Middlesbrough Council Local Development Framework Statement of Involvement

Home , Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough Council

Consultation Statement

February 2010

Urban Policy Unit Regeneration Department PO Box 99A Civic Centre Middlesbrough TS1 2QQ

T: 01642 729065 E: [email protected] www.middlesbrough.gov.uk Contents

Introduction 2

How the consultation was undertaken 2

Appendix 1: List of main and other consultees.

Appendix 2: Initial letter sent to main and other consultees

Appendix 3: Summary of responses from the initial consultation, including the Council’s response

Appendix 4: Public consultation letter sent to main and other consultees

Appendix 5: Copy of the Public Notice

Appendix 6: Summary of responses from the public consultation, including the Council’s response.

The Regeneration Department covers a range of different services of which Urban Policy is one. The Department’s service aims and objectives, along with its diversity and community cohesion commitments are contained in its Service and Diversity Action Plans. Middlesbrough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement – Consultation Statement

Consultation Report

Middlesbrough Council – Local Development Framework Statement of Community Involvement

Introduction

1. This document sets out the consultation that was carried out on the revised Statement of Community Involvement, the representations received and the Council’s response to those representations.

How the consultation was undertaken

2. Under the provisions of Regulation 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2008, the Council sent a letter to its main consultees (see Appendix 1) on 27 August 2009 to inform them of the Council’s intention to review the adopted SCI, and to invite them to comment on what the revised document could include. The letter and accompanying response form (see Appendix 2) was also sent to the Council’s other consultees (see Appendix 1). In total over 150 letters were sent out to relevant authorities in the local area, general consultation bodies defined in the Regulations, the regional planning body another local bodies, community groups and others that had requested to be kept informed on progress of the LDF. Additionally, the public could also respond via the Council’s web-site on its ‘Consult With Us’ web-page. This six weeks consultation period ended on the 8 October 2009.

3. In total the Council received 13 responses. 6 respondents made a number of suggestions, which were incorporated into the draft consultation SCI, where appropriate. A summary of the comments and the Council’s responses in respect of this initial consultation process is detailed in Appendix 3 of this document.

4. Following analysis of the above comments a revised SCI was then prepared and published as a consultation draft document for a six week public consultation period from 27 November 2009 to 7 January 2010. The revised SCI highlighted the changes made since the 2005 adopted SCI as a result of the above Regulation reforms. This consultation was wider event than in August 2008 and involved writing to all organisations and bodies held on the Council’s LDF database (see Appendix 4). A public notice (see Appendix 5) was also placed in the local newspaper, and the draft document was placed in local libraries, on the Council’s web-site on its ‘Consult With Us’ web-page and in the reception area at the Civic Centre. Presentations were also given to the Council’s diversity focus groups such as the Ability, BME, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Groups.

5. At the end of the consultation period the Council had received 11 formal representations. These representations, where appropriate, have been incorporated into the final document. A summary of the representations and the Council’s responses are contained within Appendix 6.

2 Middlesbrough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement – Consultation Statement

APPENDIX 1

LIST OF MAIN AND OTHER CONSULTEES

3 Middlesbrough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement – Consultation Statement

Statement of Community Involvement Main and Other Consultees

Main Consultees Community Councils BT Group plc Acklam Community Council Cleveland Police Authority Ayresome Community Council Darlington Borough Council Beckfield Community Council Department for Transport Beechwood Community Council English Heritage Berwick Hills Community Council Environment Agency Brambles Farm Community Council Government Office North East Brookfield Community Council Great Ayton Parish Council Claireville Community Council Guisborough Town Council Coulby Newham Community Council Hambleton District Council Gresham Community Council Hartlepool Council Hemlington Community Council Highways Agency Durham & Northumberland Kader Community Council Highways Agency Tees Valley Ladgate Community Council Homes and Communities Agency Linthorpe Community Council Maltby Parish Council Marton Community Council Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust Marton West Community Council Mobile Operators Association Middlehaven Community Council National Grid Nunthorpe Community Council Natural England Pallister Park Community Council Network Rail Park End Community Council Newby Parish Council Park Ward Community Council North East Assembly Stainton and Thornton Community Council North Yorkshire County Council Thorntree Community Council Northern Gas Networks Ltd University Community Council Northumbrian Water NTL One North East Openreach Powergen Retail Limited Redcar and Cleveland Council Seamer Parish Council Stainton and Thornton Parish Council Stockton Council Stokesly Parish Council The Coal Authority Thornaby Town Council Yorkshire Forward

Advice and Community Groups Asian Deaf Ladies Group Middlesbrough Mind BME Community Information Gateway Middlesbrough MUMs BME/Youth Service Middlesbrough Partnership Carers Forum North of England Refugee Service Catholic Fellowship Older People's Mental Health Forum

4 Middlesbrough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement – Consultation Statement

Advice and Community Groups cont. Community Voice FM Physical Disability Reference Group Help the Aged Positive Strokes International Centre Safe in Tees Valley LD CHAT Senior Citizen Forum LD Teesside Autism Group Tees Valley Asian Welfare Forum Mental Health Local Implementation Team Tees Valley Learning and Skills Council MESMAC Teesside Voluntary Sector Network Middlesbrough Community Network Middlesbrough First

Other Consultees and bodies that have asked to be kept informed Arriva North East Job Centre Plus British Geological Survey Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley Business Link Tees Valley Middlesbrough College CABE Middlesbrough Town Centre Management CBI North East Middlesbrough Youth Parliament Chemicals Industries Association National Playing Fields Association Church Commissioners National Trust Civil Aviation Authority NOMS/HM Prison Service Cleveland and Teesside Local Historic Society North East Chamber of Commerce Countryside Agency North East Housing Board CPRE North Ormesby Church Department for Community Affairs North Ormesby Community Council Diocesan Board of Finance North Regional Sports Board C/O Sport England Disability Rights Commission P D Teesport Durham Tees Valley Airport Police Architectural Liaison Officer Endeavour Housing Post Office Ltd c/o Sanderson Weathall Equal Opportunities Commission Road Haulage Association Erimus Housing Royal Mail Group PLC EWS RSPB Fabrick Housing Group Sport England Fearns Wharf Stagecoach North East Federation of Small Businesses Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit Fire Brigade Headquarters Tees Valley Regeneration Forestry Commission Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Freight Transport Association Ltd The Crown Estate Friends of the Earth The Planning Inspectorate GTLRC The Rail Freight Group Health and Safety Executive Theatres Trust Her Majesty's Court Service University of Teesside House Builders Federation WA Fairhursts & Partners Housing Corporation Women's National Commissions IoDNorth East Region

5 Middlesbrough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement – Consultation Statement

APPENDIX 2

INITIAL LETTER SENT TO MAIN AND OTHER CONSULTEES AND RESPONSE FORM

6 Dear

Review of the Middlesbrough Local Development Framework - Statement of Community Involvement in response to amendments to the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004.

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is one of a series of Local Development Framework (LDF) documents that Councils need to prepare under the Planning Act 2004. Middlesbrough Council adopted its first SCI in December 2005. Following amendments by central government to the above Regulations in 2008, review of the adopted SCI is required. Additionally, since the adoption of its SCI, the Council has made changes to some of its own engagement techniques, and these changes will also need to be incorporated into the review document.

The purpose of this letter is to notify consultation bodies and other stakeholders of the Council’s intention to review the adopted SCI and to invite them to make representations about what the contents of the new SCI might be. A copy of the adopted SCI has been placed on the Council’s website at: www.middlesbrough.gov.uk to download and comment on.

I would be grateful to receive your representations by 8th October 2009. Representations should be made by post to the above address, via email to [email protected] or by completing the questionnaire on the Council’s consultation homepage http://consult.middlesbrough.gov.uk/portal. All representations will be considered, with a view to including them in the draft SCI.

If you have any queries regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me on the above telephone number, or via email: [email protected] . Office use only:

Ref No:

Date Received: / /

Date Acknowledged: / /

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) - Review Representation Form

This form should be used to make a representation on the review to the SCI. Please note that comments can only be made on the SCI.

1. Personal Details 2. Agent Details

Title Title

First Name First Name

Surname Surname

Job Title Job Title

Organisatio Organisatio n n Address Address

Postcode Postcode

Tel. No. Tel. No.

E-mail E-mail

Further copies of this SCI and this form, can be obtained from local Middlesbrough libraries, or downloaded from the Council’s website at www.middlesbrough.gov.uk (on both its ‘Consult With Us’ and Planning Services web pages); or at the Civic Centre (reception area). If you require any assistance in completing this form, please contact the Council on telephone number: 729065. Middlesbrough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement Review – Consultation Statement

1. What additional consultation/engagement methods or improvements would you like to see included in the new SCI?

Your response to Q1 is:

2. Please tick the box if you wish to be kept informed on the further stages of this Local Development Framework process.

Signature Date

Please ensure that responses are returned by Thursday 7th January 2010 to:

Urban Policy Unit Regeneration Department Middlesbrough Council PO Box 99 Civic Centre – Ground Floor Middlesbrough TS1 2QQ

Tel: 01642 729065 Fax: 01642 729989 E-mail: [email protected]

Copies of these documents can be obtained from the Council. We will try to make a summary of this document available in other languages, Braille or large print on request. Middlesbrough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement Review – Consultation Statement

APPENDIX 3

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES FROM THE INTIAL CONSULTATION, INCLUDING THE COUNCIL’S RESPONSE Summary of Responses – Statement of Community Involvement - Review

Respondent Paragraph Support/Object Respondent Comment/ Suggested Change Number/s Suggested Change Accepted/Declined Yorkshire Forward - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process. -

One North East - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process. -

Health and Safety Executive - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process -

Northern Gas - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process -

Middlesbrough Partnership 33 Support Suggested that paragraph 33 of the adopted SCI be amended to It is understood that Cluster read: “The Council will consult with Middlesbrough Partnership’s Group meetings tend to be four Cluster Groups (North, East, South and West). The Cluster closed to the public. This Groups have been established to enable Community Councils to reduces the Cluster Groups influence the work of Middlesbrough Partnership, encourage influence in respect of public Community Councils to work collectively for the good of their engagement regarding LDF neighbourhood and their town and contribute to achieving the documents. Additionally, vision in the Middlesbrough Sustainable Community Strategy”. due to amendments to the paragraphs, paragraph 33 has been deleted.

Other suggests included replacing ‘Community Strategy’ with These suggestions have ‘Sustainable Community Strategy’, replacing ‘Framework for been undertaken. Engaging with Communities’ with ‘Community Engagement Framework’, and replacing ‘LSP Stakeholder Conferences’ with ‘Partnership Forums’. Middlesbrough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement Review – Consultation Statement

Respondent Paragraph Support/Object Respondent Comment/ Suggested Change Number/s Suggested Change Accepted/Declined Natural England - Support Identified additional local biodiversity or green infrastructure The list of other consultees groups that could be considered for inclusion in the list of other in the SCI represents the consultees. wide range of bodies/groups that the Council will consult with. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The LDF consultation database is more extensive, which includes a variety of local environmental groups. It is not proposed that the list of other consultees in the SCI will be increased, however, any identified environmental groups not already listed on the consultation basebase will be added to it. English Heritage - Support Identified sections of the SCI that could be improved regarding its It is acknowledged that there consultation/engagement procedures. These include e- is a constant need to refine notifications in respect of planning applications and how how data is presented on the documents are sign-posted on the Council’s web-site. internet. Where appropriate, the Council will endeavour make these improvements to enable easy access to its various documents and IT applications on the internet.

The Theatres Trust - Support The Trust would like to see a paragraph inserted into the In appendix 1 – Methods of SCI which encourages individuals and community groups Engagement clearly to apply to be put on the LDF consultation contact identifies that any individual database. or organisation can ask to be placed on the mailing list, Middlesbrough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement Review – Consultation Statement

Respondent Paragraph Support/Object Respondent Comment/ Suggested Change Number/s Suggested Change Accepted/Declined and will be informed at all stages of the LDF process, unless they indicate otherwise. It is considered that the respondent’s suggestion is therefore adequately covered.

Highways Agency - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process -

Department of Social Care - Support Would wish to see an easy to read summary of the SCI with The strap-line on the back larger text for people with a visual impairment. cover of the SCI states that a summary with large print will be provided. Department of Social Care - - Support Suggests that one-to-one approach for consultation with BME Where resources permit this BME Service communities should be considered will be undertaken and Appendix 1 Methods of Engagement recognises the importance of one-to-one meetings. National Grid - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process - The Coal Authority - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process - APPENDIX 4

PUBLIC CONSULTATION LETTER SENT TO MAIN AND OTHER CONSULTEES AND RESPONSE FORM Direct Line: (01642) 729065 Switchboard: (01642) 245432 Fax: (01642) 729989 DX60532 Our Ref: CJG/UP/DEV 1.5 Your Ref: When telephoning please ask for 25th November 2009 : Charlton Gibben

Dear

Review of the Middlesbrough Local Development Framework - Statement of Community Involvement in response to amendments to the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004.

The purpose of this letter is to notify consultation bodies and other stakeholders that the Council has now reviewed its adopted SCI and to invite them, and the public to make representations on its contents. A copy of the reviewed SCI has been placed on the Council’s website at: www.middlesbrough.gov.uk to download and comment on.

I would be grateful to receive your representations by 7th January 2010. Representations should be made by post to the above address, via email to [email protected] or by completing the questionnaire on the Council’s ‘Consult With Us’ consultation homepage http://consult.middlesbrough.gov.uk/portal. All representations will be considered, with a view to including them in the new SCI. The Council will then proceed to formally adopt the SCI by Council resolution.

If you have any queries regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me on the above telephone number, or via email: [email protected] . Office use only:

Ref No:

Date Received: / /

Date Acknowledged: / /

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) - Review Representation Form

This form should be used to make a representation on the review to the SCI. Please note that comments can only be made on the review SCI.

1. Personal Details 2. Agent Details

Title Title

First Name First Name

Surname Surname

Job Title Job Title

Organisatio Organisatio n n Address Address

Postcode Postcode

Tel. No. Tel. No.

E-mail E-mail

Copies of the reviewed SCI and this form, can be obtained from local Middlesbrough libraries, or downloaded from the Council’s website at www.middlesbrough.gov.uk (on both its ‘Consult With Us’ and Planning Services web pages); or at the Civic Centre (reception area). If you require any assistance in completing this form, please contact the Council on telephone number: 01642 729065.

Please see overleaf for questions. 1. What additional consultation/engagement methods or improvements would you like to see included in the new SCI?

Your response to Q1 is: (please use a separate sheet, if required)

2. Please tick the box if you wish to be kept informed on the further stages of this Local Development Framework process.

Signature Date

Please ensure that responses are returned by Thursday 7th January 2010 to:

Urban Policy Unit Regeneration Department Middlesbrough Council PO Box 99 Civic Centre – Ground Floor Middlesbrough TS1 2QQ

Tel: 01642 729065 Fax: 01642 729989 E-mail: [email protected]

Copies of these documents can be obtained from the Council. We will try to make a summary of this document available in other languages, Braille or large print on request. APPENDIX 5

COPY OF THE PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF MIDDLESBROUGH’S DRAFT REVISED STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

PLANNING & COMPULSORY PURCHASE ACT 2004 TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL DEVELOPMENT) (ENGLAND) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2008.

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is one of a series of Local Development Framework (LDF) documents that Councils need to prepare under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The SCI sets out the Council’s policy for involving the community in the preparation of local development plan documents and in the consideration of planning applications. The Council adopted its first SCI in December 2005. Following amendments to the Town and Country Planning Regulations in 2008, review of the adopted SCI has been necessary. Copies of the revised draft SCI and accompanying questionnaire will be available for inspection from Friday 27 November 2009, at the following locations:

Civic Centre, Central Square, Middlesbrough Central Library, Abingdon Library, Abingdon Road, Acklam Library, Acklam Road, Berwick Hills Library, Crossfell Road, Easterside Library, Broughton Avenue, Grove Hill Library, Eastbourne Road, Hemlington Library, Crosscliffe, Hemlington, Marton Library, The Willows, Marton, Newport Library, St.Paul’s Road, North Ormesby Library, Derwent Street, Rainbow Library, Parkway Centre, Coulby Newham, Stainton Library, The Village Hall, Stainton, Thorntree Library, Beresford Crescent, Whinney Banks Library, Harehills Road. The SCI will also be available at the Council’s mobile library service.

Copies of the draft revised SCI and accompanying questionnaire forms can also be downloaded from the Council’s website at: www.middlesbrough.gov.uk by accessing the Planning Services web page, or the Consult With Us consultation portal.

Completed questionnaires should be sent to the address below, or alternatively, sent via email to [email protected] All comments regarding the draft revised SCI are required to be with the Council by Thursday 7 January 2010.

Further information can be obtained from:

Urban Policy and Implementation Unit, Middlesbrough Council, P.O. Box 99a, Town Hall, Middlesbrough. TS1 2QQ

Telephone: (01642) 729065. Email: [email protected]

This notice comes into force on Friday 27 November 2009. APPENDIX 6

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES FROM THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION, INCLUDING THE COUNCIL’S RESPONSE Summary of Responses – Statement of Community Involvement – Review Public Consultation

One North East - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process. -

North East Planning Body - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process -

Highways Agency - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process -

Sport England - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process - Middlesbrough Voluntary 26 Support The MVDA suggests that paragraph 26 should also have regard The SCI is to be amended Development Agency to the Middlesbrough Council of Faiths, which is purely a to include reference to the voluntary organisation that brings together various faith groups. Middlesbrough Council of Faiths – paragraph 26.

The MVDA advises that the Community Network listed at The SCI is to be amended paragraph 26 should be listed as the Middlesbrough Community to include reference to the Network Middlesbrough Community Network.

The MVDA would like to see more reference to the voluntary and It is considered that the community sector (VCS) in the SCI. amendments made as part of this review of the SCI now makes better reference to the voluntary and community sectors.

No further changes required. Respondent Paragraph Support/Object Respondent Comment/ Suggested Change Number/s Suggested Change Accepted/Declined English Heritage 59 Objects EH consideres that the document remains silent with regard to Paragraph 54 has been engagement with statutory consultees such as EH who may need amended to reflect EH’s to be involved formally at a later stage of the process. concerns, regarding engagement with statutory consultees.

Amendment made to paragraph 54 to reflect EH’s concerns.

EH has found that at times it has had difficulties with some e- This issue appears more to notifications consultations. In particular, with major applications it do with an IT presentation is sometimes hard to identify the documents which we require query, rather than non- under the relevant statute or direction because the relevant provision of consultation electronic files have not been clearly sign-posted, whether on a documents. This comment CD or in a web-site link. has in this case been forwarded to the Council’s Development Control & IT sections to establish if the way in which the documents are presented on a CD and the Council’s web-site can be further improved.

No change to the SCI required.

EH would welcome confirmation that it will be issued with a copy The current practice is that of the decision notice pertaining to any application on which it statutory consultees simply makes representations. The inference at the moment is that it request a copy of the must request a copy each time. decision notice when they submit their consultation Respondent Paragraph Support/Object Respondent Comment/ Suggested Change Number/s Suggested Change Accepted/Declined response. This enables the consultees to decide for themselves, if they wish to receive a copy of the decision notice.

No change to the SCI required.

The Theatres Trust 61(g) Objects This paragraph states that developers should engage with local The Trust highlights in its community for pre-application soundings ‘within the surrounding response that “The Theatres area’. The Trust hopes to be engaged with pre-application Trust is the National discussions on any proposals for theatres and that we are not Advisory public body for usually ‘within the surrounding area’. There will be many interest Theatres and as such is groups in the UK with specific remits who would be excluded as covered by the Town & they are not ‘within the surrounding area’ and we suggest that an Country Panning (General item be added to state that developers should contact their local Development Procedure) planning department for advice on interest groups who may not Order 1995, Article 10, Para be local to avoid objections from them to their subsequent (v) which requires the Trust applications. to be consulted on planning applications which include Thank you for including the Theatres Trust in Appendix 3 Other ‘development involving any Consultees. land on which there is a theatres.’

The Council will normally contact public bodies and interest groups, in accordance with the above GDP Order. This could either be at pre-application stage or post application Respondent Paragraph Support/Object Respondent Comment/ Suggested Change Number/s Suggested Change Accepted/Declined stage. In respect of the paragraph 61(g) this is part of a guide for developers to follow in consulting the public at pre-application stage of their proposals. The Council expects developers to follow this guide, as good practice. However, Council cannot insist on developers carrying out pre-application community engagement. If the developer is intending to undertake pre-application community engagement, they are welcome and encouraged to discuss their engagement ideas with the Council. It is at this point that they will be advised of public bodies and interest groups that they may need to contact, as part of their community engagement. However, further amendments to paragraph 54 of the SCI highlights the importance the Council places on early consultation with its statutory and non- statutory bodies such as the Respondent Paragraph Support/Object Respondent Comment/ Suggested Change Number/s Suggested Change Accepted/Declined Trust.

No change to the SCI required.

In respect of an issue raised by the Trust regarding consultation on the Draft Middlesbrough Town Centre Strategy the Trust’s details have been passed to the relevant section dealing with this matter.

Northhumbrian Water Ltd - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process - (Agents: England & Lyle) National Grid - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process - The Coal Authority - Support No observations to make at this stage of the LDF process -