SA/SEA and HRA of the Fareham Local Development Framework

Client: Fareham Borough Council

Our team was initially instructed by Fareham Borough Council in September 2009 to carry out a Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment of the borough’s Core Strategy.

The development of the Core Strategy has taken place in an uncertain policy framework linked to the recent revoking of the South East Plan and the introduction of the Localism Bill. In this context we drew on these changes to carry out an SA process which is flexible and recognises these uncertainties. Through effectively advising and acting on the issues linked to the changes in the regional policy framework, we were able to ensure that the SA process remains robust, meets the needs of the SEA Directive, and continues to effectively inform and influence the ongoing development of the Core Strategy.

Fareham borough enjoys a coastal location in south Hampshire and is close to several sites of international nature conservation importance, including Portsmouth, Langstone and Chichester Harbours, the Solent and New Forest. Ensuring that strategic development proposed by the Core Strategy can be delivered in a way that avoids impacts to these sites was the main role performed by the HRA.

A significant aspect of the Core Strategy is the inclusion of the North of Fareham Strategic Development Area to the north of the M27, which was put forward at the regional level by the South East Plan adopted in May 2009. The SA process has therefore had a key role in helping to ensure that the forthcoming development of the Strategic Development Area limits and addresses the likely environmental effects surrounding the development of this major greenfield site and maximises its potential sustainability value.

The Core Strategy, which had been Submitted in February 2011, was found ‘sound’ by the Planning Inspectorate in July 2011.

Urban Edge Environmental Consulting has recently been re-appointed to carry out Sustainability Appraisals and Habitats Regulations Assessments for the remainder of the LDF:  Site Allocations and Development Management DPD and Fareham Town Centre AAP.