• v)Avoid urbanising infill development or additional urbanising features where these would erode the rural character and setting of Eling;
• vi)Retain the sense of visual openness across the fields to either side of Jacob's Gutter Lane to preserve its rural character and the perceived distinction between Totton and Eling and Marchwood;
• vii)Reflect the locally characteristic material palette, typified by Flemish bond brickwork with some header bond, sash windows, clay tiles and 19th century slate, and timber-framed and brick agricultural buildings at Eling Hill Farm and Cole's Farm, where appropriate to the character and context of the proposal; and
• viii)Maintain the view upstream from the causeway across the reed beds, the view north across the Creek to the old area of Eling Quay beside the Anchor, and the views across and down Southampton Water towards Marchwood.
• C)Proposals to improve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area through the redevelopment of buildings or land which currently make a negative contribution will be supported where they conserve or enhance the significance of the Conservation Area and its setting.

3.28 Policy TE5 has been informed principally by the NFDC Eling Conservation Area Character Statement (2015). The Character Statement identifies the special qualities which distinguish Eling from the surrounding urban area, including its rural and waterside setting, the historic Tide Mill and causeway, St Mary's Church, Cole's Farm, Bartley Water, the grouping of buildings along Eling Hill, traditional walls and hedges, characteristic building materials and important views across the Creek and Southampton Water. The policy translates these established locally distinctive features into principles which can be applied to development proposals affecting the Conservation Area and its setting.

3.29 The Character Statement also identifies the relationship between the Conservation Area and Eling Quay as an opportunity for enhancement. Although the warehousing and container storage lies outside the Conservation Area, it has a considerable influence on its setting. Eling Wharf presents a significant opportunity for change and a high-quality scheme which respects the riverside setting, improves the backdrop to the Conservation Area and strengthens the relationship between the Waterside and the open countryside.

3.30 The March 2026 NFDC Settlement Character Assessment provides more recent and complementary evidence. Its Eling Hill character area reinforces the significance of the historic rural village character, generous garden settings, mature tree cover, green verges, walls and the rural lane. It identifies tradition and heritage, the green setting of buildings and rural tranquillity as particularly valued characteristics.

3.31 The policy also responds to the importance of the setting of the local concern over the potential erosion of the distinction between Eling and Marchwood. The 2024 LUC Waterside Study identifies the rural character of Eling, wooded settlement edges and visual openness around Jacob's Gutter Lane as important to maintaining settlement separation.

Policy TE6: NON-DESIGNATED HERITAGE ASSETS

The Neighbourhood Plan identifies the following Local Heritage Assets, as shown on the Policies Map and set out in the Schedule at Appendix C, forming the local heritage list for the Totton and Eling Neighbourhood