Contact: Peter Syddall, ext 6050

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That Fareham Borough Council be advised that no objection is raised to Planning Application no. P/00/0984/FR for extension of the time limit for the development of golf course facilities at Peak Lane, Newlands Farm, Fareham in relation to proposals for a Stubbington Bypass.

2. Reason

2.1 Fareham Borough Council has requested advice on the determination of this planning application in view of the emerging proposals for a Stubbington Bypass. It is recommended that no objection be raised to this current application because the granting of an extension to the time limit to enact the existing permission would not prejudice the Highway Authority's ability to implement the Stubbington Bypass proposal when it has progressed through the appropriate statutory procedures. In addition, the applicant has indicated a willingness to liaise with the local authorities in an attempt to integrate the planning of the golf course proposals and those for the Stubbington Bypass.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 A recommendation to object to this planning application would not improve the Highway Authority's ability to implement a Stubbington Bypass. The proposal for the Bypass is at an early stage, its formal status and precise route has yet to be defined.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7. Background

7.1 Planning Application no. P/00/0984/FR seeks an extension to the time limit for development of golf course facilities (buildings, access) at Newlands Farm, Fareham which is the subject of an extant permission (see attached location plan). There is a related planning permission for two golf courses which expires in September 2002.

7.2 Consultants acting for the County Council completed a study - the Fareham Gosport Peninsula Accessibility Study - in July 2001 which put forward a transport strategy for the area. A key recommendation was a proposal for a Stubbington Bypass to the east and north of the village. This is the area proposed for the golf course and related facilities.

7.3 On 22 November 2001 the South East Hampshire Transportation Strategy Panel recommended that preparatory design work should commence on proposals identified in the Accessibility Study, including a Stubbington Bypass. On 12 December 2001 the Executive Member for Environment confirmed that this design work should proceed.

7.4 The decision to commence design work and associated studies for the Stubbington Bypass has therefore been made. However this is the first stage in a lengthy process. A proposal for a Stubbington Bypass does not appear in the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review) or the adopted Fareham Borough Local Plan and there is no safeguarded corridor for the scheme. It would be appropriate for the scheme to be developed in parallel with the review of the Fareham Borough Local Plan which is also at a very early stage. In addition, the Bypass proposal is not included in the current five year Local Transport Plan and would need to be put forward as part of the next Local Transport Plan for the period 2006-2011. The design and statutory processes in any event would be likely to preclude its implementation in less than four or five years. Hence it is considered that it would be premature at this time to object to the renewal of permission for the proposed golf course facilities.

7.5 It is considered that raising no objection at this time would not prejudice the ability of the County Council to implement the Bypass proposal or compromise the authority's financial position in relation to compensation payable in respect of the land to be acquired.

7.6 Nevertheless, it is important that the County Council promotes early dialogue with the applicant and Fareham Borough Council in order to identify how the development proposals for the land and a Bypass scheme might be integrated, in terms of both design and programming. The interested parties have shown a willingness to commence these discussions at the earliest opportunity.

7003/PCS