Economy

ECONOMY

INTRODUCTION

3.1 As this is a Review of an existing award-winning Local Plan, policies have only been changed where there are strong reasons to do so. These reasons include:

„ Changes to national policy and legislation which might impact the previous findings of the Planning Inspector that these policies were ‘sound’ (i.e passed all the legal and policy tests at the last Local Plan examination in 2018);

„ Changes to the National Park Authority’s own priorities and objectives;

„ New issues that have arisen since the last Local Plan was adopted (such as nutrient and water neutrality and the growth of viticulture); and

„ Difficulties encountered in implementing the adopted policies which could be resolved by clarifying wording.

3.2 Where possible policy numbers have been kept the same as in the existing Local Plan to make it easier for people to see what we are proposing to change, however we have regrouped some of these policies so that those most closely related are easier to find. This means that the policy numbers are not always in order. We are not including supporting text at this time but will be adding some back in at the next stage where necessary to explain how to apply policies or to signpost other relevant policies. Proposed policy wording is preceded by a table as below.

Policy Reference and Title

Change Category: No change/minor changes/substantial changes/full review/new policy

Key issues:

Supporting text:

Only included if there is any that needs to be flagged at this stage.

Future considerations:

Consultation questions:

POLICY TEXT:

Tracked changes compared to the adopted Local Plan (deleted text crossed through, new text underlined).

Policy SD34: Sustaining the Local Economy

Change Category: No Changes

Key issues:

„ Feedback is the policy is broadly working and no changes proposed.

Future considerations:

„ None currently

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD34? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

STRATEGIC POLICY SD34: SUSTAINING THE LOCAL ECONOMY

1. Development proposals that foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park will be permitted provided that they meet one or more of the following:

a) Promote and protect businesses linked to the National Park’s key sectors of farming, forestry and tourism;

b) Promote and protect green businesses linked to ecosystem services;

c) Suppor t rural supply chains across the National Park and its environs and encourage closer ties between rural businesses;

d) Provide for and support small and micro businesses through the provision of small, flexible, start-up and move-on business units including incubator uses;

e) Provide flexibility for established businesses to secure future resilience and protect local jobs;

f) Intensif y the commercial use of an employment site and make a more efficient use of brownfield land; and Promote smart economic growth and advances in information and communications technologies, particularly superfast broadband.

Policy SD35: Employment Land

Change

Category:

Key issues:

Substantial changes

„ Updating the employment need figures in criterion 1 for the plan period 2021/22 to 2041/42

„ Encouraging an appropriate level of change of use from other employment use classes to Office [E(g)(i)] during the plan period 2021/22 to 2041/42.

Existing commitments show an undersupply of Office floorspace with an oversupply of non-Office employment provision compared to the need identified in the Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA).

However, there is a significant existing commitment in Mixed Office/Industrial floorspace. These mixed-use employment schemes will also contribute towards the shortfall of Office provision identified in the HEDNA. Therefore, the need for changes of use from non-Office employment is tempered by the Mixed Office/ Industrial commitment.

The total amount of committed employment floorspace, i.e. supply, is marginally less than the need figure for all types identified in the HEDNA.

Supporting Text:

„ Update employment land supply table

„ Amend text to explain the emphasis on Office floorspace and the overall supply position compared to the need identified in the HEDNA.

Future considerations:

„ None currently.

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD35? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

STRATEGIC POLICY SD35: EMPLOYMENT LAND

1. The SDNPA will make overall provision for the following amounts of new employment land between 2014 2022 and 2033 2042:

„ Office (B1a/b) [E(g)(i)]: approximately 5.3 5.9 hectares

„ Industrial (B1c/B2) [E(g)(ii), E(g)(iii), B2, small-scale warehousing B8]: 1.8 13.2 hectares

„ Small scale warehousing (B8): 3.2 hectares

2. Development proposals for the change of use of redundant B2 premises and land to accommodate the need for new offices and/or warehousing will be permitted provided that there would not be a potentially adverse impact on the landscape and other special qualities of the National Park including by reason of traffic, noise or pollution.

3. The Authority will safeguard all existing employment sites and allocations that are fit for purpose from development proposals for non-employment uses. Change of use applications that would result in a loss of employment land will only be permitted provided that evidence of a robust marketing campaign of at least 12 months clearly demonstrates that there is no market demand for the business premises.

4. The principal and local employment sites are shown on the Policies Map, to which further protection applies as follows:

a) On principal employment sites: B Class employment uses will be safeguarded from development proposals for Non-B Class Uses and evidence of a robust marketing campaign of at least 18 months will be required.

b) On local employment sites: commercial uses will be safeguarded from development proposals for non-commercial uses and evidence of a robust marketing campaign of at least 18 months will be required.

Details of marketing requirements are set out in Appendix 3.

Policy SD39: Agriculture and Forestry

Change Category: No changes

Key issues:

„ Feedback broadly happy with policy with no change needed.

Supporting Text:

„ Update and expand to include Historic England South East Farmsteads Character Statement (October 2014) and Historic England Farmstead and Landscape Statement South Downs National Character Area 125 (February 2020)

Future considerations:

„ None currently

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD39? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY SD39: AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

1. Development proposals for new buildings or structures for the purposes of agriculture or forestry will be permitted where:

a) There is an agricultural or forestry need for the development within the National Park and its scale is commensurate with that need;

b) The development occupies the site best suited to conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park. Wherever possible, development should re-use or be on the footprint of an existing agricultural building, otherwise it should be related physically and functionally to existing buildings associated with the enterprise, unless there are exceptional circumstances relating to agricultural or forestry necessity for a more isolated location;

c) The buildings are in keeping with local character and of a design that reflects the proposed agricultural or forestry use;

d) The proposals include structure planting to integrate the development into the existing local landscape framework;

e) A building has not been disposed of or converted to an alternative use at the holding in the past three years, which could have met the need of the development proposed; and

f) Existing redundant buildings within the application site which have a negative impact on landscape character are removed where appropriate.

2. Development proposals for new or improved access tracks for forestry or agriculture will be permitted where:

a) The proposal is essential for the sustainable management of the land;

b) It has been demonstrated that it is not feasible to accommodate the proposed traffic using existing accesses;

c) The layout and design conserves and enhances local landscape character and the special qualities; and

d) Where appropriate, the track is opened as a path for permissive public usage.

Policy SD40: Farm and Forestry Diversification

Change Category: No changes

Key issues:

„ Feedback is broadly happy with policy no change needed.

Supporting Text:

„ Update and expand to include Historic England South East Farmsteads Character Statement (October 2014) and Historic England Farmstead and Landscape Statement South Downs National Character Area 125 (February 2020)

Future considerations:

„ None currently

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD40? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

„ Does this policy facilitate farm diversification sufficiently to address changes to the economics of agriculture?

„ Does this policy (in combination with others including SD5) adequately protect communities from the impacts of farm diversification schemes, including from incremental changes?

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY SD40: FARM AND FORESTRY DIVERSIFICATION

1. Development proposals relating to farm and forestry diversification will be permitted where:

a) A diversification plan is submitted, which demonstrates that:

i. The proposed development(s) would contribute to the first purpose of the National Park by providing long-term benefit to the farming or forestry business as an agricultural/forestry operation;

ii. Diversification activities remain subsidiary to the agricultural or forestry operation, in terms of physical scale and environmental impact; and

iii. The proposed development does not cause severance or disruption to the agricultural holding. and

b) The development re-uses or replaces existing buildings where feasible. Where this is not feasible, the development should be related physically and functionally to existing buildings, be of an appropriate scale, and retain agricultural character; and

c) Any outdoor storage is provided as a minor ancillary element of other uses.

Policy SD41: Conversion of Redundant Agricultural or Forestry Buildings

Change Category: Minor changes

Key issues:

„ Feedback is broadly happy with policy and little or no change needed.

„ Insertion of “rural worker” in 1.g) to reflect change to policy SD32 New Rural Workers’ dwellings

Supporting text:

„ Reference SD9 and wildlife potential, e.g. bat species, and previous cases where presence of this protected species prevented development; signpost to heritage policies; remove paragraph at end on Heritage assets

Future considerations:

„ None currently

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD41? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY SD41: CONVERSION OF REDUNDANT AGRICULTURAL OR FORESTRY BUILDINGS

1. The conversion of redundant agricultural or forestry buildings outside of defined settlement boundaries to an alternative use will be permitted where:

a) The location is sufficiently well related to existing infrastructure, amenities and services;

b) The existing vehicular access is suitable in landscape terms for the use proposed;

c) The original building is worthy of conversion with regard to its current character, scale and condition, without the need for substantial reconstruction, significant extensions or ancillary buildings;

d) Conversion will not result in the need for another agricultural or forestry building on the holding;

e) If the building proposed for conversion is not a traditional one, there are no redundant traditional buildings within the holding capable of being re-used in the first instance;

f) There is no adverse impact on the character of the building and its setting, in particular its agricultural/forestry character, and

g) The building is converted to the most appropriate viable use according to the following cascade:

i. Firstly, housing for essential agricultural or forestry rural workers, or succession housing for former agricultural or forestry rural workers

ii. Farm/forestry diversification for employment use

iii. Af fordable housing

iv. Farm/forestry diversification for visitor accommodation or facilities

v. Open market housing

2. The conversion of redundant agricultural or forestry buildings outside of defined settlement boundaries identified as heritage assets will be permitted where:

a) Part 1 of this policy is complied with;

b) The optimal viable use is proposed to conserve and enhance the architectural and historic significance and setting of the heritage asset;

c) Essential utilities and other functional requirements do not harm significant internal or external fabric; and

d) Existing historic fabric and features of architectural or historic significance are retained and respected.

Policy NEW8 Viticulture, Winemaking and Wine

Tourism

Change Category: New Policy

Key issues:

„ A Visit Britain Survey 2022 found that 42% of over-seas visitors expressed a “high interest” in visiting vineyards, equating to a potential pool of 16 million visitors.

„ The South Downs & Rural West Sussex Partnership Viticulture Economic Profile 2023 explains that the south-east is the focal point of the UK wine industry.

„ The South Downs & Rural West Sussex Partnership Viticulture Sector Business Insight Report 2023 identified the area’s scenic nature as an asset to the industry. Respondents were negative about planning policy for their businesses and viability.

„ The Sussex Wine Tourism Growth Plan 2023 states that Sussex is at the forefront of the industry and ready for significant tourism growth. It has a vision to expand wine tourism, provide high-quality experiences, and support low carbon transition.

„ The Wine GB Annual Industry Survey found 60% of respondents would be investing in wine tourism in the next year with 20%+ visitor growth expected in the next 5 years.

„ The South Downs Farmer’s Guide to Agricultural Permitted Development Rights (June 2019) provides detailed information about permitted development for farming.

„ The South Downs Viticulture Technical Advice Note (TAN) 2021 explains how to deliver multiple benefits, through planning, from viticulture related development.

Supporting Text:

„ Clarification of “appropriate”, “compatible”, “proportionate” and “reasonable”.

„ Reference to South Downs Farmer’s Guide to Agricultural Permitted Development Rights, South Downs Viticulture Technical Advice Note, and Wine GB’s Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB).

Future Considerations:

„ The South Downs Viticulture Technical Advice Note may need to be updated.

„ The Sussex Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and its industry-led business plan will be launched in Autumn 2024 after the Regulation 18 document is finalised.

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy NEW8? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/ disagree/strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

„ What aspects of viticulture, winemaking, and wine tourism should this new policy address, consider and/or cover?

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY NEW8: VITICULTURE, WINEMAKING AND WINE TOURISM

1. Development proposals for new, extended and/or improved viticulture operations, winemaking facilities, wine tourism facilities, and associated infrastructure will be permitted where it is demonstrated that:

a) A site selection process has considered all reasonable options, and the most suitable location has been selected in terms of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;

b) The density, intensity, and scale of development is appropriate, compatible, and proportionate to the landscape character and special qualities of the National Park;

c) The proposal makes best use, and/or is informed by the footprint, of existing farmsteads, buildings, and structures. If no suitable buildings or structures are available, then new buildings and structures must:

i. Be demonstrated to be necessary; and

ii. Be related physically and functionally to existing buildings associated with the enterprise; and

iii. Be informed by a contextual analysis and landscape appraisal to ensure it is sensitive to the appearance, character, and setting of the area; and

iv. Include structural planting to integrate into the existing local landscape framework.

d) The proposal utilises existing access tracks. If new or improved access tracks are proposed, then these must be demonstrated to be essential for the sustainable management of land or necessary to accommodate proposed traffic. These should be understated, designed and laid out in a way which conserves and enhances local landscape character;

e) The proposal demonstrates a site-wide approach to energy and water efficiencies, including the incorporation and appropriate siting of renewable energy measures and water conservation measures (including reuse and onsite collection), using best practice industry standards and third-party accreditation as appropriate;

f) The proposal demonstrates a site-wide approach to conservation-based land management and shows how sustainable, regenerative and organic practices have been incorporated to contribute to nature recovery and reduce or improve potential environmental impacts;

g) The proposal provides attractive, publicly accessible and non-motorised user routes through the site that are suitable for walking/wheeling, cycling and/or horse riding, and which connect to the nearest convenient point on the non-motorised user route network; and

h) The proposal avoids removing or eroding historic field boundaries and, where possible, minimises field subdivisions and fencing.

2. In addition to Policy SD23 (Regenerative Tourism) and Criterion 1 above, development proposals for new, extended and/or improved wine tourism facilities (including commercial venues, dining, events, retail, tasting rooms, tours, and overnight accommodation) will be permitted provided that:

a) For proposals with a retail element, the scale and scope would not harm the retail offer in the immediate area. Such proposals should aim to sell at least 40% of goods on offer are their own produce or local (i.e., within 30 miles), and a further 40% are regional (i.e., Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent); and

b) They avoid harmful impact upon residential amenity.

Policy SD36: Town and Village Centres

Change Category: No changes

Key issues:

„ None, hierarchy remains the same.

Future considerations:

„ None identified.

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD36? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above.

STRATEGIC POLICY SD36: TOWN AND VILLAGE CENTRES

1. Development proposals for town centre development will be permitted where they promote or protect the following hierarchy of identified centres as defined on the Policies Map:

a) Market Town Centres: Petersfield, Midhurst, Petworth and Lewes

b) Larger Village Centre: Liss

c) Smaller Village Centres: Alfriston, Ditchling, Fernhurst and Findon

Policy SD37: Development in Town and Village Centres

Change Category: Minor changes

Key issues:

„ Criteria 2 – expand to also state that development proposals that would ‘lead to the loss of units’ will not be permitted? Raised due to an appeal in Midhurst – supporting retail space above a shop proposed to be converted to residential accommodation and involved the need to use a significant part of the shop floorpsace for a new staircase and access to the floor above, making the shop floorspace so small that officers felt it was highly likely to become unviable as retail space. Inspector upheld appeal as the policy states ‘loss of’ and this was interpreted to be direct loss and not consequential loss.

„ Need to amend due to Class E replacing Class A and including other uses.

„ Need to keep primary and secondary frontages as some neighbourhood plans have defined them.

„ There are now permitted development rights which allow for conversion of upper floors to up to 2 flats (Classes G & H).

Future considerations:

„ National Development Management Policies

„ Retail Study

Supporting text:

„ Include definition of Class E

„ Include definition of ‘Main town centre uses’ as per NPPF Glossary.

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD37? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY SD37: DEVELOPMENT IN TOWN AND VILLAGE CENTRES

1. Within the town and larger village centres as shown on the Policies Map, development proposals for main town centre uses, in particular those that promote or protect local markets and retailers linked to supply chains across the National Park will be permitted providing they do not harm the retail function of the centre, and are compatible with its scale and historic nature. Enhancements to the public realm and greater use of these areas for community activities and seating will be supported in principle.

2. Within the defined primary shopping frontages as shown on the Policies Map, proposals that result in the loss of ground floor units in Use Class A E will not be permitted unless it is for a main town centre use and for a temporary period not exceeding two years.

3. Planning permission will be granted for retail Class E uses and for non-retail other main town centre uses within the secondary shopping frontage as shown on the Policies Map.

4. Development that supports the evening economy within the defined town and larger village centre, particularly for visitors/tourists, will be permitted provided the use would not result in adverse impacts on the amenity of residents and businesses.

5. Within the smaller village centres, development proposals for retail purposes will be permitted where they are compatible with its historic nature and of a scale appropriate to the community they sit within. Such development should be well related to any existing shops and services within the village unless it can be demonstrated that this is not feasible or practicable.

6. The loss of ground floor units in Use Class A E that are fit for purpose will not be permitted within smaller village centres unless evidence of a marketing campaign of at least 24 months demonstrates that there is no market demand for the premises, and that its continued use for retail Class E purposes is not viable. Details of marketing requirements are set out in Appendix 3.

Policy SD38: Shops Outside Centres

Change Category: Minor changes

Key issues:

„ Need to amend due to Class E replacing Class A and including other uses.

„ There are now permitted development rights which allow for conversion of upper floors to up to 2 flats (Classes G & H).

Future considerations:

„ Consider how Retail Impact Assessments apply if the proposal is for a non-retail use within Class E.

Supporting text:

„ Include definition of Class E.

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD38? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY SD38: SHOPS OUTSIDE CENTRES

1. Development proposals for small convenience stores will be permitted where they:

a) Have a net sales area less than 150m2; and

b) Are to meet the everyday shopping needs of the local community.

2. The loss of ground floor units in Use Class A E that are fit for purpose will not be permitted unless evidence of a marketing campaign for at least 18 months demonstrates that there is no market demand for the premises, and that its continued use for retail Class E purposes is not viable. Details of marketing requirements are set out in Appendix 3.

3. Development proposals for new farm shops or extensions to existing farm shops will be permitted provided that:

a) The scale and scope would not harm the retail offer in the immediate area. Such shops should aim to sell:

i. At least 40 per cent of goods that are own produce plus local foods; ii. 40 per cent of goods that are regional; and iii. 20 per cent are from elsewhere.

b) The proposal has re-used or replaced existing buildings, unless it is demonstrated that this is not feasible.

c) The use of new farm shops will normally be restricted to Class E(a) retail with ancillary E(b) food and drink, with no other uses under Class E permitted.

4. Development proposals for new garden centres, or extensions to existing garden centres, will be permitted where:

a) It is demonstrated that the primary use of the centre is, and will remain, the sale of plants and horticultural products;

b) The scale of operations is appropriate to the location;

c) It is demonstrated that the use proposed is directly related to the supply chain of local horticultural businesses; and

d) The proposal has re-used or replaced existing buildings, unless it is demonstrated that this is not feasible, in which case it should be related physically and functionally to existing buildings associated with the business.

e) The use of new garden centres will normally be restricted to Class E(a) retail with ancillary E(b) food and drink, with no other uses under Class E permitted.

5. A retail impact assessment will be required for retail Class E development outside of the defined Market Town and Larger Village Centre boundaries but within the settlement policy boundaries, where the proposal exceeds the following thresholds for retail floorspace:

a) Market Town: 750 m2

b) Larger Village: 500 m2

6. A retail impact assessment will be required for retail Class E development outside of Market Town and Larger Village settlement policy boundaries where the proposal exceeds 150m2.

7. All retail development outside centres should consider and take opportunities to increase people’s awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park.

Policy SD52: Shop Fronts

Change Category: No changes

Key issues:

„ None

Furture considerations:

„ National Development Management Policies

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD52? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY SD52: SHOP FRONTS

1. Development proposals for new, or changes to, existing shop fronts will be permitted where they:

a) Relate well to the building in which they are situated, giving regard to upper floors, in terms of scale, proportion, vertical alignment, architectural style and materials;

b) Retain and restore where possible significant historic features of any original shop front;

c) Are based upon a traditional approach to shop front design;

d) Take account of good architectural features of neighbouring shop fronts so that the development will fit in well with the street scene particularly if located within a conservation area or on a listed building; and

e) Use materials which respect the street scene.

2. If a single shop front is to be created by joining two or more units, it should reflect and show the original divisions that existed, particularly in the case of historic properties.

3. There will be a presumption against internally illuminated signage/logos as well as solid shutters or any other feature which obscures window displays, unless this is a traditional feature of a historic premises.

4. External lighting is only normally appropriate for businesses operating in the evening. If it can not be avoided, it should be kept to a minimum, be discreetly positioned and incorporated into the design.

Policy SD53: Adverts

Change Category: No changes

Key issues:

„ None

Future considerations:

„ National Development Management Policies

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD53? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY SD53: ADVERTISEMENTS

1. Advertisement consent will be granted where:

a) The location, size, scale, proportions, design and materials of the advert respects the character and appearance of the host building (including any historic significance), site and area;

b) The number of adverts is kept to a minimum to ensure that there is no harmful cumulative impact on the host building and/or the amenity of the area; and

c) There is no harmful impact to public safety.

2. There will be a presumption against internally illuminated advertisements.

3. Externally lit advertisements are normally only appropriate for businesses operating in the evening. If it cannot be avoided, they should be kept to a minimum, be discreetly positioned and incorporated into the design of the building.

Policy SD23: Sustainable Tourism

Change

Category:

Key issues:

Full Review

„ The South Downs Economic Profile 2018 (Updated 2020) explains that the visitor economy is one of four priority sectors in the National Park’s largely rural economy.

„ The South Downs Partnership Management Plan 2020-25 includes Outcomes 5 & 10.

„ The South Downs Business Survey 2023 found out from 300 businesses that:

Occupancy rates are very seasonal (dropping in winter).

Planning is not flexible enough and is too slow, complicated and expensive.

Over 25% of respondents feel that planning is a barrier to their business.

Tourism policies should consider sustainable transport, materials, energy costs, flooding, and water courses.

The Authority currently promotes sustainable tourism (minimise negative impacts) However, UK National Parks are now going a step further through the adoption of ‘Regenerative Tourism’ (net positive benefits): www.nationalparks. uk/2024/08/20/uk-national-parks-set-out-new-vision-forregenerative-tourism/

Supporting Text:

„ Clarification over “sustainable” vs “regenerative” tourism.

„ Explain how regenerative tourism can contribute to corporate objectives, especially in relation to education and enjoyment of experiential qualities and the circular economy.

„ Link to guidance about prefabricated lodges, camping and glamping.

Future Considerations:

„ The Camping & Glamping Technical Advice Note will need to be updated.

„ Identification of and guidance about hotspots and honeypots.

„ The current evidence base – i.e., the South Downs Visitor and Tourism Economic Impact Study 2013, Visitor Accommodation Review 2014, and Tourism Strategy 2015 – is over ten years old and new evidence is needed.

„ Additional evidence to include mapping of existing accommodation, attractions, events, facilities and hotspots/honeypots. (‘Honeypots’ are areas considered to attract tourists, whilst ‘hotspots’ are areas considered to be under pressure from tourists and related activities).

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD23? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

„ Does the policy strike the right balance between furthering the purposes of the National Park and supporting the local economy?

STRATEGIC POLICY SD23: SUSTAINABLE REGENERATIVE TOURISM

1. Development proposals for visitor accommodation, visitor attractions and recreation facilities will be permitted where it is demonstrated that:

a) The proposals will positively contribute to, and provide opportunities for visitors to increase their awareness, understanding and enjoyment of, the natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage and special qualities of the National Park;

b) The design and location of the proposal development minimises is accessible, closely associated with the network of non-motorised user routes, the need for travel by private car and encourages access and/or subsequent travel to, and within, the National Park by sustainable means, including public transport, walking/wheeling, cycling and/or horse riding;

c) Development The proposals will not detract from the experience of visitors or adversely affect the character, historical significance, appearance or amenity of the area;

d) Development The proposals makes best use of existing buildings and structures. If no suitable existing buildings or structures are available, then the design of any new buildings or structures are should be demonstrated to be necessary, related physically and functionally to existing buildings or structures associated with the enterprise, and sensitive to the appearance, character and setting of the local landscape;

e) Ancillary facilities, if demonstrated to be necessary, are not disproportionately large in their design, scale, and use in relation to the rest of the visitor accommodation, visitor attraction facilities and/or recreation facility;

f) Any The proposal complements and supports, and does not detract from, does not have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of town or village centres, and local facilities or assets of community value; and

g) Where The proposals is are located outside inside the settlement policy boundary, as defined on the Policies Map, unless it meets the exception criterion set out in Policy SD25. If the exception criteria is met, then the proposal will need to be informed by a contextual analysis and landscape appraisal to ensure it is proportionate and sensitive to the appearance, character, and setting of the local landscape and they:

i. Positively contribute to the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park; and

ii. Are It is closely associated with other an identified visitor attractions/ or an established tourism uses, including the public rights of way network; or

iii. Are It is part of a farm diversification schemes; or

iv. It is par t of an endorsed Whole Estate Plans.

2. Development proposals that would result in the whole or partial loss of existing visitor accommodation, visitor attractions and/or recreation facilities will not be permitted unless:

a) Evidence is provided that the current use is financially unviable and a robust marketing campaign of at least 12 months has been carried out that clearly

demonstrates there is no market demand for the existing use or an equivalent tourism use; or

b) The current existing use or related development harms the special qualities of the National Park.

3. The Authority will support a year-round visitor economy, while ensuring the facility remains for visitor use only and other appropriate economic uses.

4. Development proposals, on their own or cumulatively either alone or in combination with other development uses, must not detract, disadvantage, or prejudice or disadvantage people’s enjoyment of other existing and appropriate tourism and recreation activities, nor adversely affect the local landscape character which contributes to the special qualities of the National Park.

5. Development proposals that generate significant additional pressure upon the surrounding rights of way network on non-motorised user routes will be required to successfully mitigate these impacts the additional pressure and enhance the route.

Details of the marketing requirements are set out in Appendix 3.

Policy SD24: Equestrian Uses

Change Category: Minor Changes

Key issues:

„ The National Park has established equestrian businesses and a cultural history of equestrian activities. The number of horses, and the way in which horses are both used and cared for, has the potential to change the use and character of landscape.

The www.southdowns.gov.uk/equine-land-management/ provides advice about equine health and land management, whilst the www.southdowns. gov.uk/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents/ technical-advice-notes-tans/equestrian-development-tan/ provides planning advice about equestrian development.

Supporting Text:

„ Highlight connections with Policies SD2, SD4, SD5 and SD9.

„ Guidance around conservation-based land management and soil health.

„ Guidance around drainage patterns as alluded in the Equestrian TAN and Equine Land Management Advice.

Future Considerations:

„ The Equestrian Development Technical Advice Note will need to be updated.

Consultation questions:

„ What are your views on Policy SD24? Strongly agree/agree/neutral/disagree/ strongly disagree

„ Please expand on your answer to the above

„ Does the policy sufficiently capture all considerations for equine development?

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY SD24: EQUESTRIAN USES DEVELOPMENT

1. Development proposals for equestrian development will be permitted where they:

a) Are of a location, scale, siting, and/or an intensity of equestrian use which is compatible with, and responds to, the landscape character and the special qualities of the National Park;

b) Demonstrate good design which is well located and responds to local character and distinctiveness; Avoid removing or eroding historic field boundaries and, wherever possible, minimise field subdivisions and fencing;

c) Avoid pollution of aquifers, watercourses and other controlled waters through appropriate manure storage and run-off treatments;

d) Re-use existing buildings wherever feasible and viable;

e) Locate new buildings, structures stables, yard areas and facilities adjacent to existing buildings provided they respect the amenities and activities of surrounding properties and uses;

f) Are well located to existing utilities and transport infrastructure, including vehicular and field accesses, tracks and bridleways;

g) Provide new or supplementary hard and soft landscape features including hard and soft and treatments and planting, consistent with local landscape character; and

h) Demonstrate a conservation based land management approach.