Arun's Green Infrastructure Study

138 Pages·2012·4 MB·English

by  Parkhill M

Project Title: Arun Green Infrastructure Study
Client: Arun District Council

Version Date Version Details Prepared by Checked by Approved by
Principal
1 03/04/12 Draft Final Report Louise Louise Robert Deane
Tricklebank & Tricklebank
Matthew
Parkhill
2 16/04/12 Draft Final Report V2 Louise Louise Robert Deane
Tricklebank & Tricklebank
Matthew
Parkhill
3 14/05/12 Draft Final Report V3 Louise Louise Robert Deane
Tricklebank & Tricklebank
Matthew
Parkhill
4 25/05/12 Final Report V4 Louise Louise Robert Deane
Tricklebank & Tricklebank
Matthew
Parkhill
5 30/05/12 Final Draft V5 Louise Louise Robert Deane
Tricklebank & Tricklebank
Matthew
Parkhill
6 14/06/12 Final Report V6 Louise Louise Robert Deane
Tricklebank & Tricklebank
Matthew
Parkhill
7 15/06/12 Final Report V7 Louise Louise Robert Deane
Tricklebank & Tricklebank
Matthew
Parkhill
8 19/06/12 Final Report V8 Louise Louise Robert Deane
Tricklebank & Tricklebank
Matthew
Parkhill
Arun Green Infrastructure Study
Final Report

Prepared by LUC
June 2012

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Contents

1  Introduction 1 
Developing a Framework for Green Infrastructure in Arun 1 
Involvement of Partners in Green Infrastructure Delivery 4 
2  Identifying Green Infrastructure in Arun 5 
Identifying Green Infrastructure Assets 5 
3  The Functions of Green Infrastructure in Arun 13 
4  Strategic Green Infrastructure Corridors 32 
Opportunities for the Strategic Green Infrastructure Corridors 37 
5  Future Needs in Relation to Growth Areas 38 
Recommendations for Green Infrastructure in Growth Areas 48 
6  Opportunities and Priority Projects 50 
Green Infrastructure Opportunities 51 
Priority Projects within Arun District 55 
Sources of Funding of Green Infrastructure in Arun 64 
7  Embedding Green Infrastructure in Policy 65 
A Vision for Green Infrastructure in Arun 66 
Strategic Policies for Green Infrastructure 67 
Green Infrastructure and Site Allocations 69 
Incorporating Green Infrastructure in Development Management 70 
Recommendations for Arun’s emerging Local Plan 75 
8  Summary of Conclusions & Recommendations 78 
References 81 

Arun Green Infrastructure Study 19 June 2012
Figures
(High resolution A3 versions of these Figures can be found at the back of this report)
Figure 2.1: Green Infrastructure assets within study area
Figure 2.2: Green Infrastructure assets over 50ha
Figure 2.3: Location of strategic & local gaps in Arun
Figure 3.1: Primary function of Green Infrastructure assets
Figure 3.2: Access links and access to recreation
Figure 3.3: Indices of Multiple Deprivation
Figure 3.4: Conserving and enhancing biodiversity and access to nature
Figure 3.5: Sense of place
Figure 3.6: Conserving and understanding historic character
Figure 3.7: Productive green environments
Figure 3.8: Sustainable water resources
Figure 3.9: Green Infrastructure issues within the study area
Figure 4.1: Strategic Green Infrastructure Corridors
Figure 5.1: Proposed growth areas
Figure 6.1: Green Infrastructure opportunities within study area
Figure 6.2: Distribution of Green Infrastructure Priority Projects in Arun
Tables
Table 2.1: Datasets used to identify green infrastructure assets
Table 2.2: Green Infrastructure assets over 50 ha in size
Table 3.1: The primary Green Infrastructure functions and the datasets used to map them
Table 3.2: Biodiversity Opportunity Areas
Table 4.1: Coast to Downs GI Corridor
Table 4.2: West Bognor Regis GI Corridor
Table 4.3: Ferring GI Corridor
Appendices
Appendix 1: Green Infrastructure Assets in Arun District
Appendix 2: Capital, Revenue and Maintenance Costs for Priority Projects
Appendix 3: Definitions of Green Infrastructure
Arun Green Infrastructure Study 19 June 2012
1 Introduction
1.1 LUC was commissioned by Arun District Council (ADC) to undertake a Green Infrastructure (GI)
Study of the District. This study is a precursor to a sub-regional GI Strategy for the coastal West
Sussex area.
1.2 Arun District occupies some 85 square miles in the heart of West Sussex spanning the coastal
plain (with 14.5 miles of coastline including the underdeveloped Climping Gap) and the lower dip
slope of the South Downs (the latter now part of the National Park which occupies roughly half of
the District). The population of around 142,000 is concentrated in the major centres of Bognor
Regis and Littlehampton on the coast and Barnham and Arundel inland. Socio-economically, the
population has relatively high levels of elderly people. Although generally prosperous, certain
areas in Bognor (such as Pevensey and Marine wards) and Littlehampton (such as River and Ham
wards) have high levels of social deprivation.
1.3 Key features defining the District’s environmental character are the chalk dip slope of the South
Downs which includes areas of deciduous (often ancient) woodland on the lower slopes, the flood
plain of the River Arun which runs south through the centre of the District, the extensive rising dip
slope of the South Downs, Arundel Castle and historic parkland. The District contains nine Sites
of Special Scientific Interest (including the internationally designated Pagham Harbour), 32
Conservation Areas, 980 listed buildings (46 at Grades I or II*) and the Arundel Castle Parks and
Gardens.
1.4 Many of these environmental assets form an integral part of the District’s existing Green
Infrastructure network. There are many definitions of GI which hope to capture its multifunctional
nature. Whilst Chapter 6 considers the definition of GI in greater detail and also looks at whether
a locally specific definition of GI is needed, the definition provided in the National Planning Policy
Statement provides a useful concise summary:
‘A network of multi-functional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide
range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities’
1.5 The concept of multi-functionality is closely linked to the ecosystems services approach which
helps to identify and understand the direct benefits that humans receive from ecosystems.1
Throughout the study the term Green Infrastructure (GI) has been used to cover both Green and
Blue Infrastructure. Blue Infrastructure features within Arun include the network of rivers and
rifes which transect south coast plain as well as the coastline and associated intertidal habitats.
1.6 The study aims to help shape future growth in the District and develop a joined up approach to
delivering ecological services, recreational benefits, climate change mitigation, adaptation
measures and the retention and enhancement of landscape character and distinctiveness across
the District.
1.7 The study covers the whole of the District of Arun including the north of the District which now
lies within the South Downs National Park.
Developing a Framework for Green Infrastructure in Arun
1.8 The South East Green Infrastructure Framework was produced in 2009 to provide a regional level
approach to implementing the South East Plan’s Green Infrastructure Policy. This GI Study will
develop a District level framework for GI in Arun.
1.9 Since 2009 the policy context for GI has changed significantly and Arun’s Green Infrastructure
Framework will need to sit within this rapidly changing and evolving environment as the Coalition

1
Defra (2010) UK National Ecosystem Assessment.
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Government brings in new legislation and guidance to reform the planning system. In order to
ensure that the Framework is effective in promoting and protecting GI within Arun it needs to
take account of this policy context and identify where the new ‘policy hooks’ are that the
Framework can take advantage of. Chapter 6 of this study will examine how the Framework will
link to policy, whilst the new policy setting the GI Framework has to sit within is outlined below.
1.10 There are two key principles guiding the Government’s agenda that will have a significant
influence on how GI is planned for and delivered in Arun. The first of these is the reform of the
planning system to make it less complex and more accessible. The National Planning Policy
Framework (NPPF) is a key mechanism by which this reform is being implemented.
1.11 The second of these principles is localism; the Government has put renewed emphasis on
empowering communities to shape their own futures. The Localism Act is the key piece of
legislation that implements this vision.
Planning Reform
1.12 The NPPF lies at the centre of the Government’s proposals to make the planning system less
complex and more accessible to the public and those wishing to engage and work with the
planning system. The NPPF identifies the Local Plan as the lynch pin of the new planning system,
and the place where Local Authorities should set out their strategic approach. It also replaces all
Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) and became a material consideration in planning matters on
publication.
1.13 It also sets out 12 core planning principles which "should underpin both plan-making and
decision-taking." Whilst many of these core planning principles include elements that can be
delivered through GI, three of them help to focus the scope of this GI Framework and highlight
how GI in Arun can be at the centre of delivering Sustainable Development. The three core
principles stipulate that planning should:
• Protect the diversity of different areas of England, protecting Green Belts and recognising
the "intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside";
• Help conserve and enhance the natural environment and reduce pollution, allocating land
of "lesser environmental value";
• Promote mixed use developments, encouraging multiple benefits from urban and rural
land.
1.14 There is an opportunity for GI, and this GI Framework, to play a key role in facilitating delivery of
these core principles. Through understanding Arun’s existing multi-functional green space and the
range of environmental and quality of life functions and benefits it provides, it is possible to
identify those parts of the natural environment that are of highest value locally and also
contribute to the diversity of the area. It is also possible to identify where there is potential to
create high value environments that provide multiple functions and benefits in the future.
1.15 The NPPF also provides a clear emphasis on the importance of local space and states that Local
Planning Authorities should plan positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and
management of networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure2 and use green infrastructure
planning as a tool to manage risks and adapt to climate change3.
Localism
1.16 The Localism Act was given Royal assent on the 15 November 2011 and sets out the
Government’s objective to put planning and service delivery back into the hands of local councils,
communities and individuals. This has created some new opportunities for communities to identify
and promote infrastructure and facilities for their community including Green Infrastructure.
1.17 Although community planning has existed for a while, the Localism Act takes it one step further,
by firmly placing it within the formal, ‘statutory’ planning system. Communities have been given

2
Communities and Local Government (2012) National Planning Policy Framework para. 114
3
Communities and Local Government (2012) National Planning Policy Framework para. 99
Arun Green Infrastructure Study 2 19 June 2012
the power to prepare Neighbourhood Development Plans, which once adopted will sit below
the Local Plan and will allow local communities to shape new development and will form part of
the development plan for an area. Proposed Neighbourhood Plans will need to gain the approval of
a majority of voters of the neighbourhood to come into force but where a Neighbourhood Plan
does come into force planning decisions will have to be taken in line with it.
1.18 Neighbourhood Plans will allow communities to plan for the protection and enhancement of their
local GI network. Other new mechanisms such as Neighbourhood Development Orders and
Community Right to Build Orders will allow communities to promote and permit the
development they want to see (without the need for a standard planning application to the local
planning authority), this could include community facilities and infrastructure such as small scale
GI.
1.19 Another new opportunity for community level GI is the new duty on local authorities to maintain a
list of Assets of Community Value. These assets are buildings and land that furthers the social
well-being or social interests of the local community and that this actual use will continue to the
benefit of the community. Listing as an asset of community value provides additional protection to
these assets and presents an opportunity for communities to identify land which forms part of
their GI network, that provides important environmental functions for their community (even if
this land is not publically accessible), and to provide the option for this land to be purchased by
the community to ensure its on-going benefit to that community.
1.20 Reforms to the Community Infrastructure Levy also mean that communities now have greater
say in how developer contributions are spent. There is also a requirement that more money raised
by the levy goes back directly to the neighbourhoods where development took place. Although the
exact proportion of money is still uncertain this could potentially provide an important funding
mechanism for community GI.
1.21 For these new mechanisms to benefit GI there is a need for communities to have the information
and knowledge available to understand the principles of GI, the existing GI assets in the area and
where future opportunities may lie. The Arun GI Framework will provide a starting point for
communities to access this information.
The Structure of Arun’s Green Infrastructure Framework
1.22 In order for Arun’s GI Framework to provide a robust evidence base that helps to deliver the NPPF
and take full advantage of the new planning mechanisms available to local communities, the
Framework must enable:
• The areas of ‘highest’ environmental value to be identified (environmental value to be
judged by the multiple functions and benefits provided that contributes to the diversity
and distinctiveness of the area).
• The areas where there is potential to create high value environments that provide
multiple functions and benefits in the future to be identified.
• Local communities and the Local Authority to protect, enhance and create new
opportunities for Green Infrastructure in the District.
1.23 The following chapters lay out Arun’s GI Framework:
• Chapter 2 identifies the District’s existing Green Infrastructure assets;
• Chapter 3 identifies the functions that these GI assets perform, where areas of diversity
and distinctiveness are, and what issues the current GI network faces;
• Chapter 4 identifies the key landscape sensitivity of the strategic GI corridors. It
provides recommendations for the protection and management of these landscape
features.
• Chapter 5 looks at the future needs of the GI network in the face of development, the
need for GI to protect the District’s most sensitive landscapes and ensure development
occurs on the least environmentally valuable land;
• Chapter 6 identifies some key opportunities for GI in the District for both the Local
Authority and communities to pursue, as well as providing outline costs for delivering
Arun Green Infrastructure Study 3 19 June 2012
some of these GI priorities which will help to identify the most appropriate funding
opportunities, resourcing and delivery mechanisms;
• Chapter 7 looks at how the emerging Local Plan for the District can, through inclusion of
Green Infrastructure policies, protect and enhance the diversity and distinctiveness of the
District’s environment and protect the areas of the District that are of highest
environmental value in terms of the multiple functions that they provide, whilst enhancing
areas of lesser environmental value.
Involvement of Partners in Green Infrastructure Delivery
1.24 The study has been undertaken in close cooperation with partners and a workshop was held on
Monday 5th March 2012 at Arun District Council with key stakeholders. The workshop was a key
stage in the process for developing a Green Infrastructure Framework for Arun. The workshop
helped gather local knowledge and information about existing GI in the District and encouraged
local stakeholders and the adjoining authorities to consider its function and the sensitivity of the
landscape to change. The organisations who attended the workshop included:
Workshop attendees

Simon Meecham Arun District Council
Nicki Faulkner Arun District Council
Roger Spencer Arun District Council
Dee Christensen Arun District Council
Kay Wagland Agenda 21 : Arundel
Barbara Woods Campaign for the Protection of Rural England
Sue Payne Chichester District Council
Tracey Flitcroft Chichester District Council
Alison Poole Countryside Access Forum West Sussex
Carolyn Kendall Sussex Police
Ray Drabble South Downs National Park Authority
Janyis Watson Sussex Wildlife Trust
Veronica Craddock West Sussex County Council
Graham Roberts West Sussex County Council
Ben Daines Adur-Worthing District Council

Arun Green Infrastructure Study 4 19 June 2012