A MEETING OF SWAY PARISH COUNCIL’S
PLANNING & TRANSPORT COMMITTEE will take
place at the JUBILEE FIELD PAVILION on
THURSDAY 11 JULY 2013 at 7.30pm.
AGENDA
THE NEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
VIEWING FROM 7.15pm
1.
Apologies
2.
Declarations of Interest
3.
Minutes of the meeting held on the 13 June 2013 (copy attached) and Matters
Arising
4.
Outcome of Planning Applications Considered at Previous Meetings (including
those Applications referred to the NFNPA Planning Development Control
Committee) and Related Matters (Clerk’s report attached)
5.
New Planning Applications
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Paradise Farm, Barrows Lane, Sway
The New Cabin, Station Road, Sway
Spindle Cottage, Chapel Lane, Sway
Westwards, Birchy Hill, Sway
4 Moser Grove, Sway
Ben Venuto, Pitmore Lane, Sway
47 Anderwood Drive, Sway
High Forest, Manchester Road, Sway
(Parish Briefing Notes in respect of each application are attached where available)
6.
Planning Inspectorate Appeals
7.
Planning Enforcement (Clerk’s report attached)
8.
NFNPA Planning Development Control Committee
9.
Other Planning Issues
10. Terms of Reference - Amendments
11. Reviewing New or Amended Policies from External Bodies such as the NFNPA,
NFDC, DCLG
1) NPA Draft Landscape Action Plan and Landscape Character Assessment
Consultation
2) Proposed New Forest National Park Authority Revised (Planning Applications)
Local Requirements
3) Draft Boldre Parish Design Statement
12. Trees
1) New Tree Preservation Orders
There are no new Tree Preservation Orders to be considered.
2) Applications for Tree Works
i) Pine Cottage, Mead End Road, Sway
ii) Priors Croft, Brighton Road, Sway
iii) Dial House, South Sway Lane, Sway
13. Report by the Parish Council’s Transport Representative
14. Roads, Hedges and Ditches
15. Correspondence and Any Other Business
16. Dates of Future Meetings
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
8th August 2013
12th September 2013
10th October 2013
14th November 2013
12th December 2013
9th January 2014
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Neil Gulliver
Clerk to Sway Parish Council
FOR ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THIS MEETING PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH
CLERK ON 01590 718116
Agenda No. 3
Draft minutes
SWAY PARISH COUNCIL PLANNING AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE
A meeting of the Planning and Transport Committee was held at the Jubilee Field Pavilion,
Station Road, Sway on Thursday 13 June 2013.
Present : Councillors Stephen Tarling (Chair), Kevin Cripps, Carole Gates and Kevin Langford.
In attendance: Neil Gulliver (Parish Clerk) and John Warden (Transport Representative), Warren
Breach (Sway News) together with 5 members of the public.
085/13 Election of Chairman
Kevin Cripps proposed, seconded by Kevin Langford, that Stephen Tarling be elected as Chairman of
the Planning and Transport Committee for the ensuing year.
There being no further nominations, Stephen Tarling was duly elected.
086/13 Election of Vice Chairman
Carole Gates proposed, seconded by Kevin Langford, that Kevin Cripps be elected as Vice Chairman
of Planning and Transport Committee for the ensuing year.
There being no further nominations, Kevin Cripps was duly elected.
PT87/13 Apologies
An apology was received from Kathy Gulliver.
PT88/13 Declarations of Interest
None.
PT89/13 Minutes of the Meeting held on the 9 May 2013 and Matters Arising
(1) Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 9 May 2013 were approved and signed by the Chair.
(2) Matters Arising
(i) Minute PT78/13 – Other Planning Issues
The Clerk reported that Catherine Kirkham (HARAH) and Nick Evans (NFNPA) would be attending
the Committee’s meeting on the 8 August to give a presentation on affordable housing.
(ii) Minute PT82/13 – Roads, Ditches and Hedges
The Clerk reported that the progress of the Community Speed Watch scheme had been delayed due
to PC Morgan Williams’ absence from work but it was now hoped to progress the scheme quickly.
PT90/13 Outcome of Planning Applications Considered at Previous Meetings
The Chair commented on the applications listed in the Clerk’s report and added that the application in
respect of Lyndale, Arnewood Bridge Road, Sway had been referred to the NFNPA’s Planning
Development Control Committee.
With regard to tree works application, the Chair pointed out that with regard to the application in
respect of Cokes Green, Mead End Road, Sway, permission had been granted to fell one of the trees
requested. The application in respect of Adlam Cottage, Adlams Lane, Sway had been granted.
[At this juncture, the Chairman stated that the applicant for Lyndale, Arnewood Bridge Road, Sway
was present and suggested that it would be appropriate to deal with Agenda item 10. It was therefore
agreed to suspend the normal order of business to deal with that issue]
PT91/13 NFNPA Planning Development Control Committee
The Chair referred to the decision of the NFNPA to refer the application in respect of Lyndale,
Arnewood Bridge Road, Sway to its Planning Development Control Committee and stated that
Councillors needed decide whether they should respond, if so whether in person or in writing.
He pointed out that this was another unfortunate situation where the applicants did not attend the
meeting when the application was considered having assumed that, since the Parish Council had
supported a previous application, this Committee would support the current application. The
Committee had previously taken the view that it was not appropriate to receive submissions from any
party other than at a meeting where the application appeared on the agenda and had been discussed.
He went on to say that the NPA Officer’s report acknowledged that the changes from previous
applications were small but emphasised the significant deletion of the first floor accommodation and
some of the windows and therefore felt that it fell within DP12 as being for incidental use. It was also
felt that, with the lowering of the roof and the omission of three rooflights, the new application would
not adversely affect the neighbours. The Officer had also recommended conditions on materials,
incidental use only, protection of trees and no further fenestration unless express planning permission
has first been granted.
The Committee agreed that it would be sufficient for the Planning Development Control Committee to
be made aware of their views in writing and need not attend the meeting. In doing so, it was agreed
to point out to that Committee that the applicants had not been present when the application was
considered and they were unable to consider the application again within the time frame permitted.
The Committee would be pleased to leave the final decision to the Planning Development Control
Committee and applauded the conditions outlined by their Officer.
[The published order of business was resumed]
PT92/13 New Planning Applications
App No. 13/98551 – Half Day House, South Sway Lane, Sway
Detached Garage.
After his opening remarks regarding this application, the Chair invited a neighbour of the property to
briefly explain his objections to the application which related to the size of the proposed garage and
its position on the site.
In discussing the application, the Committee expressed their concern regarding highway safety and
thought that it was important to seek the views of the highway authority. It was also noted that the
building would be very prominent and well in front of the building line. The Committee then resolved
unanimously to support Option 2 – “The Parish Council recommend refusal but would accept the
decision reached by the NPA’s Officers under their delegated powers for the reasons listed below” :The Committee had strong concerns about highway safety given that the property was close to a busy
junction and on a narrow lane. They also pointed out that the proposed garage was large and in front
of the building line and had concerns about the ridge height.
App No. 13/98451 – Land Adjacent to Oaklea Farm, Agars Lane, Sway
Continued Temporary Siting of Mobile Home/Store for Agricultural Purposes.
After discussion, it was resolved unanimously to support Option 4 – “The Parish Council recommend
refusal for the reasons listed below ”.
The Committee agreed that the application was contrary to NPPF paragraphs 28, 58, 109 and 115. It
was also contrary to DP1, CP8, DP6, DP12(b) and DP20. In addition, the application did not have
any supporting documentation or drawings.
App No. 13/98434 – Sway Bowmen Archery Club, Part Parcel Os 0054 & 7740. Great Break
Field, North Common Lane, Sway
Continued Use for Archery, Continued Siting of 3 Storage Units; Septic Tank.
After discussion, the Committee resolved unanimously to support Option 3 – “The Parish Council
recommend permission”.
The Committee fully supported the application but asked that the efficacy of the septic tank be
checked and that the steel sheds should ideally be replaced by structures more in keeping with the
NFNPA Design Guide. However the Committee were aware that this might be a costly option and
therefore suggested that appropriate screening be put in place.
App No. 13/98482 – 9 Buldowne Walk, Sway
Single Storey Rear Extension.
Kevin Cripps declared a non-pecuniary interest as a neighbour.
After a brief discussion, it was resolved unanimously to support Option 3 – “The Parish Council
recommend permission”.
The Committee had no issues with this application.
App No. 13/98468 – Flexford House, South Sway Lane, Sway
Two Storey Side and Rear Extension.
After discussion, it was resolved unanimously to support Option 4 – “The Parish Council recommend
refusal for the reasons listed below”.
The Committee had serious concerns about the proposed extension exceeding the 30% floor area
increase. They also noted the comments by the NFNPA’s Officer regarding revised plans being
suggested but were aware that no such plans had been submitted at the time of the meeting.
Action: The Clerk to convey the above responses to the Planners of the New Forest National
Park Authority.
PT93/13 Planning Inspectorate Appeals
The Chair commented that the decision of the Planning Inspector in respect of Tiptoe Lodge Farm,
Middle Road, Tiptoe was still awaited.
PT94/13 Planning Enforcement
In noting the Clerk’s report, the Chair pointed out that, despite one case being closed, there were
currently nine investigations relating to Sway.
PT95/13 NFNPA Planning Development Control Committee
This item had been dealt with earlier.
PT96/13 Other Planning Issues
None.
PT97/13 Reviewing New or Amended Policies from External Bodies such as
the NFNPA, NFDC, DCLG
1)
2)
3)
NPA Draft Landscape Action Plan and Landscape Character Assessment Consultation
Proposed New Forest National Park Authority Revised (Planning Applications) Local
Requirements
Draft Boldre Parish Design Statement
The Chair asked the Committee to let the Clerk have any comments etc on the above documents by
the 30 June so the Clerk may prepare a draft response to be considered at the Committee’s meeting
on the 11 July.
PT98/13 Trees
1) Preservation Orders (TPO)
The Clerk reported that there were no issues to consider under this agenda item.
2) Applications for Work under Tree Preservation Orders
TPO/13/0374 – Pine Cottage, Mead End Road, Sway
The Clerk stated that the above application had only just been received and suggested that Kathy
Gulliver should look at it, consult with the Tree Officer at the NPA and then report back to the
Committee’s next meeting. This was agreed.
PT99/13 Report by the Parish Council’s Transport Representative
John Warden reported that the usage of the CANGO service had been somewhat intermittent recently
but he was hopeful that this would improve in the near future. There were no issues to report
regarding Sway Station. Warren Breach added that the lighting on the approach to the station was
now working properly.
PT100/13 Roads, Hedges and Ditches
Cutting of Verges – The Clerk reported that he had written to Councillor Thornber expressing the
Committee’s concern about the County Council’s programme of verge cutting, which was destroying a
lot of the indigenous flora in the area. Councillor Thornber had replied that it was a difficult balance
for the County Council on this matter but would report back in more detail at a later date.
Sway BOAT 15 – The Clerk reported that he had received a temporary road closure notice stating
that that this road would be closed from the 13 June 2013 to allow for major surface repair works.
Coombe Lane, Sway – Following a question from a member of the public regarding the proposed
culvert work on this road, the Clerk confirmed that he would take this matter up with the County
Council’s officers.
Meadens Garage – Further complaints were received about vehicles parking on the footpath outside
the garage. The Clerk commented that this problem had been referred to PC Morgan Williams and
he would raise the matter with him again.
PT101/13 Correspondence and Any Other Business
None.
PT102/13 Dates of Future Meetings.
The following dates were noted:Thursday
11th July 2013
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Thursday
8th August 2013
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Thursday
12th September 2013
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Thursday
10th October 2013
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Thursday
14th November 2013
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Thursday
12th December 2013
Jubilee Field Pavilion
There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.40pm.
…………………………………………
Chair of Committee
Agenda No. 4
SWAY PARISH COUNCIL PLANNING AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE – 11
JULY 2013
1. OUTCOME OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS CONSIDERED AT PREVIOUS
MEETINGS
1) 9 Buldowne Walk, Sway
Single storey rear extension – Application was granted subject to conditions by the NFNPA
Officers under their delegated powers.
2) Sway Bowmen Archery Club, Part Parcel Os 0054 & 7740, Great Break Field, North
Common Lane, Sway
Continued use for Archery; Continued siting of 3 Storage Units; Septic Tank - Application was
granted subject to conditions by the NFNPA Officers under their delegated powers.
3) Lyndale, Arnewood Bridge Road, Sway
Outbuilding – Application was granted subject to conditions by the NFNPA Planning
Development Control Committee.
4) Flexford House, South Sway Lane, Sway
Two storey side and rear extension - Application was granted subject to conditions by the
NFNPA Officers under their delegated powers.
5) Land Adjacent to Oaklea Farm, Agars Lane, Sway
Continued temporary siting of mobile home/store for agricultural purposes – Application was
refused by the NFNPA Officers under their delegated powers.
Agenda No. 7
Sway Parish Council Planning & Transport Committee – 11 July 2013
Planning Enforcement
Clerk’s Note
1. Extract from the NFNPA Enforcement Control Parish List Published on 2 July 2013
Case Number QU/12/0003
Date Received 3/1/2012
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Type of Breach Unauthorised Operational Development
Location THE SILVER HIND, STATION ROAD, SWAY
Description Unauthorised development – porch and decking; Unauthorised change of use –
guesthouse to public house
Case Status Retrospective Application Received
Priority Standard
Case Number QU/12/0061
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Date Received 2/3/2012
Type of Breach Multiple concerns
Location TIPTOE LODGE FARM, MIDDLE ROAD, TIPTOE, LYMINGTON
Description Extension to existing agricultural building; Erection of additional field shelter (Breach
of condition)
Case Status Planning refusal appealed
Case Number EN/05/0553
Date Received 6/6/2005
Priority Standard
Case Officer Paul Hocking
Type of Breach Unauthorised stationing of residential mobile homes
Location OAK LEA FARM, AGARS LANE, SWAY
Description Without planning permission the stationing of a mobile home
Case Status Injunction sought
Case Number QU/13/0100
Date Received 02/05/2013
Priority Standard
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Type of Breach Unauthorised Operational Development
Location EVERGLADE FARM adj RUSHCROFT, MOUNT PLEASANT LANE, SWAY
Description Unauthorised development – importation of minerals
Case Status Site being monitored
Case Number QU/13/0076
Date Received 15/4/2013
Priority Standard
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Type of Breach Unauthorised change of use (other)
Location PARADISE, BARROWS LANE, SWAY
Description Unauthorised change of use – stationing of containers/structures
Case Status Retrospective Application Invited
Case Number QU/13/0077
Date Received 15/4/2013
Priority Standard
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Type of Breach Unauthorised Operational Development
Location KERRI COTTAGE, BARROWS LANE, SWAY
Description Unauthorised development - fencing
Case Status Retrospective Application Invited
Case Number QU/13/0039
Date Received 04/03/2013
Priority Standard
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Type of Breach Compliance Monitoring
Location TWIN OAKS, MOUNT PLEASANT LANE, SWAY
Description Compliance Monitoring – Enforcement Notice
Case Status Site being monitored
Case Number CM/13/0155
Date Received 28/06/2013
Priority Standard
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Type of Breach Compliance Monitoring
Location HEATHEY LODGE, STATION ROAD, SWAY
Description Compliance Monitoring – Breach of Condition 2 (brick & bond) of PP97009
Case Status Complaint Acknowledged
Case Number QU/13/0136
Date Received 07/06/2013
Priority Standard
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Type of Breach Unauthorised Change of Use (other)
Location MAKAIRA, MEAD END ROAD, SWAY
Description Unauthorised change of use – stationing of mobile home
Case Status Complaint acknowledged
Priority Standard
Case Number QU/13/0137
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Date Received 07/06/2013
Type of Breach Multiple Concerns
Location EVERGLADE FARM LAND ADJACENT RUSHCROFT, MOUNT PLEASANT LANE,
SWAY
Description Multiple concerns – storage of caravan, boat and building materials; raising levels of
the land
Case Status Complaint acknowledged
Case Number QU/13/0133
Date Received 05/06/2013
Priority Standard
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Type of Breach Unauthorised Operational Development
Location Field adjacent to OAKLEA FARM, AGARS LANE, SWAY
Description Unauthorised development – outbuilding/store
Case Status Request made to cease breach
Priority Standard
2. Enforcement Parish List – Closed Cases as Published on 2 July 2013
Case Number CM/12/0008
Date Received 6/1/2012
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Type of Breach Compliance monitoring
Location HORSESHOE COTTAGE, PITMORE LANE, SWAY
Description Unauthorised development; stable larger than approved (breach ceased pp97925).
Unauthorised development; increase in height of dwelling (breach ceased pp97337). Breach of
condition 2 (protection of trees and hedges) of planning permission 10/95579 (breach ceased)
Decided Action Breach ceased
Case Number CM/13/0122
Date Received 30/05/2013
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Type of Breach Compliance monitoring
Location ASHLEY COTTAGE, STATION ROAD, SWAY
Description Compliance Monitoring – Breach of Condition 4 (timber cladding) of PP 13/98185
Decided Action Breach ceased
3. Minerals and Waste Monitoring Cases as Published on 2 July 2013
Case Number MWP/12/1005
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Application Type Minerals & Waste Site Monitoring
Location AMBERVALE FARM WASTE TREATMENT STATION, PITMORE LANE, SWAY
Description Site Monitoring
Case Number MWP/12/1006
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Application Type Minerals & Waste Site Monitoring
Location LAND OFF NORTH COMMON LANE, SWAY
Description Site Monitoring
Case Number MWP/12/1007
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Application Type Minerals & Waste Site Monitoring
Location TOWER VIEW, CRABBSWOOD LANE, SWAY
Description Site Monitoring
Case Number MWP/12/1008
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Application Type Minerals & Waste Site Monitoring
Location MOUNT PLEASANT SAND & GRAVEL PIT, MOUNT PLEASANT, SWAY
Description Site Monitoring
Case Number MWP/12/1017
Case Officer Rob Aldred
Application Type Minerals & Waste Site Monitoring
Location SWAY WASTE WATER TREATMENT WORKS, FLEXFORD LANE, SWAY
Description Site Monitoring
Case Number MWP/12/1021
Case Officer Lucie Cooper
Application Type Minerals & Waste Site Monitoring
Location RUSHCROFT, MOUNT PLEASANT LANE, SWAY
Description Site Monitoring
4. Agricultural Occupancy Monitoring Cases as Published on 3 June 2013
Case Number AOC/01/2013
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location 5 PITMORE LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/01/2014
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location 6 PITMORE LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/02/2035
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location DOWNLANDS FARM, LINNIES LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/02/2036
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location DRAYS NURSEIES, PITMORE LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/03/2053
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location HOLLOWOOD FARM, BARROWS LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/03/2058
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location KINGS COTTAGE, KINGS LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/04/2062
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location LEPE HOUSE, FLEXFORD LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/04/2067
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location LITTLE PLACE, FLEXFORD LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/04/2076
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location MERRIFIELD, FLEXFORD LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/01/2013
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location PITMORE FARM COTTAGE, PITMORE LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/05/2099
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location SOUTH SWAY ORCHARD, SOUTH SWAY LANE, SWAY
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
Case Number AOC/06/3006
Case Officer Naomi Stone
Application Type Agricultural Occupancy Condition (Monitoring)
Location TILLEYS COTTAGE, AGARS LANE, HORDLE
Description Agricultural occupancy condition monitoring
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE PLANNING AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE
1.
The Committee to comprise a minimum of 5 Councillors appointed by the Parish Council, one
of whom will be elected as Chairman each year. There will also be 1 substitute Councillor
also appointed by the Parish Council. Three members of the Committee shall constitute a
quorum.
2.
All members of the Committee are required to be aware of personal interests, to disclose any
possible personal interests and to withdraw from the meeting where there is a prejudicial
interest.
3.
The Parish Council’s Transport Representative to represent the parish on all matters relating
to the provision of public transport in Sway and to report any significant issues or changes to
those services. Where the Transport Representative is not a Parish Councillor, they will be a
co-opted non-voting member of the Committee.
4.
Subject to the approval of the full Council, the Committee may co-opt additional members up
to a maximum of 3. The co-opted members would not have voting rights.
5.
To meet whenever possible on the second Thursday of each month and for such meetings to
be open to the public.
6.
The Chairman to report to the next appropriate meeting of the Parish Council.
7.
To make recommendations and comment on planning applications to the New Forest
National Park Authority, including those for Lawful Development Certificates, General
Permitted Development Certificates and Change of Use Classes.
8.
To consider any applications for outdoor advertisements and signs.
9.
To monitor Planning Inspectorate Appeals and, where appropriate, to respond in a timely
manner on behalf of the Parish Council.
10.
To monitor the work of the New Forest National Park Authority Planning Development Control
Committee and to represent Sway Parish Council at their meetings where appropriate.
11.
To monitor the Planning Authority Enforcement List and, where appropriate, to respond in a
timely manner on behalf of the Parish Council.
DELETE OLD 12 .To monitor applications for public entertainment licences and, where the details are
brought to the attention of the Committee, to comment or reply on behalf of the Parish Council.
12.
To monitor all issues relating to roads, hedges and ditches on behalf of the Parish Council
and, where appropriate, to liaise with Hampshire County Council and property owners.
13.
To monitor applications for both works to trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders and
new applications for Tree Preservation Orders and to comment as appropriate.
14.
To consider any Parish tree work covered by, or applied for under, a Tree Preservation Order
(or that needs to be referred to the Highways Authority). The Amenities Working Group to
cover any tree issues on, or adjacent to, any of the recreation grounds and other areas which
that Working Group covers.
15.
To review and input on planning control, transport and environmental policy matters and
consultations issued by the New Forest National Park Authority and other appropriate bodies.
16.
To liaise with the Friends of Sway Station on all matters relating to the upkeep of Sway
Station and its immediate environment.
17.
To authorise any individual item of expenditure up to £200 in respect of matters relating to
planning and/or transport issues. Any expenditure proposals above that amount to be
referred to the Parish Council for approval.
18.
All correspondence with outside bodies should be conducted through the Clerk to the Parish
Council.
19.
A list of the planning applications and tree applications to be considered shall be placed on
the Parish notice board and on the Parish Council website no less than 72 hours before the
start of each meeting.
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Station Road
Sway
SO41 6AA
Email: neilgulliver@btinternet.com
Telephone No. 01590 718116
12 July 2013
Dear Sir
Draft Landscape
Consultation
Action
Plan
and
Landscape
Character
Assessment
I set out below the comments of Sway Parish Council’s Planning and Transport Committee on the
above documents.
Draft Landscape Action Plan 2013
Generally a useful document.
However it probably needs to be emphasised in the introduction that this is a set of guidelines and
aspirations rather than a SPD or a set of rules. The target audience and the indicative use of this
document would probably allay the unreasonable fears in some quarters that the NFNPA will force
residents to replace all wrought iron or close boarding, and remove non-native species from gardens.
Sections of the outline that the Director of Park Services recently issued would form a helpful basis for
an introductory paragraph emphasising the nature of these documents.
Page 3: neither Sway Parish Council nor Sway Village Design Statement Steering Group recall being
consulted.
Page 5: Background
2.1 line 3 a space is needed in 'landscape'scale to read 'landscape' scale.
2.4 the scientific consensus for climate change is now overwhelming (it's the link to human activity
which is merely a strong consensus).
Page 9: 1.3: the superscripts referring to the footnote references are not clear.
Page 10: Map C: There is no key for the white areas (e.g. along the A31) - presumably those are
beyond the 'Least Tranquil' rating?
Page 13 and 14: Table 1.1 might be a bit confusing without further explanation: it would be worrying if
17km2 of sea in the 1960s reduced to 15.9 in the 1990s and 0.1 in 2007. Table 1.2 has similar issues
but to a much lesser extent.
Page 22 item 10: reference should be made to Village Design Statements.
Page 27 3.2: Whilst reducing street signage, furniture and similar is generally desirable; it needs to be
balanced against the need to improve road safety and reduce road speeds and indeed usage - pace
the tranquillity issues. More striking traffic calming measures also tend to be the more successful.
Page 35 et seq: Theme 5. Is there an over-emphasis on biomass/wood-burning? This is certainly
low-impact, and can be low carbon. However we have concerns on the pressure on forest woodland
should there be a large scale move to this fuel source. The use of straw-type crops for burning
(where the carbon replacement cycle is shorter) might also be considered. As far as we know forestry
for wood fuel is not generally regarded as profitable (apart from the farming of government subsidies).
Page 36 5.10: In our area a lot of land is used for pony paddocks - most with a large muck heap in
one corner; and we cannot help wondering whether these could be brought together effectively for
anaerobic digestion. (by the way: line 2: no apostrophe in "... although it's potential...")
Page 42: the figures for 2025 targets in 6.10 and 6.11 seem to us both ambitious and a matter of
concern regarding the abrupt rate at which these would change the landscape balance of the New
Forest in 10 years - presumably including a large move to non-native species. We do wonder
whether the (unintended) consequences have been fully considered?
Page 43 6.17 Phytopthora should, presumably, read Phytophthora.
Page 47 penultimate bullet: what does 'recessive' indicate in this context?
Introduction to Landscape Character Assessment
This is extremely useful and should be referred to in an introductory sentence in each of the local
LCAs.
This contextualises the document(s) and provides an excellent background and overview. However it
is not entirely clear why this has been produced and what use it will be. A paragraph detailing the
objectives, target audience and intended use might help.
The Landscape Character Areas map on page 6 is not sufficiently detailed - if it is to be issued as a
PDF this should have improved resolution (and for a hard copy version a URL taking the reader to an
improved resolution map would be helpful).
LCA 18: Sway Pasture and Small Holdings.
Introduction: This is a useful, interesting, researched document which deserves a wide audience
once it is finally edited.
We are, however concerned that the data used in this paper may be rather old (there are references
back to a study in 2000), and that this document has not had the benefit of the data, input and
responses to the 2013 Sway Village Design Statement, and that to the best of our knowledge there
has been no local consultation. We strongly recommend that reference to the Sway Village Design
Statement be included in the document, and reference to the Design Guide SPD might also be
appropriate.
Even the title incorporating "Small Holdings" might now be out of date: as far as the 2012 Sway VDS
Land Use survey goes there is now little evidence of so many traditional small holdings - and this
change has probably been significant over the last decade. A better title might be Sway Pasture and
Residential Settlements. Section 2.9 of the Landscape Action Plan recognises the decline in
smallholding.
There is a concern that people reading this document alone (without reference back to the parent
Landscape Action Plan and Landscape Character Assessment) will miss the context and so we would
suggest an introductory paragraph, which might even be incorporated into all the local LCAs. This
might:


refer back to the overarching Landscape Action Plan and Landscape Character Assessment
emphasise that this document is for guidance (not an SPD) - particularly aimed at people like
newcomers to area, those contemplating extensions, land owners and users in the area and
developers.
Comments on specific pages:
Page 1:
The "Component Landscape Types" map - which seems to be the best defining map of the area - has
insufficient detail to easily be able to tell where is within and outside LCA18 - this map needs further
detail - it might be best on a page of its own, in landscape format.
The designation of the various areas seems a little too crude: to include the Defined Village of Sway
(with a population of around 3000 in a dense urban residential area) as either Heath or Forest seems
surprising; and as well as Bashley Park (now mostly caravan park) there are surely other areas just
as qualified to be "Historic Parkland"?
Page 2:
The "Landscape Description" is an excellent summary - possibly with an over-emphasis on
smallholdings and back-up grazing - both of which have declined over the last decade; and
insufficient emphasis on recreational horse-keeping and residential settlements, which have tended to
increase.
The "Component landscape types" lacks a key to number 2 on the map. There also seem some
areas on the map with no shading at all - what are we to make of those?
The "Key positive landscape attributes" is a good summary of the better features (and therefore may
be permitted to include smallholdings and back-up pasture and omit reference to dense urban areas).
However we suggest that "parliamentary fields" needs a word or two of explanation - we believe it is
not a commonly understood phrase (for instance there is not easy-to-find definition from an internet
search).
Page 3:
Many of the "Key landscape features" are documented in the Sway Village Design Statement, and
often in more detail; e.g. Land Use on page 14 and the map at http://swayvillage.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2012/03/landuse_bigmap.jpg ; Important Views on pages 15 and 16; listed buildings
in Appendix I. It would therefore be particularly relevant to refer to the Sway VDS here.
There are also two SSSIs outside of the Perambulation - see the map attached cons4.jpg (red are
SSSI, green are SINC, brown is the perambulation, and purple is the Sway Tower CA)
We are not sure why Sway Tower appears in designations column for scattered farmsteads and
roadside cottages, when it is covered in the row below.
Many of the relevant designations are of course the NFNPA area itself.
Pages 4 and 5.
The "Landscape structure" and "Landscape elements" sections are most perspicacious - capturing the
reason that this area feels 'of the forest' although again perhaps a tad behind the times, in respect of
urbanisation, recreational horse-keeping and caravan park rather than ribbon settlements,
smallholdings and historic parkland. We are not sure whether the preferred spelling is horsiculture or
horseyculture - but it's surely the correct word.
The "Landscape change" section certainly spots the trends.
The evidence from the input to the Sway VDS (300 at consultation day, over 500 questionnaire
returns, 8 or so focus groups etc.) is that locals do feel that boundary treatments like more closeboarding, high gates and brick walls, and the removal of hedgerows and old oak and other trees are
to the detriment of the area, and are increasingly common.
Similarly pony paddocks have proliferated and issues of poaching, ramshackle field shelters and tape
should be addressed - through the Design Guide and the Guidelines for Horse Related Development
SPD as well as the Sway VDS.
Bashley Park, whilst hosting a large caravan site, is far from the only such area and in many ways
one of the best kept and least intrusive - there are many over-intensively used small caravan sites
dotted around the area of this LCA.
The railway is generally sympathetically managed (with the exception of the tremendous growth of
ragwort), but more screening would help.
The unsympathetic modern development is surely dealt with under the Design Guide SPD and the
Sway VDS (see pages 18-22).
Pages 6 and 7.
There is a concern that the 20-year vision may be unrealistic and supports the suggestion that this
document is trying to preserve a 'chocolate box' New Forest that no longer exists. Perhaps it could be
relabelled as an aspirational vision or similar?
The "Future landscape management guidelines" are excellent, but tend to be overarching parenthood
and apple-pie with few suggestions as to how these valuable guidelines might be implemented.
Item 6: there is little tranquil character of the rural roads - this needs to be re-inforced by traffic
calming measures - which may add to the street scene but which will also make for a safer and more
tranquil environment.
There seems to be a spattering of bold capital letters in the text and we're not sure that follows the
style of the document.
Page 8
A fine summary. Is there room to include the traffic calming issues (a common theme in the VDS
consultation).
We are not sure why there are two blank rows in the table - do they delineate different categories of
issues?
Page 9
These photographs tell us a lot:
The view in Tiptoe is now mostly somewhat poached recreational horse-keeping paddocks AND there
is a 2m brick wall along part of this road and a new 2m high close-boarded gate further along.
The Sway 'lane' is surely the major and rather busy road and the photograph is taken from a lay-by
which has recently been the scene of some ugly fly tipping.
Summary and actions suggested:
This valuable document needs to be updated and the author/editor should consult with the Sway VDS
Steering Group and/or the Parish Council in order to take cognisance of the Sway VDS. It would also
help to refer to the Design Guide SPD and the Guidelines for Horse Related Development SPD; and
the addition of some related URLs would be helpful.
Best wishes,
Neil Gulliver
Clerk to Sway Parish Council
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Station Road
Sway
SO41 6AA
Email: neilgulliver@btinternet.com
Telephone No. 01590 718116
12 July 2013
Dear Sir
Proposed Revised 1APP Local Requirements
I set out below the comments of Sway Parish Council’s Planning and Transport Committee on the
proposed revised 1APP Local Requirements.
A thorough and professional review seeking to ease the burden on applicants
The difference between a ‘Proposed Conditional requirement’ and a ‘Proposed Mandatory
requirement on all relevant applications’ is not obvious – could this be a footnote?
Page 2: Foul Sewage etc. Sway suffers from an overloaded public sewage system in the defined
village and no public sewage for most of the rest of the civil parish. Furthermore as front driveways
and gardens have been tarmacked along with the more intensive use of increased septic tanks, cess
pits and water treatment systems discharging more water into our fairly saturated ground (overlying
impermeable clay) we suffer more water run-off, puddles, minor springs and sewage overflow issues.
For these reasons we would encourage the 1APP to ask about the disposal of both foul water and
rainwater. Relevant VDSs might also be added to the Policy References for this item.
Page 3: Both Lighting Assessment and Noise Assessment: Relevant VDSs might also be added to
the Policy References for these items.
Page 4: Parking Provision. In the consultation for the Sway VDS parking in the defined village has
been a recurrent issue. As extensions are added and the number of cars per household increases
and people more often come into Sway by car this is an increasingly serious issue. We would
therefore encourage the 1APP to ask about car parking (and turning) space for every increase in
residential or commercial floor area. Relevant VDSs might also be added to the Policy References for
this item.
Page 4: Photographs etc. A picture is worth a thousand words. When we as the Parish Council’s
Planning and Transport Committee are dealing with applications photographs can often help us.
Nowadays digital photography makes this quick and cheap and so we do not feel this imposes an
undue burden on an applicant. We are not always able to see the site of planning applications which
are not visible from the road, and not wanting to unnecessarily trouble residents with additional site
visits - and often under pressure of time, we find photographs can often help us. We therefore ask
that in 1APP the encouragement to include photographs is emphasised.
Page 6: Heritage Statement: We support the necessary inclusion of this section.
recommend that this be a requirement for any ‘black’ list Assets of Community Value.
Best wishes,
We would
Neil Gulliver
Clerk to Sway Parish Council
Jubilee Field Pavilion
Station Road
Sway
SO41 6AA
Email: neilgulliver@btinternet.com
Telephone No. 01590 718116
12 July 2013
Dear Sir
Boldre Draft VDS
I set out below the comments of Sway Parish Council’s Planning and Transport Committee on the
Boldre Draft VDS.
Boldre Parish Council and VDS Working Party are to be congratulated for producing such a readable,
concise and yet helpful VDS.
The decision to title it a Parish Design Statement (as distinct from a Village Design Statement) was
wise as it emphasises the wide distribution of settlements in the parish and
the difference between Boldre village and Boldre Civil Parish.
The detail on the SSSIs is an excellent addition.
Given the relative homogeneity of Boldre (compared to Sway for instance) we wonder whether the
Design Guidelines could even be made a little more exacting in places?
Annex 3 has led us to some local VDS envy – perhaps Sway should have included a similar section.
The common boundary (of Boldre and Sway: along the Passford Water in the north west of Boldre)
and the anticipated NFNPA review of Rights of Way and their connections to make through routes
should encourage more ‘joined-up’ activity in this area.
There do not appear to be strong acknowledgements to those who clearly will have put in many hours
to produce this VDS.
This is an excellent example of a Parish Design Statement which should be adopted by the NFNPA
as a Supplementary Planning Document.
Best wishes,
Neil Gulliver
Clerk to Sway Parish Council