Hampshire Structure Plan - `saved' policies

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 brought in a new type of plan called a Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). Each English region is to have a RSS which will replace both Regional Planning Guidance and all Structure Plans in that region. Recognising that preparation of the RSS would take some time, the Act decreed that Structure Plans would remain in force for up to three years.

The RSS for our region - the South East Plan - is not yet finalised three years after the Act came into force, so the Secretary of State has used powers under the legislation to further prolong the life of 24 of the 107 policies in the Hampshire Structure Plan. The legal term for these 24 is `saved policies'. All the Structure Plan's other policies have been implemented, have been incorporated into Local Plans, or for some other reason are deemed to be no longer relevant.

The `saved' Structure Plan policies are:-

· G1-2 which identify the location of Strategic Gaps in Hampshire;

· G4 which defines the general location and extent of the South West Hampshire Green Belt;

· EC6 about Dibden Bay;

· H1- 4 which quantify provision for housebuilding;

· MDA2 which sets out the scale, composition and broad location of the Major Development Area at West of Waterlooville;

· T5 which sets out transportation requirements in relation to development;

· T11 and T14-21 which safeguard land for future transport schemes;

· E7 which governs development in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty;

· E14-17 which seek to preserve features and areas of historic interest.

View the Government Office's letter on this matter.