Major Development Areas

116. The long-term development needs of Hampshire that cannot be met within existing urban areas will be met by large-scale development in four selected areas. These four areas have been chosen because, on balance, their development will best meet the strategic objectives of the Plan and, across the area as a whole, minimise the loss of, or damage to, areas of countryside and/or conservation value. The location of the new development areas adjacent, or close, to existing urban areas can also contribute towards the development of public transport systems which benefit the wider area.

117. The decision to release these large areas of land is balanced by policies to achieve as much environmental gain as possible. Within the four areas development will be designed to ensure that it:

· contributes to the physical regeneration of existing adjacent urban areas;

· improves the quality of life and accessibility to improved social, community and transport facilities in existing, adjacent urban areas; and

· secures improvements to the surrounding countryside through enhanced landscaping, greater biodiversity and wider recreational use and access.

MDA1 Where provision is made for large-scale, mixed-use development in accordance with Policies H2, H3 and H4 the precise form, density and location of development will be established in local plans through joint working between the County Council, district councils and others.

In each area, provision will be made for the co-ordinated and integrated development of transport, housing, employment, health, community and social facilities, shopping, education, formal and informal recreation and leisure facilities and other identified local needs. In determining the location of land uses, the local planning authorities will seek to ensure that adequate opportunities are provided to meet all locally generated needs. Provision may also need to be made for facilities and/or infrastructure which serve a wider area where such need is identified during the preparation of the local plan.

It is expected that the development of these areas will require major transport schemes including those in accordance with Policies T14-T20 together with local access requirements and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. Enhanced public transport, traffic management, traffic control and information systems will be necessary in the Major Development Areas and in those parts of the Transportation Strategy Areas affected by the proposals.

The boundaries of the new communities will be drawn to include tracts of countryside, within and around the area proposed for built development, to provide:

(i) large-scale advance landscaping;

(ii) conservation of sites, areas and/or buildings of acknowledged importance;

(iii) large, informal recreation areas to provide improved access to the countryside; and

(iv) local gaps to retain the setting and separate identities of existing small communities.

The extent of these areas will be in addition to the open space requirements defined in Policy R2.

The rate of development of a Major Development Area may be adjusted if the assumptions on which the local plan is based, in particular the scale of development and redevelopment within neighbouring built-up areas and the implementation of other development and transport policies in the plan, prove to be either unreasonable or unrealistic.

118. Local plan proposals, development briefs and any planning permission granted as a result of Policies MDA 2 to 5 must all satisfy the requirements of Policy MDA1. Although these Major Development Areas will be planned as new communities, they will also provide opportunities to contribute towards improving the vitality and viability of the wider urban area of which they form a part. Development within each area will be a balanced mix of different types of housing, based on an assessment of local needs and affordable housing requirements, and employment, transport, education, social, community and health facilities, shops, recreation and leisure. Each area will aim to have its own, individual identity.

119. The new communities will take advantage of the opportunities for employment, shopping and other activities provided by adjoining areas. In some instances, the development will provide opportunities to enhance the choice of facilities on offer to existing residents either by new provision within the development area or by triggering the expansion of existing facilities. The timetable for such improvements may influence the scale and phasing of development. The Major Development Areas may be suitable locations for major regional or sub-regional facilities for which there is an identified need. The impact of such facilities on the new community and existing urban areas will require careful assessment.

120. Each of the four areas provides an opportunity to promote development which is integrated with, and encourages the use of public transport and other alternatives to the private car. The infrastructure provided as part of the development will also help to enhance public transport within the adjacent built-up areas.

The Major Development Areas are all within Transportation Strategy Areas. Access roads, public transport, traffic management, traffic control and information systems, facilities for walking and cycling and to assist people with mobility impairments will be required to serve the Major Development Areas and those parts

of the wider Strategy Area affected by the proposals. Developers will be expected to contribute towards any transport improvements required by the development. Until the completion of the Strategy Area studies, it is not possible to specify what major transport proposals will be required by each of the developments.

121. Each of the four areas may have the potential for development beyond 2011. This potential must be considered in the formulation of detailed proposals, particularly when major infrastructure and provision of local authority and other community services and facilities are being planned. Local plans will establish the most appropriate mechanisms for securing the co-ordinated funding and provision of the services, infrastructure and facilities required by each Major Development Area.

122. Guidelines for the allocation of employment land are specified for the two Major Development Areas in southern Hampshire, where new allocations are required to maintain sub-regional economic vitality and viability and provide employment opportunities for the new communities. Estimating employment land requirements and employment density is difficult. It depends on the type of occupant of industrial and commercial development. It is expected that MDA 2 and MDA 3 will provide sufficient land to enable a large proportion of residents to have the opportunity to work locally. The actual level of provision will be determined by local economic studies and surveys to ensure that the overall provision is neither too large (which could result in in-commuting into the Major Development Areas), nor too small (which could result in reduced opportunities for local employment). In addition to these allocations, employment will be generated in the services and facilities provided as part of the new community. Although local employment opportunities will be provided in MDA 4 and MDA 5 there is, as yet, no need to specify major new allocations of land for employment uses.

MDA2 The development of a new community in the area west of Waterlooville will:

· provide for at least 2000 dwellings in the period 2001-2011;

· provide land for industrial, business and commercial purposes of 30 hectares;

· focus on, and be integrated with, Waterlooville town centre as a district centre;

· provide for access roads, public transport, traffic management, traffic control and information systems, and facilities for walking and cycling directly serving the Major Development Area and in that part of the wider Transportation Strategy Area affected by the proposal and contribute where appropriate towards the provision of major transport schemes, including those identified in Policy T14;

· provide for local gaps to retain the setting and identity of Denmead and Purbrook/Widley (Portsdown Hill) (see Policy G3);

· take advantage of the existing recreation facilities and opportunities in the countryside around Purbrook Heath Road and towards Portsdown Hill to extend the provision of informal countryside open space;

123. The new community to the west of Waterlooville will help to meet the development needs of the south-east part of Hampshire and support the continued economic regeneration and associated environmental improvements in Portsmouth, Havant and the surrounding urban areas.

124. The development will make provision for effective public transport to bring about a significant change in modal split. New systems, including the Portsmouth-Waterlooville section of South Hampshire Rapid Transit, are proposed. These new systems will serve the wider Waterlooville area, not solely the proposed new development. Pedestrian and cycle routes and related facilities will also be required to reduce reliance on the private car. There will be a need to provide for public transport, local road access and wider traffic control and information systems. The South East Hampshire Transportation Strategy will take account of the travel needs arising from the new development.

125. New employment opportunities will enable the needs of the Portsmouth travel-to-work area to be met close to the labour force, hence minimising commuting trips by car. The focus on Waterlooville will provide sufficient justification and impetus for further improvements to the town centre.

126. The form and layout of development will protect the setting of Portsdown Hill and its northern slopes, and respect the landscape and nature conservation interests immediately to the west of the A3, between Purbrook and Waterlooville. Long-term management agreements will ensure that the countryside between the development and Denmead remains open and the setting of Denmead is protected.

MDA3 The development of a new community in the area south-east of Eastleigh will:

· provide for at least 3000 dwellings within in the period 2001-2011;

· provide land for industrial, business and commercial purposes of 35 hectares;

· link with the employment opportunities north of Southampton Airport and contribute to infrastructure improvements necessary to facilitate the development of the land north of the Airport;

· capitalise on the opportunities to support and improve Eastleigh town centre in its role as the commercial and cultural focus of the Borough;

· provide a new independent district centre to serve the new community, including facilities required by the existing Hedge End area communities;

· provide for access roads, public transport, traffic management, traffic control and information systems and facilities for walking and cycling directly serving the Major Development Area and in that part of the wider Transportation Strategy Area affected by the proposal and contribute where appropriate towards the provision of major transport schemes, including those identified in policy T16;

· identify that part of the proposed Strategic Gap around Southampton where it contributes to the setting and separate identity of the new and existing communities;

· provide for local gaps to retain the setting and separate identities of Botley and Horton Heath within which permission will not be given for development which visually or physically diminishes the amount of open and undeveloped land;

· take advantage of the informal recreational opportunities afforded by the Itchen Valley and exploit any potential to extend the Itchen Valley Country Park;

127. The new community to the south-east of Eastleigh will help to meet the development needs of the south-west part of Hampshire and promote the continued economic regeneration and environmental improvements in Eastleigh, Southampton and the surrounding urban areas.

128. The opportunity will be taken to enhance the transport infrastructure with extended traffic control and information systems; and to provide new transport links to improve access to Eastleigh and Southampton for the employment and higher order facilities they provide. Particular attention will be given to promoting alternative forms of transport to the private car, including bus priority measures and improved cycle and pedestrian facilities. The Southampton Area Transportation Strategy will take account of the travel needs arising from the new development.

129. Local economic studies will need to determine the extent to which existing employment allocations, and the development and redevelopment of existing premises close to and within the Major Development Areas will conveniently meet the need for local employment and contribute to the guideline allocation contained in the Policy.

130. The form and layout of development will take care to ensure the protection of the environment and ecology of the Itchen Valley.

MDA4 The development of a new community at Basingstoke will:

· provide for at least 4000 dwellings within the period 2001-2011;

· make an appropriate allowance for small and medium-sized businesses to meet local community needs;

· provide a mixed-use district centre to serve the local needs of the new community but focus on Basingstoke for higher order facilities and services;

· allow for specific recreation or community facilities required by the long-term development of Basingstoke;

· provide for access roads, public transport, traffic management, traffic control and information systems and facilities for walking and cycling directly serving the Major Development Area and in that part of the wider Transportation Strategy Area affected by the proposal and contribute where appropriate towards the provision of major transport schemes, including those identified in Policy T18;

· where appropriate, provide for a local gap or gaps to retain the setting and identity of neighbouring villages within which permission will not be given for development which visually or physically diminishes the amount of open or undeveloped land;

· where appropriate provide for local gaps or gap to retain separation between the new community and the edge of the existing urban area;

· provide for the retention and protection of the existing woodland areas within the new community and take advantage of the opportunity to consolidate and extend the woodland area.

131. The development will provide the opportunity to meet the long-term development needs of the town in a way which will support the provision of higher order and up-graded town centre facilities.

132. An improved, road-based public transport system will link the Major Development Area not only with Basingstoke town centre, but also with the recent development areas in the town. The opportunity will also be taken to increase the use of public transport, walking and cycling as alternatives to the private car through improved and fully integrated facilities. The Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport (BEST) will incorporate initiatives appropriate to serve new development.

133. The form and layout of development must respect the scattered areas of ancient woodland surrounding the town. Extending many of these existing woodlands with new structural planting could enhance the edges of any proposed local gaps, add to the quality of the new development and help contain the visual impact of the development on the wider setting of Basingstoke.

134. The separate identities of neighbouring villages will be protected. Management schemes will be put in place to ensure that the landscape of the open areas set aside for this purpose is improved and enhanced public access to the surrounding countryside provided.

135. Most new employment opportunities will be provided by the development and redevelopment of sites and buildings within the existing industrial and commercial areas of Basingstoke where continued investment is needed to complete some areas and regenerate others. Local economic studies will need to determine the extent to which the opportunities within existing and committed areas can meet future requirements and, therefore, the extent to which provision may be needed as part of the Major Development Area. Consistently with the trend towards mixed-use development to help reduce the need to travel, the opportunity may be taken within the Major Development Area to provide for small and medium-sized businesses to create local jobs.

MDA5 The development of a new community at Andover will:

· provide for at least 3000 dwellings in the period 2001-2011;

· provide for the development of social, community and recreational facilities required by the long-term requirements of the town;

· provide a mixed-use district centre to serve the local needs of the new community but focus on Andover for higher order facilities and services;

· provide for access roads, public transport, traffic management, traffic control and information systems and facilities for walking and cycling directly serving the Major Development Area and in that part of the wider Transportation Strategy Area affected by the proposal and contribute where appropriate towards the provision of major transport schemes, including those in Policy T20;

· provide for local gaps to retain the setting and separate identities of Penton Mewsey, Smannell and Enham Alamein, within which permission will not be given for development which visually or physically diminishes the amount of open and undeveloped land;

· make appropriate allowance for small and medium-sized businesses to meet local community needs;

· provide for the retention of local community identity;

· provide for the creation of new woodland and other habitats.

136. The development at Andover will provide the opportunity to meet some of the development needs of the northern part of Hampshire in a way which encourages the continued self-containment of the town and, at the same time, justifies the provision of higher order facilities and further improvements to the town centre.

137. An improved, road-based public transport system will link the new development not only with Andover town centre, but also with recent development in the town. Pedestrian and cycling facilities will also be improved and a transportation strategy will be developed for the Andover area.

138. The form and layout of development will respect the settings of neighbouring villages. Large-scale, advance planting will strengthen the existing landscape framework. Management schemes will be put in place to ensure that the landscape of the open areas is improved and enhanced public access to the surrounding countryside provided.

139. Most new employment opportunities will be provided by the development and redevelopment of sites and buildings within the existing industrial and commercial areas of Andover. All major, new commercial investment will be directed toward these areas. Nevertheless, there is a trend back towards mixed-use development to help reduce the need to travel. Accordingly, the opportunity may be taken within the new development to provide for small and medium-sized businesses to create local jobs provided such schemes are not of a size which would divert investment from existing industrial and commercial areas.