Similarly to LR6, this option passes through the greatest number of statutory environmental designation and environmental planning sites as it passes through or is adjacent to seven statutory designations. It would present the greatest number of environmental and planning constraints. This option passes along the southern boundary of Passfield Common, a CRoW Act 2000 Access Layer and CRoW Section 15 land. The location of this site should be taken into consideration at the option development stage in order to ensure that there is no land take from this area. This would represent a constraint in terms of the development of this option. This option has direct land take requirements from ecological designations within the study area. It passes through the eastern area of Woolmer Forest, which is an SSSI and SAC and through an area of Wealden Heaths Phase II SPA. This option would therefore require direct land take from European designated ecological sites and a national designated site. The ecological areas will have to taken into consideration at the options development stage in order to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on ecology and biodiversity. This would present a constraint in terms of development of the design of this option This option does not have any land take requirements through scheduled monuments or Village Greens. It passes along the southern boundary of Passfield Common, which is Registered Common Land, which would represent a design constraint if this option were taken forward to the detailed design stage and its location would need to be taken into consideration in order to ensure that there are no potential impacts on this land. Landtake from statutory designations presents a significant constraint in terms of development of the design of this option. The majority of the alignment of this option passes through the SDNP. The environmental assessment at the next stage will need to include a landscape and visual impact assessment and the design will need to ensure integration with the surrounding landscape.
7.8
Conclusions
7.8.1
Project Planning Implications
7.8.1.1
South Downs National Park Authority All proposed option alignments pass through the SDNP. In selecting the preferred option, consultation will be required with the SDNP Authority, who is the planning authority for all developments which fall within the park boundary. The members of the Authority include local council representatives, parish councils and national members. From April 2011, the National Park Authority will be the sole local planning authority for the major developments within the South Downs National Park. The development of rail options through this area may serve to encourage visitors to the SDNP and be seen as a benefit of developing public transport rail options. However, agreement and support from the SDNP is required in order to pursue any proposed major development through this area.
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