A Local Plan for Lancaster District 2011-2031
People, Homes & Jobs – How should we plan for our district’s future? Topic Paper 19th October 2015
LANCASTER
CITY COUNCIL Promoting City, Coast & Countryside
Draft Land Allocations Document 2011-2031
Contents
Page
Introduction 5
Background 9
A New Spatial Development Strategy 14
What does the new spatial strategy mean? 25
What happens next? 38
Appendix 1 40
Lancaster City Council – Local Plan 2011-2031
People, Homes and Jobs – How can we meet our future development needs?
1. Introduction
1.1 As part of the preparation of a new Local Plan for the district the Council is undertaking additional consultation on its Land Allocations document. The consultation is focused on two components:
Establishing a new spatial vision, objectives and spatial strategy for the district (figure 1). Together these will set the framework for the detailed planning policies of the new Local Plan updating the spatial framework currently described in the adopted 2008 Core Strategy; and
Identifying the additional strategic development sites that will be required to meet the increased development needs of the district between 2011 and 2031.
Figure 1 – Relationship between the vision, strategic objectives, spatial strategy and policies
Vision What we want to achieve Sustainability Appraisal (SA)
Strategic Objectives Monitoring How sustainable is What we need to do the plan
What have we
delivered? Establishes the
Spatial Strategy Framework through Reports on the Where and how we will deliver which the implementation of environmental, existing policies as economic and social well as the implications of the evidence base used plan can be assessed. Policies to support the How we will get there preparation of Sustainability
future planning Objectives for Policies will be provided across a number of Local Plan documents policies. assessing the Local including the Land Allocations document, Development Management Plan are contained in document, Area Action Plan for Central Morecambe, Arnside and the SA Scoping Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) document and Report Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Show people document.
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1.2 To support the needs of a growing and changing community and provide opportunities for economic growth, Lancaster City Council must prepare a Local Plan. The plan must identify land and sites for the development of housing, employment, shopping, education and open space, nature and heritage conservation.
1.3 Over the last few years the council has been busy determining how much development it should aim to achieve in the district, particularly the potential for new jobs and the number of homes that will be needed, and investigating how these needs can be delivered, exploring future options for growth and considering if the necessary infrastructure, such as new roads and schools, can be put in place.
1.4 The Land Allocations document is the key element of the Local Plan that states how much development the council needs to plan for, and identifies sites for both development and protection during the Local Plan period.
1.5 When complete the Land Allocations document will set out the principles used to sustainably direct future growth, ensuring that the right development takes place, at the right location and at the right time to meet local needs, whilst also respecting the natural and built environment which make the area unique.
1.6 The council has already made considerable progress on a Land Allocation document. It prepared and consulted on a draft document in 2012. That document set out a series of draft allocations and policies, identifying locations for future housing, employment, leisure and retail opportunities as well as identifying areas of environmental, recreation and historical importance which should be protected and enhanced.
1.7 Further consultation was undertaken in June 2014 exploring how, based on new evidence on housing need, the district could deliver a significant additional quantity of land for housing and employment uses. The consultation explored five strategic options for meeting this additional growth.
1.8 This paper considers the responses to the 2014 consultation and sets out how, in light of further new and revised evidence on employment and housing growth, the council may propose the delivery of around 9,500 jobs and 13,000-14,000 new homes up to 2031.
1.9 It describes, how following analysis of the 2014 consultation, the council has prepared a new spatial strategy for the district, setting out where it anticipates the future development needs of the district being delivered and setting out clearly the future direction for growth. The spatial strategy updates that identified in the 2008 Core Strategy and if adopted would set the future direction for growth within the district for the next 15 years.
1.10 The proposed spatial strategy continues with the urban focussed approach described in the Core Strategy, directing the great majority of growth and development to the main urban areas of the district. However this new approach recognises that in order to meet substantially increased development needs a number of additional strategic sites will be required.
1.11 Opportunities for achieving additional growth through five distinct strategic approaches were explored in the 2014 consultation. These were; Urban Extension, Green Belt Review,
Lancaster City Council – Local Plan 2011-2031
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distribution throughout the district, significantly growing two villages, or, building a new settlement.
1.12 This paper advances the view that the additional development needs of the district cannot be delivered through a single option. Instead, this paper proposes a hybrid approach with the additional strategic sites being achieved by a combination of three of the five strategic options; urban extension, green belt review and village expansion. Development achieved at these additional strategic locations will supplement the many other development sites identified in the main urban areas of Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham and Carnforth.
1.13 The overall spatial development strategy is therefore to:
Continue with an urban-focussed approach to development that is supplemented with additional new large strategic development sites that can be developed for housing and employment.
1.14 The hybrid approach for the additional strategic development sites is described in this paper, they are:
Urban Extension Three alternative development options are suggested: Additional Development at South Lancaster North East Lancaster east of the M6 Motorway North East Lancaster west of M6 Motorway
Green Belt Review Four different development areas are suggested, all four locations could contribute to achieving development needs, whilst keeping a smaller green belt to maintain the separation of the coastal settlements: North of Lancaster North East of Morecambe South of Carnforth Land between Slyne-with-Hest and Bolton-le-Sands
Village Expansion Development sites are identified in most of the district’s villages however only one village is identified here as being suitable for a greater level of development: Dolphinholme Have your say
1.15 We need your views on the proposed vision, objectives, spatial development strategy and suggested strategic development sites. Your comments will help inform the final proposals and the content of the Draft Land Allocations document which will be consulted upon in summer 2016.
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1.16 This consultation runs from;
Monday the 19th October to the 30th November 2015.
1.17 Please get involved and let us know what you think.
Do you agree or disagree with the proposed vision?
Do you agree or disagree with the proposed spatial development strategy?
Do you agree or disagree with the proposed strategic objectives?
Do you agree or disagree with the options for the additional development sites?
Do you have any additional advantages or disadvantages to add to the potential sites?
Do you have any suggestions for alternative sites other ideas of alternative options?
Do you have any comments on the proposed Green Belt Review Methodology?
Visit the website:
www.lancaster.gov.uk/planningpolicy
Email us:
Write to us:
Lancaster City Council
Planning and Regeneration Service
Town Hall
Dalton Square
Lancaster
LA1 1PJ
To receive further updates, please sign up to the planning policy consultation list at www.lancaster.gov.uk/planningpolicyconsultation
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2. Background
What have we already done?
2.1 The council has already made considerable progress on the adoption of a new Local Plan for the district (figure 2), having already adopted its Development Management Development Plan Document (DPD) and an Area Action Plan to encourage investment in central Morecambe.
Figure 2 – Lancaster District Local Plan
Lancaster District Local Plan
Gypsy, Traveller Land Allocations Development Morecambe Area Arnside and and Travelling Document Management Action Plan Silverdale Area Show people (In preparation) Document (Adopted of Outstanding Accommodation (Adopted December 2014) Natural Beauty document December 2014) (In preparation) (In preparation)
2.2 The next part of the Local Plan to be prepared is the Land Allocations document. Through this document the council will set out clearly the sites to be allocated for development and the land that will be protected and where possible enhanced.
2.3 Together these documents will form the planning policy framework for the district for the next 15 years, up to 2031, providing more certainty and guidance for both developers and residents about the location of development, as well as the detailed design and sustainability expectations of the council.
2.4 Considerable work has already gone into preparing the Land Allocations document. In 2012 the council consulted on a first draft of the Land Allocations document, its ‘Preferred Options’ consultation. This document aligned to the council’s previous expectations for growth as described in its adopted 2008 Core Strategy. Within this document the council planned for very modest growth based on historic expectations contained in the then regional planning guidance.
2.5 Since adopting the Core Strategy in 2008 central government has removed the regional tier of planning and has decided that housing targets must now be set locally using local evidence on housing needs. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires that local planning authorities identify the objectively assessed need for housing in their area, and then having regard to housing land supply and environmental and other supply constraints translate this
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through their planning policy documents into a local housing requirement for the area.
2.6 The council started a review of its housing needs in 2013 commissioning Turley Associates to prepare a housing requirement study for the district. The study contained a review of housing and population trends, together with forecasts for household, population and job growth. This resulted in the calculation of an objectively assessed housing need of more than 12,000 homes in the district, between 2011 and 2031, equivalent to more than 600 new homes per year.
2.7 This is more than the 400 new houses per year planned for as part of the 2008 Core Strategy and as part of the original Land Allocations consultation in 2012.
2.8 Opportunities on how to meet the increased housing need of the district are investigated by the council through its Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA). This gathers information on potential housing sites across the district and assesses their deliverability for housing. If there is evidence that a site is ‘available, suitable and achievable’ it is shown as a potential housing site in the SHLAA. Using this information the council is able to identify where future housing development in the district might occur.
2.9 The 2014 SHLAA identified potential to deliver around 7,000 new homes, leaving a gap of 5,000 homes from the identified housing need figure for the district. The SHLAA confirmed that the ability of the district to meet its objectively assessed housing need within the current spatial strategy and planning policies of the Core Strategy were significantly challenged and highlighted the potential need for a revised spatial strategy for the district.
2.10 In 2014 the council started preparation of an updated spatial strategy for the district investigating where the additional housing growth could be delivered. Importantly the consultation looked at sites in addition to those sites identified through 2012 Preferred Options document and the 2014 SHLAA.
2.11 Through the 2014 ‘How Can We Meet Our Future Housing Needs?’ consultation the council explored 5 general options for meeting the additional housing needs. This included through a new single large urban extension, a review of the green belt, the distribution of development through the district’s villages, the large-scale expansion of two villages within the district or through the creation of a new settlement.
2.12 The conclusions of the 2014 consultation are available to view at http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/local-plan/local-planning- policy/work-in-progress/land-allocations-dpd/
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Looking to the future
2.13 Since summer 2014 there have been a number of developments which have further influenced the amount and spatial distribution of development which the council must now plan for within the district. These include:
Preparation and publication of the 2015 Lancaster District Employment Land Review. The study prepared by Turley Economics on behalf of the council contains an assessment of the economic potential of the district investigating future employment requirements and reporting on potential job growth during the plan period 2011-2031. The study also provides a review of the existing employment land portfolio within the district and concludes on the continued suitability of this land and the need for additional employment land.
The study confirms the significant economic potential that exists in the district, identifying opportunity for around 9,500 new jobs to be created between 2011 and 2031.
In coming to this figure the study recognises the location of a number of key economic assets in the district including Lancaster University and the Port of Heysham, both of which are subject to major investment proposals. Opportunities for expansion are also noted to exist in the following sectors: construction, wholesale and retail, storage and transport, the visitor economy, accommodation/food and recreation and professional and other private services.
Whilst most of these jobs will be provided in existing employment locations it is estimated that additional employment land will be needed to ensure that opportunities are provided to facilitate this potential and assist in generating future investment and economic growth in the district.
Publication of new population and household projections for the country. During the 2014 consultation the Office for National Statistics released new population projections for the country. New householder projections, informed by the population projections, were published shortly afterwards by the Department for Communities and Local Government (February 2015).
In view of this information, and importantly the local evidence on employment growth, the council re-commissioned Turley Associates to review the 2013 housing requirement report.
The council is now in receipt of a new housing requirement report for the district, ‘Lancaster Housing Requirements Study 2015 Update’ (Turley Associates, September 2015). This can be viewed from the following link http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning/local-plan/evidence--monitoring-and- information/housing/#SHMA
The study continues to identify significant housing needs within the district reporting on the implications of a changing population (figure 3) and growing local economy. It highlights the importance of delivering a sufficient supply of housing to retain and attract the households needed to sustain the local economy, and confirms that
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failure to deliver this provision would undermine the economic potential of the district, constraining economic growth and the opportunity for significant job creation.
Figure 3 – Change in Age Structure 2013-2031
3,000
2,500
2,000 2031
- 1,500
1,000
500
0
Total Change 2013ChangeTotal -500
-1,000
-1,500
5-9
10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85-89 Over 90 Over Under 5 Under
Source: ONS, 2014
In view of this information the report recommends a new objectively assessed housing need figure for the district of between 650 to 700 new homes per annum, equivalent to between 13,000 and 14,000 new homes between the period 2011 and 2031.
The National Planning Policy Framework requires local planning authorities to use their evidence base to ensure that through their Local Plan they meet the full objectively assessed needs for housing in their area. The ability to deliver this housing figure must therefore be investigated.
Publication of a revised Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) for the district. Since 2014 the council has continued to investigate new opportunities for housing growth in the district via an updated SHLAA. The 2015 SHLAA identifies opportunity within the district for around 7,000-8,000 new homes, updating that previously prepared as part of the 2014 consultation.
The SHLAA considers new criteria for appraising site delivery, reflecting the considerations and policy direction contained in the now adopted Development Management Document. This includes the new rural settlement hierarchy as described in Policy DM42 ‘Managing Rural Housing Growth’.
Despite having identified additional opportunities the SHLAA indicates a shortfall of between 5,000 and 6,000 new homes from that required by the 2015 Housing Requirement Study 2015 Update.
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Opportunities for where this shortfall might be met are identified in the ‘not yet assessed’ site category of the SHLAA. This category identifies sites that have been submitted to the council for consideration but due to their strategic nature they have not been assessed. Most of these sites are contrary to the current planning policy framework of the Core Strategy and would require a shift in policy by, for example reviewing the green belt.
Construction of the Heysham M6 link road. The M6 link road, connecting the M6 motorway to Heysham and Morecambe, is now nearing completion. Once complete the link road will increase connectivity in this area of the district, opening it up to investment and new opportunities for growth, further improving the accessibility of the district. Areas not previously considered by the council may now provide realistic and deliverable opportunities for growth.
Preparation of the ‘Lancaster District Highways and Transport Masterplan’ (2015) by Lancashire County Council. The Masterplan presents exciting opportunities for Lancaster district, setting out the case for multi-million pound investment in the transport infrastructure of the district necessary to support and realise its economic potential. The document confirms the County Council’s commitment to Lancaster district and its support for its economic growth.
2.14 As a result of the above developments, the council has undertaken additional work on its Land Allocations document refining the options presented in the 2014 consultation and, taking into account the consultation comments, new evidence on employment growth and housing need in the district, and the ‘Lancaster District Highways Transport and Masterplan’, revised its spatial development strategy for the district. This is described in detail below.
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3. A New Spatial Development Strategy
The Vision
3.1 The proposed vision for the district is taken from the City Councils Corporate Plan. It provides a description of what the council hopes the district will look like in the future. The council propose to adopt this as the Local Plan vision with this setting out clearly what it hopes to achieve in delivering a new Local Plan for the district. This will be reviewed through the lifetime of the Plan.
A sustainable self-contained and varied group of communities with a population remaining in balance to support its local economy, comprising:
MORECAMBE AND HEYSHAM – a confident community with a regenerated living, working and leisure environment, acting as a focal point on Morecambe Bay to enjoy and interact with the wider landscape;
LANCASTER – a prosperous historic city with a thriving knowledge economy;
CARNFORTH – a successful market town and service centre for North Lancashire and South Cumbria; and
A conserved, enhanced and diversified COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE with a network of vibrant rural communities, which will lead the North West in its quality of life and environmental and design standard and within which sustainable housing, economic and retail development to meet local needs will be supported.
Strategic objectives
The next section describes the proposed strategic objectives for the Local Plan. These set out what the council want to achieve in order to make the vision a reality. They provide the link between the vision and the spatial development strategy.
3.2 The council has proposed 5 overriding objectives with more detailed sub-objectives provided to describe what needs to be done in order to make the objective a reality.
SO1: Delivery of a thriving local economy which fosters investment and growth and supports the opportunities to deliver the economic potential of the district. This will be delivered by:
Retaining existing jobs and promoting additional job creation to support a total of 54,000 jobs by 2031, supporting a better paid, more satisfying and better quality employment mix focussed on the right sectors;
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Capitalising on the district’s identification as a centre of excellence for knowledge led growth, exploiting opportunities at Lancaster University and the adjacent Innovation Park;
Establishing the district’s leading role in the energy sector utilising its expertise in the nuclear and renewable energy industry and investment in its energy infrastructure in South Heysham;
Capitalising on the accessibility of the district, maximising the opportunities provided by its location on the main strategic rail and road network and opportunities at Heysham Port;
Making the most of the heritage and cultural assets of Lancaster City Centre and the
opportunities that this provides for additional retai l and leisure led investment;
Maintaining the momentum of renewal and investment in Morecambe supporting the implementation of the Morecambe Area Action Plan and opportunities for further investment and renewal at the West End;
Supporting heritage led regeneration at Carnforth Town Centre for the north of the district and strengthening its role as an important local service centre,
Promoting regeneration at key regeneration areas including Morecambe Town Centre, Morecambe West End, Heysham Gateway (South Heysham), Luneside (Lancaster), Caton Road Gateway and White Lund Employment Area to encourage physical regeneration and promote economic growth in the district;
Securing a balanced portfolio of employment sites ensuring that there is a sufficient supply and range of locations available for job creation and economic growth;
Promoting the vitality, viability and accessibility of Lancaster City Centre to create a thriving destination for retail, culture and leisure activities to meet a growing population and attract visitors which secures its role as a sub-regional centre for Lancashire and Cumbria;
Retaining a hierarchy of retail centres across the district which provide key services to local residents and provide good accessibility to the main centres of the district via a range of sustainable transport modes;
Addressing the clear imbalances in the district’s ageing population by encouraging growth in the district’s working age population through the promotion of economic growth and the creation of new housing;
Maximising the retention of graduates from the district’s Higher Education establishments and boosting the levels of skilled workers in the district to promote economic growth;
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Making the most of Lancaster District’s geographical position on Morecambe Bay, the location of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty within it and its proximity to the National Parks and of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales; and
Supporting rural diversification, rural job creation and rural economic growth through encouraging and securing appropriate growth of existing and new rural businesses.
SO2: Provision of a sufficient supply, quality and mix of housing to meet the changing needs of the population and support growth and investment. This will be delivered by:
Providing for the full objectively assessed need for housing in the district to support economic growth and meet housing
needs in the most sustainable locations including Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham and Carnforth;
Delivering a range of housing types, sizes
and tenures to meet the needs of all members of the community;
Ensuring that all new development is well designed, sustainable and energy efficient;
Delivering high quality housing that is appropriate and affordable for current and future residents, contributing to the creation of a balanced housing market; and
Securing the long-term sustainability of rural communities by supporting appropriately designed and located rural housing.
SO3: Protect and enhance the natural, historic and built environment of the district. This will be delivered by:
Respecting the character and local distinctiveness of places, buildings and landscapes through careful
design and siting of development;
Maintaining and enhancing the character and heritage of the district’s settlements;
Protecting the historic environment from harmful change, including listed buildings, buildings of local importance, conservation areas, scheduled ancient monuments and historic parks and gardens;
Conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment ensuring appropriate protection is given to designated and non-designated assets, including their wider settings;
Recognising and respecting the international environmental importance of
Morecambe Bay, Bowland Fells and Cal f Hill/Crag Wood, securing opportunities for habitat restoration and enhancement within them;
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Conserving and enhancing the natural beauty and special qualities of the district’s two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), securing opportunities for sustainable growth linked to the natural environment and development that meets the needs of the community;
Providing new and maintaining existing ecological corridors, preventing habitat fragmentation and allowing species adaptation and migration;
Helping to mitigate and adapt to the cause and impacts of climate change;
Promoting the prudent use of resources, minimising the generation of waste, promoting recycling and preventing where possible or mitigating against the effects of air, water and soil pollution, noise, smells and fumes;
Minimising the risk of flooding; and
Establishing clearly defined green belt boundaries including the identification of safeguarded land.
SO4: Provision of the necessary infrastructure required to support both new and existing development and the creation of sustainable communities. This will be delivered by:
Working with infrastructure providers to ensure that the infrastructure required to support the community is provided;
Investigating opportunities for the delivery and implementation of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), ensuring that development contributes to the needs of
the commu nity and the delivery of sustainable development;
Protecting and enhancing existing social and community infrastructure including education, health, cultural and leisure facilities, improving community well-being in line with an understanding of predicted future needs and current gaps in infrastructure;
Ensuring that people have access to services in a location and delivered by a means that is convenient to them;
Ensuring that development provides the opportunity for healthier lifestyles through the provision of high quality green infrastructure, recreation, leisure and sports
facilities; andnd jh
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Seeking opportunities to reduce the opportunity for crime and anti-social behaviour.
SO5: Delivery of a safe and sustainable transport network that improves both internal and external connectivity, reducing the need to travel and encouraging more sustainable forms of
transport. This will be delivered by:
Concentrating development to sustainable locations that are accessible by a variety of modes of transport, particularly public transport, walking and cycling;
Improving access across the district by supporting the development and enhancement of an integrated transport network, including footpaths and cycleways;
Improving rural accessibility including improved broadband access in rural areas;
Supporting safe and secure access for mobility visually impaired people; and
Retaining a sufficient level of parking which strikes the balance between meeting the needs of a thriving economy and allowing a pedestrian, cycle and public transport friendly environment to be created.
Spatial Development Strategy
The next section describes the proposed spatial development strategy for the district. It describes how the above vision and strategic objectives have been translated into a new spatial strategy, setting out clearly the council’s ambitions for growth and how it will be distributed across the district.
3.3 The delivery of strong and vibrant communities balanced with the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment is one of the main challenges which planning documents must address. This is no more evident than in Lancaster district where the diverse and high quality urban and rural environment distinguish it from many other areas of the country, providing residents and visitors with a strong sense of place and a good quality of life.
3.4 The revised spatial strategy aims to protect this balance. It seeks to continue to direct the majority of growth and development to the main urban areas of Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham and Carnforth. Whilst these will provide the main focus the revised strategy confirms that additional opportunities will need to be identified in order to meet the substantially increased development needs of the district. The overall spatial strategy is therefore to:
Continue with an urban-focussed approach to development that is supplemented with additional new large strategic development sites that can be developed for housing and employment.
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3.5 Urban concentration remains at the heart of the strategy with future proposals for growth focused on those locations which offer the opportunity to meet needs in the most sustainable way.
Planning for growth
3.6 Our research estimates that by planning positively and putting the right conditions in place an additional 9,500 new jobs can be created in the district over the next eighteen years. These would be spread across existing and new businesses, as opportunities for expansion and new growth prospects emerge following the recession. Securing these opportunities is a key focus for the Land Allocations document and indeed the wider local development plan.
3.7 The district has long been recognised as an area with considerable economic potential with strengths in the knowledge, energy, visitor and health sectors. These sectors have helped create a sustainable local economy, securing jobs and helping protect the district from the wider economic downturn experienced in other areas of the country.
3.8 Working in partnership with the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) the council will look to take advantage of these strengths, utilising the district’s knowledge and expertise in these sectors and taking advantage of the district’s connectivity and accessibility with the rest of Lancashire and the wider North West region.
3.6 The Land Allocations document will help to encourage business investment by identifying locations for growth and development. This includes identifying how the infrastructure required to support development is secured and delivered.
3.7 In planning for growth the Land Allocations document will seek to capitalise on the district’s strengths, supporting economic growth related to the knowledge economy and Lancaster University in South Lancaster; economic expansion linked to the energy sector, Heysham Port and wider employment opportunities at Heysham; and opportunities for retail and cultural expansion in Lancaster City Centre.
3.8 Together these represent strategic locations for employment growth, providing significant opportunity for employment development and wider infrastructure investment in the district.
3.9 These locations will be supported through the Land Allocations document by a wider portfolio of local employment sites distributed across the district, providing variety and choice for local business and encouraging wider growth and investment.
3.10 White Lund will continue to remain the district’s main general employment area providing opportunity for B1, B2 and B8 employment uses and capitalising on its increased accessibility via the new Heysham M6 link road. This will be supported by additional employment opportunities at Carnforth, Heysham, Lancaster and sites distributed across the district’s rural areas (figure 4).
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Figure 4 – Employment sites across the district
3.11 The Land Allocations document will also continue to confirm Lancaster’s role as the main shopping centre for the district, supporting not only additional retail opportunities but also the city’s potential for office expansion and growth linked to the cultural and heritage assets of the city, and regeneration opportunities along its Quay at Luneside.
3.12 In Morecambe the main focus will remain regeneration, with the Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP) providing the focus for promoting and directing growth in the Centre of Morecambe. Outside of the central area, the Land Allocations document will continue to promote renewal and investment in the West End to regenerate this area.
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3.13 In Carnforth the council will look to strengthen the town as a local service center, capitalise on its railway past, utilise and regenerate its derelict sites and strengthen the opportunities provided by the town’s location as a gateway to the Arnside and Silverdale AONB.
3.14 Central to the principle of sustainable growth is the delivery of sustainable modes of transport. Through policies in the Local Plan the council will ensure that development is located in accessible locations reducing the need to travel and where possible, encouraging use of more sustainable modes of travel.
3.15 The Land Allocations document will also ensure that proposals for future development are supported by the physical, social and green infrastructure needed to enable the level of growth proposed. An Infrastructure Plan detailing current capacity and gaps is currently being prepared and will be available for consultation alongside the draft Land Allocations document in 2016. Where specific infrastructure is required the council will identify this requirement within the supporting policies. Proposals that fail to plan for and deliver this infrastructure will not be supported by the council.
Meeting residential needs
3.16 Planning for growth and delivering sustainable communities relies on not only ensuring that the right land and premises are available but also that the workforce exist to provide it. Ensuring that sufficient housing is provided to meet the changing needs of existing and future residents and support the economic potential of the district is therefore a key priority for the council. The council will support proposals that help to deliver this.
3.17 The Land Allocations document will identify how the council will meet its objectively assessed need for housing up to 2031, addressing the specific needs, characteristics and requirements of local communities.
3.18 The council’s evidence base indicates a need for between 13,000 and 14,000 new homes between 2011 and 2031. These homes are needed to meet historic housing needs which already exist in the district as well as those future needs resulting from demographic change, changing social habits and projected growth in the district related to economic development. Capacity for approximately 7,000-8,000 new homes has already been identified through the revised 2015 SHLAA, leaving land for between an additional 5,000 and 6,000 new homes still to be found.
3.19 The 2014 spatial options consultation confirmed the limited opportunities that exist within the district for substantial growth, with environmental designations, infrastructure
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constraints, mineral reserves and flood risk all serving to limit the availability of suitable and deliverable sites for development (figure 5).
Figure 5 – Land constraints
3.20 Although it is possible that additional development can in some instances be compatible with environmental designations, it is in the main considered inappropriate to expect significant development in or adjacent to them.
3.21 In view of this the council propose to direct the additional strategic development sites to locations on the edge of the existing urban areas of Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth and sustainable villages within the district. Land currently designated as green belt is likely to be included within these locationsi.
3.22 The council proposes that the additional development needs of the district will be met through a hybrid approach combining elements of the following (figure 6):
Urban extension Green Belt review Village expansion
3.23 Together, these offer the opportunity to deliver the housing and employment needs of the district in the most sustainable way, capitalising on existing services and infrastructure
i In view of the substantial need for housing in the district and the limited opportunity to deliver this in other locations. The City Council recognise that a review of its existing green belt boundary must be undertaken. As a starting point for this review the council have prepared a draft Green Belt Methodology detailing how it proposes to assess the existing green belt boundaries. This is available for comment at www.lancaster.gov.uk/planningpolicy
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provision, enhancing and maintaining the vitality of rural communities and, where possible enhancing the district’s environmental and built capital.
Figure 6 – Additional strategic development sites
3.24 The implications of meeting the additional growth are outlined in section 4 of this report.
Natural and Built Environment
3.25 The district benefits from a rich and diverse environmental and built capital with this distinguishing it from many other areas in Lancashire. Together they provide residents and visitors with a strong sense of place and a good quality of life. Protecting and enhancing the environmental and built assets of the district remains a key priority for the Local Plan.
3.26 The council recognises that planning for growth must not occur at the expense of the landscape, townscape and wildlife habitats which define the district and which ultimately make it the attractive place to live and invest in. Growth must be compatible with this,
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complementing the natural environment and built heritage of the district and, where possible, enhancing it.
3.27 Through a network of international, national and locally designated sites the Local Plan can co-ordinate the protection of the natural environment in the district. It will secure the protection of important landscapes, habitats and species, ensuring their enjoyment for current and future generations.
3.28 The Land Allocations document will identify a series of local green space and open space networks for protection and enhancement. These networks enable people and wildlife to move freely between areas, enhancing recreational opportunities and supporting important wildlife migration and adaptation.
3.29 Complementing the high quality environmental assets of the district is a rich built and cultural heritage. The district is home to a number of designated and non- designated heritage assets. These assets and their setting, tell an important story of the district’s heritage and ultimately set the scene for much of its built development and townscape.
3.30 In delivering growth, the Local Plan will secure development that adds to the environmental and heritage assets of the district, delivering well planned, high quality designed proposals which relate sensitively to the landscape and heritage of the area.
Detailed policies to deliver the Spatial Development Strategy will be provided in forthcoming Local Plan documents. These will be consulted on as part of draft documents next year.
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4. What does the new spatial strategy mean?
4.1 The spatial development strategy confirms that in order to meet the future development needs of the district, the urban focus of the Core Strategy will need to be supplemented by allocating additional strategic development sites.
4.2 The council proposes to identify new strategic development sites by investigating a hybrid approach consisting of three parts:
Urban Extension Three alternative development options are suggested: Additional Development at South Lancaster North East Lancaster east of the M6 Motorway North East Lancaster west of M6 Motorway
Green Belt Review Four different development areas are suggested, all four locations may be able to contribute to achieving development needs, whilst keeping a smaller green belt to maintain the separation of the coastal settlements: North of Lancaster North East of Morecambe South of Carnforth Land between Slyne-with-Hest and Bolton-le-Sands
Village Expansion Development sites are identified in most of the district’s villages however only one village is identified here as being suitable for a greater level of development: Dolphinholme
4.3 These are discussed further within this section. Unlike the 2014 consultation, this consultation is not limited to housing development. The council is also keen to explore further employment opportunities in these areas as well as additional service provision, including the provision of new local centres and any other services and infrastructure which would be needed to support development such as the provision of education and health facilities.
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Urban extension
4.4 This was one of the favoured options from the 2014 consultation, with many respondents supporting growth on the edge of Lancaster. It was also supported by the 2014 Sustainability Appraisal and the Lancashire County Council ‘District of Lancaster Highways and Transport Masterplan’ with transport intervention across all modes of transport and access to services both viewed to be easier to deliver under this option when compared to the alternative approaches.
4.5 This consultation suggests three alternative locations in which this could be achieved:
UE1 - South Lancaster, including land already identified at Whinney Carr. UE2 – North East Lancaster east of the M6 Motorway UE3 – North East Lancaster west of the M6 Motorway
4.6 The council is keen to explore these options in more detail and would welcome your views on the suitability and deliverability of these areas for development.
Option UE1: South Lancaster
4.7 This could see up to 3,000 new homes built in the next fifteen years on a very large site, including Whinney Carr Farm and land on the A6 opposite Lancaster University. The development would be phased and there would be safeguarded land identified for further development in the future.
4.8 Highway improvements are being developed for the Hala junction that would allow a start to be made for development at Whinney Carr. Further development would however affect Junction 33 of the M6 motorway. This could be addressed by moving the junction to Hazelrigg Lane and/or a new bypass for Galgate. Much work would be needed to design and get funding for these works. Consideration would need to be given to the feedback from this consultation and discussion with land owners.
4.9 An illustrative plan for this area is shown below (figure 7)
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Figure 7 – South Lancaster UE1
Advantages Disadvantages A large site for growth close to opportunities at Development would mean the loss of green field Lancaster University, the Innovation Park and and agricultural land. residential development proposals at Whinney Carr and Bailrigg. Urban extensions were the most preferred option in Reduces the gap between Lancaster and Galgate the 2014 consultation. and removes the green corridor on the entrance to Lancaster. Well connected to existing urban areas and Investment in infrastructure needed to support the communities, with opportunities to use existing development of this site. utilities and services. Well connected to existing public transport and Could impact on local landscape and wildlife. road networks with opportunities for infrastructure improvements. Closeness to existing urban area makes walking and Limited capacity on the existing road network, cycling practical alternatives to motorised transport. especially on the A6 in the south of Lancaster. Close to employment opportunities at Lancaster May lead to further deterioration within the University and the Innovation Park. Galgate Air Quality Management Area. Potential new junction on the M6 motorway, could Relies on a new M6 junction to create road relieve congestion, improve road capacity and aid capacity and this is not a committed scheme. city centre transport improvements. Reduce the need for large scale development in the This site will not meet rural housing needs. more isolated rural areas of the district. Opportunity to build well sited affordable housing.
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Options UE2 and UE3 – North East Lancaster
4.10 Whilst South Lancaster is often highlighted as the obvious location for expansion the council recognise that opportunities for additional growth may also exist in North East Lancaster, with potential for development on land to both the east and west of the M6 motorway.
4.11 Two further options are therefore presented:
Land to the east of the M6 motorway (UE2). This would be on land on the east side of Junction 34. This could provide a site for 1,500 dwellings and new employment land.
Land to the west of the M6 motorway (UE3). This would be on land at Cuckoo Farm, to the west of the M6 Motorway, between the Ridge and Lansil Golf course. This could provide a site for 1,500 dwellings and new employment land.
Consideration would need to be given to feedback from this consultation and discussion with the land owners. Illustrative plans for both areas are shown below (figures 8 and 9)
Figure 8 – East Lancaster on land to the east of the M6 motorway (UE2)
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East Lancaster on land to the east of the M6 motorway:
Advantages Disadvantages Urban extensions were the most preferred option in Development would mean the loss of green field the 2014 consultation. and agricultural land. Close to the existing urban area and possible access Investment in infrastructure needed to support the to existing services. development of this site, particularly different modes of transport. Close to employment opportunities in the city centre Creation of a satellite settlement with limited access and along Caton Road. to the existing urban area.
Reduce the need for large scale development in the Limited opportunity to meet rural housing needs. more isolated rural areas of the district. Opportunity to build affordable housing. Could impact on local landscape and wildlife.
Avoid the amalgamation of settlements. Limited capacity on the existing road network and few opportunities to provide new provision.
Figure 9 – East Lancaster on land to the west of the M6 motorway
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East Lancaster on land to the west of the M6 motorway:
Advantages Disadvantages Urban extensions were the most preferred option in Development would mean the loss of green field the 2014 consultation. and agricultural land. Well connected to existing urban areas and The area is currently identified as Key Urban communities, with opportunities to use existing Landscape in the adopted Local Plan. This utilities and services. designation recognises an area’s role in providing the setting for the city and in several instances the setting for a number of significant heritage assets.
Well connected to existing public transport and road Investment in infrastructure needed to support the networks with opportunities for infrastructure development of this site. improvements. Closeness to existing urban area makes walking and Limited capacity on the existing road network and cycling practical alternatives to motorised transport. few opportunities to provide new provision. Development would be within the existing urban area Area is difficult to access and would require of Lancaster with the M6 link forming a boundary to significant investment. the city. Opportunity to build well sited affordable housing. Potential to impact on local landscape and wildlife.
Avoid the amalgamation of settlements. Limited opportunity to meet rural housing needs. Proximity to employment opportunities in the city centre and along Caton Road. Reduce the need for large scale development in the more isolated rural areas of the district.
Green Belt Review
4.12 Currently there are only limited exceptions that would allow for development to happen in the North Lancashire green belt, which had its boundaries drawn in 1991. Nearly 25 years later, the district’s population has increased and projections suggest that this will continue. The M6 Link Road goes through the green belt and its impacts on the openness need to be considered. The green belt can only be reviewed as part of the Local Plan process, therefore if we do not do this now, it could be another 15 years until it can be reviewed again. Not reviewing the Green Belt would limit potential housing and employment development plans, which would impact on the economic future of the district.
4.13 The idea of reviewing the green belt was included in last year’s consultation, and although this proved to be an unpopular option, the need for future housing and employment sites means that the council has no alternative but to review green belt boundaries. A review of the Green Belt could allow for well-located large sites on the edges of Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and Slyne-with-Hest to come forward whilst maintaining the larger part of the green belt for its original purpose. In total these sites could provide more than 3,000 new homes by 2031.
4.14 A review hasn’t yet taken place and the maps below only show potential development sites. If these are found to be suitable sites they will need to be shown in the Draft Land Allocations Document which will be consulted on in 2016.
4.15 We are consulting on the way that we will do this review (Green Belt Methodology) and would like your views on this www.lancaster.gov.uk/planningpolicy
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Option GB1 – Green Belt North of Lancaster
4.16 Land between Hare Runs, Halton Road and the Heysham to M6 link could provide a site for more than 850 new homes and new employment sites. The outcomes of the green belt review, this consultation and discussion with land owners would need to take place. An illustrative plan for this area is shown below figure 10.
Figure 10 – North Lancaster Green Belt (GB1)
Advantages Disadvantages Well connected to existing urban areas and Development would mean the loss of some green communities, potential to connect to utilities and belt and agricultural land. existing services.
Well connected to existing public transport and road A review of the green belt is needed, the findings transport networks with opportunities for improved could be that the current boundaries should be infrastructure. maintained. Closeness to existing urban area makes walking and Could reduce the gap between towns and villages cycling practical alternatives to motorised transport. within the green belt.
Close to employment opportunities in the Lancaster, Investment in infrastructure needed to support new Morecambe and Heysham development.
The Heysham M6 link road will change the character Could impact on local landscape and wildlife. of this area and provide a new potential northern boundary for Lancaster.
Creation of new attractive employment sites with Offers limited opportunity to meet rural housing good access to national transport network and needs. Heysham Port. Reduce the need for large scale development in the The green belt option was not supported by the more isolated rural areas of the district. district’s residents in the 2014 consultation.
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Opportunity to build affordable housing.
Option GB2: Green Belt North East of Morecambe
4.17 Land to the east of Torrisholme Barrow and west of the Morecambe to Lancaster Railway line could provide a site for 750 new homes and employment. Consideration would need to be given to the outcomes of the green belt review, the outcomes from this consultation and discussion with land owners. An illustrative plan for this area is shown below figure 11.
Figure 11 – East of Morecambe Green Belt
Advantages Disadvantages Well connected to existing urban areas and Development would mean the loss of some green communities, potential to connect to utilities and belt and agricultural land. existing services. Well connected to existing public transport provision A review of the green belt is needed, the findings and main road networks with opportunities for could be that the current boundaries should be improved infrastructure. maintained. Closeness to existing urban area allows makes Reduces the gap between towns and villages within walking and cycling practical alternatives to the green belt. motorised transport. Close to employment opportunities within Investment in infrastructure needed to support new Morecambe and Heysham. development. Railway line could be used to provide a new green Could to impact on local landscape and wildlife. belt boundary.
Creation of new attractive employment sites with Offers limited opportunity to meet rural housing good access to national transport network and needs. Heysham Port. Reduce the need for large scale development in the The green belt option was not supported by the more isolated rural areas of the district. district’s residents in the 2014 consultation. Opportunity to build affordable housing.
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Option GB3 – Green Belt South of Carnforth
4.18 A large extension to south Carnforth could provide for more than 1,250 new homes and employment land. Consideration would need to be given to the outcomes of the green belt review, the outcomes from this consultation and discussion with land owners. An illustrative plan for this area is shown below figure 12.
Figure 12 – South Carnforth Green Belt
Advantages Disadvantages Well connected to existing urban areas and Development would mean the loss of some green communities, potential to connect to utilities and belt and agricultural land. existing services. Well connected to existing public transport provision A review of the green belt is needed, the findings and main road networks with opportunities for could be that the current boundaries should be improved infrastructure maintained. Closeness to existing urban area allows makes Reduces the gap between towns and villages within walking and cycling practical alternatives to the green belt. motorised transport. Close to employment opportunities in Carnforth and Investment in infrastructure needed to support new South Cumbria. development. Could help to bring forward the stalled development Could impact on local landscape and wildlife. site at Lundsfield Quarry by providing improved access. Reduce the need for large scale development in the May adversely affect the Carnforth Air Quality more isolated rural areas of the district. Management Area. Provide opportunity to spread new development to Highway capacity investigation needed; a new link the north of the district so that the benefits are better road likely to be required between the A6 and Back
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dispersed across the district. Lane. Opportunity to build affordable housing. The green belt option was not supported by the district’s residents in the 2014 consultation. Option GB4 – Green Belt between Slyne-with-Hest and Bolton-le-Sands
4.19 Land west of the A6 (Slyne Road) at Hest Bank, opposite Slyne Hall Heights, could provide a site for 500 homes. Consideration would need to be given to the outcomes of the green belt review, feedback from this consultation and discussion with land owners. An illustrative plan for this area is shown below figure 13.
Figure 13 – Central area of Green Belt
Advantages Disadvantages Well connected to existing community, potential to Development would mean the loss of some green connect to utilities and existing services. belt and agricultural land.
Well connected to existing public transport provision A review of the green belt is needed, the findings and main road networks with opportunities for could be that the current boundaries should be improved infrastructure maintained. Closeness to existing settlement allows makes Reduces the gap between towns and villages within walking and cycling practical alternatives to the green belt motorised transport. Close to employment opportunities in Lancaster, Investment in infrastructure needed to support new Morecambe and Carnforth. development. Could impact on local landscape and wildlife. Reduce the need for large scale development in the May negatively impact on the character and more isolated rural areas of the district. heritage of Slyne-with-Hest and Bolton-le-Sands villages. Provide opportunity to spread new development to Substantial investment and upgrade of current the north of the district ensuring so that the benefits service and infrastructure provision is needed to are better dispersed across of the district. support development.
Opportunity to build rural affordable housing. The green belt option was not supported by the
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district’s residents in the 2014 consultation. Improve access to housing for rural communities with new housing next to existing rural settlements. Village expansion
4.20 As part of the 2014 consultation the council explored two rural options for delivering additional growth. Under the first rural option all the sustainable villages identified under Policy DM42 of the Development Management Document (table 1) were expected to accommodate additional development. The second rural option sought to concentrate development to just two villages, creating two new local service centres, one to the north and one to the south of the district.
Table 1 – Development Management Document Policy DM42 Sustainable Rural Settlements
Arkholme Hornby Bolton-le-Sands Middleton Brookhouse Nether Kellet Cockerham Overton Caton Over Kellet Dolphinholme Silverdale Galgate Slyne Halton Warton Hest Bank Wray
4.21 Whilst both approaches received some support they were generally resisted in the 2014 consultation with most people preferring to see growth targeted to the main urban areas of the district. The Sustainability Appraisal also noted concern with the sustainability of both options, highlighting concerns regarding service and infrastructure provision and the increasing need to travel to access key services and other facilities. The cumulative loss of countryside and impact on rural character were also highlighted as issues, especially for those villages that are Conservation Areas or within the AONB.
4.22 Whilst recognising the conclusions of this work, sustainable village expansion is still considered to be a realistic option for growth in the district, which when brought forward in conjunction with elements of options 1 (urban extension) and 2 (Green Belt review) would allow the district to meet its development needs across a range of options, ensuring flexibility in the council’s approach and ensuring that the needs of rural communities are also met. This was supported in the Sustainability Appraisal of the 2014 consultation which recommended that further research be undertaken to refocus the approach on the most sustainable villages.
4.23 Following the consultation last year the council has now undertaken an analysis of villages, assessing the sustainability and deliverability of the 18 villages identified in Policy DM42 of the Development Management document (appendix 1).
4.24 Appendix 1 confirms the limited opportunities for growth that exist with landscape designations, flood risk and mineral activity all limiting the opportunity for substantial growth across a number of the district’s villages.
4.25 Development sites are identified in most of the district’s villages however only Dolphinholme is identified here as being suitable for a greater level of development, where up to 500 new
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dwellings could be built. Much discussion needs to take place with the parish council, residents, community representatives and land owners.
4.26 The council is keen to explore the following points - How should an expanded village look? Would it be better to take a traditional approach to design and architecture as is the case in Poundbury in Dorset and Knockroon in East Ayrshire? Alternatively should it be designed as a Zero Carbon eco-town with rainwater harvesting, natural landscaping, and community allotments such as the development currently underway at North West Bicester in Oxfordshire?
4.27 The council would welcome views on this option and specifically the suitability and deliverability of Dolphinholme for expansion. Consideration would need to be given to the feedback from this consultation and discussion with land owners. An illustrative plan for this area is shown below figure 14. Figure 14 – Village expansion
Advantages Disadvantages Potential to improve access to housing for the rural Development would mean the loss of green field community. and agricultural land. A new service centre could be developed to serve Substantial investment and upgrade of current the wider rural hinterland to the south of the district. services and infrastructure provision needed to support development. Help to sustain local services that may be vulnerable May lead to unsustainable travel patterns and to closure due to low population numbers. increased car dependence to access services in urban areas. Could provide sufficient economies of scale to deliver Could impact on local landscape and wildlife. improved and new service provision in Dolphinholme. Enhanced quality of life for residents through May negatively impact on the character and improved access to the countryside and rural living in heritage of the village. Dolphinholme. Younger people will have more housing choices to Affordability may remain an issue with higher land
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allow them to remain in Dolphinholme. values in the rural areas likely to increase the cost of new housing. Potential to encourage rural employment and Increased congestion and air quality impacts as improve the rural economy. more people forced to travel to access services and employment. The majority of the sites are in single ownership Concentrating development in Dolphinholme will do enhancing their deliverability and potential to secure little to help rural housing issues to the north of the enhanced sustainability and design. district. Located close to the M6 junction enhances the 2014 consultation comments suggested that it is accessibility of the area for future residents. unfair to focus on a limited number of villages.
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5. What happens next?
5.1 This consultation runs from Monday the 19th October to the 30th November 2015.
5.2 Throughout the consultation the council will be busy collecting information and evidence on the deliverability and suitability of the options presented. This will include conversations with key infrastructure and service providers such as highways, education and health in order to understand the deliverability of the options presented.
5.3 This information, together with the comments collected will help the council to decide how best to meet and deliver the future development needs of the district. It will help inform preparation of the Draft Land Allocations document.
5.4 It is anticipated that a Draft Land Allocations Document will be consulted on next summer. This will set out clearly the land proposed for allocation and also those areas proposed for protection. Detailed policies will also be provided to accompany the allocations. These will describe the council’s expectations for allocated sites. The Draft Land Allocations document will present what the council considers to be the final document.
5.5 The preparation of the Land Allocations document is a significant exercise having major implications for every resident in the district. It is therefore important that you let us know what you think.
5.6 Please get involved and let us know what you think:
Do you agree or disagree with the proposed vision?
Do you agree or disagree with the proposed spatial development strategy?
Do you agree or disagree with the proposed strategic objectives?
Do you agree or disagree with the options for the additional development sites?
Do you have any additional advantages or disadvantages to add to the potential sites?
Do you have any suggestions for alternative sites other ideas of alternative options?
Do you have any comments on the proposed Green Belt Review Methodology?
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E-mail us: [email protected]
Write to us:
Lancaster City Council
Planning and Regeneration Service
Town Hall
Dalton Square
Lancaster
LA1 1PJ
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Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop
Arkholme No Yes No No No Yes No Yes GP surgery Environmental No in Hornby Constraints and (2.5 miles) Designations do not Note: No preclude further strategic sites as development. part of this However limited consultation, service provision, SHLAA sites may poor accessibility be identified and remoteness separately. from main service and transport Recent corridors make this residential a less sustainable approvals are settlement for being substantial growth implemented. (7 miles from Halton). Topography constraints would further limit opportunities for expansion. The village is almost entirely covered by
ii Al the villages contained in the table have been identified as villages whereby the council would support additional development as described under Policy DM42 of the Development Management document. The table looks to explore additional opportunities for development above that envisaged by Policy DM42.
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Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop a conservation area. The design and location of development needs to reflect consideration of the heritage value of the settlement. Bolton-le- No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Physical/Resource Development Sands (around) Constraints do not potential is preclude further being development. The considered. village sits within Informed by the Green Belt. Any outcomes of the option for Green Belt substantial review process. expansion would Site GB4 is to need to come the east of Hest forward through the Bank (partly local plan; this will with Slyne with be informed by the Hest, partly Green Belt review within Bolton-le- process. This is Sands) addressed under Note: SHLAA option 2 of this sites may be paper. identified Consideration of separately location/appearance
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Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop of development due to Conservation Area. Brookhouse Yes Yes No No No No No Yes GP surgery Physical/Resource No at Caton Constraints do not (0.62 preclude further Note: No miles) development strategic sites as however the village part of this is within the Forest consultation, of Bowland AONB. SHLAA sites may Major development be identified in AONBs is separately discouraged by national policy. Landscape Consideration for assessment is location/appearance being of development due undertaken of to Conservation SHLAA sites in Area. the FoB. Cockerham No No No No No GP surgery No environmental No at Galgate constraints. (2.29 However poor Note: No miles) accessibility to main strategic sites as services and part of this transport corridors consultation, make this an SHLAA sites may unsustainable be identified settlement for separately
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Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop substantial growth. Flood risk constraints a little to the west of the village would serve to further limit opportunities for expansion. Caton Yes No No North No Yes Yes Yes Yes Physical/Resource No east Constraints area of generally do not Note: No the preclude further strategic sites as village development are investigated (avoiding the north) as part of this of the village. The consultation, village is within the SHLAA sites are Forest of Bowland identified [FoB] AONB. Major separately. developments in AONBs is Landscape discouraged by assessment is national policy being unless in public undertaken of interest (see NPPG SHLAA sites in p.116) thus other the FoB. options being explored.
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Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop Dolphinholme No Yes No No, No Yes No Yes GP surgery Heritage Yes except at Galgate Designations on (2.56 Physical/Resource banks miles) Constraints of River generally do not Wyre preclude further development. As there is a Conservation Area the design and location of development needs to reflect consideration of the heritage value of the settlement. The limited topographical issues and absence of other constraints make this a village suitable for further investigation. The village is some distance from the A6 (3 miles via Chipping Lane and Stoney Lane.
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Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop Further investigation is needed as to whether highways and public transport links are adequate and/or be can appropriately improved. A combination of non- precluding constraints and potential sites availability means the potential for development at is investigated here. Galgate No No No Yes, No Yes Yes Yes Yes Relatively Yes, being central significant considered as areas residential part of the and development south Lancaster western proposals are urban extension parts already being implemented and SHLAA sites may the implications for be identified the expansion of a separately South Lancaster urban extension
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Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop option towards Galgate are explored in the current consultation.
Halton No Yes No To the No Yes Yes Yes Yes Away from the No, though (boundary south River Lune there current is to the of the are no flood risk development immediate village designations. As proposals are east of – River there is a being advanced the Lune Conservation Area by means of developed the design and planning area) location of applications, this development needs consultation is to reflect not investigating consideration of the strategic heritage value of designations in the settlement. This the village. The is located in the Council is south western part investigating of the village strategic leaving opportunity designations in for further the Green Belt expansion in other to the west of areas of the village. the village (to
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Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop Opportunities in the west of the these areas are M6) however noted to be limited by the Note: SHLAA topography of the sites may be surrounding area identified with this limiting separately opportunities for substantial growth. Hest Bank No No Yes Areas No No Yes Yes No The village sits Development to the within the Green potential is west of Belt. Any option for being Coastal substantial considered. Road expansion would Informed by need to come outcomes of the forward through the Green Belt local plan; this will review process. be informed by the Site GB4 is to Green Belt review the east of Hest process. This is Bank (partly addressed under with Slyne with option 2 of this Hest, partly paper. within Bolton-le- Sands) SHLAA sites may be identified separately.
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Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop Hornby Yes Yes No Yes – No Yes Yes Yes Yes The village is within No much the Forest of caution Bowland AONB. SHLAA sites may needed Major development be identified in all in AONBs is separately. central discouraged by area national policy, Landscape other options assessment is should be explored being first. undertaken of SHLAA sites in the FoB. Middleton No No No Yes, to No No No Yes GP surgery The village is No the at almost entirely east Heysham surrounded by flood SHLAA sites may and (1.87 zone 3 greatly be identified south miles) limiting the separately. opportunities for growth. Nether Kellet No Yes No No Yes Yes No Yes GP surgery The village is in No at close proximity to Carnforth active quarries. The SHLAA sites may (1.39 quarry operators be identified miles) and Lancashire separately. County Council as Minerals and Waste Authority have both advised against
People, Homes and Jobs – How can we meet our future development needs?
Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop substantial growth within this village. Overton No Yes No Yes, GP surgery The village is No much at almost entirely caution Heysham surrounded by flood SHLAA sites may needed (2.14 zone 3 limiting the be identified miles) opportunities for separately. growth. Over Kellet No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes GP surgery The village is in No at close proximity to Carnforth active quarries. The SHLAA sites may (1.4 miles) quarry operators be identified and Lancashire separately. County Council as Minerals and Waste Authority have both advised against substantial growth within this village. Silverdale Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes The village is within No the Arnside Silverdale AONB. SHLAA sites may Major be identified developments in separately. AONBs is discouraged by DPD being national policy, prepared other options separately.
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People, Homes and Jobs – How can we meet our future development needs?
Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop should be explored first. Slyne No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes GP surgery The village sits Development at Bolton- within the Green potential is le-Sands Belt. Any option for being (1.4 miles) substantial considered. expansion would Informed by need to come outcomes of the forward through the Green Belt local plan; this will review process. be informed by the Site GB4 is to Green Belt review the partly within process. This is Slyne with Hest, addressed under and partly within option 2 of this Bolton-le-Sands. paper. SHLAA sites may be identified separately. Warton Yes Yes No Yes, to No Yes Yes Yes GP surgery The village is within No the at the Arnside south Carnforth Silverdale AONB. SHLAA sites may of the (1.27miles) Major be identified village developments in separately. AONBs is discouraged by national policy, other options
People, Homes and Jobs – How can we meet our future development needs?
Appendix 1 – Village Analysis
Environmental Designations and Constraints Service Provision Conclusion Potential village for Village Heritage Designation Policy Physical/Resource expansion for Designation Constraints substantial AONB Conservation Green Belt Flood Mineral Primary Post Bus GP development?ii Area Risk Constraints school Office Stop should be explored first. Wray Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes (part- The village is within No time) the Forest of Bowland AONB. Note: No Major strategic sites as developments in are investigated AONBs is as part of this discouraged by consultation, national policy, SHLAA sites are other options identified should be explored separately. first. Landscape assessment is being undertaken of SHLAA sites in the FoB.
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Lancaster City Council – Local Plan 2011-2031