The Neighbourhood Plan identifies the existing Active Travel Network and opportunities for improvements, as shown on the Policies Map for the purpose of prioritising active travel in Sandleheath and encouraging the use of public transport. The Neighbourhood Plan also identifies the Sandleheath Traffic Management Plan, which prioritises pedestrian safety. This can be found in Appendix B.
- Development proposals on land that lies within or adjacent to the Network should avoid harm, should sustain and where practicable enhance the connectivity of the Network by virtue of their layout, means of access and landscape treatment, including the creation of safe and suitable links to the existing footways, footpaths and walking routes.
- The Sandleheath Traffic Management Plan (TMP) identifies opportunities where public realm improvements are required to improve highway safety. Development which lies within or adjacent to areas identified within the TMP must avoid measures which would adversely affect the ability to implement these proposals.
- The Active Travel Network identifies opportunities where public realm improvements are required to enhance the walking and cycling environment, improve residential amenity and highway safety. Proposals which deliver opportunities for such improvement will be supported, where proposals also accord with the other policies of the Development Plan. These opportunities are:
- Those contained in the Sandleheath Traffic Management Plan (Phase Two and Three)
- The creation of a circular walk around the village including:
- Securing public access to the existing Lady’s Walk, (subject to approval from Forres Sandle Manor School) connecting to the existing bridleway in Marl Lane
- Creation of a new footpath/bridleway from Main Road, heading south across the stream to connect into the existing restricted byway to Alderholt Mill (outside parish boundary.
- Widening the footway south of Main Road to the east of the village to connect to Ashford/Fordingbridge, with the introduction of a safe crossing point to connect to the footway to the north at the village entrance.
- Widening the existing footway along to north of Main Road and Station Road to allow pedestrians to walk and pass safely.
- New developments should encourage the provision of conveniently located bus shelters, with seating and step-free access at boarding points. All major residential developments must incorporate or fund measures that improve local bus services, including but not limited to, route extensions, frequency enhancements, flexible bus services (Demand Responsive Transport) or community transport services, in support of the Hampshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (2024- 2036)
This policy seeks to encourage safe, accessible and convenient means of walking and cycling through the Parish and improve access to and frequency of bus services accessing the parish.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts will be prioritised for investment in public transport improvements, including potentially the provision of a community bus for the parish. Currently, the only bus stop in the village is located at the crossroads of Court Hill, Alderholt Road and Rockbourne Road, which is only accessible off road. It serves a single bus per week, which is understood to be withdrawn from service shortly.
The Policies Map shows the full extent of the existing Network which allows applicants to determine if their proposals should take this policy into account. Where proposals include provision for landscaping, new means of access or new layouts, there may be an opportunity to relate the land better to the Network and/or improve the attractiveness of rural routes. At the very least, the policy requires that proposals that will undermine the existing value of the Network will be refused permission.
The opportunities for upgrading existing footpaths to improve accessibility and other opportunity measures were identified through community engagement.
Hampshire County Council and NFDC conducted a consultation on the draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) in September-November 2024 and anticipates adopting this in Summer 2025. Also of relevance is the Hampshire Countryside Access Plan. The Parish Council may seek to work with Hampshire County Council and operators to develop a Sandleheath Bus Connectivity Action Plan (SBCAP), supported by the Hampshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (2024- 2036) aimed at securing service improvements over the Plan period.