Adopted Plan

Deposit Draft

Policy:

RT9 Facilities for air sports.

(RT8)

RT10 Golf courses.

(RT9)

RT11 Facilities for informal countryside recreation.

(RT10)

RT12 Footpaths and bridleways.

(RT11)

RT13 Water-based recreation.

(RT12)

RT19 Static caravans and holiday chalets.

(RT17)

Proposal:

2.8.1 The policy of the Government is to promote the development of sport and recreation, giving the widest opportunity for participation whether playing or spectating. This has land use implications with indoor and outdoor facilities being developed for most local communities. In Mid Suffolk, with its dispersed pattern of settlements, provision is usually in the form of village halls, sports pavilions and playing fields. The Government recognises the particular concern felt by many communities that open spaces with recreational value should be protected from development. There has been increasing use of the countryside for informal recreation. The Countryside Commission and English Nature have issued a joint policy statement, 'Enjoying our Natural Heritage', encouraging wider opportunities for people to enjoy the countryside without disturbing its peacefulness and appearance.

Wider participation in sport and recreation.

2.8.2 Tourism is another significant part of the leisure market. Its continuing growth generates local prosperity and job opportunities. Because it depends on a high quality environment, it can act as a positive force for environmental protection. The Government's policy is that the tourism industry should flourish in response to the market whilst respecting the environment which attracts visitors. The planning process can help to achieve this difficult balance. Tourism is made up of a wide range of businesses, including accommodation, catering, transport, visitor attractions and a whole series of amenities and facilities. There is significant overlap with areas such as sport and recreation. The planning process can help to bring together these amenities and facilities for the benefit of the local population.

Local job opportunities through tourism.

2.8.3 The Recreation objectives of the Local Plan are:-

- to support the development of sport and recreation facilities to meet the needs of local communities, including the retention of open space and other land with recreational or amenity value

- to ensure that sport and recreational provision is properly co-ordinated with other forms of development

- to support the provision of informal recreation facilities in the countryside where there is no overriding conflict with wildlife and landscape protection

- to ensure that noisy sports, or other recreational activities that could adversely affect their surroundings, are sited to avoid harmful intrusion on the character, appearance and amenity of the neighbouring area

- to improve and extend opportunities for the public to enjoy the countryside, including the public rights of way network.

The Tourism objectives of the Local Plan are:

- to enhance the tourism attraction of Mid Suffolk through conserving its natural and man-made heritage

- to support the development of tourist facilities, appropriate to their surroundings, which help to spread the social and economic benefits of tourism to different parts of the District

- to encourage a range of tourist accommodation in keeping with the character and appearance of its surroundings.

Recreation Facilities

2.8.4 The demand for recreation facilities stems from an increase in people's leisure time with a reduction in working hours, rising disposable incomes, increased levels of car ownership and greater entertainment. The District Council generally adopts an enabling role in recreation provision with communities identifying local needs and Mid Suffolk grant-aiding buildings and outdoor facilities to meet those needs. The District Council continues to provide major facilities that serve a larger catchment area with typical examples being the Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre at Stowmarket, Needham Lake in the Gipping Valley and Stradbroke Swimming Pool.

Facilities on local communities.

2.8.5 Sports Facilities - Advice on the facility requirements of rural areas like Mid Suffolk, and more particularly its town and larger villages, is given by the English Sports Council - East. The former Eastern Council for Sport and Recreation (ECSR) produced a regional strategy and the English Sports Council (ESC) - East uses this strategy as a guide in its work and advice.

Avoiding the blanket application of facility standards.

2.8.6 Whilst referring to the advice of the English Sports Council - East in determining the adequacy of current provision, the District Planning Authority does not seek to prescribe the level of indoor sports facilities or outdoor pitches and playing fields for individual communities. The predominantly rural nature of Mid Suffolk means that the catchment population supporting a particularly facility can differ widely across the District and therefore standards have to be applied cautiously.

2.8.7 Safeguarding Arts and Entertainment Venues - Mid Suffolk has recognised the importance of promoting artistic activity within the District by the provision of an annual arts programme. Professional and amateur groups receiving funding by way of grants of project funding for artistic projects throughout the District. These activities are seen to be beneficial to local residents and visitors to the area.

2.8.8 In 1995 an arts strategy was adopted for the District outlining the commitment of Mid Suffolk to provide arts activities for all groups of the community which includes children, youths, those with disabilities and the elderly.

2.8.9 Mid Suffolk has no responsibility for any venue within the district and therefore relies heavily on the private sector/charitable trusts to provide this facility.

2.8.10 Arts and entertainments tend to be provided by communities at local venues such as village halls, with wider coverage for these demands at the Regal Theatre in Stowmarket, Eye Theatre and through Wingfield Arts and Music. While the Local Planning Authority would wish to support the shared use of existing community facilities such arrangements need to be agreed locally. Further guidance may be found in 'Sports for all in Villages' issued by the then Sports Council (Eastern Region), (now English Sports Council - East).

2.8.11 Where population densities are low, such as in Mid Suffolk, the former Eastern Council for Sport and Recreation produced guidelines on levels of provision that reflect the type of facilities that might reasonably be found. These guidelines are used by the English Sports Council - East.

Facility guidelines for rural areas.

2.8.12 Accepting the need for flexibility, the guidelines are based on two tiers of Rural Catchment Area, namely market towns or large villages (Category A) and groups of smaller settlements (Category B). The facility guidelines for these Rural Catchment Areas are set out for information in Table 6. The District Planning Authority will refer to these guidelines when considering applications for sports and recreation facilities.

TABLE 6 - Facility Guidelines issued by the Eastern Council for Sport and Recreation

SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

POLICY RT1

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES THAT SERVE LOCAL COMMUNITY NEEDS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:-

- CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE CHARACTER OF THE SITE AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT TO ITS ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, AVOIDING UNDUE ADVERSE EFFECT ON WILDLIFE, THE LANDSCAPE OR RESIDENTIAL AMENITY;

- BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES SHOULD BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE PROPOSED USE OF THE SITE;

- THE DESIGN, USE OF MATERIALS, SCALE AND FORM OF ANY BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES SHOULD BE IN KEEPING WITH THE CHARACTER OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS;

- SATISFACTORY ACCESS TO THE SITE MUST BE PROVIDED AND CAR PARKING PROVISION SHOULD BE TO THE ADOPTED STANDARDS ON THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY;

- THE PROPOSAL SHOULD HAVE NO DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON THE LOCAL HIGHWAY NETWORK AND ITS ABILITY TO SAFELY ACCOMMODATE THE TRAFFIC LIKELY TO BE GENERATED.

SPECIAL CARE WILL BE TAKEN WHEN DEALING WITH PROPOSALS WHICH INCLUDE FLOODLIGHTING.

LOSS OF EXISTING SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

POLICY RT2

WHERE EXISTING SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES ARE TO BE REDEVELOPED OR A CHANGE OF USE IS PROPOSED, THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SEEK TO ENSURE, USUALLY THROUGH A PLANNING OBLIGATION UNDER SECTION 106 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (AS AMENDED), THAT SUITABLY LOCATED REPLACEMENT FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED, UNLESS THE APPLICANT CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT A SHORTFALL IN PROVISION IS NOT CREATED.

THE CONTRIBUTION THAT A FACILITY MAKES TO THE CHARACTER OF AN AREA BY VIRTUE OF ITS APPEARANCE OR ITS VALUE FOR LOCAL INFORMAL RECREATION WILL BE MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DETERMINING ANY REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL.

2.8.13 Playing Fields - The National Playing Fields Association recommends a minimum standard of 2.43 hectares (6 acres) of outdoor playing space per 1000 population. This standard includes for adult and youth use up to 1.8 ha (4.5 acres) for playing fields, courts, greens and other facilities. Children's playgrounds and other casual or informal play space account for the remaining space included within the standard. It acts as a general guide which needs to be interpreted locally to take account of patterns of demand and existing facilities. All playing fields whether school playing fields or those owned by others are of special significance both for their recreational and amenity value. The Government makes the point in its planning guidance that when not required for their original purpose, playing fields may be able to meet the growing need for recreational land in the wider community. The Government states that playing fields should normally be protected except where:-

(a) sports and recreation facilities can best be retained and enhanced through the redevelopment of a small part of the site;

(b) alternative provision of equivalent community benefit is made available; or

(c) a Local Plan shows an excess of sports pitch provision and public open space in the area, taking account of the recreation and amenity value of such provision.

Importance of retaining playing fields for recreational use.

2.8.14 Public Open Space - Access to public open space is very important within towns and villages. This type of 'green area' can provide leisure opportunities for local people and can greatly enhance the visual quality of its surroundings. It makes a significant contribution to local amenity. Once built on it will be lost to the local community forever. The Local Plan has identified Visually Important Open Spaces which are to be retained in undeveloped form (paragraphs 2.1.12 - 2.1.15 and Policy SB3).

The value of public open space as a local amenity.

2.8.15 Many of these undeveloped spaces are not just visually important but provide opportunities for leisure. Even where public open space, including allotments, or playing fields have not been designated as Visually Important Open Spaces, the contribution they make to local leisure provision will be a material consideration should redevelopment be proposed.

2.8.16 Within towns and larger villages, public open space within easy walking distance of main housing areas should form part of the general amenities available for residents. New provision is included in the Plan for Stowmarket in the form of an arboretum and town centre park at Milton Road (Proposal 16), for the Hurstlea estate in Needham Market with an informal play area next to Platten Close, and for Eye with an amenity area at the Rettory leading onto Lambseth Street. Additionally, proposals for the development of land at Takers Lane in Stowmarket include a riverside walk and amenity area.

2.8.17 The needs of children are particularly important, including casual play space within housing areas and outdoor equipped playgrounds. The District Planning Authority's assessment of the extent of publicly available playing space within Mid Suffolk is that the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA) Six Acre Standard per 1000 population is achieved on a District-wide basis.

Children's play space.

2.8.18 Within the overall standard, up to two acres is considered reasonable for children's play. This provision should allow for up to 0.75 acres for equipped playgrounds, adventure playgrounds and other play areas, while the remainder should be available for casual or informal play space within housing areas. Areas for children's play should therefore be provided within new residential estates. The actual size of play space will be dependent on the number of houses within the proposed development. Care will be needed in the siting of play areas to avoid an unacceptable degree of disturbance to adjacent residents.

2.8.19 Planning Agreements involving Recreational Provision - The Government has expressed the view that it may be appropriate for local authorities to enter into planning obligations to secure the provision of public open space or to bring forward sports and recreation facilities as part of mixed development proposals. It is suggested that agreements might cover the provision of on-site and off-site recreational facilities related to the development or alternative provision when recreational land or open space is lost. The District Planning Authority will refer to the published advice of the English Sports Council - East and the National Playing Fields Association in trying to ensure that sport and recreational provision is properly co-ordinated with other forms of development.

Where appropriate, new development should include recreation facilities.

PROPOSAL 16:

LAND TO THE NORTH OF MILTON ROAD IN STOWMARKET WILL PROVIDE FOR A SMALL TOWN CENTRE PARK AND ARBORETUM. (O.3 HECTARES) (STOWMARKET TOWN CENTRE INSET MAP 73B)

PROPOSAL 17:

LAND FOR AN INFORMAL AMENITY AREA AND RIVERSIDE FOOTPATH IS IDENTIFIED ON LAND SOUTH OF TAKERS LANE, STOWMARKET. (0.6 HECTARES) (INSET MAP 73A)

PROPOSAL 18:

AMENITY OPEN SPACE PROVIDING FOR INFORMAL RECREATION IS IDENTIFIED AT THE RETTORY OFF LAMBSETH STREET IN EYE. (1.8 HECTARES) (INSET MAP 30)

PROTECTING RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE

POLICY RT3

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SAFEGUARD RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE AND WILL NOT NORMALLY PERMIT PUBLIC, PRIVATE OR SCHOOL PLAYING FIELDS, PLAY SPACES OR AMENITY AREAS, ALLOTMENTS OR OTHER FORMS OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE TO BE DEVELOPED FOR NON-RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.

THE CONTRIBUTION THAT RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE MAKES TO THE VISUAL CHARACTER OF ITS SURROUNDINGS OR ITS VALUE FOR LOCAL INFORMAL RECREATION WILL BE MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DETERMINING ANY REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL.

WHERE REDEVELOPMENT IS PERMITTED, AN APPLICANT WILL BE EXPECTED TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE PROVISION, OF EQUIVALENT COMMUNITY BENEFIT, IN THE FORM OF SUITABLY LOCATED RECREATION OR AMENITY SPACE.

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL IMPOSE PLANNING CONDITIONS OR SEEK TO ENTER INTO PLANNING OBLIGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THIS POLICY.

AMENITY OPEN SPACE AND PLAY AREAS WITHIN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

POLICY RT4

IN RESIDENTIAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, COMPRISING 10 OR MORE DWELLINGS, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF PLAY AREAS, FORMAL RECREATION AREAS OR AMENITY AREAS, UNLESS THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY IS SATISFIED THAT ADEQUATE FACILITIES ALREADY EXIST NEARBY.

CHILDREN'S PLAY SPACES SHOULD BE SITED WHERE THEY CAN BE USED SAFELY, CONVENIENTLY AND WITHOUT CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE AND OTHER DISTURBANCE TO ADJOINING RESIDENTS.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AS PART OF OTHER DEVELOPMENT

POLICY RT5

WHERE APPROPRIATE IN TERMS OF THE LOCATION AND SCALE OF A PROPOSAL, THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SEEK THE INCLUSION OF RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE AND SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES AS PART OF OFFICE, RETAIL AND OTHER COMMERCIAL AND MIXED DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES.

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SEEK TO ENTER INTO PLANNING OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 106 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (AS AMENDED) OR OTHER SIMILAR ENABLING POWERS TO SECURE THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND SPORTING AND RECREATION USES AS PART OF THE PROPER PLANNING OF AN AREA.

Recreation in the Countryside

2.8.20 People living in the countryside have no less a need for recreation than people living in the more built-up areas. Whilst the recreational needs of local people can usually be met without detriment to the character of the countryside, there is increasing pressure for the countryside to provide a range of sports and recreation activities to serve the demands of people travelling out from the larger centres of population. Over 80 per cent of the United Kingdom's population visit the countryside for recreational or sporting purposes at least once a year. The Government makes the point, in its planning guidance, that the aim should be to reconcile protecting the countryside with providing for recreation through appropriate planning and management measures. In particular sport and recreation activities in the countryside should be appropriate and in harmony with their surroundings.

Principles to be adhered to when providing recreation in the countryside.

2.8.21 Types of recreation in the countryside can be grouped together under two basic headings:-

Sports Activities - these activities are often of a more formal nature and may require the provision of a special venue or purpose-built facilities. Some activities can attract relatively large numbers of participants and spectators, while others may generate little activity.

Countryside Recreation - activities of a largely informal nature whereby the public seek access to the countryside for its natural qualities. If visitor pressures are not excessive then these activities can normally be undertaken without detriment to their natural surroundings, provided they are managed in co-operation with the landowners concerned.

Whilst these grouping are relatively simplistic, they do give an indication of the factors that the District Planning Authority will have to take into account in assessing their impact on the countryside and its communities.

2.8.22 Sports Activities in the Countryside - The planning system tries to integrate development necessary to sustain the rural economy with the protection of the countryside, particularly its natural beauty and the diversity of its landscape and wildlife.

Recreational provision as an opportunity for farm diversification.

2.8.23 Sports and recreation do present opportunities for farm diversification, for example through golf courses, fishing lakes and equestrianism. However it is the natural qualities of the countryside that provide for informal countryside recreation and attract tourists. Therefore protecting these qualities will generally take precedence. The Local Plan takes the view that proposals for sport and recreation must take account of the ability of the land to sustain that activity in the long term without adversely affecting landscape, wildlife and the amenity of local residents. The Government's planning guidance states that a location may be suitable for some pursuits but not others and that appropriate conditions attached to a planning permission, for example through restrictions on time, space or season, may overcome concerns for protecting the countryside and residential amenity.

2.8.24 Noisy Sports - Participation in sport is likely to be heightened with increases in leisure time and this applies equally to so-called 'noisy sports'. These are generally taken to include motor sports, gun, aerial and powered water sports which by their nature are noisy in some degree. (Sports which are noisy only indirectly (eg. from crowds) are not normally included in this group.) Such sports provide fun and enjoyment, develop and demand skill and create opportunities for achievement, the development of responsibility and self reliance. They may be pursued by individuals informally or through organised groups or clubs and they may make an important contribution socially through the leisure opportunity and spectacle they provide.

Noisy sports in thecountryside.

2.8.25 However, such sports also carry some difficulties - they are often significant users of land; may not be compatible with certain other users of land; may cause environmental damage if not properly controlled and cause concerns of amenity of local residents and visitors to the countryside.

2.8.26 Air Sports - Participation in air sports has increased in recent years. Hang-gliding, and micro-light aircraft have developed as less expensive alternatives to flying light aircraft for sport. The following facilities now exist in the Plan area:-

2.8.27 In the event that further proposals arise the Government advises local planning authorities to consider carefully the proposed runway and circuit alignments, as well as other sports uses to which the site could be put, in order that environmental problems for those on the ground, in particularly noise, are kept to an acceptable level.

2.8.28 Golf Courses - The principal objective of golf course design is to achieve a balanced and varied course which provides the right level of interest, and on completion (or some time thereafter) blends well into the landscape. The best golf designers build the course around the prevailing land forms, vegetation and natural features, using landscaping to enhance the existing situation not hide developments. If this is achieved a golf course can improve sterile landscapes, or damaged and despoiled land, enhance wildlife habitats and provide employment, as well as satisfying recreational need and providing opportunities for new participation.

Golf courses should be designed to enhance the landscape.

2.8.29 Local planning authorities are particularly concerned about the impact of large-scale development, such as hotels and conference centres, which would not normally be allowed in the countryside, but which it is often argued are needed to make a facility viable. The District Council considers there is the need for a pay and play golf course to serve the recreation needs of communities within the A14 corridor. A site has been identified at the Beacon Hill Interchange alongside the trunk road which, because of its accessibility and the existing planning permission for a motel, would also be an appropriate location for related conference facilities.

SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

POLICY RT6

PROPOSALS FOR NEW, OR EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING, SPORT AND RECREATIONAL USES WITHIN THE COUNTRYSIDE WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE:-

- THE PROPOSED USE WILL NOT HAVE A DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON LANDSCAPE, WILDLIFE, ECOLOGY, AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY AND WILL NOT CAUSE DISTURBANCE TO OTHER USERS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND OCCUPANTS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY;

- THE PROPOSED SITE HAS GOOD ACCESS TO A LOCAL ROAD NETWORK WHICH CAN ACCOMMODATE THE LEVEL OF TRAFFIC LIKELY TO BE GENERATED. IN THE CASE OF USES INTENDED TO SERVE LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE, THEN SITE ACCESS SHOULD BE TO THE PRIMARY ROUTE NETWORK;

- THE SCALE, DESIGN, LAYOUT AND MATERIALS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT RESPECTS THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE AND THERE IS NO MATERIALLY DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON EXISTING SETTLEMENTS. SPECIAL CARE WILL BE TAKEN WHEN DEALING WITH PROPOSALS WHICH INCLUDE FLOODLIGHTING;

- NATURAL LANDSCAPE FEATURES INCLUDING HEDGEROWS AND TREES HAVE BEEN LARGELY RETAINED AND ENHANCED AND, IF APPROPRIATE, ADDITIONAL SCREENING AND LANDSCAPING IS PROVIDED TO MINIMISE ANY VISUAL INTRUSION CAUSED BY THE DEVELOPMENT. WILDLIFE FEATURES SHOULD BE TREATED IN A SIMILAR MANNER TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE EXISTING HABITATS;

- BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES SHOULD BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE PROPOSED USE. WHEREVER POSSIBLE, RE-USE SHOULD BE MADE OF EXISTING RURAL BUILDINGS;

- NEW RECREATIONAL USES WILL BE CAREFULLY ASSESSED IN AREAS, SUCH AS SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREAS, VULNERABLE TO THE PHYSICAL AND VISUAL IMPACT OF INCREASED NUMBERS OF VISITORS AND LARGE NEW BUILDINGS. THE DEGREE TO WHICH PROPOSALS AFFECT THE CHARACTER OF THESE AREAS WILL BE A MATERIAL CONSIDERATION.

NOISY SPORTS

POLICY RT7

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY, IN RECOGNISING BOTH THE VALUE AND DIFFICULTIES ASSOCIATED WITH CERTAIN 'NOISY SPORTS' SUCH AS MOTORCYCLE SCRAMBLING, CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF:-

- THEIR LOCATION IN RELATION TO EXISTING SETTLEMENTS;

- THE CONFIGURATION OF THE SITE AND THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED;

- THE IMPACT ON THE AMENITY OF RESIDENTS, THE CHARACTER AND NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE OF THE LOCALITY AND HIGHWAY SAFETY;

- THE PROPOSED MANAGEMENT AND REGULATION OF THE USE, INCLUDING SAFETY ISSUES;

- OTHER USES IN THE VICINITY OR WITHIN THE SITE; AND - BENEFITS ACCRUING FROM THE DEVELOPMENT (EG. LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION, NEW WOODLAND, RECLAMATION OF DERELICT LAND OR SIMILAR ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS).

MOTOR SPORTS

POLICY RT8

PROPOSALS FOR OFF-ROAD MOTOR SPORTS WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY IS SATISFIED THAT THERE WILL BE NO DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON LANDSCAPE, WILDLIFE, AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY OR HIGHWAY SAFETY, AND THE PROPOSED USE WILL NOT CAUSE UNDUE DISTURBANCE TO OTHER USES OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND OCCUPANTS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.

PROPOSALS FOR SUCH USES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WHERE THEY WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT ANCIENT MONUMENTS, ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES, PARKLAND OR HISTORIC INTEREST, SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST, REGISTERED COMMONS OR VILLAGE GREENS, OR OTHER AREAS IDENTIFIED AS HAVING A NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST.

FACILITIES FOR AIR SPORTS

POLICY RT9

FACILITIES FOR RECREATIONAL FLYING, INCLUDING MICROLIGHT AIRCRAFT, GLIDING, HANG-GLIDING, PARACHUTING AND BALLOONING, WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE:-

- THE PROPOSED USE WILL NOT HAVE A DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON LANDSCAPE, WILDLIFE, ECOLOGY, AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY AND WILL NOT CAUSE DISTURBANCE TO OTHER USERS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND OCCUPANTS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY;

- THE PROPOSED SITE HAS GOOD ACCESS TO A LOCAL ROAD NETWORK WHICH CAN ACCOMMODATE THE LEVEL OF TRAFFIC LIKELY TO BE GENERATED. IN THE CASE OF AIR SPORTS FACILITIES BEING COUPLED WITH GENERAL AVIATION FACILITIES INTENDED TO SERVE LARGER NUMBERS OF PEOPLE, THEN SITE ACCESS SHOULD BE READILY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE PRIMARY ROUTE NETWORK.

WHEN GRANTING PLANNING PERMISSION FOR SUCH USES, THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL NEED TO BE SATISFIED THAT ANY PROPOSED RUNWAY ALIGNMENTS AND THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF THEIR USE DO NOT GIVE RISE TO UNACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, PARTICULARLY NOISE.

APPLICANTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE DETAILS ON THESE ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSAL AND THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL IMPOSE CONDITIONS OR SEEK TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO LIMIT ACTIVITY TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL.

PROPOSAL 19:

LAND AT CREETING HILL, ADJACENT TO THE BEACON HILL INTERCHANGE, IS IDENTIFIED FOR A PAY AND PLAY GOLF COURSE WITH ASSOCIATED CLUBHOUSE AND CONFERENCE CENTRE. (74 HECTARES) (INSET MAP 101).

GOLF COURSES

POLICY RT10

PROPOSALS FOR GOLF COURSES, GOLF DRIVING RANGES AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES WILL BE PERMITTED IN LOCATIONS WHERE THEY WILL NOT HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE LANDSCAPE INCLUDING HISTORIC PARKS AND GARDENS, OR WILDLIFE AREAS INCLUDING IMPORTANT HABITATS.

IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS, THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL HAVE REGARD TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:-

- COURSES SHOULD BE DESIGNED, LAID OUT AND LANDSCAPED TO ACHIEVE VISUAL INTEGRATION INTO THE SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE, INCLUDING THE CREATION OF NEW WILDLIFE HABITATS;

- WHERE PROPOSALS ARE MADE FOR THE USE OF BEST AND MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND THEY SHOULD NOT RESULT IN ITS IRREVERSIBLE LOSS;

- EXISTING NATURAL FEATURES SHOULD BE RETAINED AND ENHANCED AND PLANNING APPLICATIONS WILL BE EXPECTED TO CONTAIN A DETAILED SITE SURVEY WITH AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON HISTORIC LANDSCAPE FEATURES AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES. PARTICULAR CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID ANY ADVERSE IMPACT UPON PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY AND THEIR USERS;

- CLUBHOUSES, CAR PARKING AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO A HIGH STANDARD AND USE SHOULD BE MADE OF MATERIALS TRADITIONAL TO THE AREA. SUCH PURPOSE-BUILT FACILITIES SHOULD NOT BE INTRUSIVE WITHIN THE LANDSCAPE AND, WHERE POSSIBLE, RE-USE SHOULD BE MADE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS;

- GOOD ACCESS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO THE PRIMARY ROUTE NETWORK. SCHEMES WHICH RELY ON MINOR ROADS OR ADVERSELY AFFECT HIGHWAY SAFETY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED;

- SPECIAL CARE WILL BE TAKEN WHEN DEALING WITH PROPOSALS WHICH INCLUDE FLOODLIGHTING.

Countryside Recreation

2.8.30 Increased public awareness for the recreational opportunities created by the countryside has seen demand for better access, particularly for walking, and for a range of facilities like picnic sites and Country Parks. Most leisure visits to the countryside are made to sites provided specifically for recreation. Use of these sites can relieve pressure on more sensitive areas. The Government's planning guidance therefore encourages the provision of sites for informal recreation, together with the enhancement of picnic areas, car parking, towpaths, footpaths and bridleways. These recreational opportunities should be provided in consultation with local landowners to minimise conflict with countryside interests.

Greater access to thecountryside for informal recreation.

2.8.31 The principle of bringing together improved opportunities for informal countryside recreation and conserving the countryside's landscape and wildlife features is at the heart of Countryside Management Projects. Mid Suffolk District Council participates in countryside management projects, in partnership with other local authorities and the Countryside Commission, in the Gipping Valley and the Upper Waveney Valley. The parishes covered by these Projects are shown in Diagram 6 overleaf.

Countryside Management Projects.

2.8.32 The Projects look to promote a greater understanding of the countryside, encouraging public involvement in its protection and enhancement. Within Mid Suffolk, the District Council manages nearly 32.4 hectares of land and water for countryside recreation. This is supplemented in the Gipping Valley by picnic sites and wildlife areas provided by Suffolk County Council. As part of its involvement in providing for countryside recreation, the District Council intends to build a Countryside Visitor Centre central to the Gipping Valley at Needham Lake.

2.8.33 Public Rights of Way - The best form of access to the countryside is offered by the existing network of public footpaths. The District Council, in co-operation with Parish Councils and landowners, will promote improvements, wherever possible, to the footpath and bridleway network. Two major recreational footpaths have already been established in Mid Suffolk - the 17 mile Gipping Valley Footpath and the 70 mile Angles Way which starts on the East Coast and follows the Waveney Valley through Mid Suffolk.

Footpaths and bridleways.

2.8.34 The District Council is looking to create further recreational footpaths as part of its published Countryside Recreation Strategy. The Mid Suffolk Footpath will link the Gipping Valley to the Angles Way and the Mid Suffolk Light Railway footpath will create a 20 mile route from Haughley Junction to Laxfield partially based on the line of the former railway using the definitive footpath network. Bridleways are particularly important for recreational horse-riding because of the reduced safety when riding on country roads. (Facilities for horse-riding are dealt with in paragraph 2.4.40-2.4.41 and Policy CL21.)

2.8.35 Water-Based Recreation - The river valleys of the Gipping and Upper Waveney offer opportunities for water-based recreation, particularly where lakes have been created by sand and gravel extraction. Recreation activities on lakes and rivers need to be carefully controlled for reasons of public safety and to minimise conflict with other countryside land uses or disturbance to wildlife. There is a demand for dinghy and board sailing, powered watercraft and fishing on inland water areas. They will need shore-based facilities like car parks and toilets. Care should be taken when siting such facilities in the landscape.

Water sports compatible with the countryside.

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Diagram 6 - Upper Waveney Valley and Gipping Valley Project Areas covered in the Plan Area

2.8.36 In order to achieve an appropriate balance of sport, informal recreation and nature conservation, the District Planning Authority will expect owners and operators to prepare and implement site management plans and to monitor and review these plans periodically. In keeping with the character and appearance of the plan area, it will be the informal and passive types of outdoor recreation that will be encouraged in the river valleys. There are sizeable lakes at Bramford, to the west of Ipswich, and at Weybread in the Waveney Valley. The Plan identifies the lakes as centres for informal countryside recreation. At Weybread the use of motor-powered craft will be resisted as being incompatible with its surroundings and wildlife interest.

PROPOSAL 20:

A SITE FOR A VISITOR CENTRE, INCORPORATING COUNTRYSIDE INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION FACILITIES, IS IDENTIFIED AT NEEDHAM LAKE, NEEDHAM MARKET. (0.7 HECTARES) (INSET MAP 55A).

PROPOSAL 21:

BRAMFORD LAKE IS IDENTIFIED AS A FACILITY FOR A RANGE OF WATERSPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING MOTORISED WATERSPORTS, SUBJECT TO THE PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A MANAGEMENT PLAN WHICH ENSURES THAT SPORT, INFORMAL RECREATION AND NATURE CONSERVATION INTERESTS SUCCESSFULLY CO-EXIST.

PROPOSAL 22:

WEYBREAD LAKE IS IDENTIFIED AS A FACILITY FOR A RANGE OF WATERSPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, SUBJECT TO THE PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A MANAGEMENT PLAN WHICH ENSURES THAT SPORT, INFORMAL RECREATION AND NATURE CONSERVATION INTERESTS SUCCESSFULLY CO-EXIST.

FACILITIES FOR INFORMAL COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION

POLICY RT11

FACILITIES, SUCH AS PICNIC AREAS AND COUNTRY PARKS, PROVIDING FOR INFORMAL COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION WILL BE PERMITTED SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:-

- PROPOSALS INCLUDING CAR PARKING SHOULD BE APPROPRIATE IN SCALE, LAYOUT, DESIGN AND USE OF MATERIALS TO THEIR COUNTRYSIDE AND LANDSCAPE SETTING;

- THERE SHOULD BE NO DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS, HIGHWAY SAFETY, THE BEST AND MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND, FORESTRY, WILDLIFE OR RESIDENTIAL AMENITY.

THE CUMULATIVE IMPACT OF PROPOSALS IN ANY AREA WILL BE TREATED AS A MATERIAL CONSIDERATION.

FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS

POLICY RT12

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL, THROUGH ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTROLLING THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF LAND, SAFEGUARD THE FOOTPATH AND BRIDLEWAY NETWORK AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, WILL SUPPORT PROPOSALS TO SECURE ITS IMPROVEMENT AND MODIFICATION, INCLUDING EXTENSIONS AND EXTINGUISHMENTS.

WATER-BASED RECREATION

POLICY RT13

IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF WATER-BASED RECREATION ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES, OR THE INTENSIFICATION OF EXISTING USES, WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE THE TYPE AND LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT HAVE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE, WILDLIFE OR RURAL OR RESIDENTIAL AMENITY, OR UPON HIGHWAY SAFETY.

Art in Public Places

2.8.37 The Arts Council encourages local authorities to look at ways in which different forms of Art can make a contribution to the appearance of our everyday surroundings. The introduction of items of detailing, such as sculpture, mosaics or fountains, within public places can have a pleasing appearance and can add to the interest and character created by a building, its setting or the street scene, particularly in streets where priority has been given to pedestrians. The District Planning Authority supports the principle of enhancing the environment through the introduction of locally-commissioned items of art, especially in areas accessible to the public.

Making items of Art a feature of the environment.

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES

POLICY RT14

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL, IN APPROPRIATE CASES, ENCOURAGE THE PROVISION OF NEW WORKS OF ART AS PART OF SCHEMES OF DEVELOPMENT INVOLVING PUBLIC BUILDINGS OR BUILDINGS OR AREAS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AND, IN DETERMINING AN APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION, WILL HAVE REGARD TO THE CONTRIBUTION BY ANY SUCH WORKS TO THE APPEARANCE OF THE SCHEME AND TO THE AMENITIES OF THE AREA.

SAFEGUARDING ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENTS VENUES

POLICY RT15

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SHOULD NOT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ARTS OR ENTERTAINMENT VENUES IN EYE OR STOWMARKET.

Tourism

2.8.38 The natural attraction of the countryside and its villages and its opportunities for sight-seeing and informal recreation add to the Plan area's tourist appeal. Tourism includes not only the annual family holiday but also a wide range of shorter visits, weekend breaks and day trips. It is these latter types of visit that predominate in Mid Suffolk.

Tourism puts money into the local economy.

2.8.39 Tourism creates jobs and puts wealth into the local economy. This is not just directly in the form of spending on accommodation and admission fees to tourist attractions. Visitors spend money in local shops and restaurants as well as using local leisure facilities.

2.8.40 There needs to be a careful balance between attracting tourists and being able to absorb and benefit from their presence. New tourist attractions should be in character with Mid Suffolk's existing heritage and the rural nature of the Plan area. This will range from heritage or arts centres to small craft workshops. The reuse of redundant farm and other rural buildings may play an important part in offering tourism related facilities which can be integrated into the countryside. The facilities needed to cater for tourism are not particularly different in terms of land use planning from other types of leisure development. There are some types of development that cater expressly for the tourist and holidaymaker, but for planning purposes it is the location, scale and environmental implications that matter rather than the particular type of user or the purpose of their visit.

Proposed tourist attractions should enhance the existing environment.

2.8.41 Stowmarket is home to the regionally important Museum of East Anglian Life. The Museum occupies a site of about 12 hectares immediately south-west of the town centre. The Plan supports the continued development of the Museum with its re-erected East Anglian farm buildings and exhibition areas within the valley of the Rattlesden River. The District Council wishes to see a heritage centre built on land next to the Eye Castle ancient monument. The Castle ruins are steeped in history and a heritage centre would provide a significant tourist attraction for Eye.

PROPOSAL 23:

LAND IS IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE RATTLESDEN VALLEY FOR AN EXTENSION TO THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE IN STOWMARKET. (25.7 HECTARES) (INSET MAP 73A).

PROPOSAL 24:

A SITE IS IDENTIFIED FOR A HERITAGE CENTRE ADJACENT TO THE CASTLE MOUND IN EYE. (0.15 HECTARES) (INSET MAP 30).

TOURISM FACILITIES AND VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

POLICY RT16

TOURISM FACILITIES AND ATTRACTIONS WILL BE SUPPORTED PROVIDED THAT THE DESIGN, SCALE AND LAYOUT OF THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT DETRACT FROM THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF ITS SURROUNDINGS, ADVERSELY AFFECT RESIDENTIAL AMENITY OR CREATE A TRAFFIC HAZARD.

WHERE DEVELOPMENT HAS TO LOCATE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, PROPOSALS SHOULD NOT DETRACT FROM NEIGHBOURING RURAL AMENITY, THE LANDSCAPE SETTING OR ADVERSELY AFFECT WILDLIFE HABITATS.

IN PARTICULAR, THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SUPPORT PROPOSALS WHICH:-

- EXTEND THE TOURIST SEASON AND THE RANGE OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS;

- PROVIDE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES;

- BRING ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS OR CONSERVE IMPORTANT HERITAGE, WILDLIFE OR LANDSCAPE FEATURES;

- IN APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES, BRING ABOUT THE REUSE OF FARM OR OTHER RURAL BUILDINGS.

2.8.42 Tourist Accommodation - Most serviced accommodation is in the form of hotels, guest houses, private houses serving bed and breakfast or roadside motels. Usually this type of accommodation is provided by the conversion of existing properties. The conversion of disused farm buildings contributes to the stock of serviced accommodation in the countryside, with self-catering units becoming a popular option as part of farm diversification.

2.8.43 It is important to ensure that new or converted buildings relate well to their surroundings and that tourist accommodation does not detract from local amenity. The provision of car parking for guests is particularly relevant and, in the case of hotels, this may involve additional parking where public rooms are to be used mainly for functions which attract non-residents. For motels, developers usually prefer sites on major traffic routes outside towns and tourist centres. Depending on the setting, an open layout in which proper attention has been paid to design and landscaping may be more acceptable than a dense concentration of buildings.

2.8.44 Caravans and Camping - Holiday and touring caravan and camping parks remain an important part of the self-catering holiday sector and can contribute much to the local tourism economy. Provision needs to be reconciled with the protection and preservation of those environments which attract holidaymakers in the first place. Holiday and touring caravan sites can be particularly intrusive in the open landscape. There has been criticism of the layout and appearance of this type of accommodation and attention needs to be paid to improving the environmental amenity of sites and their attractiveness to holidaymakers.

The landscape impact of holiday and touring caravan sites needs to be minimised.

2.8.45 The traditional distinctions between touring and motorised caravans are becoming more blurred with the availability of tented trailers. Planning applications may combine the different types of touring accommodation and therefore developers and site owners will be encouraged to be specific about overall numbers so that the District Planning Authority can take into account the land use implications of the different types of unit, particularly access and the use of local roads.

2.8.46 The General Development Order and the exemptions from licensing in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 allow a measure of freedom for the touring caravanner. This permits the larger caravanning organisations to certificate sites for use by up to 5 members' holiday caravans. It provides a useful means of providing small sites in sensitive rural areas where larger sites would be unduly intrusive. There is usually no need for the District Planning Authority to be involved. Although the impact of an individual site can be quite limited, the cumulative effect of a number of sites in close proximity can be considerable.

Certificated caravan sites.

2.8.47 Where the cumulative effect is likely to have an adverse effect on the landscape and nearby communities the District Planning Authority will attempt to reach agreement with the issuing organisations to limit the future number of certified sites. The District Planning Authority will have special regard for the amenity of the designated Special Landscape Areas and will keep the matter under review.

SERVICED TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

POLICY RT17

WITHIN SETTLEMENTS, THE PROVISION OF HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION THROUGH NEW DEVELOPMENT OR THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS WILL BE PERMITTED, SUBJECT TO NO ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS, RESIDENTIAL AMENITY OR HIGHWAY SAFETY.

IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, PROPOSALS FOR NEWLY BUILT HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION WILL BE RESISTED. THE CONVERSION TO HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, SUCH AS MILLS, BARNS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL RURAL BUILDINGS, WILL BE SUPPORTED SUBJECT TO NO ADVERSE IMPACT ON THEIR LANDSCAPE SETTING, WILDLIFE HABITATS, NEARBY RESIDENTIAL AMENITY OR HIGHWAY SAFETY. THE PROPOSED CONVERSION SHOULD RESPECT THE DESIGN AND STRUCTURE OF THE ORIGINAL BUILDING AND RETAIN ITS IMPORTANT ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC FEATURES.

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY MAY IMPOSE CONDITIONS LIMITING THE PERIOD OF OCCUPANCY TO ENSURE THAT THE ACCOMMODATION REMAINS AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY USE.

TOURING CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITES

POLICY RT18

SITES FOR TOURING CARAVANS AND TENTED CAMPING SHOULD BE LOCATED WHERE THERE IS NO ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE. PROPOSALS SHOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT RESIDENTIAL AMENITY, HIGHWAY SAFETY, AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION. SITES MUST BE WELL SCREENED TO MINIMISE THEIR VISUAL IMPACT ON THEIR SURROUNDINGS, HAVE GOOD ACCESS TO SERVICES, TO THE MAJOR ROAD NETWORK AND TO A RANGE OF ATTRACTIONS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO TOURISTS.

TOURING CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITES WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE THEY HAVE GOOD ACCESS TO SERVICES, THE MAJOR ROAD NETWORK AND A RANGE OF ATTRACTIONS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO TOURISTS.

STATIC CARAVANS AND HOLIDAY CHALETS

POLICY RT19

STATIC CARAVANS AND HOLIDAY CHALETS WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED WHERE THERE ARE NO ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE LANDSCAPE, EXISTING RESIDENTIAL AMENITY, HIGHWAY SAFETY, AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND WHERE ESSENTIAL SERVICES CAN BE PROVIDED.

IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WHERE PERMANENT RESIDENTIAL USE WOULD NOT BE PERMITTED BUT HOLIDAY USE IS ACCEPTABLE, CONDITIONS WILL BE IMPOSED LIMITING THE PERIOD OF OCCUPANCY TO ENSURE THAT THE ACCOMMODATION REMAINS AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY USE.

Targets to be monitored as part of the performance of the Local Plan

Recreation and Tourism

- to identify the loss of recreational playing fields to other forms of development

- to assess the environmental impact of touring caravan and camp sites within Special Landscape Areas

- to ensure childrens' amenity play space is incorporated within all new large-scale housing developments.