RECREATION
7.1 The demand for recreation and leisure facilities is likely to increase
during the Plan period. This is partly due to the additional number of
people living in or visiting the area, but mainly due to increased leisure
time and participation in sport and recreation.
7.2 It will be necessary, in order to cater for this demand, that adequate
facilities are available. Equally, it will be important to ensure that
recreational activities are located without detriment to other issues,
for example, the conservation of the environment.
7.3 In this Chapter, the provision of recreation facilities is addressed
as follows:
(i) Sports facilities, mainly for the local population, including open
space;
(ii) recreation in the Countryside;
(iii) water-based recreation.
7.4 Not only will this Plan address the provision of new recreation facilities,
but also the need to retain existing ones. This may not only be on the
basis of their value for recreation, but also, the contribution to the
appearance and character of the area which a sports ground or an area
of public open space can make.
7.5 The aims and objectives of this Plan in respect of
recreation are:
(i) to encourage the adequate provision of facilities for the local
communities;
(ii) to seek to retain recreation facilities, unless there is an overriding
necessity not to do so;
(iii) to support informal recreation facilities in the Countryside,
where there is no overriding conflict with nature conservation, agriculture,
landscape, amenity or highway safety;
(iv) to protect the Countryside and its assets from damage caused by
major recreation facilities, or over use.
SPORTS FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE
OUTDOOR PLAYING SPACE
Standards for Provision
7.6 Applications for new sports facilities or the improvement of existing
facilities will be supported by the District Council unless the development
is likely to raise issues of concern. In particular, the District Council
will consider the likely effect of the proposed development on the surrounding
area and the countryside, access provision, highway safety and residential
amenity. The English Sports Council (and previously the Eastern Council
for Sport and Recreation) and the District Council in its leisure and
tourism strategy identify shortfalls in the existing provision of major
sports facilities, such as indoor sports halls. Proposals which would
reduce any of these identified shortfalls will be particularly supported.
7.7 Proposals for new recreational or leisure uses will need to be subjected
to a sequential test in accordance with Policy AP61.
POLICY AP101
Sports Facilities
The development of new, or the improvement of existing sport and
recreation facilities will normally be supported within the District,
particularly where it accords with the requirements identified by the
Eastern Council for Sport and Recreation and the leisure and tourism
strategy of the District Council. Proposals will be considered in relation
to the character and scale of the settlement, the effect on the surrounding
Countryside, access provision, highway safety and residential amenity.
7.8 Looking at outdoor playing specifically, an established national
standard which can be used to assess the provision of existing recreational
facilities is that formulated by the National Playing Fields Association,
known as the `Six Acre Standard'. This standard proposes a minimum standard
of 2.4 hectares (six acres) of outdoor playing space per 1000 population,
breaking this requirement down further to identify the differing needs
of the population, particularly differentiating between the needs of the
adult population and those of children. The standard recommends an aggregation
of space within the following categories:-
Outdoor Playing Space (Youth and Adult use) |
1.6 - 1.8 |
ha per 1000 population |
Outdoor Playing Space (Children's Playing space) |
0.2 - 0.3 |
ha outdoor equipped playgrounds |
|
0.4 - 0.5 |
ha casual or informal play space within housing
areas |
7.9 This standard has stood the test of time and is widely recognised.
The District Council considers that this 2.4 ha per 1000 population should
be adopted locally to apply to all areas of the District. The District
Council's proposed minimum for outdoor playing space standard comprises:
Playing Pitches and Other Sportsgrounds |
1.7 ha per 1000 population |
Children's Play Space |
0.7 ha per 1000 population |
Existing Provision
7.10 The preparation of "Suffolk's Environment.... towards sustainable
development" in mid 1996 provided an opportunity to undertake a comprehensive
assessment of the existing provision of outdoor playing space throughout
the District. The survey work provides information of hectarage of outdoor
sports provision for each Parish. The results of this survey, together
with a comparison against the 2.4 ha per 1,000 population standard is
given in Supplementary Planning Guidance.
7.11 From this survey and analysis of results it is apparent that significant
parts of the District are under provided in terms of overall outdoor playing
space and that even within those parishes where there appears to be sufficient,
or indeed over provision of facilities, a number are under provided in
certain facilities, particularly equipped childrens' play space.
New Provision
7.12 The economic climate and, in particular, the restraints on local
authority spending does mean that the District Council will find it increasingly
difficult to continue to make good any existing shortfalls of open playing
space provision, and virtually impossible to make good any future shortfalls
that may result from additional developments, even though the provision
of adequate outdoor playing space forms an integral part of the District
Council's overall Health Strategy. New residential development, irrespective
of size, will, therefore, be expected to contribute to the provision of
outdoor playing space which is required as a direct result of meeting
the needs of that development. Once all new developments commence making
provision for open space then levels of provision should keep a pace with
the rates of development and only current shortfalls may need to be made
good.
POLICY AP102
Provision of Outdoor Playing Space
The District Council will seek to ensure that adequate outdoor playing
space is provided to meet the requirements of new development and will
seek to improve provision particularly in those areas where there is
an existing deficit.
Provision for Outdoor Playing Space for New Residential
Development
7.13 In new residential developments the District Council's standard
of 2.4 ha per 1000 population should be applied (comprising 0.7ha of children's
play space and 1.7ha of playing pitches and sports grounds). Wherever
feasible and appropriate, provision of outdoor playing space should continue
to be accommodated where there is scope within the housing development.
Such space should be of an appropriate type to serve the needs of the
development concerned, and well related to the proposed residential properties,
being integral to the design and layout. The detailed requirements for
the provision or improvement of the recreational space and facilities
will vary, depending on the needs of the particular housing development
proposed and the existing provision in the area. Where provided on site,
the facilities should be laid out and equipped in accordance with relevant
standards.
7.14 There will, however, be many instances where the developer is unable
to meet the required standard, in part or fully, through physically providing
and laying out suitable playing space. This may be because the development
is too small or inappropriate to accommodate certain categories of outdoor
playing space and the developer cannot make available other suitable land
off the development site. However, if provision is to be fair and equitable,
and is to keep pace with new housing development, these developments should
make provision where facilities in that locality are lacking or deficient
in size, location or quality, in the same way as, for example, larger
sites.
7.15 In appropriate circumstances the District Council proposes to introduce
a system whereby the developer may meet his responsibilities by allowing
facilities to be provided or improved in a suitable location nearby, by
means of payment in lieu of physical provision. The extent of such payments
will depend on:
(i) the playing space requirements for the development;
(ii) the degree to which these requirements have been met in other
ways, eg part may be able to be accommodated within the development
itself;
(iii) the nature of the development;
(iv) the existing provision in the area.
In essence, the recreational open space requirements need to be assessed
having regard to each individual development proposal to ensure that any
financial contribution is fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind
to the proposed development. Any financial contribution will be used to
provide or improve the appropriate recreational facility within a reasonable
timescale and will be directly attributable to the development and not
intended to cover any additional or unrelated benefit.
POLICY AP103
Provision of Outdoor Playing Space for New Residential Developments
Proposals for new residential development will be expected to provide
or contribute towards outdoor playing space unless this is not required
due to:
(a) the nature of the proposed development;
(b) the existing provision in the area; or
(c) other policies of the Local Plan.
Where such playing space or equipment is required, this should be
in accordance with the District Council's minimum standard of 2.4 ha
per 1000 population, and be well-related to the housing that it is intended
to serve.
7.16 In order to assist the assessment of individual development proposals,
the District Council is preparing an 'Outdoor Playing Space Strategy'
Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) note which will detail the adequacy
of existing recreational space and facilities throughout the District
for each parish and for the wards of Felixstowe and Woodbridge towns.
This will take account of existing recreational land availability, general
accessibility from the main housing areas, and the quality and standard
of childrens' play facilities and sports grounds. The SPG will also suggest
how additional recreational demands created by new housing development
could be met within the parishes and within the towns, taking account
of the anticipated scale and location of new housing development within
the Local Plan period.
7.17 Where provided on site the outdoor playing space may be privately
maintained for the benefits of the residents of the scheme. However, in
many developments, particularly the larger ones, the developer may wish
to dispose of the continuing responsibility and cost of maintaining the
spaces. In such cases the District Council will continue to provide the
mechanisms for developers to:
(i) dedicate the land to the Authority or Town/Parish Council; and
(ii) where such spaces are principally for the benefit of the development
itself rather than to the wider public, make a payment to cover the
cost of its maintenance over an agreed period.
Details are set out in the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning
Guidance
Loss of Playing Pitches and Other Sports Grounds
7.18 Proposals which involve the loss of any existing outdoor playing
space (youth and adult use) whether public, private or a school facility
should be judged against the overall needs of the community, adopted standards
of provision and the availability of facilities elsewhere. Where a proposal
would result in a shortfall in provision or would exacerbate an already
existing shortfall, the loss of a facility would not be allowed without
adequate compensatory provision being made.
7.19 Playingfields and sports grounds which are situated within the towns
and villages also contribute towards the character of an area and create
`pockets' of nature within large expanses of houses. These `green' areas
could also include allotments. The contribution that a facility makes
to the character of an area and its value for local informal recreation
will be taken into account in considering proposals which involve the
loss of outdoor playing space.
POLICY AP104
Loss of Playing Pitches and Other Sports Grounds
Proposals involving the loss of existing playing pitches and grounds
for outdoor sports use will be judged against the overall needs of the
community, adopted standards of provision and the availability of facilities
elsewhere. Planning permission will not be granted to redevelop playing
pitches or grounds for other land use purposes where the loss of the
facility would result in a shortfall in provision or would exacerbate
an already existing shortfall, unless an equivalent facility is provided
in a location agreed with the District Council and secured by a planning
obligation agreement. The contribution which a facility makes to the
character of an area, and its value for local informal recreation, will
be of particular significance.
Dual Use of Outdoor Playing Space
7.20 The importance of dual use of both education facilities and private
clubs and organisations is evident throughout the District through the
1996 survey. However, whilst such facilities may be available as policy,
their availability through practice may be limited due, for example, through
lack of publicity and local knowledge. If such facilities are not so available
in practice significant further deficiencies in many towns and villages
will be the result. The District Council will encourage the dual use of
educational and private sports facilities.
Amenity Open Space
7.21 The requirement to provide amenity open space areas within residential
areas and the need to avoid the loss of existing amenity areas is set
out in Chapter 3. Specific policy guidance is given in Policy AP40.
RECREATIONAL FLOODLIGHTING
7.22 The provision of floodlighting in general is considered in detail
in Chapter 6. Policy AP97 sets out the criteria which need to be met and
the information that the District Council will require in order to determine
planning applications for such proposals. Proposals will also need to
be in accordance with the District Council's Recreational Floodlighting
Supplementary Planning Guidance.
ALLOTMENTS
7.23 A survey of allotments within the District was carried out as part
of the District Audit during 1996. This survey revealed that there are
58 allotment sites within 35 parishes and that there are 80 parishes with
no allotments. The survey also revealed considerable variation in the
level of occupation of allotments within the District. In some areas,
the allotments were fully occupied and had a waiting list for vacant plots,
whilst in other areas, there was a very low level of occupation. It is
not easy to identify the reasons for the level of usage of existing allotments
or to predict whether the present levels of usage will increase or decrease
in the future.
7.24 The District Council accepts that the demand for allotments may
change during the Local Plan period. It is possible, however, that with
the predicted trend towards increasing leisure time, the demand for allotments
may increase in the future, rather than continue to decline. In many instances,
particularly in the towns, the allotments are located within the residential
areas so are conveniently close to those that may wish to cultivate them.
It also means that such allotments are particularly vulnerable to the
threat of being lost to development, particularly residential. Once lost,
however, they cannot be replaced, other than by sites which are less conveniently
located in relation to those residents who may wish to use them. The District
Council will, therefore, seek to protect existing allotments from being
lost to other land uses, unless suitable alternative allotments of equivalent
size are provided or the Secretary of State has given permission for the
disposal of Statutory Allotments. To be suitable, the new allotments would
need to be well located to serve the users of the existing allotments
and to be of an acceptable soil quality.
POLICY AP105
Allotments
The District Council will encourage the provision of new allotments
to meet any demand which might be identified. The District Council will
not support the use of existing allotments for other uses unless suitable
alternative allotments of equivalent size and quality are provided.
The only exceptions to this policy will be where:
(i) there is overwhelming evidence to show that there is
unlikely to be any future demand for the allotments; or
(ii) other suitable allotments already exist and have the
necessary spare capacity, and the District Council is satisfied that
a recreation or community use is not appropriate; or
(iii) the allotments were being made available on a temporary
basis only.
RECREATION IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
GENERAL
7.25 The countryside of the District has to serve the recreational needs
of not only its indigenous population, but also, because of its character
and location, the needs of a wider sub-region, including Ipswich, and
those visiting the area as tourists. All these elements of demand are
likely to increase as the population in the hinterland increases, particularly
arising from the large scale housing development to the east of Ipswich,
as the area becomes more accessible as a result of road improvements,
and as the public generally becomes more interested in leisure activities
and the countryside.
7.26 The areas which are under the greatest pressure for use are the
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Special Landscape Area and the
area close to the urban fringe of Ipswich. Chapter One of this Local Plan
recognises the need to safeguard the character of the Countryside, particularly
those areas defined as being important for their landscape or ecology.
Any provision for countryside recreation, therefore, needs to be undertaken
in a manner which respects this objective.
7.27 Countryside recreation can be divided into two basic categories:
(i) those activities of a largely informal nature, whereby the public
seek access to the Countryside for its natural qualities. Provided visitor
pressures are not excessive, such activities can normally be undertaken
without significant detriment to the Countryside, provided they are
managed in co-operation with the landowners concerned;
(ii) those activities of a more formal nature, which require the provision
of a specific venue or specific facilities and are likely to attract
larger numbers of participants.
7.28 Strategic planning policy has always sought to encourage the enjoyment
of the Countryside at the same time as safeguarding particularly vulnerable
areas from damage. It has sought to differentiate between small scale
recreational uses, and those such as Country Parks, Theme and Wildlife
Parks and Marinas, which it defines as large scale.
7.29 In practice, the division is not that simple; it is not just the
area devoted to an activity, but the level and type of activity which
can have a profound impact on the Countryside. A Local Nature Reserve,
for example, might cover a substantial area, but the public use of it
will be controlled and have a minimal impact on the Countryside. The intensive
use of a much smaller area may, however, have an impact on the Countryside,
on services and on the highway network.
7.30 The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan covers the Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Greenways Project covers the area to
the east of Ipswich (see paragraph 1.51). Both initiatives have countryside
and visitor management objectives, recognising the benefits of tourism
to the area while addressing concerns that certain of the more popular
tourist areas are approaching saturation point. Any policies, therefore,
which promote increased leisure activity should take account of the need
to safeguard the more sensitive sites.
INFORMAL RECREATION
7.31 Small scale recreational facilities, including picnic sites and
small car parks, nature trails or signposted walks, and unobtrusive information
material can often be accommodated in the Countryside without any significant
impact on the area. However, such uses may not be appropriate in areas
already heavily used for recreational purposes. The following policy will
apply to such small scale recreational uses in the Countryside:
POLICY AP106
Informal Recreation Facilities
In the Countryside, outside the Heritage Coast, small scale recreation
facilities will be permitted, provided there is no significant impact
on the character of the locality, road safety, best and most versatile
agricultural land, forestry, landscape, wildlife, or residential amenity.
The cumulative impact of proposals in any area will also be taken into
account.
Within the Heritage Coast, such recreation facilities will not be
permitted other than where specific provision has been made in this
Local Plan or the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan.
7.32 By making more effective use of footpaths and bridleways, informal
pursuits, such as walking and riding generally have a minimal impact on
the countryside and will normally be supported, as can freshwater fishing
where existing access is used in order to prevent trespass. In some of
the more popular areas, however, such informal pursuits can create problems
of over-usage, and at certain key points there is significant pressure
for parking and other facilities, which can have a considerable effect
on the landscape. Active improvements to the rights of way network already
occur through the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan and through
the Greenways Countryside Project (see paragraph 1.51).
POLICY AP107
Footpaths and Bridleways
The District Council will endeavour to safeguard the existing public
footpath and bridleway network and encourage its maintenance. It will
also support the provision, in appropriate locations, of the creation
of additional public, or permissive, rights of way, particularly if
such provision is compatible with the objectives for recreation within
the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
POLICY AP108
Car Parks in the Countryside
Where proposals for increased access to the Countryside involve
the provision of additional car parking or other facilities, they will
be judged against Policy AP106. Where conservation considerations make
it necessary, traffic management measures and the control of car parking
may be employed to limit the level of use by motor vehicles.
FORMAL RECREATION
Scale and Location
7.33 The District is already under recreational pressure, and has a limited
capacity to absorb further recreation development on a large scale, or
likely to serve large numbers of users, which run counter to the aim of
maintaining its beauty and character. This has led to the introduction
of general policies of restraint. The existing pressures and conflicts
in the Heritage Coast will be dealt with in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths
Management Plan. Small scale development only will be acceptable in the
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Landscape Areas and particular
care will be taken in the western part of the Plan Area, close to the
Ipswich fringe.
POLICY AP109
Recreational Development in the Countryside
Proposals for new, or extensions to existing, recreational uses
within the Countryside will only be permitted where:
(i) the proposed use will not have a major impact on landscape,
natural habitat, agriculture or forestry and will not cause disturbance
to other users of the Countryside;
(ii) the proposed site has good access to a road which can accommodate
the level of use proposed and not conflict with existing uses in the
area. In the case of uses intended to serve large numbers of people,
this road shall be part of the Primary Route network;
(iii) the scale and design of the development respects the character
and appearance of the locality and there is no materially detrimental
impact on existing settlements;
New recreational uses will not be permitted in areas vulnerable
to physical and visual impact of increased numbers of visitors and associated
development, particularly within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
and Special Landscape Areas, where those uses intended to serve large
numbers of people will not be permitted in any event. Proposals for
holiday or other accommodation associated with a recreation use will
not normally be permitted in the Countryside, unless by way of the conversion
of existing buildings, in accordance with Policy AP71.
Powered Sports
7.34 Whilst involving relatively few participants, an increasing number
of activities use powered vehicles, and unless they can be very carefully
controlled, are inappropriate in the Countryside by reason of noise, dust,
fumes, pollution, and disturbance to wildlife and rural communities.
7.35 The temporary use of land for 'motor car and motor cycle racing
including trials of speed and practicing for these activities', for not
more than 14 days in any calendar year, is permitted under the provisions
of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order, 1988. Even
this level of use can be extremely damaging, particularly to wildlife,
when it occurs in sensitive locations at inappropriate times.
7.36 Where they are satisfied that a use should not be permitted under
the provisions of the General Development Order but should be the subject
of specific planning approval, the local planning authorities may make
a direction under Article 4 of the Order which, if it is to be made permanent,
requires the approval of the Secretary of State for the Environment.
7.37 Nevertheless, the District Council recognises that activities using
powered vehicles are expanding and interest is growing. Proposals for
the permanent use of land can be regulated through the planning process
and the following policy will apply to the use of land for off-road motor
sports. It is recognised, however, that infrequent or irregular use may
not be able to be controlled.
POLICY AP110
Motor Sports
Proposals to use land in the countryside for off-road motor sports
will not be permitted within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
the Special Landscape Area, or where they would affect Ancient Monuments,
archaeological sites, parks and gardens of recognised historic interest,
Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Nature Reserves, registered commons
or Village Greens, or any other areas identified as having a nature
conservation interest. Elsewhere, proposals will be carefully considered
against the following criteria:
(i) the impact on the landscape, natural habitats, agriculture
and forestry;
(ii) safety and convenience on the public highway;
(iii) disturbance to other users of the countryside; and
(iv) residential amenity.
Water recreation issues are covered in paras 7.47 to 7.52.
Caravans, Tents, Cabins etc
7.38 There has been a considerable increase in recent years in the number
of holiday makers who use touring caravans or tents as holiday accommodation.
The Suffolk Coastal area is a popular destination for tourists because
of its character and features and a number of well-established sites exist
in the Area. Tourists contribute to the local economy. However, this should
not be at the expense of the assets which draw tourists in the first place.
Touring caravans and tents are two related forms of accommodation which
can be intrusive in the landscape, particularly during the winter months
or in open and exposed locations, such as by the sea. New sites will not
be acceptable in the Heritage Coast, as well as exposed and sensitive
parts of the AONB, such as estuaries. They will only be permitted elsewhere
in the AONB or in Special Landscape Areas, including Historic Parklands,
if they meet criteria which would be used to assess proposals in such
locations. The scale would be the major criterion, and only those proposals
on a small-scale would be permitted, along with the adequacy of landscaping.
In respect of extensions to existing sites, these will be resisted in
the Heritage Coast but may be appropriate elsewhere if they facilitated
improvements to the site in the form of layout and landscaping.
7.39 There is a trend towards tourism being an all-year activity. However,
touring caravan and camping sites can be particularly exposed in the winter
months when there is no tree cover, may be liable to flooding, and can
affect adversely sensitive wildlife sites known for seasonal breeding
or winter feeding. It is therefore proposed to introduce a break in use.
This would normally extend to the winter period of November to Easter,
unless local circumstances indicated that a shorter period was acceptable.
The break would in any case be a minimum of six weeks. This would also
prevent the likelihood of permanent residential occupation.
7.40 In recent years there has been an increase in the number of sites
for which Certificates have been issued under the First Schedule, Para
5 of the Caravan and Control of Development Act, 1960 and these are clearly
meeting a particular demand. Each certificated location is restricted
to 5 caravans, used only by members of the issuing organisation, and length
of stay is restricted to not more than 28 days. There need be no planning
involvement in the issuing of certificates. However, where the number
of sites for which Certificates have been issued could have an adverse
impact on local communities, the District Council will attempt to reach
agreement with the issuing organisations but, if necessary, within the
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Landscape Areas, and as
a last resort, will seek the removal of the appropriate permitted development
rights, by making an Article 4 Direction under the Town and Country Planning
General Development Order 1988.
7.41 Although the impact of an individual site can be quite small, the
cumulative effect of a number of sites in close proximity, especially
when they are adjacent to a small village, can be considerable. Some communities
are expressing their concern and feel that some form of planning control
needs to be exercised in such situations.
POLICY AP111
Touring Caravan and Camping Sites:
Proposals for new touring caravans and camping sites, or extensions
to existing ones, will only be acceptable
(a) with good access to a principal road where highway safety
and the free flow of traffic are not compromised;
(b) where services are available; and
(c) where there will be no material adverse impact on agriculture,
forestry, wildlife habitats, landscape, Conservation Areas, Listed
Buildings, archaeological interest including historic parklands and
their settings, or residential amenity.
In respect of (c) above, new sites will not be permitted within
the Heritage Coast, adjoining estuaries or in open and exposed parts
of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or where there would be
a material adverse effect on Special Landscape Areas. Where provision
is made, new sites must be of a small scale with adequate landscaping.
Furthermore, extensions to existing sites will not be permitted
within the Heritage Coast. In the remainder of the Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty and Special Landscape Areas, extensions will only be
permitted where they:
(i) are of a small scale (and in this respect the cumulative effect
of a number of proposals will be taken into consideration); and
(ii) facilitate visual improvements in the form of layout and
landscaping.
Where new sites or extensions are allowed, conditions may be imposed
which require a break in use of at least 6 weeks depending upon local
circumstances. Such circumstances would include the location, the exposed
nature in winter, or the need to protect adjacent wildlife sites.
7.42 In the case of sites for static holiday caravans, cabins and chalets,
the District Council will seek to ensure that these are used as holiday
accommodation only, and not for permanent residential occupation. In granting
a planning permission, the Council will consider imposing conditions restricting
the use to holiday accommodation only, and for no other purpose, including
those within Class C3 of the Use Classes Order, 1987.
7.43 Although careful siting and screening can reduce the impact of static
caravans, chalets or cabins, they inevitably detract from the landscape
and the establishment of new sites will not be permitted in the sensitive
areas, particularly the AONB and the Special Landscape Areas.
POLICY AP112
Sites for Static Holiday Caravans, Cabins and Chalets
Proposals for new sites for static caravans, cabins and chalets,
and for the extension to, and intensification of use (by infilling)
of, existing sites will be permitted only where they comply with the
following criteria:
(a) They shall not materially harm:
• the character and appearance of the surrounding
area or the landscape;
• the living conditions of nearby residents;
• botanical or wildlife habitats; and
• sites of archaeological interest.
(b) They shall not entail the use of the best or most versatile
agricultural or forestry land.
(c) They shall have good access to a principal road and
to essential services, and shall not compromise highway safety or
the free flow of traffic.
(d) They shall be used as holiday accommodation only, and
not for permanent residential occupation.
New sites will not be permitted in the Heritage Coast or adjoining
the estuaries of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. Elsewhere in the
AONB, new sites should be small in size, not exceeding 12 units of accommodation
(including any extensions to existing sites). The cumulative impact
of a number of small sites will be a material consideration.
Footnote: 'Living Conditions' relate to such
matters as noise, vibration, dust and highway safety.
HORSES
7.44 The riding of horses for recreational purposes, or as part of commercially-based
equestrian activities, is increasingly popular in many parts of the Countryside,
including parts of the Plan Area which are in close proximity to the large
urban area of Ipswich. High standards of design of buildings and use of
land are necessary to ensure that such activities do not have an adverse
effect on the Countryside, and that the horses are well housed and cared
for.
POLICY AP113
Horses and Equestrian Activities
Proposals for development in the Countryside involving horses, including
stables, fences, jumps, and other equipment, will be refused where there
is a detrimental impact on the appearance of the Countryside or the
safety and free flow of traffic. When considering planning applications,
the District Council will bear in mind recommended standards for the
safety and comfort of horses, as well as other material planning considerations.
New dwellings will not be permitted.
GOLF
7.45 Golf has become a fashionable sport contributing to the local economy,
but golf courses and driving ranges, if not properly conceived, designed
and managed, can damage the environment, particularly the landscape and
wildlife habitats. A major concern would be the impact of large-scale
development, such as hotels and conference centres, which would not normally
be allowed in the Countryside, but which it is argued are needed to make
a facility viable.
7.46 Existing natural features which contribute to the landscape, such
as trees and hedgerows, must be retained and/or enhanced wherever possible,
and planning applications will normally be expected to be accompanied
by a detailed site survey. The management of existing and newly created
habitats should be considered.
POLICY AP114
Golf Courses, Driving Ranges and Other Facilities
Golf courses, driving ranges and associated facilities can have
a significant impact on the character and appearance of the countryside,
particularly in areas valued for their landscape or nature conservation
importance. Consequently, they will not be permitted in the Heritage
Coast and areas of special nature conservation importance.
They will also not be permitted in the remainder of the AONB and
Special Landscape Areas where they would have materially adverse effect
on the landscape.
In all cases the following criteria will apply:
i) courses must be laid out and landscaped
to achieve good visual integration into the countryside;
ii) adequate attention must be paid to nature conservation interests,
parks and gardens of special historic interest, and features of archaeological
interest;
iii) existing natural features, including hedgerows, must be retained
and/or enhanced wherever possible, and planning applications will
be expected to be accompanied by a detailed site survey;
iv) clubhouses and car parks must be to a high standard of design,
with particular regard being paid to the use of local or traditional
materials. Adequate screening will be essential;
v) ready access must be available to
the primary highway network without reliance on minor roads, or where
there is a danger to highway safety;
vi) the need for, and intrusive extent of, any floodlighting;
vii) whether the proposal would involve the loss of the best and
most versatile agricultural land.
Proposals for additional facilities, such as hotels, conference
centres, leisure activities, etc will be considered on their individual
merits against other policies of the Local Plan.
WATER RECREATION
7.47 The coastline and the estuaries within the Plan Area have traditionally
been used for a number of water-based activities, but to some extent,
use has been limited by their relative inaccessibility and the fact that
they are shallow, with large areas of inter-tidal mud. It is this aspect
of the estuaries which makes them ecologically very important, and any
significant increased leisure use would be damaging to both landscape
and wildlife.
7.48 The whole of the coastline and the Estuaries are extremely sensitive
areas in landscape and nature conservation terms. New developments providing
facilities for sailing and water recreation, eg marinas, yacht harbours,
or launching facilities, would be extremely damaging to the landscape
and the ecology.
7.49 The large numbers of moorings on the estuaries is also of concern,
particularly on the Orwell, where they impinge on river safety, and on
the Deben, Ore and Alde, where there is a threat to the ecology. The District
Council would support initiatives to rationalise and manage the location
and number of moorings on the estuaries in the District.
POLICY AP115
Marinas and other Development
The development of new yacht harbours and marinas, or the extension
of existing ones, will not be permitted other than where specific provision
has been made in this Local Plan. The establishment of new launching
and storage facilities for boats will not be permitted outside the physical
limits of settlements, as defined on the Proposals Map.
Proposals for the improvement or renewal of facilities provided
within existing yacht harbours and marinas will need to be considered
on their individual merits against other policies of the Local Plan.
7.50 A recent trend in the use of the coast and estuaries is the innovative
forms of powered leisure craft. These craft, such as jet skis, hovercraft
and powered discs, are noisy, and can be launched from locations where
conventional craft cannot. Such uncontrolled use of the coast and estuaries
can have an extremely damaging effect on the environment and, in particular,
wildlife habitats.
7.51 The occasional use of such craft cannot be regulated through the
planning process and any control which does occur is likely to be through
persuasion, encouragement and pursuing all possible solutions in consultation
with all interested individuals and organisations. Alternatively, it may
be necessary to introduce local byelaws if legally possible. This could
be combined with the identification of suitable sites and areas, again
following consultation, and having regard to beach users and the beach
amenity, wildlife, residential amenity and commercial shipping.
7.52 More permanent use of various stretches of water is, however, likely
to require the introduction of land-based support facilities, such as
toilets, car parks, etc.
POLICY AP116
Land-based Water-related Facilities
New land-based facilities to support the recreational use of the
coast and rivers will only be permitted where they replace facilities
in unsatisfactory locations, or significantly lessen existing conflicts.
In assessing all proposals for such facilities, important considerations
will be the potential impact on water safety and amenity, particularly
in respect of noise such as that generated by powered water craft. Facilities
likely to lead to any increased use of the estuaries which would be
damaging to the landscape or the ecology of the area, will not be permitted.
