In this issue... Annual review. Local news and events. Neighbourhood Planning conference. Meet our new Chief Executive. Countryside Awards shortlist

Transcription

1 Hampshire Campaign to Protect Rural England Issue 14: Autumn / Winter 2017 In this issue... Meet our new Chief Executive Countryside Awards shortlist Neighbourhood Planning conference Annual review Local news and events A South Hampshire Green Belt? (page 4)

2 Welcome Welcome to your six-monthly update from the CPRE team working locally and across Hampshire for a beautiful and thriving countryside for everyone to value and enjoy. As ever, our work has spanned wideranging countryside and rural issues and our Chairman s review (opposite) and planning and policy update on pages 9-10 demonstrate this. Defending the countryside, campaigning to influence policy and highlighting good practice is all made possible thanks to dedicated and talented volunteers who really do stand up for the countryside. We were delighted to see one such valued volunteer, Jo Gordon-Watson, recognised at this year s AGM (see below). To find out what your local group has been busy with, please see pages 6-8. We welcomed our new Chief Executive, Charlee Bennett in July and you can hear from Charlee and her ambitions for CPRE Hampshire on page 5. Along with a conference in October to help communities find the best local planning solutions for their neighbourhood, the branch office and district groups have arranged some social events for you, including An Evening with James Runcie, author of the international best-selling series The Grantchester Mysteries. If you can help share our news and events, please get in touch and we can send you a newsletter or event flyer/poster. Or you can support us by buying some of our Christmas cards. We also encourage you to look at the information supplied by our generous partner, NFU Mutual (inserted along with a cards order form). Our Countryside Awards scheme goes from strength to strength and this year has seen a record number of entries. To see who made the shortlist please see the back page. I hope you enjoy this issue of Hampshire Views! Nicola Revolta, Editor September 2017 Making a difference to the Hampshire countryside CPRE Hampshire Branch Office, 89a St Cross Road, Winchester SO23 9RJ Tel: Charlee Bennett, Chief Executive - charlee.bennett@cprehampshire.org.uk Nicola Revolta, Campaigns Communications Officer nicola.revolta@cprehampshire.org.uk Olivia Osorio, Countryside Awards Project Manager olivia.osorio@cprehampshire.org.uk Denise Messenger, Administrator - admin@cprehampshire.org.uk Sign up online for our monthly enewsletter Twitter CPRE_Hampshire Find and like us on Facebook! Follow us on LinkedIn Registered Charity No CPRE Hampshire recognised the huge value that volunteers and members play to the charity at our AGM held on 6th May 2017 at Littleton, near Winchester. In her presentation, Chairman, Dee Haas spoke of CPRE Hampshire s achievements in defending the countryside and campaigning to influence policy. She said that whilst CPRE deals with rural issues it also promotes liveable, urban areas with good access to the countryside for recreation. Much of the work of CPRE Hampshire is made possible thanks to dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, along with the support of members, and Dee Haas commented: Winchester resident Jo Gordon-Watson was presented with a CPRE Making a Difference award for her invaluable contribution to the Hampshire branch. Jo provides much needed administrative support, helps at events and assists with selling Christmas cards. She was presented with a framed certificate, book token and flowers. A lively discussion followed the AGM which was sponsored by NFU Mutual. An estimate of volunteers time spent on CPRE Hampshire work last year came to a total of 3,924 hours. If each volunteer were to be paid, say 45 per hour this would total a contribution of 176,580. We thank them for all the hard work they do and the impact and value it brings. Dee Haas, CPRE Hampshire Chairman, Jo Gordon-Watson with her Making a Difference Award and CPRE Hampshire President, The Earl of Malmesbury 2 Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter 2017

3 CPRE Hampshire Review of the Year and AGM CPRE Hampshire s AGM took place at Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall near Winchester on Saturday 6th May Our Chairman, Dee Haas gave a review of the year s activities which is reproduced below for the benefit of those members and supporters who were unable to attend the meeting. Dee also gave a presentation about what CPRE Hampshire has achieved, its plans for a Green Belt in South Hampshire and why we need a strategic vision for the county. The presentation is available to download from the website. CPRE Hampshire Chairman, Dee Haas Our 50th year as a branch charity and 90th year of CPRE nationally 2016 started with the first of several tree planting ceremonies in Test Valley to celebrate the branch s 50th birthday. Trees were also planted by North Hampshire and New Forest District Groups. Fund-raising events were organised including a very successful sponsored walk organised by the team at North Hampshire District Group which raised a spectacular 5,500 to boost funds, and helped raise awareness about our work and the reasons why we are fighting to keep our diverse landscape and accessibility for health and wellbeing of all. South Downs and Central District Group organised a quiz night which raised 1,800. The annual appeal also brought in much needed funds. Our 50th birthday celebrations culminated in a reception at Avington Park, sponsored by one of our loyal supporters, NFU Mutual. This party enabled us to thank our most active volunteers and supporters for their continued dedication to protecting the countryside of this unique county. I would like to reiterate those thanks here. Without you, we would not be able to do the job we do and I believe that the countryside would be the worst for it. North Hampshire District s Group walk raised 5,500 for the countryside Defending the countryside in the districts CPRE deals with rural issues, but also with urban areas, in the sense that we feel they should be liveable places, with good access to the countryside. One of the principal issues we deal with is the planning system, which has been severely tested over recent years. Most of the detailed work on that is done by district groups, who are dedicated, and very knowledgeable and all volunteers. As members of CPRE, we thank them for all the hard work they do. In 2016, the dysfunctional planning system continued to exert its influence. It s been five years now that we have had the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), a government policy whose result is to promote more housing and diminish the controls of the planning system. The old planning guidance notes were replaced, and it has swayed the position in favour of housing, often on greenfield sites. Affordability has been overlooked and land banking continues to be a problem. In North East Hampshire, Hart was at the brunt of speculative planning applications. Two cases last year demonstrated the lottery-like nature of the appeal system, and the quirks of the appointed Inspector. The Hop Garden application for 40 houses in Hook went to appeal. It was refused because the five-year land supply was sufficient, and because the impact on the countryside and strategic gap would be unacceptable. The Urnfield site in Yateley was in complete contrast, a historic site extending into an open green area. The appeal for 200 houses was allowed, and the Inspector s view that, despite a good land supply, more house building in the area should be allowed. In Basingstoke, the Local Plan was adopted, with input from CPRE, but speculative applications still come in for unallocated greenfield sites. Our North Hampshire District Group are supporting residents to fight these applications where appropriate. Aviation issues have come to the fore with the proposals from TAG Farnborough to expand their airspace, which would increase aviation noise over East Hampshire and the South Downs National Park. South Downs and Central Group has also had problems with speculative Campaigners in Bishopstoke, South Hampshire applications, including for a large housing estate on the South Western edge of Winchester at Pitt, but has had positive meetings on planning issues with East Hampshire District Council, Winchester City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority. It is a similar story in Test Valley with speculative applications and the New Forest, where the Local Plan Review threatens to build on the Green Belt. As for South Hampshire and its many urban areas, it has remained under pressure for housing and we have been supporting Eastleigh s residents in their bid to save large areas of countryside from development. Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter

4 Enhancing the character of the countryside Many of the campaigns organised by our national office are designed to enhance the countryside. Dark Skies has led to Hampshire County Council replacing their street lamps with dark-sky friendly downward facing lights, reducing that familiar orange glow in our night skies. Stop the Drop leads to local groups picking up litter in their local beauty spots and we have been interviewed by local TV about fly-tipping (including on our President s own land). On rural transport, CPRE Hampshire's active participation in the South East Transport Group continues to bear fruit. The issue of a southern rail access to Heathrow is now achieving a higher profile, which would mitigate pressure on Hampshire's roads in the event of Heathrow's expansion by enabling direct rail services via Woking. Tranquillity and hedgerows are also areas we touch on and I would like to see more resources for these issues at district level. Grass verges were the subject of two meetings with Hampshire County Council to discuss the maintenance of verges to conserve the wild flowers we treasure in our lanes. Campaigning to influence policy 2016 saw the start of work on a Hampshire Strategic Vision, written by a dedicated working group, a way to campaign for a county-wide look at how we use our countryside and how we can protect it. The Hampshire Strategic Vision attempts to draw attention to the fact that the balance of power in development has been for too long in the hands of developers. We are not achieving affordable homes for our younger generation but we are losing valuable green fields Countryside Awards forever. It is time that we plan for wellbeing as well as profit. I believe that CPRE needs to campaign for positive outcomes, to change and influence policy as well as objecting to inappropriate development in the districts. This is our effort to do this. Last year, I mentioned devolution, which was leading councillors to consider resurrecting the concept of a Green Belt in South Hampshire to balance the increased numbers of housing being asked for. As CPRE, we have been promoting this idea for decades. Now, we see it as a vital element within the vision for the A South Hampshire Green Belt? whole of Hampshire. We will be launching our vision soon, and have already discussed it with many MPs. You can read the draft on our website. CPRE s South East Regional Group has given us money to promote it, and the idea has also attracted funds from other sources. We staged our 10th Countryside Awards ceremony, ably organised by Joy Housham, an example of how we work with sponsors to highlight good practice throughout all aspects of life in rural Hampshire s finalists were some of the best yet with a diverse and inspiring selection of community and youth projects, rural enterprises and sustainable buildings. Thanks go to The Southern Co-operative, Steve s Leaves, Dutton Gregory and Radian for supporting the awards. Increasing support and raising awareness Our Membership Working Group once again organised a roadshow at several Hampshire Farmers Markets and we could meet members of the public and talk to them about countryside issues and priorities for campaigning and the future Our Director, Michael Rescorle has retired after four years at CPRE Hampshire. I would like to thank him for his support to the branch over the years. I am pleased to be able to introduce you to our new Chief Executive, Charlee Bennett. She will start on July 3rd and comes with a background in environmental campaigning and experience in the charitable sector, currently working for Save the Children. The Countryside Awards this year is being organised by Olivia Osorio and Denise Messenger continues to provide excellent admin support. In this day and age, it continues to be crucial to publicise the work we are doing and Nicola Revolta is still our Campaigns Communications Officer with responsibility for the Deputy Directorship until Charlee Bennett starts work. Can you help? Our countryside needs us 4 Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter 2017

5 Introducing our new Chief Executive We are delighted to announce the recruitment of our new Chief Executive, Charlee Bennett, who will be campaigning with our volunteers to protect the county s countryside. Charlee joined CPRE Hampshire s branch office in Winchester in July 2017 from Save the Children s head office in London, where she led on the UK Poverty campaign. Prior to that, Charlee worked for World Animal Protection on global campaign mobilisation. She holds a degree in Oceanography with Physical Geography from the University of Southampton. Charlee said: I'm looking forward to working with CPRE Hampshire staff, volunteers and the Hampshire public to protect and maintain our beautiful surroundings. We believe that together we can protect our natural environment, keeping Hampshire a place to work, relax, recreate and enjoy for future generations." CPRE Hampshire Chairman, Dee Haas said: We are delighted to welcome Charlee to the CPRE team here in Hampshire. Charlee s experience with volunteers, team management and campaigning offer us an opportunity to work with our many supporters and members to more effectively defend the countryside we love. Alongside campaigning, Charlee is responsible for fundraising and the management of the branch. She is leading on our campaign to create a new Green Belt in South Hampshire. This campaign sits within our wider strategy for the whole of Hampshire. The Hampshire Strategic Vision supports CPRE Hampshire s mission to defend the countryside from damaging development and promote sustainable development. Charlee gives us an update here on her plans and priorities since she joined us. I am now a few months into my journey with CPRE Hampshire and couldn t be more excited to take on protecting the Hampshire countryside with you. I want to say a sincere thank you to Michael Rescorle, the outgoing Director for all his hard work getting the organisation to where it is today. I ve been getting to grips with my role, getting to know the branch and understanding the threats facing Hampshire. Thank you to those of you who have spent time with me so far and to everyone for keeping the ship afloat between Michael s departure and my arrival. It's been inspiring to meet so many passionate and talented people. It s painstakingly clear that the pressures facing Hampshire will only increase in future years as demand for housing in the South East continues to rise. Now more than ever, it s essential that we work together across the county to protect the landscapes and spaces we love. To make sure we re in the best position to respond, I m focusing on the future. By the end of this year we will have an ambitious vision and substantial plans in place to campaign for a more defined and sustainable approach to growth in Hampshire, for new Green Belt in South Hampshire, and all the while ensuring we are attracting new and more diverse support to make our ambitions possible. Of course, we can't do this without your support. Our members are the backbone of CPRE Hampshire and I'm looking forward to getting to know more of you in the coming months. We're going to need your time, energy and voice if we're to be successful as we take bold steps forward for Hampshire. Do get in touch if you'd like to play an active role in achieving our vision, otherwise you will no doubt hear from me when we need you. I will keep you updated as our plans develop, if you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch with me at the office, I'd love to hear from you. Dee Haas, Charlee Bennett and CPRE Hampshire President, the Earl of Malmesbury Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter

6 Update on activities in your area New Forest by Russell Webb, New Forest Group Coordinator - russellwebb@uwclub.net As alluded to in previous reports, the pressure is on to debate with town and parish councils the implications of the Local (Housing) Plan, especially its unwelcome effects on the Green Belt. In March, Christopher Napier (CPRE Hampshire Planning and Policy Group Chairman) and I, backed by local campaigners, tackled New Milton which was in the throes of launching a Neighbourhood Plan. Next up, Milfordon-Sea where, in June, a concerned couple invited us to see and discuss both local sites that had been designated for housing. One features a large nursery but the other is an unspoilt paddock, inaccessible to excess traffic due to the presence of a social housing block. Finally, in July, we met with officers at Lymington Town Hall. Several issues were aired but, subsequently, the officers insisted that the views expressed were their own and did not reflect those of the Town Council. Again, a Neighbourhood Plan had been widely circulated but the outcome is not yet known. The National Park Authority invited me to sit on their New Forest Consultative Panel to officially represent CPRE. In Local CPRE Hampshire roadshow at Ringwood Farmers Market May, with fellow member Ailsa Farrand (who represents the New Forest Equestrian Association), I participated in the annual Forestry Commissionsponsored visit to specific areas of the Forest. This year we went to Turf Hill to hear about Heathland Restoration from Plantation and Undergrounding of Pylons (at Hale Purlieu). Then onto Woodgreen to learn about verge protection work around the village. All in all, a thoroughly informative and rewarding experience. Hampshire Farmers Markets hold monthly sessions at several of the county market towns. In June, we took the opportunity to man a stall in Ringwood. Assisted by CPRE Hampshire member, Alison Riddell (also Treasurer of The Ringwood Society), we invited busy shoppers to name their favourite countryside or landscape in the county and automatically enter a draw to win a food hamper donated by Hampshire Farmers Markets. A record number of entries were handed in in the space of four frenetic hours! We obtained publicity for CPRE s General Election manifesto in the fortnightly free newspaper, the Ringwood & Fordingbridge News. Finally, it should be emphasised that reports of all meetings plus relevant local news items are regularly circulated to members and campaigners on our mailing list. Please contact me if you would like to join the list. North Hampshire by Peter Bedford, Chairman North Hampshire District Group - peter.bedford@clara.co.uk Our district group covers the expanding town of Basingstoke and all the villages within the Borough of Basingstoke & Deane. It is becoming a disturbing feature in this part of the county that planning applications which have been turned down are resurfacing as appeals against the original judgement, albeit in slightly modified form. We have had three in the past few weeks, at Overton, Sherfield and Upton Grey. We are opposing all of them and it will be interesting to see whether Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council has been persuaded to reverse its earlier decision on the basis of fresh evidence. There has also been a repackaged application for a development in Little London which was refused last year and has just been refused again. A decision is still awaited on a larger development in Cliddesden which has been strongly opposed by the local community and by us. We are anticipating an application from Moto for a new service station at Hackwood which is equidistant between the Fleet and Winchester service stations. This, if permission were granted, would be on greenfield agricultural land and we would welcome support from anyone who shares our view that not only is the service station unnecessary given the proximity of the adjacent service stations but would also take away a precious piece of rural Hampshire. On the social side, we have recently made a very popular visit to a garden in Old Alresford. We have our annual Autumn Supper on Friday October 20th at Preston Candover Village Hall. Our guest speaker will be Ros Wallinger, an expert on Gertrude Jekyll gardens. Please see page 11 for booking details. Peter Prag will be taking over as District Chairman at the end of the year. We will be in very good hands. Finally, and on a sad note we have to report the death of Sally Pilcher, wife of Julian, a former District Chairman. Sally had been the most loyal and willing of supporters and we shall miss her greatly. Overton s rural landscape continues to be at threat 6 Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter 2017

7 North East Hampshire by Chris James, Chairman North East Hampshire District Group The two districts that cover North East Hampshire are Hart and Rushmoor. Our all-consuming effort is centred around the Hart Local Plan, as well as changes to the air traffic controls around Farnborough airport and, via Hugh Sheppard and the Save the Deer Park Action Group, objecting to the development of Odiham Deer Park. We issued a statement to the media in May reflecting our concerns that Hart s Draft Local Plan has no coherent strategy but is instead a series of tactics to deliver a housing and development supply without any recognition of the role of countryside and the value of the natural environment. We also expressed concern that the detail in the Plan is not sustainable and the policies unbalanced. In our analysis of the draft Local Plan, the rural areas seem to have been completely missed in that there is no recognition of the role or function of the countryside and rural communities in this part of the county. Hart s Vision ignores landscape value, the value of historic or heritage assets, as well as the social and health value the countryside provides for recreation. Murrell Green s countryside assets are at risk Murrell Green, which lies close to Hartley Wintney, Winchfield and Hook, is a potential greenfield settlement for 1,800 houses and a secondary school. The site contains endangered woodland, ancient lanes and hedgerows, and lakes and ponds. The proposals show no regard for these natural features and there are concerns about water supply for the high level of proposed housing. We submitted our response to Hart District Council s Draft Local Plan consultation in June, which you can read on the branch website. In October, we are inviting Hart s Leader and planning Portfolio Holder to our Planning Committee to discuss the inadequacies of the Local Plan, especially regarding the lack of positive policies for the countryside. Hugh Sheppard has been tirelessly leading on reasons why the Odiham Deer Park, a Conservation Area between Odiham and North Warnborough, should not be developed which has resulted in the planning application being withdrawn. The site is now on Historic England s (formally English Heritage) radar and locally ideas are being formed about how access to, and understanding of, this historic landscape can be improved. Hundreds of residents opposed the development proposals. The action group expects an alternative proposal to come forward. South Downs and Central by Christopher Napier, Chairman CPRE Hampshire Planning and Policy Group christopher.napier@btinternet.com Our district group covers the areas of East Hampshire District and Winchester District, including the Hampshire part of the South Downs National Park. We have had meetings with all three of our local planning authorities since our last update, with discussions ranging from the Housing White Paper (see PPG update on page 9), our Strategic Vision for Hampshire consultation, and the growing importance of valued landscape as a reason for dismissal of appeals. We have also highlighted the importance of the recent East Staffordshire Borough Council High Court case in resisting speculative planning applications, and discussed affordable housing delivery. county, there is much opportunity for regeneration of low quality housing, often built at very low densities, particularly as some districts are now using up all their greenfield land. Meetings with Steve Brine MP for Winchester and Chandlers Ford and Damian Hinds MP for East Hampshire are arranged. There have been planning successes in Winchester District, with dismissal by the Planning Inspector or withdrawal by the applicant of appeals for land for housing at Colden Common and Otterbourne. Also in Winchester, the appeal for land at Vale Farm, Pitt has been withdrawn. CPRE Hampshire member and Oliver s Battery Parish Councillor, Connie Leach said: Sincere thanks to all at CPRE for your unstinting support and outstanding professional expertise. Further to our objection to proposals to build housing at Grey Farm House, Kilmeston, we await the outcome to our representation to the appeal Inspector. We maintain our objection as Winchester City Council has an up to date development plan. Away from planning matters, we are busy organising our annual quiz nights which this year will provide vital funds to support CPRE Hampshire s campaigning, including for a Green Belt in the South of the county. Please do join us for an enjoyable autumn evening out all the details are at the back of the newsletter. We have met with George Hollingbery MP for the Meon Valley and found agreement on the need for some form of strategic planning in the county. We agreed that in the South East of the Crucially, Winchester City Council has an adopted Local Plan and a 5-year supply of deliverable housing sites across the district. We will continue to monitor the situation. Land at Pitt, Winchester saved from development Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter

8 South Hampshire by Caroline Dibden, Chairman South Hampshire District Group - caroline.dibden@btinternet.com The Planning Inspectorate is deciding on planning in South Hampshire, with Havant, Eastleigh and Fareham all losing appeals for not having a 5-year Housing Land Supply. Havant and Fareham even had relatively recently adopted Local Plans, but developers challenged their housing numbers stating that newer, higher numbers had been calculated by PUSH (the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire). With no public consultation, we have not had the opportunity to oppose the calculations. Havant lost an appeal in Purbrook for 42 retirement apartments, and leading the Inspector to rule that the Council s previous figure of 6,300 dwellings (315 a year) was out compared with the PUSH assessment of 11,250 houses between 2011 and 2036, which requires 450 houses a year. This vast increase has meant Havant needs a Local Plan review, which includes plans for a major new development in the Havant Emsworth gap. We have joined together with colleagues in the local amenity societies under the banner of Havant Borough Residents Alliance to aim for the best possible outcome for Havant. Eastleigh has had no Local Plan since the last attempt was declared likely to be unsound by an Inspector in Until very recently they were losing appeals on the basis that they also had no 5-year Housing Land Supply, but with recent permissions granted (rather than lose them on appeal) for 250 dwellings at Fair Oak and 450 near Allington, they have now achieved the 5-year target. This gives them some breathing space while they work on a new Local Plan with numbers also derived from the PUSH assessment. But a large increase in the target means they are looking at a vast sprawl of development and a new road, located south of Upham, and north of Fair Oak and Bishopstoke (commonly known as Options B & C). We are working with local group ADD to try to oppose these plans. CPRE Hampshire gave a statement at Eastleigh Borough Council s public meeting in July on its Emerging Local Plan (photo: ADD Eastleigh) And in August, Fareham lost an appeal in Portchester for 120 dwellings. It is sad that this green field is lost, but the worrying consequence is that Fareham s land supply was judged to be only two years! Again, this is based upon the fact that new figures from PUSH should now be used. This means that it is open season in Fareham, and many other sites are under threat, probably until the new town at Welborne gets underway and starts producing houses on the ground. Welborne s progress has been delayed and complicated by Fareham Borough Council seeking to take control via a Compulsory Purchase Order. Test Valley by John Moon, Acting Chairman, Test Valley District Group john.moon@madasafish.com As in many other districts, Gladman have made applications for large housing developments on the edge of several Test Valley villages. These have all now been refused by Test Valley Borough Council but it is not known whether Gladman will appeal against some or all these decisions. If the decisions do go to appeal the outcome will probably rest with the Inspector s interpretation of the notorious 5-year land supply rule which stipulates that local authorities must specify sites for at least the next five years of predicted need. Also at Picket Twenty, on the edge of Andover, Persimmon wants to build 220 more houses than is specified in the Local Plan and the Borough Council s decision is still awaited on this. Another issue of potential concern to a large area of northern Test Valley is Goodman s desire that the next phase of their massive storage and distribution centre should be exempt from the HGV routing restrictions that apply to the earlier phases. This is undoubtedly a step to getting them removed altogether. These restrictions confine HGVs travelling to or from their warehouses to the A303 trunk road; without them, villages along six lesser A Lorry on village street - villages in the Andover area could be at risk of increased lorry traffic and B roads radiating out from Andover are at risk of increased lorry traffic. The Borough Council have turned down this latest application on just these grounds, but Goodman has now appealed and there will be a public inquiry in the coming months. Please let us know if you feel that this case is a worry for your community. The case for keeping the restrictions is not helped by the fact that the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system at the heart of the enforcement scheme has been mired in technical and political problems. The political problems seem the more challenging as Hampshire County Council and the Borough Council are currently in disagreement about whose role it is to enforce the routing restrictions. We are pressing for these problems to be resolved and have participated in two meetings to discuss the issues raised by Goodman s application. Finally, the Borough Council have granted consent for the massive solar park at East Wellow, but with the condition that some agricultural use should be maintained for the area under the panels. It will be interesting to see if the development goes ahead, as solar farm developers often promise sheep grazing etc. under panels but, almost invariably, do not deliver it. 8 Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter 2017

9 Leading the drive to protect and enhance our countryside CPRE Hampshire s Planning and Policy Group (PPG) is made up of some 25 volunteers and staff members, meets quarterly and is active between meetings on wide-ranging rural issues. A selection of the group s current and recent areas of work are outlined below. All the documents mentioned are available from the CPRE Hampshire website or by calling the branch office. If you would like more information on any of this work or have a planning and policy-related question, please contact Christopher Napier, PPG Chairman (christopher.napier@ btinternet.com), Edward Dawson, PPG Vice-Chairman (edawson@postmaster.co.uk) or the branch office General Election activity We sent CPRE s General Election manifesto, with six key areas we call on politicians to support, with our Hampshire Strategic Vision consultation document, to all Parliamentary Candidates in Hampshire, and to the media. The branch also took part in a CPRE manifesto video. Our Hampshire Strategic Vision campaign is designed to stimulate debate on the future of the county and action on the lack of strategic planning. We are now contacting MPs, Council Leaders and Councillors as the next step in this campaign, including our call for a Green Belt for South Hampshire. Dysfunctional planning system We expressed our concerns about certain proposals in the Government s long-awaited Housing White Paper consultation in a survey we completed for CPRE national office. The Housing White Paper set out to address the failures of the housing market, which have been relentlessly exposed by CPRE over some years. Areas where CPRE has successfully influenced policy in the Housing White Paper include: More focus on previously developed (brownfield) land Increased densities (where appropriate) Regeneration of estates Better quality of design Bringing empty homes back into use Releasing more small and medium sized sites Boosting local authority capacity Tackling developer delays in building out permissions Maintaining Green Belt protection However, areas of concern discussed at PPG include: over-inflated housing targets and proposals to standardise the methodology for calculating Objectively Assessed Housing Need (OAHN), which might favour methods leading to higher housing numbers; a requirement for Local Plans to be reviewed every five years (and otherwise treated as out of date in terms of the NPPF); and the relationship of such Reviews with Neighbourhood Plans. CPRE put in a detailed response to the consultation, a summary of which is available. After significant delay, an eight week OAHN consultation is now expected this Autumn, leading to a consultation on revisions to the NPPF. A PPG working group will head up our response. Brownfield Registers Legislation has come into force requiring each Local Planning Authority to prepare, maintain and publish a register of previously developed land suitable for residential development. This is intended to encourage development on brownfield sites rather than greenfield sites. In Hampshire, Hart has been the Government s brownfield registers pilot district to test the role and value of brownfield registers. The pilot scheme had not been entirely satisfactory as greenfield sites once approved had been included and most brownfield sites without planning permission were yet to be identified. The latter includes a large site at the former Pyestock works called Hartland Park. Despite this, our North East Hampshire District Group welcomed the fact that Hart has managed to identify sites that can accommodate nearly three times as many homes as it had forecast would come forward from brownfield sites, thereby protecting many threatened greenfield sites from unnecessary development. CPRE analysed the Government s brownfield registers pilot scheme and estimates that there is space for at least 1.1 million homes on suitable brownfield sites across the country. Our district groups are using CPRE s report Housing capacity on suitable brownfield land in meetings with planning authorities. Brownfield site at Pyestock in Hart (photo: Berkeley Group) Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter

10 Rural affordable housing CPRE Hampshire took part in community events organised by HARAH (Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable Housing) in Wickham and Binsted in July for Rural Housing Week Aviation CPRE Hampshire s Aviation Representative, Hugh Sheppard has responded to several consultations on behalf of the branch. These include the Civil Aviation Authority s (CAA) consultation on Draft Airspace Design Guidance in July and TAG Farnborough Airport Airspace Control Proposal in October last year. We signed a statement along with 40 community groups representing hundreds of thousands of people who demand Government action to reduce aircraft noise. The statement was delivered to Number 10 in May. Also in May, CPRE Hampshire endorsed the AEF s (Aviation Environment Federation) response to the Government s consultations on airspace policy and expansion. Fly-tipping CPRE Hampshire is partnering with Hampshire County Council on the development of a new Hampshire Fly-Tipping Strategy. Hampshire County Council has set up a dedicated resource in Trading Standards to work exclusively on reducing flytipping. Gareth Roberts is the new Fly-Tipping Partnership and Project Officer and will focus on improving reporting and intelligence to increase prosecutions, as well as promoting ways the public can help. Fracking presentation If you missed our fracking expert s talk on Fracking and the countryside - facts and impacts, Caroline Dibden s presentation is available on the website. Fracking expert and speaker Caroline Dibden and the Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Karen Hamilton at the talk in May 2017 Planning our future Neighbourhood Planning Conference Agenda 9.00 Registration and coffee 9.30 Welcome and introduction Dee Haas, CPRE Hampshire Chairman 9.40 Why have Neighbourhood Plans? Tim Slaney, Director of Planning, South Downs National Park Authority Engaging and empowering communities - case studies Petersfield - Tony Struthers Medstead and Four Marks - Nick Stenning Coffee and networking Neighbourhood Plans: An Examiner s Perspective - Ann Skippers Other options for community planning - Steve Lees Panel discussion, summing up and conclusions - all 1.00 Lunch and networking For further details and to book visit or call the branch office on Planning our future follows CPRE Hampshire s Communities in action rural conference held in CPRE Hampshire is holding a conference on 5th October 2017 at the Wessex Conference Centre, Sparsholt College, Winchester to help communities find the local planning solutions that will work best for their neighbourhood. Planning our future what are the best options for local communities? will assist local councils and communities to decide how to move forward by discussing and evaluating different planning choices, with the opportunity to learn from a range of experiences and outcomes. Case studies on engaging and empowering communities in Petersfield, Medstead and Four Marks will be discussed. Speakers include: Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the South Downs National Park Authority; Ann Skippers, a chartered town planner and former President of the Royal Town Planning Institute; and Steve Lees, planning consultant and previously Chief Planning Officer at Test Valley Borough Council. The event, supported by Hampshire County Council, will run from 9.30am to 1.00pm and be followed by lunch and networking. It will be of interest and relevance to communities whether they have an existing Neighbourhood Plan or not, or if they are currently going through the process. Helping communities to plan proactively for the future CPRE Hampshire s Neighbourhood Planning Conference on 5th October 2017 CPRE has published new guidance on how to capture landscape issues in Neighbourhood Plans. What s special to you: Landscape issues in your Neighbourhood Plan is available from Copies will also be available at the conference. 10 Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter 2017

11 Forthcoming events Roadshow programme - Romsey Farmers Market Sunday 1st October 2017*, 10.00am pm Alma Road Car Park (opposite Waitrose), Romsey, SO51 8ED Come and say hello and meet volunteers and staff of CPRE Hampshire at the last in our series of roadshows for Enter our free prize draw to win a fantastic hamper containing Hampshire Farmers Markets goods from their wide range of quality local producers. * Roadshow date has changed from 3rd September Neighbourhood Planning Conference Thursday 5th October 2017, 9.30am pm Wessex Conference Centre, Sparsholt College, Winchester Please see page 10 for event and booking details. An Evening with James Runcie Tuesday 17th October 2017, 6.30pm 8.30pm Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall, Littleton, Winchester, SO22 6QL Join CPRE Hampshire for an evening with James Runcie, the author of the international best-selling series The Grantchester Mysteries, which has been serialised on television as Grantchester with James Norton and Robson Green and watched by over ten million viewers worldwide. James is also the Commissioning Editor of Arts for BBC Radio 4, and has made documentary films for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 with J.K. Rowling, Hilary Mantel, J.G. Ballard, Simon Schama, David Starkey, Griff Rhys Jones and Andrew Lloyd- Webber. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and Visiting Professor at Bath Spa University. At the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August this year, the celebrated American novelist Richard Ford said from the main stage Anyone who has the chance to talk to James will have a great day. This is your chance. Join us from 6.30pm to enjoy a locally sourced drink from our bar and make the most of our free nibbles before James starts. There will be time to put your questions to James and he will be available for book signings. CPRE Hampshire is delighted to invite you to An Evening with James Runcie on 17th October (photo: Kate Mount) Autumn supper with guest speaker Rosamund Wallinger Friday 20th October 2017, 7.30pm - Preston Candover Village Hall This year s Autumn supper organised by the North Hampshire District Group welcomes guest speaker, Rosamund Wallinger who will be talking about the evolution of gardens in this country and about Gertrude Jekyll in particular. Wine and canapés will be served on arrival, followed by the talk and supper and coffee. Please contact Nevil Wilson to book on or wilsonrn@waitrose.com. Gertrude Jekyll s lost garden at Upton Grey (photo: Rosamund Wallinger) Multimedia quiz nights Friday 27th October 2017, from 7.00pm Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall Friday 17th November 2017, from 7.00pm East Meon Village Hall The ever-popular annual multimedia quiz nights offer an evening of entertainment to support CPRE Hampshire s campaigning, including for a Green Belt in the South of the county. There is a free drink on arrival from 7.00pm and the quiz starts at 7.30pm. Bring a picnic supper to enjoy in the interval. Wine will be available for donations at the bar and there will be a raffle. Tickets are 15 each or 90 for a team table of six (27 Oct) or 120 for a team table of eight (17 Nov). How to book your place These events are organised by the South Downs and Central District Group. To book your place at the quiz night on 27th October Robert Jamieson - rhjamieson@btinternet.com or call To book your place at the quiz night on 17th November christopher.napier@btinternet.com or call Last year s quiz night at East Meon Village Hall raised 1,800 for the Hampshire countryside Events correct at time of publication, please check the website, see the monthly enewsletter or call the branch office on for current information. Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter

12 Countryside Awards the shortlist We are delighted to announce who has made the shortlist in this year s CPRE Hampshire Countryside Awards, which has seen a record number of entries. Now in their 11 th year, we run the awards to recognise and celebrate those working for a beautiful and thriving Hampshire countryside for everyone to value and enjoy. The Countryside Awards scheme is made possible thanks to sponsorship by The Southern Co-operative (lead and Community and Voluntary category sponsor), Steve s Leaves (Young People), Hildon (Rural Enterprise) and Hastoe (Sustainable Buildings). Twenty-one projects are shortlisted and, by local area and award category, they are: East Hampshire and Winchester District: Community and Voluntary First Bite Community Café, Winchester Young People Forest School at Woodlea Primary, Bordon Kindling Forest School and Parent & Toddler sessions, Twyford Woodland Area at Kings Worthy Primary School, Winchester Rural Enterprise Two Hoots Shepherds Huts, Two Hoots Campsite, Bighton Holden Farm Camping, Holden Farm, Cheriton Blackwood Forest, Forest Holidays, Winchester Sustainable Buildings Wessex Learning Centre, Winchester - Hampshire County Council Architects 2017 has seen a record number of Countryside Awards entries New Forest: Community and Voluntary HEG Hordle Environment Group, Lymington The New Forest Smooth Snake Survey, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC) Young People Patrick s Patch, Fairweather s Garden Centre, Beaulieu Rural Enterprise Poppy Pods Project, Tile Barn Centre, Brockenhurst Sustainable Buildings Forest Lodge, Brook - PAD Studio Addison Road and The Larch Hut, Brockenhurst Arboreal Architecture South Hampshire: Community and Voluntary Milton s Hidden Seashore, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Community Roots, Southampton Voluntary Services Young People Outdoor Learning Project, Ruth Butler Architects & St John s Primary School, Rowlands Castle Food Discovery, Bassett Green Primary School, Country Trust Putting the Fare into Fareham, Wicor Primary School, Portchester Sustainable Buildings Hampshire Passivhaus, Emsworth - Ruth Butler Architects Test Valley: Sustainable Buildings Mottisfont Abbey Visitor Facilities - Burd Haward Architects Awards judges visited the shortlisted projects over the summer and the winners will be announced by the Lord- Lieutenant of Hampshire at the awards ceremony on 19th September 2017 at Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall near Winchester. 12 Hampshire Views Issue 14: Autumn / Winter 2017 Printed on 100% FSC recycled paper.