The Eco-town Vision Our vision for Whitehill Bordon Eco-town will put the outstanding natural environment at the heart of the regeneration. New facilities, leisure opportunities, jobs, education, infrastructure and housing will be provided to enhance this unique area and create a model sustainable community that is recognised locally, regionally and nationally.
Our Vision is to: Create an attractive town where people want to live, work, shop and play – with excellent facilities, leisure opportunities, jobs, training opportunities and a balanced mix of housing.
Ensure that the town is regenerated in a way that enables us to live and work in ways that do not damage the natural resources upon which our society and economy depends.
Regenerate and improve the built environment of the town so that it complements the superb surrounding landscape, whilst protecting the town’s heritage.
Encourage ‘One Planet’ living (living within the planet’s means) – supporting local food production and encouraging people to grow their own food.
Use innovative, modern, environmentallyfriendly home design, incorporating eco homes and modern methods of construction.
Create a town centre that is pedestrian friendly and well-connected to residential, employment and leisure areas.
Ensure that there is accessible green space and attractive town squares.
Create a town where regeneration and ongoing management is designed with people and nature as our priorities.
Encourage investment by businesses and industries, and seek out those that share our vision of a sustainable, prosperous, environmentally-friendly community.
Biodiversity
Carbon neutrality
Employment and jobs
Facilities
We aim to achieve a net increase in wildlife biodiversity and to safeguard protected sites. We will provide natural “green” spaces and routes throughout the town for people and wildlife.
We will create a low carbon community. We will work with others to clarify and strengthen the definition and understanding of this concept. We will monitor and reduce the carbon footprint of the whole town by encouraging environmentally sustainable design and living. If possible, we will aim for the whole town to be “carbon neutral” by 2036. This will mean that use of carbon in the whole of the town, including the new development, will not exceed the current carbon footprint.
We will increase local jobs and encourage new and existing businesses and industries; in particular those which share our vision of a sustainable and environmentally-friendly community.
We will seek to improve the facilities available in the town, including:-
Targets
Traffic and transport We aim to improve public transport and provide better opportunities for walking and cycling, both within the town, and the surrounding area. We aim to reduce the use of the car within the town. Our target is for not more than 50% of journeys within the town to be made by car. In the long-term we hope to achieve the highest levels of “sustainable” travel (eg by train, bicycle or foot) through a variety of transport measures. We will seek to restore a rail link for the town.
We will create at least one new job per new household and will provide an additional 1,500 jobs to replace those lost by the withdrawal of the Army from Whitehill Bordon. We will provide training opportunities for residents to maximise their employment prospects with the new businesses.
Homes
Water neutrality
We will encourage a range of good quality, well-designed, low carbon homes built to the highest standards in wellplanned neighbourhoods where people want to live. The new homes will be of different sizes, types and tenures to meet the needs of local people, (including larger homes) and will be in walking distance of shops and facilities.
By using the existing water supply carefully and by reducing demand and wastage, we plan for the town to be “water neutral”. This means that the water used in the whole of the town, including new development, will not exceed current levels of water use.
Enhance and promote public transport so that it is easier to travel around the town and to other towns and cities.
• Providing a new attractive and thriving town centre with a mix of uses (including community facilities) • New higher education and training facilities and schools • New sports and leisure facilities • New and enhanced community facilities • Health facilities We will also improve access to these facilities from within the town and the wider community.
www.whitehillbordon.com Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the partners involved in the Eco-town project All details correct when published (27 September 2011)
The masterplan What is the masterplan?
What is the point of this consultation?
How will the Eco-town be delivered?
The masterplan is a framework that will guide the regeneration of Whitehill Bordon over the next 25 years.
We are using this consultation to:
The project is currently led by the Delivery Board.
Why is the masterplan so important? It is extremely important because it ensures that the town gets the facilities and infrastructure that it desperately needs – while also protecting the environment. If there wasn’t a masterplan, then there could be piecemeal development which would not provide all the necessary facilities.
Why doesn’t it have much detail? At this stage it is an overall guide for how the town will be improved. The detail will come at a later stage but we are starting to gather this information now.
Explain the findings of the recent studies and how they will impact on the masterplan. Present the proposed changes to the masterplan in response to the previous consultation comments and the studies and then seek your views. Identify neighbourhood priorities for Whitehill Bordon Eco-town.
How does it relate to the council’s Core Strategy? The vision for Whitehill Bordon following the MoD land release is set out in the Whitehill Bordon part of the Core Strategy – see maps (right). The Core Strategy is a planning framework for the whole of East Hampshire.
This is why we are asking you what you like and dislike in your neighbourhood.
This current consultation is not about the Core Strategy. Statutory consultation on the Core Strategy will take place later this year.
Will normal planning rules still apply?
The pre-submission version of the Core Strategy for East Hampshire is expected to be published in December 2011 and adopted by November 2012.
Yes. All planning applications will still be subject to the normal planning procedures.
Proposal map for Whitehill Bordon from the Core Strategy
The key role of the Delivery Board is to co-ordinate and oversee the delivery of the town’s regeneration. To achieve this, the Board brings together the key partners involved in delivering the Ecotown vision. Although the Board has no executive powers of its own – this still rests with the individual organisations and authorities – the Board strives to ensure that decisions are in the best interests of the community. The Delivery Board works with the Landowners’ Group which comprises the principal landowners who work together to optimise the use of their land for the benefit of the Eco-town. The Delivery Board recently asked the principle landowners to seek advice on taking the project to the next stage which includes attracting external investment. A consultancy organisation has now been appointed to assist with this.
Whitehill Bordon Eco-town policy zone – as shown in the Core Strategy
The Board will ensure that the necessary infrastructure is planned and that development and assets are managed after the MoD leaves the town. Different delivery models will be explored and a decision will be made about the best approach. Full delivery of the Eco-town will take more than 20 years.
www.whitehillbordon.com Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the partners involved in the Eco-town project All details correct when published (27 September 2011)
The studies Following public consultation in 2010, a number of studies were carried out and these will help inform decisions about the town’s future. These are available online at www.whitehillbordon.com The masterplan will be revised to take on board responses from the previous public consultation, recommendations from the studies, and changes in planning legislation. Quebec Barracks - high level objectives The Quebec Barracks site (off the A325) is identified as a mixeduse site – including housing and employment – for development within the first phase (until 2015) of the Eco-town masterplan. The site is likely to be available early next year. We believe the development on Quebec Barracks should: Create a development with high visual impact that demonstrates the Eco-town vision. Deliver exceptionally good design and set the standard for further Eco-town development. Build market confidence in development and investment potential by acting as a marketing tool for wider opportunities. Contain housing and some employment. Link into – and integrate with – the existing and future town. Make an appropriate contribution to the wider infrastructure requirements of the Eco-town. Be commercially viable and deliver early financial returns.
Rail Study The primary objective of the study was to consider the business case for direct rail connection options to the town considering the environmental, financial and social costs and benefits of each option.
High Level Viability Study The report describes the outcome of the project viability assessment prepared by consultants, which was commissioned to provide an updated assessment of the viability of the Whitehill Bordon project. The report shows that despite the downturn in the development market, there continues to be a projected positive return from the development proposals identified in the Whitehill Bordon masterplan.
The Rail Study found that only the Whitehill Bordon to Bentley heavy rail line produced a sufficiently positive business case to warrant further study, and only when this was operated as a through-route providing a direct service to London Waterloo. The next stage of the study is now underway and will consider alternative options for the train station location.
Green Infrastructure Strategy
Economic Development and Employment Strategy
Stakeholder consultation has supported much of what was included within the draft masterplan, particularly the green loop (a green route through the town that wildlife can use).
The study focuses on the opportunities provided by a major development to transform the economic prospects of the town. Its focus is on Whitehill Bordon Eco-town but it also considers the wider economic context. The ambitions are to:
This strategy examines the management and maintenance aspects of planning, funding and delivering green infrastructure (which is a managed network of green spaces and habitats).
The strategy also suggests that green infrastructure should be in place before development.
• achieve a balanced mix of business and jobs • improve education, training and learning to create a skills base • develop available employment land to provide high quality business space • develop new sectors and encourage targeted inward investment • encourage business start-ups, entrepreneurship and innovation • improve accessibility and transport links locally and regionally
www.whitehillbordon.com Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the partners involved in the Eco-town project All details correct when published (27 September 2011)
The studies Whitehill Bordon Eco-town Neighbourhood Quality Charter The Housing Specialist Group is preparing a Neighbourhood Quality Charter for Whitehill Bordon. This will be a short document, owned by the group, with input from the wider community, and used to influence development and guide planning application decisions on the design of new homes. The Charter will set out core beliefs, principles and actions with the aim of expressing what well-designed and ecofriendly homes and neighbourhoods will look like. Over the last three and a half months, members of the Housing Specialist Group have been looking at a sample of neighbourhoods in Whitehill Bordon, gathering visual evidence about how places in the town work. It is important to visit other places and look at neighbourhoods that work well, so over the weeks ahead, residents will be visiting other developments to learn from them and to understand why they are successful. Members of the Housing Specialist Group will then begin to draft the Neighbourhood Quality Charter. Would you like to be involved? If so, please email: specialistgroups@live.co.uk or contact Sarah Allan, eco-housing and retrofitting theme lead on 01730 234358
Emerging Transport Strategy
Retail Assessment and Sequential Analysis
Viking Park Design and Feasibility Study
The Emerging Transport Strategy is designed to accommodate the transport implications of the future growth of Whitehill Bordon as an Eco-town, and provide a framework for delivery of future transportation improvements.
The study’s findings support the masterplan location for the new town centre and level of retail proposed.
The study has now been published and is available for you to comment on.
There are three overarching themes for the Emerging Transport Strategy: • Reducing the need to travel outside the town • Managing car demand within and outside to the town • Enabling sustainable transport for all trips. The strategy provides a series of transport proposals and sets out an implementation plan and monitoring and reporting procedures which are supported by a Travel Plan.
The study says that the town centre should be linked to the delivery of additional dwellings and employment. The retail capacity analysis suggests that there is limited scope for additional convenience sales floorspace in the Whitehill Bordon catchment unless there is new development. The new town centre is the preferred location for retail development. It has the ability to serve the highest proportion of existing and proposed residential development when compared to the four other sites: Viking Park; Bordon Trading Estate; Louisburg Barracks; and Woolmer Trading Estate.
The consultants have taken on board previous comments, landowners’ opinions and the masterplan aspirations for the site. The study includes high level spatial principles, design options and viability testing for the site. The study looks at the retail-led and housing-led masterplan options for the site. The study does not make a recommendation. The revised masterplan will take into account consultation responses, the impact of the expected planning application on part of the site for a supermarket and the likelihood of the proposed road through the site.
To inform the Emerging Transport Strategy, a number of further pieces of work are being undertaken.
Water Cycle Study (WCS)
They are: Rail Study (Phase 2), Transport Model and Transport Assessment, Walking and Cycling Strategy, Parking Strategy, Transport Management Strategy, Freight Strategy and the Public Transport Strategy.
The WCS identifies that there are sufficient water resources in the Eco-town, to sustain the increased development by using innovative and sustainable water management systems to provide both drinking water and non-drinkable water supplies. The WCS has demonstrated that a robust water management strategy can be implemented on site, which can support the delivery of the draft framework masterplan resulting in no detrimental effect on local water supply. The study recommends: Fitting new and existing housing stock with water efficiency measures Installation of a new or upgraded waste water treatment facility, working in partnership with Thames Water.
www.whitehillbordon.com Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the partners involved in the Eco-town project All details correct when published (27 September 2011)
The studies Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) This report’s primary purpose was to assess the draft masterplan and guide its revision alongside the other studies. The updated report is accompanied by a Land Management Report, which provides additional guidance on approaches to managing the European Designated Sites and proposed SANGs (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces). Updated versions of the HRA Report will be required right through to the decision on planning applications. The assessment of SANG quantity and quality confirms that the proposed SANGs in the draft masterplan can accommodate the proposed development which delivers up to 4000 new homes. This is based on locally-derived assessment criteria and the Thames Basin Heaths standard for the provision of SANGs (8 hectares per 1000 residents). Overall, the HRA concludes that if appropriate mitigation measures are in place, then there will be no harm to the environment.
Transport Model and Transport Assessment (TA) A Multi-Modal Transport Model and Transport Assessment evaluated the impact of the proposed development and tested the transport impact. The model tested a number of development phases and estimated the likely changes in traffic levels on local roads and through local communities. This work has also informed Air Quality Monitoring in the Habitats Regulations Assessment.
Open space, playing pitches and built sports facilities assessment for Whitehill Bordon The purpose of this study was to check current levels of provision of open space, playing pitches and sports facilities and assess the need for additional sports infrastructure to support the potential new community at Whitehill Bordon. Its key findings are:
The Transport Assessment (TA) demonstrates that in transport terms there are no overall showstoppers to the development, but it does identify that there are a number of impacts which will need to be mitigated.
Whitehill Bordon has an under supply of all recreational space, except natural green space. New development provides an opportunity to meet the needs of the development and the existing shortfall in provision of open space across the area.
Further work has now been carried out in line with the recommendations and findings of the TA to consider what physical mitigation options can be brought forward at each of the 13 junctions that are shown to operate at or close to capacity should the development happen. This work has produced engineering options for improvement at each of the junctions sufficient to mitigate the impact of 4,000 dwellings - as well as recommendations to reduce car use and improvements to public transport.
There are facilities for sport under private or MoD ownership and management with limited access for the community. These facilities have the potential to meet the current shortfall in the quantity of parks, sport and recreation grounds identified in the study. The study recommends building a community sports hub for Whitehill Bordon with satellite outdoor sports facilities built at Bordon, Oakhanger and Whitehill to meet the town’s future needs.
Energy Feasibility Study The study examined a number of renewable and low-carbon energy opportunities. It recommended that the original proposal to power the Eco-town by one biomass energy centre wasn’t the best solution – and that smaller energy centres should be built around the town. The study also recommends that houses should be built so that they can capture as much solar energy as possible. The study demonstrates that the carbon neutrality target can be achieved within new and existing communities by reducing current levels of CO2 emissions by around 8,000 tonnes per year. A further piece of work was completed alongside the Study to examine the potential of creating an energy management company.
New bus route service options for Whitehill Bordon As a key local priority, the Eco-town project is seeking to deliver bus service improvements in the local area which can generate a shift away from using cars to more sustainable choices. Three route options have been developed for consultation. The options are – a town based service, a town based service with Greatham connection and a wider local area service. The study also considers potential users, routes and school catchments for each option. These service improvements also offer the ability to trial new low-carbon vehicle technology to inform future service delivery. To support the service extensions, new local bus shelters will be built along the A325 to serve the existing and new services.
www.whitehillbordon.com Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the partners involved in the Eco-town project All details correct when published (27 September 2011)
You said we did What we have done in response to your previous comments You wanted fewer houses We have reduced the number of homes from 5,300 to no more than 4,000. Housing density will not be restricted to three categories – instead there will be a mix of housing densities across the development areas.
You were worried that more homes will mean the roads get clogged We have carried out a transport assessment which has tested the impact that 4,000 new homes would have on roads. The assessment shows that the roads will be able to cope with this level of development as long as improvements are made to certain junctions.
You were worried public transport won’t improve We have changed the masterplan so that there are two possible options for a train station instead of just one. The new location is very close to the town centre and the original position was next to Hogmoor Inclosure – these locations will be tested in the Rail Study. A new local bus service will be launched in 2012. And the longer term strategy proposes major improvements to the bus routes within and surrounding the town.
You were worried that development would harm the environment We have carried out a test called the Habitats Regulations Assessment which sees if there will be any adverse effects on the town’s protected sites. It says that if additional green space is protected (these are called Suitable Alternative Natural Green spaces and are known as SANGs) then building 4,000 homes will not harm the environment.
You were concerned that there wouldn’t be a new town centre A study called the Retail Impact Assessment has reinforced our approach and said that a new town centre is crucial to the regeneration of the town. It also says that retail outside the current and proposed town centre shouldn’t happen as this will undermine the viability of the town centre.
You were worried that new jobs wouldn’t be provided This is a top priority and we are actively encouraging businesses into the town - as well as seeking investment. The sites earmarked for eco-business parks will be marketed at the earliest opportunity.
www.whitehillbordon.com Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the partners involved in the Eco-town project All details correct when published (27 September 2011)
Changes to the masterplan B.O.S.C.
New town park Additional protected green space
New water feature
Possible train station
Relocated allotments
Additional protected green space
New public plaza
Possible train station
Traffic managed A325
www.whitehillbordon.com Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the partners involved in the Eco-town project All details correct when published (27 September 2011)
Changes to the masterplan What do you think about the proposed changes? B.O.S.C. The studies recommend that we reduce the housing density, retain some of the woodland and improve the existing sports club.
asterplan
Reducing housing density on this site would result in redistribution of housing to appropriate locations elsewhere within the masterplan area.
Masterplan - What goes where?
Broxhead Common SPA / SSSI
F AR NH
AM ROA D
Shortheath Common SAC / SSSI
A range of employment locations to replace the 1500 jobs lost when the MoD leave and provide at least one new job per new home
LIN DF OR
D ROAD
The studies recommend that the small stream (known as Oxney Drain) should be moved away from the new access road and instead become a water feature that would make the town look more attractive. The Drain will be part of the sustainable urban drainage system. Its banks will provide an attractive route through the town for people and wildlife.
The studies have said that if additional green spaces are protected for people and wildlife to use, then building up to 4,000 homes will not harm the environment.
What do you think about this?
primary school ST
Protected green spaces
High Street/ Camp Road becomes a strategic public transport corridor
B.O.S.C.
B ordon Trading Estate
New water feature
N A T IO
Bordon Park
D ROA
Support Lindford
OK AD RO
Bordon Infant & Junior School
Amended proposal
River Wey
BU
DD
S
LA
NE
What do you think about this?
Weyford Infant & Junior School
E CH AS MILL
LY W A TE
YB RO OK
Cemy
H OL
LL
H IG
Tesco Forest Centre T ROAD
Employment and leisure uses at Viking Park with some new homes fronting the High Street
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P ARK
Woolmer Trading Estate
H ST
RE E T
H
LANE
HILL LE T
ter wa
C HA
ad
Concerned
De
Support
RR OAD
primary school
Hollywater Primary School
ROAD
S TA ND FORD
A new town centre with shopping for clothes and shoes (comparison shopping) as well as food shops and markets. A new hotel in the Sergeants’ Mess.
Alexandra Park
Standford Grange Country Park
F OR ES
Hogmoor Park
ND F O
Eveley Wood
M OO
S TA
H OG
Chase Community Hospital C ON DE W AY
RD LAN E
masterplan proposal H OGMOOR ROAD
Town centre locations for office developments, leisure or cultural usesoriginal The
HO
primary school
Concerned
L IP
C AMP R OAD
OAKHANGER ROAD
Alternative locations for a new secondary school OR leisure hub
AD R RO
Standford
RO AD
W H IT E
F IR GR
Woodlea Primary School
FO RE ST
Local shops
OV E R OAD
L WA
The Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) tested any adverse effects of the proposed Whitehill Bordon Eco-town development on European Protected sites in the area. Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) are planned within the Eco-town draft masterplan. The current SANG provision of Hogmoor Inclosure, Standford Grange Farm and Bordon Inclosure suggests potentially a small deficit in order to support development of up to 4,000 new homes. So to ensure that adequate measures are in place ahead of the development, additional existing green spaces would be protected. What do you think about this?
An attractive town square is proposed opposite the High Street and Chalet Hill junction (this is where the current council owned car park is). This was recommended by the Green Infrastructure Strategy. If included in the masterplan, it will enhance the area at the Frisby Corner building, visible from the A325, and be a direct pedestrian link to the new town centre. Its delivery will be linked to the new town centre but some environmental and visual improvements could be delivered after 2015.
Artist’s impression of the plaza looking North.
Hollywater
Support
AD RO N W LD O
Concerned
OK RO AD
R OA D
L IP H O
OAD H ILL R
Public plaza
IE LD ER S F P ET
Woolmer Forest SAC
0m
100m
Woolmer Forest SPA / SSSI
Whitehill Club
500m
N Mixed use town centre core
Strategic public transport corridor
Employment
Public transport hub - connecting with local bus routes
Community and education
Disused rail corridor safeguarded for potential future use
Commercial leisure
Green infrastructure
Residential character areas
Whitehill Bordon Opportunity Masterplan
Green loop town wide recreation routes
Green roots
Public parks and green spaces (SANGS)
Green streets
Sports and leisure - indoor and outdoor
Green views
School pitches
Artist’s impression of the plaza looking South.
Wildlife corridors Striped areas indicate a mix of uses
05.11.09
Special Protection Areas & Special Areas of Conservation 400m buffer to SPA / SAC
(The exact location and size of the square is indicative and is subject to detailed design)
What do you think about this? Support
Concerned
www.whitehillbordon.com
www.whitehillbordon.com Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the partners involved in the Eco-town project All details correct when published (27 September 2011)
Changes to the masterplan What do you think about the proposed changes? New town park The studies recommend that there is a new town park in easy reach of the town centre. It will be multi-use open space. Its exact size and location is subject to further investigation.
Powering the town The Energy Feasibility Study says that the original proposal to power the Eco-town by one biomass energy centre isn’t the best solution. So we will be looking at more localised energy centres. What do you think about this? Support
What do you think about this? Support
Concerned
The A325
Allotments
The Transport Model considered three options. These were:
The masterplan had previously said that proposed new allotments should go in Hogmoor and Bordon Inclosure – but the studies recommend that they should be closer to residents’ homes. This would help to provide continuous green space without increasing traffic to the allotments.
• The ‘A325 public transport only’ option • The ‘A325 do nothing’ option • The ‘A325 traffic management’ treatment It recommended the ‘A325 traffic management’ treatment. The traffic management of the A325 will require introducing a series of measures such as additional pedestrian crossings, off-street parking and dedicated cycle and bus lanes. It also presents an opportunity for making the route more ‘green’ by enhancing the existing trees and planting new where appropriate.
The relocated allotment location is also considered to have better ground conditions. What do you think about this? Support
Concerned
Concerned
What do you think about this? Support
Concerned
www.whitehillbordon.com Designed and produced by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the partners involved in the Eco-town project All details correct when published (27 September 2011)