TE3: Local Green Spaces
Policy TE3: Local Green Spaces
The Neighbourhood Plan designates the following Local Green Spaces, as shown on the Policies Map, for the purpose of applying NPPF National Decision-Making Policy HC8:
1) Calmore Recreational Ground
2) Bartley Park
3) Testbourne Playground (including Briarwood)
4) Land beyond Hawkers Close and near Salmon Leap Allotments
5) Hanger Farm Park
6) Little Copse (north)
7) Bartley Water (Rushington and Rumbridge)
8) Portal Road Park
9) Little Copse (south)
10) Goatee Beach and Goatee Meadow
11) Eling Hill Playground
12) Meadow Close Recreation Ground / Claymeadow
13) King George’s Field (Recreation Ground)
14) Testwood Recreation Ground & Cheam Way Park
15) Town Park (Testvale Recreational Ground)
16) Eling Recreational Ground
17) Totton and Eling Cricket Ground
3.18 The designation of Local Green Space recognises that some parts of the Green and Blue Infrastructure Network contain land that is demonstrably special to the local community and local in character.
3.19 Each proposed Local Green Space has been assessed against NPPF Plan-Making Policy HC2. The assessment considers the relationship of the land to the community it serves, its local character, its extent and the particular qualities that make it demonstrably special, including beauty, historic significance, recreational value, tranquillity or richness of wildlife. Once designated, proposals affecting Local Green Space are determined under NPPF National Decision-Making Policy HC8.
3.20 The jewel in the crown for Totton and Eling is Bartley Water, a New Forest stream influenced by the local geology (sands and clays). It is one of two watercourses that make their way through Totton and Eling, the Test being the other. Although Bartley Water is much smaller and less well known than the Test, it has been greatly improved in terms of biodiversity over the past decade and is highly valued as a local recreational asset. As it passes through a number of proposed Local Green Spaces, it plays an important role in defining the character of the area and is an important social and environmental asset for the local community.
3.21 The tidal part of the river (but not the natural low water flow) drives the working historic Eling Tide Mill at Eling, where a toll road crosses the river. The river itself is also an important recreational facility and wildlife haven, especially at the tidal, Eling end of the river.