Development Briefs

Government policy in the form of Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG)1 General Policies and Principles suggests that development briefs can "usefully elucidate and exemplify plan policies, thereby giving greater certainty to all those involved in the design and development process". Development briefs are therefore prepared to provide more detailed guidance on matters including the interpretation of policy, and the principles of design, layout and landscaping in relation to sites that, due to their size, complexity or sensitivity, lend themselves to such an approach.

PPG12, Development Plans, states that supplementary planning guidance in the form of development briefs may be taken into account as a material consideration when determining planning applications, provided that it is - consistent with, and derived from Local Plan and/or planning policy and guidance - subject to appropriate public consultation - formally adopted by the Council - and reviewed, as appropriate, to keep it up-to-date.

Various sites within the Borough are covered by development briefs. Some of the briefs date from the 1980's. Therefore, while the analysis of individual sites and their contexts may still be applicable, some of the design and development assumptions may have been superseded by more recent government guidance, such as PPG3 Housing. Consequently, the weight to be attached to any particular brief in the assessment and determination of a planning application will vary according to its age and continued relevance. Where appropriate, the Council will review briefs to reflect national and/or local policy changes.

In the past development briefs for sites within Fareham Borough have been prepared by various organisations. For example, Hampshire County Council prepared the early briefs for the Western Wards growth area; while planning consultants, acting for developers or landowners, have prepared briefs within the Whiteley area and for Kites Croft.

The majority of briefs have been, and will be, prepared by the Borough Council. The Council will normally prepare briefs in conjunction with all affected parties, including the landowners/developers and their agents, and the public via a formal consultation process.

The level of detail in development briefs varies according to the individual requirements of the site. Generally, briefs contain guidance as to the main applicable planning policies, a site appraisal, and the Council's view on the appropriate development and design principles, infrastructure requirements and likely means/timing of implementation. The text is supported by maps and diagrams. They normally show the existing characteristics of the site and any features such as buildings, trees and open spaces to be retained. They may also indicate the Council's requirements regarding any proposed development, for example, in terms of its access, layout, density, landscaping, open space and the design of buildings. Some briefs include additional guidance on mix of house types, height of buildings and/or protection/management of important features.

The following comprise adopted briefs that remain in effect (ie those sites that have yet to be developed in part or full), together with their date of adoption.

1. North of Whiteley and East of Botley Road - October 2000

2. Segensworth Employment Area - August 1979

3. Western Wards Area 23 - September 1979
4. Western Wards Area 32 - June 1980

5. Western Wards Area 4 - August 1986

6. Western Wards Area 3 - January 1986

7. Whiteley Area 11 - September 1988

8. Whiteley Area 9 - September 1988

9. Western Wards Area 31 - November 1988

10. Segensworth South Employment Area - January 1983

11. Western Wards Area 14 - May 1990

12. Whiteley Business Park (phase 2) Area 12 - April 1991

13. Daedalus Development Strategy - September 1997

14. Kites Croft Employment Area - November 1995

The Fareham Borough Local Plan Review states that the following sites may require the preparation of development briefs. Progress to date or changed circumstances are noted in each case.

1. Catisfield Lane, Catisfield - Draft Brief

2. Former WT Station, Burnt House Lane, Stubbington - development completed

3. Hunts Pond Road, Titchfield Common - Adopted Brief

4. Peters Road, Locks Heath - Adopted Brief

5. Seafield Park, Hill Head, issues resolved via application received and permitted

As sites come forward or the circumstances or planning policies affecting the Borough change, the Council may decide to produce further development briefs.

A fundamental review of all development briefs applying to sites within the Borough will be undertaken as part of the preparation of a Local Development Framework.