Local Plan update

Local Plan update

Last summer we had many comments from individuals and organisations before the Local Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State in October 2018.

We need to plan positively to provide for the new homes and jobs that our communities need across the whole Borough. The Local Plan includes a proposal to the north of Bishopstoke and Fair Oak, to help meet these needs, known as the Strategic Growth Option (SGO).

Since the submission of the Plan in 2018, we have been working with relevant organisations to understand their concerns, gather further evidence and strengthen the Local Plan policies.

Protecting ancient woodland

We have recently published a range of Statements of Common Ground with key partners and statutory organisations that outline an agreed approach in relation to our Local Plan. One of these specifically relates to measures that will be included in the plan to ensure that ancient woodland is protected.

We have always maintained a commitment to protecting the ancient woodland and associated ecological networks; and the Statement of Common Ground between Eastleigh Borough Council, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Forestry England, Highwood Group Limited, Galliford Try Partnership / Drew Smith Limited, outlines an agreed approach to strengthen these measures.

New measures

The resulting modifications to the local plan policy that we have proposed to the Planning Inspector require:

• An increase in the biodiversity of the ancient woodland;

• The provision of new green spaces, tree planting and habitat creation, including: open buffers of at least 50 metres

• Measures to provide environmental connections across the link road (for example green bridges, animal tunnels, and overarching trees);

• Retention of individual mature trees and hedgerows within the site wherever possible, or else ensure their replacement;

• Restoration and enhancement of the existing woodland;

• A visitor management plan and long-term funding to maintain the new habitats, nature park and visitor management measures.

These measures provide extra protection to ensure that the ancient woodland and the biodiversity they support are protected and enhanced.

A Statement of Common Ground has also been agreed between the Council and Winchester City Council (WCC) in terms of the ‘duty to cooperate’ and a general policy approach to phasing and safeguarding the route of the link road. The Statement also identifies the outstanding concerns WCC have, and Eastleigh Borough Council’s evidence in response, regarding the deliverability of a new link road; The Council has also agreed a Statement of Common Ground with Hampshire County Council with regard to the need for more school places.

For more information eastleigh.gov.uk/localplan

Local Plan Examination dates announcements

An independent planning inspector has been appointed to examine the Council’s Local Plan. She will consider all the supporting evidence and the representations from organisations and members of the public, that will be discussed at the hearing sessions. If the planning inspector finds the plan to be ‘sound’ (in other words, if she supports the plan), the Council can formally adopt it.

The hearing sessions will be held in the Millennium Suite at the Botleigh Grange Hotel, Hedge End and will open on Thursday 21 November at 10am. The sessions will run over the following weeks:

• 25 November

• 2 December

• 6 January

• 13 January

• 27 January

Please note that dates are subject to change For full details of the dates and schedule please visit eastleigh.gov.uk/localplanhearings