DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (2012-2015) DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (2012-2015) www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com Version 6.2 February 2012 Section One: Combe Valley Countryside Park Development Strategy Page Introduction 3 The importance of green infrastructure 6 Biodiversity in Combe Valley Countryside Park 12 Planning Policy Issues 14 Community Aspirations 17 Recreational Demand Study 18 Park Development Zones 19 Access to the Countryside Park 22 Wildlife Strategy 25 Activity Park Hub 27 Waste Facilities in the Park 33 Park Project Development Strategy 36 Section Two: Combe Valley Countryside Park Implementation Plan 2012 -2015 Page Ownership 38 Management 39 Implementation Strategy 43 Financial Profile 45 Spreadsheet 47 Version 6.2 Page 2 February 2012 www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com SECTION ONE: COMBE VALLEY COUNTRYSIDE PARK DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY INTRODUCTION In 2008 the original Pebsham Countryside Park Project Development Strategy and Implementation Plan were agreed and the current Management Board was put into place. A requirement of the new Management Structure was that the Development Strategy and Implementation Plan be reviewed after three years to assess progress and to re-evaluate objectives. This Review takes the form of a single document combining the Strategy & Implementation elements. The original documents remain as background to the project and the review highlights recommended realisable objectives with a suggested milestones and outputs for the next three years 2012 - 2015. The Vision “To create and manage a high quality sustainable, attractive, accessible and multi- functional countryside area to serve the recreational, economic and health and well- being needs of residents and visitors”. The Project The Pebsham Countryside Park project was first mooted in 1993 as part of the North Bexhill Strategic Framework. It emanated from the ‘strategic gap’ planning policies so as to provide a greenspace in the future when the land occupied by the Pebsham Landfill site between Hastings & Bexhill was restored. However it was not until 2003 that the Pebsham Countryside Park Project Steering Group was set up to mastermind the restoration of the landfill areas and to manage to countryside between the towns. The Steering Group was formed of representatives from the three Councils Rother, Hastings, and East Sussex. With the use of funding from a S106 Obligation from Southern Water and the INTERREG III ‘Access for All’ project the Steering Group were able to undertake a major public consultation in 2005, prepare a development strategy and carry out works to footpaths etc. In 2008 the Pebsham Countryside Park Project Management Board was formed comprising representatives from Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, East Sussex County Council and Crowhurst Parish Council. Version 6.2 Page 3 February 2012 www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com The proposed Countryside Park covers an area of 600 hectares within Rother District and Hastings Borough. In 2011, following a community survey, it was agreed by the Management Board that the Pebsham Countryside Park Project name should be reviewed. It was felt that a new name for the Countryside Park should be selected which reflected the larger area for the Park than that on the original Pebsham Landfill area. In 2012 the Park was formally named Combe Valley Countryside Park. As stated this name reflects the wider context of the Park which forms an important greenspace within the 1066 Country. The southern part adjoining Bulverhythe contains a landfill site, a waste transfer station, a household waste site and a waste water treatment works. The northern area comprises the Combe Haven valley SSSI and reed beds. The intention is that the project will create a significant green space between the two towns and that the restored landfill site and adjoining land will be able to be used for recreational purposes. On the north eastern side of Bexhill a town expansion, subject to the construction of a new Link Road, is proposed with around 1,200 dwellings and 500,000 square feet of employment space. The Bexhill-Hastings Link Road, if constructed, would link central Bexhill with Queensway and would also provide a greenway between the two towns for use by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The actual detailed layout, design and function of the Countryside Park will be determined by the completion of the landfill site and its landscaping and the construction or otherwise of the Link Road and the North East Bexhill development. In any event the Countryside Park is a long term project which will address the deficiency in green space for the towns of Hastings and Bexhill. The Park will serve an immediate population of 22,500 people and an overall urban population of 130,000 persons. It will provide an opportunity for active recreation, walking, cycling, equestrianism, bird watching, nature studies etc. “Core” Values “Core” values for the Development and Management of Combe Valley Countryside Park: High quality Accessibility for all abilities where possible Promotes and enables individuals to improve their health and well-being Sustainable, in the sense that: Development will be suited to the character of the place. Development will follow natural principles, use local and renewable materials and be an example of low carbon dioxide emissions. Development should aim to become financially self supporting Engage with communities in order to get their involvement in development and promote use Support the local economy – to be a catalyst for investment and partnerships. Version 6.2 Page 4 February 2012 www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com Address deficiencies in accessible natural greenspace in the eastern part of East Sussex Conserve and enhance the “green gap” between the two towns and strengthen the connectivity between them. Conserve, enhance and celebrate the biodiversity and historic environment of the area, both land and sea. Stimulate a creative synergy between the arts and the environment. Add value to what is there – improve the aesthetic resource of the place. Have a clear identity for the Countryside Park Be responsive to the needs of the Community Plan 1: Combe Valley Countryside Park Location Version 6.2 Page 5 February 2012 www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com THE IMPORTANCE OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE The increasing importance of Green Infrastructure is being recognised by Government, Health and Nature organisations. The benefits as shown below are identified in terms of health and well being, community, climate change etc. Combe Valley Countryside Park is a project which provides a significant accessible greenspace between the towns of Hastings and Bexhill and addresses deficiencies in the eastern part of East Sussex. The park will directly serve 22,500 people in adjoining neighbourhoods and provide a major greenspace for the combined populations of 130,000 of Hastings and Bexhill on Sea. The Government White Paper ‘The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature’1 has particular relevance for the Combe Valley Countryside Park, recommending that a healthy natural environment is a cost-effective tool that can help local authorities to: • support economic and social regeneration • improve public health outcomes • improve educational outcomes • reduce crime and antisocial behaviour • help communities adapt to climate change; and • improve quality of life across an entire area. The paper highlights the need for effective partnership working that can bring about these multiple benefits and sets out a vision to be adopted for local partnerships who will link action to protect and improve the natural environment, with wider national and local social and economic priorities. They are encouraged to make links with Local Enterprise Partnerships and the new Health and Wellbeing Boards, the East Sussex version of which is currently being established. Improving Health and Well-being through the use of Green Space The specific link between sustainable green space and bringing about positive health benefits for the population is reflected in a number of strategic documents. This section reflects the key recommendations that the Combe Valley Countryside Park will aim to reflect in its development work and implementation plan. A report by the Faculty of Public Health report in association with Natural England2 outlines how high quality well planned and managed green space delivers direct benefits to people’s health and wellbeing. It also delivers indirect benefits because of the activities and outcomes it promotes and enables. These include promoting better mental health, enabling participation in physical activity, enhanced opportunities for outdoor play for children and families, supporting food growing and encouraging greater social cohesion through shared activities that centre around 1 HM Government. The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature June 2011 2 Great outdoors: how our natural health service uses green space to improve wellbeing: an action report. Faculty of Public Health, 2010 Version 6.2 Page 6 February 2012 www.combevalleycountrysidepark.com common areas of green space. They also provide opportunities to learn about the environment and to volunteer. The report recommends that local policy makers, town planners, public health practitioners, the voluntary sector and local communities themselves should be strengthening collaborative working to develop green space and make better use of it for the benefit