Planning in Winchester

Local Services and Facilities

The Local Planning Authority will support proposals for the development of new, extended or improved facilities and services in accordance with the development strategies set out in Policies WT1, SH1 and MTRA1. The Local Planning Authority wishes to retain and improve the facilities and services available across the District. Development proposals should not threaten or result in the loss of premises or sites used to provide services and facilities unless it can be demonstrated that: - the site/premise is not required because the service or facility has been satisfactorily relocated or is no longer needed to serve the locality; and - the site or building has no reasonable prospect of being used for an alternative service or facility which would benefit the local community. When considering proposals, account will be taken of: - whether the loss of the service or facility would cause harm for those living within the neighbourhood, settlement, or rural catchment with a reasonable need to access such facilities in the future; and - whether the loss of the facility would have a detrimental impact upon the overall vitality and viability of the settlement; and - whether the loss is part of an agreed plan to provide improved local services in equally accessible locations.

Local Services and Facilities

Retention and improvement in services and facilities

Open Space, Sport and Recreation

Improve provision of types of open space to the standards set out in the policy. Improve provision of built facilities to the standards set out in the policy. Improve accessibility to open space and recreational facilities to standards set out in the policy.

High Quality Design

New development will be expected to meet the highest standards of design. In order to achieve this all proposals for new development (excluding small domestic applications and changes of use) should demonstrate that: • an analysis of the constraints and opportunities of the site and its surroundings have informed the principles of design and how the detailed design responds positively to its neighbours and the local context; • the proposal makes a positive contribution to the local environment and creates an individual place with a distinctive character; • the public realm has been designed to ensure that it is attractive, safe, accessible and well connected to its surroundings, including walking and cycling routes to and within the development, to encourage their use; • the accompanying landscape framework has been developed to enhance both the natural and built environment and maximise the potential to improve local biodiversity; • measures to minimise carbon emissions and promote renewable energy and reduce impact on climate change form an integral part of the design solutions.

The Effective Use of Land

In order to ensure that scarce development land is used effectively, the Local Planning Authority will support higher densities on sites which have good access to facilities and public transport, particularly within the urban areas. The development potential of all sites should be maximised, and will be balanced against the need to promote high quality design. The primary determinant of the acceptability of a scheme will be how well the design responds to the general character of the area

Economic Growth and Diversification

The Local Planning Authority will support economic development and diversification across Winchester District, in accordance with the spatial strategies for the District, through the retention, regeneration and intensification of previously developed land and by allocating land as necessary to support employment growth at sustainable locations. About 20 hectares of new employment land will be provided for economic growth and future employment needs. The Local Planning Authority will support development within the District's five key economic sectors of public administration and business services, land based industries, tourism and recreation, knowledge and creative industries and retail. This will be achieved through the retention of appropriate premises and, where feasible and consistent with the spatial strategy, new development to ensure that there is an adequate supply of land and premises, suitable to maintain a diverse and successful local economy. The Local Planning Authority will support measures to promote self employment and working from home, consistent with other policies of this Plan, including the development of live-work accommodation and ensuring good access to modern communications technology. Appropriate opportunities to expand the economic base and foster innovation in the District will also be encouraged, in particular the promotion of a low carbon economy and the emerging 'green collar' industries.

Retention of Employment Land and Premises

In order to retain a mix of employment land and premises in the District, the Local Planning Authority will resist the loss of existing or allocated employment land and floorspace within Use Classes B1, B2 or B8. Losses will only be permitted where retaining a business use would not be reasonable having regard to the following: - the redevelopment potential for other employment uses or a mix of uses including the scope for intensifying or providing an effective use of the site or building, and the potential to improve and extend the range of modern employment floorspace; - whether the building or use meets or could meet a specific local requirement, such as providing low cost start up accommodation; - the environmental impact of business use on neighbouring uses; - the access arrangements for the site/buildings, by road and public transport; - strength of local demand for the type of accommodation; - the benefits of the proposed use compared to the benefits of retaining the existing use.

Sustainable Low and Zero Carbon Built Development

Developments should achieve the lowest level of carbon emissions and water consumption which is practical and viable. Specifically, the Local Planning Authority will expect: • new residential developments to achieve Level 5 for the Energy aspect of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) and Level 4 for the water aspect of the CSH from adoption of this Plan. If this is shown not to be feasible or viable the Council will accept an on-site carbon reduction of not less than the relevant Carbon Compliance levels stipulated by the Zero Carbon Homes policy, with the remaining reduction of regulated emissions to be provided by means of Allowable Solutions; • non-residential development that requires an Energy Performance Certificate to meet 'BREEAM Excellent' standard from adoption of this Plan and 'BREEAM Outstanding' standards from 2016. In meeting these requirements developments should follow the hierarchy below, except where it can be demonstrated that it would be more practical and achieve greater carbon reductions, to utilise measures further down the hierarchy: • be designed to maximise energy efficiency and design out the need for energy use by means of the scheme layout and the orientation and design of individual buildings, making full use of passive heating and cooling systems as far as is practical; • connect to existing combined heat and power (CHP) and District Heating/Cooling networks, or contribute to their future development; • use renewable energy technologies to produce required energy on-site; • make use of Allowable Solutions to deal with any remaining CO2 emissions up to the relevant Code for Sustainable Homes/Zero Carbon Homes level.

Renewable and Decentralised Energy

The Local Planning Authority is supportive of the generation of renewable and decentralised energy in the District. It will support the creation of CHP/district heating/cooling systems and the development of larger-scale renewable energy developments, especially where there is a strong degree of community benefit and/or community ownership. When assessing proposals for large-scale renewable energy and decentralised energy schemes, account will be taken of: • impact on areas designated for their local, national or international importance, such as Gaps and the South Downs National Park, conservation areas and heritage assets, including their setting; • contribution to national, regional & sub-regional renewable energy targets and CO2 savings; • potential to integrate with new or existing development, whilst avoiding harm to existing development and communities; • benefits to host communities and opportunities for environmental enhancement; • proximity to biomass plants, fuel sources and transport links; • connection to the electricity network; • effect on the landscape and surrounding location.

Open Space, Sport and Recreation

The Local Planning Authority will seek improvements in the open space network and in built recreation facilities within the District, to achieve the type of provision, space required and levels of accessibility set out in the Council's most up to date open space and built facilities standards. This will be achieved by new and improved provision, or by improving public access for all to existing facilities and educational provision. New housing development should make provision for public open space and built facilities in accordance with the most up to date standards (currently set out in Tables 1 and 2), preferably through on-site provision of new facilities where feasible or by financial contributions towards off-site improvements. There will be a presumption against the loss of any open space, sports or recreation facility (including built facilities), except where it can be demonstrated that:- alternative facilities will be provided and are at least as accessible to current and potential new users, and at least equivalent in terms of size, usefulness, attractiveness and quality; or the benefit of the development to the community outweighs the harm caused by the loss of the facility.

Green Infrastructure

The Local Planning Authority will support development proposals which:- maintain, protect and enhance the function or the integrity of the existing green infrastructure network identified at a District and sub regional level, including strategic blue and green corridors and spaces, as illustrated on Map 9 particularly where the proposal allows for the enhancement of GI both on-site and in the immediate area; provide a net gain of well managed, multifunctional green infrastructure, in accordance with the categories and standards specified in Policy CP7 and appropriate for the scale of development, through on-site provision which:- addresses deficits in local green infrastructure provision where appropriate; integrates with the green network/grid identified at the District and sub-regional level (as illustrated on Map 9); provides a high quality public realm for the local community; encourages public access to and within the natural environment where appropriate; allows for adaptation to climate change; is well planned to allow cost effective ongoing management of the GI; links areas of biodiversity; is provided at the earliest feasible stage. Where on-site provision is not possible financial contributions will be required for the provision and management of GI sites and will be negotiated on a site by site basis.

Biodiversity

The Local Planning Authority will support development which maintains, protects and enhances biodiversity across the District, delivering a net gain in biodiversity, and has regard to the following: protecting sites of international, European, and national importance, and local nature conservation sites, from inappropriate development. supporting habitats that are important to maintain the integrity of European sites. new development will be required to show how biodiversity can be retained, protected and enhanced through its design and implementation, for example by designing for wildlife, delivering BAP targets and enhancing Biodiversity Opportunity Areas. new development will be required to avoid adverse impacts, or if unavoidable ensure that impacts are appropriately mitigated, with compensation measures used only as a last resort. Development proposals will only be supported if the benefits of the development clearly outweigh the harm to the habitat and/or species. maintaining a District wide network of local wildlife sites and corridors to support the integrity of the biodiversity network, prevent fragmentation, and enable biodiversity to respond and adapt to the impacts of climate change. supporting and contributing to the targets set out in the District's Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for priority habitats and species. Planning proposals that have the potential to affect priority habitats and/or species or sites of geological importance will be required to take account of evidence and relevant assessments or surveys.

Flooding, Flood Risk and the Water Environment

The Local Planning Authority will support development which meets all the following criteria: • avoids flood risk to people and property by:- - applying a Sequential Test to the location, and the Exception Test if required, and applying the sequential approach at the site level; - managing flood risk from new development to ensure risk is not increased elsewhere and that opportunities to reduce the causes and impacts of flooding within the District through development are taken; - safeguarding land and designated structures and features from development that is required for current and future flood management; - including sustainable water management systems such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) which should be designed to meet the relevant standards so as to gain approval by the SuDS Approval Body; • does not cause unacceptable deterioration to water quality or have an unacceptable impact on water quantity (including drinking water supplies) by:- - protecting surface water and groundwater through suitable pollution prevention measures; - using opportunities to improve water quality where possible; - optimising water efficiency; • is located at a sufficient distance from existing wastewater treatment works to allow adequate odour dispersion, or takes appropriate odour control measures; • ensures that water supply, surface water drainage and wastewater infrastructure to service new development are provided and connect to the nearest point of adequate capacity. The Local Planning Authority will support the development or expansion of water supply, surface water drainage and wastewater treatment facilities where they are needed to serve existing or new development or in the interests of securing long term supply, provided that the need for such facilities is consistent with other policies such as the development strategy, flood risk, contamination and protection of the natural and built environment.

Settlement Gaps

The Local Planning Authority will retain the generally open and undeveloped nature of the following defined settlement gaps: • Bishop's Waltham – Swanmore – Waltham Chase – Shedfield – Shirrell Heath • Denmead – Waterlooville • Kings Worthy – Abbots Worthy • Otterbourne – Southdown • Winchester – Compton Street • Winchester – Kings Worthy/Headbourne Worthy • Winchester – Littleton • Whiteley – Fareham/Fareham Western Wards (the 'Meon Gap') Within these areas only development that does not physically or visually diminish the gap will be allowed.

South Downs National Park

New development should be in keeping with the context and the setting of the landscape and settlements of the South Downs National Park. The emphasis should be on small-scale proposals that are in a sustainable location and well designed. Proposals which support the economic and social well being of the National Park and its communities will be encouraged, provided that they do not conflict with the National Park's purposes. Development within and adjoining the South Downs National Park which would have a significant detrimental impact to the rural character and setting of settlements and the landscape should not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal is of over-riding national importance, or its impact can be mitigated.

Heritage and Landscape Character

The Local Planning Authority will continue to conserve and enhance the historic environment through the preparation of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans and/or other strategies, and will support new development which recognises, protects and enhances the District's distinctive landscape and heritage assets and their settings. These may be designated or undesignated and include natural and man made assets associated with existing landscape and townscape character, conservation areas, scheduled ancient monuments, historic parks and gardens, listed buildings, historic battlefields and archaeology. Particular emphasis should be given to conserving: • recognised built form and designed or natural landscapes that include features and elements of natural beauty, cultural or historic importance; • local distinctiveness, especially in terms of characteristic materials, trees, built form and layout, tranquillity, sense of place and setting.

Sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

The Local Planning Authority will undertake needs assessments (in Local Plan Part 2 or the South Downs Local Plan) to quantify the accommodation requirements for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople within the District. Sites will be allocated and planning permission will be granted for sites to meet the objectively assessed accommodation needs of gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople, providing they meet all of the following criteria:- Sites should be well related to existing communities to encourage social inclusion and sustainable patterns of living, while being located so as to minimise tension with the settled community and: - avoid sites being over-concentrated in any one location or disproportionate in size to nearby communities; - be accessible to local services such as schools, health and community services but avoid placing an unreasonable burden on local facilities and services; - avoid harmful impacts on nearby residential properties by noise and light, vehicle movements and other activities. Sites should be clearly defined by physical features, where possible, and not unduly intrusive. Additional landscaping may be necessary to maintain visual amenity and provide privacy for occupiers. This and any security measures should respect local landscape character. Sites should be capable of accommodating the proposed uses to acceptable standards and provide facilities appropriate to the type and size of the site, including: - water supply, foul water drainage and recycling/waste management; - provision of play space for children; - sites for travelling showpeople should include space for storing and maintaining equipment; - safe vehicular access from the public highway and adequate provision for parking, turning and safe manoeuvring of vehicles within the site (taking account of site size and impact); - in rural locations, any permanent built structures should be restricted to essential facilities such as a small amenity block. Proposals should be consistent with other policies such as on design, flood risk, contamination, protection of the natural and built environment or agricultural land quality and protect areas designated for their local, national or international importance, such as Gaps and the South Downs National Park. Existing permanent authorised gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople sites within the District which are needed to meet the identified needs of particular groups will be retained for the use of these groups unless it has been established that they are no longer required.

Housing Provision

Provision will be made within the District for the provision of about 12,500 dwellings (net) in the period April 2011 to March 2031, distributed between the three spatial areas as follows: Winchester Town 4,000 dwellings South Hampshire Urban Areas 6,000 dwellings Market Towns and Rural Area 2,500 dwellings Approximately 8,000 of this total will be within major developments at North Winchester (2,000), West of Waterlooville (2,500) and North Whiteley (3,500). The spatial strategy for the District is set out in detail in Policies WT1, SH1 and MTRA1.

Housing Provision and Mix

New residential development should meet a range of community housing needs and deliver a wide choice of homes, with priority being given to the provision of new affordable housing. Development should provide a range of dwelling types, tenures and sizes and, as appropriate to the site size, location and characteristics, this should include a mix of market homes for sale, affordable homes and homes attractive to the private rented sector, particularly on larger sites. Specialist forms of accommodation such as extra care housing for older persons and homes for those with disabilities and support needs should be provided, where appropriate, taking into account local housing needs. A majority of homes should be in the form of 2 and 3 bed houses, unless local circumstances indicate an alternative approach should be taken, including where there is an imbalance of housing types and sizes in particular parts of the District.

Affordable Housing Provision on Market Led Housing Sites

In order to help meet affordable housing needs, all development which increases the supply of housing will be expected to provide 40% of the gross number of dwellings as affordable housing, unless this would render the proposal economically unviable. Normally, 70% of the affordable homes should be for rent (with rent levels being determined having regard to local incomes of those living in priority housing need), with the balance being Intermediate Affordable Housing. Affordable housing should be provided on-site, indiscernible from and well integrated with market housing, unless off-site provision would better meet priority housing needs and support the creation of inclusive and mixed communities. On sites of less than 5 dwellings a financial contribution in lieu of on-site provision will be accepted. Affordable housing should remain available for as long as a need exists. In considering housing proposals the aim will be to balance housing needs, the economics of provision and local circumstances.

Affordable Housing on Exception Sites to Meet Local Needs

In order to maximise affordable housing provision to meet identified affordable housing needs the Local Planning Authority will exceptionally grant permission or allocate sites for the provision of affordable housing to meet the specific local needs of particular settlements, on land where housing development would not normally be permitted, and in addition to general housing provision in Policy CP1. This will include meeting community aspirations identified through a Neighbourhood Plan to provide affordable housing where this is consistent with other policies in this Local Plan. Development will only be permitted where: • the proposal is suitable in terms of its location, size and tenure to meet an identified local housing need that cannot be met within the policies applying to the settlement to which that need relates; • the scheme is of a design and character appropriate to its location and avoids harm to the character of the area or to other planning objectives, taking account of the policy objective to maximise affordable housing provision; • the affordable housing is secured to meet long-term affordable housing needs, and will remain available in perpetuity (subject to any legislative requirements); Subject to the needs of the local community the affordable homes should be for rent (with rent levels being determined by reference to local incomes of those in priority housing need). In exceptional circumstances a modest element of other tenures may be allowed on the most suitable identified sites in order to enable a development to proceed, providing no less than 70% of the homes proposed meet priority local affordable housing needs. In these circumstances the applicant should demonstrate that the proposal has community support and that alternative forms of housing are required due to the economics of provision. The quantity, tenure and type of that housing should be limited to that which allows the affordable housing development to proceed.

Sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

Assessment of needs and provision of sites for gypsies, travellers & travelling showpeople. No unacceptable loss of existing permanent authorised sites

Development Strategy Market Towns & Rural Areas

New homes to meet local housing needs (approx 2500). Retention of existing / provision of additional employment land. Retention of rural shops & community facilities / provision of additional facilities.

Market Towns and Larger Villages

500 new homes in Bishop's Waltham and New Alresford. 250 new homes in Colden Common, Denmead, Kings Worthy, Swanmore, Waltham Chase & Wickham. Retention of existing / provision of additional employment land. Retention of rural shops & community facilities / provision of additional facilities.

Other Settlements in the Market Towns and Rural Area

Development / re-development in settlements listed is contained within policy boundaries. Development / re-development within the settlements listed is infilling.

Development in the Countryside

Housing development is for operational needs. Affordable housing for local needs. Re-use of buildings development for employment, tourist accommodation, or community use. Justifiable new development of buildings for employment, tourist accommodation or community use.

Strategic Housing Allocation – West of Waterlooville

3,000 dwellings (2,500 in Winchester District) of which 40% affordable. 23ha of employment land (or updated figure). Community facilities & infrastructure. Local centre with retail. New access road. 2 new primary schools. Contribution to secondary school places.

Strategic Housing Allocation – North Whiteley

3,500 dwellings of which 40% affordable. Community facilities & infrastructure. Pre-school facilities, 2 new primary schools and a secondary school. Transport Assessment completed. Complete Whiteley Way. Assess impacts on habitats & biodiversity. Green Infrastructure Strategy.

North Fareham SDA

Secure open area between SDA and Knowle and Wickham

Infrastructure and Community Benefit

The Local Planning Authority will support development proposals which provide or contribute towards the infrastructure and services needed to support them, which should be delivered using the following approach:- testing the capacity of existing infrastructure and where there is insufficient capacity securing the timely provision of improvements or additional provision; infrastructure provision or improvements should be provided on-site as an integral part of a development, wherever possible and appropriate; where off-site measures are needed, or on-site provision is not possible, planning obligations will be needed to secure the necessary provision or a financial contribution towards provision; where a contribution towards other infrastructure improvements or provision is needed and viable this will be achieved through planning obligations, or the Community Infrastructure Levy when introduced. Any on-site provision or financial contribution should:- meet the reasonable costs of provision to support the development or offset its impact; and be related to the size and type of each development and the nature of the improvements required; and take account of the cumulative impact of requirements on the viability of development, especially where the development meets a particular local need or provides particular benefits. The Local Planning Authority will support the improvement or development of locally and regionally important infrastructure where needed to serve existing or new development required through this Plan, or to secure long term supply, provided that the need for such facilities is consistent with other policies within this Plan.

Transport

The Local Planning Authority will seek to reduce demands on the transport network, manage existing capacity efficiently and secure investment to make necessary improvements. Development should be located and designed to reduce the need to travel. The use of non-car modes particularly walking and cycling should be encouraged through travel plans, management and improvements to the existing network, and improvements to accommodate additional traffic should be undertaken (or funded) where necessary.