Mitigation for Recreational Impacts On New Forest European Sites

New Forest District outside the National Park 

Mitigation for Recreational Impacts On New Forest European Sites Supplementary Planning Document

Enabling the Delivery of Green Growth

Adopted 5 May 2021

• 1.0 Executive Summary
• 2.0 Introduction and background to the Strategy
• 3.0 Local Plan Policies and other relevant documents
• 4.0 Recreation Mitigation requirements for new development
• 5.0 The delivery of alternative natural recreational greenspace through strategic site allocations in the Local Plan
• 6.0 Implementation and Funding
• Appendix 1 - Adopted Local Plan Policy
• Appendix 2 - Monitoring Requirements
• Appendix 3: Design considerations for recreation walking route enhancements
• Appendix 4 - Design guidance for the provision of integrated greenspace on large scale sites, including Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace (ANRG)
• Appendix 5 - Managing dogs on recreational sites
• Appendix 6 - Key Council Contacts and Useful Links
• Appendix 7 - Glossary

List of Figures

• Figure 1: The Plan Area

List of Tables

• Table 1 Performance of mitigation proposals
• Table 2 Assumed occupancy rate for dwelling size
• Table 3 Worked Examples for alternative natural recreational green spaces required
• Table 4 Contribution rate per dwelling by size of dwelling
• Table 5 Contribution rate per dwelling for access management
• Table 6 Contribution rate for development less than 50
• Table 7 Contribution rate for development of 50 or more

1.0 Executive Summary

1.1 This Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) relates to the Local Plan for New Forest District outside of the National Park. The plan area, which lies on the south coast between the Southampton and Bournemouth conurbations, skirts around the New Forest National Park. The area includes and is close to a number of significant environmental designations of international nature conservation importance that are protected by legislation and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017  ('Habitats Regulations'), which seek to ensure that development proposals do not harm the protected sites.  This document specifically relates to:

New Forest European Sites

• the New Forest SAC;
• the New Forest SPA;
• the New Forest Ramsar site ('New Forest European sites')

1.2 This document provides supplementary planning guidance to the Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1: Planning Strategy and Local Plan Part 2: Sites and Development Management DPD saved policies adopted in 2014. It gives detailed guidance on the implementation of Policy ENV1:Mitigating the impact of development on International Nature Conservation sites, in regard to recreational impacts.   Mitigation of the effects of air and water quality on European nature conservations sites is dealt with separately.

1.3 The Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Local Plan concluded that the recreational impacts on designated sites arising from planned residential development, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects need to be addressed. To enable the planned residential development to proceed the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations require that appropriate mitigation measures are in place to ensure that the proposed development can take place without a harmful impact on the integrity of protected sites.

1.4 Mitigation for recreational impacts has four main elements:

• Provision of new areas of publicly accessible alternative natural recreational greenspace (ANRG);
• Enhancement of existing greenspace and footpaths/rights of way in all settlements where new residential development takes place;
• Access and visitor management - measures include the provision of rangers for the New Forest European sites;
• Monitoring - the gathering of further information, including about the condition of European sites' habitats and species and visitor patterns, and to gain a better understanding of the effects of visitors and other factors influencing the condition of the protected sites; and the monitoring of progress in implementing the mitigation strategy.

1.5 The mitigation projects this strategy will deliver are fundamentally about restoring the 'status quo' in terms of impacts on the designated European sites resulting from development in the New Forest District outside of the National Park (The wider management of the New Forest is beyond the scope of this strategy and are matters for the for the bodies charged with managing the New Forest, including the New Forest National Park Authority through their own work.).  However, in providing improvements to existing open space or creating new alternative recreational opportunities, there will also be direct benefits to residents and the local environment. The projects contribute to the Council's 'greener growth' agenda that delivers environmental net gain in the Plan Area.

1.6 The delivery of appropriate mitigation measures is a key component of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) for the plan area, and the implementation of the mitigation projects is a critical requirement within the IDP. Mitigation measures will be provided and/or funded by the developers of the new residential development within the Plan Area.

1.7 This SPD sets out:

• The background to the Strategy.
• The types of residential development required to mitigate, including the approach for visitor accommodation.
• The recreation mitigation requirements for new development including the types and amount of the different mitigation measures.
• Guidance on the design and delivery, and ongoing management and maintenance of mitigation projects.
• Monitoring arrangements, including the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures and their effectiveness.
• Implementation and funding of the mitigation measures.

2.0 Introduction and background to the Strategy

• Introduction
• Wider benefits arising from the need to mitigate
• Requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations
• Residential developments required to mitigate
• Residential development not requiring the submission of a planning application
• Visitor Accommodation
• Appropriate Mitigation Measures to address adverse impacts of the European sites
• Natura 2000 sites
• New Forest European Sites
• Alternative approaches to recreation mitigation
• Sustainability Appraisal of this document

Introduction

2.1 This Mitigation Strategy covers the New Forest District (outside the National Park) Local Plan Area, shown in the figure below.

Figure 1: The Plan Area (PDF, 733 KB)

Figure 1: Plan Area

2.2 New Forest District lies on the south coast between the Southampton and Bournemouth conurbations. The area is subject to significant environmental designations, including European nature conservation sites. Under the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations the Council has a duty to ensure that the effects of its Plan do not have an adverse effect on the integrity of any European nature conservation designations - Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) (Natura 2000 sites).

2.3 The Habitats Regulations Assessment completed as part of the preparation of both the Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1: Planning Strategy (adopted July 2020) and Part 2: Sites and Development Management (adopted April 2014) identified potentially harmful recreational impacts arising from residential development on:

• New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar site (New Forest European sites)
• the Solent and Southampton Water SPA/Ramsar site/Solent
• Isle of Wight Lagoons SAC/Solent Maritime SAC (Solent Coastal European sites).

2.4 To enable the planned residential development to proceed the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations require that appropriate mitigation measures are in place to ensure that the proposed development (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) does not have an adverse effect on the integrity of internationally designated sites.

2.5 This Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) deals specifically with recreational impacts on the New Forest European sites. Whilst similar in nature, recreational impacts on the Solent Coastal European sites are addressed through the Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy and the requirements it sets out for new homes built within 5.6 kilometres of the European sites. Mitigation of the effects of air and water quality on European nature conservations sites are also dealt with separately and not covered by this SPD.

2.6 Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1 Policy ENV1: Mitigating the impacts of development on International Nature Conservation sites sets out the broad approach which will be applied to residential development to secure appropriate mitigation of recreational impacts on the European sites from the development.

2.7 This document provides details of how this policy will be implemented and replaces the previous Mitigation Strategy adopted in June 2014.  In particular the strategy sets out:

• the suite of measures either provided by or funded by residential development within the plan area over the plan period to provide the required mitigation of recreational impacts.
• design guidance of how on-site recreation mitigation should be provided by developers as part of new development.

2.8 Other relevant documents include the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP), the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule and the accompanying Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS).  

2.9 Mitigation measures set out in this strategy are directed towards:

• providing alternative recreational opportunities (to deflect potential visits away from the New Forest European Sites);
• managing and educating visitors (to change visitor behaviour including when visiting the designated sites); and
• monitoring of the impacts and effectiveness of mitigation measures (to provide a better understanding of the impacts of recreation on the New Forest European sites and enabling future refinements of mitigation policies and measures) (The assumption is made that the measures set out in this strategy will provide effective mitigation.  However, that is yet to be proven.).

2.10 Whilst this strategy addresses the effects from new development, the wider management of all visitors (including car parking arrangements, cycling, horse riding and issues with littering) within the New Forest European sites, is an issue addressed through the work of the New Forest National Park Authority, including through the Partnership Plan and the National Park Recreational Management Strategy.

Wider benefits arising from the need to mitigate

2.11 The delivery of the mitigation strategy is fundamentally about restoring the 'status quo' in terms of impacts on the designated European sites.  The requirements for achieving biodiversity net gain will be in addition to the measures set out in this strategy. However, in providing improvements to existing open space or creating new alternative recreational opportunities, there will also be direct benefits to residents.  

2.12 The provision of a network of natural greenspaces located close to people's doorsteps will bring about 'quality of life' opportunities, such as healthier lifestyles, becoming more in touch with nature, space for wildlife and natural habitat, and improved attractiveness. This in turn also enables the Council to deliver greener growth that contributes towards the delivery of environmental net gain in the Plan Area.

2.13  The environmental benefits through the creation and landscaping of the ANRGs on a new development, when also combined with the wider open space provision, will further assist in addressing climate change, water quality and an overall improvement to the ecological value on the site.

2.14 An important part of this strategy is to also undertake various initiatives to improve understanding of the impact visitors have on the New Forest protected European Sites and to encourage improved behaviours.

2.15 Projects delivered since the adoption of the 2014 Mitigation Strategy addressing the impacts on the designated European sites are providing such benefits to residents, together with the delivery of advice and education services aimed at influencing visitor behaviour on protected European sites via the People and Wildlife ranger that is also provided by the strategy.

2.16 The main difference between this mitigation strategy and the mitigation strategy adopted in 2014 is that it now recognised that not all recreational visits to the New Forest European Sites will be deflected by mitigation measures to provide alternative natural greenspace for recreation. Some recreational use of the New Forest by residents will continue even if on-site recreational mitigation is provided, and therefore the requirement to provide for access and visitor management, via communication and education provision is extended to all residential development. 

2.17 Addressing the impacts of local resident's recreational use of the Southampton Water and Solent Coast European Sites is dealt with by the separate Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy.

Requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations

2.18 The UK exited the EU on 31 January 2020 and at the time of writing there is a transition period during which EU legislation will be followed.  It is currently anticipated that the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) referred to in this section, and which transpose the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) will continue to have the same working effect as now after the transition period.

2.19 Article 6 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) requires all EU Member States to undertake an 'appropriate assessment' of any plan or project requiring authorisation which would be likely to have a significant effect upon a European site; this is commonly referred to as a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA). This assessment must demonstrate that based on the best available scientific information, and in light of any suitable mitigation measures, the plan or project would not adversely affect the integrity of the site either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. A precautionary approach must be adopted in HRA, and where a loss of site integrity cannot be ruled out the plan or project may only be authorised under very exceptional circumstances.

2.20 In the UK the Habitats Directive has been transposed into domestic legislation as the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the provisions of Article 6 are largely satisfied by Regulation 61 and Government Circular 06/2005 which establishes the statutory obligations for HRA alongside the European Commission's guidance. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations confirms the responsibility of all local planning authorities as 'competent authorities', requiring them to carry out HRA of all relevant planning applications and Local Development Documents.

2.21 Under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive, Competent Authorities have a duty to ensure that all the activities they regulate have no adverse effect on the integrity of any of the Natura 2000 sites (together SPAs and SACs make up the network of Natura 2000 sites). Therefore, the Council (the Competent Authority) must assess the possible effects of a plan or project on any Natura 2000 site. This includes an initial screening stage to identify any likely significant effects on the European site which may arise, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. If at the screening stage it is considered that there is likely to be a significant effect, in view of the site's conservation objectives, then the plan or project must be subject to an Appropriate Assessment (AA). Having undertaken the AA, the Council shall agree to the plan or project only after ascertaining that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the European site concerned, or where the further tests as described in article 6(4) can be met.

2.22 The decision-maker must consider the likely and reasonably foreseeable effects in order to ascertain that the proposal will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the site before it may grant permission (subject to the exception tests set out in Regulation 61 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations).

2.23 As an integral part of the Council's pre-application process, it requires close working with Natural England in order to obtain the necessary information, agree the process, outcomes and mitigation proposals, and to meet the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations. However, it is ultimately the decision-maker on planning matters that is responsible for ensuring compliance of its decision with the legislation and regulations.

2.24 The Council's approach to recreation mitigation has only been in operation for a short period (since 2014) and there is therefore a need to monitor its effectiveness. 

2.25 Following the ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in April 2018, development likely to have an impact on a European Site, will need to be subject to Appropriate Assessment (AA) at detailed planning stage (planning application). The AA will be able to take into account the provision of mitigation measures which will be secured as part of the development, by direct provision of through a combination of Community Infrastructure Levy and/or Section 106 Agreement. Provision of mitigation in accordance with Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1 Policy ENV1 and this SPD, will normally be considered to provide the required mitigation.

2.26 Failure to provide appropriate mitigation will result in non-compliance with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations and the proposed development may not proceed as it will be in breach of the Habitats Regulations.

Residential developments required to mitigate

2.27 The mitigation requirements for residential development and the provision of overnight visitor accommodation apply to all forms of new residential development (including those permitted via prior approval and permitted development) resulting in the net gain of a self-contained dwelling and include:

New build, redevelopment, mixed use schemes, changes of use, conversions, affordable housing, sheltered housing, extra care housing, second homes, visitor accommodation (including increases in overnight accommodation bed spaces and campsite pitches, for example), gypsy and travellers pitches.

2.28 Where it is unclear whether or not the mitigation requirements apply to a particular form of development, an appropriate assessment may be required as part of the Council's local planning authority function, which may involve seeking advice from Natural England.

2.29 Mitigation measures are required for net additions to residential accommodation stock. They are not normally required for replacement dwellings or extensions to an existing dwelling (which do not result in the formation of additional residential units or a significant increase in resident occupancy).

Residential development not requiring the submission of a planning application

2.30 In recent years, changes have been made to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) which allow, in certain circumstances, new dwellings to be developed without the need to apply for planning permission, having defined them under the GPDO as 'permitted development'. However, in such circumstances the proposed development must still comply with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) (Habitat Regulations).

2.31 The Habitat Regulations require that any development granted planning permission by a GPDO, which is likely to have a significant effect on a European site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), must not be begun until the developer has received written notification of approval of the local planning authority that the proposals will not have an adverse impact on the integrity of a European site.  Within the plan area this will require the provision of appropriate mitigation measures to address adverse impacts of the development on the European sites.

2.32 Accordingly, compliance with the Habitat Regulations can be secured as part of the 'prior notification' process in a similar way to residential development that requires planning permission accompanied with developer contributions.  

Visitor Accommodation

2.33 Additional visitor accommodation within the Plan Area will have a similar recreational impact on the designated nature conservation sites in the New Forest as residential development. It will therefore be necessary for developments which will increase overnight stays within the plan area to mitigate their impacts.

2.34 The mitigation requirements will be based on the increase in potential visitor capacity adjusted to reflect overall visitor occupancy levels over a year; visitor accommodation occupation varies seasonally and is not always fully occupied, or available throughout the year.

2.35 A financial contribution towards the funding of the Council's off-site mitigation projects will be sought for each additional bedroom for new, or extensions to, hotels and other serviced visitor accommodation. To reflect the overall visitor occupancy levels, this will be based on a proportion of the total contribution rate for a 1 bedroom dwelling, as contained in Table 6 (Developments of less than 50 dwellings) of this SPD. The proportion will be calculated using on the highest annual occupancy level (Highest annual level of bedroom occupancy for England in the last 5 years is 78%, as recorded by Visit Britain) unless clear evidence is provided to justify a different level.

2.36 For other types of visitor accommodation, such as camping and caravan pitches and self-catering, the contribution level will be based on the total rate for a 1 bedroom dwelling for each pitch or visitor room. It will also be determined on a pro-rata basis to reflect periods the accommodation is available over the year, supported by robust evidence

2.37 Hotels and other forms of visitor accommodation will normally be expected to provide contributions only rather than on-site mitigation, regardless of the size of the development.

2.38 Although most visitor accommodation will host visitors that come to the New Forest designated European sites for recreation, it is acknowledged that in a few exceptions some are focused on business users. The Council will consider the need for mitigation and the level of contribution in these exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis.

Appropriate Mitigation Measures to address adverse impacts of the European sites

Natura 2000 sites

2.39 The Plan Area includes and is close to a number of Natura 2000 sites. Details of international and European nature conservation sites are set out in in the Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) prepared for the Local Plan. However, the HRA screening has identified the 'New Forest European sites' and the 'Southampton Water and Solent Coast European sites' as protected sites where mitigation measures are required to address the effects of the Plan in relation to recreational impacts. This SPD specifically addresses the impacts on the New Forest European Sites.

New Forest European Sites

2.40 As established when preparing the current Local Plan, a review of published work indicated that although the evidence is inconclusive, adopting the precautionary approach, reliance could be placed on the mitigation provided by Policy ENV1 and the Recreational Mitigation Strategy to adequately mitigate potential recreation pressure from development proposed though the Local Plan and that adverse effects on integrity due to recreation pressure can be ruled out for all European sites both alone and in combination.

2.41 The Footprint Ecology Report "Changing patterns of visitor numbers within the New Forest" (2008) emphasised the need to tailor a package of mitigation measures to the unique nature of the New Forest and its visitor patterns but also points out that, the large area of land, existing expertise in access management, and an infrastructure already geared to cope with large numbers of visitors provide a good starting point.  Suggested mitigation measures comprise:

• A monitoring strategy - detailed field work to understand low densities of the three indicator species (nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler); regular monitoring of other key species and locations where there are concerns about recreational pressure; annual monitoring of visitor levels; monitoring of changes in visitor patterns associated with access management measures.
• Refinement of visitor models - accounting for the spatial distribution of paths and points of interest within the New Forest; incorporating actual route data; exploring the spatial distribution of other species to predicted visitor pressure.
• Car-parking - managing car parking to re-distribute visitors.
• Access and visitor management measures - promotion of less sensitive areas to visitors; provision of interpretation and path enhancement in less sensitive areas; promotion of issues such as the need to keep dogs on leads.
• Alternative greenspace - the report states that any alternative greenspace must be very carefully considered in terms of its ability to attract people who would otherwise visit the New Forest.

2.42 It concludes that the visitors who are likely to be the easiest to divert from the New Forest are those who do not stay overnight and that potential alternative greenspaces need to be located closer to development areas than the sensitive site to be protected. Sites to attract dog walkers should provide safe off-road parking, a range of routes, and be in locations perceived to maximise enjoyment of the dog.

2.43 Regard has been had to these principles in preparing this strategy.

2.44 Footprint Ecology were further commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council on behalf of a partnership which also included Eastleigh Borough Council, New Forest District Council, The New Forest National Park Authority, Southampton City Council and Wiltshire Council. The 'New Forest Visitor Study' series of reports were commissioned to increase understanding of the impacts of recreation (arising from new housing development) on the New Forest designated European sites. The project as a whole involved visitor surveys combined with work to understand the impacts of recreation and relevant mitigation approaches. This also addressed a recommendation in the earlier "Changing patterns of visitor numbers within the New Forest" report.  The series of reports were produced in 2020:

• Recreation use of the New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar: New Forest visitor survey 2018/19 - results of on-site face-face interviews with visitors conducted at formal car parks and other locations across the New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar;
• Recreation use of the New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar: New Forest vehicle counts 2018/19 - results of vehicle counts across the New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar car parks, counting all parked vehicles on a range of different dates over a year;
• Recreation use of the New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar: Results of a telephone survey with people living within 25km - the results of a telephone survey with 2,000 residents living within a 25km radius of the woodland/heathland areas of the New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar;
• Recreation use of the New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar: Impacts of recreation and potential mitigation approaches - sets out the impacts of recreation and provides options for mitigation and avoidance.
• Recreation use of the New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar: Overview of visitor results and implications of housing change on visitor numbers - brings together the information from three separate surveys undertaken across the New Forest SAC/SPA/Ramsar in 2018/19. This predicts an increase of around 11.4% in the number of visits as a result of new housing within 25km radius over the period 2018-2036.

2.45 The telephone survey is significant in understanding how frequently local residents visit the woodland and heathland areas of the New Forest. The survey engaged with 2,000 randomly selected residents from areas surrounding the New Forest. Interviewees lived within 25km of the New Forest designated sites and sampling was undertaken within 5km bands. Sampling was weighted to the nearer 5km bands to ensure more interviews were conducted with those living relatively close to the New Forest. The questionnaire identified households who had visited the New Forest and asked particular questions relating to the reasons for visiting, activities undertaken and their visit patterns.

2.46 The average number of visits to the New Forest woodland heathland was around 48 per year per household (includes those who don't visit the New Forest at all). The surveys show that for residentials of NFDC, the average for those that do visit the New Forest woodland and heathland was 72 visits per year per household. Regarding the reasons for visiting, walking and specifically dog walking were the dominant uses recorded, at 60- 80% of the total visits, depending on the proximity the interviewees lived to the New Forest

2.47 Overall, the results of this New Forest Visitor Study did not indicate a need for a revised approach to mitigation in this Council's planning area (the district outside of the National Park). However, the studies provided valuable information about the nature of the recreational use of the New Forest by residents and this information will assist in refining the design and implementation of the mitigation projects.

2.48 It also emphasised the importance to continue to collaborate with adjoining Authorities in the development of a strategic, proportionate and co-ordinated approach to mitigation of recreational impacts on the New Forest in a wider geographical area.

Alternative approaches to recreation mitigation

2.49 As set out in the Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1 (supporting text to Policy ENV1), should an alternative approach to mitigation be proposed, evidence will be needed to demonstrate its effectiveness. It will need to be evaluated by the 'competent authority' (the decision-making authority) through an Appropriate Assessment process.  Such evaluation will need to take account of the precautionary principle applying to such judgements. The developer will be required to provide the local planning authority with appropriate evidence of the effectiveness of any alternative approach to mitigation of recreational impacts.

2.50 Any alternative proposal would need to mitigate the impact of the development to no lesser degree than would be achieved by implementation of the requirements of Local Plan Policy ENV1 (as amplified in this SPD) and demonstrate its likely effectiveness in perpetuity.  The Council would require the proposal to be robustly justified with evidence.  

Sustainability Appraisal of this document

2.51 Plans and programmes that have been determined to require Appropriate Assessment pursuant to the Habitats Directive are also subject to an assessment procedure under the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive (Article 3(2) (b)). The UK exited the EU on 31 January 2020 and at the time of writing there is a transition period during which EU legislation will be followed.  It is currently anticipated that the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 which implements this EU SEA Directive will continue to have the same working effect as now after the transition period. A full Sustainability Appraisal has been undertaken on the Local Plan. It is not required for this document.

3.0 Local Plan Policies and other relevant documents

• Local Plan 2016-2036
• Habitats Regulation Assessment
• Infrastructure Delivery Plan

Local Plan 2016-2036

3.1 This document is a supplementary planning document to support the Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1: Planning Strategy

3.2 The Local Plan 2016-2036 provides for 10,420 additional dwellings to be built in the plan area, which includes existing commitments from the earlier Local Plan Part 2 (adopted in 2014).

3.3 Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1: Planning Strategy (adopted July 2020) contains Policy ENV1: Mitigating the impacts of development on International Nature Conservation sites, which built on the previous habitat mitigation policy (Policy DM3 from the Local Plan Part 2: Sites and Development Management DPD adopted in 2014) by recognising that because of the strong draw of the New Forest National Park, in particular, all new residential development is required to make a contribution to the access and visitor management of the New Forest European Sites and Southampton Water and Solent Coast European Sites as additional visits to the European sites will continue to be made. Mitigation land required under policy ENV1 is wholly additional to requirements for public open space provision required under Policy CS7. 

3.4 This policy together with Saved Policy DM2: Nature conservation, biodiversity and geodiversity are specifically directed to securing appropriate mitigation of the impact of the development on the European nature conservation sites.  The policy wording is reproduced in Appendix 1.

Habitats Regulation Assessment

3.5 The Council, advised by Land Use Consultants (LUC), has worked with Natural England, the New Forest National Park Authority, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, to develop an effective strategy for the mitigation of possible recreational impacts on the European nature conservation sites from residential development planned within the plan area over the plan period.

3.6 A review of available evidence shows a lack of conclusive evidence regarding the impact of recreation activities on designated features at the New Forest European sites, and it is not possible to isolate the impacts arising from development in this Plan from the in combination effect of growth in the wider sub region.

3.7 In respect of the New Forest European sites, LUC's review of evidence has however confirmed that whilst evidence of significant adverse effects from recreation is inconclusive, reliance can be placed on the mitigation provided by Policy ENV1, the New Forest (outside of the National Park) Recreational Mitigation Strategy, and the Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy to adequately mitigate potential recreation pressure from development proposed by the Local Plan Part 1 and that adverse effects on integrity due to recreation pressure can be ruled out for all European sites both alone and in combination.

3.8 The provision of alternative natural recreational greenspace, integral to new residential development, may contribute to the mitigation of the potential effects on both for both the Southampton Water and Solent Coast and New Forest European Sites, since its provision will divert the same new residents from either European site. However, whilst the HRA makes this conclusion, strategic mitigation measures for the New Forest sites and Solent sites remain separate and both need to be adhered to as appropriate to ensure compliance with Habitat Regulations.  The impacts on the Solent Coast sites are specifically addressed through the Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy.

Infrastructure Delivery Plan

3.9 As part of the preparation of the Local Plan review an Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) was prepared.  The IDP identifies the new infrastructure required to mitigate the impacts of the new development. 

3.10 The IDP also identifies the likely cost and funding source for each type of infrastructure where known.

3.11 The IDP highlights mitigation projects as a critical delivery priority.

4.0 Recreational Mitigation requirements for new development

• Calculating the recreational mitigation required
• Provision of alternative natural recreational greenspace on new developments over 50 net additional dwellings
• Provision of off-site recreation mitigation projects for new developments of less than 50 dwellings
• Enhancement of existing green spaces as alternative natural recreational greenspace
• Enhancement of Recreational Walking Routes
• Access and Visitor Management
• Monitoring
• Monitoring the implementation of the Mitigation Strategy
• Monitoring the effectiveness of the Mitigation Strategy
• Working with others
• Future Management of ANRG
• Mitigation for brownfield land site development in urban areas
• Opportunities for alternative recreational mitigation projects

4.1  An agreed approach to mitigation of recreational impacts on the New Forest and Southampton Water and Solent Coast European sites arising from new residential development was established In Local Plan Part 2: Sites and Development Management document and its supporting Mitigation Strategy for European Sites SPD in 2014. This approach was updated and further endorsed though the examination and adoption of the Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1: Planning Strategy (July 2020)

4.2 It was agreed that for the New Forest District (outside the National Park) there needed to be a number of components to the mitigation approach. It was recognised that 'the New Forest' is such a strong draw for recreational visits, that an effective mitigation strategy needs to not only consider providing alternative recreation opportunities accessible to local residents - effectively close to people's doorsteps, but to also effectively manage and minimise the potential harmful effects of the visits that cannot be deflected away from the New Forest European sites. It was therefore recognised that there is a need for both the provision of alternative recreational opportunities in a natural environment and also management of access to the European sites.

4.3 The components of this mitigation strategy which are appropriate in the context of the New Forest European sites have been identified as:

• Provision of new alternative natural recreational greenspaces on new development sites of over 50 dwellings;
• Improvement and enhancement of existing green spaces as recreational mitigation;
• Enhancement of recreational walking routes;
• Access and visitor management measures;
• Monitoring activities

4.4 Where new residential development is proposed within 5.6km of the Southampton Water and Solent Coast European Sites, the Solent Recreational Mitigation Strategy must also be complied with.

Calculating the recreational mitigation required

4.5 In order to calculate the number of visits that are required to be mitigated, the Council have used the latest Footprint Ecology study which demonstrated that the estimated visits per household per year (on average) to the designated New Forest European sites by New Forest District residents is 72.

4.6 The number of visits from new development are based on the allocated homes in the Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1 (Policy STR5). To take account of the precautionary principle, in some instances an additional 20% buffer has been applied to allow for where estimated site housing mix / densities (capacities) may exceed those set out in the adopted Local Plan and the council's Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA).

4.7 The suite of mitigation proposed through the requirements of Policy ENV1 and this strategy aims to ensure that the Local Plan avoids adverse effects on the integrity of the European sites if the estimated recreation pressure from 750,240 additional visits (based on the predicted full plan target of 10,420) within the plan area is offset, regardless of who makes those visits. Of these, 165,240 additional visits are from new housing development not providing on-site mitigation.

4.8 This SPD sets out development requiring mitigation for each sub-area of the Plan Area, using the housing requirement set out in Local Plan Policy STR5 and taking in to account development that is already completed during the Plan period.

4.9 Additional pressures will be put on the New Forest European sites from the growth planned in neighbouring planning authority areas. Addressing and mitigating these additional recreational impacts on the New Forest arising from outside this plan area are a matter for the relevant planning authorities in the preparation of their Local Plans.

Provision of alternative natural recreational greenspace on new developments over 50 net additional dwellings

4.10 Alternative natural recreational greenspace (ANRG) will form a key element of the mitigation strategy and provision for at least 8ha per 1,000 of population of new residential development is a requirement for sites of 50 or more dwellings as set out in Local Plan Policy ENV1.

4.11 Guidance explaining the principles for how alternative natural recreational greenspace and open spaces should be designed as an integral part of a development site is set out in Appendix 4. This guidance provides an approach to delivering mitigation to meet the requirement of Local Plan Policy ENV1 and the Habitat Regulations, which has been agreed with Natural England and used throughout the preparation of the Local Plan Strategic Site illustrative concept master plans.

4.12 As referred to in the Local Plan and earlier in this SPD, alternative approaches to recreational impact mitigation may be put forward, but they must fulfil the requirements of the Habitat Regulations and demonstrate their effectiveness. Supporting text to Policy ENV1 sets also out for situations where ANRG is proposed on smaller individual sites within a larger strategic site, to ensure that the delivery of ANRG is co-ordinated and concurrent with the overall housing delivery of the site. This will involve an appropriate design solution and enforceable landowner agreements being in place relating to the quantum, location and timing of mitigation provision.

4.13 Key features of well-designed alternative natural recreational greenspaces (ANRGs) will include, but are not limited to:

• It should be considered and laid out as an integral part of the fabric of new development, forming a major part of a network of green space and the green setting for new residential development.
• A network of appropriately sized spaces across the site which provide the opportunity to experience and enjoy a natural environment close to people's homes, to deflect visits away from the New Forest designated European sites
• Provision made for its long term management in a suitable condition for free public access
• Good linkages / connectivity with other open spaces and walking routes where they exist
• The ANRG should be welcoming and users feel safe, secure and there is good natural surveillance (for example, paths through dense woodland should be avoided or kept to a minimum)
• Provision of attractive walking routes with appropriately surfaced paths and which should be well maintained
• Routes and open spaces should be clearly sign-posted or way-marked
• Access by the public must be unrestricted and there should be opportunities for dogs to exercise freely and safely off lead
• Seating areas
• Retention, enhancement and creation of a variety of habitats to ensure a net increase in biodiversity
• Provision of bins suitable for litter and dog-waste where appropriate

Provision of off-site recreation mitigation projects for new developments of less than 50 dwellings

4.14  Where on-site recreation mitigation is not provided a financial contribution will be sought towards the provision of new green spaces and the enhancement of existing green spaces and recreational walking routes, including provision for their long-term maintenance and management costs. 

4.15 To ensure the programme of projects is responsive to changing circumstances and opportunities, the programme of specific projects will be maintained and published separately. This ensures it can be reviewed regularly to allow a 3 to 5 year rolling programme of projects for implementation to be sustained, and to specifically ensure that:

• projects are deliverable in the agreed timeframe;
• projects come forward at times and locations around the District reflecting the current trajectory of predicted housing delivery;
• it is possible to react to monitoring regarding the success of existing projects and further refinements in the evidence of the visitor impact on the designated New Forest sites.

4.16 The rolling programme of projects will be agreed by the Council and will be reviewed regularly. The review process will enable Town and Parish Councils, local communities and local interest groups and organisations to put forward new projects for consideration, drawing on their local knowledge.

Enhancement of existing green spaces as alternative natural recreational greenspace

4.17 Whether provided from land in other uses, or through improving the accessibility and recreational functionality of existing open spaces,  open spaces that provide successful mitigation will need to be designed so as to maximise their chances of diverting New Forest District residents who might otherwise visit the European sites for outdoor recreation, particularly for those activities most likely to cause disturbance of designated features, such as dog walking. Evidence for the New Forest European sites suggests that alternative natural recreational greenspace should particularly target the needs of New Forest District residents who wish to go for recreational walks, with or without a dog.

Enhancement of Recreational Walking Routes

4.18 There is an extensive Public Right of Way (PRoW) network across the whole of the Plan Area, including in close proximity to the strategic residential development allocations in the Local Plan 2016-2036 Part One. Their use could be enhanced by improving the condition of and signage of these routes. In addition there is an opportunity to enhance the network by improving the infrastructure such as providing way marking information / interpretation boards, benches, combined waste bins and dog exercise areas / trails, and improving accessibility by replacing stiles with gates, along routes, and improving connections between parts of the PRoW network. These improvements will make the use of the routes more attractive and encourage more frequent use by new (and existing) residents, as an alternative to visiting the New Forest European site for a walk, with or without a dog, whilst ensuring they do not have the potential to lead to adverse impacts on other European designated sites, including the Solent Coastal European sites.

4.19 The walking route proposals include a mix of land ownership, some are on publicly owned land with public access, and others involve PRoW's across private land, but all form part of the existing network of walking routes. The District Council will work in partnership with the Hampshire County Council Countryside Access Team to implement the identified walking routes in order to meet the objectives of this mitigation strategy and Hampshire County Council's Countryside Access Plan.

4.20 Improvements to recreational walking routes are set out in Appendix 3 will involve the following, as appropriate:

• Surfacing to encourage multi-user and year round availability;
• Improving accessibility (such as the type of gate used), including for dog walkers;
• Providing seating;
• Clearing encroaching and overhanging vegetation;
• Provide, repair/replace waste bins as necessary;
• Enhancing planting/biodiversity interest along routes;
• Installation of interpretation boards;
• Providing information to the local community about recreational walking routes in their area.

Access and Visitor Management

4.21 In addition to providing alternative recreation opportunities on and off site, it is also important to modify inappropriate visitor behaviour when using the New Forest European sites so as to reduce the potentially harmful recreational impacts. The employment of wildlife rangers has a significant role to play in the delivery of such measures. The wider management of all visitors within the New Forest European sites is an issue for the bodies charged with managing the New Forest. However, as part of the recognition that, notwithstanding the mitigation projects designed to reduce recreational visits to the New Forest from residents, some recreational use of the New Forest will still arise from the occupants of new development in the District, part of the package of mitigation measures is the funding of a 'People and Wildlife Ranger' to contribute towards visitor management activities.

4.22 The 'People and Wildlife' Ranger role was established in 2015 by the Council. The role is intended to supplement rangering activities of the National Park Authority. This role will continue to be funded by the Council as part of its package of mitigation measures, but the activities undertaken will be kept under review to ensure this resource is being effective as part of the overall package of mitigation measures

4.23 Other visitor management measures could include; producing information and guidance leaflets for residents on new developments, including promotion of 'alternative' locations, interpretation boards, the introduction of regulations to control harmful behaviours, such as dog control areas within the European sites (for example those provided through Public Spaces Protection Orders), and the enforcement of such regulations.

4.24 The provision of the People and Wildlife Ranger is funded in perpetuity by developers' contributions from residential development in the New Forest District (outside the National Park) area.

Monitoring

4.25 The long-term effectiveness of mitigation measures is currently unknown. Assessment of the measures to adequately protect the European nature conservation sites from harmful recreational impacts will need to be carefully monitored and this will be an important aspect of the strategy in order to manage uncertainty and inform future refinement of direct mitigation measures.

4.26 It is important to monitor both the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures of the mitigation strategy and the effectiveness of those measures in mitigating the recreational impacts of new residential development within the Plan area. Information from the monitoring process will inform future reviews of the Mitigation Strategy, and future discussions and decisions about the capacity of this area to accommodate further development without an adverse effect on the integrity of European sites. Monitoring will be funded by a standard charge towards its cost from each additional dwelling.

4.27 The Council's Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) will be the principal document for reporting progress with the implementation of the Mitigation Strategy. The indicators in Table 1 will be used to determine the effectiveness of the strategy and the mitigation measures. Through the monitoring process the Council will ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented in step with the development of new residential development. Priorities for the delivery of mitigation projects, triggered by the implementation of residential proposals, will be reflected in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and Infrastructure Funding Statement (or future equivalent), which will be reviewed in association with the Annual Monitoring Report.

Table 1 Performance of mitigation proposals

Monitoring the implementation of the Mitigation Strategy

4.28 The Council will monitor the implementation of development and the delivery of mitigation projects. The Council will be the co-ordinating body for the monitoring the use of alternative natural recreational greenspace and the performance of other mitigation projects within the Plan area. The Council will draw upon information available from other bodies which, for wider purposes, monitor the health and condition of the European designations, and visitor numbers and impacts on the designated sites (notably Natural England and the New Forest National Park Authority).

4.29 Through the development management process, the Council will ensure that the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures is co-ordinated with the delivery of residential development. Where alternative natural recreational greenspace is to be provided (at least in part) on-site, the alternative natural recreational greenspace must be available to the occupants of the new dwellings at the time of first occupation. The Council will work with developers to agree appropriate implementation schedules to ensure the appropriate mitigation is in place at the correct time.

4.30 The Council will programme off-site mitigations projects according to location and rates of residential development. Priority areas for implementation of mitigation projects will relate to the commencement new residential development, to ensure timely project delivery. Progress on the implementation of new residential development and mitigation measures will be published as part of the Council's Annual Monitoring Report.

Monitoring the effectiveness of the Mitigation Strategy

4.31 Appendix 2 sets out the arrangements for monitoring how successful the identified mitigation measures are. It will look at how successful the alternative natural recreational greenspace and other mitigation projects are in attracting use and deflecting potential visits away from the European sites.

4.32 The monitoring of the condition of the European sites themselves will also be important, and this should acknowledge the much wider range of influences that affect the condition of these sensitive sites as well as the impacts attributable to visitor activities.

4.33 Evidence relating to indicator bird populations and of recreational activity levels within the European sites will also be considered.

4.34 Monitoring of the impact of mitigation measures will assist in reviewing the strategy if necessary. Monitoring is crucial in providing a method of adjusting the mitigation measures to increase their effectiveness and maximise benefits. The Council expects that the whole strategy will be reviewed for its effectiveness at least every 5 years or sooner if new evidence emerges or monitoring results indicate a more urgent review is required.  Monitoring will reveal whether the level of mitigation proposed in this strategy is adequate and whether or not the strategy needs to be revised.

4.35 Under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations the Council is required to track and record where specific funds are used and this will be set out in the Infrastructure Funding Statement or future equivalent.

Working with others

4.36 Local Authorities, other than this District Council, who are within the zone of influence of the New Forest European sites have recognised the need to co-operate in taking a strategic approach to ensure significant effects are avoided.

4.37 The Council will also work closely with agencies such as the Forestry Commission and the New Forest National Park Authority to explore options for implementing other areas of work on access management, including relevant projects within the New Forest National Park Recreational Management Strategy and the overarching Partnership Plan.

4.38 The Council is part of the 'Bird Aware Solent' partnership, the Solent Recreational Mitigation Strategy was adopted in December 2017. This project specifically provides mitigation for the Southampton Water and Solent Coast European sites 5.6 km zone of influence. 

4.39 There is an overlap in the areas and populations served by both the People and Wildlife Ranger and the Bird Aware Ranger. Opportunities have been taken to encourage co-operative and co-ordinated working.

4.40 On a local project level, the Council will look to work with local communities, including Town and Parish Councils to discuss future mitigation projects and their management.

Future Management of ANRG

4.41 Natural recreational greenspace land provided for mitigation purposes must be secured for its intended purpose in perpetuity. To secure the long term availability to the public, the land shall normally be transferred freehold to the District Council or other public body, at nil cost. Financial provision will also need to be made and secured to fund the long-term management and maintenance of the mitigation land by the Council (or others on their behalf). A contribution to the monitoring of the alternative natural recreational greenspace to ensure it continues to provide effective mitigation in perpetuity, and other mitigation measures, will also be required.

For the purposes of this strategy, in perpetuity is defined as 80 years.  Natural England have accepted this definition 

4.42 Where ownership is not transferred to a public body, the following options may be considered where they are secured in perpetuity by a legal agreement and are subject to an agreed legally binding long-term management plan securing full public access and continuing performance and management as effective mitigation land.

• Firstly - the land is transferred to a charitable body, such as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT).
• Secondly - where the mitigation land remains in private ownership, a management company or other arrangements will need to be set up to ensure long term management and availability of the land for the purpose of publicly accessible natural green space in the public interest and in perpetuity.

Any legal agreement, where appropriate, will require the land owner to work with Hampshire County Council to secure a dedication as a rights of way route.

4.43 The legal agreement will contain clauses for a financial penalty should the Council be forced to intervene if the required access and management of the land is not maintained.

Mitigation for brownfield land site development in urban areas

4.44 In some instances, it will not be possible to provide recreational mitigation on-site for example the redevelopment of brownfield sites of 50 or more homes in existing built up areas on unidentified sites. These sites will be required to make an equivalent provision to the policy requirement off-site, in a location agreed with the Council.  Contributions to access management and monitoring will also be required.  Appropriate mitigation proposals will need to be identified at the planning application stage and form part of the planning application.

Opportunities for alternative recreational mitigation projects

4.45 Some projects are directly related to specific residential development allocations and will be implemented in association with those developments. Other mitigation projects which have been identified will be funded by developers' contributions towards their implementation.

4.46 It is recognised that where mitigation projects identified by the Council (as published separately to this SPD) are not directly related to a specific residential development, alternative mitigation projects may be as effective in delivering the required recreational mitigation measures. The mitigation strategy gives scope for 'alternative' mitigation projects to be considered and suggestions for alternative projects will be considered, evaluated for effectiveness and where appropriate added to the programme of mitigation projects. This improves the overall effectiveness of the strategy as it will enable 'substitute' projects to be found for those identified projects where delivery proves more problematic. It is anticipated this will be achieved is through the annual review of projects and implementation priorities, unless there is time limiting reason as to why it would need to be considered sooner.

4.47 The following criteria can be used to assess alternative recreational mitigation land and recreational routes projects, which any recreational mitigation projects would be expected to meet. These are:

• The proposal must provide an attractive natural green space or recreational walking route of an appropriate scale to be effective in diverting potential visits away from the New Forest European designation;
• Provision made for its long term management in a suitable condition for free public access;
• The proposals should be well connected to and in close proximity the residential development it is designed to attract visits from;
• The proposal should be welcoming and users feel safe secure and there is good natural surveillance;
• The proposal should provide or make a significant contribution to a recreational walking route, accessible from residential areas, possibly by linking the existing network of PRoWs.  A circular route of at least 2.3 km is desirable;
• Routes and open spaces should be clearly sign-posted or way-marked;
• Access by the public must be unrestricted and there should be opportunities for dogs to exercise freely and safely off lead;
• Paths should be well maintained and useable throughout the year. Where appropriate, discussions should be held with Hampshire County Council regarding dedicating routes as a Public Right of Way.

5.0 The delivery of on-site alternative natural recreational greenspace

5.1 Sites of 50 net additional dwellings or more are required to provide ANRG to mitigate the recreational impacts on the New Forest European sites to a standard of no less than 8ha per 1,000 population. This includes all the strategic site allocations in Local Plan 2016-2036 Part 1. One hectare of land is likely to be the minimum size land that can be designed to function independently as ANRG. This natural greenspace must be available for occupants of the new development to use at the time of first occupation.

5.2 The implementation of this policy will result in the creation of significant new areas of local publicly accessible green space. The exact amount of ANRG that will be provided by a development onsite will be determined at the planning application stage, with the minimum quantity of ANRG calculated based on the estimated population of a specific development.

Table 2 Assumed occupancy rate for dwelling size

5.3 The population of a new development will be estimated using the assumptions on occupancy set out in Table 2. (These estimates have been derived from the HCC Home Movers Survey 2010). It is necessary to consider the likely occupation levels of a new development for which this SPD provides the mitigation.  The following are four worked examples of the amount of recreation mitigation that would be required on a 100 dwelling scheme depending on the mix of housing that is required. As can be seem the quantity of mitigation land required will vary according to the dwelling mix proposed:

Table 3 Worked Examples for alternative natural recreational green spaces required

5.4 Looking at the overall impact of new dwelling provision being planned up to 2036, in addition to the on-site mitigation land provision on sites of 50 or more dwellings, the number of visits which will need to be mitigated by off-site mitigation projects is around 165,240 visits. To assist with future planning, an assumption is made for relevant development sites to add 20% uplift to cover variations in dwelling size in any given final development to address the precautionary principle. However, the actual number of visits to mitigate will be informed by ongoing annual monitoring of housing commitments and delivery as development comes forward.

5.5 An assumption has been made about the intensity of the use of the proposed mitigation land, based on work elsewhere, and assumes very modest use - working out at about 2.7 visitors per hectare provided per day (based on the standard provision of 8ha per 1000 head of population per annum). The Mitigation Strategy seeks to provide recreation mitigation land that is close to people's homes and suitable for use throughout the year by everyone. The Council considers that it is likely that the ANRG provided in accordance with this strategy will perform better and provide a greater capacity for visits on existing natural green spaces used for the calculation of visits. Future monitoring will look at the performance of new, and existing but enhanced alternative natural recreational greenspaces.

6.0 Implementation and Funding

• Provision of on-site alternative natural recreational greenspace
• Provision for continuing management and maintenance of on-site alternative natural recreational greenspace
• Monitoring of on-site compliance
• Recreational Mitigation projects provided off-site
• Mitigation project design and implementation
• Access Management Costs
• Monitoring
• Affordable Housing & CIL reliefs
• Summary of contributions
• Developments of less than 50 dwellings
• Developments of 50 or more dwellings

Provision of on-site alternative natural recreational greenspace

6.1 Section 4 and accompanying appendices of this SPD sets out the detail for the mitigation requirements for new development, which are in accordance with Local Plan Policy ENV1. Developments of 50 or more net additional dwellings will be required to provide full alternative natural recreational greenspace (ANRG) provision on-site or directly adjoining the site, based on a minimum standard of 8ha of ANRG per 1,000 population, and to fund the future management, maintenance and monitoring.

6.2 Implementation of on-site ANRGs must be completed and available for use by new residents on occupation of the first dwelling on the site, in proportion to the number of residents likely to occupy the number of homes completed.

6.3 The full detailed design and implementation of on-site ANRG will be agreed through the planning application.  The ownership and management of the ANRG will be agreed as part of any planning permission granted and the agreed approach secured by a legal agreement.

Provision for continuing management and maintenance of on-site alternative natural recreational greenspace

6.4 Maintenance works will include routine management such as emptying waste bins, mowing, inspection and maintenance of footpath routes, trees, habitat management to achieve optimum biodiversity, together with other appropriate measures required to maintain the condition of the site in perpetuity, including, for example, repair, and replacement of surfaces, furniture, structures and fencing.

6.5 As set out in section 4 of this SPD (Future Management of ANRG paragraphs 4.41-4.43) the development will be expected to fund and provide for the future maintenance and management of the ANRG in perpetuity. This will be collected a commuted sum via a Section 106 Agreement.

6.6 The levels on commuted sum for the maintenance and management of ANRG will be monitored to ensure it is set at appropriate levels, and if necessary reviewed. In any event, the figures for on-site ANRG maintenance will be revised on the 6 April each year in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) with April 2020 being the base year.

Monitoring of on-site compliance

6.7 The implementation of on-site ANRG will be monitored to ensure that it is provided to an appropriate standard.

6.8 A fee will be levied to undertake compliance monitoring, via S106 Agreement, proportionate to the actual size of the provision. The fee levied will be subject to indexation calculated at 6 April each year.  This fee will include site inspections, where relevant the Council's fees to facilitate the land transfer and has been calculated based on officer time for the minimum number of visits required both during construction and during the post completion defects period to ensure it is the appropriate standard for transfer.

Recreational Mitigation projects provided off-site

6.9 To ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and opportunities, the programme of projects will be published separately.

6.10 Through an annual review of projects and implementation priorities a programme of mitigation projects will be agreed. Ensuring the delivery of mitigation projects is sufficient to meet the additional visits identified to meet the predicted housing delivery remains in line with the implementation of new residential development will be a high priority in the overall programme for infrastructure delivery.

6.11 1 An initial tranche of projects for implementation will be programmed to cover 3 - 5 years to ensure it has the potential to contribute to the mitigation aims of the Strategy and these will be implemented as funding becomes available.

6.12 The projects will be assessed on their capacity to bring about mitigation and alleviate pressure on sensitive parts of the European sites. Assessment factors also include their deliverability, effectiveness monitoring and cost.

6.13 The projects will be prioritised based on their ability to be delivered, the likely level of visits mitigated against and the location in relation to residential development that has come forward. The estimated visits mitigated per project will be dependent on the population within 400m of each project and the scope of each project.  Visitor counting devices will be used both prior and post implementation in order to determine the actual amount of visits mitigated.

6.14 The initial programme, including design and future maintenance, will have a collective budget averaging at around £420,000 per annum for the projects identified. For the remainder of the plan period it is assumed that a similar budget will be required per annum to implement these projects.

6.15 Developments of under 50 dwellings where recreation mitigation is not provided on-site are required to make a contribution to identified offsite recreational mitigation projects identified. The level of financial contribution will be based on the following table and normally paid by CIL contributions.

Table 4 Contribution rate per dwelling by size of dwelling

6.16 These figures are subject to indexation and will be revised on the 6 April each year in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), with April 2020 being the base year.

6.17 In most cases the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contribution paid as part of the development will cover the cost of the figures above.  The Council are committed to using the CIL to fund the cost of providing off-site recreational mitigation infrastructure and therefore in most cases no separate contributions will be required. Should a development be granted CIL relief (e.g. self-build housing, First Homes and affordable housing) or not be CIL liable then the figures in the table will become payable direct.  The contribution figures have been arrived at by distributing the total cost of the required off-site mitigation measures between the residential development sites that will not be directly providing ANRG on-site over the Plan period.

Mitigation project design and implementation

6.18 The costs of the recreation mitigation projects include the design, implementation and future maintenance in the estimated budget figure. The detailed design work will be undertaken in partnership / consultation with stakeholders.

Access Management Costs

6.19 All residential developments are required to make a contribution towards access management for the New Forest European sites.  This enables the provision of the New Forest People and Wildlife Ranger service. As access management and monitoring are not infrastructure items they cannot be funded from CIL. They will be secured using alternative methods, such as a legal agreement.

6.20 The following table provide the total cost of access management.

Table 5 Contribution rate per dwelling for access management

This has been calculated on an average cost of £586 per home split pro-rata across dwelling sizes and based on an average population of those bedrooms.  This cost also includes funding towards resourced such as materials/leaflets that may be required.

6.21       These figures are subject to indexation and will be revised on the 6 April each year in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) with April 2020 being the base year.

Monitoring

6.22       The cost of the monitoring proposals as set out in Appendix 2 totals £470,000 over the full Local Plan period. Each new dwelling will be required to contribute to the monitoring cost. A contribution of £63 per dwelling will be charged (subject to indexation calculated at 6 April each year with April 2020 being the base year).

Affordable Housing & CIL reliefs

6.23       Affordable housing, including 'First Homes' and residential development that does not have a CIL liability is not exempt from the requirement under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 to mitigate its impact on protected European sites. Appropriate mitigation as set out in this strategy will be required and secured through S106 agreements.

6.24       If the total amount of Community Infrastructure Levy paid, having regard to any CIL relief or exemptions, falls below the sum indicated in Table 9 then any the shortfall (i.e. the difference between how much you pay in CIL and the total figure based on the total number of new dwellings provided/new bedrooms) will need to be made up with an additional payment secured by an appropriate method. 

Summary of contributions

6.25       The following table shows the total financial contributions that are payable towards recreational impact mitigation on the New Forest to comply with the mitigation strategy. Figures are subject to indexation and will be revised on the 6 April each year in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) with April 2020 being the base year. The Council's website will summarise these as they are updated annually

Developments of less than 50 dwellings

Table 6 Contribution rate for development less than 50

CIL contributions for a development will normally cover this element (see paragraph 6.17 for exceptions to this)

Developments of 50 or more dwellings

Table 7 Contribution rate for development of 50 or more

Appendix 1 - Adopted Local Plan Policy

Appendix 2 - Monitoring Requirements

Appendix 3: Design considerations for recreation walking route enhancements

A3.1 When drawing up detailed proposals for recreation walking routes, there are a number of factors to be considered in the design. Further details and guidance is set out below. 

Improve surface and route condition

Footpaths

A3.2 Footpaths should be surfaced with a suitable material enabling their use throughout the year, in all weather conditions. They should be even and free from standing water. The provision of boardwalks may be necessary over particularly wet/muddy areas.

Footpath Images (PDF, 403 KB)

Clear overgrown and over-hanging vegetation

A3.3 Paths should be clear from overhanging vegetation and be designed to be safe for the user, with good natural surveillance.

Vegetation Images (PDF, 329 KB)

Improve signage

Provide clear route signage

A3.4 The recreational walking routes should be clearly signposted from the road network and along their route. Information on destination and distances should be provided at key points along the routes, including at route intersections.

Signage Images (PDF, 210 KB)

Provide information/interpretation boards

Interpretation Images (PDF, 81 KB)

A3.5 Information/interpretation boards will be provided at key locations giving an overview of the local recreational walking route network and information about local features of interest.

Improve accessibility

Replace stiles with gates

Gate Images (PDF, 296 KB)

A3.6 Stiles along footpath routes can be difficult to negotiate. The use of stiles should be avoided, and existing ones replaced with a kissing gate, gate or gap. This will improve accessibility, particularly for dog walkers, wheelchairs users, and people with pushchairs.

Bridge watercourses

A3.7 Some routes will cross a watercourse. In these cases it will be important that an appropriate safe crossing is installed.

Bridge Images (PDF, 169 KB)

Provide additional amenities

Provide waste bins

A3.8 Where appropriate, waste bins (suitable for dog waste and litter) should be installed at entrance/exit points of recreational walking routes, and other key locations, to ensure that the areas are kept clean of waste.

Waste bin Images (PDF, 384 KB)

Provide seating at viewpoints

A3.9 Seating should be provided at appropriate locations along the route, for example where there is a view point or point of local interest.

Seating Images (PDF, 291 KB)

Appendix 4 - Design guidance for the provision of integrated greenspace on large scale sites, including Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace (ANRG)

Strategic landscape requirements to accompany planning applications for residential developments over 50 dwellings

A4.1 Introduction

A4.1.1 This appendix is aimed at ensuring that space for recreational mitigation is embraced alongside other landscape and green space requirements as a fundamental cornerstone of green infrastructure. A core principle of 'Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace' ANRG mitigation land is that it should be embraced as part of the green infrastructure of development sites, and provide accessible natural greenspaces on peoples' doorsteps, reducing the desire to use more environmentally sensitive areas in the New Forest.

A4.1.2 This guidance is primarily directed towards advising on how recreational mitigation land (ANRG) provision is accommodated within and as part of housing developments. The recommended combined approach to providing the landscape design means that there will be some cross referencing to related documents, including guidance on:

• Guide to Performance Specifications and Standard Details for Public Accessible Spaces
• Design guidance for play spaces;
• Land management and maintenance standards

A4.1.3 The design of landscape should always address the three requirements of Policy ENV3 ensuring that it is functional (for people and wildlife); appropriate (to the landscape and townscape character); and attractive to users.

A4.1.4 The purpose of the following guidance is to offer a 'ready-made template' for providing the alternative natural green space (ANRG) element of recreational mitigation as required by Policy ENV1: Mitigating the impacts of development on International Nature Conservation Sites..

A4.1.5 This guidance is set out in four sections explaining:

1. ANRG as part of a combined approach to green infrastructure
2. Location for ANRG
3. Dimensional criteria for ANRG
4. Quality criteria for ANRG

A4.1.6 This approach has been developed in liaison with Natural England to provide appropriate mitigation to meet the requirement of the Habitat Regulations

A4.1.7 Normally, new residential developments on large scale sites should deliver ANRG in accordance with guidance set out in this document and show this at planning application stage within a clear rationale for green  infrastructure as part of comprehensive layout designs.

A4.1.8 Where it is agreed that this is not possible, delivery of an alternative offer of ANRG, that best fits this guidance in all other ways, and provides ANRG of any equivalent effectiveness and quality should be proposed.

A4.1.9 Where developers propose an alternative approach to  mitigation measures this will need to be subject to a full Appropriate Assessment, and the competent authority (the Council) will need to be satisfied that alternative approaches are at least equally effective in deflecting recreational visits away from the New Forest's protected sites.

A4.1.10 The approach to mitigation in the New Forest District (outside of the National Park) involves, amongst other measures, the provision of a network of natural greenspaces located close to people's doorsteps, which will form a desirable alternative to visiting the New Forest for recreational purposes and accessing the natural environment. This has the benefit of providing attractive and healthy places to live as well as helping to protect sensitive wildlife and habitats of the New Forest.

A4.1.11 To successfully perform as recreational mitigation land, it is important that all the spaces provide a natural green space that is inviting and comfortable for people to visit and use. These spaces should be suitable for well-behaved dogs to be walked and include places where dogs can be safely let off the lead.

A4.1.12 In master planning terms, mitigation land should be considered and laid out as an integral part of the fabric of new development. It will form a major part of a network of green space and the green setting for new residential development. Site capacities and landscape sensitivities of the strategic housing allocation sites have been assessed and land allocated on the basis that recreational mitigation will be provided within the defined allocation sites.

A4.1.13 It may be possible in some circumstances to extend the offer of ANRG beyond the development site boundary, provided that: the land in question can provide easily accessible and effective recreational mitigation; the land is within the control of the site developer; and that its inclusion would support the principles of an integrated green infrastructure approach (being directly adjoining and well connected to the site). However, it will not normally be acceptable to offer an area of land nearby as ANRG, simply in order to expand the proportions of built land within the allocation area to an unreasonable degree or to the detriment of landscape character.

A4.1.14 Each of the strategic housing allocations will be treated on its own merits and it is expected that the proposed recreational mitigation strategy for a site should be illustrated at planning application stage by a Landscape Framework. The best outcomes will be achieved by joint working between all parties involved in bringing a strategic site forward. Piecemeal approaches are unlikely to deliver the most effective and satisfactory forms of development.

A4.2 A combined approach

A4.2.1 A Design and Access Statement (D&AS) should be prepared as part of the submitted planning application. It should include annotated layouts, sketches, elevations and illustrations.

A4.2.2 The D&AS should include a landscape framework, demonstrating how recreational mitigation in the form of ANRG would be achieved in accordance with policy.

A4.2.3 The landscape framework will be a high level landscape strategy that combines the proposals for green spaces; footpath routes; habitat and biodiversity improvements integrally with existing features, landscape settings and the development layout so that the complementary advantages of each would optimise the recreational uses which would otherwise impact upon the New Forest.

A4.2.4 The landscape framework should describe how sustainable drainage, public open space, green infrastructure, play and visual amenity will be addressed.

A4.2.5 The landscape framework should indicate landscape and amenity benefits (some of which may not yet be quantifiable). It should address key matters, and explain how they will be addressed in a co-ordinated and effective way. The landscape framework should include a 1:500 plan clarifying the extent of land intended to be public and the extent of publicly accessible land which is to be calculated as qualifying ANRG. It should be annotated to cover the following issues:

• The existing landform and landscape features of the site - these will influence the design.
• The location and dimensions of proposed green spaces.
• The broad concept for drainage for the major green areas (and any provision for taking surface water from within the development areas).
• The broad treatment types applicable to each area of land and thus the management aspirations for each (for example: woodland; meadow; amenity grass; natural play etc.)
• The network of links and connections (including to the surrounding area) and circular walks and their hierarchy.

A4.2.6 Each of the following matters should be dealt with (details of which may come forward at detailed application stage):

• Good pedestrian connections with existing residential areas.
• Linkages with other existing open spaces, streets, walking routes (and how these will be achieved).
• Provision of attractive walking routes with appropriately surfaced paths.
• Access for dog walking with off-lead areas and facilities to attract dog walkers.
• Boundaries to be secure or defined where needed.
• Optimising opportunities for biodiversity
• Ongoing land management.

A4.2.7 The approximate locations for the following should also be illustrated on the proposed landscape framework in a way that facilitates a legible and attractive landscape.

• Play areas and any formal open spaces, such as playing pitches;
• Qualifying ANRG land
• A three-tiered strategy for planting trees (Forest scale species, medium or small/light canopied garden trees),
• SUDS elements (providing an understanding of scale, based on calculation of appropriate volumes and levels);
• Furniture and features - Seating, litter and dog waste bins.
• Signage and interpretation.
• Any underground encumbrance.

A4.2.8 The landscape framework should demonstrate how the proposed development has reached its full potential in achieving an appropriate character of place and therefore quality of life through good design.

A4.3 Location of ANRG

A4.3.1 The suitability of land for functioning ANRG needs to be considered as  part of a strategic landscape framework. Three main criteria should be used to determine the best location for ANRG on a site.

• ANRG will be most effective where the spaces provided are easily accessible to both new and existing populations. Maximising the number of recreational visits will be the main criterion for decisions regarding location of ANRG.
• Location of ANRG can also help the layout There will often be a need to create soft and green edges to development to successfully integrate it within a rural landscape. Locating recreational mitigation land to assist in the buffering of a rural edge may therefore be considered appropriate.
• Areas where natural habitats can best be retained, perpetuated or enhanced will be part of the location consideration, bearing in mind that ecologically sensitive sites are not usually considered appropriate places for increased human activity.

A4.3.2 Each site will be considered on its individual merits but designated nature conservation sites, including Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) sites, are unlikely to be improved by allowing increased human activity through them and will not normally be considered as suitable for ANRG recreational mitigation land.

A4.3.3 Ecological assets should be retained, protected and enhanced as part of any development proposal in accordance with the Council's policy STR1 and the requirement to achieve 10% biodiversity net gain as part of a planning permission. Examples of ecological assets include ancient woodland, any local nature conservation designations, such as SINC or LNR and any identified (through a Phase 1 Ecological survey) areas, habitats, nesting grounds or locations of rare species which are of particular sensitivity and which would be at risk through allowing dog walking and additional human presence in the area.

A4.3.4 Opportunities to enhance existing habitats as part of a network of greenspace should be embraced through design and sympathetic management.

A4.4 Dimensional criteria for ANRG

A4.4.1 To ensure that recreational mitigation land provides a proper attraction to meet the policy requirements, the following criteria apply:

A4.4.2 The design of the landscape framework is expected to deliver qualities that combine all the required amenities for a residential development, with the combination of areas of public open space (required under Policy CS7 )and recreational mitigation land (ANRG)  attracting visits and use of the greenspaces within the development.

A4.4.3 All recreational mitigation land (ANRG) should exhibit a quality of attractiveness (usually naturalness) for informal recreation, usually walking, with or without a dog. It is expected that the majority of recreational mitigation land spaces should be available for well-behaved dogs to be exercised off-lead and that some areas should be provided specifically for the off-lead training of dogs. The following criteria are parameters for measuring what areas can qualify as meeting the purposes of the recreational mitigation in combination with public open space and other landscape provision.

A4.4.4 The network of spaces must have at least one main space with further secondary spaces, if needed, connected to the main space by generous green corridors. Spaces and corridors that do not meet these criteria are nevertheless valuable but will count as POS and not ANRG provision.

A4.4.5 The following criteria are illustrated in Figures 1-3:

• Main space. For an area to be considered as spacious enough to offer a sense of being in the countryside, at least part of the provision should consist of a space (or extend an existing qualifying green space) of at least 120m across in all directions i.e. a 60m radius can be drawn on it without undue interference from other uses or development. 

Where non-strategic residential development sites of over 50 (but under 100) dwellings  cannot reasonably accommodate an uninterrupted radius of 60m but requires on-site mitigation, the council will accept alternative dimensions for this main space, if it offers a space of equivalent area  (i.e. at least 1.14ha) and maximises the breadth of the space where possible.

• Secondary spaces - The main space(es) should be supplemented by further linked spaces. To be considered appropriate mitigation space, such spaces need to be a minimum of 60m across in all directions i.e. a 30m radius can be drawn without undue interference from other uses or development.

A series of such spaces will be considered as having recreational mitigation land dimensions, provided that they are properly linked to the main space within 60m, and within 500m where the link consists of other such spaces as part of a connected series.

• Links - links that allow such spaces to work cumulatively must be spacious in themselves. They should be an average of 20m wide (minimum 15m at any given point).

If links are provided, they may be considered to meet the purposes of recreational mitigation land where they are within 30m of a main or secondary space (so a maximum of 60m to create a link between two spaces).

• Severance - Secondary spaces cannot be disconnected from the main space. Where a road would cross a link or space, this will be considered to have severed the connection to the larger space unless it can be demonstrated that the road's design allows very easy crossing for people and animals. This can be through a combination of design devices including: 10mph speed restriction; easy access under or over; edge and surface characteristics that allow easy crossing; serving only small numbers of dwellings; designed to minimise visual severance by allowing a green interface/connection to dominate
• Combined open space use - Provided that ANRG spaces meet the dimensional criteria above, additional public open space uses, such as natural play or informal playing fields should be integrated within the design of natural greenspaces on the development.

A4.5  Quality criteria for ANRG

A4.5.1 Once it is established that the land is expansive enough to provide ANRG, the landscape design qualities that make the spaces functional, appropriate, attractive and perceived as safe for all users, all need to be set out. The following criteria also apply:

Routes

A4.5.2 A hierarchy of routes and connections should be illustrated on the Landscape Framework, demonstrating:

• Strategic routes leading to key destinations and residential neighbourhoods (also, where appropriate, to the wider network of PROW.
• Minor leisure routes needed to create a circuit or to connect with other minor spaces or paths:
• Additional circuits and recreation routes that stay within the proposed green spaces.

Planting

A4.5.3 The landscapeframework should show soft landscape types including for instance, but not limited to:

• Spring wildflower meadow
• Summer wildflower meadow
• Amenity grass
• Wetland or boggy ground herbs and bulbs
• Native shrub/woodland edge
• Hedgerows
• Woodland
• Trees and tree groups
• Where existing features are to be retained, some indication of how this is to be accomplished will be needed. For example a label explaining: "Hedgerow cleaned out, laid and gapped up with native species whips" or "Woodland group cleared of deadwood, understorey brought into management and additional trees planted as whips and feathered groups".

A4.5.4 Plant species should generally be native to Britain, in order to optimise biodiversity. However ornamental species of trees, for example, may be required to underpin landscape character and sense of place, offering occasional landmarks or visual connections and legibility. In some instances, use of more robust species as part of meadow planting areas (e.g. bulbs) can offer amenity without detracting from the value of the habitat and can help local communities appreciate the value of such areas. All planting schemes should also ensure there is good natural surveillance to ensure the spaces and routes created are perceived as 'safe' by users.

Furniture and facilities

A4.5.5 The landscape framework should show approximate locations for these. Whilst details may be left until later in the design process, a minimum expectation for these is outlined below as guidance. All furniture and facilities should be appropriate to context, drawing from the local vernacular, and would usually be timber from certified sustainable sources to provide for a lifespan of at least 20 years:

• Combined dog waste and litter bins to be provided at each main entrance to spaces or at road access points from paths. The Council has a preferred supplier of such bins.
• Seats, provided at an average of one, two-person seat for every 50 new resident, placed at reasonable intervals along routes to allow less mobile people to rest.
• Recreational mitigation land should be designed to embrace the opportunities for children to play in an interesting natural environment. The principles for play design including natural play are explained in more detail in the council's 'Design Guidance for Children's Play' document.

Interpretation and Signage

A4.5.6 Each area will require adequate signage to define its purpose and help direct people and manage behaviour. Through good design we nonetheless expect the areas created to be legible, with the use of planting and materials aiding navigation and encouraging the appropriate use of areas and spaces.

A4.5.7 All of the projects will need to be branded by the Green Way logo and tag, displayed on all signage and interpretation.

Green Way Logo (PDF, 23 KB)

A4.5.8 For ANRG spaces and routes, there will need to be a range of way-markers and interpretation for a number of purposes. Provision will be needed for:

• An interpretation board for each space or at the entrances to a combined network of spaces. These will show connected routes as well as explain the purpose of the recreational mitigation land, any expectations regarding behaviour, and indicating any dog management requirements, such as dog off lead areas.
• Gateway markers will be required at main entrances to green spaces and routes.
• Simple way-marker posts along routes that connect up both ANRG spaces and the network of routes so that users can navigate and identify the areas as places to walk their dogs.

Public Open Space expectations

A4.5.9 For the allocated strategic housing sites, the Council has prepared Site Concept Masterplans to accompany the site specific policies. These are illustrative but indicate an approach to the distribution of all open space. Those areas of land which the Council views as needing to remain free from development are marked. Notwithstanding other factors (such a flooding and ecology) that are subject to further survey and assessment, the space is defined as either those spaces which are large enough to qualify as ANRG or other areas where public open space may be of advantage but where dimensions prohibit the space being considered as ANRG.

A4.5.10 Informal public open spaces will be needed to ensure that the character and quality of streets and neighbourhoods is both pleasant and contextually appropriate. They will be needed: to provide enough space to enable large species trees to be planted; to bring play provision close to home; to soften streets and squares with greenery; to provide space for retention of trees; hedges and other habitats or to link recreational mitigation land and formal open spaces.

A4.5.11 1 There is no need for separate distinction between the design submissions for the requirements of ANRG and Public Open Space, but both must be accommodated in accordance with policy (ENV1 and CS7). They both contribute to the Landscape Framework. Designs should be contiguous and appropriate to the recreational needs most appropriate to their location on the site. There is no assumption that ANRG is wild, equally there is no assumption that POS is heavily formalised. Where land that counts as ANRG is close to property, it may need to be more manicured in appearance. Conversely where ANRG can be appropriately managed, it should embrace an enhancement of biodiversity through habitat creation and retention.

A4.5.12 Ultimately it is expected that all of the open space and recreational mitigation land will help create pleasant places to live and enjoy , respect  the landscape character of the area; and provide amenity and enhanced local biodiversity being key aspirations on all such spaces, whatever their primary purpose.

Integrating Sustainable Urban Drainage features (SuDS)

A4.5.13 Recreational mitigation land offers an opportunity for integral drainage design that fulfils the policy requirements for managing surface water from new residential developments. This may be in the form of above ground features such as ditches, swales, water storage areas and ponds.

A4.5.14 Above ground SuDS features should be included in the layout and landscape framework and may be included in public open space provided that they enhance the landscape character, its biodiversity, and thus offer amenity.

A4.5.15 Where SuDS features are proposed, careful attention to detail is required to ensure that they can be adopted and managed without undue negative impacts on the landscape quality. Even when SUDS are to be adopted by other agencies, such features must be designed for enhanced visual amenity and biodiversity.

A4.5.16 Underground water storage features within public open space and recreational mitigation Land are not normally acceptable.

ANRG Diagram 1: A comprehensive green infrastructure (PDF, 360 KB)

ANRG Diagram 2: Relieving the severance of a road (PDF, 283 KB)

ANRG Diagram 3: Extending the network (PDF, 331 KB)

Landscape Framework (PDF, 357 KB)

A4.6 Detailed design considerations for Recreational Mitigation Land: Spaces and Routes

A4.6.1 There are a number of key features that are required as a minimum in the design of recreational mitigation spaces and routes, so that they perform well for their intended purpose and the designed features have adequate longevity. The Council has a set of standard details that are acceptable in planning terms. For the purposes of this document, the broad qualities of these key features are described below:

A hierarchy of new and existing recreational footpath routes

A4.6.2 It is helpful to set out paths as a three-tier hierarchy according to likely use and importance:

• Strategic routes leading through to other major draws should be of sufficient width and durable surface to cater for the level of use. 
• Minor leisure routes will be needed to create a circuit or to connect with other minor spaces or paths.
• Additional circuits and leisure routes that stay within green spaces and take negligible footfall from off site

A4.6.3 These will pick up on likely desire routes and be aligned to create interest and enjoyment through their variety of experience

A4.6.4 Footpaths should be surfaced with a suitable material enabling their use throughout the year, in all weather conditions. They should be even and free from standing water, and be suitably edged to retain the integrity of the construction

A4.6.5 Paths need to be marked on plan accurately enough to ensure delivery. Whilst it is accepted that some disturbance within root protection zones may be inevitable, this should be minimised. The exact line of paths which run within woodlands or through tree groups may therefore require agreement on site. 

Examples of typical paths (PDF, 72 KB)

A4.6.6 Paths over culverted watercourses should not have exposed head walls unless they are designed as features which are sympathetic to the landscape ethos of the open space. It is preferable to bridge watercourses with an appropriate safe crossing.

A4.6.7 Paths which run over wetland should be designed as raised causeways wherever possible (and EA flood capacity requirements allow). If a boardwalk is required either as special feature or for practical purposes, it is expected to have a lifespan of 15 years, including those parts in standing water.

A4.6.8 For reasons of comfort (and for social distancing) Paths should be wide enough or have enough clearance to either side so that people with dogs may pass comfortably or where paths are narrow, frequent passing places. They should be clear from encroaching vegetation and be designed to be safe for the user, with good natural surveillance.

Examples of typical watercourse and floodplain crossings (PDF, 168 KB)

Provide clear route signage and interpretation

A4.6.9 Waymarking: The new recreational walking routes and enhancement of the existing PROW routes should be clearly signposted at access points and along their route. Information on destination and distances should be provided at key points along the routes.

A4.6.10 Information/interpretation boards provided at key locations should give an overview of the local recreational walking route network and information about local features of interest

A4.6.11 All signage and interpretation will carry the Green Way logo and tag to help users identify the 'Green Way Spaces' and 'Green Way Routes' as being accessible and dog friendly places

Examples of interpretation (PDF, 121 KB)

Ensure accessibility

A4.6.12 Where barriers are required along a route, kissing gates or self-closing pedestrian gates are most appropriate.

Examples of typical accessible barriers (PDF, 68 KB)

Provide additional amenities

A4.6.13 Combined waste bins (dog waste and litter) should be installed at entrance and exit points of recreational walking routes, and in locations on Recreational mitigation spaces that are convenient to use and for operatives to empty.

A4.6.14 Seating should be sited at appropriate locations to provide opportunities for rest at convenient intervals as well as opportunities for conversation and to appreciate the natural qualities of place and special views.

Provide dog activity areas or trails

A4.6.15 A main aim of the ANRG provision is to encourage residents to use local walking routes and spaces for walking and dog exercise. Therefore, the recreational mitigation land must provide opportunities for people to experience and enjoy responsibly, the healthy exercise and interaction with their dogs, by provided by dog specific exercise features and worthwhile challenges for dogs of different sizes and abilities.

A4.6.16 Dog activity areas or trails should be designed to give dog owners a sense of being welcome visitors and minimise conflicts through good design that steers and directs activities to appropriate places

A4.6.17 Each area or trail needs:

• plenty of space around each activity
• fencing to prevent dogs running out into danger,
• shady places to rest, with seats for owners
• water for cooling down
• dog waste bins.

Example of dog trail (PDF, 204 KB)

A4.6.18 Further information can be found at Appendix 5: Managing dogs on Recreational Sites

A4.6.19 The Council has guidance on Performance Specifications and Standard Details for open spaces infrastructure elements.

Appendix 5 - Managing dogs on recreational sites

A5.1 Research was undertaken into the demands of dog walkers by joint working of the Natural England, the Kennel Club, and Hampshire County Council. The 2007 project identified a number of key desires from those walking their dogs and are still relevant to the projects this mitigation strategy will deliver.  As further monitoring emerges through both the mitigation projects delivered and ranger service provided by this strategy, this will further refine and influence the design of future projects. Recent changes in dog ownership and any subsequent research undertaken in this may also influence future approaches to management and provision of measures.

A5.2 When choosing a site, the top three requirements for sites were the following:

1. Allowing dogs off lead
2. Away from traffic
3. Close to home

A5.3 The research concludes that this pattern of demand is well established, and that the basic requirements for sites are not liable to change. The majority of owners want responsible behaviour and are therefore open to modifying their behaviour if the approach is right - a planned strategic approach will manage the needs on their terms.

A5.4 Taking a prohibitive "don't" approach has been proved to be ineffective. It is also not necessary to explain in detail why management is needed. The outcomes are far better if the measures are geared around what walkers want for their dogs - "making it easy to do the right thing".

A5.5 Key messages relevant to projects in this mitigation strategy include:

1. Provide good signage
2. Be clear about when and where physical restrictions start and finish
3. Deliver key messages at the right time

A5.6 Initiatives have been tested in a number of locations, and the practical measures which work best are:

• Guides/leaflets (small and neat). Forestry England have examples.  A more up to date approach is to replace these with web-based QRC codes linking to further information
• Signage (colour coded and located at the right places)
• Dedicated off-lead areas (in sensitive sites/areas this would be in a designated area)
• Flat and open walking areas work well; however, woodland can also be popular with dog walkers (and can feel less busy through less inter-visibility)
• Time sensitive measures crucial: implementing measures at right time of year e.g. Feb - Aug, and in right zones (changing extent and type of measures throughout year) - this point is more relevant to visitor management on protected European sites rather than the mitigation projects in this strategy.
• Dog and human trail/dedicated dog gym (FE/Kennel Club design guidance)
• Dog washes - desirable, but may not always be practical to provide
• Dedicated parking for cars with dogs.
• Rangering is crucial for managing and monitoring
• Gates rather than stiles on walking routes
• Placement of waste bins where practicable they are most easily used (rather for where they are most easily collected)

Further information and best practice:

• National dog walking code - http://www.dogwalkingcode.org.uk/
• Hampshire County Council - https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/dogwalking
• Dorset County - www.dorsetdogs.org.uk
• Hampshire/IoW Wildlife Trust - https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/dog-walking-our-nature-reserves
• Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project - https://birdaware.org/solent/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/Dog_walking_market_research_-_Report.pdf

Appendix 6 - Key Council Contacts and Useful Links

Planning Contacts

For general enquiries about this SPD or other planning issues relating to the Local Plan please contact:

Planning Policy Team

Appletree Court

Beaulieu Road

Lyndhurst

SO43 7PA

Tel: 023 8028 5345 

Email: policyandplans@nfdc.gov.uk

For general enquiries relating to the development of a specific site/pre-application enquiries please contact:

Development Management Team

Appletree Court

Beaulieu Road

Lyndhurst

SO43 7PA

Tel: 023 8028 5345 

Email:  Planning@nfdc.gov.uk

Useful Links

Other information relating to the Council's Local Development Framework can be found on the Council's website - www.newforest.gov.uk

Appendix 7 - Glossary

AMR   

Annual Monitoring Report

ANRG

Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace

Appropriate Assessment    

Carried out under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive to ensure activities have no adverse impact on the Natura 2000 sites

CIL     

Community Infrastructure Levy

Competent Authority          

as defined by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010   

Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010  

The European Habitats Directive transposed into UK law

European Site          

Designated as a SPA.SAC or SSSI

European nature conservation site           

Designated as a SPA.SAC or SSSI

Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)         

European Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora

HRA   

Habitats Regulations Assessment

IDP    

Infrastructure Development Plan

IFS

Infrastructure Funding Statement

In perpetuity 

In a planning context 80 years is considered to be 'in perpetuity'

LNR   

Local nature reserve

LPA    

Local Planning Authority

Natura 2000   

SPA's and SAC's together

New Forest European Sites            

Refers to The New Forest SAC; New Forest SPA; and includes The New Forest Ramsar site

NFNPA

New Forest National Park Authority

PROW

Public right of way, including Footpaths, Bridleways, Restricted Byways and Byways Open to All Traffic

Ramsar          

Wetland site of International importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.

SSSI   

Site of Special Scientific Interest- a British conservation designation for either biological or geological interests

SINC  

Site of Interest for Nature Conservation - a local designation relating to habitats and species

SAC   

Special Area of Conservation, relating to the conservation of habitats

SPA   

Special Protection Area, relating to the conservation of wild birds

Southampton Water and Solent Coast European Sites  

refers to the Solent Maritime SAC; Solent and Southampton Water SPA; the Southampton and Isle of Wight Lagoons SAC; and includes the Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site

S106 Agreement      

Multilateral Legal Agreements used in combination with Planning Permission to secure particular aspects of development, such as financial contributions and transfer of land into public ownership

Planning Obligation

A planning obligation is a legal document made under S106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by which a person agrees to provide a planning authority with a sum of money for a planning purpose, or agrees to restrict the use of land in a specified way, or to carry out specific operations or activities.