanent fixed features but Low by a change in character / land use. The heathland marks the southern edge of the parcel with leisure and formal recreational uses to the north. The eastern boundary is marked by trees and a remnant hedgerow. The western boundary follows a track which is also the line of Footpath 125 Dorset Way to Magna Road. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted The parcel is remote from the large built-up area – Low sprawl of large built-up development here would be isolated or associated with a Contribution areas; different settlement To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would result in a moderate Medium towns merging into one narrowing of the physical gap between Bearwood and Contribution another; Merley but there would be open landscape to the east of the parcel that would preserve separation. To assist in safeguarding The parcel is rural in character but is separated from the Medium the countryside from edge of the built-up area by other open areas. In addition, Contribution encroachment; openness is compromised by urbanising development within it. To preserve the setting The parcel does not form part of the setting of an historic No and special character of town Contribution historic towns; and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 To maintain an area of The parcel is generally open and rural in character but Medium open land around the remote from the large built up area and openness is Contribution conurbation. compromised to some extent by urbanising development. There are other landscape features to the south and east that maintain the open area around the conurbation. To provide for the The parcel is accessible on foot from Bearwood, Merley and Medium development of suitable Gravel Hill and does have access via public rights of way Contribution. forms of countryside running through and links to the heathland to the south recreation easily accessible which is open access. to a large number of people.

Status of adjacent land Protected Heathland is situated to the south. All adjacent land parcels fall

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 53 within the South east Dorset Green Belt.

Summary This parcel performs relatively well in terms of the purposes of the Green Belt.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 54 Parcel 17 - Low density residential area to south and east of A341 Queen Anne Drive, East of A349 and West of Arrowsmith Road. Site Name Parcel 17 - Low density residential area to south and east of A341 Queen Anne Drive, East of A349 and West of Arrowsmith Road.

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Heath/Farmland Mosaic. Low Former gravel workings. Large residential plots interspersed with mixed woodland. Garden centres and nurseries in north and west of the parcel. Pony paddocks in the north east. Relatively steep sided valley sloping down to a stream. Heathland SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) to the south. Permanence Queen Anne Drive (A341) and the built form of Merley and Medium Canford Magna forming a strong and permanent boundary to the north. The A349 Gravel Hill is a permanent boundary to the west. The southern boundary follows the northern edge of the heathland and adjacent mixed woodland. The eastern boundary follows Canford Road and then the track that heads southwards from Stoats Hill and along the western boundary of White’s Pit. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the The parcel is not adjacent to the large built-up area. No unrestricted sprawl of Contribution large built-up areas; To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would result in some physical Medium towns merging into one coalescence of the separate settlement of Merley with the large Contribution another; built up area at Broadstone. Development of this parcel would not result in any perception of the narrowing of the gap between the large built up area and the town of Wimborne To assist in safeguarding The parcel is semi-rural in character and openness is Low the countryside from compromised by urbanising development within it. The parcel Contribution encroachment; has already been affected by urban encroachment. To preserve the setting The parcel does not form part of the setting of the historic town No and special character of of Wimborne. Contribution historic towns; and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The openness of the parcel is already compromised by Low open land around the urbanising development. The parcel is also remote from the Contribution conurbation. built edge of the conurbation and there are other landscape features that maintain the open area. To provide for the The parcel is close to the urban area of Merley but has only Low development of suitable limited access via public rights of way. The land is in private Contribution forms of countryside ownership and there are no open access areas, however public recreation easily footpaths and bridleways through the parcel do allow access to accessible to a large the heathland areas to the south. number of people.

Status of adjacent land The built up area of Merley sits to the north of the parcel and there is designated heathland to the south. There is a landfill site on the south eastern edge (White’s Pit). These areas all fall within the designated green belt.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 55

Summary The parcel makes a relatively low contribution to the purposes of the green belt. Development within the parcel would not undermine the openness of the parcel, provided that the extensive tree cover was protected and maintained. If the Green Belt status was removed from this area, other planning policies could provide effective control to protect local character and avoid unsustainable development. The heathland to the south would remain undeveloped due to its protected status.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 56 Parcel 18 - Gravel Hill, Dunyeats, Arrowsmith Copse Site Name Parcel 18 - Gravel Hill, Dunyeats, Arrowsmith Copse.

Essential Characteristics Openness The Landscape Characterisation is Heath/Farmland Mosaic. High The parcel is largely free of buildings with the exception of the crematorium buildings close to Dunyeats Roundabout in the very southern portion of the site. The playing field to Broadstone Primary School is also included as is the neighbouring cemetery. The cricket ground at the Delph (north east portion) has a pavilion building. The parcel is therefore largely open.

Permanence The Castleman Trailway is a well-defined and permanent High boundary to the north-west of the parcel and there is a clear demarcation between the back gardens of the residential properties in the Dunyeats Hill area of Broadstone, along Greensleeves Avenue and Portmore Close. The boundary of the parcel with the heathland at Dunyeats Hill is less defined but the A349 (Gravel Hill) forms a strong permanent western boundary in places. Arrowsmith Copse is well defined by the permanent presence of Gravel Hill and Arrowsmith Road. NPPF Purposes Notes Score To check the unrestricted The parcel is adjacent to only a small part of the large built-up High sprawl of large built-up area of the conurbation at Broadstone but there is a clear Contribution areas; boundary and a strong differentiation between rural and urban. Development of this parcel would be linear in form running either side of the main road at Gravel Hill. As such, it would result in sprawl extending from the northern edge of the large built up area at Broadstone to the settlement of Merley.

To prevent neighbouring Development of this parcel would result in physical and visual Medium towns merging into one coalescence of the separate settlement of Merley with the Contribution another; large built up area at Broadstone. To assist in safeguarding The parcel only abuts the built-up area of Broadstone at Medium the countryside from Dunyeats Hill. There is an area of protected heathland forming Contribution encroachment; a buffer along the eastern flank of the settlement. Therefore, the parcel has only a limited role in preventing the northward expansion of Broadstone. The parcel does however lack urbanising development and development would represent encroachment into the countryside. To preserve the setting The parcel does not form part of the setting of the historic No and special character of town of Wimborne. Contribution historic towns; and South East Dorset Structure Plan 1980 Purposes To maintain an area of The parcel relates more strongly to the wider countryside than High open land around the to the settlement and lacks urbanising development. Contribution

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 57 conurbation. Development would represent encroachment into the countryside and a complete loss of openness between the conurbation at Broadstone and the surrounding settlement of Merley To provide for the The parcel is close to and easily accessible to the urban areas High development of suitable of Broadstone and Merley The parcel includes a significant area Contribution forms of countryside of Public Open Space (owned and managed by the Borough of recreation easily Poole) adjacent to the Castleman Trailway (following the accessible to a large former railway line on the north west boundary) which is also number of people. crossed by a network of public bridleways. The northern portion of the parcel is well used by the public for informal recreation in a rural setting. Arrowsmith Coppice (between the A349 Gravel Hill and Arrowsmith Lane) is a new area of Heathland mitigation, also owned and managed by the Borough of Poole, with open public access. The parcel therefore offers a range of different experiences with links to other recreation areas and trails. There is a car park provided at the Delph in the north west portion of the parcel, which is close to a cricket ground (with pavilion).

Status of adjacent land The built up area of Merley and the low density housing around Arrowsmith Lane, sit to the north of the parcel. Broadstone and Broadstone Golf Course are located to the west. There is an area of designated heathland to the south west (on the eastern flank of Broadstone). The larger area of Canford Heath stretches away to the south and east. These areas all fall within the designated green belt. Summary The parcel makes a very strong contribution to the purposes of Green Belt. It is relevant that, the parcel is protected from development by its status as Public Open Space and Heathland Mitigation area. The parcel is also densely wooded which would restrict development potential. The proximity to protected heathland would also restrict residential development. These other statutory / planning constraints would still be effective should this parcel not form part of the green belt.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 58 6. Conclusion and Next Steps 62. As explained previously, the Site Assessment is the first stage in a full Green Belt Review. The site assessment work is a technical evidence gathering exercise that provides an objective evaluation of how different Green belt parcels within the Borough of Poole contribute to the purposes of Green Belt. The outcome of that assessment is that all the parcels do contribute to the purposes of Green Belt but to varying degrees. 63. The next steps will involve carrying out more refined assessments where considered necessary as it is acknowledged that certain sub-sites within each parcel could be developed without materially harming the overall function of the South East Dorset Green Belt. It is also acknowledged that some sites are being promoted through the Local Plan that will need further site-specific assessments to consider their value in Green Belt terms as well as their potential to contribute towards delivering sustainable development. 64. Once further assessment have been undertaken, the findings can be used to identify where changes to the Green Belt Boundary could or should be made. There is also the opportunity to identify areas within the Green Belt that have the potential for improvement – i.e. enhancement of beneficial use as outlined in NPPF paragraph 81 and the South East Structure Plan 1980. The findings of the assessment will also be integral to the identification of sites that are suitable for delivering sustainable development. 65. The NPPF provides guidance in this respect: “83. Local planning authorities with Green Belts in their area should establish Green Belt boundaries in their Local Plans which set the framework for Green Belt and settlement policy. Once established, Green Belt boundaries should only be altered in exceptional circumstances, through the preparation or review of the Local Plan. At that time, authorities should consider the Green Belt boundaries having regard to their intended permanence in the long term, so that they should be capable of enduring beyond the plan period. 84. When drawing up or reviewing Green Belt boundaries local planning authorities should take account of the need to promote sustainable patterns of development. They should consider the consequences for sustainable development of channelling development towards urban areas inside the Green Belt boundary, towards towns and villages inset within the Green Belt or towards locations beyond the outer Green Belt boundary.

85. When defining boundaries, local planning authorities should:  ensure consistency with the Local Plan strategy for meeting identified  requirements for sustainable development;  not include land which it is unnecessary to keep permanently open;  where necessary, identify in their plans areas of ‘safeguarded land’ between the urban area and the Green Belt, in order to meet longer-term development needs stretching well beyond the plan period;  make clear that the safeguarded land is not allocated for development at the present time. Planning permission for the permanent development of safeguarded land should only be granted following a Local Plan review which proposes the development;  satisfy themselves that Green Belt boundaries will not need to be altered at the end of the development plan period; and  define boundaries clearly, using physical features that are readily recognisable and likely to be permanent.” Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 59 66. It is intended that the final full Green Belt Review will also comprehensively consider sites with development potential in the context of the patterns of sustainable development. The final document will be published to support the preparation of the Draft Local Plan.

Poole Local Plan Review. Issues and Options. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 60

Further Information Planning & Regeneration Services inc. Building Consultancy, Borough of Poole, Civic Centre, Poole BH15 2RU Tel: 01202 633321 Email: [email protected]

ReadPoole andLocal Comment Plan Review. online Issues andat www.poole.gov.uk/localplanreviewOptions. Draft Green Belt Review. June 2016 61 Hard copies are available for viewing in Poole public libraries and at the Civic Centre.