MASTERPLAN STATEMENT

The illustrations do not represent any formal proposal to demolish or remove any sites. The drawings are simply designed to provoke discussion around the longer term, wider vision for the Ocean Village Quarter.

It is important to stress that the Ocean Village Masterplan is a long-term vision document looking ahead 20–30 years and is not a development proposal or planning application. The purpose of the exercise is to explore how the area could evolve over future decades and to start a conversation with residents, businesses and stakeholders about what that future might look like.

With regard to building heights, there is no predetermined preference for high-rise development, however, in cities where land area is constrained, there is an obvious need to build upward in order to achieve the housing targets we need. The illustrations and concepts contained within the draft masterplan are intended to stimulate discussion and test different scenarios. Southampton faces significant housing and employment growth requirements through the emerging Local Plan, and it is sensible for a Masterplanning exercise to consider a range of options and approaches. No decisions have been made regarding the height, scale or form of future development.

Similarly, where sites such as Harbour Lights and Tasman Court have been identified as having redevelopment potential over the lifetime of the masterplan, this should not be interpreted as a proposal for redevelopment. In many cases within Ocean Village, MDL Marinas and Yattendon Group are the freeholders rather than the leaseholders or occupiers of individual buildings. The future of buildings such as Harbour Lights and Tasman Court would ultimately be a matter for the respective leaseholders and property interests involved, subject to any future planning considerations. It is not for MDL Marinas or Yattendon Group to determine whether those buildings are redeveloped.

 Regarding concerns raised by residents currently affected by building safety and remediation works elsewhere within Ocean Village, we fully appreciate that this has been a difficult and frustrating experience for those involved. Decisions relating to remediation works, temporary accommodation arrangements and historic building safety issues are matters for the individual building contractors, owners and management companies.

 The masterplan is intended to look at the future of the wider Ocean Village Quarter and how the area can continue to evolve as a successful waterfront destination over the coming decades. A key part of the consultation process is to hear residents' views, including concerns about character, building heights, views, daylight, amenity and the future identity of Ocean Village.

 No decisions have been taken. The purpose of the consultation is precisely to gather this feedback and ensure that local views help inform the evolution of the masterplan before it is finalised. The masterplan does not allocate sites for development, nor does it grant planning permission. Any future development proposals that may emerge over the coming decades would still require their own planning applications, consultation processes and independent assessment by the Council.