Southbourne Allocation Development Plan Document: Regulation 18 Consultation Assessment Framework

4.8. The objectives above provide an overarching framework for how to assess the different scenarios set out in the Reg 18 consultation document. However, for the purpose of a structured and rigorous assessment process, a more detailed set of criteria is needed. In order to achieve this we have drawn in relevant policy considerations within the submission Local Plan and Southbourne Neighbourhood Plan, along with the findings from our contextual analysis work contained within this report, in relation to the BLD and its surroundings. Below is a detailed explanation as to how the overarching objectives are distilled down to a more detailed set of assessment criteria.

4.9. 1. Integrated, Well-Serviced Community: The assessment criteria in relation to this objective are informed by the submission Local Plan policies A13 (Southbourne Broad Location for Development), P4 (Layout and Access), P16 (Health and Wellbeing) and I1 (Infrastructure).

4.10. This objective also draws on Southbourne Neighbourhood Plan policies SB1 (Development within and outside the Settlement Boundaries), SB11 (Community Facilities and Local Shops) and SB12 (Land for Expanding Education and Recreational Uses), emphasising the need for local facilities and services that cater to all residents, both new and existing. By creating a community that is well-served by amenities such as healthcare, education, and recreational facilities, the plan aims to promote healthy living and equal opportunities for all.

4.11. The site context analysis highlights that Southbourne has a dispersed layout of amenities and services and the village lacks a clearly identifiable centre. This fragmentation is partially due to the severance of the railway line. The site analysis also identifies the opportunity for improving infrastructure connectivity and providing new community facilities.

4.12. The assessment criteria are directly influenced by the need to address these existing requirements and challenges. To meet the objectives the assessment of the scenarios has considered the following issues:

• Land availability for new educational facilities and community facilities. This is in order to ensure that the infrastructure identified within the IDP as being necessary is provided in an effective manner, and supports the wider placemaking process.
• Opportunity to reduce barrier effect of rail tracks, through new or improved crossing points, such as bridges. The context analysis has identified two opportunities for multi-modal bridges, one in the east and one in the west as well as two opportunities for pedestrian/ cycle bridges, one within the existing settlement near the station and one on the western site as a replacement for the informal pedestrian crossing.
• Opportunity to support the delivery of a community hub that can act as a 'Heart for Southbourne', through co-location of uses to create a centre of activity. A criterion to address this issue is important in order to alleviate concerns identified by the local community and in the contextual analysis regarding the dispersal of facilities and lack of clearly defined centre to the settlement. To ensure good integration and accessibility of new and existing community and education facilities, residents should be able to walk, cycle and drive between the existing settlement and the new development.
• Opportunity to improve connectivity within the village and to the new development through new or improved links for walking, cycling and vehicles. The contextual analysis has identified a number of connection points for all modes, and the assessment framework has determined their feasibility and functionality. Connectivity by all transport modes has been identified as important by the local community to ensure existing and new residents can meet and access services equally.
• Opportunity for the new development to provide easy access to nature and open space for the new as well as the existing community. This criterion has been identified through community aspiration for the green ring within the Neighbourhood Plan that is seeking to deliver a continuous green space encompassing the settlement to improve access to open space, nature and improving connectivity.

4.13. 2. Housing for All: The assessment criteria concerning this objective is based on submission Local Plan policies H1 (Meeting Housing Needs), H2 (Strategic Locations/Allocations 2021-2039), H4 (Affordable Housing), (H5 Housing Mix), H6, Custom and/or Self Build Homes), H8 (Specialist accommodation) and Policy H11 (Meeting Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeoples' Needs), which are designed to address housing needs across different demographics, including affordable housing for those with lower incomes and specialised housing for the elderly or disabled.

4.14. The Southbourne Neighbourhood Plan supports this objective through policy SB3 (Local Housing Need), which ensures that new developments provide a range of housing options that meet local needs. This objective also aligns with the national push for the provision of serviced plots for self and custom-build projects, further diversifying housing options within the community.

4.15. To meet the objective the assessment considers the ability to deliver 800 homes and meet local housing need through a range of homes in terms of tenure, house types and sizes, specialised housing and the inclusion of traveller sites reflecting the needs for a balanced community as set out in Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan policies.

4.16. An important consideration is the amount of housing which still needs to be planned for on the basis of policy A13. The policy refers to 1,050 dwellings, which is in itself a reduction compared with the 1,250 stated in the Preferred Approach version of the submission Local Plan. The council's position has been to deduct newly consented dwellings within the parish from that figure. On that basis the number of dwellings which remain outstanding and hence need to be planned for in this DPD is approximately 800 dwellings, and consequently the scenarios discussed in the consultation documents are based on that figure.

4.17. To meet the objectives the assessment of the scenarios has considered the following issues:

• Potential constraints to development as a result of a consultation zone related to underground infrastructure in the northern section of the BLD. While this does not prevent development it adds a layer of uncertainty, which has been considered.
• The ability of the identified land to accommodate the full allocation of 800 homes and gypsy and traveller sites is being assessed, considering potential highway or access limitations. The Highway Authority has highlighted that any access restrictions, such as those due to reliance on a single-entry point or the use of narrow, historic lanes identified in the context assessment, will be evaluated individually. These risks have been factored into the overall assessment, ensuring that potential constraints on development capacity are addressed on a case-by-case basis.

4.18. The exact housing mix is a detailed consideration and at this strategic assessment level, all the scenarios have the potential to deliver the variety of homes, including specialist housing.

4.19. 3. Transport and Sustainable Travel: The assessment criteria of this objective draw upon Chichester Local Plan policies T1 (Transport Infrastructure), T2 (Transport and Development) and T3 (Active Travel), which promote the development of integrated transport networks that encourage the use of sustainable modes of travel, such as walking, cycling, and public transport. The assessment also aligns with Southbourne Neighbourhood Plan policy SB21 (Sustainable Travel), which focuses on improving connectivity within and beyond the community. Specifically, it seeks to ensure that new and existing neighbourhoods are well-connected to the local train station and education facilities, enhancing accessibility and reducing reliance on private cars. Additionally, the objective supports infrastructure by accommodating potential vehicular, pedestrian and cycle crossings, which would further enhance the transport network's resilience and encourage active travel in line with policy.

4.20. The site analysis and community engagement identify challenges in Southbourne's connectivity, particularly the severance caused by the railway line, which limits the north-to-south mobility for all modes, due to congestion, limited crossing points and safety concerns.

4.21. The objective to connect new and existing neighbourhoods with good pedestrian footpaths and cycle routes, and to promote active travel is informed by these connectivity concerns and the policy requirements for improved active travel. To meet the objectives the assessment of the scenarios has considered the following issues:

• Opportunity for active travel routes. This criterion assesses the number of existing, new or improved routes that would potentially be available for pedestrians and cyclists. The location of these are identified through the contextual analysis.
• Opportunity to provide land for and deliver pedestrian and cycle bridges across the railway in a convenient and suitable location. The contextual site analysis has identified two locations that would provide community-wide benefits in creating safer and or more convenient access across the railway. As identified above, these are located on the western side providing safe crossing for the existing PROW and near the station to increase connectivity within the village and accessibility to/from the station for all residents.
• Opportunity to provide land and deliver a vehicular (multi-modal) railway bridge in locations identified within the site analysis. This criterion is linked to the ability to relieve existing congestion within the village as well as safety concerns identified by the community and stakeholders.
• While new bus stops may be created as part of the future development, this would depend on the ability to create a connected network of bus routes and the willingness of operators to provide the service. For the purpose of this assessment the criterion of the location of development in relation to existing bus stops has been considered. The bus stops have been identified through the contextual analysis.
• Ability to deliver improved active travel connectivity to the station. A criterion identified in consultation with Network Rail as well as policy as this would generally support active travel choices. The site assessment has identified one location that would have the ability to deliver a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the railway in close proximity to the station.
• The assessment considers the proximity of development in relation to the station and local facilities. A higher degree of proximity would support active travel choices. As identified in the site analysis all scenarios are within an acceptable distance from the station and local facilities to consider walking and cycling a credible alternative travel option for residents.

4.22. 4. Climate Change, Towards Net Zero Carbon Living: This assessment criteria for meeting this objective tie into Chichester's submission Local Plan policies NE1 (Stand-alone Renewable Energy) which emphasises the importance of adapting to climate change and reducing carbon emissions through sustainable development practices. The Southbourne Neighbourhood Plan complements this with policies SB19 (Sustainable Design), which encourages the use of energy-efficient technologies and the integration of green and blue infrastructure. The latter of these is considered under the Environmental objective. Together, these policies and objectives aim to create a resilient community that can thrive in the face of environmental challenges while contributing to broader efforts to achieve net-zero carbon living. The objective to move towards zero carbon living is informed by the following considerations.

• The assessment for this objective includes the ability of each scenario to design homes to meet the Future Homes Standard. As this is a detailed design consideration it is expected within this assessment that each scenario is equal.
• The criterion of promoting short journeys, by co-locating uses and providing a mix of day-to-day uses, including education, retail and community facilities as well as access to employment directly addresses the need to reduce carbon emissions identified through planning policy. Given that the land use requirements are the same across all scenarios there are no differences in the assessment.

4.23. 5. Environment: This objective relates to submission Local Plan policies NE2 (Natural Landscape) and NE4 (Strategic Wildlife Corridors), NE15 (Flood Risk and Water Management), and NE5 (Biodiversity and Biodiversity Net Gain) which focus on conserving and enhancing the natural environment, particularly in areas of high ecological value. The Southbourne Neighbourhood Plan reinforces this through policies SB13 (Green and Blue Infrastructure Network) and SB14 (Biodiversity), SB15 (Trees, Woodland and Hedgerows), SB16 (Local Green Spaces) which seek to create a network of green spaces that support wildlife and provide recreational opportunities for residents. The concept of a "Green Ring" around Southbourne is particularly significant, as it aims to link various green spaces and natural habitats, ensuring that biodiversity is preserved and enhanced across the development area. This approach not only protects local wildlife but also contributes to the overall quality of life for residents by providing accessible, multifunctional green spaces. Policy as well as stakeholder and community feedback emphasises the need to protect biodiversity and the unique natural character of the area.

Individual assessment criteria relate to issues identified through the site analysis, which outlines Southbourne's rich natural environment, including designated wildlife corridors, ancient woodlands, areas of high landscape value, agricultural land and flood zones. To meet the criteria the assessment of the scenarios has considered the following issues:

• Opportunity to deliver the community aspiration of a Green Ring that is of an average width of 20m. The average width allowed for in this criterion allows enough space to accommodate space for people (active travel routes, play and recreation spaces), nature (blue and green infrastructure) and wildlife. The Green Ring is a requirement in the Neighbourhood Plan which aims to connect people with green spaces and natural habitats, addressing the need to integrate the natural environment into new development proposals.
• The requirement to mitigate recreational disturbance on the Chichester Harbour is identified through Site Allocation Policy A13. The assessment criterion considers the opportunity to mitigate the impact by providing adequate alternative natural greenspace identified through the stakeholder engagement and similar examples.
• Opportunity to preserve and enhance the wildlife corridors identified in the Neighbourhood Plan by retaining the land and not allocating development within the identified corridor.
• Availability of land to deliver the above-mentioned alternative natural green space and policy-compliant open space, including play area and recreation areas as identified in Local Plan policies NE2 (Natural Landscape) and SB16 (Local Green Spaces).
• Opportunity to retain existing habitats, such as Brent Geese Secondary Support area and protected species as identified through site analysis from development and either retain the area or provide adequate mitigation.
• As identified in the analysis, there are several areas of surface water flooding as well as future flood zones. This assessment criterion has considered whether these are required for development and or infrastructure and if the development can meet the national policy in regard to flooding and local policy NE15 (Flood Risk and Water Management).
• Site assessment has identified areas of Grade 1 and 2 agricultural land and the criterion considers the potential loss of this land through the site scenario analysis.

4.24. 6. Character: The assessment criteria for meeting this objective are aligned with submission Local Plan policies P1 (Design Principles), P2 (Local Character and Distinctiveness), P3 (Density), P5 (Spaces and Landscaping), P9 (The Historic Environment), P10 (Listed Buildings), P11 (Conservation Areas), and P12 (Non-Designated Heritage Assets), which emphasise the need to protect the distinctive character and cultural heritage of the area. The Southbourne Neighbourhood Plan supports this through policy SB4 (Design in Southbourne Parish), which ensures that new development respects the local character and integrates seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. This objective is also supported by the requirements outlined in the National Design Guide, the objective aims to create a built environment that reflects the community's heritage while also embracing contemporary design principles that enhance the overall quality of the development.

4.25. The analysis of Southbourne's existing built character identifies a mix of housing styles, with pockets of development varying in density and design. The settlement's history and built character analysis further detail the diverse architectural styles, the presence of heritage assets and the importance of maintaining visual and physical separation between Southbourne and neighbouring settlements. It also discusses the influence of surrounding landscapes, such as the views to Chichester Harbour and the South Downs.

4.26. The objective to harmoniously integrate development into the landscape and respect local character and heritage is shaped by the community's desire to ensure that new development is sympathetic to the village's historical and natural context and use of best practice design principles. To meet the objectives the assessment of the scenarios has considered the following issues:

• The assessment criterion considers protecting views of the Chichester Harbour National Landscape and the South Downs National Park, which are key features of the area's identity as identified through site analysis and community engagement. Stakeholder engagement has identified the opportunity for design-led mitigation of any impact on views to and from the Chichester Harbour National Landscape and South Downs National Park. Therefore, this assessment criteria expects all scenarios to provide an appropriately designed masterplan and landscape strategy that can mitigate any negative impact and create a development that sits sensitively within the wider landscape character.
• The site analysis has identified the requirement for a landscape gap between settlements to retain the existing landscape character. The assessment considers the ability of each scenario to retain a landscape gap between the new development and the adjacent settlement.
• Opportunity to integrate existing landscape features as identified through the contextual analysis within the future development. The assessment of this criterion has assumed that a well-designed comprehensive masterplan for any of the scenarios can retain existing landscapes, such as the TPO trees on the west and historic hedges and orchards on the east. It has further assumed that well-designed masterplans, landscapes and homes can create character that is appropriate for Southbourne, leading to a sensitively integrated development.
• Development should respect Southbourne's settlement form by maintaining the traditional village structure, ensuring that new development complement the scale and style of the existing properties. Due regard should be paid to listed buildings, conservation areas, and non-designated heritage assets. Proposals should ensure these assets remain prominent and that the architectural style of new developments reflects Southbourne's historical character.

4.27. The Regulation 18 Document, which this appendix supports, explains the three site scenario options. Each of these options are assessed against each assessment criteria and its ability to meet the supporting requirements, with commentary highlighting the differences. The assessment framework is scored through a colour-coded scheme. This scoring mechanism is very simple. It must not be taken in isolation as a way of deciding the preferred option. It must be noted that none of the options fails to meet the objectives, but with varying degrees of success.