PC 511/26 – Fawley Neighbourhood Plan – Annex 1

Policy FAW1: SPATIAL STRATEGY

The Neighbourhood Plan defines the settlement boundaries at Fawley, Blackfield & Langley, Hardley & Holbury and Fawley Waterside as shown on the Policies Map.

A) Development proposals within the defined settlement boundaries will be supported, provided they accord with policies of the overall Development Plan.

B) Development proposals outside of the defined settlement boundaries, will only be supported where they are appropriate to a countryside setting or support the rural economy, where they:

(i) encourage agricultural, horticultural and forestry enterprises and farm diversification projects where this would be consistent with maintaining and enhancing the environment, and contribute to local distinctiveness;

(ii) retain existing employment sites, and encourage improvements and redevelopments that will help maintain and enhance the environment, and contribute to local distinctiveness;

(iii) support local business development through the conversion of existing buildings, with particular encouragement of enterprises that have little adverse environmental impacts (e.g. design/research activities);

(iv) support the local delivery of services;

(v) or bring forward rural exceptions sites for housing to meet an identified community need for affordable housing.

C) Sustainable development located within the boundary of, or which affect the setting of, the New Forest National Park, will be supported where proposals comply with B) and demonstrate that they conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park and its special qualities.

3.5 This policy provides a high-level spatial approach to ensuring that future development is appropriately directed to existing sustainable locations and the Local Plan allocated strategic site at Fawley Waterside.

3.6 The NFDC Local Plan, describes Holbury, Blackfield, Hardley, Fawley and Langley (STR4) as “main villages” in the settlement hierarchy and as such, being an appropriate location for small and medium developments that sustain their current village role in a manner that is cumulatively proportionate. The Core Strategy Policy CS12 also allows for new greenfield sites to be identified for up to about 30 dwellings at each of Blackfield and Langley, Hardley and Holbury, and Fawley, specifically to address the local need for affordable housing, which is included in B v)

3.7 Development within the built-up areas within these settlements is designed to reinforce the character and sustainability of each village and limiting development outside of these areas, except for the purposes detailed above. The land outside the defined built-up areas predominately falls within the New Forest National Park. This includes the village of Calshot which is therefore considered countryside where development would be limited to those uses of land which are appropriate and acceptable in these locations, such as where they may it support the rural economy or where it would support the creation of rural exception sites to provide affordable housing to meet local need.

3.8 The allocated strategic site at Fawley Waterside, for around 1,500 homes would be considered a “main village” in its own right once consented and built out.

3.9 The policy is in accord with saved policy CS21 Local Plan Part 1 2009 which details permitted countryside development. It is noted that since the policy was introduced there has been a change to extend the permitted development rights pertaining to farms, so this element of the Local Plan policy has been omitted as it is no longer consistent with national policy.

Policy FAW2: SETTLEMENT SEPARATION AND LOCAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

To maintain the distinct identity of Fawley’s individual settlements and to protect the rural and semi-rural character of the spaces between them, the areas shown on the Policies Map as Settlement Separation Areas are identified as locally important landscape settings. These are:

1. Holbury and Blackfield.
2. Blackfield and Fawley
3. Hardley and Hythe/Dibden
4. Fawley Waterside and Calshot

A. Within the Settlement Separation Areas, development proposals will be supported where they demonstrate that they:

i) maintain a clear sense of separation, avoiding visual coalescence between settlements, including the perception of continuous frontage or ribbon development along key routes such as Hampton Lane, Rollestone Road and Claypits Lane.

ii) incorporate landscape-led design, which retains and strengthens the local rural character of the location including the openness, woodland edges, hedgerow structure, and tree belts that form the settlements setting;

iii) incorporate native planting reflecting the Parish’s historic field patterns and woodland structure.

iv) avoid suburbanising features such as excessive lighting, engineered boundary treatments, prominent parking areas or hard-edged layouts;

v) contribute to strengthening green infrastructure links between the New Forest National Park and Southampton Water.

B) Where it is not possible to fully meet the requirements above, proposals must provide robust, site specific justification and demonstrate how alternative design measures will avoid harm to settlement identity and rural character.

3.10 Fawley Parish is made up of several historic villages—Fawley, Blackfield, Langley, Holbury, Hardley and Calshot, each with its own identity but with development pressures that risk creating a continuous urban corridor. Community consultation has consistently identified concerns about the merging of settlements and the erosion of rural character, particularly along transition routes between the villages.

3.11 Although the NFDC 2024 LUC “Landscape Value, Settlement Gaps and Green & Blue Infrastructure” study does not propose new strategic gap designations for the Waterside, it does highlight key landscape characteristics between local settlements which should be protected, including:

• hedgerows and tree belts between Blackfield and Holbury,
• woodland and mature tree structure between Hardley and Hythe,
• coastal and rural landscape patterns between Fawley and Calshot.

3.12 Local assessment work undertaken as part of the Neighbourhood Plan (Appendix D) applies a parish level methodology to understand how these areas function in terms of settlement identity, including:

1. Contribution to rural setting and settlement edges
2. Importance in maintaining a perceptual break between communities
3. Presence of landscape features that define local character

3.13 The policy does therefore not introduce new strategic landscape designations or prevent development from coming forward. Instead, it provides locally specific design criteria that respond to the rural and semi-rural landscapes that lie between the Parish’s settlements. This approach is consistent with planning guidance that neighbourhood plans may shape local character and define locally valued places (PPG Paragraph: 040 Reference ID: 41-040-20160211).

3.14 The policy sits comfortably within and supports the strategic policies of the NFDC Local Plan, including:

• STR1 (Achieving Sustainable Development): requiring development to be context-led and landscape-sensitive;
• ENV4 (Landscape Character and Quality): retaining and enhancing hedgerows, woodland edges, settlement settings and locally important views;
• STR2 (Protection of the Countryside and the adjoining National Park): guiding development to maintain the rural landscapes that form the setting of the New Forest National Park.
• ENV3/ENV1: protecting green infrastructure and distinctive features.

3.15 The policy is also fully consistent with, and supportive of, the statutory purposes of the New Forest National Park and the strategic policies of the New Forest National Park Authority Local Plan.

3.16 Where parts of the identified Settlement Separation and Rural Character Areas fall within the National Park boundary, the policy strengthens the requirement that development must conserve and enhance the Park’s natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage and landscape character. It also provides locally specific guidance that complements Local Plan Policies SP6 (The Natural Environment), SP7 (Landscape Character), SP17 (Local Distinctiveness) and DP2/DP18 (General Development Principles and Design) by seeking to maintain rural settlement settings, protect woodland edges, hedgerows, and tree belts, and avoid suburbanising development forms. It reinforces the need for proposals, where acceptable in principle under National Park policy, to be landscape-led, sensitive to settlement identity, and to maintain the green infrastructure links that contribute to the special qualities of the National Park.

3.17 As such, the policy does not designate new strategic gaps, but interprets existing strategic policies at the local scale in accordance with NPPF’s direction for neighbourhood plans to shape development according to locally distinctive character. This makes the policy complementary, not contradictory in terms of compliance with basic conditions.

3.18 Appendix D stresses that the proposal has been created in response to local character rather than strategic landscape capacity. Blackfield and Langley, Hardley and Holbury have physically merged but retain separate identities. This community evidence justifies managing the remaining separation between villages, even if small, as a community priority (PPG Paragraph 040) due to the strong local concern about the loss of rural character.

3.19 The 2016 NFDC Landscape Sensitivity Study does illustrate that some areas show minor sensitivity / moderate capacity, meaning development would change settlement edges, supporting the need for a local character policy, even if not a formal gap. This avoids the issue that some areas lie partly inside the National Park, on existing school or recreational land or within already-protected open spaces; the purpose therefore being not to prevent development but to ensure:

• the safeguarding of views,
• reinforcing rural edges,
• resisting coalescence through design,
• maintaining green infrastructure corridors.

3.20 This also avoids conflict with the Local Plan allocations BLA1, notwithstanding there has been no evidence in the last 10 years that this site is available /deliverable for development.

Policy FAW3: DESIGN GUIDANCE AND CODES

A. Development proposals must be well-designed and respond positively to the character of the local area. To achieve this, development proposals must have full regard to the design strategy and coding as set out in the Fawley Design Guidance and Codes attached as Appendix A. The design, scale and appearance of development proposals must be relevant to their location and ensure that new development contributes positively to the parish’s rural setting while creating seamless transitions between built-up and rural areas that respect the surrounding natural character.

B. Surface water from new development will not be permitted to discharge to the foul or combined sewer network, to minimise the risk of sewer flooding and protect water quality.

3.21 This policy is borne from the strong sense of ‘place’ which came through in the initial sessions with the Steering Group and the village walkabout, with residents wishing to see the look and feel of the existing village retained and ensure that any future development respects this in terms of design and layout.

3.22 The policy also responds to a desire for development in the parish to be sustainable, emphasising the use more modern materials, techniques and styles which help homes to be more climate resilient, reduce energy consumption and promote a healthy community, in line with the Government’s Building for a Healthy Life Principles.

3.23 There are distinctive features of Fawley that shapes it character. These features are set out in the Fawley Design Guidance and Codes attached at Appendix A.

3.24 This document is an integral part of the policy but is extensive and the document is therefore attached as an Appendix for representational purposes only. It therefore carries the full weight of the development plan in decision making and is not subordinate or supplementary guidance carrying lesser weight.

3.25 The policy requires that applicants should demonstrate that they have full regard to the design principles and guidance as set out, as relevant to the location of their proposals. The policy does not advocate pastiche or historic solutions; however, it is important that any new development is based on a detailed contextual analysis, with traditional materials and construction techniques required for historic buildings. Where a proposal does not follow the requirements of the Codes then the applicant will be obliged to justify why an exception should be made.

3.26 Clause B was added to the policy after the Regulation 14 in response to a request from Southern Water, who state:

As the Statutory Wastewater Service Provider for Fawley, we welcome Design Guidance promoting Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), as we believe SuDS should be a requirement for all new development. Whilst some parts of the sewer network were originally designed to accommodate surface water, the expansion of towns and cities, in particular of ‘urban creep’ can exacerbate capacity issues.

As stated in Water UK’s 21st Century Drainage Programme; “The country’s built environment is constantly changing and “urban creep” – home extensions, conservatories and paving over front gardens for parking – can all add to the amount of water going into our sewers and drains. Green spaces that would absorb rainwater are covered over by concrete and tarmac that will not. In fact, studies show that “urban creep” results in a larger increase in predicted flooding than new housing, because it adds more rainwater to these systems’. Therefore, any areas utilised for SuDS should be safeguarded from future alterations or development that would impede their effectiveness.

In terms of flood risk, better rainwater management is key to achieving not only a reduced risk of flooding, but also a reduction in storm overflow releases and reduced demand on water resources. To help achieve this, Southern Water supports policies that prioritise on-site surface water management through effective SuDS provision.

We will refuse any request to discharge surface water into our ‘foul only’ or combined sewer network, on the grounds that the discharge is detrimental to our sewerage network and can be harmful to the environment. This includes where the surface water hierarchy has been followed and all alternative options have been exhausted.

The above is supported by our Surface Water Management Policy, which is available to view on our website.

Policy FAW4: EXISTING AND NEW LOCAL COMMUNITY ASSETS

The Neighbourhood Plan identifies existing community facilities on the Policies Map and listed in Appendix B.

A) Development that will result in the loss of all or part of any identified community uses and/or facilities will not be supported unless it meets one or more of the following criteria:

(i) it can be demonstrated that the use and/or facility is surplus to requirements and an alternative replacement is not required;

(ii) replacement uses and/or facilities of equivalent or better quantity and quality are provided in a suitable location before the existing use and/or facility is replaced. The replacement should be provided in an agreed location;

B) Proposals to extend, diversify, improve and introduce new school place capacity, day nursery or other early years settings will be supported provided:

i. the scale of the buildings and structures minimise the effect of the scheme on local residential amenity by way of traffic, on-street car parking and outdoor noise and lighting pollution; and

ii. there is adequate provision to encourage walking and/or cycling to and from the facility.

C) Proposals to sustain or extend the viable use of existing community facilities and the development of new facilities, to ensure local residents have sufficient good quality social infrastructure will be supported.

D) The Neighbourhood Plan identifies the following locations as suitable for the creation of new community facilities, at the following locations as shown on the Policies Map and detailed below:

1. The former Flying Boat Site. (use Class F2*)
2. Ashlett Tide Mill (use Class F1*)
3. Jubilee Hall (use Class F2)
4. Old Social Club site. (Long Lane Holbury) – (use Class F1)

Proposals to develop the sites for the uses as detailed and where they comply with the other relevant policies of the development plan, will be supported.

(*Use Class F1 covers Learning and non-residential institutions such as museums, galleries, events and performance space. Class F2 cover Local Community uses including community halls. It also includes local shops selling essential goods where there isn't another similar shop within 1km.)

3.27 This policy defines a range of different community and cultural buildings and uses, including places of worship, education facilities, libraries, public houses and social facilities such as community halls. Clause A requires any applicant to demonstrate that where a defined community facility is proposed to be lost as a result of re-development, that the location has been adequately marketed not just for its current use e.g as a public house but for wider community use, prior to the application being submitted. Clause B recognises that with falling birth rates, some educational facilities may need to diversity in order to remain viable but also recognised that whilst there is currently capacity in the local schools additional development over time within the parish may necessitate the extension or alteration of existing provision.

3.28 It is recognised that clause A may be considered to duplicate the current Local Plan policy DM24; however, given this policy is contained in an out-of-date local plan, the weight given to such a policy may be reduced and as such is reproduced here.

3.29 Clause C supports the general principle of extension of existing community facilities and the creation of new ones to provide further opportunities to strengthen the social infrastructure which supports the local community, demonstrated through a Community Use Statement as part of a wider Design and Access Statement that explains how the proposed development will involve the local community, meet local needs, and demonstrate the public benefits of the project.

3.30 The Neighbourhood Plan also identifies four specific locations which have the opportunity to provide an improvement to the overall social infrastructure of the parish, in response to local engagement where a lack of facilities was highlighted.

1. The Former Flying Boat Site – engagement with the landowner of this has identified that a scheme is being considered for redevelopment including for the creation of a local centre and community facilities, potentially including a convenience shop. Located within the New Forest National Park, preapplication discussions have indicated that the provision of community facilities could be supported on the site in accordance with Local Plan Policy SP39, so long as they are commensurate to the size of the community which it is intended to serve. The residents of Calshot do not have access to any facility which provides local day to day convenience goods within walking distance and the bus service for those who do not drive, is infrequent. The location may also provide a useful facility for those travelling to the beach or to use the beach huts and to Calshot Activity Centre.
2. Ashlett Tide Mill – this historic Grade II listed building was built in 1816. It replaced an earlier mill that may date from medieval times and was used to mill corn until about 1910. Given its setting and waterside location, it is considered to be a suitable location for sensitively designed conversion into a either a museum, events venue, cultural centre or art gallery setting. Owned by the Cadland Estate the Parish Council is in early discussions with them in respect of this site.
3. Jubilee Hall – this existing community building, owned by the Parish Council, is proposed to be redeveloped into a modern flexible use community access hub. Originally the core was built as a Community Hall, and the deep recessed gabled fronted façade should be retained as this is a prominent feature of the building. Over the years there have been various extensions added to accommodate the communities needs such as the Council Chamber, a reception area, a series of rooms used for offices, 2 Squash Courts with a viewing gallery, and toilets and changing rooms. Added at different times the result is a mismatch of structures that are not used as they once were, no longer suited to their original purpose. These would be replaced with a cohesive space, which respects the heritage of the original building and provides a more fit for purpose facility to accommodate local need.
4. Old Social Club site (Long Lane, Holbury) Due to the location being within the COMAH zone for the Oil Refinery, it is accepted that currently, no permanent facilities are permitted in this location to replace the former Exxon Social Club which previously occupied the space prior to its demolition. However, the Parish Council are keen to consider the construction of a temporary, open fronted, possibly wooden, simple barn style structure which could be used as performance space or for local community events, providing shelter from the elements and has engaged with Exxon as the landowner to discuss bringing this forward.

Policy FAW5: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

The Neighbourhood Plan identifies a Green and Blue Infrastructure Network, as shown on the Policies Map, for the purpose of increasing biodiversity, promoting ecological connectivity, providing outdoor recreation, promoting sustainable movement through the built-up areas out into the surrounding countryside and helping mitigate and adapt to climate change.

A) Development proposals that lie within or adjoining the Network are required to have full regard to creating, maintaining and improving the functionality of the Network in the design of their layouts, landscaping schemes and public open space provisions. Proposals that will harm the functionality or connectivity of the Network, will not be supported.

B) Proposals for new development requiring the provision of on-site open space will be supported where the design of open space is integral to the scheme and is effectively connected to any adjoining green infrastructure assets. Proposals for smaller infill schemes should also create opportunities to connect their landscape schemes with adjoining green infrastructure assets. Where appropriate, developers will be expected to enter into a planning obligation to secure satisfactory arrangements for the long-term management of such open space.

C) New development will also be required to retain trees and hedgerows and to secure opportunities to create connected habitats suitable for species adaptation to climate change. Where they are unavoidably lost, replacement trees and hedgerows using indigenous species must be planted (two trees must be planted for every one lost) and conditioned with a minimum 3-year maintenance period. All proposals for development in the Plan area must ensure that any potential impacts upon rare and threatened species are fully assessed, and that, where necessary, mitigation measures are incorporated to safeguard and protect those species.

D) Save for householder applications, development proposals on sites of 0.5ha or above, are required as a minimum to achieve a future canopy cover of 20% of the site area principally through the retention of existing trees and the planting of new trees. Where it can be demonstrated that this is impracticable, the use of other green infrastructure (e.g. green roofs and walls) can be used where they are capable of offering similar benefits to trees.

E) Proposals which contribute to the four NFDC Green and Blue Infrastructure Priority Projects within the Parish, listed below, will be supported where they accord with the Development Plan. These are:

i) Improving the gateway to the New Forest National Park – GBI enhancements at land connecting Hythe and Hardley (B)

ii) Promote wider linkages from the New Forest National Park to the waterfront at Fawley (C)

iii) Deliver landscape improvements to the A326 (G)

iv) Promote access to nature away from sensitive ecological areas. (H)

3.31 The Network comprises assets of high nature conservation value including rare and threatened heathland habitats, wildflower-rich meadows, ancient semi-natural and secondary woodland, trees, hedgerows and water bodies - all assets of high biodiversity value. Also included are those areas of recreation and amenity value including children’s play areas, allotments, recreational playing fields, and off-street footways, cycleways, and bridleways in and around Fawley. In most cases assets have multi-functional, nature conservation, recreational and amenity value.

3.32 All those features have been mapped in order to protect the existing green and blue infrastructure in Fawley from harmful development and to encourage its improvement and better connectivity when future development does take place. This includes ensuring a strong green infrastructure buffer to any development situated adjacent any Settlement Separation Areas.

3.33 The existing green infrastructure network is intrinsic in the development of Fawley as a settlement, enabling connections to be made in the landscape between the coast to the south and east, through to the New Forest in the west and to facilitate settlements within the parish connecting to their surroundings Any erosion of this network will not only affect the setting of the villages and hamlets but the wide variety of flora and fauna which inhabit them.

3.34 The network has been mapped using publicly available data, primarily that produced by Natural England and Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre. The policy will also work alongside the Hampshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy once progressed and supports the priorities of both the NFNPA Waterside Green Links Study and the Waterside Landscape, Settlement Gaps and Green and Blue Infrastructure study, as they pertain to the GBI priority projects within the parish.

Figure 5 NDFC LUC Waterside Landscape, Settlement Gaps and GB Infrastructure Study - GBI Priority Projects

3.35 FAW5 also requires new development to maximise the opportunities available for tree canopy cover including tree retention and planting or the provision of other Green Infrastructure (e.g. green roofs, walls, rain gardens, ponds, inter-connected wildflower strips and hedgerows).

3.36 Canopy cover is the layer of leaves, branches and tree stems that cover the ground. Trees help mitigate the environmental and social challenges our built-up areas, face in a quantifiable way. This is supported by the Government’s NetZero Strategy: Build Back Greener October 2021 which recognises the role of green and blue infrastructure, including trees, in providing an opportunity to benefit local economies and bring about long-term improvements in people’s health and wellbeing.

3.37 The policy therefore draws inspiration from others, like Wycombe District Council and Cornwall Council who are operating planning policies which require new development (excluding householder applications) to achieve a quantifiable future canopy cover, with many others in the process of developing this type of policy. The London Plan operates a similar approach with its Urban Greening Factor.

3.38 Clause D should be managed through the submission of a “Canopy Cover Statement” as part of the Landscape Strategy at the application stage on sites of more than 0.5ha, including:

• An existing tree survey & constraints plan (such as BS5837)
• Existing canopy cover calculation (as % of site area)
• Proposed canopy cover at Year 15–25 (using typical mature crown spreads)
• Plan clearly showing retained trees, new trees, and any green roofs/walls being counted

Additionally, this could be secured by condition: eg The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved Tree Retention Plan, Soft Landscape Proposals and Canopy Cover Plan, which together demonstrate a minimum future canopy cover of 20% of the site area

3.39 In implementing the policy, a wide range of benefits are expected including storing carbon, improving air quality and providing opportunities for carbon offsetting. The policy has been designed to be applied in a flexible way. In specific terms it acknowledges that issues such as commercial viability, site layouts and design may make the expectations of the policy impracticable on a site by-site basis.

3.40 This will be a matter for NFDC/NFNPA to consider based in the evidence provided with each development proposal. In addition, matters such as site layout and commercial viability may also be affected where development proposals also need to provide open space and landscaping to meet other policies.

3.41 As NFDC nor NFNPA do not currently have guidance for applicants to calculate canopy cover, the adopted Wycombe Tree Canopy Cover Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides a Canopy Cover calculator, developed in partnership with Treeconomics Forest Research and Wycombe District Council (link). This guidance will assist applicants in calculating how their proposed scheme should seek to meet the requirements of the policy, until such a time that NFDC/NFNPA adopt their own guidance.

Policy FAW6: LOCAL GREEN SPACES

The Neighbourhood Plan designates Local Green Spaces in the following locations, as shown on the Policies Map, listed below and detailed in Appendix C

1. Gang Warily Recreation Ground and Open Space
2. QEII Recreation Ground, Thornbury Avenue.
3. Harrier Way & Harrier Green
4. Newlands Fields, Newlands Road
5. Community Orchard, Great Elms Close
6. The Warren Open Space
7. Renda Road Open Space
8. Hobson Way Open Space
9. Mary Drake Close
10. Pavilion Gardens
11. Dane Close
12. Wessex Close
13. School Fields Close
14. Forest Edge Open Space
15. Churchfields Open Space
16. Tristan Close Open Space
17. St Georges Open Space
18. Ashlett Creek
19. Southbourne Avenue
20. Hampton Close
21. The Square, Fawley

New development will not be permitted on land designated as Local Green Space except in very special circumstances or where it is ancillary to the use of the land for public recreational purposes.

3.42 The green and blue infrastructure network includes some area that qualify as a Local Green Space. These spaces are particularly special and cherished by the local community. They play an important role in helping to define the character of the parish, as well as being an important social and environmental resource for the health and wellbeing of the community and would be especially missed if they were to be lost to development.

3.43 In 2012, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) introduced Local Green Space as a way for communities to identify green areas of particular importance and to provide special protection against development. They can only be designated through either Local or Neighbourhood plans. The principle of Local Green Space has remained unchanged in subsequent updates to the NPPF, which states that policies for managing development within a LGS should be consistent with those for Green Belts. Local Green Space designation is not considered appropriate for all areas of land, for example, land which already has a high level of protection, such as Holbury Manor, which is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and an Ancient Monument, would not benefit from further designation.

3.44 Each location has been justified using the National Planning Policy Framework criteria that the location shall be:

1. in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves.
2. demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and
3. local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.

3.45 The Planning Practice Guidance provides a helpful steer as to the considerations for Local Green Space identification. Local Green Spaces can include land where sports pavilions, boating lakes or structures such as war memorials, allotments, or urban spaces are located that provide a tranquil oasis. The proximity of a Local Green Space to the community it serves will depend on local circumstances, including why the Local Green Space is seen as special, but it must be reasonably close. For example, if public access is a key factor, then the site would normally be within easy walking distance of the community it serves. There are no hard and fast rules about how big a Local Green Space can be because places are different, and a degree of judgment will inevitably be needed. Because Local Green Space designation should only be used where the green area concerned is not an extensive tract of land, blanket designation of open countryside adjacent to settlements will not be appropriate. Finally, there is no requirement for the Local Green Space to have public access.

3.46 It is noted that whilst the NFDC Local Plan Saved Policy CS7and Policy DM8 gives specific protection to public open space, and like FAW6 it allows that “in appropriate circumstances, small-scale development of ancillary facilities to enhance the recreational use of these areas may be permitted”, FAW6 is not considered to be a duplication as the Local Green Spaces designation is designed to endure beyond any individual plan period. Additionally, CS7 and DM8 do not preclude development on recreational spaces “There will be a presumption against any development that involves the loss of a sport, recreation or play facility except where it can be demonstrated that alternative facilities of equal or better quality will be provided in an equally accessible location as part of the development.” (CS7)

Policy FAW7: AIR QUALITY

A) All development must aim to be at least ‘air quality neutral’ and not cause or contribute to worsening air quality. This should be demonstrated through the submission of an Air Quality Statement, unless an Air Quality Assessment is required in accordance with the NFDC Air Quality in New Developments SPD (2022 or subsequent edition).

B) New residential and non-residential development must be designed from the outset to minimise occupants’ exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants in accordance with the government Healthy Homes Guidance. Proposals should demonstrate how building location, layout, form, orientation, ventilation strategy, and material choices have been used to prioritise clean indoor and outdoor air, avoid the build-up of moisture and pollutants inside the building and enable effective natural and/or mechanical ventilation throughout the year.

C) Air intake points servicing internal air handling systems (including air filtration systems and heating and cooling systems) should be located away from existing and potential pollution sources e.g. busy roads and combustion flues. All flues should terminate above the roof height of the tallest part of the development in order to ensure the maximum dispersal of pollutants.

D) New development seeking to comply with sustainability standards are encouraged to maximise electricity usage over other forms of energy generation that can have adverse impacts on air quality, such as wood burners. If renewable energy cannot reasonably be used, then low carbon alternatives should be selected. Where back-up generators are provided, alternatives to diesel generators should be considered to minimise impact on air quality.

3.47 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) was historically an issue near the Fawley refinery, but SO2 concentrations are now well below safe limits across the New Forest due to reductions in industrial emissions following collaborative working between industry, the Environment Agency and New Forest District Council. The Design Guidance and Codes make reference to chimneys stack on new build developments that these are not functional for open fires/woodburning stoves but could be an aesthetic design or used to incorporate swift bricks, bird boxes etc..

3.48 In respect of Clause A, whilst Table 1 of the NFDC Air Quality in New Developments SPD (2022), sets out guidance in respect of the requirement for an Air Quality Assessment or Statement, FAW7 elevates that guidance into policy and encourages all development to consider preparation of an Air Quality Statement to demonstrate how it does not contribute to worsening air quality and ensures the wellbeing of occupants is considered both inside and outside of the building. Outdoor air quality will be assessed against the UK Air Quality Objectives set under the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010, together with the latest national guidance including DEFRA’s Local Air Quality Management framework and the EPUK/IAQM guidance Planning for Air Quality.

3.49 Hampshire County Council’s Local Transport Plan (LTP4) also expects quantified assessments of air quality following national guidance. This means use of DEFRA’s Emissions Factor Toolkit (to calculate changes in NO, NO₂, PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), and DEFRA’s Air Quality Damage Cost Calculator (to monetise the resulting health impacts). It further directs local authorities including NFDC and NFNPA to levy contributions in accordance with the damage cost calculator where any adverse effects cannot be mitigated. HCC also directs developers to its Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) which identifies current and future health and wellbeing needs across the county, including the NFDC/NFNPA areas.

In respect of air quality, the JSNA states: “This is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as lung cancer, leading to reduced life expectancy. In the short term, poor air quality can exacerbate asthma and cause coughs, wheezing and shortness of breath”

3.50 In the Pre-Submission version of the Plan, the Parish Council sought to include specific policy wording in respect of indoor air quality. The reality of being able to implement such a clause has proven challenging. The Steering Group would like to thank the Public Health officers at Hampshire County Council who applauded the FNP approach and recognising the importance of air quality to wellbeing. They have provided detailed assistance in helping the FNP develop an achievable and robust policy. The main issue around legislating for indoor air quality is around the pollution sources which are outside of the scope of planning; i.e use of sprays, cleaning products and certain types of furniture which are major contributors to emissions. As such, the policy has been focused on design and layout which ensure good ventilation and discouraging the use of solid fuel or gas stoves. The layout and positioning of new development can have a huge impact on air quality and crucial role in tackling a range of preventable health issues.

3.51 As such, Clause B draws inspiration from the Cornwall Draft Air Quality Action Plan (2025) which considers building fabric and material choices promoting ventilation, low-emission heating systems, and energy efficiency, reducing both indoor and outdoor pollution.

3.52 The government Healthy Homes Guidance (November 2025) echoes the approach taken by the FNP noting that thermal comfort, daylight and ventilation are essential aspects of Healthy Homes to reduce health risks and enhance residents’ overall sense of wellbeing. In relation to indoor air quality, it states:

7.2 d.2 — Ventilation and indoor air quality

Statutory minimum requirement

Compliance with Approved Document Part F, to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations 2010, Schedule 1, Part F, for background and purge ventilation rates.

Healthy Homes good practice enhancements

The preferred ventilation strategy for Healthy Homes is a high-efficiency (greater than 75% efficient) Mechanically Ventilated Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, designed in accordance with the Passivhaus standard. In addition to the MVHR system, openable windows or louvre panels should be provided to habitable rooms to provide access to fresh air and purge ventilation.

Purpose of requirements and, or enhancements

To ensure sufficient levels of ventilation and fresh air within the home throughout the year while reducing heat losses.

Policy FAW8: ACTIVE TRAVEL

The Neighbourhood Plan identifies the existing Active Travel Network and opportunities for improvements, as shown on the Policies Map for the purpose of prioritising inclusive walking, wheeling and cycling in Fawley and encouraging the use of public transport.

A) Development proposals on land that lies within or adjacent to the Network should avoid harm, sustain and where practicable enhance the connectivity of the Network, by virtue of their layout, means of access and landscape treatment, including the creation of safe and suitable links to the existing footways, the Public Rights of Way network and other walking, wheeling and cycling routes. These should be designed as all-abilities paths, so that older and disabled people can use them independently.

B) The Active Travel Network also identifies opportunities where public realm improvements are required to enhance the walking, wheeling and cycling environment, improve residential amenity and highway safety. Proposals which deliver opportunities for such improvement will be supported, where proposals also accord with the other policies of the Development Plan.

These opportunities are:

i) The creation of a walking and cycling route down the western perimeter of the oil refinery from Hardley Roundabout to Fawley Village

ii) Upgrading the Ashlett Creek to Calshot Spit footpath to enable all year round walking as well as introducing cycling (cycling subject to HRA/Appropriate Assessment)

iii) The creation of a footway from Calshot village to Fawley along the B3053

iv) Improvements to Primary Cycling Route 260 and Secondary Cycling Routes, 256 and 318, as set out within the New Forest Waterside Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (2022) within the parish boundary.

C) New developments should encourage the provision of conveniently located bus shelters, with seating and step-free access at boarding points. All major residential developments must incorporate or fund measures that improve local bus services, including but not limited to, route extensions, frequency enhancements, flexible bus services (Demand Responsive Transport) or community transport services, in support of the Hampshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (2024- 2036)

3.53 This policy seeks to encourage safe, inclusive, accessible and convenient means of walking, wheeling and cycling through the Parish and improve access to and frequency of bus services accessing the parish. The Policies Map shows the full extent of the existing Network which allows applicants to determine if their proposals should take this policy into account. Where proposals include provision for landscaping, new means of access or new layouts, there may be an opportunity to relate the land better to the Network and/or improve the attractiveness of rural routes. At the very least, the policy requires that proposals that will undermine the existing value of the Network will be refused permission.

3.54 FAW8 is the neighbourhood-scale delivery tool for Hampshire County Councils Local Transport Policy 4 ( LTP4), translating policies RT1, RT2, HP1 and HP2 into local policy to influence planning decisions, the use of developer contributions for active travel and bus improvements, and sets out specific routes and design standards that provide local detail to the county policies in Fawley.

National guidance from organisations such as Ramblers shows that stiles, heavy gates and steps are major barriers that prevent many older and disabled people accessing the countryside and the Public Rights of Way network. It highlights the legal duty on local authorities under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments, and recommends using an all-abiliites approach for path structures, such as accessible gates and step-free bridges, so that people with limited mobility and users of mobility scooters can use public paths on the same basis as other pedestrians

3.55 Developers and those involved in improving and enhancing active travel routes are directed to use the Healthy Streets Indictors Assessment tool to ensure that the whole community are able to access and enjoy the network. The tool includes planning safe routes which avoid severance, removing or redesigning physical barriers on paths wherever possible and following a ‘least restrictive access’ approach (for example replacing stiles and steps with accessible gates and step-free gradients), making crossings easy and considering the appropriate placement of new street furniture, including dedicated cycle storage, as well as providing adequate spaces for pedestrians to rest or shelter. Developers are also encouraged to use the Hampshire County Council technical guidance note TG10 Pedestrian and Cycle Facilities which details current requirements for active travel infrastructure design.

3.56 The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for the Waterside prepared in 2022 by Hampshire County Council, which has been used as the main evidence base for this policy alongside the draft wider New Forest Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) ( due for adoption) which covers Holbury and Hardley and the Hampshire Countryside Access Plan

3.57 The Parish Council is encouraged to work with Hampshire County Council and operators to develop a Fawley Bus Connectivity Action Plan (FBCAP), supported by the Hampshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (2024- 2036) aimed at securing service improvements over the Plan period.

Fawley Parish Neighbourhood Plan Policies Map

PDFs of the policies map, including insets are provided separately to accompany paper copies of the Neighbourhood Plan. For an interactive version of the map, with functionality to isolate layers ( Click on the blue bars on the legend to switch layers on and off) please go to the Fawley Mapping Page