Planning in Lewes

Built and Historic Environment and High Quality Design

The local planning authority will seek to secure high quality design in all new development in order to assist in creating sustainable places and communities. This will be achieved by ensuring that the design of development: i. Respects and, where appropriate, positively contributes to the character and distinctiveness of the district's unique built and natural heritage; ii. Within the South Downs National Park is in accordance with the National Park purposes and outside the SDNP has regard to the setting of the National Park and its purposes; iii. Adequately addresses the need to reduce resource and energy consumption; iv. Responds sympathetically to the site and its local context and is well-integrated in terms of access and functionality with the surrounding area; v. Is adaptable, safe and accessible to all and, in relation to housing development, is capable of adapting to changing lifestyles and needs; vi. Incorporates measures to reduce opportunities for crime or anti-social behaviour, including the provision of active ground floor frontages in town, district and local centres to assist with the informal surveillance of the public realm; vii. Makes efficient and effective use of land, avoiding the creation of public space which has no identified use or function; viii. Provides a satisfactory environment for existing and future occupants including, in relation to housing development, adequate provision for daylight, sunlight, privacy, private outdoor space and/or communal amenity areas; ix. Minimises flood risk in accordance with Core Policy 12. The local planning authority will safeguard historic assets, including scheduled ancient monuments, listed buildings (both statutory and locally listed), registered parks and gardens, the Lewes Battlefield (1264), and archaeological remains. Proposals which conserve or enhance the historic environment, including the sensitive use of historic assets through regeneration, will be encouraged and supported. The local planning authority will seek opportunities to enhance the character and appearance of designated Conservation Areas, in accordance with the Conservation Area character appraisals.

Encouraging Economic Development and Regeneration

In order to stimulate and maintain a buoyant and balanced local economy through regeneration of the coastal towns, support for local and key strategic businesses and the rural economy and ensuring that the district's economy does not become reliant on one or two sectors, the local planning authority will take a flexible and supportive approach to economic development through the following measures: 1. When and where appropriate, identify sufficient sites in sustainable locations to provide for a flexible range of employment space to meet current and future needs. Within the South Downs National Park the pursuit of National Park Purposes will be paramount. 2. Safeguard existing employment sites from other competing uses unless there are demonstrable economic viability or environmental amenity reasons for not doing so. This will include: i. A demonstrated lack of tenant/occupier interest. ii. A demonstrated lack of developer interest. iii. Serious adverse environmental impacts from existing operations. iv. Where the site is otherwise unlikely to perform an employment role in the future. v. Where the loss of some space would facilitate further/improved employment floorspace provision. Guidance on the interpretation of i. and ii. in the determination of planning applications is set out in paragraph 7.45 of the supporting text. In such circumstances, there will be a strong preference for a mixed use alternative development in order to facilitate the retention or delivery of an appropriate element of employment use on the site. There is a presumption in favour of retaining the unimplemented employment site allocations from the Local Plan (2003) towards meeting the District's employment land requirements over the plan period. However, if there are clear economic viability or environmental amenity reasons for not doing so then such sites will be de-allocated or considered for alternative uses through the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD or the SDNPA Local Plan. 3. Support the appropriate intensification, upgrading and redevelopment of existing employment sites for employment uses. Where appropriate, mechanisms such as Local Development Orders and 'value added' mixed use schemes will be used. 4. Support the delivery of new office space to meet modern requirements. 5. Encourage and support small, flexible, start-up and serviced business units (including scope for accommodating business expansion). This would include support for economic growth in rural areas through the conversion of existing buildings and appropriate, well designed new buildings for suitable business uses and for sustainable tourism developments. In addition, support will be given for farm diversification schemes and enterprises that help maintain the viability of farm businesses engaged in sustainable land management. 6. Promote the development of sustainable tourism, including recreation, leisure, cultural and creative sectors, and having particular regard to the opportunities provided by the South Downs National Park, both within and outside the National Park boundary. 7. Support the continued use of Newhaven port for freight and passengers including plans for expansion and modernisation of the port as identified in the port authority's Port Masterplan. Support will also be provided to the delivery of onshore infrastructure and support services for the Rampion offshore windfarm. 8. Promote modern and high speed e-communications and IT infrastructure. 9. Encourage sustainable working practices (eg. homeworking and live/work). 10. Support opportunities for the improvement of the skills and educational attainment levels of the district's labour supply, including new education and training facilities.

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy and Sustainable Use of Resources

In order to reduce locally contributing causes of climate change, including through the implementation of sustainable construction techniques in new developments, the local planning authority will: 1. Encourage renewable and low carbon energy in all development, with proposals responding to the potential identified in the Energy Opportunities Map. Development location and design that takes advantage of opportunities for decentralised, renewable and low carbon energy will be encouraged. 2. Support applications for low carbon and renewable energy installations, subject to the following matters being satisfactorily assessed and addressed: i. Appropriate contribution to meeting national and local renewable heat and energy targets; ii. Protecting the special qualities and setting of the South Downs National Park, in accordance with national park purposes and the duties of regard by relevant authorities; iii. Landscape and visual impact; iv. Local amenity impact; v. Ecology impact; and vi. Cultural heritage impact, including the need to preserve and enhance heritage assets. 3. Require planning applications relating to Core Strategy strategic site allocations to be accompanied by an Energy Strategy. The Energy Strategy will seek to incorporate decentralised and renewable or low carbon technologies into the development proposal. Where a strategic site is developed in phases, the Energy Strategy will guide the development of infrastructure for renewable and/or low carbon technologies in a coordinated way. 4. Require all new dwellings to achieve water consumption of no more than 110 litres per person per day, unless it can be demonstrated that it would not be technically feasible or financially viable. All new non-residential developments over 1,000 square metres (gross floorspace) will be expected to achieve the BREEAM 'Very Good' standard and developers will be expected to provide certification evidence of the levels achieved in the relevant requirements/standards at the planning application stage.

Natural Environment and Landscape Character

1. The natural environment of the district, including landscape assets, biodiversity, geodiversity, priority habitats and species and statutory and locally designated sites, will be conserved and enhanced by: i. Maintaining and where possible enhancing the natural, locally distinctive and heritage landscape qualities and characteristics of the district including hedgerows, ancient woodland and shaws, as informed by the East Sussex County Landscape Assessment and the Lewes District Landscape Capacity Study; ii. Ensuring that new development will not harm nature conservation interests, unless the benefits of development at that location clearly outweigh the harm caused. In such cases appropriate mitigation and compensation will be required; iii. Maintaining and where possible enhancing local biodiversity resources including through maintaining and improving wildlife corridors, ecological networks and avoiding habitat fragmentation in both rural and urban areas; iv. Working with neighbouring local authorities to contribute to the delivery of biodiversity improvements within the South Downs Way Ahead Nature Improvement Area and the Brighton and Lewes Downs Biosphere Project, as well as other projects and partnerships that are established during the plan period. 2. The highest priority will be given to the first purpose of the South Downs National Park and the integrity of European designated sites (SACs and SPAs) in and around Lewes District. Within and in the setting of the South Downs National Park, development will be resisted if it fails to conserve and appropriately enhance its rural, urban and historic landscape qualities, and its natural and scenic beauty, as informed by the South Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment. 3. To ensure that the Ashdown Forest (SAC and SPA) is protected from recreational pressure, residential development that results in a net increase of one or more dwellings within 7km of the Ashdown Forest will be required to contribute to: i. The provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) at the ratio of 8 hectares per additional 1,000 residents; and ii. The implementation of an Ashdown Forest Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS). Until such a time that appropriate mitigation is delivered, development that results in a net increase of one or more dwellings within 7km of Ashdown Forest will be resisted. Applicants may consider mitigation solutions other than SANGs in order to bring forward residential development. Such solutions would need to be agreed with the District Council and Natural England. 4. Ensure that water quality is improved where necessary or maintained when appropriate (including during any construction process) and that watercourses (including groundwater flows) are protected from encroachment and adverse impacts in line with the objectives of the South East River Basin Management Plan. Where appropriate, the local planning authority will seek the enhancement and restoration of modified watercourses.

Flood Risk, Coastal Erosion, Sustainable Drainage and Slope Stability

The local planning authority will seek to reduce the impact and extent of flooding and damage from slope failure. This will be achieved by: 1. Steering development away from areas of flood risk (as identified in the latest Environment Agency and SFRA flood risk and climate change maps) where possible. Development in areas of flood risk will be required to meet the national Sequential and Exception tests, where relevant. 2. Where site specific flood risk assessments are required, directing applicants to demonstrate that the development and its means of access will be safe from flooding without increasing the risk of flooding elsewhere. Development should seek to reduce overall flood risk where possible. 3. Requiring flood protection, resilience, resistance and mitigation measures appropriate to the specific requirements of the site. Such measures will be expected to have regard to the character of the natural and built environment of the site and surroundings, to climate change implications and to biodiversity. 4. Liaising closely with the Environment Agency and East Sussex County Council on development and flood risk. 5. Seeking the appropriate management of surface water run-off and ensuring there is no increase in surface water run-off from new developments. This will include requiring new development to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), unless it is demonstrated that SuDS are not technically appropriate. The local planning authority will consult East Sussex County Council, the lead local flood authority, on the whole life management and maintenance of SuDS. 6. Ensuring development avoids areas of undeveloped coastline unless it specifically requires a rural coastal location, meets the sequential test and does not have other adverse impacts. 7. Preventing development on unstable areas of coastline and areas at risk of erosion and slope failure, such as those identified in the South Downs Shoreline Management Plan. The local planning authority will work with partners and applicants to implement the current Shoreline Management Plan, Catchment Flood Management Plan and other relevant flood/coastal protection strategies and plans.

Green Infrastructure

The local planning authority will promote a connected network of multi-functional green infrastructure by protecting and enhancing the quantity, quality and accessibility of open spaces throughout the district. This will be achieved by: 1. Identifying in the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD or SDNPA Local Plan areas where there is potential for the enhancement or restoration of existing green infrastructure and opportunities for the provision of new green space. 2. Ensuring that development maintains and/or manages identified green infrastructure, where appropriate. 3. Requiring development to contribute to the green infrastructure network and make provision for new green infrastructure and/or linkages to existing green infrastructure, where appropriate. 4. Resisting development that would undermine the functional integrity of the green infrastructure network or would result in the loss of existing green spaces, unless either mitigation measures are incorporated within the development or alternative and suitable provision is made elsewhere in the locality. 5. Working in partnership with other organisations to increase walking, cycling and public transport access to the countryside.

Air Quality

The local planning authority will seek to improve air quality, having particular regard to any Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) designations. Applications for development that by virtue of their location, nature or scale could impact on an AQMA will be required to: 1. Have regard to any relevant Air Quality Action Plans (AQAP) and to seek improvements in air quality through implementation of measures in the AQAP. 2. Provide mitigation measures where the development and/or associated traffic would adversely affect any declared AQMA. All applications for development will be required to: 3. Provide mitigation measures where the development and/or its associated traffic could lead to a declaration of a new or extended AQMA. 4. Ensure that the development will not have a negative impact on the surrounding area in terms of its effect on health, the natural environment or general amenity, taking into account cumulative impacts. 5. Promote opportunities for walking, cycling and public transport and congestion management to reduce traffic levels in areas of reduced air quality, particularly in town centre locations, and promote the opportunity for cycling through the provision of cycleways. 6. Secure best practice methods to reduce levels of dust and other pollutants arising from the construction of development and/or from the use of the completed development.

Affordable Housing

1. A district wide target of 40% affordable housing, including affordable rented and intermediate housing, will be sought for developments of 10 or more dwelling units. For developments of less than 10 units, affordable housing will be sought according to the stepped target and threshold below: Affordable Housing Target/Threshold Scheme size (Units) | Affordable housing (Units) 1 - 2 | 0 3 - 4 | 1 5 - 7 | 2 8 - 9 | 3 10+ | 40% 2. The affordable housing requirement may exceptionally be determined on a site by site basis where justified by market and/or site conditions. The target levels will be expected to be provided by all developments of 3 or more (net) dwelling units (including conversions and subdivisions) unless the local planning authority is satisfied by robust financial viability evidence that development would not be financially viable at the relevant target level. Such evidence will be required to be submitted with the planning application to justify any reduced levels of affordable housing provision proposed for assessment using an open-book approach and may be subject to independent assessment (e.g. by the Valuation Office Agency or equivalent). 3. The guideline affordable housing tenure split will be 75% affordable rented and 25% intermediate (shared ownership). The local planning authority will negotiate the appropriate tenure split on a site by site basis based upon the latest evidence of needs in the site locality. 4. Affordable housing units will be integrated throughout the development site, be indistinguishable in design and materials from the market housing on the site and remain affordable in perpetuity. The strong presumption is that affordable housing will be provided on the development site. In exceptional circumstances, the local planning authority may, at its discretion, consider accepting in lieu an off site contribution on another suitable serviced site provided by the developer in the first instance or a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value. In such circumstances the local planning authority will have particular regard to the need to develop mixed and balanced communities and will need to be persuaded that the affordable housing cannot satisfactorily be provided on the development site itself. In the National Park the focus will be on the provision of affordable housing to ensure that the needs of local communities in the National Park are met. Where sites are allocated in a Development Plan Document a different affordable housing requirement may be specified (either higher or lower), taking into consideration any site specific factors that may affect financial viability and/or the wider planning benefits of the development of that site. The local planning authority will monitor the delivery of affordable housing through the Authority Monitoring Report. In the event of persistent under delivery against this policy target and the Housing Strategy annual target the Council will review the targets and thresholds of this policy. In the event of a fall of 10% or more in East Sussex average house prices (Land Registry House Price Index June 2011 baseline) the local planning authority will review the thresholds and targets of this policy. Due to the largely rural nature of the district, Rural Exception Sites for local needs affordable housing outside the planning boundary of rural settlements will continue to be considered according to the requirements of Policy RES10 carried forward from the Lewes District Local Plan 2003.

Housing Type, Mix and Density

In order to deliver sustainable, mixed and balanced communities, the local planning authority will expect housing developments (both market and affordable) to: 1. Provide a range of dwelling types and sizes to meet the identified local need, based on the best available evidence. This need will generally include 1 and 2 bedroom homes for single person households and couples with no dependents. Account will also need to be given to the existing character and housing mix of the vicinity and, where appropriate, the setting of the National Park and its Purposes and Duty. 2. Provide flexible, socially inclusive and adaptable accommodation to help meet the diverse needs of the community and the changing needs of occupants over time. This need will include accommodation appropriate for the ageing population and disabled residents. 3. Reflect the site context including the character of the surrounding area, site accessibility, and the size and type of dwellings needed in the locality, to achieve densities in the region of 47 to 57 dwellings per hectare for the towns and 20 to 30 dwellings per hectare for the villages. Higher or lower densities may be justified by the specific character and context of a site. Densities to be achieved on strategic sites are indicated in the capacity and development principles of each strategic allocation in this Core Strategy. Densities to be achieved on non-strategic allocated sites will be similarly identified in the development principles that accompany each site allocation in the relevant subsequent DPD. 4. Where appropriate, the local planning authority will identify sites and local requirements for special needs housing (such as for nursing homes, retirement homes, people with special needs including physical and learning disabilities, specific requirements of minority groups etc) in a Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD and/or the SDNPA Local Plan.

Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation

Provision will be made for a net total of 13 additional permanent pitches for Gypsies and Travellers to serve the needs for the period 2014 to 2030. Of these 5 pitches will serve the needs of the area outside the National Park and 8 will serve the needs within the National Park area of the district. The local planning authority will allocate specific, deliverable sites through the Local Plan Part 2 and the SDNPA Local Plan, unless allocated through Neighbourhood Plans. These allocations will be informed by appropriate Site Assessment work and take into account any planning permissions granted for permanent use in the interim. In guiding the allocation of permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites and/or considering planning applications for sites for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, proposals will be supported where the following criteria have been met and they are in conformity with other relevant district wide policies: 1. Avoid locating sites in areas at high risk of flooding or significantly contaminated land, or adjacent to existing uses incompatible with residential uses, such as waste tips and wastewater facilities; 2. The site is well related to, or has reasonable access to settlements with existing services and facilities such as schools, health services and shops; 3. The proposal does not compromise the special features of national historical, environmental or landscape designations such as the South Downs National Park, Lewes Downs and Castle Hill Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); 4. There is safe and convenient vehicular access to the road network 5. There is capacity to provide appropriate on-site physical and social infrastructure such as water, power, drainage, parking and amenity space; and 6. Adequate levels of privacy for residents on and adjacent to the site are provided through planning considerations such as site layout, scale and landscaping. Proposals for sites for Travelling Showpeople should also include adequate space for storage and/or keeping and exercising any animals associated with Travelling Showpeople's needs.

Provision of housing and employment land

In the period between 2010 and 2030, a minimum of 6,900 net additional dwellings will be provided in the plan area (this is the equivalent of approximately 345 net additional dwellings per annum). A review of Spatial Policies 1 and 2 will be undertaken by the District Council and National Park Authority on completion of cross-authority working to consider longer-term options for strategic development both within the Sussex Coast Housing Market Area and in adjoining areas if any of these options are demonstrated to be deliverable within Lewes District. In the period between 2012 and 2031, in the region of 74,000 square metres of employment floorspace (B1, B2 and B8) will be provided in the plan area. 60,000 square metres of this floorspace will be as industrial space (B1c, B2 and B8), and 14,000 square metres will be as office space (B1a).

Distribution of Housing

During the period between 2010 and 2030, a minimum of 6,900 net additional dwellings will be delivered in the district. Part of this total will be met as follows: 1,020 completions in the period between April 2010 and April 2015 The delivery of 1,558 commitments across the plan area An allowance for 600 dwellings to be permitted on unidentified small-scale windfall sites during the plan period and subsequently delivered An allowance for 125 dwellings to be permitted on rural exception sites during the plan period and subsequently delivered. The remaining 3,597 net additional dwellings will be distributed as follows: (1) Housing to be delivered on the following strategic site allocations; • Land at North Street, Lewes – 415 net additional units • Land at Old Malling Farm, Lewes – 240 net additional units • Land to the north of Bishops Lane, Ringmer – 110 net additional units • Land at Greenhill Way, Haywards Heath (within Wivelsfield Parish) – 113 net additional units (this is in addition to the 62 units already granted permission at this site) • Land at Harbour Heights, Newhaven – 400 net additional units • Land at Lower Hoddern Farm, Peacehaven – 450 net additional units. (2) Planned housing growth at the following settlements; • Lewes – a minimum of 220 net additional units • Newhaven – a minimum of 425 net additional units • Peacehaven & Telscombe – a minimum of 255 net additional units which will all be contingent upon developers identifying and demonstrating to the satisfaction of the local highway authority, and delivering, a co-ordinated package of multi-modal transport measures required to mitigate the impacts of development on the A259 • Seaford – a minimum of 185 net additional units • Burgess Hill (within Wivelsfield Parish) – a minimum of 100 net additional units • Barcombe Cross – a minimum of 30 net additional units • North Chailey – a minimum of 30 net additional units • South Chailey – a minimum of 10 net additional units • Cooksbridge – a minimum of 30 net additional units • Ditchling – a minimum of 15 net additional units • Newick – a minimum of 100 net additional units • Plumpton Green – a minimum of 50 net additional units • Ringmer & Broyle Side – a minimum of 215 net additional units • Wivelsfield Green – a minimum of 30 net additional units. (3) About 200 net additional units in locations to be determined. For the housing growth identified in sections (2 and 3) above, individual sites to meet the planned levels of housing provision will be identified in either the District Council's Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD, or the National Park Authority's Local Plan. Neighbourhood Plans could also be used to identify the individual sites. For settlements or development not listed in sections (2) or (3) above new housing will be limited to affordable housing that meets a local need on exception sites and currently unidentified infill developments within the planning boundary.

North Street Quarter and adjacent Eastgate area, Lewes

Land amounting to approximately 9 hectares at North Street and the neighbouring part of Eastgate is allocated for a mixed-use development that would create a new neighbourhood for the town of Lewes. The development mix should be based on the following uses and broad quantum of development: • Approximately 415 residential units, predominantly focused towards the northern part of the site; • At least 5,000 sq metres of B1a office floorspace and/or B1c light industrial floorspace, subject to market needs and general viability; • The redevelopment or relocation of the existing A1 food supermarket; • Other uses that are deemed to aid in the successful delivery of a new neighbourhood, whilst not undermining the wider function of the town (this could include A1 Shops, A2 Financial and Professional Services, A3 Restaurants and Cafes, A4 Drinking Establishments, A5 Hot Food Takeaways, C1 hotel, D2 Assembly and Leisure uses and community floorspace); C2/C3 Nursing/ Care Home (self-contained units will be counted as residential within the above figure); and • D1 Non-residential institutions such as medical and health services, creches, exhibition and training space. Development of this site will be delivered between 2016 and 2021. The redevelopment of the North Street Quarter and the neighbouring part of Eastgate will be permitted subject to compliance with the Core Delivery Policies of this plan and the following criteria: i) It incorporates the early provision of flood defences to an appropriate standard and to the approval of the Environment Agency; ii) It facilitates improved linkages across Phoenix Causeway and Eastgate Street to enable the improved integration of the area to the north of Phoenix Causeway with the wider town centre; iii) It delivers enhancements to vehicular access and off-site highway improvements, arising from and related to the development and its phasing; iv) It respects and enhances the character of the town and achieves a high standard of design, recognising the high quality built environment, on and within the vicinity of the site, and the site's setting within the South Downs National Park and adjacent to a Conservation Area; v) It is subject to an analysis and appropriate recognition of the site's cultural heritage and a programme of archaeological work, including, where applicable, desk-based assessment, geophysical survey, geo-archaeological survey and trial trenching to inform design and appropriate mitigation; vi) A riverside pedestrian route along the western bank of the River Ouse is incorporated to extend the town's riverside focus and contribute to its character and quality, and additional pedestrian and cycling routes are incorporated to aid in linking the site to the rest of the town; vii) It results in no net loss of public parking provision; viii) The retail element is incorporated into the town centre boundary (as designated by Core Policy 6) as far as possible and the amount of retail provision is informed by a Retail Impact Assessment, if necessary; ix) Alternative uses on the bus station site are subject to the facility being replaced on an operationally satisfactory and accessible site elsewhere; x) It makes contributions towards off-site infrastructure improvements arising from, and related to, the development; and xi) It provides a connection to the sewerage and water supply systems at the nearest point of adequate capacity, as advised by Southern Water, and ensures future access to the existing sewerage and water supply infrastructure for maintenance and upsizing purposes.

Old Malling Farm, Lewes

Land amounting to approximately 10 hectares is allocated for a residential development of approximately 240 dwellings. Development will be permitted subject to compliance with the Core Delivery Policies of this plan, with a Masterplan and a Design Brief to be approved by the local planning authority in advance of an application and the following criteria: i. 40% of dwelling units are affordable, subject to the provisions of CP1; ii. Development on the western edge of the southern field is generally lower density than other parts of the site with gardens bounded by hedges rather than walls or fences; iii. Appropriately designed equipped play space integrates into a multi-functional network of green infrastructure; iv. The design, layout, built form, spatial arrangements, landscaping and materials, including the pattern, scale and colour of roofs, respect and reflect the National Park location; v. The design shall incorporate views within, to and from the site to surrounding landmarks and features including the from elevated chalk hills to the east and west, from Hamsey to the north, and from Lewes itself; vi. Development is consistent with positive local character and local distinctiveness and respects the character, amenity and setting of the adjacent Malling Deanery Conservation Area and the listed Church of St Michael; vii. Impacts on tranquillity, dark night skies and biodiversity are minimised by restricting access to some areas of floodplain outside the site and by providing only limited night lighting and the use of low level lighting where required; viii. An ecological survey is undertaken and appropriate measures are implemented to mitigate adverse impacts on the South Malling Disused Railway SNCI and Offham Marshes SSSI; ix. The primary access point is to be off Monks Way at a point opposite Mantell Close the design of which should minimise impacts on views from the north; the existing former railway bridge forms a secondary access point for emergency use and an access for pedestrians and cyclists and to the existing farm buildings; x. Development respects the amenity of the existing dwellings adjoining the site; xi. A site specific flood risk assessment is undertaken and an appropriate surface water drainage strategy as advised by the appropriate body and implemented as agreed; xii. A survey is undertaken of existing trees and hedgerows and appropriate measures are implemented for their protection in accordance with a schedule to be agreed with the local planning authority; xiii. Development is subject to a geophysical survey and trial trench evaluation of the archaeological potential in the area and any resulting measures are implemented; xiv. Contributions are made towards other off-site infrastructure improvements arising from and related to the development, including complementary measures in keeping with the landscape setting to reduce the attractiveness to existing traffic of Church Lane/Mayhew Way/Brooks Road as an alternative to Malling Hill and to improve the capacity of the junctions at the A26 /B2192 Earwig Corner, Church Lane/Malling Hill, and the Brooks Road/Phoenix Causeway roundabout; xv. Measures are put in place to improve access from the site to the town centre by non-car modes through the preparation and implementation of a Travel Plan to be approved by the local planning authority in consultation with the local highway authority; and xvi. The development will provide a connection to the sewerage system at the nearest point of adequate capacity, as advised by Southern Water.

Land at Greenhill Way/Ridge Way, Haywards Heath (within Wivelsfield Parish)

Land amounting to 8.5 hectares is allocated for residential development of approximately 175 dwellings (of which 62 net units already have planning permission on this strategic site). Development will be permitted subject to compliance with the Core Delivery Policies of this plan and the following criteria: i) Access including provision for pedestrians and cyclists to be provided from Ridge Way and/or Greenhill Way; ii) A site specific flood risk assessment is undertaken and an appropriate surface water drainage strategy is agreed by the appropriate body and implemented accordingly; iii) Contributions towards off-site infrastructure improvements arising from and related to the development. iv) A Travel Plan that includes measures to improve access from the site to Haywards Heath town centre and railway station by non-car modes; v) Development respects the amenity of the existing dwellings adjoining the site; vi) Development respects the character and amenity of the adjacent Lewes Road Conservation Area; vii) Ecological and tree surveys and appropriate measures to mitigate adverse impacts on nearby Tree Preservation Orders and Ancient Woodland; and viii) The development will provide a connection to the sewerage and water supply systems at the nearest point of adequate capacity, as advised by Southern Water, and ensure future access to the existing sewerage and water supply infrastructure for maintenance and upsizing purposes.

Land north of Bishops Lane, Ringmer

Land amounting to 4.4 hectares is allocated for residential development of approximately 110 dwellings. Development will be permitted subject to compliance with the Core Delivery Policies of this plan and the following criteria: i) The primary and secondary access points will be off Bishops Lane, to enable ease of access into the village centre and aid in the integration of the development into the existing village. ii) The development facilitates the removal of the culverted sections of watercourse that are within the site, as far as feasibly possible, thereby assisting in the improvement of ecological corridors. iii) The development will wherever possible allow for the retention and enhancement of important existing hedgerows. Mitigation will be required in the event that the removal of a hedgerow, or parts, is needed to facilitate development; iv) An appropriate surface water drainage strategy is agreed by the appropriate body and implemented accordingly. v) The development incorporates and/or makes a contribution towards the provision of equipped play space and sports pitches. vi) Development is subject to a geophysical survey and trial trench evaluation due to the high archaeological potential in the area. vii) Development respects the amenity of the existing dwellings adjoining the site. viii) Contributions towards off-site infrastructure improvements arising from and related to the development. This will include off-site highway improvements being made to the Earwig Corner junction as well as in the immediate vicinity of the site, particularly along Bishops Lane and its junction with the B2192; and ix) The development will provide a connection to the sewerage system at the nearest point of adequate capacity, as advised by Southern Water.

Land at Harbour Heights, Newhaven

Land amounting to 20 hectares is allocated for a mixed-use development including employment units and approximately 400 dwellings. Development will be permitted subject to compliance with the Core Delivery Policies of this plan and the following criteria: i) Progress in accordance with a detailed Masterplan, infrastructure delivery strategy and phasing strategy to be agreed with the local planning authority; ii) Primary and secondary accesses including provision for pedestrians and cyclists to be provided from Court Farm Road and Quarry Road; iii) Development delivers at least 30% affordable housing in accordance with the relevant criteria of Core Policy 1; iv) The development maintains the undeveloped nature of the cliff top coastline, and avoids exposing new development to coastal erosion risk, by ensuring a sufficient undeveloped area from the cliff edge to the most southerly point of development. This area will be utilised for informal open space and will respect the Beachy Head to Selsey Bill Shoreline Management Plan; v) Development respects the amenity of the existing dwellings adjoining the site; vi) Contributions towards off-site infrastructure improvements arising from and related to the development. This will include off site highway improvements being made to the South Road/ South Way junction; vii) Subject to a proven need and viability considerations, any loss of employment units will be compensated for by the provision of modern business units that are appropriate for a predominantly residential area; viii) Robust landscaping, which is appropriate to a coastal location, is provided within and around the site to mitigate the impacts of this edge of town site on the surrounding landscape, having particular regard to views from and into the National Park; ix) Development is subject to an appropriate assessment and evaluation of the archaeological potential and historic interest of the site; x) Development is subject to an ecological impact assessment and appropriate measures are undertaken to mitigate adverse impacts on biodiversity. Development will also allow for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity, where possible; and xi) The development will provide a connection to the sewerage system at the nearest point of adequate capacity, as advised by Southern Water. Should a planning application be submitted that only relates to part of the site it must be accompanied by: A Masterplan and Infrastructure Delivery Statement that sets out: a) Site specific infrastructure requirements and how these relate to the full allocation Infrastructure Delivery Strategy; b) Details of proposed development phasing, proposed triggers for the delivery of associated infrastructure and how these relate to the full allocation Phasing Strategy; and c) Details of how proposed publicly accessible space and facilities would be managed and maintained and related to the wider site and surroundings. A Financial Appraisal in a format to be agreed in advance with the local planning authority, reporting on financial viability issues and justifying the form and content of the proposals. This will include the amount and type of affordable housing and amount and phasing of employment provision and details of how this relates to the delivery of the wider site.

Land at Lower Hoddern Farm, Peacehaven

Land amounting to 11 hectares is allocated for residential development of approximately 450 dwellings. Development will be permitted subject to compliance with the Core Delivery Policies of this plan and the following criteria: i) The primary vehicular access point shall be taken from Pelham Rise; ii) The provision of safe and convenient pedestrian and cycle access to Southview Road, Firle Road and the Peacehaven Centenary Park; iii) The provision of equipped children's play spaces throughout the development; iv) The provision of 2 hectares of public amenity space at the south east corner of the site, allowing for the potential expansion of the Peacehaven Centenary Park; v) The provision of a comprehensive landscaping scheme, incorporating a significant new tree belt along the eastern boundary of the site; vi) The identification, delivery and funding of a co-ordinated package of multi-modal transport measures to mitigate the impacts of development on the A259 coast road to the satisfaction of the local planning authority, in consultation with the local highway authority and adjacent highway authority; vii) The development will provide a connection to the sewerage system at the nearest point of adequate capacity, as advised by Southern Water; viii) The development is subject to a programme of archaeological works in order to enable any archaeological deposits and features to be recorded; ix) Contributions to other off-site infrastructure improvements arising from and related to the development; and x) The provision of a comprehensive noise and odour assessment in consultation with the utility provider which confirms that acceptable noise and odour standards can be met within the proposed homes and amenity areas.

Infrastructure

The creation of sustainable communities in the district where residents enjoy a high quality of life will be achieved by: 1. Protecting, retaining and enhancing existing community facilities and services, including facilities which serve older people. New community facilities should be located within the defined planning boundaries where they will be most accessible. In exceptional circumstances, such facilities may be located outside of these areas where it can be demonstrated that this is the only practicable option and the site is well related to an existing settlement. 2. Resisting proposals involving the loss of sites or premises currently, or last, used for the provision of community facilities or services unless: i) a viability appraisal, including a marketing exercise where appropriate, demonstrates that continued use as a community facility or service is no longer feasible; or ii) an alternative facility of equivalent or better quality to meet community needs is available or will be provided in an accessible location within the same locality; or iii) a significant enhancement to the nature and quality of an existing facility will result from the redevelopment of part of the site or premises for alternative uses. 3. Preparing, regularly updating and facilitating the implementation of an Infrastructure Delivery Plan that will set out how necessary physical and social infrastructure provision for the district will be achieved with key delivery partners in a timely manner to support growth. 4. Ensuring that land is only released for development where there is sufficient capacity in the existing local infrastructure to meet the additional requirements arising from the proposed development. Where development would create the need to provide additional or improved community facilities, services or infrastructure, a programme of delivery will be agreed with the relevant infrastructure providers to ensure that these improvements are provided at the time they are needed. The local planning authorities will each produce and implement a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to provide for wider infrastructure and community needs within their respective areas. Arrangements for the provision or improvement of infrastructure that is not intended to be wholly or partly funded by CIL and is required to make the development acceptable in planning terms, will be secured by means of planning obligations via a legal agreement, or by conditions attached to the planning consent or by any other appropriate mechanism.

Presumption in favour of Sustainable Development

When considering development proposals, the local planning authority will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in the Local Plan (and, where relevant, with polices in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the local planning authority will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: 1. Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or 2. Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

The Visitor Economy

Opportunities for the sustainable development of the visitor economy will be supported where they are of a scale, type and appearance appropriate to the locality and provide local employment, through the following measures: 1. Support for the high quality provision of new, and the upgrading/enhancement of existing sustainable, visitor attractions; a wide range of accommodation types; encouraging emerging and innovative visitor facilities and accommodation offers; and giving flexibility to adjust to changing market trends. 2. Presumption in favour of the retention and improvement of existing visitor accommodation stock, including camping and caravan sites and existing visitor attractions/facilities. 3. Encourage sustainable tourism in rural areas, both within and outside the National Park boundary. This will include better linkages between the towns and rural surroundings; and the promotion of opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the National Park while recognising the importance of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, as assets that form the basis of the tourist industry here. 4. Support a year-round visitor economy, including the relaxation or removal of seasonal planning restrictions wherever appropriate, while ensuring the facility remains for visitor use. 5. Support the improvement of sustainable transport opportunities for visitors and encourage the use of sustainable transport modes to reduce the impact of visitors on the highway network. 6. Encourage local crafts, food and produce and appropriate tourism development that supports rural business and farm diversification. 7. Continue to use saved Lewes District Local Plan policies E15 and E17 for Development Management purposes until such time as the Lewes District Council Development Management DPD and/or the South Downs National Park Local Plan is adopted. 8. Ensure that any new camping and touring caravan sites proposed in the South Downs National Park require a location within the National Park; respond sensitively to the National Park Purposes, including in design, location and scale; and meet the requirements of Local Plan Policy E17.

Retail and town centres

In order to promote and enhance the vitality and viability of retail and town centres in the district the local planning authority will: 1. Support development that reinforces or enhances the identified role of the centre in the retail hierarchy: Main Town Centres The district's primary focus for retail activity, particularly within the defined Primary Shopping Areas and Primary Shopping Frontages where a predominance of retail units will be retained. The loss of retail units that are within these defined areas and frontages will be resisted. Other appropriate uses within Main Town Centres will include appropriate leisure facilities; restaurants; offices; arts, culture and tourism facilities. A diversity of such uses will be particularly encouraged in the Secondary Shopping Frontages and more peripheral areas of the town centres where they support the wider function, vitality and viability of the town. District Centres A predominance of retail units will be retained within the defined Primary Shopping Areas and Primary Shopping Frontages in order to maintain a range of convenience and comparison retail goods to serve the local area. The loss of retail units that are within these defined areas and frontages will be resisted. A range of other supporting uses and services such as cafes, financial and professional services and offices will be encouraged in the more peripheral areas of the town centres where they support the wider function, vitality and viability of the town centre. In Newhaven town centre a diverse range of retail and other uses such as cafes, restaurants, financial and professional services, employment, arts, cultural and community facilities will be encouraged in order to support the retail function. Such uses will also be permitted in vacant retail units within the Newhaven Primary Shopping Area. Changes of use to residential will be supported in Newhaven town centre, except at street level in the Primary Shopping Area, where other appropriate alternative uses such as retail, cafés, restaurants, financial and professional services, arts, cultural or community facilities cannot be identified. Local Centres In order to ensure local shopping centres remain a vibrant focus for the local community a range of retail, employment, leisure, cultural and community uses will be encouraged. Local shops and community facilities (such as meeting places, sports facilities, public houses, places of worship and cultural assets) will be retained unless it can be demonstrated that they are financially or otherwise unviable. 2. Apply the Sequential Test for edge of centre or out of centre retail development proposals and require Retail Impact Assessments where the following thresholds are exceeded: Retail Impact Assessment – Trigger Thresholds (gross) Main Town Centre 750sqm District Centre 500sqm Local Service Centre 250sqm The Retail Impact Assessment will need to comply with paragraph 26 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and applications and their associated assessments will be determined against paragraph 27 of the NPPF. 3. Require developments in edge of centre or out of centre locations to provide, enhance, or make contributions to, improved pedestrian and cycle linkages to the town centre. 4. Support and retain local shops in locations not identified in the retail hierarchy unless: 1. a viability appraisal, including a marketing exercise, demonstrates that continued use as a shop is no longer feasible; or 2. an alternative facility of equivalent or better quality will be provided in an accessible location within the same locality. Where such uses are demonstrated to be unviable alternative community uses will be sought in the first instance. Proposals for new small scale rural retail and community facilities will be encouraged where they provide for local needs.

Sustainable Travel

The local planning authority will promote and support development that encourages travel by walking, cycling and public transport, and reduces the proportion of journeys made by car, in order to help achieve a rebalancing of transport in favour of sustainable modes by: 1. Ensuring that new development is located in sustainable locations with good access to schools, shops, jobs and other key services by walking, cycling and public transport in order to reduce the need to travel by car (unless there is an overriding need for the development in a less accessible location). 2. Ensuring that the design and layout of new development prioritises the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transport over ease of access by the motorist. 3. Ensuring that new residential developments are designed to achieve speeds of 20 mph or less. 4. Ensuring that new development minimises the need to travel and incorporates appropriate measures to mitigate for any transport impacts which may arise from that development. 5. Requiring new development to provide for an appropriate level of cycle and car parking in accordance with parking guidance approved by the local planning authority. 6. Requiring development which generates a significant demand for travel, and/or is likely to have other transport implications to: i. Be supported by a Transport Assessment/Transport Statement and sustainable Travel Plan, where appropriate; ii. Contribute to improved sustainable transport infrastructure, including the provision of safe and reliable sustainable transport modes; and iii. Provide facilities and measures to support sustainable travel modes. The local planning authority will work with East Sussex County Council and other relevant agencies to encourage and support measures that promote improved accessibility, create safer roads, reduce the environmental impact of traffic movements, enhance the pedestrian environment, or facilitate highway improvements. In particular, the local planning authority will: a. Support the expansion and improvement of public transport services, particularly those providing links between the rural and urban areas; b. Encourage improvements to existing rail services, new or enhanced connections or interchanges between bus and rail services, and improvements to the quality and quantity of car and cycle parking at railway stations; and c. Support the development of a network of high quality walking and cycling routes throughout the district.