Planning policies relevant to the Eastleigh-Southampton Strategic Gap. 

"E6 There will be a strong presumption against development in open areas which provide gaps between settlements." 

"E6.1 The following important gaps between settlements will be retained: 

"C3 A Green Belt, the Southern Hampshire Green Belt, will extend across Southern Hampshire from the Avon Valley to the County boundary with West Sussex." 

Hampshire County Council has recently received the Secretary of State's proposed modifications to the Submitted County Structure Plan. The above policy C3 faces alteration in favour of a strategic gap policy for Southern Hampshire which includes the Eastleigh-Southampton gap. 

"C.1 There will be a strong presumption against development in the Green Belt." 

"C.2 The construction of new buildings or the change of use of existing buildings within the Green Belt will normally only be permitted for purposes of agriculture, forestry, appropriate outdoor sport, cemeteries, institutions standing in extensive grounds (change of use) or other uses suitable to a rural area." 

"C.3 When considering proposals for development in the Green Belt, the Borough Council will have to be satisfied that it: 

"R.3 The Borough Council will seek through negotiation with landowners and other interested parties to improve public access to the countryside and coast, linking recreational and residential areas through the provision of an improved network of footpaths, bridleways and cycleways." 

"0S.2 The Borough Council will strongly resist any proposals which would result in the loss of land currently used for recreational purposes unless suitable alternative provision is made which is of a better quality or siting or is more appropriate to the needs of the community." 

The District Plan will be amended to take account of the proposed modifications to the County Structure Plan and will be approved for deposit by the end of 1993. The North Stoneham site is shown entirely within the Southampton-Eastleigh Strategic Gap. 

A Public Local Inquiry into the provisions and proposals of the local plan has just commenced (May 1993). The policies given below are those submitted to the Inquiry and are therefore subject to amendment. 

"C9 In order to conserve the qualities, character and function of areas and features of particular importance, development will not be permitted which would adversely affect: ... ." 

"C9.2 The landscape character and function of countryside gaps in separating built-up areas as defined below: ... ." 

"C9.3 f ... Eastleigh-Southampton." 

"R5 Development proposals which would result in the loss of existing playing fields, other recreation areas or facilities, which are, or would be, of benefit to the local community, will not be permitted unless: 

19 "T25 In addition to the proposals in T23 and T24, it is proposed to seek improvements to the rights of way network in conjunction with appropriate development both in the countryside and built-up areas, in particular routes alongside rivers and streams, together with links into the countryside from urban areas. 

The maintenance and improvement of rural footpaths on the edge of urban areas linking to urban footpaths to provide informal recreation routes for urban residents will be encouraged, in conjunction with appropriate new development. Improve access within the rural areas will also be promoted as part of any new recreational development in the countryside, e.g. golf courses (see paragraph 8.38). In particular, improved routes alongside waterway will be encouraged wherever possible." 

Appendix 4 - Countryside Gaps 

"(f) Eastleigh-Southampton (paragraph 18, page 139) 

A strategy to protect and enhance the Eastleigh-Southampton strategic gap is being drawn up jointly by the Borough and County Councils; including the preparation of a policy statement for the improvement of North Stoneham Park by positive (possibly grant aided) management measures."