Draft Core Strategy

South Lakeland Local Development Framework

Draft Core Strategy

JULY 2009

Lawrence Conway, Corporate Director (Community), South Lakeland District Council www.southlakeland.gov.uk/ldf Alternative formats of this document are available by calling 01539 733333 ext.7102 FOREWORD

South Lakeland’s superb natural setting shapes the district’s image and plays a major role in its development, making it a very attractive location for residents and visitors alike. However, while the district can offer a quality of life that is second to none, it does experience problems common to many rural areas. There is a need to deliver more balanced communities and reduce inequality, including reducing dependency on high-level services and jobs in towns outside the district, increasing provision of affordable housing and developing and maintaining high-quality modern sustainable transport networks. We must also meet challenging targets laid down by central government, most notably for house building. The challenge is to secure a sustainable level and pattern of development that creates balanced communities and meets local needs whilst protecting the environment that makes the district special.

The Core Strategy document sets out the development strategy for South Lakeland outside the National Park areas up to 2025. It is a long-term plan. It draws together strategies of the council and other organisations whose activities have implications for the development and use of land. It puts the aspirations of the Sustainable Community Strategy into effect – seeking to create a sustainable district that is the best possible place to live, work and visit.

We are inviting representations from everybody with an interest in the future of our district. The Core Strategy (and accompanying documents) can be viewed and commented on via the council’s website. The documents can also be inspected at South Lakeland House, Kendal; Ulverston Town Hall; and at the libraries at Arnside, Grange over Sands, Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe and Ulverston during normal opening hours.

Comments are requested back by no later than 5pm on XXX.

Please send your comments to

Development Plans South Lakeland District Council South Lakeland House Lower Street Kendal, LA9 4DL

[email protected] www.southlakeland.gov.uk/ldf

For other queries please telephone – 01539 717490

Background information on the LDF / Core Strategy can be found in Appendix A.

i CONTENTS

Section Policy Sub Section Page Number Introduction Spatial portrait – South Lakeland today... 1 Key issues 7 South Lakeland tomorrow… 9 Strategic objectives – how we will get 11 there… The development strategy CS1.1 Sustainable development principles 14 for South Lakeland CS1.2 The development strategy 16 Spatial strategy for Kendal CS2 Kendal today… 23 Key issues 27 Kendal tomorrow… 28 How we will get there… 29 Spatial strategy for CS3.1 Ulverston and Furness today… 35 Ulverston Key issues 39 Ulverston and Furness tomorrow… 40 How we will get there… 41 CS3.2 Ulverston Canal Head and corridor 45 Spatial strategy for Cartmel CS4 Cartmel Peninsula today… 48 Peninsula Key issues 51 Cartmel Peninsula tomorrow… 52 How we will get there… 53 Spatial strategy for the East CS5 The East (including Milnthorpe and 57 (including Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale) today… Kirkby Lonsdale) Key issues 61 The East (including Milnthorpe and 61 Kirkby Lonsdale) tomorrow… How we will get there… 62 CORE POLICIES Housing CS6.1 Meeting the housing requirement 67 CS6.2 Dwelling mix and type 70 CS6.3 Provision of affordable housing / local 72 occupancy housing CS6.4 Community led affordable housing 73 policy CS6.5 Gypsies, travellers and travelling 73 showpeople CS6.6 Making effective and efficient use of 74 land and buildings Jobs, Skills and CS7.1 Meeting the employment requirement 77 Regeneration CS7.2 Type of employment land required and 78 sectoral split CS7.3 Education and skills 79 CS7.4 Rural economy 80 CS7.5 Town centre and retail strategy 82 CS7.6 Tourism development 83 CS7.7 Opportunities of energy and the low 84 carbon economy Quality Environment CS8.1 Green infrastructure 85

ii Section Policy Sub Section Page Number CS8.2 Protection and enhancement of 86 landscape and settlement character CS8.3a Accessing open space, sport and 87 recreation CS8.3b Quantity of open space, sport and 88 recreation CS8.4 Biodiversity 89 CS8.5 Coast 90 CS8.6 Historic environment 92 CS8.7 Sustainable construction, energy 93 efficiency and renewable energy CS8.8 Flood risk 94 CS8.9 Minerals and waste 95 CS8.10 Design 96 Health and Wellbeing CS9.1 Social and community infrastructure 97 CS9.2 Developer contributions 98 Accessing Services CS10.1 Accessing services 99 CS10.2 Transport impact of new development 100

APPENDICES Background A 101 Contextual influences B 105 The evidence base C 117 Monitoring and implementation framework D 120 Glossary E 149 Sustainability appraisal / habitat regulations F 156 Proposed amendments to the adopted proposals map G 158 Consultation statement H 160 Saved Local Plan policies I 164 Key diagram J 175 Options considered K 177 Housing trajectory L 184

iii INTRODUCTION

SPATIAL PORTRAIT – SOUTH LAKELAND TODAY…

South Lakeland district lies in the southernmost part of Cumbria between the districts of Lancaster, Craven and Richmondshire to the south and east, and the Cumbrian districts of Eden, Barrow-in-Furness, Copeland and Allerdale to the north, south west and west.

This Core Strategy covers those areas of South Lakeland outside the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park areas, whose authorities will produce their own Core Strategies. The area covered by the South Lakeland Core Strategy is shown on the map below.

FIGURE 1 – THE AREA COVERED BY THIS CORE STRATEGY

The area covered by this Core Strategy can be split into:

• Kendal and its Rural Hinterland1 to the east • Ulverston and Furness to the west • Cartmel Peninsula to the south

The total population of the area is around 105,000, with over a quarter of local residents being older than working age. The population is projected to grow to around 117,000 by 2026, during which time it is expected that the number of children and young people will decrease with an increase in the proportion of retired people in the area.

Kendal is the main town in the Core Strategy area. It is located in the southeast and accounts for 38 per cent of the total population. Ulverston, in Furness, is the second

1 For the purpose of this document, the rural hinterland of Kendal will be referred to as The East (including Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale)

1 largest town, with 15 per cent of the population. Both are Key Services Centres – places that provide things such as jobs, shops and leisure facilities for many people in the surrounding areas.

Grange over Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe are smaller settlements that also act as Key Service Centres. Together they make up 12 per cent of the total population.

The rest of the population lives in villages and hamlets scattered across the countryside. Some of these act as Local Service Centres, which are like Key Service Centres but offer fewer services.

FIGURE 2 – POPULATION DENSITY

The economy

South Lakeland has low unemployment compared to other authorities in Cumbria. Business survival rates are high. Kendal College and the newly formed University of Cumbria, which has a number of sites across Cumbria (but not within the area), provide further and higher education for local residents.

The area also provides economic opportunities for communities in the neighbouring National Parks, where there are more constraints on development. Kendal and Ulverston in particular are well located to cater for the needs of a large number of residents within the Lake District National Park without them having to travel long distances to work.

Tourism is successful, but many jobs in the sector have relatively low pay. Young people who leave the area for higher education often do not return. Those residents who are well- qualified commonly have to travel outside the district for work. Travel-to-work patterns show that more people travel out of South Lakeland than into South Lakeland for employment – with workers commuting as far as Manchester and Warrington.

2 The number of young people leaving the area, together with the heavy reliance on tourism, causes communities to become unbalanced. Regeneration becomes more difficult.

Some communities in South Lakeland face other, specific economic challenges. Ulverston is having to adapt to the changing business plans of major employers such as GlaxoSmithKline. The area is also affected by wider economic restructuring across west Cumbria. Manufacturing has declined and large-scale nuclear decommissioning is coming to an end although new nuclear plants could be built on the west coast and new shipbuilding orders could create large numbers of jobs in Barrow. The town has been made a regeneration priority area, which means it will be a focus of investment in the north west of England. That could create a demand for new houses – and therefore construction jobs – in places such as Ulverston.

While the economy of Kendal appears relatively buoyant, there are relatively few new firms starting up and the town lacks suitable sites for new business. Shopping in the town centre will be crucial to Kendal's future, but congestion at peak-times remains a problem. Vacancy rates are increasing.

Elsewhere, changes to farming practices and lessons learned from the foot-and-mouth crisis have highlighted the need to diversify the rural economy. The recently launched Cumbria Fells and Dales Rural Development Programme will be delivering £8m-worth of funding for a range of activities aimed at assisting farmers, foresters, small rural businesses and rural communities in mid and south Cumbria. The programme will run until 2013. Activities will include grants, training and information provision, supporting farm diversification, advisory services and business creation and development.

Cumbria as a whole suffers from strategic challenges to economic growth. It is relatively remote from the main economic drivers in the north west – Manchester and Liverpool. The lack of highly-skilled labour limits the appeal of the county to some employers. Over recent years, Cumbria has experienced the slowest growth rate of all UK sub-regions but the recent Cumbria Economic Strategy points at signs of recovery.

Housing

The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), which provides a framework for planning across the entire north west, calls for 400 new homes each year from 2003-2021 within the Core Strategy area. It also states that for the purpose of producing Local Development Frameworks, local planning authorities should assume that the average annual requirement will continue for a limited period beyond 2021. This target is based on population forecasts for the area and expected changes in household composition. It represents a significant increase from previous years, and equates to 8800 dwellings between 2003 and the end of the Core Strategy (2025).

The popularity of South Lakeland as a place to retire, or in which to buy a second home, has pushed house prices well above the average for Cumbria and the north west. That, combined with relatively low wages, means the district has a house-price-to-income ratio of 9:1. A typical home is now beyond the financial reach of a large proportion of local people.

The 2006 Housing Needs Survey, commissioned by the district council, looked at this issue and concluded that the area needed 416 affordable new homes every year for the following five years. Clearly, that is more than the total number of new homes envisaged in the Regional Spatial Strategy.

The greatest need is in the eastern parts of the district and Kendal. The levels of need in Cartmel Peninsula and Ulverston and Furness are noticeably lower, but still significant.

3 The environment

South Lakeland is characterised by a high-quality natural environment. The countryside is diverse, with inter-tidal salt marshes, rolling drumlin fields and high fells. The district is fortunate to include a section of the coastline of Morecambe Bay (which has multiple environmental designations) as well as part of the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The area contains a substantial number of places recognised for their biological or geological value, including all or part of seven sites of international importance. Much of the landscape is beautiful and rich in wildlife. The neighbouring Lake District National Park is a major tourist attraction for people around the world.

FIGURE 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNATION

(INCLUDE ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNATION MAP HERE)

The historic environment is particularly distinctive and important with over 1,500 listed buildings and ten conservation areas, including two very large areas covering the historic cores of Kendal and Ulverston. The English Heritage register of heritage assets at risk (2008) includes 7 entries for South Lakeland. The area has a rich local tradition of construction, with a number of distinctive architectural features found only or principally in this area, while the form and structure of a number of settlements is based on medieval components that still survive to shape the areas today.

Climate change is a threat to South Lakeland. There are significant areas of flood risk, particularly in Kendal, where the Rivers Kent and Mint flow through the town. A large number of towns and villages in the coastal zone are at risk from tidal flooding.

South Lakeland has a growing number of renewable energy installations, including large commercial wind-farms and smaller micro-generation schemes. There have been recent improvements in terms of reducing the amount of household waste and increasing recycling and composting rates. Waste that is not recycled or composted currently goes to landfill sites outside the district.

While the average air quality is high across South Lakeland, there is an identified Air Quality Management Area in Lowther Street in Kendal. The 2008 Local Transport Plan

4 Progress report states that the problem is generally getting worse across the district. The number of poor air quality ‘hot spots’ where nitrogen dioxide levels are getting close to the allowed maximum in Kendal town centre has also increased, with the possibility of further air quality management zones being identified in the near future.

Accessibility

The east of the district – Kendal and the rural areas – in particular benefits from good accessibility to main national transport links. The M6 and the West Coast mainline railway cross the eastern part of the district, providing access to cities in the north west such as Preston, Manchester and Liverpool, as well as the key transport hub of Manchester Airport and places further afield such as Scotland and the south of England. There are also good links to the central part of the Lake District from the south and east of the area.

Carnforth , within the district of Lancaster, acts as a service centre for some of the villages in the south of South Lakeland such as Holme, Burton and Beetham. Lancaster University to the south of Lancaster is highly accessible. It is a valuable educational resource for residents and businesses in the district.

FIGURE 4 – MAIN ROAD AND RAIL LINKS

The A590 and Furness rail line provide key east-to-west routes for communities in the west of the district, but both need improvement.

Bus services are reasonable for parts of towns and larger villages in the district, but there is significantly less provision in rural areas. This makes access to jobs, services and education difficult, particularly for elderly and young residents, and those on low incomes. There is little or no public transport in the evenings, particularly in the more rural areas. That makes people highly dependent on their cars. Public transport needs to be provided in a more innovative and responsive way.

5 FIGURE 5 – BUS ROUTES

Health and Wellbeing

On the whole, the population of South Lakeland enjoys good health. Life expectancy is among the highest in the country for both men and women. South Lakeland has low levels of crime and is a comparably safe district in which to live. It is one of the least deprived locations in the country.

Despite all this, within South Lakeland there are small pockets of relative deprivation, most notably in Ulverston, and there are issues around access to services in more remote rural areas. There are also some concerns regarding anti-social behaviour.

Although levels of health are good, there are significant pressures on and demand for health services in the district, including GP surgeries. This is made more acute by the ageing population and the fact the population as a whole is growing. Westmorland General Hospital provides only a minor injuries service. As a result, many patients have to travel to hospitals in Lancaster, Barrow or elsewhere for a more comprehensive range of elective and emergency healthcare services.

The district has a range of schools run by Cumbria County Council, including six secondary schools. While some are suffering from falling pupil numbers, others are oversubscribed and take in children from outside their catchment area.

The overall quality, quantity and accessibility of open space, sport and recreation facilities is good. South Lakeland also benefits from an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways – these are of particular importance because of the number of people who visit the area for walking and cycling. There is, however, a lack of allotments, informal facilities for teenagers and formal facilities for some sports.

6 OUR KEY ISSUES

The following are the key issues that emerge from the summary above. How the issues identified in the South Lakeland Sustainable Community Strategy relate to the key issues identified here is summarised in the boxes below.

• Growing the local economy in a sustainable way

1. The local economy needs to grow in a sustainable Sustainable Community way by supporting local business development and Strategy attracting new investment into the area, thus

reducing dependency on lower-paid sector jobs and “We need to grow the local high-level jobs in areas outside the district. economy in a sustainable 2. Supply of employment land needs to be more way to create prosperity by responsive to demand, including a significant supporting local increase in employment land in the Kendal area, to businesses, providing more the benefit of the wider Cumbria economy. sites for new development 3. We need to boost the vitality and viability of town to encourage the growth of centres, particularly by developing Kendal town indigenous businesses and centre as one of the focus areas for future retail attract inward investment to growth and development in the region, contributing directly improve the to the wider buoyancy of the economy. number of better paid jobs 4. Kendal College and the new University of Cumbria with an aim of reducing the should be encouraged to expand. growing gap between 5. Support must be given to diversify the rural earning and house prices” economy.

• Providing housing to meet local need

Sustainable Community 1. A key challenge is to achieve the appropriate scale Strategy and distribution of new housing in a way that is sympathetic to the local environment. “The most fundamental 2. We need to ensure that local housing markets challenge for South Lakeland deliver a broad range of housing, including more is to ensure local housing housing that is affordable – to provide for local first- markets deliver a broad time buyers – and making provision for local range of affordable housing occupancy housing to provide the option for local including addressing the people to stay within the area where desired. problems of affordability 3. All new housing proposals should deliver a high amongst buyers and renters standard of design. along with meeting the particular housing needs of the 30,600 residents in South Lakeland who are over 60”

7 • Protecting and enhancing the quality environment

Sustainable Community 1. It is vital to protect the countryside for its intrinsic beauty, diversity and natural resources and for its Strategy ecological, geological, economic, agricultural, recreational and social value.

2. It is necessary to ensure that green infrastructure is upgraded and expanded in line with growth in housing and employment land. “We need to manage our natural resources prudently… 3. The rich built heritage of the area has a significant cultural value that requires protecting and protect and nurture plant and animal life and protect and enhancing. improve the man-made 4. Opportunities should be taken to mitigate against and adapt to climate change including addressing environment”. flood risk, improving waste management, improving air quality, minimizing the use of non- renewable resources and increasing the proportion of energy derived from renewable or other more sustainable options. 5. Surface and groundwater need to be protected.

• Improving the accessibility of services

Sustainable Community 1. We need to determine the most sustainable Strategy location for new services to be provided, whilst allowing for the growth necessary to retain “Need to improve people’s existing services and helping to enhance the ability to access services. viability of services in remoter rural areas. This may be by either better 2. It is necessary to deliver improvements to the opportunity for travelling public transport network, leading to reduced car without using a car, to benefit dependency. This should include improvements to the environment and to walking and cycling routes and other innovative contribute to improving schemes. people’s health. Or it may 3. Connectivity between the east and west of the involve providing services in District should be improved, facilitating regeneration communities”. in the Ulverston and Furness area.

• Health and Wellbeing

Su stainable Community 1. We need to ensure that grey infrastructure (i.e Strategy roads, sewers, energy distribution etc) and social infrastructure (health services, schools, “Young people have, in community halls etc) are provided in a manner that recent years, increasingly responds to a growing and ageing population. This had to seek employment and should include addressing pressures and demand higher education on health services, whilst addressing imbalanced opportunities elsewhere. As a school provision. result, there is a fall in the 2. Across the area, a network of open spaces and number of young people in sport and recreation facilities, such as allotments the District.“ and play areas, should be provided and protected.

8 SOUTH LAKELAND TOMORROW…

The Core Strategy sets out a planning vision for the area for the lifetime of the plan – up to 2025. It shares a similar vision to the Sustainable Community Strategy, which is to make South Lakeland the best place to live, work and visit. Reference to “the district” and “South Lakeland” relate to the LDF area, which excludes the two National Parks.

The following vision sets out what we would like to be able to say in 15 years’ time about our area:

South Lakeland consists of inclusive, sustainable communities. The district has a more balanced population, with an increase in the proportion of children and young people, and people of all ages playing a full role in community life. New development has taken place in a manner that mitigates against and adapts to the cause and impacts of climate change.

A vibrant and thriving tourist sector continues to be an important part of the local economy, with improved modern facilities. The South Lakeland LDF area complements the tourist attractions within the Lakes District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. However, there has been a step change in the district’s economy, with a growing entrepreneurial culture, higher levels of business creation and the establishment of new knowledge-based industries. There is an increased range of skilled jobs in the district.

• Kendal, in particular, is making an important contribution to Cumbria’s economy, having fully exploited the local competitive advantage brought by its good accessibility to the national road and rail infrastructure. It also helps to meet some of the employment needs of residents in the Lake District National Park.

• All sections of the community have access to opportunities for learning and training. An expanded Kendal College and the University of Cumbria offer comprehensive opportunities for further and higher education, vocational training and lifelong learning.

• Kendal town centre has enhanced its role as the main service centre in the district and has maintained its position in the sub-regional hierarchy. It offers a comprehensive range of shopping and other services, including leisure, in an attractive environment. Solutions to the traffic issues in Kendal, including congestion in the town centre, have been delivered. The centres of Ulverston, Grange over Sands, Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale offer specialist shopping and are successful visitor destinations. Further retail floor space has been provided in the centres of Ulverston, Grange and Milnthorpe, to enable them to fulfil their roles in the retail hierarchy.

• There is a more diverse economic base in the Ulverston and Furness area.

• A range of activities has been delivered aimed at boosting the rural economy through assisting farmers, foresters and small businesses.

9 Further detailed elements of the vision…

There has been considerable progress towards achieving a balanced housing …all of the housing in the district market. There is a range of good quality meets decent home, life-long and housing that people can afford. It offers eco standards. There has been choice and meets the requirements of all significant progress towards tackling sectors of the community, including smaller the problem of homelessness... dwellings for first-time buyers, family housing and housing for older people and people with special needs.

…where significant greenfield The district offers a superb high quality development is required it has been natural and built environment and is a accommodated in a manner sensitive prized location to live in, work in and visit. to the landscape setting of The character of the district remains settlements and their relationship essentially rural, with towns and villages set with the surrounding countryside and in attractive countryside, including that of appropriate measures have been the Arnside and Silverdale Area of taken to protect against flood risk and Outstanding Natural Beauty and the to prevent any ecological harm. adjoining Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Towns and villages have been kept distinct from one another by protecting important green gaps. The historic environment has been protected from harmful change, including listed buildings, buildings of local importance, conservation areas, schedules ancient monuments and historic parks and gardens.

Most new development has been … although these settlements have concentrated in the Principal Service grown, there is a network of green Centres of Kendal and Ulverston and, to a spaces maintained within them lesser extent, the Key Service Centres of providing a link with the wider Grange over Sands, Milnthorpe and Kirkby countryside. The centres are easily Lonsdale. These service centres are accessible by car, bus, cycle, foot

thriving, vibrant and prosperous and are and where relevant, rail… the main centres of provision of services and employment for their hinterlands.

In South Lakeland’s villages, planned and managed growth has taken place, ensuring that sufficient jobs and homes are provided for local people. The rural economy is more diverse, supporting local communities. Small-scale development to meet local need has consolidated and strengthened the role of Local Service Centres within the hinterland.

The A590 and Furness rail line, which provide access for communities in the west, have undergone substantial improvements, enhancing connectivity between the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston (and thereafter Barrow). There has been significant investment in public transport and there is a greater level of service across the whole district, including targeted improvements in services to and from the Service Centres …public transport services, along with other (including those Service Centres innovative transport schemes are attractive, outside the district which serve parts reliable and affordable and target a range of of South Lakeland). This has resulted passenger requirements. They are a positive in a reduction in both the component of the quality of life for residents dependency on car usage and the and a key element of a high quality visitor amount of travelling outside the experience. There is a safe and attractive district on a daily basis. network of pedestrian routes and cycleways .serving the town centres…

10 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES – HOW WE WILL GET THERE…

In order to implement and deliver the LDF’s vision, the following strategic objectives have been identified.

THE ECONOMY

We aim to deliver a step-change in the local economy and contribute towards the enhancement of the wider Cumbrian economy by:

• Making provision for a range of types and sizes of employment land to meet local need and promote new business creation across the plan area; • Working with stakeholders and partners to create a cluster of knowledge-based industries to strengthen the local economy and meet sub-regional economic needs in Kendal; • Ensuring that economic development in areas close to the National Parks benefits not only local residents but also communities within the parks; • Enabling opportunities for economic development and regeneration to be brought forward in the Furness Peninsula and develop the area’s potential for tourism;

• Supporting diversification of the agricultural and wider rural economy, including allowing small-scale economic development in rural settlements outside service centres; • Promoting the vitality and viability of town and local centres through addressing obstacles to growth (such as town centre congestion in Kendal) and working with partners to reduce vacancy levels; • Supporting the development of further and higher education in the district, in particular the University of Cumbria and Kendal College, and the provision of training and life-long learning; • Developing stronger relationships between local businesses and local education establishments; • Using developer contributions to support sustainable employee travel to and from work a nd also to provide recruitment and training to ensure that the benefits of economic development are targeted at local residents;

• Supporting the development of the low carbon economy.

HOUSING

We aim to achieve a balanced housing market by:

• Securing the provision of a range of housing types and sizes to meet the needs of all sectors of the community; • Ensuring that the scale and type of housing in the Furness peninsula helps to support regeneration in Barrow in Furness; • Ensuring that housing developments are required to make provision for an element of affordable housing; • Continuing to work with partners to maximise the provision of publicly-funded affordable housing; • Requiring some new housing developments to make provision for local occupancy housing;

• Optimising the sustainability of the housing stock; • Requiring new developments to respect and be sympathetic to the character of the locality, enhance the existing built environment and create a “sense of place”.

THE ENVIRONMENT

We aim to protect the unique character of the District by:

are kept distinct and maintain their individual character; • Limiting development in rural settlements outside service centres and protecting the countryside from inappropriate development; • Providing a coordinated network of green infrastructure; • Ensuring that new development safeguards and enhances the natural and built environment, notably the international designations within the area such as Morecambe Bay; • Protect the historic environment from harmful change, including listed buildings, buildings of local importance, co nservation areas, scheduled ancient monuments and historic parks and gardens. Undertaking a programme of conservation area appraisals and management plans together with potentially designating new conservation areas • Preventing ecological harm and enhancin g biodiversity in all locations.

ACCESSIBILITY

We aim to improve accessibility to services by:

• Concentrating development in the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston, then in the other Key Service Centres of Grange over Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe, followed by a number of designated Local Service Centres throughout the rural hinterland; • Working with partners to improve sustainable rural transport and maintain rural services, including between Local Service Centres and their rural hinterland and also links to nearby centres outside the District, such as Barrow and Carnforth; • Focusing the majority of new development in 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; • Supporting improvements to rural accessibility and lobbying to improve broadband access in rural areas; • Supporting essential road infrastructure improvements to accommodate development, most notably the A590 between the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston; • Considering the development of park-and-ride / park-and-stride sites and provision of improved coach parking in Kendal; • Working with local communities to improve local services – supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level;

• Delivering an Access to Services Programme in partnership with other organisations.

12 HEALTH AND WELLBEING

To improve health and wellbeing for all by:

• Ensuring that all development is sustainable and makes prudent use of resources, so as not to compromise the wellbeing of future generations; • Providing incentives for young people who have left the area to return – namely skilled jobs, training opportunities and a good spread of housing that meets their needs; • Protecting and enhancing existing social and community infrastructure – such as education, health, cultural and leisure facilities – to improve community wellbeing in line with an understanding of predicted future needs and current gaps in infrastructure; • Working with partners to deliver sport and recreation schemes, developing community facilities such as multi use games areas for young people and creating opportunities for healthier lifestyles;

• Supporting the Kendal Sports Village Project and the development of local sport facilities as a legacy of the 2012 Olympics; • Working with partners to develop and deliver health and wellbeing initiatives, including working with the PCT to identify new sites for integrated health facilities; • Working with partners to reduce the perception of anti-social behaviour and supporting projects including Together We Can / Street Safe; • Support independent living for older and disabled people, including giving grants and assistance to adapt people’s homes; • Providing a comprehensive network of high quality open spaces such as parks and gardens, natural green spaces and allotments.

13 CS1 THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR SOUTH LAKELAND

ENSURING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT…

Central to the LDF and the Core Strategy is the principle of sustainable development. In simple terms, sustainability is “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” 2. Sustainable communities embody the principles of sustainable development. They do this by balancing and integrating the social, economic and environmental components of their community, meeting the needs of existing and future generations and respecting the needs of other communities in the wider area to make their own communities sustainable.

This policy sets out the key objectives of sustainable communities in the South Lakeland LDF area. Development proposals will be expected to contribute towards these objectives.

CS1.1 – Sustainable Development Principles

1. Opportunities must be taken to mitigate against and adapt to climate change including addressing flood risk, improving waste management, improving air quality, minimizing the use of non-renewable resources and increasing the proportion of energy derived from renewables or other more sustainable options; 2. It is vital to protect the countryside for its intrinsic beauty, diversity and natural resources and also for its ecological, geological, cultural and historical, economic, agricultural, recreational and social value; 3. There is a need to take account of and enhance landscape character and features particularly the AONB and coastal areas. The area’s role as a setting for and gateway to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks should be developed; 4. There is a need to safeguard the essential character and appearance of those buildings and sites that make a positive contribution to the special architectural or historic interest of the area, including the numerous conservation areas and listed buildings, whilst encouraging the appropriate re-use of buildings or sites which are causing harm; 5. It must be ensured that a high quality, localised and appropriate design is incorporated into all developments to retain distinctive character / sense of place and enhance the existing built environment; 6. Wherever possible, minimise the need to travel and provide a choice of sustainable transport modes for all sections of the community, including the provision of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to encourage a shift in travel behaviour. 7. Most new developments should be directed to existing service centres where there is adequate service and infrastructure capacity to accommodate the required l evels of development. Where necessary, ensure the provision of further physical, social and green infrastructure to support growth; 8. All developments should help to meet the diverse social and economic needs of our local communities, from more densely populated service centres down to the more remote rural areas; 9. Local housing markets must deliver a broad range of housing, including more that is affordable to help retain more young people in the area as well as meeting the particular needs of the large proportion of residents who are over 60. 10. There is a need to grow the local economy is a sustainable way, supporting the vitality and viability of service centres, fostering local business development and rural diversification and attracting new investment into the area, thus reducing dependency on lower-paid sector jobs and high level jobs in areas outside the district. Support for tourism, which is a key driver of the local economy, needs to be balanced with protecting and enhancing the attractiveness of the area.

2 World Commission on the Environment and Development (1987)

14 WHERE WILL NEW DEVELOPMENT BE LOCATED?

The determination of where and how much development takes place in the LDF will be Primary National Policy Context

essential in delivering sustainable development • and sustainable communities. The development PPS1 – Delivering Sustainable Development strategy will set out the broad approach to where • PPS7 – Sustainable Development development will be located within the area. in Rural Areas

The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) does not Primary Regional and Sub dictate exactly where in the area development Regional Policy Context should go. However, it does state that the Council should identify a subset of towns and • RSS Policy RDF2 “Rural Areas” villages as Key Service Centres which act as • Cumbria Sub Regional Spatial service centres for surrounding areas, providing a Strategy range of services including retail, leisure, community, civic, health and education facilities Local Context – Sustainable and financial and professional services; and have Community Strategy

good public transport links to surrounding towns “The Key Service Centres are the and villages, or the potential for their major drivers for the change that is development and enhancement. promoted in this Community Strategy. The regeneration of It states that development in rural areas should Kendal in particular provides an be concentrated in these Key Service Centres opportunity for South Lakeland to be and should be of a scale and nature appropriate a significant economic driver for the to fulfil the needs of local communities in terms of whole of Cumbria whilst addressing housing, employment and services, and to economic decline specifically within the District”. enhance the quality of rural life.

The Regional Spatial Strategy also states that the Council should identify Local Service Centres that provide a more limited range of services to the local community, where small scale development will be permitted to help sustain local services, meet local needs, or support local businesses.

The Regional Spatial Strategy says that, in places that are not Key or Local Service Centres, innovative and flexible solutions should be found to meet their particular development needs. These should be aimed at achieving more equitable access to housing, services, education, healthcare and employment. They should also create a more diverse economic base, whilst maintaining support for agriculture and tourism.

Based on the requirements of the Regional Spatial Strategy, a decision has to be made on:

• Which category different settlements in the District fall into (Key Service Centre, Local Service Centre, etc).

• How much development should be concentrated in the larger settlements in the District and how much in other areas.

15 CS1.2 – The Development Strategy

Development will be concentrated in the towns of Kendal and Ulverston, which are defined as Principal Service Centres; then in the Key Service Centres of Grange over Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe; followed by a number of designed Local Service Centres throughout the rural hinterland. The following settlement hierarchy will be used in the Core Strategy:

Principal Service Centres Kendal and Ulverston Key Service Centres Grange over Sands, Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale Local Service Centres Burneside, Oxenholme, Natland Swarthmoor, Allithwaite, Cartmel, Levens, Endmoor, Sandside / Storth, Holme, Arnside, Burton in Kendal, Flookburgh / Cark, Penny Bridge / Greenodd, Broughton in Furness, Kirkby in Furness and Great / Little Urswick Smaller villages, hamlets and open countryside

• Approximately 55% of new development will be in the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston, comprising 35% in Kendal and 20% in Ulverston. • Approximately 13% of new development will be in Key Service Centres of Milnthorpe, Kirkby Lonsdale and Grange-over-Sands. • Approximately 21% of new development will be in the network of Local Service Centres. • Approximately 11% of new development will be in the network of smaller villages and hamlets. In order to adapt to change circumstance the apportionment of development may need to be flexibly applied. Any changes to the apportionment will be clearly evidenced and monitoring through the Annual Monitoring Report. The exact scale and level of development supported will be dependent on individual character, the impact on environmental capacity and infrastructure provision, and the desire to meet the need for affordable housing as locally as possible. As a minimum requirement provision should be made in each Service Centre for: • A supply of new housing over the whole plan period; • An appropriate supply of readily available employment land; • A high level of transport accessibility. The location of new development will avoid areas at risk of flooding in line with the requirements set out in national and regional policy. Priority will be given to the reuse of existing buildings, and then to previously developed land and buildings, with a target of ensuring that 50% of new development takes place on such sites. Revised town and village development boundaries for the Principal, Key and Local Service Centres will be identified as part of the Allocations of Land DPD. No development boundaries will be identified for the smaller villages and hamlets. New small-scale infilling and rounding off development will be permitted outside the service centres, in order to satisfy local need across the numerous smaller villages and hamlets scattered across the district. Development in the open countryside will normally be acceptable only where it meets the need of agriculture, forestry and other land management activities.

16 WHY IS THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR SOUTH LAKELAND APPROPRIATE?

In the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan (2006), Kendal was identified as one of two Key Sources of local evidence: large towns in the south and east of Cumbria • Key Service Centres – Roles (Penrith was the other). Ulverston was identified and Functions (Cumbria and as one of four large towns in Furness and West Lancaster) NWRA, 2006 Cumbria. The Regional Spatial Strategy demands • Accession accessibility only that the Core Strategy should define a modelling work (SLDC / CCC, subset of towns and villages as Key Service 2009) Centres. However, local circumstances, supported • The 2006 Cumbria and Lake by the approach in the recent Structure Plan, District Joint Structure Plan suggest that both Kendal and Ulverston need to be identified as larger Key Service Centres. For the purpose of this plan they are referred to as Principal Service Centres .

Along with Kendal and Ulverston, three other places – Milnthorpe, Kirkby Lonsdale and Grange over Sands – were identified in the Cumbria and Lake District Structure Plan as Key Service Centres outside the Lake District National Park. The justification for this classification was that the three places had:

• Good public transport links to outlying settlements; • A primary school, secondary school, library, doctor’s surgery and a town centre function providing at least a post office and 2,000 sq m of retail floorspace; • A population of more than 1,500.

Whilst the new Regional Spatial Strategy has largely superseded the Structure Plan (a small number of policies remain in place), this justification for classifying Milnthorpe, Kirkby Lonsdale and Grange over Sands as Key Service Centres is still appropriate and has local support based on consultation feedback received at previous stages.

The Regional Spatial Strategy states that places designated as Local Service Centres should provide a “limited range of services to the local community”. It seeks to build on their function as more sustainable, smaller settlements with new housing and employment development, as well as improving services and facilities to consolidate the role these centres play in the rural hinterland.

The classification is based on criteria that, where satisfied, should enable a community to become more sustainable, in particular by providing an alternative means of transport to the car to access services and facilities to meet everyday needs. Specifically, the criteria demand the presence of:

• A local shop (selling items to meet everyday needs); • A primary school; • ‘Good’ public transport links. (Accession™ modelling calculations have been used to assess accessibility by public transport to a GP, a hospital, a primary school, a secondary school, areas of employment and a major retail centre. This determines whether the settlements are within a 30-minute public transport journey of each destination type.)

17 At present 17 settlements fulfil these criteria, although this could change over the life of the plan as settlements gain or lose services and facilities and through improvements to public transport provision. In order to adapt to change circumstance the apportionment of development may need to be flexibly applied. For example, were a settlement to fulfil the criteria due to opening of a local shop, this would logically lead to a small increase in the amount of development in the LSCs and a consequential reduction in the amount in the smaller villages and hamlets. Any changes to the apportionment would need to be clearly evidenced and monitoring through the Annual Monitoring Report.

The other villages and hamlets in the plan area currently have more limited or no facilities. Often facilities are shared among groups of villages. Development in these areas will be limited to infill and rounding off, with the emphasis on meeting particular needs in a particular location. The open countryside comprises everywhere outside the built-up areas described above. This includes farmsteads and sporadic, small- scale groups of dwellings.

FIGURE 6 – SETTLEMENT HEIRARCHY

The development strategy seeks to distribute development in a balanced way, focusing it in the larger, more accessible service centres while enabling enough development in the smaller settlements to meet identified local need. Concentrating new housing development in the Principal Service Centres and to a lesser extent the Key Service Centres that offer the greatest concentration of existing services and facilities, will mean that more people will have the potential to live closer to their place of work, shops and services. This should reduce the need to travel long distances, thereby stabilising traffic levels and congestion in the area.

A preference for a balanced distribution of development was initially expressed through feedback on an issues and options consultation exercise. A more detailed

18 distribution of development, based on the principle of a balanced approach, was proposed during consultation of preferred options. This has now been slightly revised based on further consultation feedback.

Between the two Principal Service Centres, more development will be SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL targeted at Kendal. This is for two key reasons. Firstly, there are higher Main findings: levels of need for affordable housing • This policy will focus new development in in the east. Secondly, there is a settlements where access to services, demand for a significant increase in facilities and transport is greatest, taking into employment land in Kendal, to support account both settlement capacity and local the growth of the local economy and need. It provides the benefits of having basic to support the role of Kendal town services available across a range of centre in the sub-region and region. settlements while centralised main services The lower target for Ulverston reflects are available in larger settlements so there will be increased opportunities for people to its current size and population and the walk to day-to-day services whilst other need to focus development in the services will be accessible by sustainable Furness Regeneration Area in Barrow. forms of transport. At the same time, sufficient housing • must be delivered in Ulverston to This policy will help to ensure that local support regeneration initiatives. housing needs are met across the district by focusing development in Principal, Key and Local Service Centres but also allowing Approximately 13% of new development in smaller settlements outside development must take place in the services centres. It will help to address Key Service Centres in order to make issues of affordability as locally as possible. provision for a supply of new housing • over the whole plan period, together Focusing development in the main centres whilst also allowing appropriate levels of with an appropriate supply of readily development across the hierarchy supports available employment land. New the retention of jobs by enabling existing development will also support current businesses to expand and/or relocate. It also services, including schools, libraries, helps to create opportunities for new doctors’ surgeries and town / village businesses to develop in both larger and centre functions. However, the size smaller settlements. and role of the three Key Service • The approach set out in this policy will help Centres varies considerably. The to ensure that levels of development in amount of land allocated in each Key particular settlements are appropriate to Service Centre will have regard to: the meet local needs in terms of housing and capacity of existing services to service/facility provision, in accordance with accommodate development; critical the en vironmental and infrastructure capacity thresholds for new service investment; of the area. the size, character and environmental • Focusing development primarily in two main capacity of the existing settlement; and settlements and taking full account of the the need to secure regeneration and / capacity of all settlements to bear further or investor confidence. development should help to ensure that the impact on biodiversity and geodiversity is In order to deliver the development minimised, although care will need to be targets in the Principal, Key and Local taken to ensure that this is the case. Service Centres, it will be necessary • Any development is likely to increase to build on some greenfield sites in demands on water resources and sewage and around settlements during the infrastructure. This policy aims to ensure that course of the plan period. It is development takes place in accordance with envisaged that the flexibility in the environmental capacity and the capacity of spatial strategy regarding existing infrastructure provision. development targets will help to

19 protect the high quality environment in the District, ensuring that the levels of development in each settlement meet local needs without being excessive in the context of the local landscape capacity and broader environmental considerations such as flood risk.

The majority of the requirements for all types of infrastructure (e.g. school places, health provision, open space, transport, water supply, sewerage, flood prevention / mitigation) will be concentrated in the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston and, to a lesser extent, in the Key Service Centres. The opportunity will be created to develop new – and sustain existing – facilities and infrastructure to serve new developments.

Outside the Principal and Key Service Centres, new development will support local services and the community’s need for further development including rural regeneration and diversification and access to a reasonable choice of housing. Existing community assets will be protected with the provision of additional facilities (such as health and education facilities) that improve community wellbeing and are justified in the context of forecasting future need and the supporting infrastructure plan (see Appendix D).

Extensions to Local Service Centres will be pursued only when there is clear local need for development and significant environmental impacts can be avoided, and once previously development land has been utilised. The amount of development in each of the Local Service Centres will be dependent on the environmental capacity, existing size, role and infrastructure provision of the settlement, and supporting identified local need (utilising the findings of Parish Plans and Local Housing Needs Surveys). For indicative purposes, a grouped target of 21% for all of the Local Service Centres is supported, which will ensure that the amount of development in Local Service Centres is proportionately less than that of the Key Service Centres.

For the remaining rural areas, a limited amount of development will occur, supporting the social and economic viability of the communities living and working there, in line with the spatial strategy, whilst minimising the impact on the countryside. A small allowance (approximately 11% of the overall amount) is set aside for this purpose across the whole area, but each proposal must be considered on its individual merits (and it light of other policies within this strategy). No settlement boundaries will be delineated outside the Service Centres. New small-scale infilling and rounding off development will be permitted outside the service centres. In considering proposals, the Council will have regard to the following definitions:

• INFILLING – building taking place on a vacant plot in an otherwise built-up street frontage.

• ROUNDING OFF – the completion of an incomplete group of buildings on land which is already partially developed, in such a way that will either complete the local road pattern or finally define and complete the boundaries of the group. Such rounding off should not:

o Change or distort the character or tradition of the group or the settlement in any undesirable way; o Establish or give rise to the consolidation of ribbon development; o Extend the grouping in such a manner that, when the development has taken place, undeveloped areas remain or further land is opened up where pressure for development is likely to occur;

20 o Cause undesirable backland development unrelated to a proper street layout; o Cause development which pre-empts the provision of public services or gives rise to demands for improvements or extension to services which may not be proposed at that time.

Overall, the proposed distribution of development across the network of settlements would see growth at a similar rate to that witnessed in the area since 1991. There will be slightly faster growth in the Principal Service Centres, but slower development in the Local Service Centres.

Housing Housing Annualised Housing Stock Annualised Increase Stock Stock Increase 2025 (based on (2009-2025) 1991 2009 (1991-2009) CS1.2, 6.1) Principal Service Centres 14949 18977 224 23161 262 Key Service Centres 3244 4347 61 5353 63 Local Service Centres 8030 10279 125 11817 96 All other areas 2432 3242 45 4009 48 Total 28655 36845 455 44340 469

FIGURE 7 – KEY DIAGRAM

21 AREA STRATEGIES

The preceding section of the document has explained the spatial strategy at the heart of this document and the fundamental sustainable development principles that underpin it.

The four area spatial strategies set out what we aim to achieve in each area of the district. These distinct areas were introduced in the initial “South Lakeland Today” section of this report and comprise:

• Kendal; • The East (including Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale); • Ulverston and Furness; • Cartmel Peninsula.

The strategies do not provide a definitive list of the proposals and projects; rather they give an overall approach for creating sustainable communities in each area.

The delivery of these proposals will not necessarily be the responsibility of the District Council. Other groups and organisations will also be responsible for their delivery.

Many of the proposals will depend on securing sufficient resources and the support of landowners.

Appendix D sets out how the proposals identified in the strategies will be implemented.

22 CS2 SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR KENDAL

KENDAL TODAY…

Kendal is the largest settlement within South Lakeland, with a population in the region of 28,000. It is a very attractive, historic market town and Key Service Centre set in a high quality natural environment on the edge of the Lake District National Park, with good strategic road and rail links to the M6 and the West Coast mainline railway.

It is located in the broad valley of the River Kent just to the south east of the Lake District National Park. The A591 follows much of this boundary and links up to Windermere to the northwest. The West Coast mainline railway lies immediately to the eastern boundary of Kendal.

The settlements of Burneside, Natland and Oxenholme are located in very close proximity to Kendal.

The economy

The town offers an impressive range of independent and national businesses and facilities for residents and visitors. Kendal is the main market and shopping centre for a large area of South Cumbria. Shoppers are drawn from a catchment area stretching beyond South Lakeland to Kirkby Stephen and Ambleside in the north and the Arnside Silverdale area in the south. Tourist spending in the town also bolsters trade.

The town is an obvious focal point for employment and has a clear hinterland, with large numbers of employees travelling into Kendal from Morecambe, Lancaster, Windermere and Milnthorpe. Its strengths are clear – it has relatively good transportation links, including the M6 motorway and West Coast mainline railway.

However, the nature of employment provision is unbalanced. Employment in the town is biased towards hospitality, retail and other services. Kendal has lost a significant number of high-value jobs in financial services and manufacturing and has lagged behind in the development of knowledge-based employment that is necessary for the longer-term vitality for Kendal. Evidence confirms that there is an undersupply of readily available employment land in the Kendal area.

Regeneration

One of the most significant features south of Kendal is the northern end of the Lancaster Canal. The ‘Northern Reaches’ of the Lancaster to Kendal canal stretch from Tewitfield, South of Burton in Kendal, to Canal Head in Kendal, 14 miles away. They include: 52 structures spread along the whole route of the canal, most of which are Grade II listed monuments; 14 miles of tow path walks; and some surviving

23 tunnels, aqueducts and locks. A significant opportunity exists to restore the canal and bring forward coordinated and complementary development within the area of the former canal head including improvements to the Kendal waterside, linkages to the town centre and the town’s conservation area.

Numerous outstanding issues remain regarding the effects of the canal restoration and the possible negative impact on the River Kent, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The issue is being assessed and explored further among consultees and tested in the production of an Area Action Plan, with the potential for an alternative to the canal restoration that could be implemented if it is found that the ecological integrity of the River Kent SAC would be adversely affected by the canal restoration and that such effects could not be mitigated.

Primary Regional Policy Context Housing

• Policy W5 Retail Development The Kendal housing market is robust …Comparison retailing facilities should be and diverse, with a range of enhanced and encouraged in the following properties available to households. centres (inc Kendal) to ensure a sustainable The current housing stock is in the distribution of high quality retail facilities. region of 13,000 properties. There is • Policy W6 Tourism and the Visitor Economy a relatively high number of terraced homes and a lower number of …Kendal as destination with emerging detached homes when compared potential for heritage related tourism development, where tourism supports and with the rest of the district. compliments status as historic town… Good access from the M6 motorway • CNL1 Overall Spatial Policy for Cumbria and mainline railway has led to a …Strategies should give priority to improving commuter market. Second home access to employment, services and ownership is relatively low in the education/training facilities on foot and by area, at just 2% of properties (lowest cycle, and by public transport, in Key Service in the District). Centres, especially Kendal. • CLN2 Sub Area Development Priorities for The main issue for the Kendal housing Cumbria market is the lack of affordable housing, which is compounded by …Ensuring that the needs of local people in South & East Cumbria are met with a focus the need for the town, as a Principal Service Centre, to meet some of the on securing inward investment and improving affordable needs of the residents of service provision within Kendal. smaller settlements in the east of the Local Context – Sustainable Community District. Strategy The regeneration of Kendal in particular The affordable housing requirement provides an opportunity for South Lakeland to in Kendal is currently 91 dwellings be a significant economic driver for the whole per annum. There is a particular of Cumbria whilst addressing economic decline need for smaller and social rented specifically within the district . accommodation and a need for intermediate and locals-only housing.

The environment

The landscape surrounding the urban area of Kendal is diverse, with drumlin fields (mainly found to the north), low fells (mainly to the east), broad valleys and a small amount of open farmland and pavements (to the south and south west). The area immediately to the west of Kendal falls within the Lake District National Park area.

24 The River Kent running through Kendal is designated as a Special Area for Conservation (SAC) and also as a SSSI (including its tributaries). Morecambe Bay Pavements SAC and Scout and Cunswick Scars SSSI are in close proximity to the west of Kendal.

Once regarded as a stronghold against Anglo Scottish raiders, the ruins of the medieval Kendal Castle survive today, together with at least two early bridges over the River Kent, while the distinctive street pattern, with extensive rear burgage plots, was probably laid out in the C13th. A small number of mediaeval buildings are preserved in the town along with many C17th and C18th houses, inns and shop premises. Locally quarried limestone was used for the majority of buildings and this, and the use of uncoloured renders and roughcasts, has helped Kendal to earn the nickname of “the auld grey town”.

Significant growth in the C18th and early C19th was generally incorporated within the town centre, often within the former burgage plots, forming a distinctive system of enclosed rear yards, often with public through access. Only in the later C19th were extensive suburbs laid out with discrete areas of middle class and workers housing. The Kendal Conservation Area covers almost all of the pre-1900 developed land and is one of the largest designated areas in the country.

Accessibility

In Kendal, the school run, travel to work by car and tourist traffic are the major factors causing traffic queues at peak times. There is also a lack of car parking in Kendal to support the vitality of the town centre, as commuters take up a high proportion of existing provision.

In September 2008, Atkins were appointed by SLDC to undertake a Transport Assessment and parking study for future development in Kendal. The traffic modelling work showed that a number of junction approaches currently operate at capacity, or over capacity, in either the morning or evening peak periods. The Station Road roundabout, in particular, is a significant constraint that leads to long delays on Shap Road and Appleby Road.

Significant highway infrastructure improvements and lower traffic generation are necessary to support the level of housing and employment development proposed in the Core Strategy.

Detailed junction capacity assessments have been undertaken to assess whether junctions can be improved to mitigate any deterioration in traffic conditions resulting from additional traffic. This analysis identified junctions where the optimisation of signal timings or infrastructure improvements schemes could lessen the increase in traffic flows. Where it has not been possible to fully mitigate the impacts of development with physical interventions, an alternative development strategy has been proposed, including measures to encourage cycling, walking and use of public transport.

Public transport service provision to and from Kendal is good when compared with other settlements in the area. There are regular services throughout the day (excluding Sunday for some routes) to and from the other Principal and Key Service

25 Centres in the District, and also to Barrow, Keswick, Lancaster, Carnforth and Penrith. Local services run to nearby Oxenholme and Burneside. Kendal train station is located on the Windermere Branch Railway Line, which runs through the town from Oxenholme in the south to Burneside in the north. Kendal is in close proximity to Oxenholme Station and mainline connections south and north. However, existing public transport provision within Kendal is poor in the evenings and Sundays and there is a need to invest in the frequency and availability of public transport within Kendal.

There are clear opportunities to develop greater cycling provision as Kendal is of such a size that journeys to work from anywhere within the town boundary are an ideal distance for cycle use. The local transport plan emphasises cycling provision in service centres, and the Kendal and District Cycle Scene (KDCS) is working extensively with SLDC and CCC in developing plans to expand the cycle network within the Kendal area to meet need. This has resulted in the Kendal Cycle Network Action Plan, which details a convenient cycle network for work, shopping, school and leisure. The plan outlines a pressing need for official cycle routes around the edge of Kendal, running from Nether Bridge to Miller Bridge and from the south end of the canal route to Natland.

Health and Wellbeing

There is a declared Air Quality Management Area in Kendal. Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council have an agreed action plan to tackle air quality within the Management Area. In light of the current levels of car traffic in Kendal town centre it is likely that further Air Quality Management Areas will be designated in the near future.

Kendal is the area at greatest risk of flooding in the District, where the Rivers Kent and Mint flow through the town. It is estimated that over 391 properties could be affected by the 1% (probability of a flood once in 100 years) flood. Large parts of the town are now protected following several flood alleviation schemes. The earliest flood alleviation scheme in Kendal was completed in 1978, with further schemes established in 1989 and 2004. Further enhancement works at Mintsfeet were also carried out in 2006. The future sustainability of the area is reliant upon the long-term structural and operational integrity of these defences and the protection of the fluvial floodplain to the north of Kendal.

Kendal is generally well catered for in terms of open space, sport and recreation, with only minor gaps in provision. Evidence has identified demand for more allotments in Kendal. There is also a need to increase the capacity of playing pitch sites to meet current demand. The quality of open space, sport and recreation facilities is generally good – Kendal Castle Hill Park has achieved Green Flag Status and Green Heritage Status for three consecutive years and other parks, such as Abbot Hall and Sizergh Castle, are also high quality. Natural and semi-natural open spaces at Scout Scar and Serpentine Woods are candidates for consideration as future Local Nature Reserves.

There is a Household Waste Recycling Centre at Canal Head in Kendal.

The nearest hospital for local residents is the Westmorland General Hospital, which lies just to the south of Kendal. The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust are working with Cumbria PCT to ensure that a large investment is made to improve wards at the hospital, including the new GP-led Langdale Unit. The number of operations carried out in Kendal has increased year on year, even though there

26 are fewer beds. The hospital is actively pursuing a business case that could see radiotherapy and other walk-in cancer services offered in the town. (Patients living with cancer currently have to travel for up to an hour and a half to Preston or to Manchester for treatment).

The Brewery Arts Centre has ambitious long-term proposals for a creative industries campus in the town that would involve Kendal College and the University of Cumbria and could lead to new galleries, classrooms / auditoriums, cinemas and outdoor performance.

Increases in housing and employment land will put pressure on the existing sewage network and wastewater treatment works in Kendal. The Environment Agency has highlighted two areas where there are sewer capacity issues: Kentrigg Walk and Steeles Row, Burneside. In addition it has concerns about the capacity of the Waste Water Treatment Works, located to the south of Kendal. A lack of sewage capacity at these locations may increase the incidence of sewage discharge to the River Kent and have an adverse affect on the specifies for which the river is designated a SAC. Measures are needed to avoid / mitigate these adverse effects and protect the health and wellbeing of local people.

KEY ISSUES…

The area strategy for Kendal aims to address the following challenges / key issues:

• Developing new housing to meet the needs and aspirations of the local community (as with the rest of the district, housing affordability is a key issue). • Ensuring further infrastructure provision, addressing sewer capacity issues and capacity of the Waste Water Treatment Works, with consequent implications for the phasing of new housing and other development until known issues are resolved. • Delivering significant improvements to the transport infrastructure in line with the findings of the detailed Transport Assessment and Parking Study. • Improving accessibility to and around the town centre, including improvements to the cycle and pedestrian network. • Diversifying employment opportunities, whilst maintaining / increasing strength in the tourism sector, and increasing the supply of employment land. • Supporting the development of tertiary education, including the possibility of a creative industries campus at the Brewery Arts Centre. • Mitigating against flood risk and improving air quality at pollution hotspots. • Safeguarding and enhancing the historic assets of the town. • Strengthening the retail role of the town centre in the sub region. • Safeguarding and enhancing the environmental quality of the local area, including the SACs / SSSIs. • Supporting proposals for Kendal Sport Village, and improving open space, sport and recreation provision (including further provision of allotments). • Supporting the regeneration of Kendal Canal Head and potential relocation of the household waste recycling centre.

KENDAL TOMORROW…

By 2025, Kendal has affirmed its position as one of two Principal Service Centres in the District. It provides a wide range of services and employment opportunities serving local residents, the wider district and beyond and makes a positive contribution to Cumbria’s economy.

The provision of significant employment land has ensured a better representation across all occupation groups and employment sectors, including the provision of a cluster of knowledge-based employment opportunities. The development of tertiary education has been supported.

Kendal has been the main focus for new housing, helping to meet local need within the town and the wider south / east areas of the district, which have made housing more affordable for local people and helped to retain a greater number of young people.

Significant new housing and employment development has been incorporated in a way that is sensitive to the local landscape characteristics and the historic assets within the town, avoiding development in the areas most susceptible to flood risk. The environmental importance of the River Kent and its tributaries, Morecambe Bay Pavements and Scout and Cunswick Scar SSSI, have been recognised and respected as new development has taken place.

The vitality and viability of the town centre has been enhanced, with new retail and commercial developments within the town centre and the development of Kirkland and Highgate for art and craft businesses. A solution to traffic issues in the town centre has been found, with no increase in congestion in the town centre as future development has taken place. There has been active take up of travel plans, improvements to public transport within Kendal and development of pedestrian and cycling linkages:

• Between the main attractions in Kendal including the K Village Outlet Shopping, Abbot Hall Museum, town centre shopping areas and the Kendal Canal Head area. • Through the town and along the River Kent, linking residential areas with new employment, the town centre and other facilities and attractions.

The functional relationships between Kendal and its immediate surrounding settlements of Natland, Oxenholme and Burneside have been strengthened, with a number of improvements to the connectivity between the areas. At the same time, their individual character has been protected through the retention and protection of a series of green gaps.

Kendal Canal Head has been regenerated, delivering a new commercial sector, with a cluster of knowledge-based industries and other canal-based developments complementing and linking with the town centre.

Improvements to open space, sport and recreation provision (including further provision of allotments) have been achieved, including the development of a Sports Village, with a range of sporting facilities serving local residents.

28 HOW WE WILL GET THERE…

CS2 – KENDAL AREA STRATEGY

Kendal will be developed as a Principal Service Centre. The Council and its partners aim to:

Regeneration • Designate a regeneration area at the former Kendal Canal Head Area to be delivered through the preparation of an Area Action Plan (AAP).

Housing • Make provision for 3,080 new residential dwellings between 2003 and 2025, prioritising previously developed land and sites within the urban area. • Seek to ensure that 35% of new housing delivered within Kendal meets identified need for affordable housing and that at least 60% of affordable housing is social rented based on local need.

Economy • Accommodate in the region of 21 hectares of employment development between 2010 and 2025. • Promote the role of Kendal town centre as the principal town centre for shopping, businesses, services, leisure and community facilities by enhancing the environment and streetscapes and improving traffic arrangements. • Deliver improvements to Kendal College and support the expansion of Cumbria University. • Support the development of a cluster of knowledge-based industries in the Kendal area. • Improve and expand tourism and leisure opportunities in Kendal, taking advantage of its location as a gateway to the Lake District National Park and close proximity to national road and rail connections. • Support proposals focusing on renewable technology.

Access • Implement the development and mitigation strategy proposed in the Kendal Transport Assessment, including: o Informing the location of site allocations for housing and employment land; o Individual junction improvements and signal optimisation; o Continued and increased encouragement of sustainable travel, including local shuttle services and more regular bus services using developer contributions; o Ensuring that all new significant development draw up a residential or workplace Travel Plan; o Travel Smart Programmes (information on public transport, walking and cycling, along with improvements to existing facilities); o Supporting a large number of changes to provision and management of car parks. • Safeguard and improve rail access and the existing railway station at Kendal. • Improve accessibility to and within the town centre for non car users and those with mobility problems, including improvements to footpaths and cycle routes. • Improve public transport access to Ulverston and other Key Service Centres in the District and beyond (such as to Windermere / Ambleside, Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen).

Environment • Safeguard and enhance buildings, sites and areas of heritage and cultural importance utilising the findings of the Kendal Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan. • Provide continued support to the Conservation Area Grant scheme and continuing to fund, in partnership with others, the cost of environmental enhancement with the conservation area.

• Improve local green infrastructure, including parks, green spaces and allotments. • Ensure greenfield development is sympathetic to the landscape character of Kendal and to the historic character and setting of Kendal and may also need to address archaeological impacts • Protect green gaps between Kendal and Burneside; Kendal and Oxenholme; and Oxenholme and Natland. • Ensure that new development safeguards and enhances the natural environment and local biodiversity, notably the SSSIs and SACs within the area, including the River Kent and its tributaries. • Minimise both air pollution and the risk of flooding.

Health and Wellbeing (Sustainable Communities) • Maintain and, where necessary, enhance sports and community facilities, including supporting the principle for a Sport Village in Kendal. • Make further provision for infrastructure in line with identified need, including: o Until sewage capacity problems at Kentrigg Walk and Steeles Row, Burneside are resolved, no further development should take place above these sewer bottlenecks that add additional flow to the sewer; o Need for new waste-water treatment infrastructure.

JUSTIFICATION

Regeneration

A significant opportunity exists to bring forward coordinated and complementary development within the former canal head area, including improvements to Kendal’s riverside, linkages to the town centre and the town’s conservation area.

The regeneration of the former Kendal canal head area will be delivered through the preparation of an Area Action Plan (AAP). This will explore: • ways to bring about the possible restoration of the former canal, • the delivery of a new commercial sector to include a cluster of knowledge-based industries • other canal-based developments complementing and linking with the town centre. • ways to deliver a substantial element of new housing that would make a significant contribution towards the Council’s achievement of targets for development on previously developed land.

30 Housing Key Sources of evidence:

• Kendal Economic Regeneration 35% of the District’s overall housing Action Plan requirement (see CS1.2) equates to 3,080 • Strategic Housing Land Availability dwellings between 2003 and 2025 or 140 Assessment / Employment and dwellings per annum. Housing Land Search Study • SLDC Housing Needs Study Based on the findings of the 2006 housing • NWDA Knowledge Based needs study, 65% of annual additional Industries Study dwellings should be affordable in order to • Employment Land and Premises fully address the current levels of need (91 Study dwellings out of 140 per annum). However, • Kendal Local Transport Plan targets for affordable housing must also • Kendal Parking Study and consider the likely viability of schemes to Transport Assessment • ensure that they are deliverable. Strategic Flood Risk Assessment • SLDC Open Space Assessment A specific study has been completed to • SLDC Viability Study consider the viability of affordable housing contributions. In light of the findings of the viability study, the Core Strategy seeks to ensure that 35% of housing delivered in the Kendal area should be affordable.

The 2006 District Wide Needs Survey identifies the percentage split between those people that could reasonably afford intermediate housing options to those who would definitely require social rented. The findings suggest that least 60% of affordable housing should be for social rented based on local need. Further information on contributions towards affordable housing is contained with CS6.3 Housing.

The economy

The local economy suffers from a dominance of low paid jobs. Kendal has an important role in initiating a step change towards a higher value economy. As recognised by the NWDA, the Kendal area offers the best opportunity for developing knowledge-based industries to assist the economy not only of South Lakeland but also of Cumbria due to its excellent road and rail connections and proximity to higher education establishments, including Cumbria University and Lancaster University.

The 2005 South Lakeland Employment Land and Premises Study outlined the need for approximately 4 hectares of employment land per annum. Based on targeting 35% of development to Kendal (see CS1.2), in the region of 21 hectares of employment land would be required over the next 15 years.

The Kendal Economic Regeneration Action Plan recognises the importance of a thriving town centre to the success of the wider Kendal / east Cumbrian economy in terms of employment, wealth creation and services and facilities for residents and visitors. To fulfil its role as the Principal Town Centre in the area, there is a requirement for an integrated approach that promotes a series of related projects that will complement its current availability of shops and foster new opportunities for retail investment within the existing centre. There is an opportunity for the Kirkland and Highgate regions of the town centre to develop a specialism in art and craft related businesses, linking with the Abbot Hall Museum and providing a vibrant link with the new K Village retail development.

31 Accessibility

A key challenge of the strategy is to achieve the housing and employment development targets for Kendal whilst also improving accessibility to and around the town centre, in light of well-established constraints in the Local Transport Plan.

The Kendal Transport Assessment has suggested that certain highway infrastructure improvements are essential to the delivery of housing and employment land over the LDF period. Traffic light timings should be optimised, either by way of signal controller programmes or through manual timing updates undertaken by signal engineers (Cumbria County Council). However, due to limitations of existing highways land and neighbouring properties, it is not possible to make improvements at many junctions.

The traffic model demonstrates that the majority of journeys are internal to Kendal (the 2008 base year trip matrix has around three quarters of trips having both an origin and destination within Kendal) and as a consequence it is recommended that greater emphasis is placed on encouraging walking and cycling, and improving the frequency of bus services through developer contributions. At present the frequency of services is inadequate to encourage a modal shift. As such, developer contributions to improve the frequency of bus services to every 15-20 minutes is a key requirement to limit future congestion in the town. The Kendal Parking Study also recommends a large number of changes to the provision and management of parking in Kendal.

The modelling shows where possible further development sites would have the greatest impact on congested junctions – namely land to the north of Kendal (around Shap Road Industrial Estate, land off Appleby Road, west of Burneside Road) and to the west of Kendal (around Stonebank Green). The results of the modelling regarding the impact of development in different locations will be used to inform the Allocations of Land DPD.

Environment

The conservation area character appraisal prepared for Kendal categorises the specific contribution made by individual buildings, sites and spaces to the special architectural and historic interest of the area and identifies those buildings that are worthy of preservation and those that have a detrimental affect. There is a need to safeguard the essential character and appearance of those buildings and sites that are identified in the Kendal Conservation Area Character Appraisal as making a positive contribution to the special interest of the area, whilst utilising those buildings or sites identified as causing harm for potential new development, where the design of any new buildings can be shown to enhance the special architectural or historic interest of the area.

The Management Plan that is being prepared for the conservation area during 2009 – 2010 will lay out specific development policies for the protection of these environmental qualities as well as prioritising enhancement over the plan period. It is also necessary to consider the historic environment of the wider Kendal area, outside of the conservation area.

An appropriate assessment has been undertaken on the Core Strategy to assess the impact of the development strategy on the SACs in the area, including the River Kent and its tributaries. Development in Kendal, and especially from the Kendal Canal Head regeneration scheme which includes the option to restore the canal, has

32 implications for the River Kent SAC. The implications of the development include the introduction of non-native species and diseases (e.g. signal crayfish and associated plague), the deterioration of water quality from additional discharge and surface water run-off and changes to the flow regime.

Furthermore, any increase in visitor SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL pressure – both from an increase in local residents and any increase in tourism – Main findings: poses risks in terms of damage to sites • The redevelopment and and disturbance to protected species at regeneration of the Kendal canal Morecambe Bay. The Core Strategy must and canal head area, development ensure that new development safeguards of educational facilities, increased and enhances the natural environment quality and choice of jobs and and local biodiversity. access to services, facilities and recreation provision should all An increase in the area’s population will contribute to increasing the vibrancy place pressure on existing green and inclusiveness of Kendal in particular. This may benefit Kendal’s infrastructure resources in Kendal, which residents primarily, but also those will require investment to ensure they can from further afield, as well as cope with the additional residents. The visitors. priority for green infrastructure will be to • create new – and improve existing – The policy aims to safeguard and linkages between green spaces to form a enhance the natural environment, giving particular attention to the SAC coherent network. New networks will need of the River Kent and its tributaries. to be created in new developments on the outskirts of the town to link them to the • Significant development is proposed existing communities and ensure access for Kendal, particularly around the to the rural hinterland that surrounds edges where the town meets the them. wider countryside and thus there is potential for harm to the quality and character of the landscape. This The area strategy supports the retention policy will need to be supported by of strategic green gaps between Kendal other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.1 and Burneside, Kendal and Oxenholme and CS8.2. and Natland and Oxenholme. The Core • This policy seeks to explore Strategy includes a core policy on green opportunities for solutions to the gaps (CS8.2). The precise extent of green traffic and parking problems in gaps will be considered in the Allocations Kendal and also aims to introduce of Land DPD. greater opportunities for cycling, walking and sustainable public The risk of flooding has been identified as transport, all of which should a key issue affecting Kendal. The Council contribute to improving local air will apply the sequential approach set out quality and reducing greenhouse in national policy, and work with the gas emissions. However, the Environment Agency to minimise the risk significant development that is proposed is likely to increase the of flooding by requiring mitigation numbers of businesses and measures such as Sustainable Urban residents and thus increase the Drainage Systems (SUDS). Any numbers of journeys and vehicles on proposals in flood risk areas will need to the town’s roads. This policy will be supported by a flood risk assessment need the support of other policies (see CS8.9). such as CS1.1, CS10.1 and CS10.2.

Health and Wellbeing

Kendal is the largest settlement within South Lakeland, with a population in the region of 28,000. Based on the development strategy, which would lead to 35% of

33 new housing development and population growth being located in Kendal, the overall population is projected to increase to around 32,000 in Kendal wards in 2026. Based on demographic changes, it is envisaged that the number of children and young adults (under 16) will decrease. At the same time, the number of people above working age is expected to increase significantly. The number of people of working age will increase slightly.

This will have clear implications in terms of provision of services and facilities (social services, GPs, education, transport etc) to meet local need over the plan period. It is hoped that through a combination of measures to retain more of the District’s younger people, the number of children and young people might be increased, but this change cannot occur instantaneously. The Core Strategy supports the provision of further services and facilities during the course of the plan period, obtaining appropriate developer contributions to supplement the available public funding.

The University of Cumbria, together with Kendal College, the Brewery Arts Centre and the District Council, will continue to explore the options for establishing a campus at the current Brewery site. However, constraints on capital and revenue funding mean that there is no provision in the business plan for development of a permanent base in South Lakeland. In the meantime, the University – as lead institution for Cumbria Higher Learning – continues to work with Kendal College to deliver Higher Education opportunities in the area, and the presence of its campus at Lancaster also acts to service Higher Education needs in South Lakeland.

34 CS3 SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR ULVERSTON AND FURNESS

ULVERSTON AND FURNESS TODAY…

The Ulverston and Furness Strategy include the following settlements:

ULVERSTON AND FURNESS AREA • Ulverston (Principal Service Centre) • Kirkby in Furness, Greenodd / Penny Bridge, Swathmoor, Great / Little Urswick, Broughton in Furness (Local Service Centres) • Smaller villages and hamlets including Bardsea, Baycliff, Gleaston, Leece, Loppergarth, Newbiggin, Scales, Stainton with Adgarley.

The Furness area is largely unspoiled and self-contained. Ulverston is the principal market town in the area. It is the hub town for local industry and the main centre of population. Ulverston also provides a range of services that includes leisure, community, civic, health and education facilities and financial and professional services for local residents and those living in the surrounding smaller settlements.

Ulverston is in a close functional network with Dalton in Furness and Barrow in Furness, which fall outside the LDF area. This is on the basis that these settlements are all strong local employment centres in the area, both in terms of the number of jobs hosted in the town and as the main centres of employment in Furness. They are strong non-food and food retail centres and the focal points for retail in the area.

The majority of Broughton in Furness and Lindal-in-Furness fall outside the LDF area and the area strategy seeks to address this close functional relationship. The assessment of development required in these areas and any subsequent identification of sites will be a joint matter for South Lakeland District Council and Barrow Borough Council / Lake District National Park to agree together.

The economy

The Ulverston area has a unique cluster of high added value, knowledge-intensive engineering jobs that need nurturing. Good manufacturing jobs support the town centre economy as the workforce has discretionary income to spend.

35 However, Furness and West Cumbria continues to face long term economic difficulties brought Primary Regional Policy Context about by the decline in its traditional CNL1 – Spatial Policy for Cumbria manufacturing base and its relative remoteness Ensure that network management from regional and national markets. The measures are utilised to make best contraction of the shipbuilding yards in Barrow and most appropriate use of over recent years has had a major impact on available highway infrastructure and Ulverston’s economy; leaving it with persistently to improve road safety and journey higher unemployment rates than elsewhere in the time reliability, with priority given to District. improving the operation of routes linking Furness and West Cumbria to the M6. CNL2 – Development Priorities for Cumbria Concentrating development within the Furness Regeneration Priority Area in Barrow in Furness, to facilitate diversification of the local economy and enable opportunities for development and regeneration to be brought forward in the wider Furness Peninsula. Efforts should be made to exploit specialist marine engineering skills and opportunities, and to develop the area’s potential for tourism. The Furness Peninsula has become heavily reliant on major employers. BAE Systems, based L4 – Regional Housing Position in Barrow in Furness, and GSK, which has a (supplementary text) manufacturing operation at the eastern end of General market housing should be Ulverston, are significant examples. GSK have focused in support of regeneration signalled their intent to rationalise their priorities and meeting agreed operations within Ulverston. community priorities, especially within Morecambe and the Furness Ulverston was granted its market charter in 1280 Peninsula part of South Lakeland, in and the markets play an important part in and around Ulverston. attracting shoppers, visitors and tourists to the Local Context – Sustainable town. The Ulverston Market Town Initiative (MTI) Community Strategy has been a success and has transformed the Continued support for the Market town centre in particular. However, consultation Town Initiative Programme in has identified the importance of ensuring Ulverston & The Lakes is vital. comprehensive town centre management in The A590 and Furness rail line Ulverston to help to maintain / enhance the provide less reliable access for viability of the town centre. communities in the west of the district. The recently completed retail study highlights the key issue of convenience goods expenditure leaking from the Ulverston area, which means that local people are travelling out of the Ulverston area to buy convenience goods. This supports the need for further convenience and comparison floorspace in the area, generating greater footfall and helping to retain expenditure locally.

Tourism is also important to the area’s local economy, with tourism revenue increasing and Ulverston becoming known as the ‘Festival Town’.

36 Housing

Ulverston and Furness is one of the most affordable housing markets in South Lakeland, particularly parts of Ulverston. The market is mainly local, although there is a degree of migration from neighbouring Barrow in Furness. Despite being relatively affordable, there remains a shortage of affordable accommodation, equivalent to 79 additional dwellings per annum. The housing market is also characterised by:

• A lack of one-bedroom accommodation in the area. • A high number of terraced homes and a low number of flats. • A relatively small private rented market compared with the rest of the District. • Relatively high private sector rents in Rural Furness, but more affordable in Ulverston. • A relatively low number of second homes compared with the District average. • A need for more temporary accommodation. • A need for extra care housing and supported housing, particularly for people with mental health problems and people with physical disabilities.

The environment

Ulverston and the Furness Peninsula contain a vast array of natural assets, including Bardsea Country Park, part of Morecambe Bay, and the Duddon Mosses and Estuary. The landscape character is rich and varied, including large areas of open, rolling limestone hills rising to its highest point between Urswick and the coast. There are tracts of low drumlins and a large block of moors and hills above Ulverston. Ulverston is four miles from the borders of the Lake District National Park and the southeastern edge of the town lies very close to Morecambe Bay.

Ulverston's most visible landmark is the Hoad Monument – a stone/concrete structure built in 1850 to commemorate statesman and local resident Sir John Barrow. The monument provides scenic views of the surrounding areas, including Morecambe Bay and parts of the Lake District.

The form and structure of Ulverston, including the streets, rear plots and various public open spaces, are greatly influenced by the mediaeval settlement form. Buildings tend to be post mediaeval in origin and there is a significant number of good quality terraced Georgian and Victorian town houses in streets that are often of high environmental quality. The relatively small market place is well defined by continuous rows of commercial and retail buildings and has a bustling character and distinctive appearance. New Market Street was a late Victorian development that sought to bring a more fashionable shopping experience to the town. Pedestrian permeability through the town is excellent and County Square provides a prestigious focus for civic activities, although the passage of the adjacent A590 is physically and visually disruptive. An enhancement scheme has been completed recently at County Square in Ulverston, including creating a public open space with public access and installation of a Stan Laurel statue to celebrate the heritage of the town. It is hoped that the scheme will create a focal point for the town centre and will host community

37 events. The conservation area covers much of Ulverston’s central area, with strong collective identity and over 200 listed buildings.

The Ulverston canal was constructed in the late eighteenth century and saw the development of a strong maritime community. The South Ulverston industrial area has grown up around the now disused canal and is typified by terraced workers’ housing and later industrial ‘shed’ development. The development of Ulverston canal area presents a clear regeneration opportunity. Improvements to this gateway area would make a significant contribution to the local economy of the town. (See CS3.2)

Accessibility

The Furness Peninsula, to the west of the plan area, is remote from the national rail and motorway network that pass through the east of the district. Ulverston is about 25 miles southwest of Kendal and some 10 miles from Barrow in Furness. The A590 (which links Kendal and Barrow and passes through Ulverston) is a key strategic route and has several constrictions, including long single carriageway sections. In consequence, journey times can be long and unreliable and there are concerns about safety. The worsening position regarding average journey times on the A590 has already been noted in the context of road safety; there are also significant implications for the ability of Barrow to attract economic development.

The villages across the Furness peninsula are connected to Ulverston by a series of B roads. There are bus services between Ulverston and the surrounding Local Service Centres of Great / Little Urswick, Lindal in Furness, Broughton in Furness, Greenodd and Penny Bridge but not Kirkby in Furness. There are also routes servicing some of the surrounding smaller villages such as Bardsea, Baycliff, Aldingham, Newbiggin, Stainton with Adgarley, Scales, Gleaston and Leece. However, services are generally irregular and there is a need to invest in the frequency and availability of public transport within Furness.

The Strategic Cycle Network study identified a number of gaps in cycle routes at Ulverston. There are also gaps and obstacles in the pedestrian network in Ulverston that discourage walking and make access difficult for people with mobility or sight problems. An absence of footways connecting neighbouring settlements and conflict where walkers cross the A591 were identified in the Area Transport Study.

Health and Wellbeing

There are areas of land susceptible to flood risk across the Ulverston and Furness area, most notably in Ulverston. Fluvial flood risk in the Furness area relates to the River Crake (with particular implications for Greenodd and Penny Bridge), and Deep Meadow Beck and Dragely Beck in Ulverston. However these rivers do not pose the same degree of flood risk to property as the River Kent which passes through Kendal, due largely to the fact that their catchments are not as developed as that of the River Kent.

There are also large urban areas at risk of tidal flooding – those that are located on low lying coastal flats or adjacent to watercourses, including Ulverston and Kirkby in Furness, are at increased risk of flooding when tides are high. Within Ulverston the existing flood defences are situated adjacent to existing urban development.

There are large zones of both fluvial / river and coastal flood risk associated with the Ulverston Canal. The main area of flood risk is associated with Dragley Beck.

38 Furness is generally well catered for in terms of open space, sport and recreation provision. Evidence has identified demand for greater allotment provision in Ulverston and a need to increase the capacity of playing pitch sites to meet current demand. The quality of open space, sport and recreation facilities is generally good but key strategic sites are considered in need of improvement. Community consultation highlights a perception amongst residents that Lightburn Park in Ulverston is poorly maintained and of poor quality. There is also a negative safety perception associated with the site. There is both a need for greater community ownership of the site and a desire for ranger presence.

There is a household waste recycling centre at Morecambe Road in Ulverston.

Local residents in the area are served by Furness General Hospital in Barrow. The NHS Trust has identified its desire to strengthen trauma services and emergency services at Furness. There is a commitment to provide a consultant led maternity unit and the Trust is working with Cumbria PCT to bring a wider range of health services to the site.

KEY ISSUES…

The area strategy for Ulverston and Furness aims to address the following challenges:

• Strengthening the economic base. • Improving the vitality and viability of Ulverston town centre, to ensure it remains competitive and expenditure is retained locally • Developing new housing (including affordable housing) and employment land to meet the needs and aspirations of the local community, including the possible expansion of Local Service Centres and supporting small-scale development outside the service centres. • Safeguarding and enhancing the environmental quality of the local area. • Improving connectivity between the Furness Peninsula and the east of the plan area and making more localised improvements to public transport in the Furness Peninsula. • Regenerating the Ulverston Canal area and re-using any surplus parts of major employment sites

39 ULVERSTON AND FURNESS TOMORROW…

By 2025, Ulverston has affirmed its position as one of two Principal Service Centres in South Lakeland outside the National Park areas. It is a lively and prosperous market town that provides a range of services and employment opportunities serving local residents and residents throughout the Furness Peninsula. It forms part of a close functional network with Dalton in Furness and Barrow in Furness.

The economic base of Ulverston and Furness has been strengthened through:

• Recognising and supporting manufacturing as a strength of the area; • Nurturing the unique cluster of high added value, knowledge-intensive engineering jobs in the Ulverston area; • Responding positively to challenges of the withdrawal of GSK from Ulverston (as a major employer in the area) through the development of a major employment regeneration site; • Developing the area’s potential for tourism; • Priority has been given to improving the operation of transport routes that link Furness and West Cumbria to the M6 and national rail links; • Supporting small-scale employment development in the network of Local Service Centres throughout the Furness Peninsula and diversification of the rural economy.

Significant new housing development has been incorporated in Ulverston in a way that is sensitive to the local landscape characteristics and the historic assets within and surrounding the town. Development within the town centre has been accommodated with sensitivity to the building type and density of the area, with new buildings that act to define streets and public spaces. Further housing provision has helped to increase the amount of affordable housing available to local people, whilst new general market housing has been focused in support of regeneration priorities and meeting agreed community priorities (including helping to meet the housing needs of employees in the regeneration priority area of Barrow). Local Housing Needs Surveys have been undertaken (and reviewed) for all the Local Service Centres in the Furness Area, and small- scale residential development sites have been released over the plan period to meet the identified need.

The environmental importance of Bardsea Country Park, Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Mosses and Estuary have been recognised and respected as new development has taken place.

The functional relationship between Ulverston and surrounding rural settlements have been strengthened through targeted improvements to public transport provision, cycle routes and footpaths in the Furness area. The individual character of settlements has been protected through the retention and protection of strategic green gaps.

Ulverston’s canal head area and the canal corridor have been regenerated, including significant employment land provision.

40 HOW WE WILL GET THERE…

CS3.1 ULVERSTON AND FURNESS AREA The Ulverston and Furness area strategy includes the following settlements: • Ulverston (Principal Service Centre); • Kirkby in Furness, Greenodd / Penny Bridge, Swarthmoor, Great / Little Urswick, Broughton in Furness, (Local Service Centres); • A number of smaller rural settlements and hamlets including Bardsea, Baycliff, Gleaston, Leece, Loppergarth, Newbiggin, Scales, Stainton with Adgarley. The Council and its partners will aim to: Regeneration • Designate a regeneration area at Ulverston Canal Head Area (see CS3.2). • Build on the successful outcomes from the Market Town Initiative in Ulverston and continue with regeneration. Housing • Make provision for in the region of 1,760 additional dwellings in Ulverston between 2003 and 2025, prioritising previously developed land and sites within the urban area. • Make provision for small-scale housing development, including affordable housing, in the Local Service Centres and smaller rural settlements. • Seek to ensure that 35% of housing delivered within Furness Peninsula is affordable and that at least 60% of affordable housing is social rented, based on local need. • Ensure that new development outside Ulverston is restricted by local occupancy conditions (see CS8.3). Economy • Expand Ulverston to accommodate in the region of 12 hectares of employment development between 2010 and 2025. • Support small-scale economic development in the Local Service Centres and smaller rural settlements. • Protect and enhance the vitality and viability of Ulverston town centre, including improving pedestrian and cycle access and ensuring effective town centre management. • Support the development of new retail provision in the town centre to accommodate both convenience and comparison shopping. • Support and enhance tourist attractions, building on the Laurel and Hardy connection, the festival theme and specialist boutique shopping in the town centre. Access • Support improvements to the operation of transport routes linking Furness to the M6 and national rail links. • Work with partners on public transport initiatives as part of a comprehensive sustainable transport network within the Furness Area to support the planned growth. • Improve footpaths and cycle routes. Environment • Safeguard and enhance buildings, sites and areas of heritage and cultural importance such as the Hoad Monument and Birkrigg Stone Circle. • Improve parks and green spaces / green infrastructure. • Ensure greenfield development is sympathetic to the landscape character of the Furness Peninsula and individual settlements. • Protect green gaps between Ulverston and Swathmoor; Penny Bridge and Greenodd; and Great and Little Urswick. • Ensure new development safeguards and enhances the natural environment and local biodiversity, notably the SSSIs and SACs within the area, including Morecambe Bay. Health and Wellbeing (Sustainable Communities) • Maintain, and where necessary enhance, sports and community facilities. • Provide further infrastructure (including health and education) in accordance with identified need, responding to significant changes in local demographics.

41 JUSTIFICATION

Regeneration Key Sources of evidence:

The strategy identifies a regeneration area at the • Ulverston Canal Masterplan Ulverston Canal Head and Corridor. A • Strategic Housing Land masterplan has been produced and adopted Availability Assessment / following public consultation which seeks to Employment and Housing Land establish this as an employment area Search Study • complemented with tourism and recreation SLDC Housing Needs Study • facilities and some housing within an enhanced Employment Land and Premises environment. Further information is provided in Study • Strategic Flood Risk CS3.2. Assessment • SLDC Open Space Assessment Housing • Viability Study • Ulverston Market Town Initiative Targeting 20% of housing development at Ulverston (see CS1.2) is likely to equate to about 1,760 new dwellings between 2003 and 2025. Outside Ulverston, new housing development in the Local Service Centres will support local services and the community’s need for further development including rural regeneration and diversification and access to a reasonable choice of housing to meet local need.

Based on the findings of the affordable housing study, almost all of the additional dwellings should be affordable in order to fully address the current levels of need in the area. However, targets for affordable housing must also consider the likely viability of schemes, to ensure that they are deliverable. As such, the Core Strategy seeks to ensure that 35% of new dwellings in the Ulverston area are affordable.

Evidence regarding the supply of housing in the Furness Peninsula (outside Ulverston) and demand from both people moving into the area and local households in the emerging Strategic Housing Market Assessment supports the requirement to restrict new development outside of Ulverston to local people, to ensure that they are able to access the housing market (see CS8.3).

The economy

The Furness Peninsula has become over reliant on major employers, such as BAE Systems and GSK. There is a need to address the growing vulnerability of local manufacturing concerns. Part of the problem is the limited amount of land and premises available for company relocation, growth and expansion, and therefore the development strategy must make adequate provision for new employment sites.

The 2005 South Lakeland Employment Land and Premises Study outlined the need for approximately 4 hectares of employment land to be provided per annum. Based on targeting 20% of development to Ulverston (see CS1.2), this results in a requirement for in the region of 12 hectares of employment land between 2010 and 2025. Outside the Principal Service Centre, small-scale economic development will be supported in the Local Service Centres.

There is a need to ensure that Ulverston town centre remains competitive in the face of the growing influence of Barrow, and other larger centres, as a competing shopping centre. Evidence highlights the need for additional convenience and comparison goods floorspace in the Ulverston area to counteract excessive leakage to Barrow. Further floorspace provision needs to be accompanied by measures to

42 improve pedestrian and cycle access to the town centre. At present, there is a poor route from the edge of town shopping area and canal to the town centre.

Tourism is important to the local economy and must continue to be supported. The Market Towns Initiative Tourism Programme for Ulverston and Low Furness has shown, to date, a significantly strong growth in tourism revenue compared with the central Lake District National Park area. The strategy seeks to foster the success of the MTI and in particular the tourism element of the local economy – including the provision of further serviced accommodation.

Accessibility

The A590 is the main route in and out of the Peninsula, linking with junction 36 of the M6. In a few places it is dual carriageway, but generally it is single carriageway that causes many difficulties during busy commuting times, highways repairs and holiday periods.

Rural public transport services are poor and in many cases non-existent. The Core Strategy seeks to support improvements to the operation of transport routes linking Furness to the M6. It also supports working with partners to increase the public transport network service linking the rural settlements within the Furness Peninsula, as well as those areas of south west Lake District, such as Coniston and Newby Bridge, to Ulverston.

The environment

The strategy seeks to safeguard and enhance the buildings, sites and areas of importance to the natural or historic environment. An appropriate assessment has been undertaken on the Core Strategy to assess the impact of the development strategy on internationally important environmental sites in the area, including Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Mosses and Estuary.

The development strategy could have a significant effect on Morecambe Bay through increasing visitor and recreational pressure. One vulnerable spot of note is the coastline between Bardsea and Baycliff. There is a problem with illegal usage of vehicles on the foreshore, particularly where one section of the A5087 runs adjacent to the foreshore and allows unrestricted access and parking. Suitable mitigation measures are necessary, including encouraging visitors to understand the special features of protected sites and responsible recreational use encourage through positive information provision (see CS8.6).

The area strategy supports, in principle, the retention of strategic green gaps between Ulverston and Swathmoor; Penny Bridge and Greenodd; and Great and Little Urswick.

A very large conservation area protects a broad range of heritage assets in Ulverston including a probably late C12th church with Norman doorway, early C13th market

43 place and associated mediaeval street plan, and a number of attractive streets with Georgian townhouses. Victorian redevelopment saw the formation of the distinctive New Market Street and the County Square with its larger scale formal buildings.

A very successful Heritage Economic Regeneration scheme has been operating in partnership with English Heritage for over ten years and almost all of the problem buildings within the conservation areas have been repaired during that period.

Health and Wellbeing

Ulverston is the second largest settlement within South Lakeland, with a population in the region of 11,500. Based on the development strategy, which would lead to 20% of new housing development and population growth being located in Ulverston, the overall population is projected to increase to around 14,000 in Ulverston wards in 2026.

Based on demographic changes, it is envisaged that the number of children and young adults (under 16) will stay relatively stable. However, the number of people of working age and above working age will increase.

This will have clear implications in terms of provision of services and facilities to meet local need over the plan period (social services, GPs, education, transport etc). It is hoped that through a combination of measures to retain a greater proportion of younger people in the District, the actual number of children and young people in the area might be increased, but this change cannot occur instantaneously. The Core Strategy supports the provision of further services and facilities over the plan period, obtaining appropriate developer contributions to supplement public funding that is available.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Main findings: • The redevelopment and regeneration of the canal head/corridor area, increased provision of jobs, enhancement of tourist attractions (which can also be utilised by residents) and a vitalised and viable town centre should all contribute to the health and sense of wellbeing of Ulverston residents in particular as well as residents of other areas of South Lakeland and visitors from further afield. The development of increased opportunities for cycling and walking should support people who are aiming to lead healthier lifestyles. Public transport improvements should help to reduce traffic emissions and the build-up of fumes in particular areas. In turn, this would help to reduce the negative effects of poor air quality on people’s health.

• Significant development is proposed for Ulverston – around the edges where the town meets the wider countryside. This policy will need to be supported by wider initiatives by partner organisations and national and international pol icies as well as by policies CS1.1, CS8.1, CS8.2 and CS8.5.

• The significant development proposed for Ulverston means that more pressure will be put on water resources and water infrastructure/wastewater works and there will be greater potential for water pollution from construction and from new businesses. This policy needs to be supported by other policies including CS1.1 and CS8.8.

44 THE CANAL HEAD AND CANAL CORRIDOR

Ulverston’s canal head area is located approximately 0.5miles east of Ulverston town centre. The canal is approximately 1.3 miles long and runs from the town centre to Morecambe Bay.

The canal opened in 1796 to serve the movement of raw and manufactured materials between Glasgow, Preston, Liverpool and Cardiff. As the canal gained importance other industries grew up alongside it.

The canal was abandoned in 1945 and GSK, whose pharmaceutical plant is at the seaward end, brought the canal from Ulverston Urban District Council in 1974. The canal is required to be maintained under the authority of the Reservoirs Act 1975.

At present the canal is an emergency source of fire-fighting water for the GSK operations. However, a mechanism for the long-term future of the maintenance of the canal needs to be investigated.

Current land uses at the canal head include Booths supermarket, the auction mart and the abattoir (ceased trading) and some smaller enterprises include a car scrap yard. Ownership of the land at the canal head and canal corridor is currently split between a number of parties, including GSK.

In 2004, the Ulverston and Low Furness Partnership commissioned Capita Symonds to prepare a masterplan for the Ulverston canal head and canal corridor. The area of land covered by the masterplan totals approximately 68 hectares.

The masterplan recognises the value of the canal as an amenity and ecological resource, and identifies the canal as an un-tapped resource that could generate seasonal and associated employment. Land at the canal head is also identified as a gateway to improvements of the town.

The future development of the canal head and canal corridor must meet the wider aims of the Core Strategy and provide positive benefits to Ulverston town centre.

KEY ISSUES…

There are several issues that need to be addressed at the Ulverston canal head and canal corridor. These include:

• Enhancing the quality of the environment around the canal, especially at the canal head, for residents and visitors. • The poor access to and around the site. • The need to create employment opportunities and residential development. • Flood risk in relation to the site.

45 • Fragmented land ownership and the need for a co-ordinated approach to development. • Securing the long-term future and maintenance of the canal.

ULVERSTON CANAL AND CORRIDOR TOMORROW…

Ulverston’s canal head and canal corridor have been fully redeveloped, creating a popular place for people to live and work as well as a destination for visitors.

Sites around the canal, several of which were previously vacant or underused, have been developed for a wide range of uses, including employment, residential, restaurant and café uses, creating a vibrant mixed use area. Delivery of residential uses has helped to support other uses at the canal head and has also supported the vitality and viability of the town centre.

A safe and accessible environment at the canal head and along the canal corridor, with high quality public spaces has been created. The area acts as an attractive gateway into the town and the Furness Peninsula.

Safe, direct linkages for pedestrians and cyclists have been created between the town centre, railway station and the canal, supporting sustainable travel patterns.

Development has taken place in a manner which:

• Acknowledges the impact of climate change and in particular the long- term risk of flooding. • Protects the ecological interests of the site. • Capitalises on the existing historical and natural assets and conserves and enhances the character of the area for future generations.

The long-term future of the Ulverston canal has been secured.

ULVERSTON CANAL HEAD AND CANAL CORRIDOR AREA

46 HOW WE WILL GET THERE…

CS3.2 ULVERSTON CANAL HEAD AND CORRIDOR

Ulverston canal head is designated as a regeneration opportunity area.

The Council’s objectives to deliver this vision are to:

• Promote the positive mixed use regeneration of the canal head which will complement existing activities in the town centre; • Provide a range of employment and business opportunities, which could include tourism related business uses, to provide employment for local people and facilitate economic development in the area; • Encourage residential development, which could increase the population of the area, assist in the revitalisation of Ulverston town centre and meet the wider aims of the Core Strategy; • Enhance and expand the tourism sector by supporting the existing tourist attractions in Ulverston and encouraging the creation of new tourist attractions and tourism infrastructure, which could include a landmark hotel, waterside restaurant, bar café and leisure facilities; • Utilise the canal as a resource for leisure and recreation; • Enhance the environment through improving the landscape and public realm, providing public art and public access to the waterfront areas; • Improve access to the site by sustainable means, such as walking and cycling, and create safe linkages from the railway station and town, and along the canal and the surrounding area; • Improve orientation to and around the site, to enhance visitor awareness of the canal; • Enhance the biodiversity of the site; • Ensure a sequential approach is taken and development type is compatible with flood risk in accordance with national planning policy; • Secure the long-term future and maintenance of the canal; • Create a strategic partnership to guide / deliver development with Ulverston Town Council, South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council, NWDA and Cumbria Vision and Furness Enterprise and key stakeholders including local businesses; • Use the development management process to bring about development that supports the vision.

Specific land allo cations for the area will be pursued through either the Allocations of Land DPD or (resource permitting) the production of an Area Action Plan.

47 CS4 SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR CARTMEL PENINSULA

CARTMEL PENINSULA TODAY… CARTMEL PENINSULA Cartmel Peninsula juts in a southerly direction into Morecambe Bay, sitting between Ulverston and the Furness Peninsula to the west and Kendal and its surrounding rural hinterland to the east.

The Cartmel Peninsula is largely rural. Its only town is Grange over Sands, a Victorian seaside resort, which is located on the eastern edge of the Cartmel Peninsula at the point where the River Kent merges with Morecambe Bay.

Allithwaite and Cartmel are local service centres that are in close proximity to Grange over Sands, being situated less than 2 kilometres away. The village of Cartmel is one of the oldest in Cumbria and maintains a strong tourist appeal.

The Cartmel Peninsula Area Strategy includes the following settlements:

• Grange over Sands (Key Service Centre) • Allithwaite, Cartmel, Cark / Flookburgh (Local Service Centres) • Smaller villages and hamlets including Ravenstown and Holker.

The economy

Grange over Sands is an important Key Service Centre providing vital retail, service and community functions for the wider catchment area of Cartmel Peninsula. It provides some economic activity for local residents and others in the Cartmel Peninsula, but cannot be regarded as self-contained. Many local residents travel to work, hospitals and to secondary, further and higher education, leisure and shopping facilities in Kendal, Ulverston, Barrow in Furness, Lancaster and nearby Cartmel (where the only secondary school in the area is located).

Retailing in Grange is a general mix of independent traders, providing a wide range of goods for the local market, with some linked giftware, cafés and restaurants to cater for the tourist trade.

Tourism is a fundamental part of the local economy. However, regional North West and local niche markets are becoming increasingly competitive. As a consequence, tourist facilities need to become more specialised, offering higher quality goods and services, with a focus on added value and higher wage employment opportunities. Particular themes or town brands could be explored for Grange over Sands.

The recently completed Grange regeneration study identified a series of priority development opportunities in and around the town centre. It placed particular importance of the coordinated delivery of a scheme at Berners Pool / Berners Close

48 Car Park / Nursery Site / Lido (“Berners Regeneration Site”) which will create a new focus and cluster of facilities and attractions at the southern end of the town including commercial uses and business space that will strengthen Grange as a Key Service Centre.

Housing

The Cartmel Peninsula housing market serves Primary Regional Policy Context both locals and people moving into the area, RDF3 – The Coast particularly after retirement. Plans and strategies should enhance the economic importance The lack of affordable housing is the main issue of the coast and the regeneration of for this housing market area. There is an annual coastal communities in ways that requirement for 72 additional affordable housing safeguard, restore or enhance and units in the area, with a particular need for make sustainable use of the natural, smaller accommodation (one and two bedrooms) built and cultural heritage assets of and a need for social rented, intermediate and the North West Coast and address locals-only housing. issues of environmental decline and socio-economic decline.

Second home ownership is an issue affecting CNL1 – Spatial Policy for Cumbria dwellings supply in the area. Provide for development in the key service centres and local service Accessibility centres… … give priority to improving access Access into the peninsula is poor, limited mainly to employment, services and to the B5277/8 looping off the A590 to run education / training facilities on foot through Grange, Allithwaite and Cark, the B6271 and by cycle, and by public from Lindale and minor roads north of Cartmel. transport, in…Key Service Centres… Grange over Sands is a highly walkable and Support the development of compact town. However, it suffers from problems sustainable tourism in Cumbria… associated with the impact of the private car on CNL2 – Development Priorities for the built environment. For pedestrians, the Cumbria Grange over Sands environment is noticeably … ensuring that the needs of local poor. In general terms, footpaths are narrow and people in south and e ast Cumbria there is a strong sense that the car is the are met…high priority should be dominant feature on Kents Bank Road and Main placed on the further provision of Street. Improving linkages, infrastructure and the affordable housing within the sub-area… quality of the pedestrian environment are key priorities. Upgrading the promenade, rebuilding footbridges and development new links will make a real different to how the town is perceived and used.

Bus and rail links from Grange to Kendal, Ulverston, Barrow and Lancaster are good. However, services are located at the railway station at the far northern end of the town, remote from the bulk of the town’s residents. Although a local bus service operates through the town and nearby villages, integration of services is poor.

The environment

The Cartmel Peninsula includes large stretches of Morecambe Bay; a dynamic landscape changing rapidly with daily tides and through cycles of erosion and deposition of sand and mudflats. The Morecambe Bay inter-tidal sand and mudflats of the coast are some of the most important wildlife habitats in the UK. Roudsea

49 Wood and Mosses, which is also an area of international wildlife importance, falls partly within the area.

The Grange area is typical of the Morecambe Bay landscape character area, where the steep wooded cliffs of the coastal edge rise above the wide expanse of the sandflats and salt marshes of Morecambe Bay, giving extensive and changing views across the estuary. Inland from the immediate coastal edge a landscape of open, rolling limestone hills extends across large parts of the east of the Cartmel Peninsula, rising up to 230m at Hampsfield Fell. Further west, the landscape is characterised by foothills between 100m and 250m, with occasional rocky outcrops and dissected by numerous streams and minor river valleys.

Grange over Sands developed as a resort town following the opening of the Furness railway in 1857. Before that, the settlement was a fishing hamlet and a dispersed scattering of houses and cottages. The coming of the railway encouraged local entrepreneurs to develop the area with a range of attractive facilities, including station buildings, hotels, ornamental gardens and the promenade.

The 20th century saw further expansion of the town and its facilities including spa hotels, gardens off Main Street and Park Road, and an extension of the promenade. The Lido was opened in 1932 underlining the town’s reputation as a significant resort with strong connections to good health. During the 1960s there was another significant phase of expansion, marked by suburban housing, while later in the century, there was a growth in retirement and nursing homes as the town and its surroundings were seen as highly suitable for retirement.

The piers no longer exist, although their locations are easily seen. The Lido closed in 1993 and a new pool opened in 2004 but has since closed. Two bridges over the railway at Bayley Lane and at Berners Close have also closed and been removed.

There are two significant conservation areas within this area at Grange over Sands and Cartmel. The former protects much of the high quality Victorian resort, including its attractive urban parks and gardens, which are generally connected by the linear route of the long sinuous promenade. The tiered streets of housing on the hills above the town take advantage of outward views over Morecambe Bay, while the dramatic mixed woodland, which fringes the surrounding hills, are key assets of the town’s setting that are generally included within the conservation area.

Cartmel is a much older settlement based around the iconic late 12th century Priory Church and the village’s urban form and street pattern is very likely to have been influenced by the arrangement of former ecclesiastical buildings from the working priory. A small number of very important medieval buildings, including the Priory Church are preserved and a further sizeable group of houses would appear to retain mediaeval fabric. However, the general impression today is of Georgian townhouses with a coherent appearance of rendered and colourwashed frontages organised around close-knit streets and squares .

Health and Wellbeing

Grange over Sands provides an excellent range of urban parks and gardens, most of which are connected by the strong linear route along the promenade. There is also a wider network of footpaths and cycleways that link the town to the wider area. Park Road Gardens in Grange over Sands achieved Green Flag status for the first time in 2007.

50 There is a household waste recycling centre at Guides Lot in Grange over Sands. The only local secondary school is located in Cartmel.

The age profile of Grange is significantly older than that of South Lakeland and Cumbria. The increasingly ageing population will have particular consumer, cultural, health and wellbeing requirements in the future. There is a strong interest from a local GP and the Primary Care Trust in locating an integrated health centre in this area that would accommodate at least two existing medical practices/surgeries and a wide range of other uses such as a pharmacy and residential short-term care. Such a scheme would strengthen Grange’s role as a Key Service Centre.

In relation to flood risk in the area, for Grange over Sands and Cark / Flookburgh, there is currently a ‘hold the line’ coastal management option in operation. In simple terms, this means that investment will be continued to ensure that the current standard of defence provided against coastal erosion / tidal flooding will be retained in future years. A second generation of Shoreline Management Plans is currently being developed to review future policy for coastline management in these areas.

Concerns have been raised by the Environment Agency and Natural England about the sustainability of maintaining defences in the Flookburgh area of the Cartmel Peninsula, which appear to be suffering from erosion due to channel movement in Morecambe Bay. The ‘hold the line’ policy for the section of coast between West Plain Farm and Humphrey Head could be revised to ‘coastal realignment to allow for natural coastal process to take place’. This could have significant implications for any future development that occurs in this area.

Elsewhere, a large proportion of the village of Cartmel is situated within high probability flood risk land. The flood risk is associated with fluvial flooding from the River Eea (and minor tributaries). The flooding issues in Grange are relatively minor in nature.

KEY ISSUES…

The area strategy for Cartmel Peninsula aims to address the following challenges:

• Improving the function of Grange as a Key Service Centre, identifying new economic roles for the town that build on the cluster of strong independent retail businesses and satisfy the demands from new visitors, existing and new residents. • There is a need to identify initiatives to increase the number of long- stay, high-spend visitors to Grange. • Promoting enterprise and business development and new investment opportunities. • Provision of additional housing to meet the needs of local people without damaging the sensitive setting and character of the area. • Promoting comprehensive, complementary and appropriate new development at the Berners regeneration site in Grange. • Enhancing public transport links between Grange and surrounding villages. • Improving the quality of the pedestrian environment is a priority for Grange, including upgrading the promenade, rebuilding footbridges and developing new links from the promenade to adjacent parks, the revitalised Berners area and the town centre. • Provision of high quality integrated health facilities in Grange.

51 • Safeguarding and enhancing the area’s historic assets. • Safeguarding and enhancing the environmental quality of the local area. • Enhancing and making sustainable use of the natural, built and cultural heritage assets on the Cartmel Peninsula Coast.

CARTMEL PENINSULA TOMORROW…

Grange over Sands is now one of northwest England’s most distinctive, contemporary coastal resort towns that really has used its Victorian and Edwardian heritage as a strong asset in its regeneration. This is an exceptionally pleasant, very well maintained and friendly town with an impressive promenade, superb views across Morecambe Bay, excellent parks and gardens, a well connected railway station and a strong community of established and new residents. Grange is a great place to live, work and visit.

Grange over Sands acts as an important Key Service Centre in the Cartmel Peninsula, providing vital retail, service and community functions for the wider catchment area. Allithwaite, Cartmel and Cark / Flookburgh function as Local Service Centres, offering a smaller range of service and facilities to local residents and tourists. The functional relationships between the Key Service Centre of Grange and the nearby Local Service Centres of Cartmel and Allithwaite have been strengthened, with improved links between them. At the same time, their individual character has been protected.

Moderate new housing development has been incorporated in Grange in a way that is sensitive to the local landscape characteristics and the historic assets within and surrounding the town. Further housing provision has helped to increase the amount of affordable housing available to local people, helping to retain a greater number of young people and families in the town.

Local Housing Needs Surveys have been undertaken (and reviewed) for all the Local Service Centres in the area, and small-scale residential development sites have been released over the plan period to meet the identified need.

The international environmental importance of Morecambe Bay and Roudsea Wood have been recognised and respected as new development has taken place.

Regeneration has taken place throughout Grange, including at Berners Close car park / lido / Berners Pool where a new pool facility for the local community and high quality and integrated health facilities have been provided, helping to strengthen the position of Grange as a Key Service Centre.

The quality of the pedestrian environment in Grange over Sands has improved, including a new pedestrian crossing over the railway line to the promenade, rebuilt footbridges and new links from the promenade to adjacent parks, the revitalised Berners area and the town centre.

52 HOW WE WILL GET THERE…

CS4 CARTMEL PENINSULA The Cartmel Peninsula Strategy includes the following settlements: • Grange over Sands (Key Service Centre); • Cartmel, Allithwaite, Cark / Flookburgh (Local Service Centres); • Smaller rural villages and hamlets including Ravenstown and Holker. The Council and its partners will aim to: Regeneration • Regenerate the Berners site in Grange over Sands to create a cluster of facilities and attractions including commercial uses, integrated health centre and residential and business space. Housing • Make provision for moderate housing development in Grange over Sands between 2003 and 2025, prioritising previously developed land and sites within the urban areas. • Make provision for small scale housing development in the Local Service Centres and in the smaller rural settlements in the Cartmel Peninsula, with a particular focus on affordable housing. • Seek to ensure that 35% of housing delivered within Cartmel Peninsula is restricted to affordable housing. At least 55% of affordable housing delivered should be social rented based on local need. Outside Grange over Sands, new development should be restricted by local occupancy conditions (see CS8.3). Economy • Ensure that effective use is made of the limited amount of commercial / industrial land and buildings in Grange, promote opportunities for new space, targeted at start-up and growing businesses, and promote an entrepreneurial culture in Grange over Sands. • Promote the vitality and viability of Grange over Sands town centre and safeguard its role as a Key Service Centre by promoting sites in the town centre for development / redevelopment for mixed use including new retail space. • Establish a cluster of small spaces / galleries for working artists / craft people in Grange over Sands. • Maintain and enhance the strength of tourism across the area. Access • Work with partners to improve public transport as part of a comprehensive sustainable transport network within the Cartmel Peninsula Area to support the planned growth. • Promote the reintroduction of the two footbridges at Clare House Lane and Berners Close in Grange over Sands o cross the railway and improve the environment of the network of routes including the Promenade. • Address gaps in cycle routes at Grange over Sands. • Deliver improvements to car and cycle parking, security and real-time information at Grange over Sands railway station in partnership with Cumbria County Council and the train operators. The potential for cycle hire and linked cycle routes from the rail stations at Grange will be investigated. • Improve the pedestrian experience of Grange town centre and connectivity between either end of town and within the centre. Environment • Protect and enhance the diverse character and local distinctiveness of the area and promote high quality and locally distinctive design. • Protect a green gap between Grange and Allithwaite and between Cark and Flookburgh • Protect th e network of green spaces and important environmental characteristics and, in partnership with landowners, promote their positive use and management. • Ensure that new development safeguards and enhances the natural environment, notably the international designations within the area, including Morecambe Bay and Roudsea Wood.

53 • Secure the preservation and enhancement of the very distinctive character and appearance of Cartmel village and ensure that its characteristic landscape setting is protected from harmful development Health and Wellbeing (Sustainable Communities) • Maintain and where necessary enhance sports and community facilities. • Provide further infrastructure in accordance with identified need. • Work with the PCT and stakeholders to support the provision of high quality in tegrated health facilities.

JUSTIFICATION

Regeneration Key Sources of evidence: A regeneration study has been completed • Grange over Sands Regeneration for Grange, focusing on the town centre and Study promenade. The aim is to improve the • Strategic Housing Land Availability function of Grange as a Key Service Centre Assessment / Employment and and therefore increase its attractiveness to Housing Land Search Study residents and visitors. The Core Strategy • SLDC Housing Needs Study seeks to support the recommendations in • Employment Land and Premises the Regeneration Study, including Study delivering: • Strategic Flood Risk Assessment • SLDC Open Space Assessment • A comprehensive redevelopment of the Berners Close Car Park and Nursery Site for a mix of uses including commercial, community / integrated health centre, residential, business, hotel, the re-use of the Berners Pool and public car parking. • The retention and phased re-use of the Lido in line with the Parks for People* bid, starting to re-use the Lido buildings for small business / arts and creative industries, together with the replacement of the Berners Close Footbridge. • Effective leadership and a new tangible commitment to delivery regeneration will be essential.

Regeneration at the Berners site will create a new cluster of facilities and attractions at the southern end of the town that will appeal to residents and visitors and strengthen Grange as a Key Service Centre and build on the particular sense of place.

Housing

In accordance with the overarching development strategy (CS1.2), the precise amount of housing development in Grange and the surrounding Local Service Centres will be dependent on landscape, historic setting, evidence of local need and the impact on the environment. It is important to ensure that new housing development is not out of character and does not change the unique and special nature of the area. Housing development will have to be phased carefully over the plan period. CS6.1 provided an idea of how housing development might be dispersed and phased, but it should not be taken to pre-empt exactly how housing delivery will be achieved.

Based on the findings of the affordable housing study, 100% of annual additional dwellings should be affordable in order to fully address the current levels of need (57 dwellings required in the Cartmel Peninsula, in which Grange is the main settlement).

54 However, targets for affordable housing must also consider the likely viability of schemes to ensure that they are deliverable. As such, the Core Strategy seeks to ensure that 35% of new dwellings in the area are affordable. This is consistent with the findings of the 2008 Viability Study.

Evidence regarding the supply of housing in the Cartmel Peninsula (outside Grange) and demand from both people moving into the area and local households in the emerging Strategic Housing Market Assessment supports the requirement to restrict new development in the area to local people, to ensure that they are able to access the housing market (see CS8.3).

The economy

In recent years there has been substantial development in Lindale (in the Lake District National Park), creating and providing local employment opportunities for the local area. However, there is little in the way of commercial business space – be that office or industrial premises – in Grange. Many of the businesses are quasi retail or service providers in nature – i.e. estate agents and solicitors officers in the main shopping areas, with only a small number of business units at Station Yard. The limited supply together with an identified demand from occupiers looking for new or additional space is highlighted through local evidence. Accommodation is an essential requirement for most small businesses and therefore is crucial to the growth of the small business economy in Grange.

Accessibility

Given the problem of town centre congestion in Grange at peak times, it is imperative that improvements are made to reduce dependency on private car use. Significantly higher traffic levels could well threaten the core economic activity of the town, namely tourism. Developers of major sites will be required to contribute to the improvement of local bus services, with the aim of providing good quality integration between modes and services.

The opportunities presented by Cross Bay Walks that are a significant draw in summer are underexploited. Grange over Sands could become a strategic hub on the coastal walk and for the network of cycle routes. Contributions will also be used to deliver necessary improvements to the pedestrian and cycle routes in the area.

The environment

The strategy seeks to safeguard and enhance the buildings, sites and areas of importance to the natural or historic environment. An appropriate assessment has been undertaken on the Core Strategy to assess the impact of the development strategy on the internationally important environment designations in the area – Morecambe Bay and Roudsea Wood.

The Cumbrian Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) identifies important habitats and species in the District. The area strategy will seek to implement the CBAP, minimising unacceptable impacts of development on biodiversity and ensuring that development contributes to supporting biodiversity.

The additional population will place pressure on existing green infrastructure resources in the area, which will require investment to ensure that they can cope with the additional residents. The priority for green infrastructure will be to create new – and improve existing – linkages between green spaces to form a coherent network.

55 New networks will need to be created in new developments on the outskirts of the town to link them to the existing communities and also to ensure access to the rural hinterland that surrounds them.

The risk of flooding has been identified as a key issue affecting Cartmel Peninsula. The Council will apply the sequential approach set out in national policy and will work with the Environment Agency to minimise the risk of flooding by requiring mitigation measures such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). Where development is exceptionally necessary in flood risk areas the Council will work with the Environment Agency to ensure the development will be safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere and where possible reduce flood risk overall.

Health and Wellbeing

Demographic change will have clear implications in terms of provision of services and facilities to meet local need over the plan period (social services, GPs, education, transport etc). The Core Strategy supports the provision of further services and facilities over the plan period, obtaining appropriate developer contributions to supplement the public funding that is available.

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Main findings: • Moderate development is proposed to take place in Grange and this policy specifies some key developments and regeneration that have the potential to improve overall access to services and facilities for Grange residents in particular but also for those living in the catchment area and wider hinterland of the Cartmel Peninsula. This policy also seeks to develop new integrated health facilities, a cluster of facilities and attractions, public and wider sustainable transport improvements including reinstated access over the railway line to the promenade, and some further small-scale retail space. Significant issues of access may still remain for rural residents, especially those without their own transport. • The wider regeneration implications of this policy for Grange should all contribute to the health and sense of wellbeing of Cartmel Peninsula residents. The proposed improvements to cycling and walking routes should also support people in leading healthier lifestyles. • The policy aims to improve the network of green spaces in the area and to safeguard and enhance the natural environment. Moderate development is proposed for Grange, some of which will be around the edges where the town meets the wider countryside, and other settlements in the peninsula will also accommodate some development. As a consequence, there is potential for a negative impact on the natural environment. To avoid this, the policy needs to be implemented alongside other policies such as CS1.1 (sustainable development principles) and the core policies on protecting the natural environment.

56 CS5 SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR THE EAST (INCLUDING MILNTHORPE AND KIRKBY LONSDALE)

THE EAST (INCLUDING MILNTHORPE AND KIRKBY LONSDALE) TODAY…

‘The East (including Milnthorpe and Kirkby Primary Regional Policy Context Lonsdale)’ area constitutes the towns, RDF2 – Rural Areas villages and hamlets in the east of South Lakeland outside the National Parks and Plans and strategies for the Region’s Kendal. The M6 motorway dissects the area. rural areas should support the priorities of the Regional Rural The area includes the following settlements: Delivery Framework and: maximise the economic potential of the Region’s rural areas; support • Milnthorpe, Kirkby Lonsdale (Key sustainable farming and food; Service Centres) improve access to affordable rural • Burneside, Oxenholme, Natland, housing; ensure fair access to Levens, Endmoor, Holme, Burton in services for rural communities; Kendal, Arnside, Sandside / Storth empower rural communities and (Local Service Centres) address rural social exclusion; and • A number of smaller villages and enhance the value of our rural environmental inheritance. hamlets including Barbon, Beetham, Brigsteer, Carr Bank, Casterton, CNL2 – Development Priorities for Endmoor (Low Park), Gatebeck, Cumbria Grayrigg, Hutton Roof, Old Hutton, Ensuring that the needs of local Sedgwick, Slackhead, Old Hutton people in south and east Cumbria (Middleshaw), Old Hutton (Bridge are met…high priority should be End), Ackenthwaite. placed on the further provision of affordable housing within the sub- The economy area… Policy EM1 (A): Landscape Whilst the area has high levels of Plans, strategies, proposals and employment, this masks a dependence on schemes should identify, protect, low paid and part time work. maintain and enhance natural, historic and other distinctive features In general terms, levels of commuting from that contribute to the character of the area are high. Kendal is an obvious focal landscapes and places within the point for employment, but a number of local North West. residents travel outside the district for They should be informed by and employment, including longer distance recognise the importance of… the commuting. There are close links with special qualities of the environment Lancaster district with regard to economic associated with the nationally activity, employment land supply, tourism and designated areas of the Lake District access to higher education and health care National Park… the Arnside and services. Silverdale AONB…and their settings. Kirkby Lonsdale is a historic market town RT3 Public Transport situated along the north side of the A65 some In rural areas, priority should be thirteen miles southeast of Kendal and close given to providing access from rural to the Forest of Bowland AONB and the hinterlands to Key Service Centres. Yorkshire Dales National Park. Kirkby Lonsdale is a freestanding town of sub- regional importance. Whilst smaller than the likes of Kendal, Keswick and Penrith, Kirkby Lonsdale has a robust employment and service role serving a clear rural hinterland due to its more isolated location. It is largely self-contained with no

57 dominant partner town – it exchanges many trips with a range of local towns and villages, including a number of those beyond the boundaries of South Lakeland (areas of Craven District and Lancaster City Council). It also functions as a modest rural retail centre. The town centre is vibrant, with many small independent shops, cafes and restaurants. A new supermarket has opened on the edge of the town centre in recent years, which has added to the vitality of the centre. Tourism is important to the local economy and ‘Ruskin’s View’ over the River Lune is a famous local tourist attraction as is the medieval ‘Devil’s Bridge’ over the river to the east of the town, which is a scheduled ancient monument.

Milnthorpe is a small medieval market village, dating from the early 14th century when it was granted a Charter for a weekly market. It comprises a number of local industries, businesses, shops, cafés and other professional services, which serve both the town and people from the surrounding villages. Just outside Milnthorpe Parish, the Billerud Paper Mill and the Beetham Garden Centre both supply employment for Milnthorpe people. A large number of employees travel into Kendal from Milnthorpe.

Milnthorpe, though a rural retail centre, is only around a third of the size of Kirkby Lonsdale is terms of annual spend. Evidence found that Milnthorpe centre falls within the secondary catchment area for Kendal Town Centre. The study also concluded that there is a qualitative and quantitative need for further floorspace in the centre and this would also help to enhance its role as a Key Service Centre and retain expenditure locally.

The Local Service Centres are important in providing for the community’s daily needs without having to travel to a Key Service Centre within, or outside, South Lakeland. Apart from meeting the needs of those residents who live within the Local Service Centres, they also serve a wider rural community, including small villages and hamlets outside the area. Arnside is an important Local Service Centre for north Lancaster City Council area, i.e Silverdale, particularly as a retail centre. Arnside is connected by rail to Carnforth and Lancaster.

Housing

Property in the area is generally high-priced, with values inflated due to a high quality and accessible residential environment. The housing market is characterised by:

• A high number of detached homes and a low number of terraced houses; • A low number of flats compared with the district average; • A high level of owner-occupation and a low number of social rented houses.

The key issue affecting the housing market area is a lack of affordable housing. There are relatively low incomes compared to very high house prices, and a high cost of private renting, resulting in very high need for new affordable housing, particularly in the more rural parts of the area. There is a particular need for smaller accommodation (one and two bedrooms) and a need for social rented, intermediate and locals-only housing (particularly the former) in a number of areas.

Accessibility

In general terms, the area benefits from excellent strategic transport links. The M6 passes directly through the area. The West Coast mainline railway passes through Oxenholme, which is in very close proximity to Kendal, which itself is easily assessable by road from most parts of the area. The Key Service Centres also are

58 easily accessible by road, Milnthorpe being situated on the junction of the A6 and the B5282 and Kirkby Lonsdale being situated on the A65.

Whilst there are numerous connections from settlements to Kendal, there is poor access from the smaller villages and hamlets to the Key Service Centres of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale. The only regular service to Kirkby Lonsdale is to / from Kendal, passing through a limited number of smaller settlements – Lupton, Crooklands and Endmoor. The service from Kirkby Lonsdale to Sedbergh – which passes through Casterton, Barbon and Middleton, only runs of Thursdays. Therefore, there are limited alternatives to use of the private car for tourists and local employees.

There are slightly more services to and from Milnthorpe from the smaller villages in the area. However, the regular service that connects Arnside and Kendal passes through only Milnthorpe and Levens and therefore offers limited access to Milnthorpe from the surrounding rural hinterland. Another regular service that connects Lancaster in the south to Keswick in the northwest provides a link between Milnthorpe, Holme and Burton in Kendal. However, there are a large number of Local Service Centres and smaller villages and hamlets in close proximity to Milnthorpe, including Heversham and Leasgill and Sandside / Storth, for which there is no regular connecting bus service. The limited public transport provision to the Key Service Centres of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale are major contributing factors in creating localised traffic problems.

The environment

The area benefits from a high quality built and natural environment, with a rich and varied landscape character and a number of designated conservation areas.

The Lune Valley runs southwards from Sedbergh to Kirkby Lonsdale and is strongly defined by the Barbon and Middleton Fells to the east and lower rolling farmland to the west. The valley is broad and open with flat to gently undulating relief.

The area contains a very important conservation area at Kirkby Lonsdale, which protects a significant group of buildings of high architectural quality and a settlement form of great interest. In addition there are a number of other smaller village conservation areas such as Burton in Kendal and Beetham where the majority of the village is protected and others such as Milnthorpe and Heversham where designation focuses on the historic core of the settlement. In the surrounding landscape historic farmsteads with groups of farm buildings are a key visual component, while to the north and south west of Kendal there are a number of nucleated hamlets with mediaeval origins, sometimes containing early buildings with defensive features.

Cockpit Hill Motte and the Devil’s Bridge have been identified by English Heritage as being areas of national archaelogical importance, while almost all of the conservation area is identified as being of high importance.

Between the villages of Holme, Hutton Roof and Burton lies one of the most impressive areas of limestone habitats in Britain. Extending to more than 650 hectares, it is dominated by the impressive bulk of Farleton Knott, which rises to over 200 metres above sea level. Much of the area has been designated as a Site of

59 Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), reflecting its outstanding wildlife habitats. There are also two National Nature Reserves (NNR) and one Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

The parish of Arnside and part of the parish of Beetham fall within the Arnside – Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The primary purpose of the AONB designation is to protect and enhance the area’s natural beauty, including landscape, flora, fauna and geological features. Arnside Knot is situated on the edge of Morecambe Bay and is a distinctive and beautiful part of the northwest countryside that has fine views of the Lake District. The pele tower on Arnside Knott is an old coastal beacon defence designed to resist sieges in the time of Edward I.

Health and Wellbeing

Despite being located on the banks of the River Lune, Kirkby Lonsdale is elevated above the river and is not at high risk of flooding. Most of the town is situated in low probability flood risk area. An unnamed watercourse runs close to the northwest boundaries of the town and there is a narrow corridor of high probability flood zone. There are localised drainage problems along the A65 road at the junction with Biggins Road and near the junction at Dodgson Croft.

Milnthorpe lies adjacent to the River Bela, approximately 1km away from Morecambe Bay Estuary. Most of the settlement is within a low probability flood zone although there is an area of high probability flood zone close to the tidal River Bela at The Strand and Recreation Ground to the southwest.

Levens is situated next to a wide area of flat and low agricultural land associated with the lower reaches of the River Gilpin. To the west of Levens there are areas of raised defences that prevent floodwater from entering properties in times to flooding. There is a residual risk of flooding behind the raised defences and this risk could be high, particularly since residential properties have been built in close proximity to the raised defences. Any future development or redevelopment must consider the risks of building in close proximity to the defences. There is a localised flooding problem from an overloaded sewage pumping station near Cotes.

Burneside is located near the confluence of the River Kent and River Sprint. The majority of the flood risk is confined to the river corridors, with raised defences to the north near Burneside Mill. Detailed modelling has identified that to the south and southeast, there is a large area of agricultural land that is at a very high risk of flooding, situated within Zone 3b Functional Floodplain. Localised drainage issues have been identified that are related to overloaded public sewer infrastructure at Bridge Street and near New Road.

The provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities in the area is generally good, although there are identified shortfalls in informal open space (natural green spaces and amenity green spaces) in both Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale. Outside the Key Service Centres there is a need for further provision for children and young people – most notably in Holme and Levens. There are also problems with access to allotments in Kirkby Lonsdale and Arnside.

60 KEY ISSUES…

The area strategy aims to address the following challenges:

• Improving the function of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale as Key Service Centres. • Increasing both the quality and quantity of retail provision in the centre of Milnthorpe. • Providing affordable housing (the area of greatest affordable housing need in the plan area). • Maintaining and enhancing the natural, historic and other distinctive features that contribute to the character of the local landscape and settlements within the area. • Recognising the importance of the special qualities of the environment associated with the Arnside and Silverdale AONB and its setting and characteristics. • Improving public transport access from the rural hinterland to the Key Service Centres.

THE EAST (INCLUDING MILNTHORPE AND KIRKBY LONSDALE) TOMORROW…

Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale are important Key Service Centres in the area, providing vital retail, service and community functions for the wider catchment area. Targeted improvements have been made to public transport connectivity to the Key Service Centres from the other Local Service Centres and smaller villages and hamlets in the south and east of Cumbria.

Moderate new housing development has been incorporated in Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale in a way that is sensitive to the local landscape characteristics and the historic assets within and surrounding the settlements. Further housing provision has helped to increase the amount of affordable housing available to local people, helping to retain a greater number of young people and families in the town.

Local Housing Needs Surveys have been undertaken (and reviewed) for all the Local Service Centres in the area. Small-scale development has been allowed in the network of Local Service Centres to help sustain local services and meet local need for affordable housing.

Diversification of the rural economy has been supported, including opportunities for sustainable tourism developments.

The individual characters of settlements have been protected through the retention and protection of a network of green gaps.

The environmental importance of the AONB and areas of international environmental importance such as Morecambe Bay Pavements have been recognised and respected as new development has taken place.

HOW WE WILL GET THERE…

CS5 THE EAST (INCLUDING MILNTHORPE AND KIRKBY LONSDALE) The east (including Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale) area strategy includes the following settlements: • Milnthorpe, Kirkby Lonsdale (Key Service Centres); • Burneside, Oxenholme, Natland, Levens, Endmoor, Holme, Burton in Kendal, Arnside, Sandside / Storth (Local Service Centres); • A number of smaller villages and hamlets including Barbon, Beetham, Brigsteer, Carr Bank, Casterton, Endmoor (Low Park), Gatebank, Grayrigg, Hutton Roof, Old Hutton, Sedgwick, Slackhead, Old Hutton (Middleshaw), Old Hutton (Bridge End), New Hutton, Ackenwaite. The Council and its partners will aim to: Housing • Make provision for moderate housing development in Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale between 2003 and 2025, prioritising previously developed land and sites within the urban areas. • Make provision for small-scale housing development in the Local Service Centres and to a lesser extent in the smaller rural settlements in order to ensure a readily available supply of affordable housing. • Seek to ensure that 35% of housing delivered within the area is restricted to affordable housing. At least 55% of affordable housing delivered should be social rented, based on local need. • Ensure that new development outside Milnthorpe is restricted by local occupancy conditions (see CS8.3). Economy • Ensure that effective use is made of the limited amount of commercial / industrial land and buildings in Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale, promote opportunities for new space targeted at start-up and growing businesses and promote an entrepreneurial culture. • Promote the vitality and viability of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale and safeguard their role as Key Service Centres by promoting sites in the centre for development / redevelopment for mixed use including new retail space. • Maintain and enhance the strength of tourism across the area. Access • Work with partners to improve public transport as part of a comprehensive sustainable transport network within the area to support the planned growth. • Deliver improvements to footpaths and cycle routes in the area. • Investigate the potential for cycle hire and linked cycle routes from the rail station at Oxenholme. Environment • Protect and enhance the diverse character and local distinctiveness of the area by promoting high quality design. • Designate a series of green gaps to protect the individual character and setting of settlements. • Protect the network of green spaces and important environmental charac teristics and, in partnership with landowners, promote their positive use and management. • Ensure that new development safeguards and enhances the natural environment, notably the AONB and international designations within the area, including Morecambe Bay. • When considering development proposals within or affecting the setting of the Arnside / Silverdale AONB, give high priority to: o The conservation and enhancement of the character of the landscape, including its historic dimensions.

62 o The protection and, where appropriate, enhancement of flora, fauna and geological features. o Safeguarding these identified attributes from inappropriate change and development. • Safeguard and enhance buildings, sites and areas of heritage and cultural importance utilising the findings of conservation area appraisals and management plans Health and Wellbeing (Sustainable Communities) • Maintain and, where necessary, enhance sports and community facilities. • Provide further infrastructure (including health and education) in accordance with identified need, responding to significant changes in local demographics.

JUSTIFICATION

Housing Ke y Sources of evidence: In accordance with the overarching development strategy (CS1.2), the precise • North West Key Service Centres amount of housing development in Kirkby – Roles and Functions Lonsdale and Milnthorpe and the surrounding • AONB Management Plan and Local Service Centres will be dependent on Action Plan evidence of local need and the impact on the • Strategic Housing Land environment, landscape and historic setting. It Availability Assessment / is important to ensure that new housing Employment and Housing Land Search Study development is not out of character and does • SLDC Housing Needs Study not change the unique and special nature of • Employment Land and Premise s the area. Housing development will have to Study be carefully phased over the plan period. • Strategic Flood Risk CS6.1 provides an idea of how housing Assessment development might be dispersed and phased, • SLDC Open Space Assessment but should not be taken to pre-empt exactly how housing delivery will be achieved.

Based on the findings of the affordable housing study, 100% of annual additional dwellings should be affordable in order to fully address the current levels of need. However, targets for affordable housing must also consider the likely viability of schemes to ensure that they are deliverable. As such, the Core Strategy seeks to ensure that 35% of new dwellings in the area are affordable.

Evidence regarding the supply of housing in the area (outside Milnthorpe) and demand from both people moving into the area and local households in the emerging Strategic Housing Market Assessment supports the requirement to restrict new development in the area to local people, to ensure that they are able to access the housing market (see CS8.3).

The economy

The strategy seeks to ensure that effective use is made of the limited amount of commercial / industrial land and buildings in Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale and aims to promote opportunities for new space targeted at start-up and growing businesses. It also seeks to enhance the vitality and viability of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale by promoting sites in the centre for development.

63 Outside Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe, SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL economic development should support the viability and viability of the Local Main findings: Service Centres and meet identified local • The development proposals for need. Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale in this policy, such as new retail Accessibility space and sustainable transport improvements, have the It is imperative that improvements are potential to improve overall made to reduce the dependency on access to services and facilities for residents of those private car use. Developers of major sites settlements in particular but also should be required to contribute to the for those living in the wider improvement of local bus services with hinterland of the east area. the aim of providing good quality Significant issues of access may integration between other modes of still remain for rural residents, transport and bus services, and focusing especially those without their on improving accessibility between the own transport. Key Service Centres and the smaller • Moderate development is settlements across the area. proposed for the east area, much of which will be around the The environment edges of settlements where towns and villages meet the This is an attractive rural area situated wider countryside. The area is just outside the Lake District National home to the Arnside and Park and on the edge of Morecambe Bay. Silverdale AONB and to a high The strategy seeks to safeguard and quality landscape, including other designated sites; the area enhance the buildings, sites and areas of is also adjacent to the importance to the natural or historic Morecambe Bay SAC so there is environment, including the AONB. potential for harm to wildlife and loss of habitat. This policy will An appropriate assessment has been need to be supported by wider undertaken on the Core Strategy to initiatives by partner assess the impact of the development organisations and national and strategy on the internationally important international policies as well as environment designations in the area. The policies CS1.1 (sustainable Core Strategy seeks to support the development principles) and core policies on the natural delivery of the AONB Management Plan environment to maximise and Action Plan. sustainability benefits.

The area strategy supports, in principle, the retention / designation of strategic green gaps between: • Kendal and Burneside; • Kendal and Oxenholme; • Oxenholme and Natland; • Milnthorpe and Ackenthwaite.

Health and Wellbeing

The Council will apply the sequential approach set out in national policy. Where development is exceptionally necessary in flood risk areas the Council will work with the Environment Agency to ensure the development will be safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere and where possible reduce flood risk overall.

64 The development strategy for the area will have clear implications in terms of provision of services and facilities to meet local need over the plan period (social services, GPs, education, transport etc). The Core Strategy supports the provision of further services and facilities over the plan period, obtaining appropriate developer contributions to supplement any public funding that is available.

The additional population will also place pressure on existing open spaces, sport and recreation facilities in the area, which will require investment to ensure they can cope with the additional residents and to improve their overall quality. There is also a need to address identified shortfalls in provision, which are most commonly found in relation to allotments and provision for children and young people.

65 CS6 HOUSING TO MEET LOCAL NEED

MEETING THE HOUSING REQUIREMENT National and Regional Policy Context: The RSS requires the Core Strategy to make provision for a specified number of additional PPS1 – Delivering Sustainable dwellings – 400 per annum between 2003 and Development 2021. For the purpose of producing Local Development Frameworks, local planning PPS3 – Housing authorities should assume that the average annual requirement will continue for a limited RSS – L2,L3,L4,L5 period beyond 2021. The Core Strategy covers to Regional Housing Strategy period up to 2025. On the basis that the annual RSS requirement is applied between 2021 and 2025, this equates to 8,800 additional dwellings in total (2003-2025). The number of new dwellings set by the Government has been calculated having regard to changing household structure and predicted population change over the plan period.

By March 2009, approximately 1,305 dwellings had been built (since 2003) and a further 1,141 already had planning permission.

National housing guidance requires the Council to maintain a rolling five-year supply of housing against this target – meaning, in simple terms, that we should have enough housing schemes with planning permission at any one time to meet the target for the next five years (around 2,000 permissions at any one time). Until the Allocations of Land DPD is adopted, the district’s five-year supply is reliant on existing commitments and other windfall development.

This Core Strategy proposes that land is allocated to accommodate an additional 4,600 dwellings and suitable sites will be identified in the Allocations of Land DPD. Thus the Core Strategy provides for around 7,000 dwellings as commitments and allocations, with the remainder being met through a small sites allowance.

In calculating an appropriate small sites allowance, regard has been given to the recommendations of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) and the requirements of PPS3. Where there is evidence of a consistently high proportion of new dwellings generated on small sites that were not expected to come forward for development, there is a strong case for adopting a small site allowance as an element of the total housing requirement for the district. There is a clearly recognised risk that, if unexpected developments on small sites (including, for instance, subdivisions of large houses or development in gardens) – which are likely to occur, regardless of how thorough the SHLAA is – are not taken into account, then this could lead to over allocation of greenfield land, which would be counter to PPS3 (and achievement of targets for levels of development of previously developed land) and the core objective of protecting the local environment.

Although the SHLAA has taken a comprehensive approach to site identification and has not used a minimum site size, it was recommended that it was justifiable to apply a reasonable small site allowance. This approach will enhance the robustness of the strategy by taking into account potential unexpected development which by definition would not be covered as part of the SHLAA site assessment, such as conversions, changes of use and small infill schemes (such as development of gardens).

The SHLAA assessed past rates of housing development on small previously developed sites between April 2003 and March 2008. Across the area as a whole,

66 476 dwellings were completed on these previously developed sites over the five-year period. The overall supply from small sites has remained relatively static, indicating that this potential source is not yet close to depletion.

The Core Strategy includes an assumption that approximately 1,500 dwellings will be developed on unidentified small sites between 2010 and 2025 (100 per annum). The remainder of the small site assumption takes account of identified small site potential in the SHLAA.

The target in the RSS is for 50% of housing development to take place on previously developed land. The SHLAA study concluded that there was availability (much of which remains heavily constrained) for around 1,800 dwellings on previously developed land and buildings. If all of these sites were developed, this would equate to around 30% of the remaining requirement. On the basis that the vast majority of the small sites allowance (1,800 dwellings) is provided on previously development land and buildings, it is anticipated that the Council might be able to achieve the target of 50% of all new housing development to be on previously developed land as suggested in the North West Regional Spatial Strategy, however this will be dependent on being able to overcome significant constraints on a number of sites.

In some cases the growth proposed will not be possible without improvements to infrastructure, particularly utility provision, and development may therefore need to be delayed until improvements are made. Leaving the largest proportion of housing development until the later stages of the plan period will help to ensure that development takes place only when key infrastructure has been provided. If infrastructure constraints cannot be resolved or suitable interim solutions found, the rates of growth will need to be reviewed.

The housing trajectory (see Appendix L) shows the rate of housing provision that will be planned in order to deliver the overall requirement of 8,800 homes by 2025 and based on the phased allocation proposed in the policy below. The progress of housing development will be monitored in the Annual Monitoring Report.

CS6.1 – MEETING THE HOUSING REQUIREMENT

8,800 dwellings will be built between 2003 and 2025 in accordance with the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West. These dwellings will be built in locations which accord with the Spatial Strategy (CS1.2) having regard to the needs of each location and their capacity to support additional development.

Allocations of new residential developments will be identified in the Allocations of Land DPD in accordance with the dwellings number identified in the table overleaf. The targets for individual Local Service Centres are indicative as CS1 establishes a grouped target.

Consideration of unallocated sites will be assessed against the following criteria:

• The sequential approach to housing development in PPS3; • The prioritisation and assessment of suitability, availability and achievability of sites within the Council’s Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment; • In the interests of managing housing supply, the number of dwellings that will be permissible in individual towns and villages in given periods, based on the phased hou sing targets and the overarching development strategy in CS1.

67 MEETING THE HOUSING REQUIREMENT

SHLAA Housing SITES ALL sites Housing Housing Target Built Small Cat 1 & 2 less Percentage Stock Stock 2003- Growth since Sites Scenario3 OTHER Housing Housing Stock Increase Settlement 1991 2009 2025 share % 2003 Dwellings Projected 2009-2010 Dwellings Projected 2010-2011 Dwellings Projected 2011-2012 Dwellings Projected 2012-2013 Dwellings Projected 2013-2014 2010-2015 Allocations 2015-2020 Allocations 2020-2025 Allocations Estimate Total >9 units STUDIES Target 2025 2009 - 2025 Kendal (inc Oxenholme) 10220 13294 3080 35 366 129 139 70 70 48 320 500 809 629 3080 2383 488 613 16008 20 Ulverston 4729 5683 1760 20 290 23 23 23 23 23 200 300 478 377 1760 915 817 377 7153 26 Grange 1775 2367 616 7 77 8 19 20 8 8 75 110 158 133 616 354 760 638 2906 23 Milnthorpe 784 980 264 3 11 13 3 3 3 3 40 60 65 63 264 787 355 914 1233 26 Kirkby Lonsdale 685 1000 264 3 50 7 7 7 7 7 30 40 59 50 264 720 274 815 1214 21

Key Service Centres 18193 23324 5984 68 794 180 191 123 111 89 665 1010 1569 1252 5984 5159 2694 3357 28514 22 Allithwaite 441 560 110 1.25 22 4 4 4 4 4 12 20 17 19 110 288 114 334 648 16 Arnside 986 1280 132 1.5 20 2 2 2 3 3 20 25 27 28 132 95 120 115 1392 9 Broughton in Furness 385 486 88 1 17 1 1 1 2 2 10 15 21 18 88 0 114 50 557 15 Burneside 540 674 88 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 20 29 23 88 203 0 121 761 13 Burton in Kendal 516 647 132 1.5 18 1 2 2 1 1 15 25 37 30 132 51 516 460 761 18 Cartmel 260 336 66 0.75 3 2 2 2 2 2 8 10 20 15 66 49 220 216 399 19 Endmoor 436 552 88 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 15 20 26 23 88 142 92 150 636 15 Flookburgh / Cark 707 896 176 2 51 13 3 3 3 3 15 25 32 28 176 106 379 385 1021 14 Great / Little Urswick 562 680 132 1.5 21 1 1 1 1 1 15 25 36 30 132 29 231 154 791 16 Grenenodd / Penny Bridge 282 368 66 0.75 2 1 1 1 0 0 10 15 19 17 66 13 0 -48 432 17 Holme 444 682 220 2.5 88 18 12 1 1 1 15 25 31 28 220 221 891 1013 814 19 Kirkby in Furness 383 469 88 1 10 1 1 1 1 1 10 20 23 20 88 48 106 81 547 17 Levens 400 535 132 1.5 32 1 0 0 0 0 15 25 31 28 132 171 363 435 635 19 Natland 287 376 66 0.75 13 1 1 1 1 1 10 10 15 13 66 75 66 93 429 14 Sandside / Storth 702 849 132 1.5 5 2 2 2 2 2 15 30 39 33 132 118 209 210 976 15 Swathmoor 699 889 132 1.5 3 0 0 0 0 0 20 30 43 36 132 0 891 762 1018 15

Local Service Centres 8030 10279 1848 21 310 49 33 22 22 22 215 340 448 387 1848 1609 4312 4531 11817 15 All other areas 2432 3242 968 11 201 17 32 17 17 17 120 150 211 186 968 344 539 216 4009 24 Total 28655 36845 8800 100 1305 246 256 162 150 128 1000 1500 2228 1825 8800 7112 7545 8104 44340 20 Annual Phased Allocation 200 300 446

68 Notes on Meeting the Housing Requirement table on previous page:

N.B. Columns may not add up due to rounding. Small sites assumed 1,825 units or 27.85%. Allithwaite/Cartmel - now split Allithwaite and Cartmel. Housing stock 2009 taken from Council Tax records. Built since 2003 from Development Plans HLA monitoring and National indicators. Projected dwellings 09-14 derived from Housing Land position report 2009. Allocations: % applied to the remainder of (target less completed less projected dwellings less small sites allowance). Allocations: percentages applied 1st 5yrs c21%, 2nd 5yrs c32% 3rd 5yrs c47%. Small sites: SHLAA and other studies identify 400 units on sites of less than 10 units. Small sites: SHLAA also identifies 95 units per year for windfall, so total for the plan period = 15 x 95 = 1,425 Small sites total = 1,825 which is 27.85% of the total required (target less completed less projected dwellings from 2009 to2014) Small sites: 27.85% applied to all settlements to allow allocation totals to be derived. Small sites in Category 3 now removed from SHLAA total. Lindal in Furness is not included within the table as, whilst listed as a Local Service Centre, the majority of the village falls outside the LDF area.

69 DWELLING MIX AND TYPE

Aside from meeting the need for affordable housing, the Council believes it is important to meet the local demand for a variety of market housing. The South Lakeland Housing Need and Market Assessment suggests that a high proportion of newly forming households leave the area whilst more established households move into the area. Over the years this has contributed to much higher proportions of elderly and retired people being resident in South Lakeland. In 2006, almost 27,000 of the area’s 105,000 residents were of retirement age (more than 1 in 4).

Furthermore, the number of elderly people is expected to rise significantly in the period up to 2026 when it is predicted that around 35,000 of the area’s 117,500 residents will be of retirement age. Accordingly, increased provision needs to be made for the particular housing requirements of older people. The Council will therefore aim to ensure that all new houses that are built are suitable, or easily adaptable, for occupation by the elderly and infirm (Lifetime Homes Standard or equivalent). The lifetime homes concept increases choice, independence and longevity of tenure, and is vital to individual and community wellbeing.

More generally, the Housing Needs and Market Assessment analysed the general market pressures and indicated the types of properties that are in short supply by housing market and Key Service Centres. It is important that new general market housing development addresses the identified shortages.

CS6.2 – DWELLING MIX AND TYPE

The Core Strategy seeks to ensure that: • New developments offer a range of housing sizes and types, taking account of the housing requirement of different groups of society. • All new housing should be easily adoptable for everyone, from young families to older people and individuals with a temporary or permanent physical impairment. All housing should be built to “Lifetime Homes” standards.

The provision of purpose-built and / or specialist accommodation for the elderly, in appropriate locations within selected settlements in accordance with CS1, and well served by public transport and local services, will be supported, provided that it does not detract from the character of the surrounding areas or involve the use of land safeguarded for employment purposes where the need for such safeguarding remains.

Applicants should ensure that plans submitted for planning permission, together with the accompanying access statement, explain how each of the design criteria for Lifetime Homes has been satisfied in the proposal.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND LOCAL OCCUPANCY HOUSING

The need for affordable housing is acute. The large gap between house prices and average income, the demand for second homes and the limited supply of new affordable properties in recent years have all contributed to the problem.

Given the extent of affordable housing need in the area, it is appropriate that the vast majority of developments contribute towards affordable housing provision. To make a significant contribution towards addressing need it is therefore necessary to set high

70 targets and low thresholds. However, at the same time, the contributions required must be achievable and viable.

The amount of affordable housing provided above the thresholds should normally not be less than 35% of the total number of dwellings proposed. There may still be negotiation over the number and size of units and how many are to be social rented or discounted for sale. Setting a higher contribution target has been considered, as has setting a different percentage for the different housing market areas. However, whilst the viability study confirms that many schemes, such as greenfield sites in high value market areas e.g. parts of Cartmel Peninsula, could be considered viable to develop at 50% affordable housing, in many instances the residual land values are unlikely to encourage landowners and developers to bring forward sites. It is imperative that there is sufficient incentive for development to take place, otherwise the actual levels of affordable housing being delivered will decrease. However, in order to maximize the delivery of affordable housing, the Council retains the right to set a higher affordable housing requirement for specific allocated sites where it can be demonstrated to be viable.

The delivery of off-site affordable housing is dependent on the availability of land and therefore the Council will have to be proactive in order to realise its ambitions. The Council will continue to work with partners such as the Homes and Community Agency (HCA) and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to supplement the provision of affordable housing through the private sector with publicly funded schemes.

As already mentioned, South Lakeland is a popular area for people to move to and consequently local people have to compete with persons from outside who, usually, will be financially better off. To ensure that local people who would not quality for affordable housing can access the housing market, and further to requiring an affordable housing contribution from new developments, the occupancy of a proportion of new housing will be restricted to people with a local connection in areas of identified need (see table below).

Kendal The East Kendal Milnthorpe Kirkby Lonsdale Other areas in the East Estimated available supply up to 2025 11028 576 546 5496 Estimated demand in migrants 3939 150 210 2457 Estimated demand existing households 2454 327 687 5562 Projected surplus / shortfall 4635 99 -351 -2523

Ulverston and Furness Cartmel Peninsula Ulverston & Grange over Cartmel Peninsula Ulverston Furness Rural Sands Rural Estimated available supply up to 2025 3321 2469 2286 1401 Estimated demand in migrants 1104 1152 945 552 Estimated demand existing households 1113 1836 1035 981 Projected surplus / shortfall 1104 -519 306 -132

71 CS6.3 – PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING / LOCAL OCCUPANCY HOUSING

The Council will consider the appropriateness of allocating sites in every community in the plan area in order to ensure the delivery of affordable housing to meet local need and achieve housing requirements in the RSS. The percentage of affordable housing to be provided on allocated sites will be depedent on local land supply, housing need and viability, including the potential for allocating sites solely for affordable housing.

Planning permission for the erection of new dwellings or conversion of existing buildings to dwellings will be permitted provided that the scheme provides local housing (including affordable housing) in accordance with the following:

• On all schemes of 9 or more dwellings in the Principal / Key Service Centres, and 3 or more dwellings outside of these areas, no less than 35% of the total number of dwellings proposed are affordable. More affordable housing should be provided unless there is evidence that it would not be viable to do so; • The affordable housing provided is made available solely to people in housing need at an affordable cost for the life of the property. The Council will ensure that any planning permission granted is subject to appropriate conditions and / or planning obligations to secure its affordability in perpetuity; • On all schemes below the threshold for on site affordable housing provision, a financial contribution may be required in lieu of on site provision to help meet identified local need in the area; • The mix and tenure of affordable housing provided reflects the identified housing needs at the time of the proposal as demonstrated in the Housing Market Assessment and waiting list information; • The affordable housing shall be mixed within the development; • In addition to the affordable housing requirements above, all residential development across the district outside the service centres of Kendal, Ulverston, Milnthorpe and Grange over Sands will be required to be for non- affordable local occupancy; • Eligibility for local occupancy housing would extent to the District and surrounding areas as defined in the monitoring and implementation framework.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN RURAL AREAS

Where it would be inappropriate to allocate mix use housing sites, the Council will actively support the implementation of affordable housing ‘exception’ schemes. This should be done in consultation with the local community. Such exception sites should be only for affordable housing in perpetuity and should seek to address the needs of the local community by accommodating households who are either current residents or have an existing family connection or employment connection, whilst also ensuring that rural areas continue to develop as sustainable, mixed and inclusive communities.

Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are another mechanism for delivering affordable housing. A CLT is an independent non-profit trust, which owns or controls land and facilities in perpetuity for the benefit of the community. There is no single model for these organisations, but they require high levels of community participation, generally including representation on a trust board, and qualifying for the homes they provide usually depends on a local connection.

72 CS6.4 – COMMUNITY LE D AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICY

Housing development proposals outside of the settlement boundaries in the Service Centres, and where it does not constitute infilling or rounding off in the smaller villages and hamlets without boundaries will only be considere d where they provide 100% affordable housing under the following exception site criteria:

• There is clear evidence of local support for the scheme, having regard to the views of the Parish Council’s within the Local Area Partnership • There is clear and robust evidence of housing need. • The housing will be affordable in perpetuity and for people with a local connection. • The scheme is of a scale and style appropriate to its immediate surroundings. • There is clear evidence of viability of the scheme. • The scheme demonstrates good design that is sympathetic to the local area.

The Council will facilitate a rolling programme of Housing Needs Surveys to provide evidence of local need. The Core Strategy also supports the development of Community Land Trusts (CLTs) as a vehicle for the Community Led Affordable Housing.

The Council will continue to utilise resources from additional Council Tax from Second Home owners to allocate directly to affordable housing initiatives.

ACCOMODATION FOR GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS

It is important that the Core Strategy meet the needs of all sections of the community, including gypsies and travellers. Organised groups of travelling showpeople are excluded from the planning definition of ‘gypsies and travellers’ but their accommodation requirements are similar. The partial review of the Regional Spatial Strategy will include targets for the provision of gypsies, travellers and travelling show people. Historically, there has not been a large gypsy and traveller community in South Lakeland. This is reflected in the fact that, apart from encampments during the Appleby Fair, there are few cases of unlawful sites or encampments.

CS6.5 Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

Appropriate provision will be made to meet ident ified need in line with the development strategy in CS1 and emerging targets in the partial review of the RSS. The following criteria will be used to guide the identification of sites and the determination of planning proposals where specific sites cannot be identified through the Allocations of

Land DPD. The criteria will require that proposed sites and allocations demonstrate:

1. The need for an additional site for gypsies and travelling people within the District / the need for travelling showpeople with e stablished business links in the district to have a site; 2. The development will have an acceptable impact on the environment or character of the area or existing surrounding uses; 3. The development includes landscape screening to minimise the impact on the character and amenities of the surrounding area; 4. The development would result in acceptable traffic impact on surrounding minor roads, and adequate access, parking, turning and servicing can be provided;

5. The development can be served by necessary utilities infrastructure; 6. Proposals include the long-term management of the site and any additional uses intended to be carried out from the site.

Conditions will be used to control the nature and level of non-residential uses on the site. 73 MAKING EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT USE OF LAND

National policy requires local planning authorities to avoid the inefficient use of land in accommodating new residential development and, thereby, to help to reduce the loss of greenfield sites to development on the edge of settlements. Accordingly, it encourages housing to be developed at a minimum density of 30 dwellings per hectare. Building at higher densities in the Key Service Centres can also help to sustain and improve access to local services and public transport and minimise the need to travel. A more flexible approach is appropriate in the smaller settlements and for exception schemes in the countryside. In assessing what density is appropriate priority will be given to ensuring that making efficient use of land does not result in development that detracts from the character of the area. The precise density will therefore be determined having regard to the site’s immediate context, on-site constraints, the type of development proposed and the need to provide an appropriate mix of house types and sizes to meet the community’s needs.

In extreme circumstances, the Council will consider use of its Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to ensure the key issues and objectives for housing are achieved.

CS6.6 – MAKING EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT USE OF LAND AND BUILDINGS

The Council will seek to make effective and efficient use of land and buildings through the following planning requirements and actions:

1. Seeking to ensure that 50% of housing development takes place on previously developed land and buildings. 2. Supporting a strategy to bring previously developed land and buildings and empty housing into housing use. This will include: • Planning to address obstacles to the development of vacant or derelict sites; • Encouraging innovative housing schemes that make effective use of public sector previously developed land; • Seeking to identify and bring into residential use empty housing and buildings in line with local housing and empty homes strategies and, where appropriate, acquiring properties under Compulsory Purchase. 3. Targeting non statutory organisations which own land in South Lakeland to encourage the release of sites for affordable housing; 4. Meeting the target of an average density of at least 30 dwellings per hectare for all housing developments. Higher densities will be sought on appropriate sites, particularly those: • Close to transport hubs such as bus stations or main bus routes; • In or adjoining Kendal, Ulverston, Grange, Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale centres. In some circumstances, a lower density below 30 dwellings per hectare will be supported if: • There is proven need; • Environmental constraints mean that it is not suitable for high-density development.

74 CS7 JOBS SKILLS AND REGENERATION

LAND FOR JOBS AND BUSINESSES National and Regional Policy Context Since 2003, approximately 1.27 hectares of employment land have been taken up for PPG4 - Industrial, Commercial employment use annually in South Development and Small Firms Lakeland (see table below). This is PPS6 – Planning for Town somewhat lower that the previous Centres employment land target of 3.8 hectares per Good Practice Guide on Planning annum in the Cumbria and Lake District for Tourism PPS7 – Rural Areas Structure Plan.

RSS – W1, W2, W3,W4,W5,W6,W7 It is likely that the relatively low rate of take up of land for employment use is not an Regional Economic Strategy indication of lack of demand, but rather that Cumbria Economic Strategy it is due to the lack of suitable sites in appropriate locations. This assumption is backed up by commercial appraisals, consultations and business surveys and is confirmed by the findings of the 2005 Employment Land and Premises Study (ELPS), which found that only five potential employment sites in the area (of those allocated for employment use in the last Local Plan) that were available for development had no serious issues or constraints.

More recent monitoring in March 2008 showed that the available employment land supply has decreased. A few sites have been completed or are under construction. Of the total land supply of 15.55 hectares, only 5.67 hectares can be considered as ‘available’ as defined in the RSS, as “fully services and actively marketed, or likely to be services in the next three years”.

Historic Employment Land Take Up and Current Supply (in hectares)

Total Development Development Total “Available” “Available” Total Employment completions completions completions allocated committed Available Land of allocated not on 01 04 03 – sites. All sites. All employment allocated in employment allocated 31 03 08 sites sites sites Local Plan land (all employment including including sites) land (all constrained constrained 01 04 03 – sites) sites sites 31 03 08 01 04 03 – excluding excluding 31 03 08 sites under sites under construction construction at 31 03 08 at 31 03 08 B1 5.07 0 (0.39 for 0 0 3.40 0.32 3.72 non B use) (excluding 0.18 at Crakeside not available as own use) B2 0 0 0 0 0 0.28 0.28

B8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

General B 22 3.01 2.94 5.95 7.18 1.55 8.73 use B1/B2/B8 4.32 0.40 0 0.40 2.82 0 2.82 area of a mixed use allocation Grand Total 31.39 3.41 2.94 6.35 13.40 2.15 15.55

75 The RSS advises that the pattern and scale of provision of allocated employment land should be determined by local employment land reviews. The Council’s Employment Land and Premises Study (ELPS, 2005) provides evidence for the employment land requirement up to 2016. This will shortly be reviewed to ensure that evidence is available to cover supply and demand up to 2025, with an interim review undertaken in the form of the Employment Land Position Statement 2009.

The ELPS recommended that the Council should seek to ensure that around 4 hectares of employment land are provided per annum. It is argued that this land is fundamentally required due to the very low vacancy rates in South Lakeland; the paucity of allocated high quality, unconstrained employment sites; the need to provide an adequate choice of sites for development over the longer term in order to respond to demand; the facilitation of aspirations for Kendal to act as an Employment Zone for residents in the Lake District National Park; the importance of ensuring that Ulverston remains an important contributor to the District’s economy it is own right (to balance the relative vitality of the east); and to align the employment land offer with the pro-active economic vision of the District.

This level of provision equates to 60 hectares of employment land to be provided between 2010 and 2025. Further land may need to be provided as part of employment land allocations to serve as potential locations for household waste recycling centres, particularly in relation to the Principal and Key Service Centres.

As well as the provision of sufficient new employment land, achieving the District's economic objectives is dependent on protecting and enhancing existing employment sites. The Core Strategy seeks to protect and enhance the District's most sustainable and valued employment areas by identifying them as employment zones and applying policies within the areas to favour employment use, whilst allowing some mixed-use development in appropriate locations. Several of these zones are coming under pressure from other forms of development and significant areas of former employment land have been lost to other uses, notably housing.

Whilst redeveloping for housing outworn employment areas that do not meet current needs accords with national planning policy, it is important to ensure that the supply of employment land and premises is maintained.

All employment areas are being reviewed to ensure their continuing suitability. Where employment is still considered to be the most appropriate use, designation as an employment zone will be proposed.

A number of employment zones will also be identified where an existing employment allocation is virtually complete or where a designation is considered necessary to protect an existing employment use.

Details of proposed employment zones will be set out in the Allocations of Land DPD and will be identified on the proposals maps.

76 CS7.1 – MEETING THE EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT

The Core Strategy will seek to ensure that around 4 hectares of employment land are allocated per annum between 2010 and 2025.

The Council w ill seek to maintain a rolling provision of five years’ worth of high quality, unconstrained land for each employment land market sector that is readily available for development at any one time, spatially distributed across the District in accordance with the sequential hierarchy in CS1. This equates to around 20 hectares of land.

Suitable employment related development in existing employment areas, including extensions to premises, will normally be permitted.

It will be necessary to ensure that the allocation of any greenfield land for employment use is phased, in order to prioritise the use of previously developed land.

SLDC will work with owners and developers of several of the sites with surmountable constraints to bring forth mitigation measures sufficient to make them attractive for commercial use.

Due to the relative lack of unconstrained and available sites in the District, it is necessary to strongly enforce policies aimed at safeguarding and maintaining the best employment sites from redevelopment for other uses.

Good quality unallocated sites which are currently in employment use will be preserved. Conversely, those sites that have been identified as being uneconomical, severely constrained or otherwise unavailable for future employment use should not be allocated in the LDF.

Proposals will be encouraged to improve the quality of the environment, signage, security and accessibility of the sites.

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT LAND REQUIRED AND SECTORAL SPLIT

In light of the need to be responsive to future economic demands it would not be appropriate for the Core Strategy to break down the employment land allocation between B1, B2 and B8 use 3. However, it is noted that there should still be a particular allocation relating to high quality office / research and development / light industrial space (i.e. for B1 use only). Whilst the figures suggest a decline in B1 use in South Lakes over recent years, business leaders involved in the industry suggest that this is likely to increase again. Particular opportunities arise from the M6 corridor and there is potential for substantial high value knowledge-based allocation, likely to be B1, arising from the ability of Kendal to cater for the needs of Lake District residents.

The ELPS recommended that the overall requirement for 60 hectares of additional employment land over the next 15 years should be split so that:

• 26% of the total is provided for strategic employment sites 4 (16 hectares); • 32% of the total is provided for business / science parks 5 (19 hectares); and • 42% of the total is provided for local employment sites 6 (25 hectares).

3 For the purposes of this policy, employment land is defined as land for industrial/business development and covers use classes B1a (offices), B1b (research & development), B1c (light industry), B2 (general industry) and B8 (storage & distribution). 4 Strategic employment sites – Large sites of 8+ hectares, located close to primary road network and aimed at larger businesses. 5 Business Parks – High quality employment sites aimed at office / high tech industry.

77 The large amount of local employment sites would satisfy the local need to provide expansion sites and to encourage local businesses to remain in the area – a key priority for the Core Strategy. They would also ensure that there would be ample facilities for new investment in the area.

CS7.2 – TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT LAND REQUIRED AND SECTORAL SPLIT

Of the total employment land requirement of 60 hectares, 70% will be allocated for General B use and the remaining 30% specifically allocated for high quality B1 employment uses.

The delivery of employment land will be allocated in accordance with the following split (based on the distribution of development in CS1):

Location Allocations 2010-2015 2016-2020 2020-25 Total Strategic Kendal 3 3 3 15 Employment Ulverston 2 2 2 Site Local Kendal, Ulverston 1 1 1 30 Employment Site Grange over Sands, 3 3 3 Milnthorpe, Kirkby Lonsdale Local Service Centres 4 4 4 Other Rural Settlements 2 2 2 Business / Kendal 3 3 3 15 Science Park Ulverston 2 2 2 Total 20 20 20 60

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Across the country, there is a trend of falling pupil numbers in primary and secondary schools and the decline is expected to continue for at least the next 20 years. In Cumbria, it is estimated that about one quarter of school places will become empty over the next decade. It is very important that the Core Strategy plans for the future to ensure that the correct number and type of schools are delivered and that they are the right size and in the right locations. As a result, there is a need to review and, where necessary, rationalise school provision. At the same time, there is an opportunity to invest in building new schools to meet modern educational needs and improve levels of educational attainment. There are also opportunities to promote wider community use of school facilities.

Good quality higher education, training and skills development are essential to ensure that all sectors of the community have the opportunity to share and take an active part in the future prosperity of South Lakeland. A trained resident workforce is important to ensure a skilled local labour pool for new and expanding enterprises in the District. The Core Strategy sets the framework for increasing the value of the local economy and providing higher paid jobs. It is important that the local community has the skills to access such jobs. The Council will encourage educational institutions to develop and maintain strong links with their neighbouring communities.

6 Local Employment Sites – Minimum of 1 hectare to suit a range of sizes and types of use.

CS7.3 EDUCATION AND SKILLS

The Core Strategy supports the modernisation and enhancement of provision for education and training through:

• Encouraging investment in education and training at existing facilities; • Supporting the development of further and higher education in the district, including Cumbria University and Kendal College; • Working with partners to foster opportunities for skills development and encourage life-long learning; • Supporting links between local businesses and higher and further education establishments; • Supporting the Local Education Authority’s school re-organisation programme; • Identifying sites for new schools – to satisfy new needs – which are easily accessible and are well related to their catchments; • Re-using redundant school sites to support regeneration priorities and the creation of sustainable communities; • Ensuring that, where appropriate, development proposals make a contribution to education and training needs.

RURAL ECONOMY

Outside the Service Centres, the importance of providing for the social and economic needs of rural communities and supporting the rural economy are key considerations. Many aspects of the LDF strategy influence the sustainability of the rural economy, including the scale, location and type of housing and environmental considerations. A careful balance needs to be achieved in supporting proposals that assist the economic sustainability of local communities, whilst addressing any potential environmental consequences and seeking to ensure that opportunities are taken to enhance the environment. It is recognised that a site may be an acceptable location for small-scale economic development even though it may not be readily accessible by public transport.

The Council is keen to encourage farm enterprises to diversify into new agricultural and non-agricultural business activities that will not only help to sustain the rural economy but will also be compatible with protecting and, where possible, enhancing its rural character and environmental resources. Farm diversification may involve various type of enterprise, including the introduction of different methods of agricultural production, the use of new crops, adding value to farm products, tourism, recreation, farm shops and leasing land or buildings to non-agricultural businesses.

The recently launched Cumbria Fells and Dales Rural Development Programme will be delivering £8m-worth of funding for a range of activities aimed at assisting farmers, foresters, small rural businesses and rural communities in mid and south Cumbria. The programme will run until 2013. Activities will include grants, training and information provision, supporting farm diversification, advisory services and business creation and development.

The Core Strategy seeks to encourage new working practices such as live/work units or home working in a sustainable way. Live/work developments can also meet the needs of businesses beyond the immediate development, as a form of business hub. The traditional role of market towns and larger villages servicing the wider rural community can be enhanced by providing flexible workspaces and facilities, such as meeting rooms etc, for smaller and home-based businesses via rural business hubs.

79 This can build upon the traditional interdependence of market towns and the villages they serve.

The Core Strategy recognises the importance of village shops and services and other small-scale economic users, including village pubs, to rural communities and seeks to take that into account when accessing development proposals that would result in their loss. The Council will also respond positively to proposals for the conversion or extension of shops that are designed to improve their viability.

CS7.4 RURAL ECONOMY Support will be give to the economic needs of rural communities by encouraging: • The provision of broadband in rural areas; • The retention or expansion of appropriate businesses outside the service centres; • The re-use of suitable rural buildings for employment-generating uses; • The provision of live/work units and development of rural business hubs in appropriate locations; • The diversification of the agricultural economy. The Council recognises the environment as a critical driver in the local economy. The Council will support the following projects: • Enhanced training delivery for traditional land-based skills and traditional buildings skills; • The provision of a range of opportunities for geological / environmental training to support local jobs; • Schemes such as English Woodland Grant Scheme and Environmental Stewardship Schemes, and ensuring that new enterprises do not preclude / hinder the success of a scheme that is already in operation and that opportunities for the enterprise to support the scheme are taken. Favourable consideration will be given to suitable employment-related development in rural areas where the proposal: • Is of a scale in keeping with its surroundings; • Does not detract from the amenity of residential areas; • Is not detrimental to the character or appearance of the landscape or settlement; and • Does not give rise to unacceptable levels of traffic. Favourable consideration wi ll be given to proposals to convert redundant buildings for employment uses where: • The buildings is structurally sound and capable of conversion without major rebuilding, extension or modification to the existing structure; • Such a use would not detract fro m the character or appearance of the landscape or settlement and would not be detrimental to the amenities of residential areas; • The building is served by a satisfactory access; and • Services are readily available on site. Planning permission for the conve rsion of rural buildings to employment generating uses with ancillary living accommodation will be granted provided the proposal accords with the following criteria:

• Is well related to the existing road network with direct access off a public road, and th e proposals will not create conditions prejudicial to highway safety;

• Not be situated in very isolated positions, relative to local services such as shops, schools etc; • Ideally be situated close to public transport routes; • Is of a scale and type appropriate to the locality and would not adversely alter the appearance or character of the surrounding area; • Is of a good standard of design and satisfactorily blends into the locality in terms of design, landscaping and materials; • Concerns a building which is of some architectural merit in its own right, is important to the character of the locality and is structurally sound and capable of the proposed re-use without major re-building; • Shows a domestic curtilage which i s minimal, unobtrusive and capable of being screened; • Relates to an employment use which is designed so that it can be used independently of the dwelling space (so that employment potential is not restricted only to occupants of the dwelling space); and • De monstrates that the building is of sufficient size to accommodate a genuine business use and that any residential accommodation will be ancillary to that use. Proposals for substantial residential accommodation with a token area given over to business use will be considered to be residential development and will therefore fall outside the scope of this policy. ‘New build’ live/work units, which do not involve the conversion of an important rural building, will generally only be acceptable on infill sites and where it constitutes rounding off (see CS1.1).

TOWN CENTRES AND RETAIL STRATEGY

Retailing and other town centre uses, such as leisure, are important elements of the strategy for the service centres. A retail study has been completed which assesses the future quantitative need for future convenience and comparison goods in each of the service centres.

National policy states that development plans should establish a hierarchy of retail centres in the district and that new retail development reflects this. The Core Strategy hierarchy reflects the principles of the development strategy (CS1) and the current retail function of the various centres.

Kendal is the largest centre and provides a range of food and non-food retail and other services, serving a much wider area than just the town and its immediate hinterland. It is important that Kendal remains attractive and competitive and retains its position in the sub-region’s retail hierarchy. Kendal is identified in the RSS as key regional retail centre.

Ulverston is the second largest centre, providing a range of services and facilities in the Furness Peninsula. Smaller centres in the other Key Service Centres – Kirkby Lonsdale, Grange over Sands and Milnthorpe – provide a range of services for their rural hinterland. Below them, Local Service Centres provide for basic or everyday local needs without residents having to travel to a larger service centre within, or outside, South Lakeland. Local Service Centres also service a wider rural community than just the immediate settlement in which they are located.

CS7.5 TOWN CENTRE AND RETAIL STRATEGY

Support will be given to maintaining and enhancing the vitality and viability of the following hierarchy of town and local centres:

KENDAL Large town centre – serves the District and beyond. ULVERSTON Medium town centre – serves a wide rural catchment. GRANGE, KIKRBY Smaller centres – provide a range of services for local LONSDALE AND residents and their rural catchments. MILNTHORPE LOCAL SERVICE Local centres – provide for basic or everyday local needs and CENTRES for their immediate rural catchment.

Retail and other town centre development of a scale appropriate to these roles and in sustainable locations will be supported in each Principal, Key and Local Service Centre, provided that development respects the character of the centre, including its special architectural and historic interest and assists in maintaining its existing retail function. Support will also be dependent on how it reflects need as identified in the retail study and other evidence. Site selection for retail and other town centre functions should follow prevailing national and regional policies.

The Core Strategy will seek to enhance local provision within centres and encourage local sustainable shopping patterns by addressing high levels of leakage to outside areas. The development of additional retail floorspace outside of the town centres will normally be strongly resisted, particularly where vacancy rates in the centres are high.

The role of Local Service Centres will be maintained, mainly through environmental improvements and seeking to restrict the loss of services, whilst also supporting development to preserve and enhance the settlement’s vitality and viability.

The Core Strategy recognises the importance of village shops to rural communities and seeks to take that into account when accessing development proposals that would result in their loss. The Council will also respond positively to proposals for the conversion or extension of shops that are designed to improve their viability.

Other elements of the town centre and retail strategy • Supporting the diversity of main town centre uses in order to enhance their continued vitality and viability with regard to retail, business, cultural and leisure services; • Supporting the provision of office space and increased town centre residential development (where appropriate) in the Principal and Key Service Centres; • Delivering improvements to the built environment, including streetscape, public realm and infrastructure; • Working with partners to support the active management of the larger town centres; • The designation and management of car parking; • Improvements to the accessibility of the town centre, particularly by: o Promoting better links between the centres and their hinterlands; o Improvements to the pedestrian environment; and o Improvements to the pedestrian and cycle environment; • Encouraging innovative design and improvements in local design quality which help to develop a strong local identify and sense of place.

The definition of town centre boundaries, primary retail areas and shopping frontages will be included within the Allocations of Land DPD and shown on the proposals map.

82 TOURISM

Tourism is an important sector in the local and wider Cumbrian economy. It is a major source of employment and revenue. The benefits are increasingly shared across the district, with visitors spending on accommodation, food and drink, leisure activities and shopping. Non-tourism businesses also benefit through local supply chains, such as the wholesaler who supplies restaurants and the local garage where visitors fill up with fuel. Tourism also has a crucial value to the wider community, particularly in rural areas where many goods and services are only viable and available to the resident community because of the money spent by visitors.

The environment and heritage of the area, including the fact that it adjoins parts of the Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park, provide opportunities for tourism development including accommodation, cultural and leisure attractions. Kendal is specifically mentioned in the RSS as a destination with emerging potential for heritage-related tourism development, where tourism supports and compliments its status as a historic town. It also states that the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an important tourist attraction in its own right. Sustainable tourism activity that will strengthen and diversify the economic base in these areas will be supported but the statutory purposes of these designations must not be adversely affected.

It is important that new and existing facilities are supported in a sustainable manner to benefit the local economy and community. National and regional policies require tourism development to be of an appropriate scale and located where the environmental and infrastructure can accommodate the impact of visitors. Tourism will generally be supported in rural areas where is it shown to have no environmental harm.

The Cumbria Economic Strategy notes that development that improves value-added tourism, such as high quality developments in sport, adventure, culture and eating out, could also play a key role in encouraging businesses to locate in Cumbria and attract outside business investment.

CS7.6 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

The Core Strategy supports the creation, enhancement and expansion of tourist attractions and tourism infrastructure in accordance with the development strategy in CS1 and the principles for tourism development in the RSS (Policy W7).

Developments that improve high value-added tourism, such as high quality developments in sport and recreation, will be particularly encouraged.

Development should be of an appropriate scale and be located where the environmental and infrastructure can accommodate the visitor impact. Where a proposal is not readily accessible by public transport, then it will only be permitted where it relies of a specific geographical resource or contributions are made to improve accessibility.

Particular emphasis is placed on improving the quality of existing visitor accommodation and the need to broaden the range of accommodation provided.

83 OPPORTUNIES OF ENERGY AND THE LOW CARBON ECONOMY

Energy from renewable sources offers particular opportunities for economic development, which in turn will help the Council to reach local, regional and national targets for carbon reduction. Of particular interest to Cumbria is to use the county’s abundant resources:

• coastline for tidal projects; • woodland for biomass; • off-shore wind; • plenty of rain for hydro-electric schemes; and • waste material from hospitality, food and drink sectors to create biogas.

However, any potential must give full regard to the extensive environmental designations in the area and comply with sustainable development principles.

CS7.7 OPPORTUNITIES OF ENERGY AND THE LOW CARBON ECONOMY

The Core Strategy will support the opportunities of energy and the low carbon economy, through:

• Supporting, in principle (where protection of the environment is assured and designated areas are safeguarded), appropriately located schemes which will increase energy production from the full range of renewable sources, including:

o Tidal energy; o Wind energy; o Hydro energy; o Biomass / Biogas; o Micro generation – ground and air source heat pumps, solar power, small wind and hydro projects and biomass (wood burning stoves / heating systems); o Decentralised and district heating systems o Low carbon technologies.

• Nuclear: o Working in partnership with Cumbria Vision, Credible Nuclear Power Operators (CNPOs), neighbouring authorities and the National Grid to consider future development of new reactors at sites adjacent to Sellafield and connections to the electricity network through National Grid and Electricity Northwest; o Ensuring the supply chain maximises business potential in nuclear industry development.

It is acknowledged that there are some energy sources which need to be remote from residential areas and other sensitive land uses.

Much of the coastline and upland areas are recognised for their international importance. Projects should avoid significant adverse effects on sites of international nature conservation importance by assessment under the Habitat Regulations.

Projects should avoid any harmful environment impacts upon the historic environment.

84 CS8 QUALITY ENVIRONMENT

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Green Infrastructure is the network of natural environmental components that lies within National and Regional Policy Context and between the area’s towns and villages and which provides multiple social, economic PPS7 – Rural Areas and environmental benefits. In the same way PPS9 - Biodiversity that the transport infrastructure comprises a PPG17 – Open Space, Sport and network of roads, railways, airports etc, green Recreation infrastructure has its own physical components, including parks, rivers, street RSS – EM1 – EM18 trees and moorland.

Just as growing communities need to improve and develop their grey infrastructure (i.e. roads, sewers, energy distribution etc.), their green infrastructure needs to be upgraded and expanded in line with growth. The benefits and values of green infrastructure are wide reaching.

CS8.1 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

The Core Strategy will seek to:

• Ensure that green infrastructure is an integral part of creating sustainable communities; • Incorporate green infrastructure into new developments, particularly where it can be used to mitigate the negative impacts of the development; • Attain high standards of environmental design that fit with the surrounding countryside and landscape setting; • Protect the countryside from inappropriate development whilst supporting its positive use for agriculture, recreation, biodiversity, health, education and tourism; • Protect and enhance the linkages between open spaces within the service centres, other rural settlements and in the wider countryside, supporting the creation of additions to the footpath network in liaison with Parish Councils; • Protect and enhance important open spaces within settlements to contribute towards an improved network of green corridors of value for wildlife, recreation and the amenity needs of the community; • Protect species and habitats and create new habitats and wildlife corridors where biodiversity conservation and enhancement is affected by development; • Conserve and enhance existing trees and woodlands including requiring the planting of new trees and woodlands on appropriate development sites. • Ensure the protection and enhancement of watercourse and wetlands which are important contributors to the network of blue and green corridors for wildlife, recreation and the amenity needs of the community

PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF LANDSCAPE AND SETTLEMENT CHARACTER

The visual character of South Lakeland’s landscape, seascape, townscape and the separation of settlements is highly valued by residents and visitors. High priority must be given to the protection, conservation and enhancement of this landscape character and new development should be well designed and help to sustain and / or create landscapes and townscapes with a strong sense of place and local identity.

85 Green gaps are important in keeping individual settlements distinct and protecting their individual character. They protect against coalescence and the creation of large urban areas that have a reduced inter-relation with the surrounding open countryside. The diversity and multiplicity of individual settlements scattered across the district is a constituent part of the character of the area and green gaps seek to protect such character. The Local Plan identified a number of green gaps between settlements. Green gaps presently exist between Oxenholme and Kendal; Burneside and Kendal; Swarthmoor and Ulverston; Ackenwaite and Milnthorpe. It is important that the protection of these green gaps does not constrain the potential for sustainable urban extensions or affect the future role of Principal or Key Service Centres.

The precise boundaries of these green gaps (and possible new green gaps) will be considered in the Allocations of Land DPD, based on a further assessment of the value of the function of the green gaps to ascertain whether they are worthy of retention in part or whole. Evidence is needed to justify the location and extent of the green gaps, assessing their physical characteristics and what it is about them that would maintain the distinction of settlements and considering why a distinction between particular settlements is important.

CS8.2 PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF LANDSCAPE AND SETTLEMENT CHARACTER

Proposals for development should be informed by, and be sympathetic to, the distinctive character areas identified in the Cumbria Landscape Character Assessment and features identified in relevant settlement studies and local evidence.

Development proposals should demonstrate that their location, scale, design and materials will protect, conserve and, where possible, enhance:

• The special qualities of the environment associated with the nationally designated areas of the National Parks and Arnside and Silverdale AONB; • The special qualities and local distinctiveness of the area; • Gaps between settlements, and their landscape setting; • Distinctive settlement character; • The pattern of distinctive natural features such as hedges, woodlands, hay meadows, wetlands, valleys, fells and rivers, and their function as ecological corridors for wildlife; • The setting of, and views from, conservation areas and individual built / manmade features that contribute to landscape and settlement character such as St Anthony’s Tower, Kendal Castle and Devil’s Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale.

OPEN SPACE, SPORT AND RECREATION

The Council has recently completed an open space, sport and recreation assessment. The assessment covers the following types of open space: parks and gardens, natural and semi natural greenspace, green corridors, amenity greenspace, provision for children and young people, allotments, cemeteries and churchyards, civic spaces and outdoor sports facilities. It also incorporated a playing pitch assessment. A total of 264 open space assessments were carried out to evaluate the quality and value of sites. The assessment of quality and value allows an objective approach to identifying those spaces that should be given the highest level of protection in the LDF, those that require enhancements and those that may no longer be needed for their current purpose. The Council will work towards improving the

86 quality and value of all open space sites over the plan period, but particularly those that have scored poorly through the assessment process. This may involve changing the nature and type of some spaces that are surplus to requirements in their current form in order to meet shortfalls in other types of open space in the locality. Levying appropriate developer contributions will be a key mechanism for implementing these qualitative improvements.

CS8.3a ACCESSING OPEN SPACE, SP ORT AND RECREATION

The Core Strategy will support the provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities in accordance with the following accessibility standards:

Formal Provision Informal Provision Parks and Provision for Civic Spaces Natural / Amenity Gardens Children and Semi Natural Greenspace Young Greenspace People Kendal and All residents All residents All residents All residents All residents Ulverston to be within to be within to be within to be within to be within 1200m of 750m of at 3200m of 900m of 750m of high quality least a LEAP high quality natural / amenity parks and sized, high civic space semi natural green gardens quality provision provision space equipped play area Grange, All residents All residents All residents All residents to be within Milnthorpe to be within to be within to be within 750m of either natural / and Kirkby 1200m of 750m of at 3200m of semi natural or amenity Lonsdale high quality least a LEAP high quality green space provision parks and sized, high civic space garden quality provision provision equipped play area Local All residents All residents to be within Service to be within 900m of either natural / Centres 1000m of semi natural or amenity high quality green space provision casual play provision Other Rural All residents to be within 900m of at least one type of open space Settlements provision

N.B. Cemeteries, green corridors and allotments are not included within the settlement hierarchy.

The Allocations of Land DPD will identify important open spaces (both public and private) which it is important to safeguard.

Target quantity standards provide a guide as to how much open space, sport and recreation area is needed for every 1,000 people in the local population in order to strategically serve the area. Standards for each open space have been created in relation to demand and access and are provided on an analysis area basis 7.

7 The open space study also uses spatial analysis areas which have been adopted to create a more localised assessment of provision and for examination of open space / facility surplus and deficiencies at a local level. Using natural boundaries and reflecting the major settlements areas, spatial analysis areas have been included for each of the Principal / Key Service Centres and their rural hinterlands.

87 The starting point for calculating quantitative standards is the total current provision within an area. This is then compared with the amount of provision required in order to address all the identified deficiencies as documented in the open space, sport and recreation assessment. In order to quantify this, an estimation has been made of how many sites, of a minimum size, are needed to provide comprehensive access to this type of provision.

Where new accessibility gaps occur, the minimum quantity standards will be used to negotiate the amount of provision that is required to serve that development in a way that is consistent and equitable with the rest of the area in terms of open space provision.

CS8.3b QUANTITY OF OP EN SPACE, SPORT AND RECREATION

The Core Strategy will support the provision of open space, sport and recreation in accordance with the following standards (figures in hectares per 1000 population):

AREA Parks and Natural and Amenity Provision for Gardens Semi Natural Greenspace children and Greenspace young people Kendal 1.22 0.59 1.53 0.07 Ulverston 0.51 3.97 0.89 0.04 Grange 14.23 32.59 1.89 0.06 Kirkby Lonsdale 0.15 15.20 0.17 0.03 Milnthorpe 21.88 2.94 0.73 0.07

AREA Cemeteries, Civic spaces Allotments Playing Pitches disused (football, churchyards cricket, rugby, and other burial hockey, bowls grounds and tennis) Kendal 0.32 0.0009 0.57 1.75 Ulverston 0.48 0.03 0.73 1.24 Grange 0.98 0.27 0.12 2.00 Kirkby Lonsdale 0.55 0.02 0.13 3.57 Milnthorpe 0.39 0.05 0.35 1.95

Where residential development is proposed / allocated in an area outside the accessibility standard for any given type of open space (see CS8.3a), the quantity standards will be used to ensure that the appropriate provision is made on site, based on the number of people who will be living in the area.

Where residential development is proposed / allocated in an area within the accessibility standards for any given type of open space, a financial contribution will be required towards improving the local open space that will serve the local residents.

The Core Strategy will support the provision of indoor sports facilities in accordance with identified need, having due regard to the North West Strategic Facility evidence base and localised studies.

Provision of further allotments will be based on evidence of demand – as documented through Parish Plans and existing waiting lists.

BIODIVERSITY AND GEODIVERSITY

South Lakeland contains a wealth of biodiversity and natural environmental assets and the protection and enhancement of designated areas such as SSSIs and Ramsar Sites is paramount. Such sites are identified on the proposals map.

88 Proposals should particularly seek to contribute towards the objectives for priority habitats and species in the Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP). Development proposals should be accompanied by sufficient information to assess the effects of development on protected sites, species, biodiversity or geology, together with any proposed prevention, mitigation or compensation measures. It is also important to protect and enhance those sites and species that do not enjoy special protection.

CS8.4 BIODIVERSITY AND GEODIVERSITY

All development proposals should:

• Protect the biodiversity and geodiversity value of land and buildings and minimise fragmentation of habitats; • Maximise opportunities for restoration, enhancement and connection of natural habitats; and • Incorporate beneficial biodiversity and geodiversity conservation features where appropriate.

Development proposals that would have a directly or indirectly adverse effect to nationally and internationally designated sites, or other areas, or protected species, will not be permitted unless:

• They cannot be located on alternative sites that would cause less or no harm; • The benefits of the development clearly outweigh the impacts on the features of the site and the wider network of natural habitats; and • Prevention, mitigation and compensation measures are provided.

Development proposals where the principal objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity of geodiversity will be supported in principle.

Development proposals should examine the capacity of European sites to receive an increase in visitors without a corresponding increase in the level of environmental impact.

COASTAL ZONE

The coast and surrounding seas make a unique contribution to the character of the area and are recognised as important for commercial, tourism and recreational uses, as well as being designated for their environmental importance. The defence of the coast against erosion and flooding by the sea has been an important issue for communities for many years. Coastal defence schemes help to prevent the loss or inundation of assets such as coastal settlements and infrastructure such as roads, in the short to medium term.

Cumbria County Council plays an important role as a strategic co-ordinator, leader and participant, with responsibilities for coastal management, planning and the provision of infrastructure.

89 CS8.5 COAST

The Core Strategy seeks to:

• Conserve and enhance the coastal and estuarine landscape and cultural heritage; • Conserve and enhance biodiversity and protect wildlife habitats. Access to the beach and foreshore of Morecambe Bay needs to be controlled to prevent damage to habitats and disturbance, through measures such as restrictions on parking and vehicle access in sensitive areas; • Ensure that the area’s natural resources are managed in a sustainable way; • Have regard to the possible effect of climate change in determining the location of development and approaches to coastal defence; • Protect the finite resource of the undeveloped coast from unnecessary development; • Provide for new development, including land-based maritime uses for coastal recreation and tourism. Development proposals should make reference to the Morecambe Bay Strategy and the solutions to managing disturbance that are recommended in and around the Morecambe Bay European Site. Natural England needs to be involved in these discussions and delivery; • Provide information to encourage responsible recreation use and help visitors to understand the special features of the protected sites of Morecambe Bay • Protect the quality of all water bodies, including coastal and transitional waters. • Ensure that thorough and effective assessments of drainage impact and flood risks are carried out; that sustainable approaches to drainage management measures are introduced; and that risk to life and property by flooding is reduced; • Support the strategy for the management / protection of the shoreline.

Where necessary, the Council will support stricter mitigation measures in terms of zoning and byelaw enforcement to ensure the protection of Morecambe Bay SAC.

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

The Council seeks to ensure that buildings, sites and areas of particular heritage importance, including those of locally designated significance, are preserved for the future and, wherever possible, enhanced for both their particular intrinsic merit and so as to benefit any broader heritage regeneration proposals.

Conservation areas – and buildings or features that are statutorily protected through listing – are given protection under national legislation and guidance. However, more specific policies and proposals for protection and enhancement, including policies on safeguarding heritage assets of local significance, will be developed within separate, individual Conservation Area Management Plans SPD.

Proposals for new development within the curtilages and the settings of listed buildings; scheduled ancient monuments and historic parks and gardens must provide clear evidence that the development would enhance the special character and historic significance of such areas.

Conservation Area Characterisation Appraisals have been prepared for all ten of the Council’s existing conservation areas and have been adopted as background

90 evidence in support of the LDF and in Development Control decision-making. These will be used to understand the special character and unique identity of the historic environment in each area and inform decisions with regard to development proposals in those areas.

Development proposals in conservation areas must preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area. Planning applications for development proposals in or affecting conservation areas (including applications for Conservation Area Consent for the demolition of unlisted buildings) will be determined in accordance with both national policy (currently contained within PPG15) and in conjunction with the detailed information contained in the Conservation Area Character Appraisals that have been prepared for each area.

Generally, there will be a presumption against the demolition of buildings that have been identified within Conservation Area Character Appraisals as making a positive contribution to the special interest of a conservation area. In addition, careful attention will be given to any development proposals that are likely to affect such buildings to ensure that their essential architectural or historic character is retained.

Buildings that have been categorised in the Conservation Area Character Appraisals as having a damaging or harmful impact on the special interest of the conservation area might benefit from future grant aid towards the cost of fabric repair or the reinstatement of features. However, the most harmful of these buildings and sites can be targeted as suitable locations for future change or development, provided that high quality replacement buildings are chosen which can be shown to actively enhance, through their overall design quality, the special character and appearance of the area. Where such sites have been identified in Conservation Area Management Plans the Council will give consideration to the preparation of design briefs to ensure that replacement buildings of appropriate design and character are secured for such locations in the future.

This policy supports the adaptive re-use of redundant buildings where the proposals make a clear case for the securing of a long-term sustainable future for the building with minimal damage to the historic fabric or architectural character of the building.

The Council will prepare a list of locally important buildings and features and will seek nominations for such buildings from the wider community. It will also consult widely on the selection criteria for the choosing of such buildings and on the content of the list when it is finalised. The Council will consider the removal of permitted development rights from such buildings and will seek to control proposals for their demolition.

91 CS8.6 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

The Core Strategy supports:

• The safeguarding and, where possible, enhancing of historic environment assets, including their characteristic settings and any attributes that contribute to a sense of local distinctiveness. Such assets include listed buildings and features (both statutory and locally listed), conservation areas, scheduled ancient monuments and registered parks and gardens. • Seeking the adaptive reuse of redundant or functionally obsolete listed buildings or important buildings within conservation areas, without harming their essential character • The preparation of a list of buildings and features of local architectural or historic importance • The production of conservation area management plans to identify and explain how the council will seek to preserve and enh ance the special interest of such areas. • Support and pursue actions that will ensure the proper conservation of all heritage assets that are at risk. • Work with owners of heritage assets to ensure their maintenance and repair. • Consideration of the introduction of tighter controls within conservation areas and other sites or areas of heritage importance by implementing Article 4 (2) Directions to control certain types of permitted development, which, if unchecked, would cause harm to the special character and appearance of such areas.

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

There is strong and resounding evidence that climate change is already taking place, and that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for this. Climate change will have major implications for the UK and is expected to result in more extreme weather events, including hotter and drier summers, flooding and rising sea levels leading to coastal realignment. The 2008 Planning Act states that development plan documents (taken as a whole) must include policies designed to ensure that the use of land in the local planning authority’s area contributes to the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change.

South Lakeland District Council is committed to tackling climate change and has signed the Nottingham Declaration, which is a public statement of intent to work with the local community and businesses to respond to the challenges of climate change. This includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and preparing for the changes that climate change will bring.

The Code for Sustainable Homes is a national standard to promote the design and construction of more sustainable new dwellings. The code measures the sustainability of a dwelling by assessing its performance against a number of factors including energy use, water efficiency, surface water run-off and waste. Since May 2008 all new homes are required to have a code rating. The code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. A home that is given 6 stars will have achieved the highest sustainability rating. In

92 2006 the Government announced a 10-year timetable for achieving the target that all new homes from 2016 must be built to zero carbon standards, to be achieved through a step-by-step tightening of the Building Regulations. Based on the standards in the Code for Sustainable Homes, this is equivalent to code level 3 in 2010, level 4 in 2013 and level 6 in 2016.

In the 2008 Budget, the Government also announced an ambition for all new non- domestic buildings to be zero carbon from 2019, with consultation on the timeline and its feasibility. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environment Assessment Method) provides the equivalent standard for assessing the environmental performance of non-residential developments, such as offices, retail developments and schools. It measures the sustainability of the new building against a series of performance criteria and awards a rating that ranges from ‘pass’ to ‘excellent’.

The RSS (policy EM17) requires that, by 2015, at least 15% (rising to at least 20% in 2020) of the electricity supplied within the region should be provided from renewable energy sources. Furthermore, RSS policy EM18 stipulates that in order to contribute to the achievement of these targets, plans and strategies should encourage the use of decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy in new developments. South Lakeland has already adopted a Wind Energy SPD as part of its LDF.

The following policy seeks to achieve greater efficiency in the use of natural resources, minimise energy demand and increase the use of renewable resources. Local emissions are very high and urgent action is required. As many of the proposed new homes will be affordable, it is even more important that the running costs are kept low.

CS8.7 SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

All new build residential development and conversions will normally be required to achieve at least a 3 star rating under the Code for Sustainable Homes, unless it can be demonstrated by the applicant, having regard to the type of development involved and its design, that this is not feasible or viable. This requirement will rise to level 4 in 2013 and to level 6 in 2016 in line with national targets and be achieved through step-by-step tightening of building regulations.

These standards require initiatives such as:

• Use of low water volume fittings and grey water systems and rainwater harvesting; • Orientation to maximise solar gain; • High levels of insulation; • Adequate provision for separation and storage of waste for recycling; • Use of materials from a sustainable local source in new development.

New commercial buildings of more than 1000 sq. m. will normally be required to meet the BREEAM 'very good' standard and by 2013 new buildings will need to achieve the BREEAM 'excellent' standard.

The Council will seek to achieve appropriate on-site renewable and low carbon energy sources wherever possible, contributing towards the target in RSS policy EM17. The most appropriate technology for the site and surrounding area should be used, having due regard to the physical nature of the development such as aspect, building height and the amount of open site open space, and the environmental quality of the surrounding area.

93 The design and access statement accompa nying new development will be required to contain a sustainability statement including information necessary to show how the proposed development will contribute to the key planning objectives set out in PPS1 and this Core Strategy.

Renewable energy proposals will be supported and considered in the context of sustainable development and climate change, taking account of the wider environmental, social and economic benefits of renewable energy gain and their contribution to overcoming energy supply problems.

The Council will undertake a study on renewable energy potential, in addition to the Wind Energy SPD already developed jointly with Cumbria County Council.

FLOOD RISK

There are significant areas of flood risk in South Lakeland. Furthermore, the level of flood risk is anticipated to increase due to the effects of climate change.

National planning guidance requires local authorities to review the variation in flood risk across there area and to steer development towards areas of lower risk. National policy in PPS25 sets out the following zones of flood risk: • Zone 1 (low probability) • Zone 2 (medium probability) • Zone 3a (high probability); and • Zone 3b (functional floodplain).

PPS25 recognises that, in some regions such as South Lakeland, restricting residential development in areas designated as Zone 3a may heavily compromise the viability of existing communities. For this reason, PPS25 provides an exception test . Where a local planning authority has identified that there is a strong planning- based argument for a development to proceed and the application of the sequential test demonstrates that there are no reasonably available sites in areas of lower flood risk appropriate to the development type proposed, it will be necessary for the Council (in conjunction with the developer) to demonstrate that the exception test can be passed.

CS8.8 DEVELOPMENT AND FLOOD RISK

Most new development should be located in flood risk zone 1. Development within the Environment Agency’s flood risk zones 2, 3a and 3b will only be acceptable when it is compatible with national policy and when the sequential test and the exception test, where applicable, as set out in PPS25, have been satisfied.

All new development will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that: • It would not have a significant impact on the capacity of an area to store floodwater; • Measures required to manage any flood risk can be implemented; • Surface water is managed in a sustainable way; • Provision is made for the long term maintenance and management of any flood protection and/or mitigation measures; • The benefits of the proposal to the community outweigh the flood risk; • Applications will be considered with regard to South Lakeland District Council’s Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

94 MINERALS AND WASTE

Cumbria County Council is responsible for minerals and waste planning, including the production of a Minerals and Waste Core Strategy and an Allocations of Land document which will pinpoint new sites for minerals and waste infrastructure. The Minerals and Waste Core Strategy has to identify what waste management facilities and minerals developments Cumbria will need by 2020 and indicate appropriate locations for them. The Minerals and Waste Core Strategy also includes the criteria for identifying broad locations and for allocating sites that would be in accordance with its policies. One of the main principles is that mineral supplies or waste management facilities should be located near to the communities or local market areas that they would serve.

Given the levels of development indicated in the development strategy (CS1) in this document, there is a need to allocate appropriate levels of land to provide waste treatment plants / household waste recycling centres to adequately support new and existing development. Such development needs to be appropriate when assessed against the highways and traffic; landscape impact; residential amenity and safety implications.

The County Council’s Minerals and Waste Core Strategy identifies the need for 11.2 hectares for new waste treatment plants to divert waste from landfill and nine new or replacement household recycling centres for Cumbria, some of which will need to be in South Lakeland. This is essential infrastructure. It outlines the need for two Mechanical and Biological Treatment (MBT) plants, one in the south and one in the north of Cumbria, and three transfer stations, one in the north, one in the south and one to serve Eden. The strategic locations for these are Kendal and Barrow in Furness in the south, with provision of a MBT or a transfer station in Kendal.

In seeking to minimise waste the Council will work closely with Cumbria County Council, with particular reference to its Waste Management Strategy, Minerals and Waste Development Framework and Local Transport Plan. However in addition, the Council will encourage the minimisation of waste through its control over general development within the District e.g. housing and employment.

CS8.9 MINERALS AND WASTE

The Council will expect development to:

• Minimise the production of waste and use recycled aggregate / other materials where possible; • Have good access to recycling facilities and incorporate storage space for recycling collection bins into new houses and businesses where appropriate; • Consider how easily the development site can be incorporated into the recycling and waste collection rounds and the adequacy of access for the collection vehicles.

The Council will consider the provision of the necessary waste infrastructure, including the required mechanism and biological treatment plant or transfer station in Kendal, as part of providing a strategic employment site.

It is acknowledged that there are some waste development activities that need to be remote from residential areas and other sensitive land uses.

There is a need to safeguard mineral resources by restricting new development over or near them.

95 DESIGN

The design of buildings and the character of settlements are important elements in the quality of the environment. This quality could be threatened by new forms of development which use designs and materials unrelated to those traditional to the local area. Part of the Core Strategy area lies within the Arnside – Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; there are ten conservation areas and numerous listed buildings. Clearly, the siting, design, layout and choice of construction materials for new development should be in keeping with these highly valued surroundings.

The District Council will seek to influence new development to ensure that it is compatible with the surrounding landscape or townscape. New housing development, in particular, will be expected to exhibit a form and character appropriate to its setting.

CS8.10 DESIGN

The siting, design, scale and materials of all development should be of a character which maintains or enhances the quality of the landscape or townscape and, where appropriate, should be in keeping with local vernacular tradition.

Where necessary, the Council will publish planning and design guidance dealing with particular sites or types of development.

96 CS9 HEALTH AND WELLBEING

SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE

Community wellbeing requires services and opportunities that contribute to the quality of life National and Regional Policy Context and community development. It is important to ensure that opportunities for recreation, health PPS1 Creating Sustainable services and other community facilities are Communities provided locally where possible so as to build RSS DP1 - 9 sustainable communities, whilst ensuring that facilities attracting larger numbers of visitors are accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. This reduces the need for people to travel long distances to obtain essential services, particularly benefiting the less mobile members of the community. This is particularly important in villages where services and facilities such as pubs, shops and village halls perform a vital function in rural communities, particularly for the less mobile. The loss of such facilities will be strictly controlled.

The Council will work in partnership with service providers to meet the needs of the community in the most effective and accessible way. Community hubs may, in some cases, be based around existing centres; in others they could be located around major land uses such as education or leisure facilities. Dual use of facilities would involve, for example, the opening of secondary school library facilities to the public.

CS9.1 SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE

The Core Strategy seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of all residents. This will be achieved through:

• Supporting proposals and activities that protect, retain or enhance existing community assets, or lead to the provision of additional assets that improve community wellbeing; • Supporting the PCT programme for integrated healthcare provision in the District by working with the PCT to identify sites and premises for health care facilities; • Working with partners to support health and social care service delivery through the Closer to Home initiative; • Supporting the co-location of community facilities and services and the dual use of facilities; • Controlling the loss of community facilities; • Supporting (in principle) proposals for a sports village in Kendal; • Encouraging more sustainable settlements and communities, with a rich and diverse community life, recognising that facilities such as village / community halls, open spaces, schools, nurseries, places of worship, public houses, sport and recreation facilities, post offices and convenience stores play an important role in the social and cultural infrastructure of a settlement. • Delivering improvements to foot and cycle paths to support active lifestyles.

97 DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS

Development can place additional demands upon physical infrastructure, social facilities and green infrastructure and it is a well-established principle that new development should contribute to meeting these additional demands. The Core Strategy requires that sufficient capacity be available in utility infrastructure before permission for development is granted.

Where existing infrastructure is inadequate to meet the needs of new development, conditions or planning obligations will be used to ensure that proposals are made acceptable through securing the provision of necessary improvements to facilities, infrastructure and services. The nature and scale of any planning requirements sought for this purpose will be related to the type of development and its potential impact upon the surrounding area.

A threshold has been applied in the policy, above which developer contributions will be required, in line with the definition of major development. This is a recognised threshold of developments that can raise more than local concerns, and developments of this size are more likely to place additional demands on local facilities.

CS9.2 DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS

On schemes of 10 or more dwellings – and substantial commercial development where there is not sufficient capacity in infrastructure, services, community facilities or green infrastructure – improvements which are necessary to make the development acceptable will be secured by planning condition or obligations, and these must be phased so as to be in place in accordance with an agreed time frame prior to the occupation of an agreed number of units.

Planning obligations may also be required for maintenance payments, to meet the initial running costs of services and facilities and to compensate for loss or damage caused by development.

The Council will work with developers to secure the necessary improvements to infrastructure and determine the appropriate range and level of provision / contributions.

98 CS10 ACCESSING SERVICES

ACCESSING SERVICES

A key objective for planning is to ensure that jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services National and Regional Policy Context are accessible by public transport, walking and cycling. This is particularly important for people PPS1 - Delivering Sustainable who do not have access to a car, for a Development dispersed population and for a district with an PPG13 – Transport ageing population. It is also important in order to support attempts to encourage people who RSS – RT1 – RT10 (Transport in do have access to a car to use it less or stop the North West – Connecting using it. It is important that we actively manage People and Places) the pattern of development and the location of major travel-generating development to make best use of public transport. This will help to support healthy, inclusive and sustainable communities as well as reducing the impacts of travel.

It must be recognised that opportunities for sustainable transport choices are limited in rural areas such as South Lakeland. Considerable investment will be needed to improve public transport services in order to shift journeys from private cars onto public transport and facilitate the implementation of the spatial strategy. The priority for improving bus services and passenger facilities will be those serving the Principal and Key Service Centres as they are the main centres for jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services.

CS6.1 ACCESSING SERVICES

The Council will work with partners to improve accessibility within and beyond the plan area. This will centre on:

• Improving bus routes, services and passenger facilities: particularly the key rural bus services that provide the links to Kendal and Ulverston and the neighbouring centres of Lancaster and Barrow; • Regeneration funding and using developer contributions to ensure that access to employment areas in Kendal and Ulverston by public transport and the highway network are upgraded without impacting adversely on local air quality; • Supporting improvements to rural accessibility, including extending demand-responsive transport schemes, such as Rural Wheels; • Improving passenger rail services and facilities; • Developing joint safety programmes;

• Encouraging park and ride and managing car parking provision;

• Promoting a network of safe cycle and walking routes linking residential areas with employment areas, town and local centres, schools, recreational open space and facilities;

• Supporting delivery of the Mobility Plans for the Key Service Centres, which will identify specific actions to improve continuity of provision in the pedestrian network and therefore accessibility to employment and services;

• Supporting Parish Councils in the development of community projects which allow services to be delivered locally; • Encouraging the adoption of Work Travel Plans by key agencies and businesses;

99 • Supporting the provision of coach parking where appropriate; • Supporting the transfer of freight movements, particularly improvements to the rail freight network (where practicable); • Supporting essential road infrastructure improvements, including the A590 road links to the M6 to support the economic, tourism and regeneration objectives for the Ulverston and Furness area; • Protecting the route of the Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal and any associated infrastructure to enable its restoration for navigation.

TRANSPORT IMPACT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT

A primary planning consideration is to ensure that development proposals achieve a suitable connection to the highway that is safe for pedestrians, cyclists and occupants of vehicles. Equally important is the need to ensure that road safety is not jeopardised by allowing proposals that would generate levels of traffic beyond the capacity of the surrounding road network.

All new development is required to address the transport implications of that development and larger schemes are required to prepare transport assessments to illustrate how the number of trips generated will be accommodated and how accessibility to the site by all modes of transport will be achieved. For non-residential proposals that are likely to have significant transport implications, the Government also requires the submission of travel plans, the purpose of which is to promote more sustainable forms of transport in relation to the activities of a particular development.

The principal routes shown on the Key Diagram accord with the principal routes identified in the County Council route hierarchy, and proposals where the only access is directly onto these roads will not be permitted in order to assist with traffic flow and reduce risk. Exceptions will only be made where the type of development is such that it requires a principal route location, such as roadside service stations.

CS6.2 TRANSPORT IMPACT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT

Development will be designed to reduce the need to travel and to maximise the use of sustainable forms of transport appropriate to its particular location. Development proposals will be considered against the following criteria:

• The proposal provides for safe and convenient access on foot, cycle, public and private transport, addressing the needs of all, including those with a disability; • The proposal is capable of being served by safe access to the highway network without detriment to the amenity or character of the locality; • The proposal does not involve direct access on to a Principal Route, unless the type of development requires a Principal Route location. • The expected nature and volume of traffic generated by the proposal could be accommodated by the existing road network without detriment to the amenity or character of the surrounding area, local air quality or highway safety; and • If the proposal would have significant transport implications, it is accompanied by a air quality assessment, transport assessment, the coverage and detail of which reflects the scale of development and the extent of the transport implications, and also, for non-residential schemes, a travel plan.

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APPENDIX A

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE CORE STRATEGY AND THE SOUTH LAKELAND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

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Local Development Framework (LDF)

The LDF is a series of documents which will eventually replace the South Lakeland Local Plan that was adopted in 1997 and the Alterations to the Local Plan adopted in 2006.

The LDF will consider how the District (outside the two National Parks) will develop over the next fifteen years. It will provide the Spatial Planning Framework for many plans and strategies prepared by the Council and other bodies including members of the South Lakeland Local Strategic Partnership.

The LDF will form part of the statutory Development Plan for the District along with the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West. The Development Plan is used to help direct a range of implementation plans and decisions on planning applications.

The new development plan making process means that not all documents of the LDF need to be prepared at the same time. The Local Development Scheme sets out the details of the documents the Council will prepare in the next few years and when each will be prepared.

The Core Strategy

This document is the Core Strategy Development Plan Document.

The Core Strategy sets out the long term development strategy for South Lakeland. It draws together strategies of the Council and other organisations whose activities have implications for the development and use of land. It puts the aspirations of the Community Strategy into effect.

Where the text relies on important background to be found elsewhere this is clearly referenced.

The Core Strategy sets out a spatial vision for the LDF, and the strategic objectives and policies to help deliver that vision. The policies are included under the following headings:

• Spatial Strategy • Area Strategies (Kendal Area, Ulverston and Furness, Cartmel Peninsula, the East (including Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale) • Jobs, Skills and Regeneration • Housing to Meet Local Need • Quality Environment • Accessing Services • Health and Well Being

The Core Strategy does not set out site-specific proposals or allocations; rather it looks at the broad locations for delivering new development such as for housing, employment, transport, retail, public services etc. Other LDF documents will include site allocations but will have to be in conformity with the policies contained in the Core Strategy.

The Core Strategy cannot be read in isolation. The LDF should be read as a whole along with the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West (2008).

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Consultation Process

The Core Strategy has been prepared following extensive consultation and involvement from the public, community groups and non-statutory and statutory groups and organisations. Full details of the consultation are explained in the pre- submission statement of consultation. This report has been published alongside the Core Strategy, and is available on the Council’s website.

It explains all the consultation stages including:

• Issues and options consultation in November 2005 • The preferred options documents in April 2008 • Details of workshops • Summaries of the key issues raised and how they were addressed in the submission Core Strategy

Examination

Following the publication of the draft Core Strategy for consultation, there will be an independent examination to determine whether the plan is “sound”.

PPS12 requires that the examination of a development plan document will involve the legal compliance check (paragraph 4.50 of PPS12) and an assessment against three tests of soundness. Paragraphs 4.36 to 4.38 and 4.44 to 4.47 of PPS12 state that the development plan document should be:

• Justified • Effective • Consistent with National Policy.

The Planning Inspectorate Publication Examining Development Plan Documents: Soundness Guidance sets out the approach that will be taken to assess whether a Development Plan Document has been prepared in accordance with the legislative requirements and establish whether it is sound. The guide provides an indication of the inspector’s main considerations and should assist those making representations to frame their comments.

Adoption

The changes highlighted by the Inspector will be incorporated into the final document for adoption. The Council will publish the inspector’s recommendations and their reasons as soon as practicable after the day on which the plan is adopted by Full Council.

Delivering the Local Development Framework

The delivery of the LDF will require a partnership approach. It will involve other organisations and groups who will work within the framework of their own strategies and plans as well as the spatial plan for the District - the LDF. It will be very important for the Council to work closely with its partners to ensure the success of the LDF.

The delivery of some parts of the plan will be reliant upon the availability of resources. The Council and its partners will seek to secure funding through the

103 APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES relevant sources but there is no guarantee of success. Over the period of the Core Strategy (over fifteen years) the funding mechanisms are very likely to change. It is important for the LDF to have a clear vision and strategic policy direction to help improve the success of future work programmes and funding bids.

Delivering Other Strategies and Plans

The LDF will bring together and integrate many policies and programmes which have an influence on the use of land in the District. There are a large number of plans and strategies that will be important to the LDF and will help to shape the policy direction in the DPDs. The three principal influences are:

• At a local level, the South Lakeland District Sustainable Community Strategy • At a regional level, the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the North West • At a national level, Planning Policy Statements or Planning Policy Guidance Notes.

The Local Development Framework has to be in line with national policy and in general conformity with the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). The Core Strategy must also play a positive role in promoting sustainable development, as well as responding to climate change.

Monitoring

Reviewing and monitoring how well the LDF is performing is an essential element of the planning system. By assessing how well the policies are being achieved against clear targets, decisions can be made as to whether policies or documents need to be adjusted or replaced. The Council is required to prepare an Annual Monitoring Report in which the effectiveness of the policies will be assessed. The need for a review of the Core Strategy will be highlighted in the Annual Monitoring Report.

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APPENDIX B

CONTEXUAL INFLUENCES

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Internal Influences

The Core Strategy must have regard to the Community Strategy and other relevant local strategies

South Lakeland Sustainable Community Strategy (2008 - 2028)

The South Lakeland Community Strategy sets out the community’s vision for the District. It has been prepared by the Local Strategic Partnership which includes the Council, community groups, business organisations and public service providers.

The table below sets out the key linkages between the Core Strategy and the Community Strategy

Community Strategy is How the Core Strategy has regard to it committed to… Accessing Services… The need to improve the accessibility of services is recognised as a key issue in the Core Strategy and features heavily in the Improving the opportunities for spatial vision and strategic objectives for the area. Each area accessing services including strategy policy includes more specific proposals to increase alternatives to travelling by car, accessibility of services. There are also core policies on to benefit the environment and accessing services, intended to support measures such as to contribute to improving mobility plans for the Key Service Centres and extending people’s health demand responsive transport schemes and managing the transport impact of new development Children and Young People… The Core Strategy seeks to directly and indirectly address the needs of young people. The strategic objectives seek to Addressing the needs of young provide incentives for young people who have left the area to people and to create better return – namely skilled jobs, training opportunities and a good opportunities for them spread of housing that meets their needs. The Sustainable Development Principles (CS1.1) specifically refer to delivering more housing that is affordable, helping to retain more young people in the area. The delivery strategy includes a number of detailed policies on jobs and training and housing. The Core Strategy also supports the retention / provision of facilities for young people, including open space, sport and recreation facilities and on social and community infrastructure. Safe Communities… The Strategic Objectives for the Core Strategy (under Health and Wellbeing) make reference to working with partners to Keeping crime low and reduce perception of anti-social behaviour, supporting projects providing reassurance to our including Together We Can / Street Safe. communities The Sustainable Development Principles require high quality, localised and “appropriate design” – which include measures to ensure community safety. The area strategies make appropriate references to improving the town centre environment (including safety) and management. The core policies on accessing services outlines the Council’s commitment to working with partners to develop joint safety programmes (CS10.1) Health and Well-being… The need to improve health and wellbeing is recognised as a key issue in the Core Strategy and figures heavily in the spatial Continuing to improve the health vision and strategic objectives for the area. Each area strategy and well-being of local people policy includes more specific proposals to improve health and focussing on: wellbeing. Core policies on health and wellbeing seek to support the provision of social and community infrastructure and obtain developer contributions.

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Community Strategy is How the Core Strategy has regard to it committed to… • Improving the quality of The Core Strategy seeks to directly and indirectly address the life for vulnerable quality of life for vulnerable groups. In particular, the housing groups objectives / policies seek to achieve a balanced housing market, including the provision of sheltered / supported housing where required, and making provision for gypsies and travellers. Policy CS6.2 seeks to ensure that all new housing should be easily adaptable for everyone, from young families to older people and individuals with a temporary or permanent psychical impairment. Measures targeted at improving rural public transport are designed to reduce rural isolation. • Developing equitable, The need to ensure that social infrastructure (health services, high quality and schools, community halls etc) is provided in a manner that accessible health and responds to a growing and ageing population is recognised as a social care services, key issue in the strategy. The objectives make explicit especially for the reference to working with the Primary Care Trust (PCT) to growing number of older identify new sites for intergraded health facilities, with specific people proposals mentioned in the Cartmel Peninsula area strategy. • Promotion of healthier, The health and wellbeing objective for the Core Strategy more active lifestyles outlines a commitment to working with partners to deliver sport and… and recreation schemes, developing community facilities such as multi-use games areas for young people and creating opportunities for healthier lifestyles. It also refers to supporting the Kendal Sports Village Project and local sport facilities development. The Core Strategy is actively seeking to achieve a major change in travel behaviour, with greater levels of walking and cycling. • Tackling factors such as The health and wellbeing objective for the Core Strategy smoking, physical outlines a commitment to working with partners to deliver sport inactivity and alcohol and recreation schemes, developing community facilities such as multi-use games areas for young people and creating opportunities for greater levels of participation in physical activity. The Core Strategy is actively seeking to achieve a major change in travel behaviour, with greater levels of walking and cycle. • Encouraging community The Core Strategy seeks to support arts and cultural activities involvement and through the provision and retention of local social infrastructure, engagement through and reflecting local heritage / culture throughout the strategy. arts and cultural The area strategies include more specific proposals, such as activities… supporting long term proposals within Kendal for a creative industries campus that would involve Kendal College and the University of Cumbria and could lead to new galleries, classrooms, new cinemas, outdoor performance space etc and supporting and enhancing tourist attractions in Ulverston building on the festival theme and the Laurel and Hardy connection. Ensuring that there is an There is a core policy on education and skills (CS7.3) which adequate workforce for the seeks to encourage investment in education and training at health and social care sector existing facilities, supporting the development of further and and other services to support higher education in the area, and working with partners to foster the needs of increasing number opportunities for skills development and encouraging life-long of older people learning. It also supports the principle of contributions towards education and training needs (where appropriate) . Housing to Meet Local Need… Providing housing to meet local need is recognised as a key issue for the Core Strategy, and is heavily referenced in the Securing access to decent spatial vision and strategic objectives. More localised affordable homes for all in need objectives are developed through the area strategies. The core in a sustainable way housing policies covered matters such as phasing / distribution

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Community Strategy is How the Core Strategy has regard to it committed to… of development, dwelling mix and type, and affordable housing contributions Involving Communities… The Core Strategy recognises and references the emerging Local Area Partnerships, such as the strategic objective on Working more closely with our accessing services mentioning working with local communities communities and groups to improve local services and supporting the emerging Local through: Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at a neighbourhood level. The document includes a core policy on community led affordable housing, and outlines a commitment to facilitate a rolling programme of Housing Needs Surveys to provide evidence of local need. Reference is made throughout the document to supporting the implementation of locally produced evidence such as Parish Plans. • New structures which The strategic objective on accessing services makes reference allow local area based to working with local communities to improve local services and neighbourhood supporting the emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to management deliver more tailored services at a neighbourhood level. • New approaches to The document includes a core policy on community led strengthen community affordable housing, and outlines a commitment to facilitate a engagement rolling programme of Housing Needs Surveys to provide evidence of local need. Reference is made throughout the document to supporting the implementation of locally produced evidence such as Parish Plans. • Enabling greater The Core Strategy supports the protection and enhancement of empowerment through social infrastructure, including that related to the community and capacity building within voluntary sector. the community and voluntary sector Job Skills and Regeneration… Jobs, Skills and Regeneration is one of the key themes running throughout the Core Strategy. District wide challenges / issues Making South Lakeland a are introduced in the opening section, before focussing on more successful, attractive and localised issues and actions in the area strategies. A number of competitive place to live work core policies on jobs, skills and regeneration aim to support the and invest in by growing a delivery of the objectives. sustainable economy and creating prosperity for everyone in South Lakeland by: • Aligning education, There is a core policy on education and skills (CS7.3) which vocational training and seeks to encourage investment in education and training at business needs to equip existing facilities, supporting the development of further and our workforce to meet higher education in the area, and working with partners to foster current and future skills opportunities for skills development and encouraging life-long gaps, raising overall learning. It also supports the principle of contributions towards skills attainment levels education and training needs (where appropriate) to drive business productivity and future wage levels • Supporting local The Core Strategy seeks to make provision for a range of types business growth and and sizes of employment land to meet local need and promote attracting new inward new business creation across the plan area. CS7.1 seeks to investment creating new ensure that around 4 hectares of employment land is allocated opportunities on high per annum between 2010 and 2025, and the requirement to quality employment maintain a rolling provision of five years worth of high quality, sites unconstrained land for each employment land market sector that is readily available for development at any one time, distributed in accordance with the development strategy. • Realising the The area strategies include specific objectives / policy content

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Community Strategy is How the Core Strategy has regard to it committed to… opportunities of specific on the economy which reflect local circumstance. For example, locations, the heritage, the Kendal area strategy makes reference to supporting the cultural assets, development of a cluster of knowledge based industries in the accessibility and Kendal area, and improving and expanding the tourism and transport links to grow leisure offer, taking advantage of its location as a gateway to the economy whilst the Lake District National Park and close proximity to national reducing the difference road and rail connections. between average incomes and house prices • Raising awareness of The good transport links to the rest of the North West and the the importance of South city regions of Manchester and Liverpool is initially recognised Lakeland due to its in the spatial portrait. The implications of these transport links proximity and good are explored throughout the strategy, including the need to transport links to the improve the operation of transport routes linking Furness to the rest of the North West M6 and national rail links as part of the Ulverston and Furness and the city regions of area strategy. Manchester & Liverpool Quality Environment… Protecting and enhancing the quality environment is one of the key themes running throughout the Core Strategy. District wide Managing our natural resources challenges / issues are introduced in the opening section, prudently, to improve waste before focussing on more localised issues and actions in the management, reduce pollution, area strategies. A number of core policies on the quality protect and nurture plant and environment are also included, covering a wide range of issues animal life and to protect and including landscape character, open space, biodiversity, the improve the man-made historic environment, flood risk and energy efficiency. environment

External Influences

A key element of spatial planning is ensuring that the Core Strategy is linked to other plans and strategies in the area. These are listed below:

The Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001 - 2016, adopted April 2006

This is a document that provides a strategy and policies for the development and use of land within Cumbria, including the Lake District National Park but excluding the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Cumbria County Council and the Lake District National Park Authority are each responsible for the strategic planning of their respective areas. The two authorities chose to prepare a joint structure plan so that the planning of the whole county is co-ordinated.

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 initiated the gradual replacement of the Structure Plan (and Local Plans) by a series of Local Development Documents known as the Local Development Framework and the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Given that the new system will take time to become established and, to ensure continuity, transitional arrangements have been put in place to allow the old system to continue until the Regional Spatial Strategy and Local Development Frameworks are further developed.

Policies contained in the Structure Plan were originally ‘saved’ for a period of three years from adoption in April 2006. However, the adoption of the new Regional Spatial Strategy in September 2008 saw the replacement of a number of the policies in whole or in part. Of those policies which were originally due to expire during April

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2009 and which were not replaced by the RSS, a number have been further extended by the Secretary of State and continue to be relevant.

Cumbria Minerals and Waste Core Strategy

The County Council is preparing its Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF) which will set out policies and proposals for minerals and waste management developments over the period to 2020.

The MWDF acts as a folder for four Development Plan Documents that will make up the new plan. These are: Core Strategy; Site Allocations; Generic Development Control Policies; and a Proposals Map.

The timetable for the MWDF is described in the Minerals and Waste Development Scheme, the latest one came into effect on 6 March 2009. The way the County Council is encouraging people to participate in preparing the plan is set out in the Statement of Community Involvement.

The public examination of the Core Strategy and Generic Development Control Policies included a hearing in public in November 2008. The Inspectors' report, which the County Council must adhere to, has been received. The Core Strategy and Generic Development Control Policies were formally adopted by the County Council on 23 April 2009.

The long-term spatial vision is: -

“That by the end of the plan period the right types of new waste management facilities needed to reduce the amount of Cumbria's waste going to landfill will have been built on time and in the right places. That everyone in Cumbria will give top priority to minimising waste and take responsibility for regarding it as a resource, not something to be thrown away. In particular Cumbria will no longer be recorded as having the highest amounts of household waste per head of population.

That facilities will have been provided to manage the Low Level radioactive wastes that arise from the Sellafield / Windscale complex.

That, with an increasing proportion of re-used and recycled materials, minerals from the County's own resources will continue to be provided prudently to meet Cumbria's regeneration, renewal and development needs together with those minerals proven to be required to meet regional and national needs.

That the carbon footprint of Cumbria's minerals and waste developments will demonstrate that the potential greenhouse gas emissions and fossil energy demand savings have been secured. In addition to design matters, this will include keeping road transport miles to a minimum by maintaining a pattern of local facilities that suits the geographic characteristics of the county. It will also take account of the contribution that fuels derived from Cumbria's waste have made to the energy needs of other industries.

That Cumbria's environmental assets will have been protected, maintained and enhanced by siting developments in appropriate locations, by high standards of design and by working practices that are recognised to be best practice.

That optimal economic benefit will have been gained from minerals and waste developments including new recycling industries based in Cumbria.

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That Cumbria's communities and stakeholders will have been fully engaged in planning for minerals and waste developments”.

Cumbria Local Transport Plan (LTP)

The Local Transport Plan is the statutory planning document that sets out the County Council's vision, strategy and policies for transport. It also describes the approaches and measures that will be taken to implement these policies in each of the Council’s Local Committee areas over the course of the Plan. It provides the framework to co- ordinate the local delivery of integrated transport and seeks improvements to our transport systems and the quality of people lives.

The first Local Transport Plan was submitted to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions at the end of July 2000 and covers a five-year period from 2000/01-2005/06. LTP2 covers the period April 2006 to March 2012.

LTP 2 identifies the key transport priorities:

• To develop transport infrastructure to support improvements to the Cumbrian economy • To improve accessibility to jobs, education and training, health and other key services • To reduce the high level of road casualties • To maintain to a high standard the extensive road network

The County Council and its partners have identified a number of large-scale transport improvements that are required to deliver the longer term Transport Strategy and stimulate and accommodate regeneration and development of the Cumbrian economy in line with the Sub Regional Spatial Strategy. Those schemes that are estimated to cost more than £5m to deliver are submitted as individual Major Schemes for consideration for funding through regional prioritisation systems coordinated by the North West Regional Assembly, North West Development Agency and Government Office North West. The potential future Major Schemes identified for Cumbria include Kendal Northern Relief Road as part of the Kendal Transport Plan. There are also a number of substantial schemes on the trunk road network for which the Council is active in lobbying, including the A590 Ulverston by-pass.

Local Area Agreement

A Local Area Agreement (LAA) for Cumbria:

• is a formal three year agreement between partners in Cumbria and the Government • identifies the top priorities for Cumbria • is about improving the quality of life for people in Cumbria through improving services

The 2008-11 LAA for Cumbria

• is the county’s second LAA • has been developed through the Thematic Partnerships of the Cumbria Strategic Partnership (CSP)

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• was agreed by the CSP Executive Board and signed off by Government in early/mid 2008 • helps to deliver, in part, the refreshed Community Strategy for Cumbria • includes sixteen statutory education and early years targets • includes thirty five targets selected from the National Indicator Set and fourteen local targets. • will be refreshed in 2009 to ensure the priorities are still correct and all targets are agreed where they were unable to be completed for sign-off in 2008

The current 2008-11 LAA is aiming:

• to reduce worklessness • to encourage existing businesses to grow • to improve skills throughout Cumbria • to support children and young people on the pathway to success • to improve life expectancy • to increase choice and control for service users • to further strengthen community empowerment • to improve respect and community cohesion • to reduce crime and fear of crime • to improve the health and well-being of children • to improve road safety • to improve sustainable access to services and facilities • to maximise Cumbria’s contribution to limiting climate change • to minimise waste and improve waste management • to improve local biodiversity • to ensure high standards of streetscene services and reduce the visual impact of litter and graffiti • to protect and enhance the environment • to increase cultural participation

The Regional Spatial Strategy

The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the North West provides a framework for development and investment in the region over the next fifteen to twenty years (adopted September 2008). It establishes a broad vision for the region and its sub- regions, priorities for growth and regeneration, and policies to achieve sustainable development across a wide range of topics - from jobs, housing and transport to climate change, waste and energy.

The RSS is part of the statutory development plan for every local authority in the North West. Local Development Documents which are prepared by Local Planning Authorities must be in general conformity with the RSS. Planning applications will be considered against the provisions of the RSS and relevant Local Development Documents. It states that:

The challenge for Cumbria is to secure a sustainable level and pattern of development that create balanced communities and meets needs – including that of new jobs across the county. Three spatial objectives have been identified to delivery more balanced communities and reduce inequality:

• To reduce the dependency for high level services and jobs on towns outside Cumbria;

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• To increase the complementary nature of key towns; • To develop and maintain high quality modern transport networks.

Arnside / Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

This is a designated landscape of special importance, covering 75 sq km, straddling the boundary of Cumbria and Lancashire. The Limestone geology and coastal aspect of the area sustains a complex mosaic of habitats. There are many semi-natural ancient woodlands, wildflower-rich limestone grasslands, protected limestone pavements, coastal salt-marshes, rare butterflies and many other diverse habitats.

The AONB takes in all or part of the parishes (and villages) of Arnside, Silverdale, Warton, Yealand Redmayne, Yealand Conyers and Beetham. The Area also includes the settlements of Storth, Sandside and Yealand Storrs. Carnforth to the South and Milnthorpe at the North, form the "gateways" to the AONB - both being on the A6 and having weekly markets and regular farmers' markets. They also have a full range of shops and services, aimed at both visitors and residents.

The Arnside and Silverdale AONB Partnership published the first AONB Management Plan in April 2004. This statutory document is required to be reviewed on a five yearly basis, with an updated Management Plan and Action Plan in 2009.

The Management Plan is not just a plan to guide the work of the AONB Service, it is intended to help all the organisations that make up the AONB Partnership carry out their functions in a way that helps deliver the conservation and enhancement of the Natural Beauty of the Area - what is known as the Statutory Purpose of Designation.

Neighbouring Authorities

Barrow Borough is yet to progress their Core Strategy, currently focussing on progressing the Barrow Port Area Action Plan. The RSS, which sets the framework for the Core Strategy, states that the key issues to be addressed are:

• In making provision for development….the fourth priority should be the towns and cities outside the City Regions of Carlisle and Lancaster, with investment encouraged in Barrow in Furness…to address regeneration and worklessness in Furness Peninsula and West Cumbria • In these areas, development should be focused in and around the centres of the towns and cities. Emphasis should be placed on addressing regeneration and housing market renewal and restructuring • Regionally significant economic development will be located close to sustainable transport nodes within the urban areas of Manchester, Liverpool and Central Lancashire City Regions and Lancaster, Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness and Workington and Whitehaven. • Comparison retailing facilities should be enhanced and encouraged in the following centres to ensure a sustainable distribution of high quality retail facilities (Barrow) • Provision for 150 additional dwellings per annum, of which at least 80% should be on previously developed land and buildings. • Plans and strategies should focus major developments within Barrow in Furness and Whitehaven and Workington and the city of Carlisle. • Concentrating development within the Furness Regeneration Priority Area in Barrow in Furness, to facilitate diversification of the local economy, and enable opportunities for development and regeneration to be brought forward in the

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wider Furness Peninsula. Efforts should be made to capitalise specialist marine engineering skills and opportunities, and to develop the area’s potential for tourism;

Lancaster District has adopted their Core Strategy. The Spatial vision for Lancaster District is “a sustainable self contained and varied group of communities comprising:

• Morecambe and Heysham – a confident community with a regenerated living, working and leisure environment; • 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;

Over the period of the Strategy; 90% of new dwellings, 95% of new employment floorspace; and 98% of new retail floorspace will be accommodated within the existing urban area of Lancaster, Morecambe, Heysham and Carnforth.

The retail hierarchy states that:

• Lancaster will be a sub regional city centre – the main comparison shopping destination for Lancaster District attracting a significant number of shopping trips from adjoining parts of Cumbria, North Yorkshire and central Lancashire as well as developing a role as a tourist destination • Carnforth Town Centre will develop a District centre role as a Key Service Centre, Market Town and visitor destination.

Carnforth is a small but important centre providing convenience and some comparison goods to rural North Lancashire and neighbouring parts of Cumbria. The Strategy proposes the regeneration of Carnforth as a Market Town and a visitor destination focused on its railway heritage. It proposes reclaiming derelict sites and moving poorly located uses. It proposes to maintain the town’s population and services with attractive new housing on previously used sites. The impact of lorry traffic will be addressed by rationalising land uses and using road capacity freed by the Heysham/M6 link.

The Lake District National Park has undertaken consultation on preferred options for its Core Strategy, and will shortly be submitting a draft Core Strategy. Key elements of the emerging strategy include:

• Development outside the Lake District National Park should not damage its setting, or otherwise prejudice the achievement of National Park purposes. • Identified a settlement hierarchy, including Rural Service Centres, Villages, and Cluster Communities • Broughton in Furness, which sits on the boundary between the National Park and SLDC plan area is classed as a Rural Service Centre, where sites will be allocated for appropriate uses such as housing, employment and open space. • Rural Service Centres, Villages and Cluster Communities will be permitted the flexibility to evolve over time based on a number of development criteria. • The strategy will identify a Central Shopping Area for each of Ambleside, Bowness, Keswick, Windermere, Grasmere, Hawkshead and Coniston, with a boundary around the town centre for each of these settlements. Elsewhere within Rural Service Centres and Villages, LDNP will support development

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proposals for retail and town centre uses, where evidence demonstrates that there is a local community need for the development. • The strategy will support proposals for B1, B2 or B8 uses that will diversify and sustain the economy of the Lake District National Park. New employment sites will be allocated, where demand cannot be met on existing or permitted sites, within or well related to our Rural Service Centres. The strategy will seek to allocate new sites for employment use at the Rural Service Centres of Broughton in Furness and Backbarrow while recognising the cross boundary links to Ulverston. • The strategy recognises Broughton in Furness and Backbarrow as Rural Service Centre transport hubs, and supports initiatives that strengthen the sustainable transport links from settlements in the South area to Barrow, Ulverston and Kendal.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Local Plan (2006):

The small population (20,000) of the National Park is dispersed across a very large area (1,773 square kilometres). The main centres of Sedbergh, Grassington, Hawes and Reeth provide the main employment and a wide range of services and facilities. Sedbergh is located in close proximity to the SLDC plan area. Other villages support little more than the basic services, (a post office / village shop, public house, village hall and a church or chapel). Some of the smallest villages have no services at all. For a wider selection or more specialised services, residents have to rely on the larger towns outside the National Park.

Eden District Council has submitted their Core Strategy. The development strategy within the submission documents states that new development will be focused as set out below:

• Key Service Centre - Penrith: Sustained development appropriate to that of a large town. Regenerating the town centre and encouraging redevelopment of important brownfield sites; provision of strategic employment land; provision of new housing; upgrading links to the strategic road network; improving the public transport system; the location for any large scale individual developments. • Key Service Centres - Alston, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen: Moderate development appropriate to the scale of the town but including new housing, provision of employment, improvements to accessibility. • Local Service Centres: Small-scale development within defined settlement limits to sustain local services, support rural businesses and meet local needs, including housing, provision of employment and improvements to accessibility. • Smaller Villages, Hamlets and Open Countryside: Development limited to meeting an identified essential need (see Policy CS3). In all cases the scale and nature of the development should take into account the capacity of essential infrastructure and should respect the character of the town or village concerned.

The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) has established a rate of 239 dwellings per annum, which equates to a total supply of 4,300 homes from 2003 - 2021. As the key focus for development and because of the lack of suitably available brownfield sites it is necessary to identify strategic green field developments on the outskirts of Penrith. These locations have been raised in previous consultation exercises and are

115 APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES being investigated in greater detail in the Housing DPD. The development of larger sites will allow the provision of a better range of new infrastructure and services.

Retail development within the District is centred on traditional high streets within each of the Key Service Centres. The retail economies of Alston, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen are supported to some extent by tourist expenditure and they can be classed as District Centres, though each has its own unique character. Kirkby Stephen is the main Service Centre for the Upper Eden Valley, and its linear layout reflects its history on one of the primary driving routes.

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APPENDIX C

THE EVIDENCE BASE

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Topic Document Name Date Prepared By Review Date Spatial Strategy Research - Key Service Centres Roles and September Land Use NA Functions -Cumbria and North Lancashire, 2006 Consultants, Rural Final Report Innovation and Jacqui Blenkinship for NWRA (now 4NW) Housing Strategic Housing Land Availability May 2009 Roger Tym & Assessment (SHLAA) Partners for SLDC Annually Housing Land Position Statement May 2009 SLDC Annually Development Plans Team South Lakeland Housing Needs & Market June 2006 David Cumberland Every 5 Assessment Study, Final Report Housing years Regeneration Ltd. For SLDC Strategic Housing Market Assessment July 2009 South Lakeland Every 5 (SHMA) District Council, years Community & Housing. Viability Impact Study Final Draft March 2009 SLDC Ad hoc Development Plans Team South Lakeland Urban Potential Study, Final April 2004 SLDC NA Report with Sub-Regional Breakdown Development Plans Team South Lakeland Urban Potential Study, Partial December SLDC NA Review with Sub-Regional Breakdown 2006 Development Plans Team Gypsies and Travellers Cumbria Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation May 2008 University of Ad hoc Needs Assessment, Final Report Salford (Salford Housing & Urban Studies Unit) for Cumbrian Local Planning Authorities The Economy – Jobs, Skills and Regeneration Employment Land & Premises Study, Final December Ove Arup & 2009 Report (ELPS) 2005 Partners Ltd with Carigiet Cowen for SLDC Employment Land Position Statement June 2009 Development Plans Annually Team Regional Employment Land Study, April 2005 Ove Arup & Review Employment Sites Appraisal, Phase 1 and 2 Partners Ltd with currently Report Donaldsons for being North West carried Regional Assembly out, Review due 2009

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Topic Document Name Date Prepared By Review Date Regional Employment Land Study, Phase 3 June 2005 Ove Arup & Review Report Partners Ltd with currently Donaldsons for being North West carried Regional Assembly out, Review due 2009 South Lakeland: Knowledge-Based August 2007 Knight Frank, Ove Employment Land Search & Assessment, Arup and Carigiet NA Final Report Cowen for NWDA Cumbria Sub Regional Employment Sites August 2008 Faber Maunsell Ad hoc (SRES) Study, and BE Group for Stage 2 – Volume 1: Key Findings and Cumbria County Recommendations – Volume 2: Detailed Council and the Findings/Results from Site Investigations NWDA Cumbria Economic Strategy (CES) 20 February Cumbria Vision 2019 2009 – 2019 2009 Regeneration

Kendal Economic Regeneration Action Plan June 2007 Douglas Wheeler Ad hoc Final Report Associates for SLDC Grange over Sands Regeneration Study, Final December Douglas Wheeler NA Report 2007 Associates with Willie Miller Urban Design and Carigiet Cowen for SLDC Retail South Lakeland Retail Study Quantitative October 2007 Martin Tonks of MT Before Assessment, Final Report (main report and Town Planning for 2012 appendices) SLDC Town Centre Retail Health Checks March 2009 Development Plans Annually Team Environment Core Strategy Appropriate Assessment (AA) June 2009 Treweek As required The Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base & June 2008 Cumbria Biological Ongoing Report Data Network (CBDN) in consultation with local experts (led by Cumbria County Council) Cumbria Landscape Character Appraisal Ongoing Cumbria County NA Technical Paper Council Emerging Air Quality in South Lakeland, Ongoing SLDC Annual Progress Report 2008 (Environmental Protection Group) South Lakeland District Strategic Flood Risk October 2007 Jacobs for SLDC Annual Assessment (SFRA) South Lakeland District Council: Open Space, February Knight Kavanagh 2013 Sport & Recreation Assessment 2008 and Page for SLDC Infrastructure Kendal Transport Assessment Final Report & June 2009 Atkins NA Car Parking Study

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APPENDIX D

MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK

120 APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES Monitoring Framework

THE ECONOMY

To deliver a step change in the local economy and contribute towards the enhancement of the wider Cumbria economy

OBJECTIVE INDICATOR TARGET

Making provision for a Total amount of additional employment 4 hectares of employment range of types and sizes floorspace by type land is allocated per annum of employment land to between 2010 - 2025, of meet local need and which 30% should be high promote new business quality B1 employment use. creation across the plan area. Maintain a rolling five year supply of unconstrained land for each employment land market sector at any one time Total amount of additional employment 50% floorspace on previously developed land New business creation rates / vat Annual increase in number of registrations new businesses created between 2010 - 2025 Business survival rates - vat registrations Annual increase in business and deregistrations survival rates between 2010 - 2025 Loss of employment land No loss of good quality unallocated sites which are currently in employment use

Working with Total amount of additional employment Provision of 15 hectares of stakeholders and floorspace by type business / science parks in partners to create a Ulverston and Kendal cluster of knowledge- between 2010 and 2025. based industries to strengthen the local economy and meet sub- regional economic needs in Kendal.

Ensuring that economic Average weekly income (District wide, so as Annual increase in average development in areas to incorporate the National Park areas) weekly income across South close to the National Lakeland District Parks benefit not only local residents but also Unemployment levels (District wide, so as Less than 1% unemployment communities within the to incorporate the national park areas) across South Lakeland parks; Gross Value Added (GVA) per head Annual increase in average (District wide, so as to incorporate the weekly income across South National Park areas) Lakeland District

APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES Enabling opportunities Total amount of additional employment Accommodation of 12 for economic floorspace by type hectares of employment land development and in Ulverston between 2010 - regeneration to be 2025 brought forward in the Development of Ulverston Canal Head and Production of further planning Furness Peninsula and Corridor Area guidance for the area by 2014 develop the area’s Number of visitors to LDF area Annual increase in the potential for tourism; number of visits to the Furness Peninsula

Supporting Total amount of additional employment Provision of 12 hectares of diversification of the floorspace by type local employment sites in the agricultural and wider network of Local Service rural economy, including Centres, and 6 hectares of allowing small-scale land across the other rural economic development in settlements. rural settlements outside Unemployment levels Less than 1% unemployment Service Centres; across South Lakeland

Promoting the vitality and Amount of new floorspace located in At least 80% of new A1 viability of town and local identified town centres floorspace to be located in centres, through identified centres by 2025 addressing obstacles to Amount of vacant floorspace in the primary Vacancies to be maintained growth (such as town shopping areas (ground floor) at less than 10% by 2025 centre congestion in across the network of centres Kendal) and working with partners to reduce vacancy levels;

Supporting the Number of courses offered Between 2010 and 2025 to development of further increase the number of and higher education in courses offered the district, in particular Number of full time/part time students Between 2010 and 2025 to the University of Cumbria increase the number of full and Kendal College and and part time students at the provision of training further and higher education and life-long learning. establishements in Cumbria Percentage of local population with Between 2010 and 2025 to qualifications increase the proportion of local residents with academic qualifications.

Developing stronger Number of vocational courses offered Between 2010 and 2025 to relationships between increase the number of local businesses and courses offered local education establishments;

APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES Using developer Completions monitoring Between 2010 and 2025 to contributions to support increase the amount of Work sustainable employee Travel Plans travel to and from work Completions monitoring Consistent achievement of and also to provide development contributions on recruitment and training major schemes to ensure that the benefits of economic development are targeted at local residents.

Supporting the Amount of energy generated from Annual increase in the development of the low renewable sources amount of energy generated carbon economy. from renewable sources

HOUSING

To achieve a balanced housing market by:

OBJECTIVE INDICATOR TARGET Securing the provision of Net additional dwellings broken down in 400 per annum (RSS), a range of housing types accordance with the settlement hierarchy in broken down by settlement and sizes to meet the CS1.2 hierarchy in accordance needs of all sectors of the with CS1.2 community; Net additional pitches (Gypsies and To accord with emerging Travellers) target in partial review of the RSS Housing Quality All new housing should be built to Lifetime Homes Standards or equivalent

Ensuring that the scale Net additional dwellings broken down in 400 per annum (RSS), and type of housing in accordance with the settlement hierarchy in broken down by settlement the Furness Peninsula CS1.2 hierarchy in accordance helps to support with CS1.2 regeneration in Barrow in Furness;

Ensuring that housing Gross affordable housing completions Affordable housing developments are delivered in accordance required to make with targets in area provision for an element strategies of affordable housing;

Continuing to work with Number of rural exception sites Increase in the number of partners to maximise the rural exception sites provision of publicly- delivered annually between funded affordable 2010 and 2025. housing;

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Requiring some new Completions - Local Occupancy conditions Local occupancy housing developments to restrictions achieved on make provision for local proposals of 4+ dwellings occupancy housing; outside of the Service Centres of Kendal, Ulverston, Milnthorpe and Grange over Sands

Optimising the New and converted dwellings on previously At least 50% of new sustainability of the developed land dwellings to be built on housing stock; previously developed land and buildings Density of dwellings per hectare for all On average, at least 30 housing developments dwellings per hectares to be delivered on housing schemes Code for Sustainable Homes Majority of development to achieve at least a 3 star rating, increasing to level 4 in 2013 and level 6 in 2016

Requiring new Production of design guidance and Design guidance and / or developments to respect development briefs development briefs to be and be sympathetic to the produced in relation to character of the locality, major development enhance the existing built schemes environment and create a Building for Life Standards Major allocations assessed “sense of place”. against building for life standards to achieve a very good standard.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

We aim to protect the unique character of the District by:

OBJECTIVE INDICATOR TARGET

Helping to mitigate Code for Sustainable Homes Majority of development to against and adapt to the achieve at least a 3 star cause and impacts of rating, increasing to level 4 climate change; in 2013 and level 6 in 2016 BREAM New commercial buildings of more than 1000sqm to meet a very good standard rising to an excellent standard by 2013. Amount of energy generated from renewable Annual increase in the sources amount of energy generated from renewable sources

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Promoting prudent use of Permissions granted contrary to Environment Zero resources, minimising Agency advice the generation of waste, promoting recycling and mitigating against the effects of air, water and soil pollution, noise, smells and fumes, and making adequate Volume of household waste collected and Annual increase in amount provision for recycled of household waste contamination mitigation; recycled.

Minimising the risk of Permissions granted contrary to Environment Zero flooding; Agency advice

Reviewing green gaps Extent of green gap coverage Zero reduction in extent of between individual green gaps allocated in the settlements in order to Allocations of Land DPD ensure that they are kept distinct and maintain their individual character;

Limiting development in Net additional dwellings broken down in 400 per annum (RSS), rural settlements outside accordance with the settlement hierarchy in broken down by settlement Service Centres. CS1.2 hierarchy in accordance with CS1.2

Providing a coordinated Total area designated Sites of Special No reduction in the area network of green Scientific Interest (SSSI) designated as SSSI infrastructure; Amount of open space, sport and recreation Achievement of open space provision quantity standards in CS8.3a and CS8.3b.

Quality of open space, sport and recreation Increase in the proportion provision of sites achieving the quality benchmark (as assessed through the open space study) Ecological classification of rivers and “Good” or better waterways Ensuring that new Permissions granted contrary to the advice of Zero development both the statutory environment bodies safeguards and enhances the natural and built environment, notably the international designations within the area such as Morecambe Bay;

APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES Protect the historic Local listings Preparation of a list of environment from buildings and features of harmful change, local architectural and including listed buildings, historical importance buildings of local Conservation Area Appraisals and Production of a series of importance, conservation Management Plans Conservation Area areas, scheduled ancient Appraisals and monuments and historic Management Plans. parks and gardens;

Preventing ecological Change in areas of biodiversity importance No change harm and enhancing biodiversity in all locations.

ACCESSING SERVICES

To improve accessibility to services by:

OBJECTIVE INDICATOR TARGET

Concentrating Net additional dwellings broken down in 400 per annum (RSS), development in the accordance with the settlement hierarchy in broken down by settlement Principal Service Centres CS1.2 hierarchy in accordance of Kendal and Ulverston, with CS1.2 then in the other Key Service Centres of Grange over Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe, followed by a number of designated Local Service Centres throughout the rural hinterland;

Working with partners to Number and frequency of rural bus services Annual increase in number improve sustainable rural and frequency of services. transport and maintain rural services, including between Local Service Centres and their rural hinterland and also links to nearby centres outside the District, such as Barrow and Carnforth;

Focusing the majority of Amount of new residential development within 95% new development in 30 mins public transport time of Key Services locations that are Amount of new residential development within 70% accessible by a variety of 2km walking distance and 5km cycling modes of transport, distance of Key Services particularly public transport, walking and cycling;

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Improving access across Extent of cycling and walking routes Annual increase the district by supporting the development and enhancement of an integrated transport network, including footpaths and cycleways;

Supporting Number and frequency of demand responsive Annual increase in number improvements to rural rural bus services and frequency of services. accessibility and lobbying to improve broadband access in rural areas;

Supporting essential road Road safety Annual decrease in number infrastructure of road accidents improvements to accommodate development, most notably the A590 between the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston;

Considering the Project implementation Implementation of schemes development of park-and- in Kendal by 2015 ride / park-and-stride sites and provision of improved coach parking in Kendal;

Working with local Establishment of Local Area Partnerships Implementation of Local communities to improve Area Partnerships across local services - SLDC by 2012. supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level;

Delivering an Access to Programme implementation Implementation of a Services Programme in Programme by 2012. partnership with other organisations.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

To improve health and wellbeing for all by:

OBJECTIVE INDICATOR TARGET

Ensuring that all development Code for Sustainable Homes Majority of development to is sustainable and makes achieve at least a 3 star rating, prudent use of resources, so increasing to level 4 in 2013 as not to compromise the and level 6 in 2016 wellbeing of future BREAM New commercial buildings of generations; more than 1000sqm to meet a very good standard and an excellent standard by 2013. Amount of energy generated from Annual increase in the amount renewable sources of energy generated from renewable sources

Providing incentives for young Average weekly income Annual increase in average people who have left the area weekly income to return - namely skilled jobs, training opportunities and a good spread of housing that Percentage of local population with Between 2010 and 2025 to meets their needs; qualifications increase the proportion of local residents with academic qualifications. Net additional dwellings broken down 400 per annum (RSS), broken in accordance with the settlement down by settlement hierarchy hierarchy in CS1.2 in accordance with CS1.2 Demographics Increased proportion of young people by end of plan period

Protecting and enhancing Satisfaction surveys / overall & Increasing levels of satisfaction existing social and community general satisfaction with the area with the area infrastructure - such as education, health, cultural and leisure facilities - to improve community wellbeing in line with an understanding of predicted future needs and current gaps in infrastructure;

APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES Working with partners to Number of sport and recreation Increased level of provision per deliver sport and recreation facilities within the plan area 1000 population schemes, developing community facilities such as multi use games areas for young people and creating opportunities for healthier lifestyles;

Supporting the Kendal Sports Project delivery Delivering of Kendal Sports Village Project and the Village project by 2012. development of local sport facilities as a legacy of the Increase number of local sport 2012 Olympics; facilities per 1000 population

Working with partners to Site identification Identification of sites for develop and deliver health and integrated health facilities in wellbeing initiatives, including Allocations of Land DPD working with the PCT to identify new sites for integrated health facilities;

Working with partners to Perception of crime Reduction in perception of reduce the perception of anti- crime social behaviour and supporting projects including Together We Can / Street Safe;

Support independent living for Grant provision Amount and value of grants older and disabled people, provided for home adoption including giving grants and Housing Quality All new housing should be built assistance to adapt people’s to Lifetime Homes Standards homes; or equivalent

Providing a comprehensive Amount of open space, sport and Achievement of open space network of high quality open recreation provision quantity standards in CS8.3a spaces such as parks and and CS8.3b. gardens, natural green spaces and allotments. Quality of open space, sport and Increase in the proportion of recreation provision sites achieving the quality benchmark (as assessed through the open space study)

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Implementation Plan

This section outlines how the Core Strategy policies will be implemented.

Infrastructure Constraints

A key factor in the delivery of the Core Strategy policies is the provision of vital infrastructure required for new development. Infrastructure providers have indicated a range of constraints in the area. A standalone report has been prepared to summarise work undertaken to understand key infrastructure issues and challenges and to inform the implementation of the Core Strategy. This forms part of the submission documentation for the Core Strategy. Due to the length of this document, it is not included in its entirety within this appendix. However, the following bullet points represent a summary of the key conclusions:

• Initial findings have not identified any ‘showstoppers’ at a strategic level in terms of significant barriers to the new development that cannot be overcome.

• There is however a need to enhance local provision and ensure future infrastructure improvements is timed appropriately.

• There are particular local issues regarding the following:

- Existing problems with sewer network at Kendal, Kentrigg Walk and Burneside Steeles Row (capacity problems resulting in overflowing of sewer and flooding)

- Potential overloading on the sewerage network in number of locations from potential new development resulting in potential flood risk (issue relates to the combined effect of surface water and foul water entering the sewerage system, if just foul water is discharged the issue will not arise).

- Potential need for existing schools and GP surgeries across the district to expand their facilities (increase size and range of facilities). This is due to two factors either because they are currently oversubscribed or simply as a result of anticipated levels of growth. However, it is not considered that any major scale expansion would be necessary in view of projected levels of growth and what this will mean for demographics i.e. expected numbers of persons aged 0-15 years by 2026 across the district will be very similar to current figures.

• Difficulties in enhancing current public transport provision on offer particularly in rural areas, more innovative means of offering sustainable transport alternatives to the car are required particularly in rural areas, there is continued need to enhance pedestrian and cycle access to services and facilities across the district.

• The greatest need for investment in meeting infrastructure requirements will occur within the five Key Service Centres where highest levels of growth in development is proposed. In rural areas, changing solutions and behaviour may be all that is required to accommodate need generated by new growth.

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• There is inference that many infrastructure providers are reactive rather than proactive when it comes to planning of infrastructure. One reason for this relates to the fact that providers wait for funding for a project, only when the problem has occurred and often the timescales for delivery of funding may not necessarily run in parallel with local authority spatial plan development led programmes. A further issue, of identifying future infrastructure requirements associated with new development, is that providers do not usually know what is required until the scheme/proposal has been submitted.

Implementation Plan

The table below shows how particular policies in the Core Strategy will be implemented and which agencies contribute towards this. In many cases the detailed implementation of the policies will be in the Allocations of Land DPD. In some instances it is proposed that Supplementary Planning Documents will be written to provide more detailed implementation guidance of these policies. However, in many other cases the delivery depends on integrated working with other agencies and partnerships. The Council is actively involved in many key delivery partnerships with the South Lakeland Local Strategic Partnership and the Cumbria Local Area Agreement that bring together services to work in a co-ordinated way.

Policy Implementation Mechanism Responsible Agencies CS1.1 • Allocations DPD • South Lakeland Sustainable • Development Management District Council Development Decisions (SLDC) Principles • Local Transport Plan • Cumbria County • Contaminated Land Surveys Council (CCC) • Surveys / Assessments (such as • Landowners / Flood Risk Assesments) Developers • Identifying Air Quality • Utility and Management Zones Infrastructure • Infrastructure Provision Providers • Consultation • Statutory and Non Statutory Consultation Bodies • Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) CS1.2 • Allocations DPD • SLDC The • Development Management • CCC Development Decisions • Utility and Strategy • Infrastructure Provision Infrastructure • Compulsory Purchase Providers • Consultation • Statutory and Non Statutory Consultation Bodies • Landowners / Developers • LSP CS2 • Kendal Canal Head Area Action • SLDC Kendal Area Plan (AAP) • CCC Strategy • Allocations DPD • Landowners / • Development Management Developers Decisions • Utility and • Infrastructure Provision Infrastructure • Air Quality Management Zone Providers 131

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Policy Implementation Mechanism Responsible Agencies • Surveys / Assessments (such as • Statutory and Non Housing Market Assessment) Statutory • Grants Consultation Bodies • Action Plans (Economic • Kendal College Regeneration, Biodiversity) • Registered Social • Development Briefs / Landlord (RSLs) Supplementary Planning • Network Rail Document (SPD) • Kendal Town • Consultation Council • Kendal Futures Board • North West Development Agency (NWDA) • LSP

CS3.1 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Ulverston and • Development Management • CCC Furness Area Decisions • Landowners / Strategy • Infrastructure Provision Developers • Surveys / Assessments (such as • Utility and Housing Market Assessment) Infrastructure • Grants Providers • Action Plans (Economic • Statutory and Non Regeneration, Biodiversity etc) Statutory • Development Briefs / SPD Consultation Bodies • Consultation • RSLs • Network Rail • UlverstonTown Council • Furness Enterprise • NWDA • LSP

CS3.2 • Development Brief / SPD • SLDC Ulverston • Development Management • CCC Canal Head Decisions • Landowners / • Infrastructure Provision Developers • Grants • Utility and • Consultation Infrastructure Providers • Statutory and Non Statutory Consultation Bodies • RSLs • Network Rail • UlverstonTown Council • Furness Enterprise • NWDA • LSP CS4 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Cartmel • Development Management • CCC Peninsula Decisions • Landowners / Strategy • Infrastructure Provision Developers • Surveys / Assessments (Parish • Utility and 132

APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES

Policy Implementation Mechanism Responsible Agencies Plans, Village Design Statements) Infrastructure • Action Plans Providers • Grants (Heritage Lottery Fund etc) • Statutory and Non • Consultation Statutory • Shoreline Management Plans Consultation Bodies • Conservation Area Appraisals • RSLs • Town and Parish Councils CS5 • Allocations DPD • SLDC The East • Development Management • CCC (including Decisions • Landowners / Milnthorpe and • Infrastructure Provision Developers Kirkby Lonsdale) • Surveys / Assessments (Parish • Utility and Plans, Village Design Statements) Infrastructure • Action Plans Providers • Grants (Heritage Lottery Fund etc) • Statutory and Non • Consultation Statutory • Shoreline Management Plans Consultation Bodies • Conservation Area Appraisals • RSLs • AONB Management Plan and • Town and Parish Action Plan Councils • AONB Committee

CS6.1 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Meeting the • Development Management • CCC Housing Decisions • Landowners / Requirement • Housing Trajectory / Annual Developers Monitoring Report • Utility and • Strategic Housing Land Infrastructure Availability Assessment Providers • Provision of Adequate • Statutory and Non Infrastructure Statutory • Compulsory Purchase Consultation Bodies • Grants • LSP • Homes and Community Agency (HCA) • RSLs • Town and Parish Councils CS6.2 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Dwelling Mix • Development Management • CCC and Type Decisions • Landowners / • Strategic Housing Market Developers Assessment • Utility and • Local Housing Needs Surveys Infrastructure • Grants Providers • Statutory and Non Statutory Consultation Bodies • LSP • HCA • RSLs • Town and Parish Councils CS6.3 • Allocations DPD • Private developers 133

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Policy Implementation Mechanism Responsible Agencies Provision • SLDC Housing Strategy • RSLs Of • LAA • SLDC Affordable • Development Management • CCC Housing / Local Decisions • Landowners / Occupancy • HCA funding Developers Housing • Housing Needs Assessments • Utility and • Grants / bids for funding Infrastructure • Developer Contributions Providers • HCA • Town and Parish Councils CS6.4 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Community • Development Management • CCC Led Affordable Decisions • Landowners / Housing in • Consultation (Proactive Developers Smaller Rural engagement with local • Utility and Communities communities) Infrastructure • Local Housing Needs Providers Assessments • LSP • Community Land Trusts • HCA • RSLs • Town and Parish Councils CS6.5 • Allocations of Land DPD • SLDC Accommodation • Development Management • CCC for Gypsies and Decisions • Landowners / Travellers • Gypsy and Travellers Assessment Developers • Consultation • Utility and Infrastructure Providers • Gypsies and Travellers CS6.6 • Local Housing and Empty Homes • SLDC Making Effective Strategy • CCC and Efficient Use • Compulsory Purchase • Landowners / of Land and • Village Design Statements Developers Buildings • Utility and Infrastructure Providers • Town and Parish Councils CS7.1 • Employment Land and Premises • SLDC Meeting the Review • CCC Employment • Assessment of Economic and • Landowners / Requirement Employment Need Developers • Allocations of Land DPD • Utility and • Provision of Infrastructure Infrastructure • SLDC Economic Strategy Providers • Development Management • Statutory and Non Decisions Statutory • Development Briefs Consultation Bodies • LSP • Town and Parish Councils CS7.2 • Employment Land and Premises • SLDC Type of Review • CCC 134

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Policy Implementation Mechanism Responsible Agencies Employment • Assessment of Economic and • Landowners / Land Required Employment Need Developers and Sectoral • Allocations of Land DPD • Utility and Split • Provision of Infrastructure Infrastructure • SLDC Economic Strategy Providers • Development Management • Statutory and Non Decisions Statutory • Addressing Constraints Consultation Bodies • Development Briefs • LSP • Town and Parish Councils CS7.3 • Schools reorganisation • Cumbria University Education and programme • Kendal College Skills • Allocations of Land DPD • Local Education • Development Management Authority (LEA) • Developer Contributions • Schools • Local Businesses CS7.4 • Allocations of Land DPD • SLDC Rural Economy • Development Management • CCC Decisions • Landowners / • Assessment of Rural Economic Developers Needs • Utility and • Grants Infrastructure Providers • Statutory and Non Statutory Consultation Bodies • LSP • Town and Parish Councils CS7.5 • Annual Retail Health checks • SLDC Town Centre • Assessment of Retail Needs and • CCC and Retail Capacity • Landowners / Strategy • Allocations of Land DPD Developers • Development Management • Utility and Decisions Infrastructure • Improvements to the Built Providers Environment • Local Businesses • Town Centre and Car Parking • LSP Management • Town and Parish • Joint Working with Businesses Councils and Organisations CS7.6 • Tourism Strategy • SLDC Tourism • Assessment of Tourism Needs • CCC and Opportunities • Cumbria Tourism • Provision of Infrastructure • Lake District Peninsula Tourism Partnership • Utility and Infrastructure Providers • Local Businesses CS7.7 • Assessment of Local Feasibility • SLDC Opportunities of and Potential for Renewable and • Landowners / Energy and the Low Carbon Technologies Developers Low Carbon • Allocations DPD • Local Energy 135

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Policy Implementation Mechanism Responsible Agencies Economy • Development Management Providers Decisions / Developer • Regional / Local Contributions Climate Change Partnership • Energy Saving Trust CS8.1 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Green • Development Management • CCC Infrastructure Decisions • Landowners / • Assessments of Local Open Developers Space, Sport and Recreation Needs • Comprehensive Audit of Open Space • Rights of Way Improvement Plan CS8.2 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Protection and • Development Management • CCC Enhancement of Decisions • Landowners / Landscape and • AONB Management Plan and Developers Settlement Action Plan • AONB Partnership Character • Landscape Character Assessments CS8.3 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Open Space, • Development Management • CCC Sport and Decisions and Developer • Landowners / Recreation Contributions Developers • Assessment of Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities CS8.4 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Biodiversity • Development Management • CCC Decisions • Landowners / • Biodiversity Action Plan Developers • Protected Species Surveys • Cumbria Wildlife • Appropriate Assessment / Trust Environmental Assessments • Cumbria Biodiversity • Ecological Network Maps Partnership • Designation of County Wildlife • LSP Sites and Local Nature Reserves CS8.5 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Costal Zone • Development Management • CCC Decisions • Environment • Coastal Management Plans Agency • Shoreline Management Plans • Landowners / • Infrastructure Provision Developers CS8.6 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Historic • Development Management • Civic Societies Environment Decisions • LSP • Conservation Area Appraisals and • English Heritage Management Plans • Landowners / • Design Guide / Village Design Developers Statements / Parish Plans • Conservation Area Powers, Article 4 (2) Directions, Urgent Works and Repair Notices • Local Listings • Grants

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Policy Implementation Mechanism Responsible Agencies CS8.7 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Sustainable • Development Management • Landowners / Construction, Decisions Developers Energy • Code for Sustainable Homes • Central Government Efficiency and Assessment • Code for Renewable • BREAM Sustainable Homes Energy • Design and Access Statements Assessors • Grants • Building Regulations CS8.8 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Flood Risk • Development Management • Environment Decisions Agency • Strategic Flood Risk Assessments • Landowners / • Flood Risk Assessments Developers • Flood Defences • United Utilities

CS8.9 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Minerals and • Development Management • CCC Waste Decisions • Landowners / • Waste Management Strategy Developers

CS9.1 • Allocations DPD • SLDC Social and • Development Management • CCC Community Decisions • Utility and Infrastructure • Provision of Adequate Infrastructure Infrastructure Providers • Closer to Home Initiative • Primary Care Trust • Schools For the Future (PCT) Programme • LEA

CS9.2 • Development Management • SLDC Developer Decisions / Developer • CCC Contributions Contributions • Landowners / • Infrastructure Planning Developers • Viability Assessment

CS10.1 • Developer Contributions • SLDC Accessing • Regeneration Funding • CCC Services • Joint Safety Programmes • Landowners / • Mobility Plans Developers • Work Travel Plans • Local Transport Plan CS10.2 • Allocations of Land DPD • SLDC Transport Impact • Development Management • CCC of New Decisions and Developer • Landowners / Development Contributions Developers • Transport Assessments / Travel • Highways Agency Plans • Consultation

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Implementing Policy CS6.3 – Provision of Affordable Housing / Local Occupancy Housing This appendix sets out the following additional policy guidance in relation to policy CS6.3. 1. Definition of Local Occupancy 2. Definition of Affordable Housing 3. Affordable Housing Contributions from Sites of Three or More Dwellings 4. Affordable Housing Application Process

1. Local Occupancy Housing (non affordable)

Eligibility for local occupancy housing in South Lakeland District (outside the national parks) extends to the ‘ District and surrounding area ‘. This includes the area of

• South Lakeland District, • Barrow in Furness Borough • The parishes of Shap, Orton and Tebay in south Eden District) • Lancaster City district, excluding the parishes of Overton, Thurnham, Cockerham, Ellel and Over Wyresdale • The parishes of Ingleton, Thornton in Lonsdale and Burton in Lonsdale in Craven District

‘Local connection’ is defined as:

• The intended household has, immediately prior to such approval, been continuously resident in the District and surrounding area for three years, or • The intended household has, immediately prior to such approval, been permanently employed or has a firm permanent job offer in the District and surrounding area. Permanent employment will be taken to include contracts for a minimum of one year’s continuous employment, and the self employed on provision on evidence of a viable business; or • Former residents (who previously lived in the District for a period of at least three years) who wish to return to the District having completed a post-secondary (tertiary) education course within the past three years; or • They are currently in the Armed Forces, in prison, in hospital or similar accommodation whose location is beyond their control, and immediately before moving to this type of accommodation they lived in the District for at least three years; or • They need to live in the District either because they are ill and/or need support from a relative who lives in the District, or because they need to give support to a relative who is ill and/or needs support who lives in the District. Proof of illness and/or need of support will be required from a medical doctor or relevant statutory support agency; or • They previously lived in the District for most of their lives and left the District less than ten years ago (“Most of the applicant’s life” will be interpreted as over half of the applicant’s life up to the point that they left the District, or a continuous period of twenty years up to the point they left the District); 138

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• They spent at least ten years of their school education in the district but who left the district over ten years ago. 2. Affordable Housing ‘Local connection’ is defined as:

• The intended household has, immediately prior to such approval, been continuously resident in the locality for three years; or • The intended household has, immediately prior to such approval, been permanently employed or has a firm permanent job offer in the locality. Permanent employment will be taken to include contracts for a minimum of one year’s continuous employment, and the self-employed, on provision of evidence of a viable business; or • They are currently in the Armed Forces, in prison, in hospital or similar accommodation whose location is beyond their control, and immediately before moving to this type of accommodation they lived in the locality for at least three years; or • Former residents (who previously lived in the locality for a period of at least three years) who wish to return to the locality having completed a post-secondary (tertiary) education course within the past three years; or • They need to live in the locality either because they are ill and/or need support from a relative who lives in the, or because they need to give support to a relative who is ill and/or needs support who lives in the locality. Proof of illness and/or need of support will be required from a medical doctor or relevant statutory support agency; or • They previously lived in the locality for most of their lives and left the locality less than ten years ago (“Most of the applicant’s life” will be interpreted as over half of the applicant’s life up to the point that they left the locality, or a continuous period of twenty years up to the point they left the locality); or • They lived continuously in the locality for two years or more prior to being accepted as homeless under the Homelessness Act 2003 and placed in any form of temporary accommodation outside of the locality for up to a maximum of two years • They spent at least ten years of their school education in the locality but who left the locality over ten years ago.

If no persons are forthcoming from the above definition, following advertisement of the property in a pre-agreed manner for a period of three months (one month for rented properties), then the local connection qualification will be extended to people who meet the above criteria in relation to the South Lakeland District.

‘Locality’ is defined as the local area partnership area, as defined by the Council (see Table 1 below), where the proposed affordable housing is to be constructed. In the case of Kendal the locality will also include the Upper Kent and Kent Estuary local area partnership areas.

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Table 1

Local Area Partnership Area Key and Local Service Centres

Lakes To be finalised High Furness To be finalised Ulverston & Low Furness To be finalised Grange & Cartmel To be finalised Kent Estuary To be finalised Sedbergh & Kirkby Lonsdale To be finalised Upper Kent To be finalised Kendal To be finalised

Notes • Affordable housing must provide for households in housing need, with a local connection, as evidenced in local surveys • Levels of affordability will be calculated with reference to those households in housing need who are unable to afford open market prices, as evidenced in local surveys, having taken into account their income and capital compared to local house prices and rents • The Council prefers affordable housing to be delivered through Registered Social Landlords, but will consider alternative mechanisms (including private developers and community bodies), provided these are subject to adequate measures to control affordability and occupancy in perpetuity. • Any exceptions to the definitions above will be reported individually to Planning Committee for consideration. Any necessary amendments to, or clarification of, the definitions will be considered and approved by the Planning Portfolio Holder Advisory Group, after consultation with the Housing Provision Advisory Group. These will be published on the Council’s website.

Definitions of Affordable Housing:

Affordable housing includes social rented and intermediate housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. Affordable housing should:

• Meet the needs of eligible households including availability at a cost low enough for them to afford, determined with regard to local incomes and local house prices. • Include provision for the home to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households or, if these restrictions are lifted, for the subsidy to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision.

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Social Rented Housing is:

• Rented housing owned and managed by local authorities and Registered Social Landlords, for which guideline target rents are determined through the national rent regime. The proposals set out in the Three Year Review of Rent Restructuring (July 2004) were implemented as policy in April 2006. It may also include rented housing owned or managed by other persons and provided under equivalent rental arrangements to the above, as agreed with the local authority or with the Homes and Communities Agency as a condition of grant.

Intermediate Affordable Housing is:

• Housing at prices and rents above those of social rent, but below market price or rents, and which meet the criteria set out above. These can include shared equity products (for example Homebuy), other low cost homes for sale and intermediate rent.

Housing Need is:

• Households who do not have available to them and could not afford to acquire or rent a home suitable to their needs at normal market prices or rents prevailing in the locality, and - Needs to move from accommodation which is unfit/in disrepair, shared, temporary or overcrowded, or - Needs to be housed as a result of leaving tied accommodation, or - Is an older person or disabled and need to move to more suitable accommodation due to medical conditions, or - Needs to move due to special circumstances (as determined by South Lakeland District Council’s Housing Allocation Policy).

3. Affordable Housing Contributions

Developers will be required to provide affordable housing contributions for sites of four or more dwellings (nine or more in the Key Service Centres) in accordance with the table below. The contribution will be used to make the required number of homes on-site affordable. Once the total contribution is calculated the subsidy can be used in a flexible way to meet local needs. Hence this may be used to provide affordable housing for sale or rent or a combination of both. The details will need to be agreed with the Council. An example is shown below.

If shared ownership were to be proposed, i.e. where a rent is also payable, the financial contribution would need to be increased in order to provide a lower affordable price to account for the additional cost to the purchaser. This will need to be negotiated with the Council and will depend upon the rent charge.

The figures below will be reviewed annually by the Council. OMV = open market value. This will be determined by an independent chartered surveyor.

Property type Contribution Property type Contribution (Minimum sizes in brackets) (Minimum sizes in brackets) 1 bed flats (40 sq. m) OMV less £70,000 2 bed houses/bungalows (65 OMV less £95,000 sq. m) 2 bed flats (50 sq. m) OMV less £80,000 3 bed houses (75 sq. m) OMV less £110,000

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Example

Scheme of 20 homes – 35% must be affordable, i.e. 7 homes. The 7 affordable homes are made up of 4 x 2 bed houses and 3 x 3 bed houses. The open market value of the 2 bed houses is £150,000 and £170,000 for the 3 bed houses.

The total financial contribution is calculated as follows: £150,000 less £95,000 = £55,000 multiplied by 4 = £220,000 + £170,000 less £110,000 = £60,000 multiplied by 3 = £180,000 Total = £400,000

The total financial contribution can be applied in any number of ways, such as:

To provide 4 x 2 bed houses at 40% discount, i.e. 4 x £60,000 = £240,000 + 3 x 3 bed houses at 33.33% discount, i.e. 3 x £53,333 = £159,999

Hence the affordable prices in this example are: 2 bed houses £90,000 3 bed houses £106,667

Table 2 indicates the number of affordable homes required, as calculated by rounding the percentage requirements to the nearest whole number.

For further information contact: Tony Whittaker, Principal Strategy Officer on 01539 717455 ([email protected]).

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4. Affordable Housing Application Process

These guidance notes aim to supplement the Council’s existing “Guidance Notes for Prospective Developers for Affordable Housing for Local People”, “Guidance Note for Vendors, Solicitors, Surveyors etc. Re-Sales of Houses/Flats Subject to s106 Agreement” and “Low Cost Home Ownership in South Lakeland” leaflet. The notes relate to private rented affordable, discounted sale and shared equity/ownership schemes. The process forms part of the s106 agreement used to regulate such schemes.

Initial Sales/Lets - New Housing Schemes (Non-Housing Corporation Funded) 1. The housing developer must advise the Council (Community & Housing Manager) when scheme is ready to be allocated (if a large scheme this may be done in several phases), giving a minimum of ten working days notice. 2. The Community & Housing Manager will then arrange, within a further ten working days, to send details (by way of a standard form) to the developer in order for this information to be included in an advert. 3. The developer will then arrange to advertise this (at the developer’s expense) as they would any other property (but stating the affordable housing details and eligibility criteria), inviting applications* from the date of the first advert. No applications will be accepted before this date. Adverts should include a closing date for applications as agreed with the Council. No applications received after this date will be considered. 4. The Community & Housing Manager will assess all applications (those that have completed the Council’s standard form) received within the above period of time and then provide lists of approved applicants to the housing developer This will be provided within fifteen working days of the closing date. 5. The Community & Housing Manager will write to all applicants after the closing date to advise them as to whether they qualify. This will clearly state the process for allocation of the homes. It should also warn the applicant that there could be more applicants than homes available. 6. The housing developer will then allocate the affordable homes to those applicants in a position to proceed with the purchase of the home on the basis of approved list. Private landlords will be able to undertake their usual checks before allocating a tenancy (minimum twelve months assured shorthold) and can reject an approved applicant subject to agreement with the Council provided the explanation provided is reasonable. 7. The housing developer will be required to give the Community & Housing Manager an update of the Council’s approved list following sale/letting of the homes in order that the Council can check that approved applicants were sold/let the affordable homes and also to see which sales/lets may have fallen through.

* Applicants must complete the Council’s standard form and return this to the Community & Housing Manager

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Re-Sales/Re-lets (Non-Homes and Communities Agency Funded)

1. Private landlords must inform the Council when a tenancy is due to end. 2. Applicants must complete the Council’s standard form and return this to the Community & Housing Manager. The form must state what properties (specific addresses) they are applying for. 3. The Community & Housing Manager will assess each application and write to the applicant, within ten working days, to inform them as to whether they qualify for the properties they applied for. This will state that the approval will last only six months. 4. No general area approvals will be given. 5. Vendors can only sell a property once they have obtained proof that the Council has approved the prospective purchaser and that this is still valid, i.e. is less than six months ago. Similarly private landlords can only re-let the property once they have obtained proof that the Council has approved the prospective tenant and that this is still valid, i.e. is less than six months ago. They will be required to give the Council the name of the person to whom they eventually sell/let the property and the price/rent involved. 6. Private landlords will be able to undertake their usual checks before allocating a tenancy (minimum twelve months assured shorthold) and can reject an approved applicant subject to agreement with the Council provided the explanation provided is reasonable. 7. Applicants will be advised that they must advise the Council (Community & Housing Manager) in writing if their circumstances change between getting approval and completing purchase/tenancy for the property and that legal action may be taken against the purchaser if they fail to advise the Council.

Eligibility

1. Applicants must satisfy the local connection and housing need qualification in the s106 agreement as well as immigration status criteria (as defined by the Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme). 2. For new low cost home ownership, applicant’s income and capital will be assessed (proof will be required). Applicant’s gross income will be multiplied by a factor of 3.5 (2.9 for joint applicants) and added to their capital. To qualify for affordable properties, which must be suitable to their needs, the total must be less than the entry-level property price for the relevant housing market area (as shown in the Council’s Strategic Housing Market Assessment). In the case of re-sales where the affordable price is more than the entry-level price the total must be no more than the affordable price of the property applied for. 3. For new private rented affordable properties and re-lets, applicants will only qualify if 25% of their total gross weekly or monthly income is less than the affordable rent for a property type suitable to their needs. 4. The affordable home must be suitable to their needs, i.e. single person (under fifty five years) – one or two bedroom flat; couple (under fifty five years) – one or two bedroom flat or house; single person (over fifty five years) – one or two bedroom flat or bungalow; couple (over fifty five years) – one or two bedroom 144

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flat or bungalow; family with one child – two or three bedroom flat or house; family with two children – two or three bedroom house; family with three or more children – three or four bedroom house. If no appropriate applicants are forthcoming (in terms of property suitability) the Council may allow some discretion to the developer or it may ask the developer to re-advertise the properties. Applicants can appeal against the Council’s decision by writing to the Corporate Director (Communities).

Housing Corporation Funded Schemes (New-Build Homebuy) The following applies to both initial sales and re-sales: 1. All applicants must register with the Homebuy Agent (in Cumbria this is Riverside Housing Association) 2. The Homebuy Agent will check whether applicants meet the general eligibility criteria set by the Homes and Communities Agency. 3. Once properties are ready to be sold/re-sold the housing association who retains the share of the equity will contact the Homebuy Agent and provide the relevant details. The Homebuy Agent will provide a list of applicants to the housing association in accordance with the eligibility criteria. 4. The period from the housing association contacting the Homebuy Agent to the Homebuy Agent providing the approved list to the housing association will be completed within four working days. 5. The housing association will then arrange to sell the properties to eligible applicants. The housing association will be responsible for ensuring applicants meet the eligibility criteria set within s106 agreements. 6. The housing association will provide details to the Council of approved applicants upon request.

For further information contact: Lucy Reynolds, Affordable Housing Officer, Community and Housing (01539 797773) [email protected]

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Table 2

AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENTS

The following table indicates the number of affordable dwellings required, as calculated by rounding the percentage requirement to the nearest whole number.

Homes proposed Affordable homes required (35%) 3 1 4 1 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 4 12 4 13 5 14 5 15 5 16 6 17 6 18 6 19 7 20 7 21 7 22 8 23 8 24 8 25 9 26 9 27 9 28 10 29 10 30 10 31 11 32 11 33 12 34 12 35 12 36 13 37 13 38 13 39 14 40 14

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Homes proposed Affordable homes required (35%) 41 14 42 15 43 15 44 15 45 16 46 16 47 16 48 17 49 17 50 17 51 18 52 18 53 19 54 19 55 19 56 20 57 20 58 20 59 21 60 21 61 21 62 22 63 22 64 22 65 23 66 23 67 23 68 24 69 24 70 24 71 25 72 25 73 26 74 26 75 26 76 27 77 27 78 27 79 28 80 28 81 28 82 29 83 29 84 29 85 30 86 30

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Homes proposed Affordable homes required (35%) 87 30 88 31 89 31 90 31 91 32 92 32 93 33 94 33 95 33 96 34 97 34 98 34 99 35 100 35

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APPENDIX E

GLOSSARY

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GLOSSARY

Adoption - The final confirmation of a development plan or Local Development Document status by a Local Planning Authority (LPA).

Affordable Housing - Housing, whether for rent, shared ownership or outright purchase, provided at a cost considered affordable in relation to incomes that are average or below average, or in relation to the price of general market housing.

Aggregates - Sand, gravel, crushed rock and other bulk materials used by the construction industry.

Agriculture - Defined by Section 336(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as including: horticulture, fruit growing, seed growing, dairy farming, the breeding and keeping of livestock (including any creature kept for the production of food, wool, skins or furs, or the purpose of its use in the farming of land), the use of land as grazing land, meadow land, osier land, market gardens and nursery grounds, and the use of land for woodlands where that use is ancillary to the farming of land for other agricultural purposes.

Allocated Land - Land identified in a development plan as appropriate for a specific land use.

Ancient Monument - A structure regarded by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport as being of national importance by virtue of its historic, architectural, traditional or archaeological interest. Scheduled Ancient Monuments are listed in a schedule compiled under the requirements of Section 1 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act, 1979.

Ancient Woodland - An area of woodland which has had a continuous cover of native trees and plants since at least 1600 AD, neither having been cleared nor extensively replanted since then. This date is adopted as marking the time when plantation forestry began to be widely adopted and when evidence in map form began to become available.

Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) - A report submitted to the government by Local Planning Authorities assessing progress with and the effectiveness of a Local Development Framework.

Area Action Plan (AAP) - A type of Development Plan Document focused upon a specific location or an area subject to conservation or significant change (for example major regeneration).

B1, B2 and B8 uses - The B1 use class comprises a) offices (other than banks, building societies, estate agents, employment agencies and similar businesses where services are provided principally to members of the public), b) research and development and c) light industry; the B2 use class covers general industry and the B8 use class covers storage and distribution.

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Brownfield Land (previously-developed land) - Land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural or forestry buildings), and associated fixed surface infrastructure. The definition covers the curtilage of the developed land. Previously-developed land may occur in both built-up and rural settings. The definition includes defence buildings and land used for mineral extraction and waste disposal where provision for restoration has not been made through planning condition or legal agreement.

Contaminated Land - Land that has been polluted or harmed in some way making it unfit for safe development and usage unless cleaned.

Community Strategy - A strategy prepared by a local authority to improve local quality of life and aspirations, under the Local Government Act 2000. This is now replaced by sustainable community strategy

Core strategy - A Development Plan Document setting out the spatial vision, strategic objectives and the planning framework for an area, having regard to the Community Strategy.

Curtilage - The area normally within the boundaries of a property surrounding the main building and used in connection with it.

Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) - Responsible for housing, planning, regional and local government, regeneration, social exclusion, neighbourhood renewal and the fire and rescue service. It is also the lead sponsor department for the Government Offices for the Regions.

Development - Development is defined under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act as "the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operation in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any building or other land". Most forms of development require planning permission (see also "permitted development").

Development Plan - A document setting out the Local Planning Authority's policies and proposals for the development and use of land and buildings in the authority's area. It includes Regional Spatial Strategies and Development Plan Documents prepared under the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

Development Plan Documents (DPDs) - Development Plan Documents are prepared by Local Planning Authorities and outline the key development goals of the Local Development Framework. Development Plan Documents include the Core Strategy, Site-Specific Allocations of Land and, where needed, Area Action Plans. There will also be an adopted Proposals Map which illustrates the spatial extent of policies that must be prepared and maintained to accompany all DPDs. All DPDs must be subject to rigorous procedures of community involvement, consultation and independent examination, and adopted after receipt of the Inspector's binding report. Once adopted, Development Control decisions must be made in accordance with them unless material considerations indicate otherwise. DPDs form an essential part of the Local Development Framework.

Flood Risk Assessment - An assessment of the likelihood of flooding in a particular area so that development needs and mitigation measures can be carefully considered.

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Gypsies and Travellers - A person or persons who have a traditional cultural preference for living in caravans and who either pursue a nomadic habit of life or have pursued such a habit but have ceased travelling, whether permanently or temporarily, because of the education needs of their dependant children, or ill-health, old age, or caring responsibilities (whether of themselves, their dependants living with them, or the widows and widowers of such dependants), but does not include members of an organised group of travelling show people or circus people, travelling together as such.

Greenfield Land/Site - Land (or a defined site), usually farmland, that has not previously been developed.

Highways Agency - An executive agency of the Department of Transport. The Highways Agency is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network of England.

Independent Examination - The process by which a planning inspector may publicly examine a Development Plan Document (DPD) or a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) before issuing a binding report. The findings set out in the report are binding upon the Local Planning Authority that produced the DPD or SCI.

Infill development - Building taking place on a vacant plot in an otherwise built-up street frontage.

Inspector's Report - A report issued by a Planning Inspector regarding the planning issues debated at the independent examination of a development plan or a planning inquiry. Reports on Development Plan Documents (DPDs) will be binding on Local Planning Authorities.

Local Area Agreement (LAA) - A three year agreement, based on local Sustainable Community Strategies, that sets out the priorities for a local area agreed between Central Government, represented by the Government Office (GO), and a local area, represented by the local authority and other key partners through Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs).

Local Development Document (LDD) - These include Development Plan Documents (which form part of the statutory development plan) and Supplementary Planning Documents (which do not form part of the statutory development plan).

Local Development Framework (LDF) - A portfolio of documents that will be used to make decisions on proposed development determining where and what new development will be permitted in the district. The portfolio will be made up of Development Plan Documents, Supplementary Planning Documents and the Statement of Community Involvement.

Local Development Order (LDO) - An order made by a Local Planning Authority extending permitted development rights for certain forms of development.

Local Development Scheme (LDS) - The Local Planning Authority's time-scaled programme for the preparation of Local Development Documents that must be agreed with government and kept under review.

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Local Nature Reserve (LNR) - Non-statutory habitats of local significance designated by local authorities where protection and public understanding of nature conservation is encouraged.

Local Planning Authority (LPA) - The local authority or Council that is empowered by law to exercise planning functions, usually the local borough or district Council. National parks and the Broads authority are also considered to be Local Planning Authorities. County Councils are the authority for waste and minerals matters.

Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) - An overall partnership of people that brings together organisations from the public, private, community and voluntary sector within a local authority area, with the objective of improving people's quality of life.

Material Consideration - A matter that should be taken into account in deciding a planning application or an appeal against a planning decision.

Mitigation - Measures to avoid, reduce or offset significant adverse effects.

Objective - A statement of what is intended, specifying the desired direction of change in trends.

Plan-Led System - Decisions on planning applications should be made in accordance with the adopted development plan, unless there are other material considerations that may indicate otherwise.

Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 - The Act updated elements of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act and introduced: • A statutory system for regional planning • A new system for local planning (the LDF) • Reforms to the development control and compulsory purchase and compensation systems • Removal of crown immunity from planning controls.

Planning Inspectorate - The Planning Inspectorate is an executive agency of the government responsible for:

• The processing of planning and enforcement appeals holding inquiries into local development plans • Listed building consent appeals • Advertisement appeals • Reporting on planning applications called in for decision by the Department of Communities and Local Government • Examinations of development plan documents and statements of community involvement • Various compulsory purchase orders, rights of way cases; and cases arising from the Environmental Protection and Water Acts and the Transport and Works Act and other highways legislation.

Planning Portal - A national website provided by the government for members of the public, Local Planning Authorities and planning consultants. The Planning Portal features a wide range of information and services on planning (www.planningportal.gov.uk )

Previously Developed Land - See Brownfield Land. 153

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Regional Economic Strategy (RES) – A regional strategy which provides a ten year blueprint to improve the regions economy. It sets out a plan for Yorkshire and Humber to become a world leader in transforming its economy.

Regional Planning Body (RPB) / Regional Assembly - Each of the English regions outside London has a regional chamber that the regions generally call Regional Assemblies. In the northwest it is known as 4NW. They are responsible for developing and co-ordinating a strategic vision for improving the quality of life in a region. The Assembly is responsible for setting priorities and preparing certain regional strategies, including Regional Spatial Strategies.

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) - A strategy to manage development over a fifteen to twenty year period. The Regional Spatial Strategy identifies the scale and distribution of new housing in the region, indicates areas for regeneration, expansion or sub-regional planning and specifies priorities for the environment, transport, infrastructure, economic development, agriculture, minerals and waste treatment and disposal.

Registered Social Landlord (RSL) - Technical name for a body registered with the Housing Corporation. Most Housing Associations are RSLs. They own or manage some 1.4 million affordable homes, both social rented and intermediate.

Renewable Energy - Renewable energy is energy flows that occur naturally and repeatedly in the environment, for example from the wind, water flow, tides or the sun.

Saved Local Plan Policies - Policies in Local Plans that remain in operation pending production of replacement Local Development Documents.

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - A site identified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) as an area of special interest by reason of any of its flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features (basically, plants, animals, and natural features relating to the Earth's structure).

Special Area of Conservation (SAC) - Areas designated under the European Union Habitat Directive. They provide increased protection for a variety of wild animals, plants and habitats and are a vital part of the global effort to conserve world biodiversity.

Special Protection Area (SPA) - An area containing an assemblage of breeding populations of rare birds at a level of European significance, designated under EC Directive 79/409.

Specific Consultation Bodies / Statutory Bodies - These are bodies that must be consulted on development plans and planning applications.

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) - The Statement of Community Involvement sets out the processes to be used by the local authority in involving the community in the preparation, alteration and continuing review of all local development documents and in the consideration of planning applications. The Statement of Community Involvement is an essential part of the Local Development Framework. 154

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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) - Formal process to anticipate the likely significant environmental effects (including cumulative environmental effects) of implementing a plan and its reasonable alternatives with a view to avoiding, reducing or offsetting any negative impacts. See Sustainability Appraisal

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) - The assessment of flood risk on a catchment-wide basis.

Submission - This is the stage where a Development Plan Document is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a Planning Inspector.

Sub-Regional Housing Market Areas - Geographical areas within which there are clear links between where people live and work. These areas can be defined by the patterns of household movement. These patterns are influenced by factors such as proximity to family, friends, employment, education and other facilities, and are likely to operate across Local Planning Authority boundaries.

Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) - A Local Development Document that may cover a range of issues, thematic or site specific, and provide further detail about policies and proposals in a 'parent' Development Plan Document.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) - Formal, systematic and comprehensive process of evaluating the environmental, social and economic impacts of a plan, policy or programme or its alternatives. The SA process incorporates the SEA process.

Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) - The SCS sets the overall strategic direction and long term vision for the economic, social and environmental well being of an area, taking account of five sustainability principles: • Living within environmental limits • A strong, healthy and just society • Achieving a sustainable economy • Promoting good governance • Using sound science responsibly

Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) - Current "best practice" for new development that seeks to minimise the impact on drainage systems e.g. through the use of pervious areas within a development to reduce the quantity of runoff from the site.

Travel Plans - A travel plan aims to promote sustainable travel choices (for example, cycling) as an alternative to single occupancy car journeys that may impact negatively on the environment, congestion and road safety. Travel plans can be required when granting planning permission for new developments.

Written Representations - A procedure by which representations on planning appeals, development plans and Development Plan Documents can be dealt with without the need for a full public inquiry or informal hearing.

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APPENDIX F

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL AND HABITATS REGULATIONS

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Sustainability Appraisal

There is a requirement to undertake a sustainability appraisal as part of the process of preparing the DPD. The purpose of the appraisal is to evaluate how well the document meets the local sustainability objectives. An appraisal was originally undertaken during the preparation of the preferred options document and the Sustainability Report was published for consultation setting out the outcomes of the assessment. A further sustainability appraisal report has been prepared to supplement the publication / submission Core Strategy.

Habitats Regulations Assessment / Appropriate Assessment

A Habitats Regulation Assessment / Appropriate Assessment has been carried out on the policies in the Core Strategy as required by the Habitats Directive. This requirement is transposed into English Law by the Habitats Regulations (2006). The purpose of an Appropriate Assessment is to determine if a Land Use Plan would adversely affect the integrity of a site of European importance. An initial screening exercise was undertaken alongside the preferred options report in March 2008. A full Appropriate Assessment forms part of the submission Core Strategy documents.

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APPENDIX G

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE PROPOSALS MAP

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Adopted Proposals Map

PPS12 states that the adopted Proposals Map should:

• Identify areas of protection, such as nationally protected landscape and internationally, nationally and locally-designated areas and sites, and green belt land; • Show areas at risk of flooding; and • Allocate sites for particular land uses and development proposals included in any adopted development plan document and set out the areas to which specific policies apply.

District Planning Authorities should include on their adopted Proposals Map, minerals and waste matters including safeguarded areas, and any minerals and waste allocations which are adopted in a development plan document by the County Council.

Inset maps may be used to show policies for part of the Authority’s area, such as the policies for Area Action Plans, which must all be shown on the adopted Proposals Map. Where inset maps are used, the geographical area they will cover will be identified on the main adopted Proposals Map. The boundaries of each inset set must be shown precisely on the adopted Proposals Map but the policies shown on the inset must not appear on the main adopted Proposals Map.

It is not normal to alter the Proposals Map as a result of a Core Strategy, which is not meant to be site specific and doesn’t change policies that are represented on the Local Plan Proposals Map.

The Kendal Canal Head AAP will set up its own set of boundaries and allocations that will be freestanding. An inset map will be used to show the area covered by the AAP, with the area also shown on the adopted Proposals Map in due course.

Further amendments to the Proposals Map will be required when the Allocations of Land DPD is published.

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APPENDIX H

CONSULTATION STATEMENT

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CONSULTATION STATEMENT

As part of the regulations relating to the publication of a Core Strategy we have to submit a statement that sets out:

• Who was invited to be involved in the plan preparation • How they were invited to be involved in the plan preparation • A summary of the main issues and how they have been addressed.

We have produced a statement to comply with the regulations and this forms one of the submission documents supporting the publication Core Strategy. Due to the length of this document, it is not included in its entirety within this appendix. However, the following represent a summary of the key points.

Who Was Invited and How They Were Invited

The statement provides evidence of who was involved in the plan preparation at Issues and Options Stage (November 2005 – December 2005) and Preferred Options Stage (April – June 2008) and how they were involved in accordance with the regulations and the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement (September 2006).

Level and Nature of Responses Received to Plan Preparation

At Issues and Options Stage, sixty three respondents comprising a mix of residents, individuals, businesses and interest groups as well as local, regional and national agencies submitted representations. The statement provides evidence of the nature of the responses and what the key issues were and how they were addressed in the preparation of the preferred options report.

At preferred options stage 1,661 respondents submitted representations. These respondents also ranged in type (residents, individuals, businesses and interest groups as well as local, regional and national agencies). Over 1,000 respondents comprised individual members of the public. The statement provides evidence of the nature of the responses (schedule of comments received) and what the key issues were and how they were addressed in the preparation of the Publication Report.

Main Issues Raised at Plan Preparation and How These Have Been Considered in Plan Preparation

There was general support for: • A Core Strategy that prioritises the delivery of affordable housing and other local needs across the District regardless of location. • Concept of having a hierarchy/classification of Service Centres. • Kendal and Ulverston being classified as Principal Service Centres (though this was queried with regard to how this complies with North West RSS service centre classifications). • Classification of Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe and Grange over Sands as Key Service Centres. • Retaining a policy for provision of strategic green gaps to prevent the coalescence of settlements. • Prioritising the re-use of buildings for development and also the use of previously developed land above the use of greenfield land. 161

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The publication Core Strategy retains support for the above .

A number of alternative options were put forward during plan preparation these being: • Lowering of the overall scale of housing and employment development at the District wide level. In terms of housing the overall targets have been set within the adopted RSS, so this is not considered a reasonable alternative. With respect to employment development, without any further more robust up to evidence base regarding employment land needs, it is considered that a lowering of targets cannot be justified and consequently this was not considered a reasonable alternative.

• Making affordable and local occupancy housing requirements either very restrictive or much more relaxed. Following discussions with the housing industry and the results of the Housing Viability Study a less restrictive option has been considered as reasonable and is reflected in the publication Core Strategy. A more restrictive approach would mean that a number of sites would be unviable, with the net effect of delivering fewer affordable houses (given that contributions will continue to provide the majority of affordable housing units in the areas).

• A more balanced distribution of development across settlements with more development in Local Service Centres and less in Key Service Centres and Principal Service Centres particularly Kendal. Development levels should not be based on the concept of functional areas, they should reflect the distinctive character/nature of individual settlements and there particular needs. This option is reflected in the Publication Core Strategy it represents a more dispersed development pattern when compared to that proposed in the preferred options report. The levels of development in the Principal Service Centre of Kendal and Key Service Centres has been reduced, whilst there has been a small increase in the area of development in the Local Service Centres and particularly in the other, small rural settlements.

• Alteration to the rationale behind the derivation of criteria relating to Local Service Centre classification. The Publication Core Strategy has altered the rationale to reflect representations received this has influenced the Local Service Centre classification.

Significant Common Issues raised during plan preparation : • A significant issue reflected largely by members of the public was concern at the preferred options stage that areas of land were being earmarked or indeed allocated for development. The Publication Core Strategy has removed reference to preferred directions of growth, all representations received relating to preferred directions for growth are being considered as part of the on-going prepublication participation on the Allocations of Land DPD

• A significant issue related to disagreement with the concept of functional areas. The Publication Core Strategy removes reference to the concept of functional areas and includes four area strategies, which are based on the functional relationship of settlements that fall within each area. 162

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• A significant issue throughout the plan preparation that became evident through consultation largely by members of the public related to concerns that existing infrastructure capacity would not be able to cope with the impact caused by the proposed levels of growth. This was cited as an issue that would affect all parts of the district. The key areas of concern centred on the following types of infrastructure: roads/poor access, schools, health facilities (GP’s and dentists), waste water supply (sewerage network). In light of these issues we have undertaken continued engagement with infrastructure providers to obtain evidence of the scale of any existing infrastructure deficits at both district and settlement level. The results of this engagement are shown in the monitoring and implementation framework. There are clearly issues relating to infrastructure at a local level that will require careful consideration in terms of delivery of land for development. The Publication Core Strategy has built in the need to reflect this issue through development phasing policy and the use of developer contributions to ensure that development commences only where infrastructure needs can be shown to be satisfactorily addressed.

• A significant issue raised by a range of interest groups and key stakeholders as well as members of the public related to the evidence base. Particular issue centred on the apparent lack of robust evidence base on the following topics: -Climate change -Renewable energy (limited information on this matter) -Economic development needs (requirement for a comprehensive up to date review of employment land needs exploring types and sizes of different types of employment throughout the district) -Biodiversity/ecology (it is not always considered clear how the Core Strategy is addressing matters regarding impact on ecological services and biodiversity) -Landscape character assessment (it is not clear whether the authority has undertaken a landscape character assessment). -Role of historic environment

The gathering of evidence is continuous, additional evidence will be obtained and existing evidence reviewed during the life span of the Core Strategy. Policies are flexible to reflect changing circumstances in light of new evidence. There is a full commitment to ensure that gaps in the evidence base are plugged as and when necessary .

• A strong message during the plan preparation is the need to recognise and protect and the enhance the intrinsic high quality environment that the district offers and that landscape quality, ecological/biodiversity value, historical environment and the need to mitigate against the effects of climate change (major concerns raised with respect to flood risk and need to be prudent in the use of resources) should dictate how we should be planning for new development and meeting local needs. The Publication Core Strategy includes spatial objectives that include further detailed information on the natural environment, including numerous sub objectives outlining how the strategy will help to protect and enhance the unique character of the District.

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APPENDIX I

SAVED AND EXTENDED SOUTH LAKELAND LOCAL PLAN AND CUMBRIA JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN POLICIES

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Saved and Extended Policies in the South Lakeland Local Plan, and Cumbria Joint Structure Plan

Introduction

This appendix sets out those saved and extended Local Plan and Structure Plan policies, which are replaced by the South Lakeland Core Strategy. A - South Lakeland Local Plan B - Cumbria and Lakeland District Joint Structure Plan

A. Saved and Extended South Lakeland Local Plan Policies

The South Lakeland Local Plan was adopted in September 1997 and alterations to it were adopted in March 2006. Under the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, Local Plan policies adopted when the Act came into force in September 2004 were automatically saved for three years, or, if adopted after September 2004, saved for three years from the date of adoption. On this basis, South Lakeland Local Plan policies were automatically saved for an initial three years as follows:

• Policies adopted in September 1997 were saved until September 2007 • Altered policies adopted in March 2006 were saved until March 2009

As these policies approached their expiry date, following a request from the District Council, the Secretary of State confirmed that

• All saved Local Plan policies which had been adopted in 1997 were extended beyond September 2007, except for policies R3, C4, C17 and Tr6 • All saved Local Plan Alteration policies were extended beyond March 2009

The tables below set out those saved and extended Local Plan and Alteration policies which are

• Replaced by Core Strategy policies • Or not replaced by Core Strategy policies, and retained for Development Management purposes.

Saved and Extended Proposed Explanation and Comment on Local Plan Policy Replacement Replacement or Retention of Local (Altered policies in italics) LDF Core Plan policy Strategy Policy Housing H1 Provision of Housing Land CS 1.1, CS 1.2 CS 1.2 and supporting text explains how Service Centres are identified in the Core Strategy. CS1.1 sets out the sustainable development principles to govern future development H2 Sites Allocated for To be retained until replaced by the Residential Development Allocations of Land DPD

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H3 Priorities for site location CS 1.1, CS1.2 CS1.1, CS1.2 and CS6.1 provide an and CS6.1 updated basis for allocating housing sites and the consideration of proposals on unallocated sites H4 Small scale residential Retain for development management development in Kendal and purposes, as not fully covered in Core Ulverston Strategy H5 Settlements suitable for CS1.2 CS1.2 sets out a settlement hierarchy growth and related levels of development. H6 Development outside CS1.2 CS1.2 sets out the approach to settlements suitable for growth development in areas outside identified Service Centres H7 Housing for local need CS6.3 CS6.3 incorporates a rural exceptions site policy H8 Affordable housing CS6.3 CS6.3 sets out new policy on affordable and local occupancy requirements H8a Construction and CS 6.2 CS6.2 sets out policy in regard to adaptation of dwellings for providing dwellings suitable for the people with special needs elderly, infirmed and disabled H9 Agricultural and forestry Retain as H9 provides detailed criteria in dwellings in the countryside relation to agricultural and forestry dwellings which are not covered in the Core Strategy H10 Removal of occupancy Retain as H10 provides detailed criteria conditions on the removal of occupancy conditions for agricultural and forestry dwellings, which are not covered in the Core Strategy H11 Conversion of buildings Retain for development management within development boundaries purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy H12 Conversion of buildings Retain for development management outside development boundaries purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy H13 Conversion of rural facilities Retain for development management purposes, as criteria not fully covered in Core Strategy H14 Dwellings constructed from Retain for development management temporary materials proposes, as it is not fully covered in the Core Strategy Employment E1 Land allocated for business Retain until replaced by Allocations DPD parks E2 Land allocated for strategic Retain until replaced by Allocations DPD. employment uses Policy E1 relates to the strategic employment site at land south east of Milnthorpe Station, which is not fully developed E3 Land allocated for local Retain until replaced by Allocations DPD. employment uses E4 New development and Retain for development management extensions to premises purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy

E5 Redevelopment Retain for development management (of obsolete employment purposes, as criteria are not fully covered premises) in Core Strategy E6 Loss of employment sites Retain for development management 166

APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES and premises purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy E7 New employment CS7.4 CS7.4 sets out policy in regard to the development in rural areas rural economy. E8 Conversion and re-use of CS7.4 CS7.4 sets out policy in regard to the buildings rural economy. (for employment purposes) E9 Homeworking Retain for development management purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy E10 Farm diversification Retain for development management purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy Retail R1 Retail development, Kendal Retain for development management Town centre purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy R1a Retail allocation, Kendal Retain. While the site is largely Town centre developed it is worth retaining to guide any new proposals R2 Retail development outside Retain for development management Kendal Town centre purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy R4 Conversion or extension of Retain for development management existing retail premises, purposes, as criteria are not fully covered Ulverston Town centre in Core Strategy R5 Retail development outside Retain for development management Ulverston Town centre purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy R6 Retail development in minor CS7.5 CS7.5 sets out criteria to assess retail shopping centres proposals in minor shopping centres R7 Retail development outside Retain for development management shopping centres purposes, as not fully covered in Core Strategy R8 Protection of retail frontages Retain for development management in the primary shopping areas of purposes, as not addressed in Core Kendal and Ulverston Town Strategy. To be reviewed through the centres Allocations of Land DPD R9 Non-retail uses in minor Retain for development management shopping areas purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy . R10 Hot food takeaways in Retain for development management primary shopping areas purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy R11 Hot food takeaways in Retain for development management secondary shopping areas purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy R12 Hot food takeaways in Retain for development management residential areas purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy R13 Amusement centres Retain for development management purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy Tourism T1 Hotel development within CS7.6 CS7.6 sets out approach to tourism development boundaries development T2 Conversion of buildings to Retain for development management hotels and serviced purposes, as not addressed in Core 167

APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES accommodation Strategy T2a Retention of holiday Retain for development management accommodation in Grange-over- purposes, as not addressed in Core Sands Strategy

T3 Self-catering accommodation CS7.6 CS7.6 sets out approach to tourism within development boundaries development T4 Self-catering accommodation Retain for development management outside development boundaries purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy T5 Caravan site development Retain for development management within the Arnside-Silverdale purposes, as not addressed in Core AONB Strategy T6 Caravan site development Retain for development management outside the Arnside-Silverdale purposes, as not addressed in Core AONB Strategy T7 Extensions to caravan park Retain for development management developments’ open season purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy T8 Tented camping sites Retain for development management purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy T9 Camping barns Retain for development management purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy T10 Visitor facilities and CS1.2, CS7.6 CS1.2 sets the strategic framework for attractions new visitor facilities and attractions. CS7.6 sets out detailed approach to tourism development Environment and Conservation C1 Arnside-Silverdale Area of CS5, CS8.2 CS8.2 sets out the approach to protecting Outstanding Natural Beauty and enhancing landscape and settlement character, including provisions for the AONB C2 “Green gaps” CS8.2 CS8.2 sets out the approach to protecting and enhancing landscape and settlement character. Green gaps to be reviewed through the Allocations of Land DPD C3 Agricultural Land Retain for development management purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy C5 External lighting Retain for development management purposes, as not addressed in Core Strategy C6 Sites of international nature Retain for development management conservation importance purposes, as not fully covered in Core Strategy C7 National sites Retain for development management purposes, as not fully covered in Core Strategy C8 Sites of regional or local CS8.4 CS8.4 sets out policy for biodiversity and nature conservation importance geodiversity and effect on regional or local sites C9 Landscape features of major CS8.2 CS8.2 sets out policy for protecting and nature conservation importance enhancing of landscape and settlement character C10 Protected species CS8.4 CS8.4 sets out policy for biodiversity and 168

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geodiversity and effect on regional or local sites C11 Tree Preservation Orders Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C12 Coastal development CS8.5 CS8.5 establishes the approach towards coastal areas C13 Buildings of historic interest CS8.6 CS8.6 sets out the approach towards the historic environment C14 “Heritage” properties CS8.6 CS8.6 sets out the approach towards the viewed by the public historic environment C15 Listed buildings and their Retain for development management settings purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy L16 Control of development Retain for development management affecting conservation areas purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C18 Satellite dishes Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C19 Sites of archaeological Retain for development management interest purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C20 Historic Landscapes Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C21 Derelict Land Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C22 Flood risk CS8.8 CS8.8 sets out a policy framework for flood risk C23 Tidal and river defences Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C24 Watercourses and coastal Retain for development management margins purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C25 Renewable energy CS8.7 CS8.7 sets out a policy framework for renewable energy C26 Wind energy Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C28 Hydro-electricity Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C29 Slurries Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C30 Solar power Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy C31 Cumulative impact of Retain for development management renewable energy projects purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy Leisure and Recreation L1 Playing fields and CS8.3a, CS8.3b CS8.3a and CS8.3b sets out a policy recreational facilities framework for open space, sport and recreation facilities 169

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L2 Allotments CS8.3a, CS8.3b CS8.3a and CS8.3b sets out a policy framework for open space, sport and recreation facilities L3 Provision of new facilities CS8.3a, CS8.3b CS8.3a and CS8.3b sets out a policy framework for open space, sport and recreation facilities L4 New leisure schemes Retain as they relate to specific proposals, which are not (fully) complete. L5 Village halls Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy L6 Golf courses and driving Retain for development management ranges within the AONB purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy L7 Golf courses and driving Retain for development management ranges elsewhere purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy L8 Provision of club houses and Retain for development management car parking purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy L9 Equestrian developments Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy L10 Rights of way Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy L11 Disused railway lines Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy L12 Lancaster canal Retain for development management purposes, as some aspects not fully addressed in Core Strategy Transport Tr1 Development likely to CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic impact on trunk roads framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development Tr2 Safeguarding land for Retain for development management transport infrastructure purposes, as not fully addressed in Core improvements Strategy. Tr3 Traffic management CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development Tr4 Traffic calming CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development Tr5 Town centre car parking Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy Tr6a Disabled Access and Retain for development management Parking Arrangements purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy Tr7 Opportunities for CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic pedestrians framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development 170

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Tr8 Opportunities for cyclists CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development Tr9 Better ways to school Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy Tr10 Travel plans CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development Standards for New Development S1 Planning obligations and CS9.2 CS9.2 covers developer contributions planning briefs S2 South Lakeland Design Retain for development management Code purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy S3 Landscaping Retain for development management purposes, as criteria are not fully covered in Core Strategy S4 Important open space for Retain for development management amenity purposes, as not covered in Core Strategy. Key important open spaces will be designated through the Allocations of Land DPD S5 Open space CS8.3a, CS8.3b CS8.3a and CS8.3b sets out a policy framework for open space, sport and recreation facilities S6 Children’s play space CS8.3a, CS8.3b CS8.3a and CS8.3b sets out a policy framework for open space, sport and recreation facilities S7 Road provision and design CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development S8 Footpath provision and CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic design framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development S9 Cycleways CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development S10 Parking provision in new Retain for development management development purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S11 Provision for disabled CS10.1, CS10.2 CS10.1 and CS10.2 set out a strategic people framework for improving accessibility and managing the transport impact of new development S12 Crime and design Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S13 Security measures in Town Retain for development management centres purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S14 Shop fronts Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core 171

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Strategy S15 External blinds Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S16 External cashpoint Retain for development management machines purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S17 Energy conservation CS8.7 CS8.7 sets out a policy framework for renewable energy S18 Trees close to buildings Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy. S19 Percent for art Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S20 Control over Retain for development management advertisements purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S21 Areas of special control of Retain for development management advertisements purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S22 Advance directional signs Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S23 Agricultural buildings Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy. S24 Temporary buildings Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S25 Kirkbie Kendal Lower Retain for development management School purposes to support existing Development Brief S26 Sewage treatment and Retain for development management disposal purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S27 Overhead lines Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S28 Telecommunication masts Retain for development management and equipment purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy S29 Waste recycling facilities Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy

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B. Saved and Extended Structure Plan Policies

The Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016 was adopted in April 2006, and its policies were saved for three years under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

The North West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), published on 30 September 2008, replaced thirty five saved Structure Plan policies, but extended eighteen policies listed below.

The table below sets out those saved and extended Structure Plan policies, which are

• Replaced by South Lakeland LDF Core Strategy policies; • Or which are not replaced by Core Strategy policies, and are therefore retained for Development Management purposes.

Saved and Extended Proposed Explanation and Comment on Structure Plan Policy Replacement Replacement or Retention of LDF Core Structure Plan policy Strategy Policy ST4 Major Development Retain for development management Proposals purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy ST5 New Development in Key CS1.2 Policy CS1.2 sets out a development Service Centres Outside the strategy and settlement hierarchy. Lake District National Park EM13 Employment Land Retain for development management Provision purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy or RSS EM14 Development of CS7.1 and Policies CS 7.1 and CS 7.2 set out Employment Land for Other CS7.2. detailed policy on the allocation of Purposes employment land. EM16 Tourism Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy H19 Affordable Housing CS6.3, CS6.4 Policies CS6.3 and CS 6.4 set out a Outside the Lake District policy framework for affordable and National Park local occupancy housing. T29 Safeguarding Future Retain for development management Transport Schemes purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy T30 Transport Assessments Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy T31 Travel Plans Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy T33 Telecommunications Retain for development management purposes, as not fully addressed in Core Strategy E35 Areas and Features of Retain for development management Nature Conservation Interests purposes, as not fully addressed in Other Than Those of National Core Strategy and International Importance E37 Landscape Character CS8.2 Policy CS8.2 sets out policy regarding 173

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protection and enhancement of landscape and settlement character E38 Historic Environment CS8.6 Policy CS8.6 sets out policy on the historic environment

R44 Renewable Energy Retain for development management Outside the Lake District purposes, as not fully addressed in National Park and AONBs Core Strategy R45 Renewable Energy in the Retain for development management Lake District National Park and purposes, as not fully addressed in AONBs Core Strategy R47 Mineral Extraction Outside Retain for development management the Lake District National Park purposes, as not fully addressed in and AONBs Core Strategy

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APPENDIX J

KEY DIAGRAM

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APPENDIX K

OPTIONS CONSIDERED

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South Lakeland Core Strategy Issues and Options (November 2005)

Consultation was undertaken in late 2005 on issues and options for the Core Strategy. The consultation document sought responses on the following issues / questions:

• Do the vision and the priority themes in the Sustainable Community Strategy provide a sound basis for the vision and objectives to be contained in the Local Development Framework? Are additional land use / spatial elements required of the LDF?

• Will the nine principles for development (which were identified) contribute towards sustainable forms of development? What further principles for development are required in the LDF?

• Are all the main spatial planning issues (listed in the document) identified? Are further issues prevalent that need to be addressed in the LDF?

• Which of the following options offers the most sustainable pattern for development?

o Focussed Distribution o Scattered Distribution o Balanced Distribution

What other options should be considered?

• Is there merit in identifying a particular development emphasis for each Service Centre? What should this emphasis be?

• Should particular areas be identified in the strategies that are less suitable for development? Which areas should be defined?

• What are the important socio / economy linkages between communities inside and outside the LDF area? What measures should be taken to strengthen these linkages?

• Which of the major projects (listed in the document) should be supported? Are they other major projects that should be considered?

• Are there further issues that should be addressed in the Core Strategy?

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South Lakeland Core Strategy Preferred Options (April 2008)

Consultation was undertaken in 2008 on preferred options issues for the Core Strategy. The document included the following options and preferred options:

PO1 LOCATIONAL STRATEGY

Option 1 – Classifying Kendal and Ulverston as Principal Service Centres rather than Key Service Centres Option 2 – Local Service Centre - Focussed Distribution Option 3 – Local Service Centres - Scattered Distribution Option 4 – Local Service Centres - Balanced Distribution Option 5 – Differentiate the level of each development in individual settlements across each level of the hierarchy based on their environmental capacity, existing size and infrastructure provision and the requirement to meet need for affordable housing as locally as possible. Option 6 – Establish the concept of functional areas Option 7 – Support the maintenance of green gaps

Preferred Option: Combination of Options 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7

PO2 RURAL AREAS

Option 1 – Do not delineate development boundaries around any rural settlements Option 2 – Draw boundaries for rural settlements with a consolidate nature Option 3 – Allow housing development outside rural settlement boundaries only as part of a rural exception scheme which will deliver 100% affordable housing Option 4 – In relation to the smaller hamlets that do not have settlement boundaries, allow small-scale infill and rounding off

Preferred Option: Combination of Options 1 and 4. These have been supplemented by further criteria in the preferred option, for which there are no alternative options.

PO3 DISTRIBUTION OF DEVELOPMENT

Option 1 – Majority of growth in Principal Service Centres Option 2 – Less development in the Principal Service Centres and more in Key Service Centres and/or Local Service Centres and/or rural settlements than Option 1 Option 3 – Balance of local circumstance Option 4 – Emphasis on one local priority

Preferred Option: Combination of Options 1 and 3

PO4 BALANCED HOUSING MARKET

Option 1 – On-site approach to affordable housing Option 2 – Developing Option 1 to include off-site contributions Option 3 – Mixed approach Option 4 – Eligibility for local occupancy restricted to South Lakeland District Option 5 – Wider eligibility for local occupancy dwellings 179

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Option 6 – 30% of residential development to be for local occupancy across the plan area Option 7 – Different thresholds/different geographical application for local occupancy Option 8 – Second homes restriction to apply to all new developments

Preferred Option: Combination of Options 3, 5, 6 and 8

PO5 SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

Option 1 – Allocate land in accordance with historic take up rates Option 2 – Base the amount of employment land allocated in the Core Strategy on a commercial demand assessment Option 3 – Strategy for existing employment land - restrict the release of employment land for other uses Option 4 – Strategy for existing employment land - allow some release of employment land for other uses Option 5 – Provision for a freestanding local strategic employment site in the Kendal area Option 5a – Shenstone Option 5b – M6 Junction 36

Preferred Option: Combination of Options 2, 4, 5 and 5a

PO6 TOWN CENTRES AND RETAIL STRATEGY

Option 1 – Separate classification for Kendal and Ulverston in the retail hierarchy (despite both being classified as Principal Service Centres in the locational strategy Option 2 – Same classifications for Kendal and Ulverston in the retail hierarchy.

Preferred Option: Option 1

PO7 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Alternative Options: The provision of green infrastructure is an essential element of sustainable communities. The preferred option implement national and regional policies and there are no realistic alternatives.

PO8 ACCESSIBILITY AND TRANSPORT

Alternative Options: Sustainable transport is required by national and regional policy. This constrains the range of options and has influenced locational policies in the Core Strategy (PO1). Despite the rural nature of South Lakeland, it would be unrealistic to suggest an option that places emphasis on the use of the private car.

PO9 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES

Alternative Options: The principles covered in the preferred options are required by national and regional policy. The Core Strategy must take into account of national

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APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES policies and be in conformity with the Regional Spatial Strategy. Therefore there are no realistic alternative options that can be suggested.

PO10 DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS

Alternative Options: No realistic options can be suggested. National guidance required that LDFs indicate when developer contributions will be negotiated.

PO11 KENDAL FUNCTIONAL AREAS 2025

Option 1 – Designation of an area for regeneration at the Kendal Canal Head area Option 2 – Development of a new arts and heritage role for the southern part of the town centre Option 3 – Alternative directions of growth

Preferred Option: Options 1, 2 and part of 3

PO12 ULVERSTON FUNCTIONAL AREA 2025

Option 1 – Establish Ulverston Canal Head and canal corridor as a main employment area Option 2 – Support a small/medium supermarket in Ulverston town centre Option 3 – Alternative directions of growth

Preferred Option: Options 1, 2 and part of 3

PO13 GRANGE OVER SANDS FUNCTIONAL AREA 2025

Option 1 – Identify a major regeneration opportunity at Berners Close car park/lido/Berners pool to deliver a new pool facility for the local community, a new pedestrian bridge over the railway and a new integrated health facility. Option 2 – Work with partners to deliver enhancements to the promenade area and establish it as a recreational resource for the local community and an attraction for visitors Option 3 – Alternative directions of growth

Preferred Option: Options 1, 2 and part of 3 (Option 1 has an addition of possible other uses for Berners Close car park/lido/Berners pool to also ‘incorporate new business space, a new integrated health facility, leisure/hotel or a small element of housing’.

PO14 MILNTHORPE FUNCTIONAL AREA 2025

Option 1 – Alternative directions of growth

Preferred Option: Part of Option 1

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PO15 KIRKBY LONSDALE 2025

Option 1 – Alternative directions of growth

Preferred Option: Part of Option 1

PO16 REMAINING LOCAL SERVICE CENTRES (SOUTH AND EAST) 2025 Arnside, Burton in Kendal, Endmoor, Flookburgh, Cark, Holme, Levens, Storth and Sandside

Option 1 – Alternative directions of growth

Preferred Option: Part of Option 1

PO17 REMAINING LOCAL SERVICE CENTRES (WEST) 2025 Broughton in Furness, Great Urswick, Little Urswick, Greenodd, Penny Bridge, Kirkby in Furness and Lindal in Furness

Option 1 – Alternative directions of growth

Preferred Option: Part of Option 1

PO18 GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS

Alternative Options: There are no realistic alternatives, as the preferred option seeks to implement national and regional policy

PO19 TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE

Alternative Options: There are no realistic alternatives, as the preferred option seeks to implement national and regional policy

PO20 TOURISM

Option 1 – More lenient approach to tourist facilities in general Option 2 – Less lenient approach to tourist facilities in general

Preferred Option: Based on Option 2

PO21 EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Alternative Options: There are no realistic alternatives, as the preferred option seeks to implement national and regional policy

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PO22 COMMUNITY WELLBEING

Alternative Options: There are no realistic alternatives, as the preferred option seeks to implement national and regional policy

PO23 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

Alternative Options: The policy implements national and regional guidance, and there are no alternative options

PO24 SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Option 1 – Expecting at least 10% reduction in carbon emissions from all new developments Option 2 – Expecting at least 10% reduction in carbon emissions from all new developments over 5 dwellings and other uses over 500m² Option 3 – Expecting at least 10% reduction in carbon emissions from all new developments over 10 dwellings and other uses over 1000m²

Preferred Option: Based on Option 3

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APPENDIX L

HOUSING TRAJECTORY

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APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES

TRAJECTORY METHODOLOGY

The housing trajectory covers the period 2003 to 2025. This incorporates the full RSS time period (2003 - 2021) plus an additional four years to cover the requirement for a fifteen year supply from date of adoption (2010)

The trajectory is based on two sources of information: housing supply as identified in the Housing Position Statement 2009 and housing commitments as identified in housing studies and allocations.

The trajectory is based on actual completions for the period 2003 to 2009. From 2009 the trajectory shows projected completions. The Housing Position Report 2009 details total projected completions based on actual permissions for the period 2009 to 2014 and these are recorded in the housing supply table. This assumes all outstanding permissions will be completed within five years (less an element for permissions that lapse)

Following adoption of the Core Strategy in 2010 a number of sites will be allocated for housing development. The potential sites were identified in the SHLAA study (along with some additional studies) and these demonstrate that there is capacity for over 14000 units within the LDF area, against a RSS target of 8800. Allowing for completions and projected completions there is an over capacity of 8000 units.

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APPENDIX 3 CORE STRATEGY APPENDICES

Allocations within the LDF will generally apply to sites of over ten units and so an allowance is made within the trajectory for small sites. These sites will come forward as part of the normal planning process. The SHLAA study identified four hundred units on sites of less than ten units and also made an allowance for ‘windfall’ development of ninety five per annum (1425 for fifteen years). The total for these sites is 1825 and an allowance (121 units per year) for these units is included in the trajectory.

The housing trajectory has a number of different elements. The data is annualised and reported by Key Service Centre, Local Service Centre and other.

Completed: as reported by completions monitoring

Total: this is the projected completion (post 2009) by Key Service Centre, Local Service Centre and other and is the total in any one year of projected completions from the housing position report plus allocation plus a small sites allowance. After 2015 this will be the total of allocations plus small sites allowance.

RSS: this is the housing supply target set by the Regional Spatial Strategy

Manage: this is the number of additional units required annually at any one time to enable the trajectory to get back on target. It is calculated by subtracting completions and projected completions from the plan target (8800 units) and dividing by the number of years remaining. Due to under performance in the earlier years of the plan, the number of total projected completions will exceed the RSS target for the remainder of the plan period.

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Dwellings

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APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT

SOUTH LAKELAND DISTRICT COUNCIL LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK: PUBLICATION CORE STRATEGY

Infrastructure Requirements Report: Monitoring and Implementation Framework

1 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT

Report Structure Page Number 1.0 Introduction………………………………………………... 3 1.1 Scope and Purpose of Report…………………………... 3 1.2Infrastructure Definition…………………………………… 3 1.3 Methodology………………………………………………. 3 2.0 Policy Context…………………………………………….. 5 3.0 Infrastructure requirements……………………………… 6 3.1 Results of Infrastructure Planning Consultation………. 6 3.2 Summary of Infrastructure Requirement by Type of Infrastructure…………………………………………………… 6 4.0 Conclusions……………………………………………….. 19 4.1 Summary of Findings…………………………………….. 19 4.2 Future Actions……..………………………………………. 20 Appendices…………………………………………………….. 22 A List of Consultees/Stakeholders………………………….. 23 B Letter to Strategic Infrastructure Providers and Information Pack and Questionnaire Sent to Schools and GPs……………………………………………………………… 24 C Minutes from Workshop 30th March 2009………………... 37 D Letter to Strategic Infrastructure Providers 7th April 46 2009……………………………………………………………... E Schools and GP Data………………………………………. 48 F Population Forecast Spreadsheet…………………………. 51 G Parish Plan Information…………………………………….. 52

2 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Scope and Purpose of Report

1.1.1 The Infrastructure Requirements Report will play an important role in the preparation of the Core Strategy of South Lakeland District Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF) (excludes area of SLDC covered by the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorities). It forms part of the monitoring and implementation framework supporting the publication Core Strategy. The aims of the report are to:

a) Provide evidence of whether there is need or is no need for improvements or additions to infrastructure in South Lakeland in order to support development up to 2025; b) Provide evidence that the Core Strategy is effective through sound infrastructure delivery planning (including showing that delivery partners are signed up to it). c) Use as a means to inform the development of South Lakeland’s Allocations of Land Development Plan Document. d) Show that there has been effective engagement with key infrastructure providers with regard to infrastructure delivery planning throughout preparation of the publication Core Strategy.

1.2 Infrastructure Definition

1.2.1 Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12): Local Development Frameworks identifies infrastructure as ‘…physical, social and green infrastructure needed to enable the amount of development proposed’. Examples of these infrastructures include:

• Physical – utility services (water, electricity, gas, telecommunications), foul and surface water (wastewater/sewage), flood defences, transport facilities (rail, roads, public transport, cycle paths, footpaths), waste management and disposal • Social – health and social facilities (hospitals, doctors/GP surgeries, dentists, residential centres), education (nursery and pre school, primary, secondary and further and higher education/adult learning), leisure and community facilities (libraries, community centres, sports facilities, culture facilities, village halls, places of worship), and emergency services (fire, ambulance and police) • Green – open spaces, parks, woodlands, waterways, cemeteries, allotments and green corridors.

1.3 Methodology

1.3.1 This report is based upon a study involving desktop research and a joint consultation exercise with the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) undertaken in February and March 2009. The consultation was undertaken with LDNPA as they were at a similar stage to SLDC with preparation of their Core Strategy. By contacting the different infrastructure providers together it saved

3 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT time and resources for those providers and ensured a consistent approach to the gathering of data.

1.3.2 This study was undertaken in four stages, detailed as follows:

Stage 1 Desktop Research

1.3.3 The first stage related to a desktop study that had the main objective of identifying levels of understanding and knowledge regarding existing and future infrastructure requirements within the District. Feedback that providers had supplied through consultation on the emerging Core Strategy at Issues and Options (February 2006), Preferred Options Stage (April/May 2008) and at prepublication participation Allocations of Land DPD (December 2008 onwards) was captured. This provided an opportunity to measure the extent to which there was evidence of infrastructure requirements and consequently identify where further information was required. Following completion of the exercise it was decided that a more targeted consultation with service providers was necessary. The consultation would be informal and undertaken during the period of preparation of the publication Core Strategy. The evidence and feedback gained through the informal consultation would then be used to shape the development of the publication Core Strategy and show that it accords with the tests of soundness.

Stage 2 Informal Consultation with Infrastructure Providers

1.3.4 Infrastructure providers have been categorised according to the three different groups shown below: • Strategic Infrastructure Providers (utilities providers, Cumbria Primary Care Health Trust and NHS North West, Network Rail, further/higher education, emergency services and statutory environment bodies) • Cumbria County Council Providers (transport, waste, health, social care and education services) • Primary and Secondary Schools and General Practitioners (covering both the LDNPA and SLDC LDF areas and immediate surrounding areas i.e. Barrow-in-Furness/Furness, Sedbergh, South Eden, North Lancashire/NW Craven)

1.3.5 In total twenty strategic infrastructure providers were consulted. Appendix A is a list showing the twenty providers. In addition approximately 150 independent providers were consulted (comprising GP surgeries and general practitioners). A letter and questionnaire with information pack was prepared and sent to the providers (tailored to the different groups) in mid February 2009. The information pack included contextual information about SLDC that included a brief commentary regarding the emerging development strategy. The questionnaire was devised to ascertain information regarding: • existing levels of capacity • existing needs • type of likely improvements and infrastructure provision needed to accommodate anticipated levels of growth • an indication of location and timescales for improvements and future provision

4 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT • existing capital programmes • criteria used to trigger infrastructure improvements. The relevant questionnaire and information pack is contained within Appendix B (schools and GP’s received a more simple questionnaire compared to strategic infrastructure providers). Providers were given approximately six weeks to respond (leading up to the workshop).

Stage 3 Workshop with Strategic Infrastructure Providers

1.3.6 All strategic infrastructure and Cumbria County Council providers were invited to attend a follow up workshop with SLDC and the LDNPA on Monday 30th March 2009. The main objective of the workshop was to clarify and ensure the responses received were duly understood and discuss future engagement/dialogue on infrastructure (Appendix C is a note of the minutes from the workshop).

Stage 4 Further Informal Consultation April 2009

1.3.7 Following the workshop it was decided that the strategic infrastructure providers and Cumbria County Council providers be consulted further with a request for more information as there was an absence of views from many. Some responses made previously required more detailed investigation and clarification. A letter was sent to the relevant providers as shown in Appendix D, attached to the letter was a copy of SLDC’s draft Core Strategy in its current state (March 2009) and a spreadsheet showing likely proposed levels of development for individual settlements. By providing this extra information it was hoped this would help to support the providers with their response particularly with respect to assessing future needs associated with projected growth within different settlements.

2.0 Policy Context

2.1 PPS12: Local Spatial Planning states as part of the LDF Core Strategy documents Local Authorities must take account of infrastructure associated with development proposed for an area:

“The core strategy should be supported by evidence of what physical, social and green infrastructure is needed to enable the amount of development proposed for the area, taking account of its type and distribution. This evidence should cover who will provide the infrastructure and when it will be provided. The core strategy should draw on and in parallel influence any strategies and investment plans of the local authority and other organisations” (Paragraph 4.8 PPS12).

2.2. As part of this infrastructure planning process the following should be identified, as far as possible: • “Infrastructure needs and costs; • Phasing of development; • Funding sources; and • Responsibilities for delivery” (Paragraph 4.9 PPS12).

5 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT 2.3 This report is based on the guidance contained within PPS12 and also that provided by the Planning Advisory Service in their November/December 2008 handbook.

3.0 Infrastructure Requirements

3.1 Results of Infrastructure Planning Informal Consultation

3.1.1 In terms of the informal consultation undertaken during February – March 2009 the following levels of response was received:

• One response from Cumbria County Council covering Transport and Highways • Fourteen out of twenty potential responses from strategic infrastructure providers. • Sixty nine out of one hundred and seven potential responses from the independent providers (schools/surgeries)1

3.2 Summary of responses by type of infrastructure

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

3.2.1 Transport

Road, Public Transport, Cycle and Pedestrian Routes Cumbria County Council is the Highways and Transport Authority for South Lakeland, with responsibility for preparation of the Local Transport Plan (LTP2). This includes transport policies and a five-year programme of transport improvements. Highways and Transport Infrastructure issues are expressed in greater detail in the Area Transport Plan; one plan covers South Lakeland. Individual highway and transport improvement schemes are listed in the County Candidate Schemes List (2009 – 2010), this can be found on the Cumbria County Council website and is included within Appendix D of the CCC Cabinet Report 6th January 2009 Capital programme: budget consultation Transport Programme http://www.cumbriacc.gov.uk/CouncilMeetings/Content/Public/2941/398051630 43.pdf. This includes reference to capital programme funding for priority transport improvement schemes. The main scheme included in the programme relating to South Lakeland is the:

• Kendal Transport Plan (2009 to 2010 financial year) cycling and walking scheme £350,000 (2010 to 2011 financial year) cycling and walking scheme and local safety scheme £400,000 working in partnership with Stagecoach.

In addition to the above, the programme includes details of an annual package of measures (small scale programme of works below £50,000 relating to other walking/cycling schemes, public transport schemes, local safety schemes, traffic management and traffic calming schemes). Details relating to better ways

1 Note this figure excludes schools/GP’s contacted within LDNPA that are some distance from the LDF area (note that there are no defined catchment areas). 6 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT to school programme, engineering safety studies, community minibuses and non-principal road maintenance are also included in the Transport Programme.

In addition to the physical highway infrastructure there are also passenger transport “capacity” issues in LDF areas in terms of bus and train service frequency and penetration, such information can not be supplied as this has not been finalised and agreed. Major transport improvements schemes to address existing deficits in provision and to meet future needs and facilitate development are listed in “Routes to a Prosperous Cumbria” (2008-2028) produced by Cumbria County Council. This document includes the following objectives for South Lakeland: • Road and rail communications between the M6 and main line rail routes passing through the east of the county and the industrial west coast communities of Furness and West Cumbria remain inadequate, network enhancements are required (implications for Furness rail line and A590 trunk road) • Morecambe Bay Bridge project (independently promoted project by Bridge Across The Bay Ltd) to extract tidal energy from Morecambe Bay and produce wind energy and solar energy for public consumption. The concept envisages a structure across Morecambe Bay from Heysham to Barrow in Furness up to twelve miles in length, which could also be used as a transport link with facilities for cyclists. This would result in improvements in links between Furness and North Lancashire. However, the implications of such a scheme for the environment need to be carefully considered given existing sensitivities relating to the very high environment quality that the coast and Morecambe Bay offers (European Marine Site covered by the Habitats Directive and SSSI). It is understood that the North West Regional Development Agency are commissioning an independent study into the proposals looking at regional impact/infrastructure including transport implications. This will include an assessment of the financing, risks and organisation. • Further modernisation and upgrading of the West Coast Main Line Rail line, which cuts through South Lakeland and is served by a station within the LDF area at Oxenholme. • Reduction of congestion in urban areas and tourist areas. Significant congestion problems occur in Kendal and Ulverston. In Kendal this will be achieved through implementation of the Kendal Transport Plan (2007). This identifies how gaps in the existing cycle network will be remedied and also cites the use of mobility plans to improve walking access between services and facilities and residential and employment areas within the town. Mobility plans will be prepared for all key service centres. In Ulverston there is a need for improvements to the A590, which bisects the town. School travel plans are being implemented, however, there is a need to introduce greater travel planning by other organisations throughout the District. • Specific highways improvements are identified as follows :– - A590 Trunk Road (A bypass on the east side of Ulverston would improve the standards of access to Furness) - Furness Railway Line (complete strengthening of estuary crossing, improve timetable connections, reinstatement of a direct link through to the Leeds line at Carnforth) - Construction of the Morecambe Bay Bridge

7 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT - Kendal (Kendal Northern Relief Road linking A591, Kendal Western Bypass, at Plumgarths to the A6 Shap Road principally to cater for commercial traffic, however, it is very unlikely to be funded by the Department for Transport prior to 2017, upgrading of current car parks in Kendal, additional coach parking, possible park and ride, projects to encourage walking and cycling in particular along the core north-south riverside route and also a new foot/cycle bridge adjacent to Miller Bridge and reconstruction of the Lancaster/Kendal Canal).

The Kendal Transport Assessment (June 2009) undertaken by Atkins Ltd Consultants on behalf of SLDC provides an account of the impact of potential future development in Kendal up to 2025 on the existing highways network. It includes a number of recommendations that relate to highways junction improvements and changing travel behaviour. It is recommended that some of these recommendations be implemented through the use of planning obligations. The report does not specify costs associated with any recommended works or indeed timescales etc.

It is recognised that the resources available to the County Council are insufficient to make the improvements to the transport infrastructure required to bring networks up to a good modern standard. Therefore contributions are sought from others, including developers, to bridge the identified infrastructure deficits. It is recommended that future policy should ensure that most new development is located where need can already be accommodated. Major development should therefore be directed to the Key Service Centres. Rural areas and smaller Local Service Centres do not have the highways infrastructure to cope with significant increase in demand that further development would cause.

There should consequently be an emphasis on promoting sustainable modes of transport such as an increase in the footpath network for pedestrians and provision for cyclists through the preparation and use of ‘Mobility Plans’ by businesses and School Travel Plans in South Lakeland Schools. In terms of public transport provision (bus), revenue funding is required. The key issue is how provision can be subsidised, as bus provision/routes are not commercially viable in the County outside Carlisle. The provision of additional bus services in Kendal is not commercially viable (however, the need for improvements to existing bus services could be triggered by the level of development proposed in the publication Core Strategy for Kendal). Public transport is not financially viable in rural areas. A key issue for South Lakeland is considering how well connected the existing public transport types (bus, boat, train) are in terms of connections to smaller rural communities.

Cumbria County Council is developing an accessibility action plan for South Lakeland. Also, the innovative demand responsive service, Rural Wheels has been extended across the whole of South Lakeland. The scheme is being monitored in order to measure its overall effectiveness as an alternative to scheduled bus services. Where shown to be cost-effective further promotion of the scheme will be encouraged. New development in rural areas could increase the level of demand for such services, although this is not expected to be of a high level.

8 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT

Rail The District includes part of the west coast main line railway (including one station at Oxenholme) and also part of an important regional railway (Furness line) alongside a small branch line from Oxenholme Station to Windermere in the LDNP. The Lancashire and Cumbria Route Utilisation Strategy August 2008 (RUCS) doesn’t envisage many alterations for the SLDC area, aside from tourism-related growth (see Network Rail website www.networkrail.co.uk). This type of growth is likely to be addressed at a local level by the train operating companies and station facilities operators in the first instance. Network Rail is keen to ensure that the rail network is protected and promoted wherever possible; this includes protecting the existing station car parks, and in some instances increasing the capacity such as the current project at Oxenholme Station (to promote multi-modal journeys, an additional fifty three car park spaces have been provided), together with station improvements such as accessibility, security and information provision.

Nationally, Network Rail is striving to reduce the number of level crossings either by diversion, closure, or provision of new bridges/underpasses, for example at Bailey Lane, Grange over Sands. A reduction in the number of such crossings improves railway/highway safety as well as providing the potential to increase line-speed, thus cutting journey times. There is no concise list of crossings that are being considered for closure/diversion, however, it is recommended that the Core Strategy reflects support where necessary to the closure/diversion of public rights of way over level crossings, and to mitigate circumstances that would result in an unacceptable increase in use of an existing crossing.

3.2.2 Water Supply

Access to Water Supply and Quality of Supply United Utilities has a statutory duty to develop and maintain an efficient and economical system of water supply within its area. A proposal for expenditure in the years 2010 – 2015 is contained within the published five years Investment Plan (Asset Management programme). The plan can be found at the following website link: http://www.unitedutilities.co.uk/Documents/Detailed_plan.pdf. The plan is currently being considered by the Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT) and monitoring agencies (the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Environment Agency) and Government. The outcome will be known in November 2009. The plan covers aspects such as building new and modernising existing water pipes to ensure a reliable supply, reducing the number of overflows from sewers and improving water and wastewater treatment works to deal with growing population and climate change.

In terms of water supply, there is considered to be sufficient capacity to accommodate new development as proposed over the next fifteen years in South Lakeland. There are no plans for new water networks within South Lakeland or major cleaning of existing networks. However, there could be implications for a need to enhance water quality following the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. The Investment Plan makes reference to £120 million capital expenditure being required to deliver identified wastewater supply/demand investment (after allowing for grants and contributions, this

9 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT includes expected costs of dealing with properties flooding for the first time after 2010). However, it does not state where investment is needed or indications of timescales and details of costs. Once the outcome of United Utilities 2010 – 2015 Business Plan submission to the regulator OFWAT is known, details of planned works will be published. With regard to the programme to address sewer flooding, this will be determined on a priority basis taking into account the numbers of flood risk properties in an area, and the regularity and severity of flooding.

Foul and Surface Water Outflow – Wastewater/Sewage Issues United Utilities have expressed issue with regard to the capacity of access to Wastewater Treatment Works in relation to potential development throughout the District (this is contained within their Allocations of Land DPD Discussion Paper response). Also, both United Utilities and Environment Agency have made issue with the existing sewerage network in terms of existing problems regarding combined (carrying both foul and surface water) sewer overflows and flooding and capacity of wastewater treatment works particularly in Kendal. These existing problems and the potential impact of new development are expressed in the table below.

Table 1 Existing issues relating to existing sewers at Kentrigg Walk, Kendal and Steeles Row, Burneside

Location Nature and scale of Issue Solution Kendal – Kentrigg • Is a high priority issue. • Works have Walk Sewer had become recently been narrowed due to deposits. completed to June 2009 – United Utilities remove deposits have recently completed the that were blocking removal of deposits from the the system. If the sewer. problem • June 2009 - Monitoring of reappears, then an the performance of the action plan will be sewer will now be required. The necessary to determine length of time then whether the problem of taken to rectify the overflows from it has been problem will successfully resolved by this depend on the work. Question would still scale of the as yet remain about the capacity of undefined works the sewer to deal with required, increased flows. consequently • Could potentially affect difficult to put development in part of north detail on costs and Kendal and further north timescales. towards boundary with LDNPA at Cowan Head. Burneside – • Lack of capacity in the • No clear solutions Steeles Row current system. have been • Significant investment is identified. likely to be required to Maintenance resolve the problem and budget is based on may well take an Asset a priority basis with Management Plan scale to internal flooding fully resolve, in which case it being the greater is unlikely to be resolved priority.

10 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT Location Nature and scale of Issue Solution before 2015. • The Core Strategy • Could potentially affect proposes grouped development in Burneside targets for and further north towards development boundary with LDNPA at within all the Local Cowan Head Service Centres, to ensure there is flexibility. Burneside is proposed as a Local Service Centre. Development will only commence once any infrastructure issues have been satisfactorily resolved and where infrastructure requirements associated with the new development can be satisfactorily met. This means that no further development will be permitted until the overflow issue at Steeles Row, Burneside, has been or can be (at the same time) resolved.

In terms of potential affect of new development on the existing sewerage network, the key issue is the combined effect of surface water and foul water entering the sewerage network. A number of locations within the District (these are indicated below) could face problems relating to overloading on the sewer network and consequent potential flood risk due to the above key issue. The Environment Agency has commented that even the use of separate sewers carrying only foul drainage does not remove the issue completely. The Environment Agency have stressed the importance of discussion with United Utilities and support the use of sustainable drainage systems to prevent surface water entering the sewerage system and thus exacerbating the effects of sewerage flooding. Also attention is needed to ensure there is sewer connection to a more suitable point and the use of Local Authority Surface Water Management Plans.

Locations that could face potential sewer capacity problems caused by new development include both Kendal and in the smaller villages:

North East, East and South East Kendal Part of Oxenholme Burton

11 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT Holme Natland Levens Endmoor Milnthorpe Cartmel Kirkby Lonsdale Swarthmoor

3.2.3 Flood Risk and Flood Defence

A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been undertaken for South Lakeland in 2007 and will be used to inform decisions relating to the location of new development. The Environment Agency stresses the importance of supporting the use of sustainable urban drainage systems to prevent surface water entering the sewerage system and thus exacerbating the effects of sewerage flooding.

The Environment Agency has advised that the “key aim will be to influence the planning system to ensure development is guided away from flood risk areas, or risk is mitigated. Critical floodplains include those between Burneside and Kendal, and Dragley Beck, Ulverston. These floodplains must be preserved ”, (Environment Agency’s – Catchment Flood Management Plan). Appendix C provides further evidence of consultation feedback from the Environment Agency and issues with flood risk.

There are several areas of raised defences within South Lakeland. Flood defences are typically raised structures that alter natural flow patterns and prevent floodwater from entering properties in times of flooding. The most important areas of defence are at Kendal, Ulverston and Levens. In Kendal South Lakeland District Council has developed a scheme at Stock Beck, which has substantially reduced the level of flood risk.

There is always the residual risk that these defences may fail, as a result of either overtopping and/or breach failure. In Kendal the greatest area of risk is considered to be in central Kendal. In the Mintsfeet area of Kendal, industrial development has taken place in close proximity to the defences; the risk associated with a breach of the defences in an industrial area is not as high as in residential areas. Within Ulverston and Levens, the existing flood defences are situated adjacent to existing urban development.

The issue of potential flood hazard due to flood defence failure should affect future planning considerations informed by the SFRA, particularly in Ulverston, Levens and Kendal. It is vital that the detailed site based Flood Risk Assessment for all potential future development in defended areas of the District considers both the likelihood and consequence of defence failure in their vicinity.

3.2.4 Energy Supply

12 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT Electricity Electricity North West Ltd manage infrastructure and distribute and transmit electricity throughout South Lakeland. The regulator determines the amount of funding, however, it is not known what the next round of funding may or may not allow for investment in improvements. Information relating to substation capacity has not been ascertained through this consultation. Evidence when exploring options for the Canal Head Area of Kendal shows that the Kendal Primary substation is currently operating close to or at capacity. It is likely that significant development in Kendal would require investment for network reinforcement and that a new Primary Substation would be required although Electricity North West Ltd does not confirm this. No information has been made available stating whether this is the case. Only when the customer has firm load requirements and location details can a system study be undertaken to ascertain the scale of impact of potential new development.

Gas As a former and operator of the Electricity Transmission System in England and Wales, National Grid confirmed that it has no existing infrastructure within South Lakeland and that there is no current contractual obligation to connect new generation in the area. National Grid Gas Distribution own and operate the local gas distribution network in South Lakeland. The confidential nature of the process means National Grid are unable to confirm whether they are currently processing or have made any offers for connection within Cumbria.

National Grid provided information relating to likely effect of new development on existing gas supply for all the service centres based on a five year forecast. In all cases it is not anticipated that within the next five years development will result in the need for reinforcement at the point of where the nearest gas connection is located as there is sufficient capacity to accept the full load. Longer-term impact has not been ascertained. Even though at this point in time there seems to be no indication of reinforcement costs, this could change due to new developments being handled on a first come first served basis. Once a connection has been made, the minimum pressure quoted to that customer would be upheld throughout its lifespan of gas consumption. It should be noted that the information is indicative as the infrastructure and forecasted prediction constantly change their dynamics.

3.2.5 Telecommunications

Telecommunications infrastructure is not considered to be a major critical concern in terms of future infrastructure planning. Mono Consultants Limited who represent the main mobile operators state that demand for additional infrastructure is consumer led and consequently it is difficult to quantify what level of need may arise from additional development. As such the rollout of additional base station infrastructure tends to be reactive rather than proactive. Annual rollout plans are submitted to Local Planning Authorities each October to give an indication of sites required for the following twelve months. This also applies to British Telecom. It should be noted that telecommunications infrastructure is a rapidly changing technology and therefore there may be need over the lifetime of the Core Strategy for further infrastructure development to meet changing technological demand. The South Lakeland Corporate Plan

13 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT 2009-2012 identifies a need for lobbying to improve broadband access in rural areas and also a local indicator to increase South Lakeland 3G coverage.

3.2.6 Waste Facilities

Municipal Waste The Cumbria Minerals and Waste Development Framework Core Strategy adopted on the 23rd April 2009 provides detail in relation to where new waste development is required (policy 7). The document can be found on the County Council website at http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/planning- environment/planning/policy/minerals_waste/mwdf/AdoptedDocuments.asp. This identifies that there is a need for two mechanical and biological treatment plants to tackle municipal waste within the south of the county. Locations will be specified through the Cumbria Minerals and Waste Allocations of Land DPD; however, Kendal along with Barrow is identified as the location for one of the two plants.

Household Waste Recycling The existing Kendal Canal Head household waste facility is too small and if the proposed regeneration of Kendal Canal Head (AAP preferred options April 2008) is implemented then the facility will need replacing. There is also a need to relocate the existing facility at Grange over Sands due to existing issues with highways access. The existing facility at Ulverston needs to be expanded and Milnthorpe requires a new site. Obviously an increase in the population will put further pressure and demands on existing supply potentially resulting in a need to provide enhanced quantitative and qualitative improvements/provision. New facilities should be located adjacent to employment uses. Parts of the south of the District i.e. Burton in Kendal area is served by a facility in Carnforth.

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

3.2.7 Education Facilities

Schools Cumbria County Council supplied information relating to pupil roll numbers and school capacity figures. The information does not include figures for nursery. The information relates to that which is annually submitted by the County Councils’ to the Department of Children, Support and Families twice a year (in this case January 2009). Appendix E presents the information in graph form. There was a very good rate of response to the questionnaire (47 out of potential 69 schools).

Key findings from the information supplied and responses received to the questionnaire are:

• Pupil roll numbers vary across the District at both primary and secondary school level. At primary school level, the majority of schools do have net capacity some substantially so, whereas a minority are currently oversubscribed. At secondary school level there is greater disparity, with four out of six of the secondary schools within the LDF area currently running over capacity. Many schools forecast a fall in the future of

14 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT numbers of pupils on roll; however, the general consensus is that there is not a threat of closure. • In respect of new development taking place within the area each school covers, many of the respondents indicated that schools would welcome new housing as it could lead to a positive impact upon roll numbers and therefore improve the viability of the schools. Increasing numbers would maintain staffing levels and result in additional staffing being required. • In many cases, the majority of schools could expand to accommodate new growth either through making space for additional classrooms within the building or extending outwards into existing grounds. • The survey has indicated the importance of schools in their local community as they often act as a ‘community hub’ where a wide variety of additional activities take place. The responses show additional activities include: breakfast/after school clubs; adult learning; pre-school; mother and toddler groups; police surgeries; community uses including meetings and village events; brownies; and medical clinics.

Effect of New Development For Schools Using information from the Office of National Statistics (Cumbria Observatory) the expected trend in population change (2006 mid year estimates) is for the total number of persons aged 0 –18 years in South Lakeland to continue to decline from now through to 2025 (2006 base figure = 17,480 persons, projected 2026 = 16,400 persons). This is in line with Cumbria County Council’s (Children’s Services) projections. Part of the vision of the Core Strategy is to address the issue of decline in expected numbers of young people through provision of new housing and employment opportunities for young people and families’, particularly affordable housing. Appendix F shows population forecast between 2006 and 2026 for the five Key Service Centres in the 0-15 years age category. The methodology is based on existing demographics being comparable to those expected in 2026 i.e. 30% of the District’s 2006 0 –15 year age population reside in Kendal, in 2026 this will be the same.

The situation generally is that the primary pupil population (age 4 – 11) in the District will contract for the next three or four years then will start to slowly rise again. The birth rate in more urban areas is now starting to rise again. However, in more rural areas numbers of births are at about the same level year on year and in some areas may still be in decline. The reduction in primary school numbers is starting to feed its way through into the secondary sector (age 11 – 18) and without inward migration numbers would decline for the next ten or so years. In addition, there is a strong influx of secondary age pupils into Dallam and Kirkby Lonsdale secondary schools from Lancashire and North Yorkshire that in the past has kept them at full capacity (and is expected to do so in the future).

What cannot be stated is the exact impact that new development will have for each individual school. The location of new development could be critical in terms of whether a school will need to invest further in providing new facilities to serve education and wider community needs and in terms of the survival of existing education facilities.

Further consultation will be required with Cumbria County Council (Children’s Services) with respect to the effect of new development in terms of school

15 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT infrastructure provision. Issues with respect to where further investment is required to improve facilities or indeed provide new facilities will come to the fore through preparation of the Allocations of Land DPD.

Further/Higher Education Kendal College is the major further/higher and adult training education establishment within the South Lakeland LDF area. The College is proposing to expand its provision within Kendal with plans to provide new facilities at a site on Wildman Street and also Milnthorpe Road. A sports hall is also being planned in connection with the college although a location has not been identified yet. Through delivery of its future plans over a seven-year period the College hopes to introduce thirty new foundation degree programmes and will therefore attract graduates into the town. This will also result in an expansion of employees over this period. These plans are subject to the acquisition of funds and have been drawn up in consultation with the University of Cumbria.

The University of Cumbria seeks to continue to explore the options with Kendal College, the Brewery Arts Centre and SLDC for a single or collaborative co- located university base, however, current constraints on capital and revenue funding mean that presently there is no provision in the business plan for development of a permanent base in South Lakeland. Whilst the University will fully commit to collaborative exploratory work, it cannot commit to an outcome until the exploratory work is completed. In the meantime, the University, as lead institution for Cumbria Higher Learning, the Lifelong Learning Network in Cumbria, continues to work with Kendal College to deliver Higher Education opportunities in the area, and the presence of its campus at Lancaster also acts to service Higher Education needs in South Lakeland. The University is committed to continue to work in partnership with SLDC in promoting, developing and enhancing Higher Education in the District.

Children’s Centres Three new Children’s Centres are being created in the District in Kirkby Lonsdale, Sedbergh and Grange-over-Sands. There are plans to create new Sure Start Service Centres on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale, Settlebeck High School in Sedbergh and Flookburgh Primary School. A parent information point is also being created in Grange over Sands.

3.2.8 Health Facilities

GP Surgeries GP surgeries are generally more centralised than primary schools. They generally cover a large catchment area or large population; as such they are subsequently often found within larger settlements or located in settlements that act as a ‘hub’ to the outlying area. Appendix E provides an account of the results of the consultation exercise undertaken with GP’s in the LDF area and immediate adjacent outlying areas. The information is conveyed in graph form and shows the current number of patients registered with the GP surgery and the net capacity available. Unlike schools we have not been able to obtain information about current levels of capacity for every GP surgery (22 out of 48 surgeries responded). Consequently the findings provided below are a reflection of the information that has been supplied.

16 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT The key findings are: • Some surgeries have no existing spare capacity and are currently liaising with the Primary Care Health Trust with regard to future infrastructure planning, whilst others have a large amount of spare capacity. • Many surgeries are constrained in terms of having the capacity to expand i.e. lack of available space, whilst others do have space. However, they all stated that they would welcome expansion. • No surgeries have stated that they are about to close.

The implications of new housing development will inevitably result in increasing patient numbers which, in some surgeries, would result in additional GP time being required and increased staffing implications. A number of surgeries indicated that new housing development would not or be unlikely to have any impact on existing facilities whereas a small number of surgeries indicated extensions to existing buildings or even new premises might be required in some cases. In addition to GP services a number of surgeries offer a wide range of other services including physiotherapy, smoking cessation classes, antenatal/midwife, health visitor, counselling (mental health), and ‘out reach’ clinics. Further consultation will be required with GP’s and the Primary Care Health Trust to ascertain the likely scale of impact of new development for GP surgeries. It should be noted that North West NHS has not stressed any major issues/barriers with respect to the draft Core Strategy in terms of health care provision in the District.

Further consultation is required with the Primary Care Health Trust to verify the information supplied by the GP surgeries and to ascertain further information in respect to other GP surgery capacity.

3.2.9 Hospitals

The nearest hospital for local residents in the south and east of the District is the Westmorland General Hospital, which lies just to the south of Kendal. The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust are working with Cumbria PCT to ensure that a large investment is made to improve wards at the hospital, including the new GP-led Langdale Unit. The number of operations carried out in Kendal has increased year on year, even though there are fewer beds. The hospital is actively pursuing a business case that could see radiotherapy and other walk-in cancer services offered in the town. (Patients living with cancer currently have to travel for up to an hour and a half to Preston or to Manchester for treatment).

Local residents in the west of the District are served by Furness General Hospital in Barrow. The NHS Trust has identified its desire to strengthen trauma services and emergency services at Furness. There is a commitment to provide a consultant led maternity unit and the Trust are working with Cumbria PCT to bring a wider range of health services to the site.

3.2.10 Dental Practices

Evidence from NHS Dental Services shows that there were reported to be 5,053 people without access to a NHS dentist as of March 2009 in South Lakeland.

17 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT 7,500 places in Kendal will come on stream from June 2009; consequently there is no need to invest further in the area over the next two years, which is as far ahead as the NHS is currently planning. A database of people wanting an NHS dentist is maintained.

3.2.11 Community Facilities

Parish Plans provide an invaluable source of information regarding community needs and aspirations within each parish. They are taken into account as part of evidence gathering for LDF documents and are used to identify existing needs and aspirations relating to communities throughout South Lakeland. It is likely that further growth in settlements could only add to existing needs and demands/aspirations. It is important that the Council ensures that land and buildings are provided within settlements, which could help to meet these needs, and that plans/investment are implemented to improve the quality of existing facilities. However, it should be noted that Parish Plans are based exclusively on community consultation feedback and need to be checked against views of providers. The robustness of such information should be questioned; identified issues may actually not be a true reflection of need but rather demand/aspiration.

Appendix G is a table showing infrastructure related community needs as evidenced in the Parish Plans.

GREEN

3.2.12 Open Space, Sport and Recreation

An open space and outdoor sport and recreation assessment was undertaken in 2006. This provides information regarding existing quantity, quality and accessibility to open space and outdoor sport and recreation. It provides recommended quantity and quality standards for different types of facilities. It identifies where there are gaps of provision by different type of open space, sport and outdoor facility. Its key finding is that their needs to be greater emphasis on improving the quality of existing open space, sport and recreation facilities.

With respect to sports facilities new development could result in demand outstripping supply in the near future. It is likely to only result in the need for minor improvements; however, the Council is looking at two potential large developments (Kendal Sport Village and Troutbeck in the Lake District National Park), which will provide pitches as part of the project. The Kendal scheme will provide facilities that will cater for the whole sporting and leisure need in Kendal. There is an issue with ageing and adhoc stock of facilities that need significant improvement and coordination to improve the local, sporting and leisure offer. Four site options have been identified in the Kendal area, as yet, no clear option exists. The project should be developed within the next five to ten years. Smaller projects in Holme, Kirkby Lonsdale and Kirkby in Furness will also provide improved pitches and services. These improvements will take place within the next 5-10 years. However, for all schemes no capital has been committed, and capital funding isn’t available. The Council will need to consider the use of its capital assets in achieving these types of projects.

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Sport England North West Region has prepared a North West Regional Strategic Facility Evidence Base (November 2008). This is a reference document that provides a context, rationale and support for specific sports facility developments at regional, sub-regional and local level. A sport – by – sport analysis is presented in the document and need for future investment has been identified through analysis of existing facility provision (nature, location, role and spatial distribution), participation levels (community and performance) and opportunities for future development.

The findings show that South Lakeland should be a priority area for investment in sports hall provision. This should be delivered through rationalisation, and potentially Building Schools for the Future (BSF) investment in terms of addressing issues of equity and accessibility, linked to increased population by 2018.

British Waterways have expressed issue with the restoration of the Northern Reaches of the canal due to constraints regarding funding. The restoration is the subject of the Kendal Canal Head Area Action Plan, which is at consideration of representations to preferred options stage. It would see the full restoration of the former Kendal – Lancaster canal along the stretch from Kendal to Natland. The project will need to be embedded in all strategies for the area, including the North West Development Area’s plans for the future if the requisite level of funding is to be secured.

3.2.13 Kendal Canal Head Area Action Plan

The Kendal Canal Head Area Action Plan Preferred Options Report (April 2008) contains information relating to Infrastructure Requirements associated with the preferred option. The AAP once adopted will be used as a means for implementing such requirements through the use of planning obligations.

4.0 CONCLUSIONS

4.1 Summary of findings

4.1.1 Initial findings and consultation have not identified any major issues at a strategic level in terms of significant barriers to new development that cannot be overcome. There is however a need to enhance local provision and ensure future infrastructure improvements are timed appropriately. It is recognised that there are existing problems, particularly regarding flooding of sewerage networks in certain locations. Also some existing health and education facilities will require further investment to ensure that they meet the expected demands created by the influx of additional population due to existing levels of over- capacity (however, no major infrastructure provision has been identified as being in need). It is likely that the need for greatest investment will occur within the five Key Service Centres where the highest levels of growth in development is proposed. It is difficult at this stage to quantify and qualify the nature of infrastructure that may be required in the absence of identification of trigger levels due to the nature of responses provided.

19 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT 4.1.2 In more rural areas, anticipated levels of growth may not necessarily require additional capacity in infrastructure as the level of development proposed can generally be supported by changing solutions and behaviour. For example encouraging the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) can help reduce the amount of surface water entering the sewage network, which in turn relieves the pressure on WasteWater Treatment Works. The publication Core Strategy includes grouped targets for Local Service Centres and rural settlements to enable greater flexibility and opportunity to respond to different circumstances at the local level. The publication Core Strategy takes into account where development will not be possible without improvements to infrastructure, particularly utility provision, and development may therefore need to be delayed until improvements are made. Phasing will be used to allocate development in a manner, which reflects the timescales for securing key infrastructure. If infrastructure constraints cannot be resolved or suitable interim solutions found, the rates of growth will need to be reviewed.

4.1.3 In general, demand for infrastructure will increase as a consequence of new development. Much of this development will be as a result of a need for development having been identified from other studies. The comments received from infrastructure providers infer that many infrastructure providers are reactive rather than proactive. One reason for this relates to the fact that providers wait for funding for a project, only when the problem has occurred. Timescales for delivery of funding may not necessarily run in parallel with local authority spatial plan development led programmes. A further issue is due to the fact that providers do not usually know what is required until a scheme/proposal has been detailed and approved. It is therefore important that there is closer working between the authority and the providers in the preparation of capital programmes and investment plans. This issue has been discussed with the infrastructure providers as evidenced in the notes of the workshop (Appendix C) and there is an agreed commitment from all to continue to review requirements through continuous means of engagement.

4.2 Future Actions

4.2.1 This assessment has informed the development of the LDF regarding infrastructure planning and provides an important link with finding new ways of managing services and an emphasis on partnership working and maximising funding opportunities. It is clear those community facilities and a wide range of agencies shares infrastructure provision and the LDF should take a more proactive and joint approach to aligning priorities and seeking commitment from providers.

4.2.2 These initial findings are the first stage in identifying the needs and understanding the relative priorities to inform future work on the LDF. They provide the basis to enhance understanding in the key areas identified with outstanding or uncertain needs in the future. Feedback from the workshop was positive regarding the nature of engagement, and it was suggested that such workshops be held every six months. However, it is acknowledged that it has been difficult to engage with the full range of infrastructure providers, which puts into question how we continue to engage in the future. The role of the South Lakeland Local Strategic Partnership and emerging Local Area Partnerships will become increasingly important as a means of engaging with strategic

20 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT infrastructure providers. The Local Strategic Partnership Executive includes a number of representatives who have direct or indirect relations to the infrastructure providers. These include Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Cumbria Primary Care Trust, Cumbria Police, Learning and Skills Council, Connexions Cumbria, Cumbria County Council and Churches Together in Cumbria.

4.2.3 Many of the infrastructure providers were unable to specify details regarding the types of investment and improvements that may be required as a result of new development. Detail is only likely to be supplied once site specifics are known. SLDC is consulting at pre-publication participation stage on the Allocations of Land DPD and has received a number of fairly detailed comments from some of the strategic infrastructure providers regarding the impact of new development on certain areas of land. The information received will be used to help further ascertain the scale and nature of infrastructure requirements likely to be associated with new development at a very localised level. The Council will use the South Lakeland LDF Annual Monitoring Report produced each year to review and update information relating to infrastructure requirements and to monitor the effectiveness of the delivery of infrastructure. It is anticipated that a more comprehensive and detailed Infrastructure Plan will be prepared which will include costs and identify infrastructure deficits to help inform the implementation of Core Policy relating to Developer Contributions.

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APPENDICES

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Appendix A List of Strategic Infrastructure Consultees

ELECTRICITY NORTH WEST UNITED UTILITIES ENVIRONMENT AGENCY CUMBRIA PRIMARY CARE TRUST NHS NORTH WEST MOBILE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION NETWORK RAIL HIGHWAYS AGENCY BRITISH WATERWAYS CUMBRIA FIRE & RESCUE NORTH WEST AMBULANCE SERVICE NHS TRUST NATIONAL GRID TRANSCO STAGECOACH – IN – CUMBRIA BRITISH TELECOM SPORT ENGLAND KENDAL COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA ENGLISH HERITAGE NATURAL ENGLAND CUMBRIA COUNTY COUNCIL

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Appendix B Letter Sent to Strategic Infrastructure Providers

Mr Stephen Ottewell Development Plans Manager

South Lakeland House Lowther Street Kendal Cumbria LA9 4DL

Tel: 01539 733333 Fax: 01539 717355

e-mail: [email protected] www.southlakeland.gov.uk

Our Ref: SO/60.12.59 Contact: Stephen Ottewell Ext: 7361 th Your 16 February 2009 Date: Ref:

Dear Sir/Madam, INFRASTRUCTURE CAPACITY AND REQUIREMENTS

We need your help. We are currently developing our new planning policies in our Local Development Frameworks to deliver the planning strategy for our areas. We need to show that development being proposed has a realistic prospect of being provided and that the resources and infrastructure needed to enable this development are already in place or can be put in place within the timeframe of the Strategy. As both organisations are wanting the same information at the same time it seems sensible to send a joint request for this information to you. Please can you help us by completing the enclosed questionnaire to tell us about your plans and any issues regarding the infrastructure you are responsible for providing.

We have enclosed a pack of information, which explains in more detail the purpose of our questionnaire. It provides supporting maps so that you can see the area being covered by this study.

If you are not the right person to ask, we would be grateful if you could pass this letter and information on to a colleague who may be able to help us.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Ottewell Interim Development Plans Manager SLDC

Gill Longfellow Team Leader LDNPA

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INFRASTRUCTURE - CAPACITY AND REQUIREMENTS

Why are we contacting you?

We are currently developing our new planning policies in our Local Development Frameworks to deliver the planning strategy for our areas. The Core Strategy is the key document, setting out how the area and places within it should develop. It sets out how this development will be delivered, how much development is to be accommodated, where and by what means. We need to show that development being proposed has a realistic prospect of being provided and that the resources and infrastructure needed to enable this development are already in place or can be put in place within the timeframe of the Strategy. We therefore need your help to tell us about your plans and any issues regarding the infrastructure you are responsible for providing.

Purpose of the exercise

Both organisations are at a similar stage of development with our Core Strategies and both organisations want to find out about the infrastructure you are responsible for. We need to identify the physical, social and green infrastructure needed to support the location and scale of development being proposed. It made sense for us to undertake a joint exercise to obtain this information, rather than contact you separately.

What do we want to know?

We need to know: • If the existing infrastructure has the capacity to accommodate the levels of development being proposed, in the places it is being proposed. • We need to know how easily the infrastructure needed can be provided or if it cannot be provided. • We need to know who will provide the infrastructure, when it will be provided and the cost of doing so. We have sent you a questionnaire for you to complete, to give us this information. The following sections provide some contextual information about South Lakeland District and the Lake District National Park and explain the levels and types of developments being proposed in the two planning areas.

Where do we need information for?

The enclosed maps show the extent of the two planning areas covered. This includes the whole of South Lakeland District and the whole of the Lake District National Park. We want two types of information, if possible. First, can you identify any strategic infrastructure issues affecting the two planning areas. Second, if you are aware of any issues in specific settlements identified on the maps included below and listed on the enclosed questionnaire we would like to know. If more detailed plans of the settlements are required Google Maps (available at www.maps.google.co.uk) provide useful visual information indicating the size of settlements.

26 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT When do we need the information?

Please can you complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it to us in the pre-paid envelope provided by Monday 16 March.

Infrastructure Workshop planned

We are proposing to hold a workshop to bring infrastructure providers together and give us the opportunity to talk to you about specific issues or places in more detail. Your contribution to this is extremely valuable and we hope you can come along. Please can you complete the enclosed reply slip to let us know if you can attend.

Date: Monday 30 March 2009, 10am Location: Lake District National Park Authority Offices, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Road, Kendal

Who can I contact?

If you have any questions regarding this exercise or would like us to clarify what we need, please contact us using the details below.

Steven Ottewell Damian Law Interim Development Plans Manager Principal Development Plans Officer South Lakeland District Council South Lakeland District Council Tel: 01539717361 Tel: 01539717352 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Gill Longfellow Paula Allen Team Leader Policy Planner LDNPA LDNPA Tel No: 01539 792681 Tel No: 01539 792677 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Thank you

For your valuable help with this important exercise to inform our developing plans and policies.

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Contextual Information for Lake District National Park

Profile of the Park The National Park has a population of 41,831 and a dispersed settlement pattern. Only 3 settlements have a resident population exceeding 3,000 residents, they are Keswick, Ambleside and Windermere/Bowness. It receives over 8 million visitors a year and tourism is the major industry.

Preferred Development Strategy and expected levels of development The Lake District’s preferred development strategy will reflect the traditional settlement pattern of the Lake District National Park. 13 towns and villages across the National Park have been identified to act as ‘Rural Service Centres’ (see maps) where most development is expected to be focused. A further 21 villages and other ‘cluster communities’ have been identified where moderate and low levels of development to meet local need is expected.

High levels of growth within the National Park are not expected as this would conflict with the statutory purposes of the National Park and our Vision. As the majority of development is expected in the 13 ‘Rural Service Centres’ we will be looking to allocate sites for new housing and employment in these locations.

Anticipated levels of growth: • Housing - approximately 60 new dwellings per annum across the whole of the National Park; • Employment - Need for approximately 0.6 hectares per annum of land for employment purposes up to 2021 across the whole of the Park; and • Tourism – Providing opportunities for new tourism development in sustainable locations that enable economic and physical regeneration and to improve existing provision. Strategic Site – Bowness Bay is identified as a strategic site for regeneration to create a world class visitor experience.

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Contextual Information for South Lakeland District Council LDF Area

Area Profile of SLDC The South Lakeland District Council LDF Area has a population of approximately 75,050. Kendal is the main town located in the eastern part of the area. Ulverston is the second largest town, located in the Furness part of South Lakeland. Together they accommodate in the region of nearly 40% of the District’s population (LDF Area). Ulverston and the rest of the Furness area of the district has strong links with the remainder of Furness which includes the small town of Dalton in Furness and the large town of Barrow in Furness which acts as the main service centre for the whole of Furness. Grange over Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe are smaller settlements that act as Key Service Centres, comprising around 10% of the District’s total population (LDF Area). These five settlements are the traditional service, commercial and social centres of the District and each has a group of villages that look to it for service, facilities and employment. The remaining population lives in a number of smaller settlements, which are scattered across the Countryside, some acting as Local Service Centres providing a range of services. Not far from the southeastern boundary of the district lies the key service centre of Carnforth and a little further to the south the sub-regional centre of Lancaster.

The emerging development strategy The anticipated levels of development up to 2025 for the plan area are likely to include:

• Housing - approximately 400 new dwellings per annum across the whole of the LDF area; • Employment - Need for approximately 4 hectares per annum of land for employment purposes up to 2021 across the whole of the plan area.

Approximately 50% of new development will be in the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston, with 30% in Kendal and 20% in Ulverston.

Approximately 15% of new development will be in the Key Service Centres of Milnthorpe, Kirkby Lonsdale and Grange over Sands

Approximately 30% of new development will be in the network of Local Service Centres (Proposed 19 LSCs in the last round of consultation on the Local Development South Lakeland Core Strategy)

New development will be permitted outside the Service Centres, necessary in order to satisfy local need across the numerous smaller villages, hamlets and farmsteads scattered across the District.

30 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT

PRINCIPAL, KEY AND LOCAL SERVICE CENTRES IN SOUTH LAKELAND DISTRICT COUNCIL LDF AREA

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or Civil Proceedings. Licence No. 10024277

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INFRASTRUCTURE - CAPACITY AND REQUIREMENTS QUESTIONNAIRE

Service or Utility Contact (Name) Contact Address Tel No E-mail

Strategic Infrastructure Planning until 2025

Please can you tell us if you know of any issues regarding infrastructure capacity in the two Authority planning areas as set out in the table below. Please give brief details. Please continue on a separate sheet if you wish and attach it to the questionnaire.

LDF Area Across the LDF area is there an Will infrastructure Where will these When will these Are any capital What criteria do you use to trigger Any other comments issue with the capacity of the improvements be required improvements take place? improvements take place? programmes planned or infrastructure improvements? existing service/utility provision? to accommodate the already committed? anticipated growth levels? If Known year or: i.e. 45 minutes travel to school time (e.g. Oversupply/undersupply) Yes, will this be major or 0-5 years; If yes, using public transport minor? 5-10 years where, +10 years when?

Other brief details South Lakeland District Council

Lake District National Park Authority

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Other areas (please state area covered)

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Service or utility Contact Name Contact Address/Tel No

E-mail

Local Infrastructure Planning until 2025

Please can you tell us if you know of any issues regarding infrastructure capacity in these specific settlements and if there are any improvements planned? Please tick those relevant and give brief details if possible.

Settlements Capacity concerns Planned Infrastructure improvements (What, when) 0-5 years; 5-10 years; 10+ years Principal and Key Service Centres (South Lakeland District Council LDF Area) Kendal (Principal Service Centre) Ulverston (Principal Service Centre) Grange over Sands (Key Service Centre) Kirkby Lonsdale (Key Service Centre) Milnthorpe (Key Service Centre)

Rural Service Centres (Lake District National Park Authority LDF Area) Ambleside

Backbarrow and Haverthwaite

Bootle

Bowness and Windermere

Broughton in Furness

Caldbeck

Coniston

Glenridding and Patterdale

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Gosforth

Grasmere

Hawkshead

Keswick

Staveley

Local Service Centres (South Lakeland District Council LDF Area) Levens

Endmoor

Sandside/Storth

Holme

Arnside

Burton in Kendal

Flookburgh/Cark

Penny Bridge/Greenodd

Broughton in Furness

Kirkby in Furness

Great/Little Urswick

Lindal in Furness

Heversham/Leasgill

Natland

Oxenholme

Burneside

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Allithwaite

Cartmel

Swarthmoor

Questionnaire sent to schools and GPs

Infrastructure Planning until 2025 Please can you tell us of any known capacity issues concerning your facility/service by completing the table below. Please continue on a separate sheet if you wish.

Name of school or doctors surgery

Location/Address

What is the capacity of your school/surgery? What is the current number on roll/register? E.g. No. of pupils/patients Which areas/catchment area does your school/GP cover? Is there a threat of closure of your service/facility? If yes, projected date? If new housing development takes place what would be the consequences for you in providing this service? e.g. increased staffing implications, reaching thresholds for an additional service provision What scope do you have for any future growth? e.g. is there capacity to extend buildings etc? Are there any additional activities/services provided or that take place at your facility? e.g. pre-school clubs, adult learning, other medical services

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Are there any other issues, which you consider, may be of relevance to this questionnaire?

Your name

Contact details (Tel./Email)

Please use the pre-paid envelope to return this questionnaire. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your time in completing and returning this questionnaire.

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Appendix C Minutes from Workshop

SOUTH LAKELAND AND LAKE DISTIRCT INFRASTRUCTURE CAPACITY AND REQUIREMENTS WORKSHOP

Date: 30th March 2009 Time: 10.00 – 13.30 At: Boardroom, Lake District National Park Authority, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, LA9 7RL

AGENDA

09.45 – 10.00 Refreshments 10.00 – 10.15 Introduction 10.15 – 10.45 Joint Session – Scene setting, update, level of response, feedback, question and answer session Following this joint session we will split up into two groups to discuss the issues on a District/National Park level. This will include discussions on: • the key issues identified through the consultation, • the area-based approaches being developed by South Lakeland and the Lake District National Park and any implications for infrastructure capacity • particular areas and settlements to discuss these in more detail in relation to proposed development levels • discussion of developing draft policies and any implications arising in terms of infrastructure provision 10.45 – 11.30 Session 1 11.30 – 11.45 Break for refreshments 11.45 – 12.30 Session 2 12.30 – 12.50 Informal individual discussions, discussion of any key points raised, question and answers with individual officers. 12.50 – 13.00 Closing comments 13.00 – Lunch

38 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT

List of attendees Electricity North West Phil O’Brien (P O’B) United Utilities David Hardman (DH) Environment Agency Jeremy Pickup (JP) Natural England Rosie Baynes (RB) Cumbria County Council Francis Obale (FO) Cumbria County Council Doug Coyle (DC) Cumbria County Council Jonathan Smith (JS) Cumbria County Council Nick Raymond (NR) Cumbria County Council Ian Fairlamb (IF) Cumbria County Council Leanne Beverley (LB)

SLDC Steve Ottewell (SO), Damian Law (DL), Elizabeth Clarke-Scott (ECS)

LDNPA Gill Longfellow (GL), Paula Allen (PA), Rob Allison (RA), Carissa Lough (CL), Helen Houghton (HH)

1. Introduction

Stephen Ottewell (SO) welcomed attendees to the meeting and gave an introduction, which set out the purpose of the workshop and what information re infrastructure capacity the two authorities are seeking.

Damian Law (DL) then provided an update (powerpoint presentation), briefly outlining what work the two authorities had carried out to date RE: contacting stakeholders and set out the level of responses that had been received as of Friday 26th March 2009.

Each attendee, including planning officers from the two authorities, then stated their name and role within their respective organisations.

2. Joint Session

A joint break out session involving the whole group was undertaken. The purpose of the session was for attendees to raise any particular issues they wished to discuss.

Jonathan Smith (JS) stated that from a CCC transportation perspective, infrastructure was important at two levels a) Strategic Issues and b) site specific comments. He felt that the Infrastructure questionnaire was difficult to respond to, in respect of giving views on both strategic and site specific infrastructure capacity.

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In terms of highways and transportation, CCC felt that development should be located where need can already be met. JS gave an example of north Kendal, which is not considered accessible for further employment development due to restrictions in Government funding (the development of the Northern Development Route to the north of Kendal was not a realistic proposal within the next 15 years).

JS reiterated that their should not be a presumption in the LDF’s that infrastructure should follow development. JS stated that one issue RE: transportation and highways infrastructure is the issue of incremental/cumulative development, which was important to consider and could trigger thresholds for infrastructure provision.

SO – repeated that SLDC and LDNPA need to know how to mitigate or enhance infrastructure provision in the context of site infrastructure delivery. To do this, SLDC & the LDNPA need information concerning costs.

Paula Allen (PA) from the LDNPA stated that it would be helpful if attendees could give an indication of the triggers e.g. the scale of development /thresholds that trigger infrastructure provision. In response:-

JP (Environment Agency) stated that re new incremental development was also an issue, especially concerning sewage treatment. In this respect, the agency prefers mains connections where it is practicable, rather than encourage a proliferation of individual package treatment plants.

Francis Obale (FO) - Highlighted concerns re waste management in South Lakeland. In particular, new sites or extensions to existing sites are needed for the existing Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) sites, where waste is managed/collected for recycling/disposal at:

Kendal Canal Head: The current site is too small and if the regeneration of the Canal Head area is implemented (through SLDC’s LDF Area Action Plan), then the household waste facility will need relocating.

Grange over Sands (off Allithwaite Road) – There is a need to relocate this existing facility. Issues with highways access.

Morecambe Road, Ulverston - The facility needs to expand. Possible extension of site on adjoining land but, potentially contaminated (former gas works) and there are issues with ownership.

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Milnthorpe – needs a site for a new HWRC.

There is currently only one HWRC in the Lake District at Ambleside. FO Stated that there is a need for new facilities, and where there are existing facilities there is a need for extensions.

He felt there was an opportunity to promote ‘State of the Art’ centres.

(ESC) and (IF) stated that in allocating employment land in SLDC’s LDF for employment, there is need to take into account land take up of employment allocations for waste management facilities. There are benefits for combining both uses.

(DH) explained that United Utilities (UU) is funded through the regulator and UU North West is currently seeking funding from the regulator for the next 5-year period. The regulator will determine the actual amount of funding. Philip O’ Brien (P ‘OB) stated that Electricity North West’s funding is also set by the regulator. At this stage neither knew whether the next round of funding may or may not allow for investment in improvements. The message was manage with what you have got.

From an asset management point of view, DH and P’OB highlighted their concerns about the Kendal Canal Head – Canal Regeneration proposals – Both organisations have depot and offices on Parkside Road, through which the route of the filled in Canal passes. DH reiterated a point made by Nick Raymond (NK), that the LDF’s need to locate development (make allocations of land) where existing infrastructure has the capacity to meet likely increases in demand.

(RB) stressed that LDF infrastructure planning/land allocations need to take account of biodiversity (in the Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan) and the provision and safeguarding of green infrastructure; there shouldn’t be a ‘squeeze’ of development on ‘undesignated’ sites. Urban areas (brownfield sites) with no current landscape/habitat designations were also important and should be safeguarded from development. The implications of climate change will mean that species will need to adapt – need habitats.

SLDC Break out Session 1 – South Lakeland Planning Officers and Jonathan Smith (CCC – Transport Manager), Nick Raymond (CCC – Highways Engineer), Francis Obale (CCC - Waste Management), Doug Coyle – CCC – Transportation.

JS said that the Local Transport Plan (LTP) directs development to Key Service Centres. The County Council (Transportation and Highways) have an issue with maintaining existing highways infrastructure. There is a

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backlog of improvements needed County wide. Within South Lakeland, a key area of work is to improve access to services and the infrastructure network, focused on the principal and key service centres. Nick Raymond (NR) stated that the rural hinterland, including most local service centres do not have the highways infrastructure to cope with increases in demand that further development would cause. Cumbria County Council (CCC) raised the question – What is sustainable development in the context of Key service centres? CCC suggested within 1 mile of a KSC. In terms of facilitating sustainable development/transportation, CCC wants to see an increase in the footpath network for pedestrians and provision for cyclists through the preparation and use of ‘Mobility Plans’ by businesses and School Travel Plans in South Lakeland Schools. Cumbria County Council have carried out work re cycle networks and identified gaps in cycle networks in South Lakeland. Ulverston has not yet been covered in this work. Current deficiencies in cycle networks equates to work in the order of millions of pounds. CCC has data re traffic congestion in South Lakeland. This data is on CCC’s web site.

The County stressed that in terms of public transport provision (bus), revenue funding is required. The key issue is how provision can be subsidised, as bus provision/routes are not commercially viable in the County outside Carlisle. The Provision of bus services in Kendal is not commercially viable. Public transport is not viable in rural areas and not financially viable. DC stated that one issue the County is considering is how well connected exist public transport types (bus, boat, train) in terms of connections.

CCC (DC) highlighted that re Accession Model – the frequency of buses is important to consider re accessibility. DC also expressed concerns re future development and the impact on Air Quality in Kendal (Lowther Street), where the requirement for 2010 is already exceeded.

Re. Mobility Plans - CCC stated that coverage in the County is not comprehensive. Settlements about the size of Grange and above are included at present. Mobility Plans look at priority improvements/works and gives an indication of costs. CCC also has a list of identified improvement ‘CCC Candidate Schemes’, but as yet no idea of costs. The list is v. long with about 1000 schemes. However, every year the County Council only delivers about 5 schemes – (total about 60 across the County). Each year CCC sets out a firm programme of improvements – and utilises a 3-year rolling programme. DC highlighted the need for potential improvements to road/rail links and the use of intelligent transport systems. The aspiration is to deliver the system in Carlisle by 2010.

FO reiterated what was said in the joint session earlier, re.need to either

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expand or relocate HWRC facilities currently in Kendal (Canal Head), Ulverston (Morecambe Road), Grange (Allithwaite Road) and also added that Milnthorpe needs a site for a HWRC.

SLDC Break Out Session 2 – South Lakeland Planning Officers and Philip O’Brien – (Electricity Northwest), United Utilities – (David Hardman), Jeremy Pickup – (Environment Agency), Rosie Barnes – (Natural England), Iain Fairlamb – (CCC – Spatial Planning).

JP highlighted the agency’s concerns, which are both of a strategic and localised site level scale re South Lakeland Kendal Canal Head AAP (preferred Options) - (surface water runoff and potential contamination) and Ulverston Canal Strategic site in the Draft Core Strategy for South Lakeland (issues tidal flooding /surface water runoff). JP said that the agency was not consulted re the Ulverston Canal Head Masterplan. Discussion re this area/site was needed re flooding and surface water runoff to watercourses. There are issues with the area/site in the short and longer term, particularly in view of the implications of climate change (increases in sea levels/increased precipitation). Need to consider the implications of flood risk in context of types of uses that may be suitable – less vulnerable uses related to tourism and recreation could be an option. JP stated that the LPA’s SFRA’s are due for an annual update.

JP stated that LPA’s should consider water cycle studies for key settlements. These studies cover the water supply from runoff to treatment.

JP is organising a meeting with LPA’s. In respect of SFRA’s DH of United Utilities said that SFRA’s are not informed by United Utilities (water). The bottom line is that SFRA’s may not indicate areas subject to or where there is a risk of sewer flooding.

JP stated that the agency’s Water Framework Directive is currently out for consultation shortly. JP also said that Cumbrian LPA’s should be aware re LDF Annual Monitoring Reports - that the directive takes into account more factors, water quality is likely to fall. JP stressed that the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage systems in accord with the Water framework directive should be encouraged to help increase water quality. DH stated that South Lakeland is ok for water supply.

RB – expressed concerns re coastal defences on the Coast Road between Bardsea and Rampside. Tidal surges are causing erosion of the sea wall defences with associated flooding on the road. Rosie also intimated that in terms of planning consents/LDF policies, and then caravan parks should not be sited in areas at risk from tidal flooding. The Shoreline Management Plan that covers the South Lakeland Coastline

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should be published in 2010. Coastal processes information is already in place.

RB stressed that brownfield sites even if undesignated/unprotected can have benefits for species and provide habitats, if existing habitat is under threat or if in the longer term species need to adapt to climate change. RB highlighted the need to consult early on in the allocations process re sites with Natural England and Cumbria Wildlife. LPA’s also need to improve the quality and connectivity of green infrastructure/wildlife corridors. In addition LPA’s need to be aware of the underlying geology especially for example – limestone areas – around Kendal, Grange and Ulverston etc, which may not be included in actual Limestone Pavement Orders, but, have implications for fauna and flora and issues re surface water runoff and flooding due to the porosity of limestone.

IF stated that both LPA authorities also need to consider community infrastructure – education, schools, adults social care and proposed shared health/social provision.

P ‘ O B – Electricity North West Ltd manage infrastructure and distribute & transmit electricity. They have an agreement with United Utilities to transfer electricity and have an infrastructure/asset replacement scheme. Both P’ O B and DH stressed need for development to avoid the Thirlmere/Grasmere Aqueduct route.

LDNPA Breakout Session 1 Philip O’Brien – (Electricity Northwest), David Hardman – (United Utilities), Jeremy Pickup – (Environment Agency), Rosie Barnes – (Natural England), Iain Fairlamb – (CCC – Spatial Planning).

Again the message “manage development within existing infrastructure” was emphasised. P O’B raised the issues whether discussions with developers to provide infrastructure would be a solution to ensuring required infrastructure could be provided.

DH commented that water supply in the region (whole of NW) was generally OK. However, he commented that there were pressures arising, notably the Habitats Directive that will have implications from 2014 on the amount of water that can be taken. A graph was shown which indicated that in time UU might struggle for sufficient capacity.

With regards to wastewater, the fate of surface water is the key issue. SUDS are an option as they slow down surface water runoff, and UU are keen to promote. Likewise the EA were also keen to promote. DH also raised the issue of consultation on planning application, as UU are not a statutory consultee and as such are not always consulted. UU were keen

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to emphasise that planning liaison is key. DH also stated that Local Authority’s have to lead on surface water management. He also stated that whilst grey water systems are laudable, currently they are expensive to install and maintain and can be costly to the environment. UU consider it appropriate to concentrate on saving clean water and believe compulsory water meters are necessary.

Development applications, which include opportunities for water storage for outdoor use, would be encouraged by UU, NE and EA.

RB asked whether the LDNPA would consider the use of reed beds for the treatment of sewage.

P O’B stated that on their list of 200 stakeholders, the LDNPA did not currently feature. He would add the LDNPA to the stakeholder list and suggested assigning a senior engineer as a point of contact between the LDNPA and Electricity North West. P O’B noted that Electricity North West was only a distributor of electricity and does not sell it.

LDNPA Breakout Session 2 Jonathan Smith (CCC – Transport Manager), Nick Raymond (CCC – Highways Engineer), Francis Obale (CCC - Waste Management), Doug Coyle – (CCC – Transportation), Leanne Beverley (CCC –Spatial Planning).

JS said CCC was keen to enable and facilitate transport infrastructure but would it be sustainable? First priority is to reduce travel, and second it to mitigate for the travel. Transport infrastructure is focused towards ‘key service centres’

JS said CCC priorities were to encourage trips on foot through mobility plans, reduce gaps in the network. Another priority was to encourage trips by bicycle, and the final priority was to encourage and facilitate public transport between and to key service centres.

JS stated that on a large scale it was difficult to pin down the requirements, not aspirations. CCC has a budget of £5m over the whole County for infrastructure. As such there are small levels of investment to address existing issues. DC (CCC) stated that there was a priorities list.

JS, NR highlighted the difficulties in providing comments unless they had details of specific sites. They suggested that it was worth running the Employment sites and SHLAA sites past them for specific comments.

JS stated that passenger transport is focused on key service centres. Other local services are then linked to a key service centre; while key

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service centres are linked to other key services centres. Following this there was a discussion of implication for the LDNPA as they have moved away from key services centres towards ‘Rural Service Centres’. The more dispersed a settlement network the more challenging it is to provide a public transport service. This reduces the community’s ability to access goods and services ultimately reducing mobility. In village locations it was accepted that cars and car share options would be used more frequently. The level of development anticipated in these rural locations is likely to be small and this was noted. The idea of rural service centres is to encourage, long term, communities to be more sustainable by having more local live / work opportunities. There is, though, an acknowledgement that not all services (including health and education services could be provided at this local level. It was stated that within RSC there would be a problem of delivery as this is more dispersed. LB stated that this would also be an issue for Adult services and Educational services.

JS said that an aim of passenger transport was to overcome rural isolation by ensuring that there is a service. They would not try to get people to work from village to K.S.C.

FO stated that more HWRC’s are needed in the LDNP. They provide opportunities for recycling and employment. The do not accept trade waste, and demand is very high. CCC aim is to ensure that 95% of residents in Cumbria are within 5 miles of a HWRC. They would like to work with Local Authorities to bring forward potential sites.

3. Closing Comments

SO stated that SLDC and LDNPA will have an ongoing dialogue with attendees. Attendees agreed that the workshop had been beneficial and that similar sessions, possibly held every six months re Infrastructure and possibly more detailed theme based discussions would be appropriate. There was also consensus amongst attendees that countywide meetings would also be a good idea.

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Appendix D Letter to strategic infrastructure providers

Mr Stephen Ottewell Interim Development Plans Manager

South Lakeland House Lowther Street Kendal Cumbria LA9 4DL

Tel: 01539 733333 Fax: 01539 717355

e-mail: [email protected] www.southlakeland.gov.uk

Our Ref: ESC/60.12.59 Contact: Mrs Elizabeth Scott-Clarke Ext: 7359 th Your 7 April 2009 Date: Ref:

Dear Consultee, SOUTH LAKELAND LDF: DELIVERING THE CORE STRATEGY - SERVICES AND FACILITIES CAPACITY AND REQUIREMENTS As you may be aware through our previous contact, we are currently developing our new planning policies in our Local Development Frameworks (LDF) to deliver the planning strategy for our areas. We need to show that development being proposed has a realistic prospect of being provided and that the resources and services/facilities needed to enable this development are already in place or can be put in place within the timeframe of the Strategy. As part of this work we are interested in the service/facility you provide.

We initially contacted your organisation in February 2009 and are now contacting you/your organisation again, as we need to know if there are any critical infrastructure constraints/issues that will affect the deliverability of the Core Strategy. The Council needs evidence that demonstrates that development infrastructure can be delivered. For some organisations we have not received a response, or, the response does not provide enough detail. It is very important that the core strategy is fit for purpose. Work to date on the Core Strategy has focussed on pulling together a first draft based on consultation feedback on the preferred options in 2008 and further evidence collated since that time. We have reached a stage where a first working draft of the Strategy has been produced. In order to develop the strategy towards formal consideration by Council in July 2009, and to ensure that the implementation/deliverability of the Strategy is fit for purpose we need your input.

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To help you provide either an initial response or, a second more detailed response, I have attached a copy of the 1st Working Draft Core Strategy. The working draft sets out the spatial strategy (including what proportion of development will be in the defined Principal, Key and Local Service Centres) for the LDF area, together with area visions and strategies. The finalised core Strategy will cover a 15-year period up to 2025. This document is the first working draft (which must remain private and confidential at this point). It would be helpful if you could tell us in your response the following: either - Provide confirmation that your organisation has no issues or objections re infrastructure delivery. If we have not received a response from you/your organisation by the end of April 2009, we will assume that your organisation has no objections or issues that are critical to the Draft Core Strategy’s deliverability of Infrastructure; or - Clearly set out any constraints/issues that will or may affect the deliverability of infrastructure provision (details of the likely scale location and phasing of development are given on the attached spreadsheet). - Please also identify the delivery organisation or partner organisations.

- If you refer to specific strategies or plans in your response (either the initial or second response), then please provide a copy or advise where a copy can be obtained, e.g. web site etc.

Please provide your response by 30th April 2009. Send your response to either Damian Law or Elizabeth Scott – Clarke, either by letter using the address above, or email using ([email protected]) & ([email protected]). This deadline has been given, as we need to incorporate responses into an evidence report as soon as possible. The evidence will inform the Draft Core Strategy that will be publicly consulted on this summer. If you have any queries regarding this matter, then please contact either myself or Damian Law (01539 717352) who is leading this piece of work.

Yours sincerely

Elizabeth Scott-Clarke Development Plans Team

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APPENDIX E

Note on the information contained within -

Source of information relating to school capacity is from Cumbria County Council Children’s Services as of January 2009.

Source of information relating to GP capacity is from individual GP surgery managers as of March 2009.

Terminology:

Net Capacity - Available capacity at school or GP before over capacity is reached.

Graph to show existing primary school pupil roll numbers and net capacity in the Principal and Key Service Centres

450 400 Net Capaci ty Pupil roll number 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 l -50 al l n ol n l al ale ol dal dal to d n nd hoo rston s hool hoo ho en e e er erstoc Kend Sc lv v ool Kenda rk K te K or w Sc s S h a U o chool hool Kendal es rkby Lons S Sc e P Juni hool hool Ul ll k E Infant Scho urn nthorpe Primary ag C F Ki l ar c School Ulv E Mi Grange CE Sc n Hi c St Thomas'sands Ke i et Sc C e Par Stramongaftl Low ro tl Vi o fant Sc s In athol He Cr e Stre Ca C Ulverston l ton Sir John Barr s Da St Mary's er Ghyllside Primary School Kendal roftlands lv C U Dean Gibson Catholic Sc St Mary's School Name

49 APPENDIX 3A – INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT

Graph to show existing primary school pupil roll numbers and capacity in the Local Service Centres and other settlements

200

Net Capacity Pupil roll number 150

100

50 Pupil roll numbers

E CE CE CE a CE C CE C CE CE CE h h h ma s tla e in ho g t c m rim esi ss r g a on c on Smel K n en u d t rigg t S t ur y t P n F Na i S ham Stor it Ende te Pri ev n ay s kb id i n i L i CE er CE -50 Car s o Furney CEGr v Beethamnning mun CE rt n 's ny Br Floo 's hwa rkb k n ke He Pe Old Hut m Arn lit Bu a swald's Bur Pe cr Co Al hton i Mar Selside O g ss e CESt Ki o t Patrick woodSt ou S e ton Cr Holm Br Mor ling rton Bur Bu School Name

Graph to show existing secondary school pupil roll numbers and capacity within LDF Area

1600

1400

1200

1000

800 Net Capacity Pupil roll number 600 Pupil roll numbers 400

200

0 Kirkbie Kendal Queen Cartmel Priory Dallam School Queen Elizabeth Ulverston School, Kendal Katherine, CE Milnthorpe School Kirkby Victoria High -200 Kendal Lonsdale School Name

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Graph to Show GP Surgeries Capacity within the LDF Area

18000 Net capacity 16000 Existing numbers of patients registered 14000 s 12000 10000 8000 6000

Number of patient 4000 2000 0

l l l a a s ry da d ery nd n g ge e e ands r rgery K Sands S u r r San r Su e K e e e e e e S n s v v g u y Milnthorpe o o id rtmel Sur s ractice Kend er a P g Arn on Ho C y Brid ti e range n a Surgery Milnthorpe G French La h Sur St g ry Grange ry Pen chran e e ptain View rg rg a k nelei u u C o Surgery Grange ov Par d S e St o v ld S o ie James Co w ro irf t G u e N s Fa o R Surgery

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APPENDIX F

Population Forecast 0 -15 year olds for the five Key Service Centres.

Key Service Centre 2006 population 0-15 2026 projected year old population 0-15 year old Kendal 5,203 4,882 (loss of – 321) Ulverston 1,972 1,850 (loss of –122) Grange – Over - Sands 445 418 (loss of –27) Kirkby Lonsdale 536 503 (loss of –33) Milnthorpe 418 392 (loss of –26) Source: Office of National Statistics 2006 mid year estimate forecasts 2

2 Note that the information is based on ward population profiles, wards have been amalgamated to closely align with the built up area of each Key Service Centre

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APPENDIX G

Parish Plans - Information on Infrastructure Requirements

No Key Service Centres have parish or town plans as yet, though Grange over Sands’ Town Plan is under way. Many of these plans are now a few years old and some of the actions detailed within them have already taken place. Most, if not all the plans are underpinned by detailed parish surveys that were generally very well responded to by residents.

Green text = ‘Main’ Infrastructure Needs

Arnside Parking, traffic circulation, inadequacies in transport system Service and accessibility implications of relatively aged population Would like to see Ashmeadow House and Gardens used for the benefit of the community or if not, monies from the sale of Ashmeadow used to that end (new Community building) Relocation of library to a more accessible point, it is currently on steep land and difficult for the elderly to access. New library might be best as a multi-use building, incorporating workspaces, info centre, PC Office, youth centre, crèche facilities, facilities for younger children, IT suite, displays, police surgeries (Ashmeadow considered to be ideal for this sort of multi use) 66% would support a new youth centre

Would like to see chapel brought into “suitable additional use for the parish” through connection to water and electricity supply and a strategy for facility development.75% would support bringing the chapel into better use

Craft workshops and IT Centre to create new work opportunities A small industrial/engineering unit was only supported by 20% of respondents 44% survey respondents claim to be dependent on the rail service and concern over reports of possible closure of the Furness line 82% dependent on car or van, 44% on train

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Lack of access to station platforms, particularly for the disabled (Perhaps access could be improved as planning gain/developer contribution from an adjacent/nearby development? List of restrictions preventing easy solution to parking problems p.20 in plan

People thought that, in order of preference, ‘exceptional measures’ should be taken to retain the following; PO, chemist, general store, butcher, baker, other.

Beetham (Storth Young people’s meeting place/youth club a high priority /Arnside is LSC) Existing Village hall in Storth no longer meets requirements Extend current recreational facilities at Storth Village Hall New community facility required in east of parish Need a new village hall in Beetham Need new sports and rec. field in Beetham Need to improve pubic transport facilities Require plastics recycling facility – could be located at existing bring site at Milnthorpe Geography of parish would support the generation of electricity by wind power Support individual household wind turbines and solar panels Maintain viability of existing high quality leisure facilities and ensure suitability to AONB East-West road links not as good as North-South. Only classified road E-W floods at high tide Numerous roads unsuitable for large vehicles Numerous roads unsuitable for large vehicles Support Carnforth Connect and seek extension of service to Storth Improve rail services on Lancaster – Barrow line Ensure needs of residents are taken into account before any changes to public transport services Support provision of east-west bus services Need cycle track along Quarry Lane, Storth Need speed restrictions and/or a roundabout at Storth Rd/B5282 junction Need to improve facilities for horse riders and cyclists

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Burneside Plenty of sports facilities but these are only available for use by those who are members of a sports team and even then, they are restricted to match and training times only

Need for a place for youngsters to play – field next to youth club has been significantly reduced in size – housing built Skate park requested in 2004 (may now be operational, skate parks only serve a small section of society i.e. of a certain age and who happen to be interested in skateboarding, would still need to provide something additional for youngsters who are not interested in skateboarding)

Bryce Institute community centre requires upgrading Need for public toilet in the village as Burneside is on the route of the Dales Way and van/lorry drivers and coach parties often stop there (project to reinstall a toilet facility possibly underway or complete Ever decreasing bus service – no direct bus to the hospital, have to change at Kendal

Footpath urgently required to join the Hollins to the school (perhaps this sort of thing could be provided through developer contributions of a nearby development)

Provision for cycling to be encouraged (perhaps this sort of thing could be provided as part of a nearby development) Burton Good facilities (shops, school, pubs, clubs/groups, indoor and outdoor sports, church with “thriving congregation”, hourly bus service, good motorway access, fairly close railway. Stations) these need to be retained/improved

More opportunities for young people in sport/leisure, more participation by residents in sport and recreational activities, assist parish organisations

But almost half think some sheltered housing should be made available. Some parking problems Bus to Oxenholme Station and to Westmorland General hospital required People have to go to Carnforth or Milnthorpe to the

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doctors Road flooding an issue Most respondents work in Lancaster, in an around Kendal, from home or in Burton itself though many work elsewhere/further afield, including 2 working in the West Midlands and others in Liverpool and North Wales! Provision of employment opportunities in Burton could help reduce number of people having to travel out of the village/long distances to work Duddon Protect/support shops, pubs and other facilities (Broughton) Traffic control/preventing Broughton being used as a rat run More parking provision required – Parish council seeking suitable site for new town car park Youth facility and activities needed (Victory Hall is a good facility and recently refurbished)

Duddon Estuary toll bridge crossing supported on traffic reduction, access and safety grounds (Similar ilk to bridge across Morecambe Bay just on a smaller scale, there has been talk of this for a number of years)

Improved bus service Library (possibly incorporated into local school), currently only mobile library Car park at railway station (Foxfield) to encourage use of railway and also to provide extra parking in general New meeting hall at Ulpha required Egton with Lack of public transport an issue Newland, Mansriggs and Osmotherly (Greenodd and Penny Bridge) Lack of public toilets Few facilities for children and young people Lack of transport for teens to attend college a problem A number of elderly residents felt that building some bungalows would help them to stay living within the parish. Issues with access to educational facilities Busy roads, speeding traffic, lack of parking, lack of footpaths, litter/fly-tipping, household waste collection and dog fouling were all cited by many respondents as problems

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Ulverston canal needs revamp Young people not satisfied with recreational facilities in the parish Children can’t walk to school due to speeding traffic/busy roads and lack of footpaths Holme Traffic calming required Community health centre needed

Identify land for new village centre car park Public toilets required Footbridge required over M6 Need purpose built community hall with sports and parking facilities Consider development of Honey Potts Field as a future location for improved facilities for the village Kirkby Ireleth Transport and roads an issue (safety, traffic calming, road condition) Lack of transport to towns on evenings and at the weekend Lack of clubs, events and suitable meeting places New meeting facilities, takeaway food outlet and recycling centre wanted

No indoor or all-weather facilities, few sports for females, limited facilities for 11-17 year olds Drainage Flooding (particularly of roads) and general coastal flooding a problem Support required for elderly (day centre, home care, sheltered housing, transport) Levens More sports/recreation facilities New, improved, larger village hall Traffic calming needed Empty/ derelict buildings are a problem Parking options need to be improved Bus services need to be maintained and improved so that people can use them to get to work/school on time 83% never or almost never use bus 34% bus times do not suit needs 70% more off road/ roadside footpaths needed e.g. on Levens Lane to Levens Bridge

Levens Action Plan Footpath required on Levens Lane Lighting, drainage and quality of road and footpath/pavement surfaces all need improvement

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Want new village hall Natland Parking and traffic are issues (congestion, speed, lorries)

Concern about flooding due to inadequate drainage system Problems with access area to village hall Impact on/opportunities for parish with regard to restoration of canal needs consideration Concern that school should not get any larger due to traffic it generates Would like place for informal socialising (e.g. there is no pub)

Mobility and transport an issue for the elderly Urswick Speeding, congestion at start/end of school day a problem Flooding of roads a problem Public toilets at Bardsea (concern over threat of closure) Protect and maintain Bardsea Country Park Many clubs and activities but limited for teens and young adults Limited facilities for young in Bardsea Shortage of burial plots in Bardsea graveyard Parking an issue in Gt and Lt Urswick Social/community activities, esp. for the young/young adults need improving New access points and facilities required around the tarn (not sure to what facilities this refers) Need open air informal play area for young children (Stainton)

Serious parking troubles associated with the Stagger Inn

Smaller Settlements Limited public transport – only one bus a week to Kirkby Barbon Lonsdale and Sedbergh

Playground with equipment required for children

Problem with street lighting – high costs, lack of maintenance Desire to support and retain existing services – Inn, post office, shop, village hall, church, chapel, mobile library and bus service. Casterton Village Hall improvements required, some to meet legal

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requirements Road flooding a problem Regular bus service to Kirkby Lonsdale stated as being required, though no residents use the existing weekly service Demand for more recycling facilities (may no longer be the case as since plan developed kerbside collection rolled out across the District) Playground for children problem in pursuing due to perceived lack of suitable land Lowick Need to improve facilities/refurbish meeting room known as Sunday School Room

Public transport and dangerous roads an issue Viability of school due to few young families an issue**** school now closed.

General lack of facilities – shop/post office required Making the village green fit for community use is a priority, including equipped children’s play area Sedgwick Improved bus service required Improved children’s play facilities required Community split over whether a car park is required

Difficulties getting to hospital/doctors Land should be identified for allotments Stainton East Youth Club, few facilities for pre-schoolers Lack of public transport Parishes Adjacent Want live /work units LDF Boundary

59 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

South Lakeland District Council Local Development Framework

Core Strategy

Sustainability Appraisal Addendum– June 2009

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Introduction

South Lakeland District Council is preparing a Local Development Framework (LDF) that will replace the South Lakeland Local Plan and will apply to the area of South Lakeland outside both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The LDF will contain a range of documents known as Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) detailing different aspects of spatial planning for the district. These DPDs and SPDs need to be subject to Sustainability Appraisal (SA) under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

The SA report accompanied the Core Strategy preferred options consultation report in April 2008 and evaluated the respective merits of the alternative options being proposed for the Core Strategy. This addendum report has been produced to supplement the main April 2008 SA report. It evaluates the changes that have been made to the Core Strategy since the preferred options stage. Whilst the strategic objectives and policies in the Core Strategy have been derived from the findings of the preferred options document and SA report, the final Core Strategy does include reworded strategic objectives and detailed polices which warrant being testing against the SA framework in their own right.

As such, further SA work has been undertaken to assess the final objectives and policies, with the results documented in this addendum report. This SA addendum is being published at the same time as the Core Strategy to provide both the public and statutory consultees with an opportunity to express opinions on the SA Addendum Report and to use it as a reference point whilst commenting on the Draft Core Strategy. It should be read alongside the full SA report which was published in April 2008.

Methodology

The Sustainability Appraisal Framework utilised for the SA has been developed in conjunction with Cumbria County Council, other Local Authorities in Cumbria and with agreement from the 4 statutory consultation bodies. This framework, together with further details of how it was developed and the methodology for the appraisal are set out in the South Lakeland Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report April 2006. The Framework also utilises a panel of professionals in each of the main sustainability topics - social, environmental, economic and natural resources, drawing on the Panel members at each stage of the appraisal process.

Officers of SLDC through a number of workshop sessions undertook the SA of the objectives and policies in the Core Strategy in May 2009. The most up to date working draft of the Core Strategy available at that time was used. The outcomes of the workshops (including the detailed SA scoring sheets and general commentary) were circulated to the members of the SA panel (including the statutory bodies) for feedback. Feedback received has been incorporated within this report.

Every effort has been made to reflect the findings of the SA work undertaken in May and feedback from the SA panel in the final version of the Core Strategy document to be published and submitted to Government.

Appraisal of Strategic Objectives

Following on from the Core Strategy preferred options consultation in April 2008, the strategic objectives in the Core Strategy have been amended. These amendments were necessary in order to respond the comments received from key organisations such as the Government Office North West.

2 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

Key criticisms included:

• The lack of local specificity. • The need to clearly demonstrate the connections between the key issues identified for the area and the spatial objectives. • The need for the objectives to clearly demonstrate the ways to deal with the key issues, with greater clarity and focus on outcomes. • The need to explicitly link the objectives in the Core Strategy to objectives of other strategies such as the Community Strategy and the Local Transport Plan.

The Core Strategy strategic objectives which were appraised are as follows:

THE ECONOMY

To deliver a step-change in the local economy and contribute towards the enhancement of the wider Cumbrian economy by:

• Supporting diversification of the agricultural and wider rural economy, including allowing small-scale economic development in rural settlements outside service centres; • Promoting the vitality and viability of town and local centres, through addressing obstacles to growth (such as town centre congestion in Kendal) and working with partners to reduce vacancy levels; • Supporting the development of further and higher education in the district, in particular the University of Cumbria and Kendal College and the provision of training and life-long learning; • Developing stronger relationships between local businesses and local education establishments • Using developer contributions for recruitment and training to ensure the benefits of economic development are targeted at local residents and for sustainable employee travel to and from work • Supporting the development of the low carbon economy

HOUSING

To achieve a balanced housing market by:

• Securing the provision of a range of housing types and sizes to meet the needs of all sectors of the community; • Ensuring that the scale and type of housing in the Furness peninsula helps support regeneration in Barrow in Furness; • Ensuring housing developments are required to make provision for an element of affordable housing, based on the different levels of need in the different housing market areas (the most acute need is found in the rural areas to the east); • Continuing to work with partners to maximise the provision of publicly-funded affordable housing;

• Requiring some new housing developments to make provision for local occupancy housing. • Continue to develop initiatives to reduce homelessness • Optimise the use and sustainability of the council housing stock and estate in partnership with South Lakes Housing 3 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

To protect the unique character of the District by:

• Helping to mitigate against and adapt to the cause and impacts of climate change; • Promoting prudent use of resources, minimising the generation of waste, promoting recycling and mitigating against the effects of air, water and soil pollution, noise, smells and fumes, and making adequate provision for contamination mitigation; • Ensuring all development is sympathetic to its environmental setting; • Minimising the risk of flooding; • Protecting green gaps between individual settlements, in order to ensure they are kept distinct and to maintain their individual character; • Limiting development in rural settlements outside service centres and protecting the countryside from inappropriate development;

• Providing a coordinated network of green infrastructure • Ensuring that new development safeguards and enhances the natural environment, notably the international designations within the area such as Morecambe Bay • Protecting against ecological harm, protecting and enhancing biodiversity in all locations

ACCESSING SERVICES

To improve accessibility to services by:

• Concentrating development in the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston, then to the other Key Service Centres of Grange over Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe, followed by a number of designated Local Service Centres throughout the rural hinterland; • Working with partners to improve sustainable rural transport and maintain rural services, including between local service centres and their rural hinterland and also links to nearby centres outside of the District such as Barrow and Carnforth • Focusing the majority of new development in 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; • Supporting improvements to rural accessibility and lobby to improve broadband access in rural areas; • Supporting essential road infrastructure improvements to accommodate development, most notably the A590 between the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston; • Considering the development of park-and-ride sites and provision of coach parking in Kendal. • Working with local communities to improve local services – supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level. • Delivering in partnership with other organisations an Access to Services Programme

4 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

To improve health and well-being for all by:

• Ensuring that all development is sustainable and makes prudent use of resources, so as not to compromise the well-being of future generations; • Providing incentives for young people who have left the area to return - namely skilled jobs, training opportunities and a good spread of housing that meets their needs; • Protecting and enhancing existing social and community infrastructure, and providing additional assets - such as education, health, cultural and leisure facilities - that improve community well-being in line with an understanding of predicted future needs and current gaps in infrastructure. • Working with partners to deliver sport & recreation schemes, developing community facilities such as multi use games areas for young people and creating opportunities for healthier lifestyles • Supporting the Kendal Sports Village Project and local sport facilities development as

legacy of the 2012 Olympics. • Working with partners to develop and deliver health and well-being initiatives, including working with the PCT to identify new sites for integrated health facilities • Working with partners to reduce perception of anti-social behaviour, sup porting projects including Together We Can / Street Safe • Support independent living for older and disabled people, including grants and assistance to adapt people’s homes • Providing a comprehensive network of high quality open spaces such as parks and gardens, natural green spaces and allotments

These strategic objectives were appraised using the full sustainability appraisal framework. The table overleaf summarises the results:

5 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

SA Objectives – CS Strategic Objectives - Overall scores

Sustainability Appraisal Objectives CSSO1 CSSO2 CSSO3 CSSO4 CSSO5 To deliver a step To achieve a To protect the To improve To improve change in the balanced housing unique character accessibility to health and local economy market of the District services wellbeing for all and contribute towards the enhancement of the wider Cumbrian economy SP1 Increase Participation in +2 +2 +2 +4 +2 Democratic Process

SP2 Improve Access to Services & +2 0 +2 +4 +4 Facilities, the Countryside and Open Spaces SP3 Decent Affordable Housing +2 +4 0 +2 +2

SP4 Improve Skills, Education, +4 0 0 +2 +2 Training

SP5 Improve Health & Wellbeing +2 +2 +2 +2 +4

SP6 Create Vibrant, Active and +2 +4 +2 +4 +4 Inclusive Communities

EN1 Protect and Enhance Biodiversity 0 0 +2 0 +2 and Geodiversity

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

EN2 Conserve and Enhance 0 0 +2 0 0 Landscape Quality and Character EN3 Improve the Quality of the Built 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 Environment

NR1 Improve Local Air Quality, +2 0 +2 +2 +2 Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Promote Renewable Energy and Reduce the Need to Travel NR2 Improve Water Quality and Water 0 0 +2 0 +2 Resources

NR3 Restore and protect Land & Soil 0 0 +2 0 +2

NR4 Manage Mineral Resources 0 0 +4 0 +2 Sustainably, Minimise Waste and Encourage Recycling EC1 Retain Existing Jobs and Create +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 New Employment Opportunities

EC2 Improve Training & Access to +4 +2 0 +2 +2 Jobs

EC3 Strengthen Local Economy +4 +2 +2 +2 +2

28 20 28 28 36 Red = Negative score; consider strengthening objective, to reduce negative effects/increase positive. Orange = Neutral score, consider ways to make positive Pale green = Low positive score; consider ways to improve positive effects/reduce negative aspects. Dark green = High positive score

2 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

In summary, the appraisal demonstrated that all the Strategic Objectives scored positively against the sustainability objectives, though it has highlighted a number of areas that could be strengthened (where neutral scores were achieved).

It should of course be remembered that some Core Strategy objectives will tend to conflict with some sustainability objectives, for example an objectives directly related to economic development is likely to score less well against environmental objectives, and a policy on protecting the environment may be considered to hamper economic development if taken in isolation. It is therefore important that all policies are considered in the whole against all sustainability objectives.

Recommendations

CSSO1

• Scores least well on environment in particular. Consider adding explicit recognition of the contribution made by green infrastructure and the wider environment to the South Lakeland and Cumbrian economy. For example, acknowledge that assets such as biodiversity, geodiversity, the landscape, the built environment, water environments etc should be protected and enhanced not only for their intrinsic value but due to their existing contribution to our economy and potential to strengthen it further. (EN1, EN2, EN3, NR2)

CSSO2

• Some elements of poor scoring in all sectors other than economy. Consider adding a locational element so that it is clear that housing will be located where services, facilities etc are most prevalent and accessible (SP2). Consider adding recognition of ‘decent’ homes and sustainable homes/sustainable construction, homes being more efficient and cheaper to run (NR1, possibly NR2, NR4). Consider making reference to the fact that brownfield land and existing buildings will be utilised where possible.

CSSO3

• Generally scores well. Consider adding reference to securing sympathetic, high quality design, such as sustainable construction, local materials and local distinct styles.

CSSO4

• Scores least well on environment and natural resources sectors. Consider whether access to recycling and waste facilities/infrastructure (NR4) and access to adequate, sustainable water supply infrastructure (NR2) could be covered. Could be covered by making it more explicit that infrastructure could include this sort of utility as well as just transport infrastructure.

CSSO5

• Scores well overall. Consider adding acknowledgement that SL’s landscape and wider environment contributes to health and wellbeing as an important factor in quality of life.

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Feedback from the SA panel on the Strategic Objectives

• The strategic objective “protecting the environment” refers to reviewing green gaps. It would be appropriate to include alongside this the programme for Conservation Area Appraisals (CAA) and Management Plans (CAMP) (as referred to in policy CS2 for Kendal) together with potentially designating new conservation areas.

• Recommendation for CSSO3 (protecting the environment) supported and could also include traditional building skills, designs guides.

Appraisal of Final Core Strategy Policies

This section sets out the main findings from the detailed appraisal of the policy content of the Core Strategy.

The findings of the preferred options consultation in April 2008 have been used as the basis for developing a suite of Core Strategy draft policies. In developing the preferred options into local policies it was necessary to ensure that the final strategy responded to feedback from key organisations such as the Government Office North West and that the information was presented in such a way as to improve the clarify of the final document.

It was necessary to address the following key points:

• The need for further policy content in a number of areas in order to ensure that the overall Core Strategy vision and objectives are deliverable (for example, detailed policies on meeting the housing requirement, landscape, flood risk etc). • The need to clearly demonstrate the links between the key issues, vision and objectives and how these are to be addressed through suitable policies. • The need for greater emphasis on the area strategies, thus ensuring that the strategy is locally distinctive and fully considers the relevant cross boundary issues relevant to each sub area.

The Core Strategy includes the following policies:

Section Policy Sub Section Introduction N/A Spatial Portrait Our Key Issues 2025 Vision Objectives Spatial Strategy CS1.1 Sustainable Development Principles CS1.2 The Development Strategy Kendal Area Strategy CS2 Spatial Portrait Our Key Issues 2025 Vision Objectives Ulverston Area CS3.1 Spatial Portrait Strategy Our Key Issues 2025 Vision Objectives CS3.2 Ulverston Canal Head and Corridor Cartmel Peninsula CS4.1 Spatial Portrait Strategy Our Key Issues 2025 Vision Objectives CS4.2 Berners Regeneration Site

2 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Section Policy Sub Section The East (including CS5 Spatial Portrait Milnthorpe and Our Key Issues Kirkby Lonsdale) 2025 Vision Objectives CORE POLICIES Housing CS6.1 Meeting the housing requirement CS6.2 Dwelling Mix and Type CS6.3 Provision of affordable housing / local occupancy housing CS6.4 Community Led Affordable Housing Policy in Smaller Rural Communities CS6.5 Gypsy and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople CS6.6 Making effective and efficient use of land and buildings Jobs Skills and CS7.1 Meeting the employment requirement Regeneration CS7.2 Type of employment land required and Sectoral split CS7.3 Education and skills CS7.4 Rural Economy CS7.5 Town Centre and Retail Strategy CS7.6 Tourism Development CS7.7 Opportunities of Energy and the Low Carbon Economy Quality Environment CS8.1 Green Infrastructure CS8.2 Protection and enhancement of landscape and settlement character CS8.3a/ Accessing open space, sport and recreation / Quantity of b open space, sport and recreation CS8.4 Biodiversity CS8.5 Coast CS8.6 Historic Environment CS8.7 Sustainable construction, energy efficiency and renewable energy CS8.8 Flood Risk CS8.9 Minerals and Waste CS8.10 Design Health and Wellbeing CS9.1 Social and Community Infrastructure CS9.2 Developer Contributions Accessing Services CS10.1 Accessing Services CS10.2 Transport Impact of New Development

These policies were appraised using the full sustainability appraisal framework.

Appraising the Spatial Strategy and Area Strategies

The table overleaf summarises the findings for CS1.1, CS1.2, CS2, CS3, CS4, and CS5 (those relating to the overall spatial strategy and the four area strategies)

3 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

SA Objectives – CS Policies - Overall scores

Sustainability Appraisal CS1.1 CS1.2 The CS2 Kendal CS3.1 CS3.2 CS4 CS5 Objectives Sustainable Developmen Area Ulverston Ulverston Cartmel Rural Development t Strategy and Furness Canal Head Peninsula Kendal Principles and Corridor SP1 Increase Participation in +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Democratic Process

SP2 Improve Access to +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +2 +2 Services & Facilities, the Countryside and Open Spaces SP3 Decent Affordable Housing +2 +4 +4 +4 +2 +4 +4

SP4 Improve Skills, Education, +2 +2 +4 +2 0 +2 +2 Training

SP5 Improve Health & +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Wellbeing

SP6 Create Vibrant, Active and +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 Inclusive Communities

EN1 Protect and Enhance +4 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 +4 Biodiversity and Geodiversity EN2 Conserve and Enhance +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Landscape Quality and Character

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

EN3 Improve the Quality of the +4 +2 +2 +2 +4 +2 +2 Built Environment

NR1 Improve Local Air Quality, +4 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Promote Renewable Energy and Reduce the Need to Travel NR2 Improve Water Quality and +4 0 0 0 0 0 0 Water Resources

NR3 Restore and protect Land +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 & Soil

NR4 Manage Mineral +4 0 0 0 0 0 0 Resources Sustainably, Minimise Waste and Encourage Recycling EC1 Retain Existing Jobs and +2 +4 +4 +4 +4 +2 +2 Create New Employment Opportunities EC2 Improve Training & Access +2 +4 +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 to Jobs

EC3 Strengthen Local Economy +2 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +2

50 36 42 38 36 34 34 Red = Negative score; consider strengthening objective, to reduce negative effects/increase positive. Orange = Neutral score, consider ways to make positive Pale green = Low positive score; consider ways to improve positive effects/reduce negative aspects. Dark green = High positive score

2 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

In summary, the appraisal demonstrated that this group of policies scored positively against the sustainability objectives, though it has highlighted a number of areas that could be strengthened.

Recommendations

CS1.1

• Scores well across the board

CS1.2

• Scores least well for NR and EN objectives. Consider adding more emphasis to the recognition of settlement character and environmental capacity in determining where development will go (EN1). Consider adding more emphasis to recognition of capacity of existing infrastructure provision and possibly list what infrastructure types we mean i.e could water (NR2) and waste (NR4) be included.

CS2

• Scores well overall, least well on NR objectives. Consider adding recognition that elements from Access and Environment sections of the policy also contribute to Health and Wellbeing (SP5). Consider adding reference to non-transport aspects of infrastructure such as water (NR2) and waste (NR4), including with regard to need for new site for HWRC in Kendal. Consider adding specific reference to the Conservation Area.

CS3.1

• Scores well overall, least well on NR objectives. Consider adding recognition that elements from Access and Environment sections of the policy also contribute to Health and Wellbeing (SP5). Consider adding reference to non-transport aspects of infrastructure such as water (NR2) and waste (NR4). Consider adding reference to allotments (SP2, SP5, SP6, EN1, EN3). Consider adding specific reference to the Conservation Area (EN3).

CS3.2

• Scores well overall, least well on NR objectives. Consider adding reference to improving quality of existing habitat for existing wildlife (EN1). Consider adding reference to proximity and potential impacts on Morecambe Bay Ramsar/SAC (EN1). Consider referring to adjacent County Wildlife Site (EN1). Consider adding reference to improving water quality and possibly to abstraction (EN1, NR2). Consider adding reference to use of brownfield land and existing buildings as well as contaminated land remediation (NR3). Consider adding reference to opportunities for training in bullet 2 of the policy (SP4).

CS4

• Scores well overall, least well on NR objectives. Consider adding recognition that elements from Access and Environment sections of the policy also contribute to Health and Wellbeing (SP5). Consider adding reference to non-transport aspects of infrastructure such as water (NR2) and waste (NR4). Consider adding specific reference to the landscape (EN2). Consider adding reference to localised flooding issues (EN3,

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL NR2). Consider adding reference to Morecambe Bay pavements in list of the area’s key designations (EN1).

CS5

• Scores well overall, least well on NR objectives. Consider adding recognition that elements from Access and Environment sections of the policy also contribute to Health and Wellbeing (SP5). Consider adding reference to non-transport aspects of infrastructure such as water (NR2) and waste (NR4). Consider adding specific reference to the landscape (EN2). Consider adding reference to allotments (SP2, SP5, SP6, EN1, EN3). Consider adding specific reference to the Conservation Area (EN3).

Feedback from the SA panel:

• CS1.1 – CS5 - Scores supported together with recommended references to conservation areas.

Appraising the Core Policies on Housing

The table overleaf summarises the findings for CS6.1 – CS6.6 (those core policies specifically related to housing)

2 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

SA Objectives – CS Policies - Overall scores

Sustainability Appraisal CS6.1 CS6.2 Dwelling CS6.3 Provision CS6.4 CS6.5 CS6.6 Objectives Meeting the Mix and Type of Community Led Gypsies and Making efficient Housing Affordable/Local Affordable Travellers and use of land and requirement Occupancy Housing Policy Travelling buildings Housing in smaller rural Showpeople communities SP1 Increase Participation in +2 +2 +2 +4 +2 +2 Democratic Process

SP2 Improve Access to +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Services & Facilities, the Countryside and Open Spaces SP3 Decent Affordable +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 Housing

SP4 Improve Skills, +2 0 0 0 0 0 Education, Training

SP5 Improve Health & +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Wellbeing

SP6 Create Vibrant, Active +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 and Inclusive Communities EN1 Protect and Enhance 0 0 0 0 0 0 Biodiversity and Geodiversity EN2 Conserve and Enhance +2 0 0 +2 +2 +2 Landscape Quality and Character

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

EN3 Improve the Quality of +2 +2 0 +2 +2 +2 the Built Environment

NR1 Improve Local Air +2 0 0 0 +2 +2 Quality, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Promote Renewable Energy and Reduce the Need to Travel NR2 Improve Water Quality 0 0 0 0 0 0 and Water Resources

NR3 Restore and protect 0 0 0 0 0 +2 Land & Soil

NR4 Manage Mineral 0 0 0 0 0 0 Resources Sustainably, Minimise Waste and Encourage Recycling EC1 Retain Existing Jobs +2 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 and Create New Employment Opportunities EC2 Improve Training & +2 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 Access to Jobs

EC3 Strengthen Local +2 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 Economy

26 16 18 24 24 26

Red = Negative score; consider strengthening objective, to reduce negative effects/increase positive. Orange = Neutral score, consider ways to make positive Pale green = Low positive score; consider ways to improve positive effects/reduce negative aspects. Dark green = High positive score

2 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL In summary, the appraisal demonstrated that this group of policies scored positively against the sustainability objectives, though it has highlighted a number of areas that could be strengthened.

Recommendations

CS6.1

• Scores generally well except NR objectives. Consider adding cross-reference to CS1.1 as well as CS1.2 (EN1, NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4). Consider being more explicit about infrastructure being in place and what kinds of infrastructure we mean (NR2, NR4).

CS6.2

• Scores less well on EN, NR and EC objectives, however, this policy, due to its nature, cannot be expected to cover all objectives. Consider adding cross-reference to CS1.1 as well as CS1.2 (EN1, NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4).

CS6.3

• Scores less well on EN and NR objectives. Consider adding clear cross-reference to CS1.1 & CS1.2 (EN1, NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4). Consider adding reference to decent homes/sustainable homes and the fact that this will make homes cheaper to run (and warmer) (NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4).

CS6.4

• Scores less well on NR objectives. Consider adding clear cross-reference to CS1.1 & CS1.2 (EN1, NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4). Consider adding reference to decent homes/sustainable homes and the fact that this will make homes cheaper to run (and warmer) (NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4).

CS6.5

• Scores generally well but less well on NR objectives. Consider adding clear cross- reference to CS1.1 & CS1.2 (EN1, NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4). Consider being more explicit about infrastructure including potential impact on water resources and waste e.g. for no. 6 add “without unacceptable impact on water supply capacity and waste management infrastructure”.

CS6.6

• Scores well overall but least well on NR objectives. Consider adding clear cross- reference to CS1.1 & CS1.2 (EN1, NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4). Consider adding recognition of the fact that this policy will contribute to minimising waste of building materials (NR4).

Feedback from the SA panel:

English Heritage:

• CS6.1 – CS6.6 - Suggest recommending design guide / standards for CS6.2 and CS6.3 in relation to neutral scores for EN2 and EN3

Appraising the Core Policies on Jobs, Skills and Regeneration

The table overleaf summarises the findings for CS7.1 – CS7.7 (those core policies specifically related to jobs, skills and regeneration)

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

SA Objectives – CS Jobs, Skills, Regeneration Core Policies - Overall scores

Sustainability Appraisal CS7.1 CS7.2 CS7.3 CS7.4 CS7.5 CS7.6 CS7.7 Objectives Meeting the Type of Education Rural Town Tourism Opportunities employment employment and Skills Economy centre and Development for energy and requirement land required retail the low carbon and sectoral strategy economy split SP1 Increase Participation in 0 0 +2 +2 +2 0 0 Democratic Process

SP2 Improve Access to Services 0 0 +2 +2 +4 +2 0 & Facilities, the Countryside and Open Spaces SP3 Decent Affordable Housing +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 0 +2

SP4 Improve Skills, Education, +2 +2 +4 +2 0 0 +2 Training

SP5 Improve Health & Wellbeing +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2

SP6 Create Vibrant, Active and +2 +2 +2 +2 +4 +2 0 Inclusive Communities

EN1 Protect and Enhance 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Biodiversity and Geodiversity EN2 Conserve and Enhance -2 -2 0 +2 0 0 -2 Landscape Quality and Character

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

EN3 Improve the Quality of the 0 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 0 Built Environment

NR1 Improve Local Air Quality, 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 -2 +4 Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Promote Renewable Energy and Reduce the Need to Travel NR2 Improve Water Quality and 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Water Resources

NR3 Restore and protect Land & 0 0 0 +2 +2 0 0 Soil

NR4 Manage Mineral Resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sustainably, Minimise Waste and Encourage Recycling EC1 Retain Existing Jobs and +4 +4 +4 +4 +2 +4 +2 Create New Employment Opportunities EC2 Improve Training & Access +4 +4 +4 +4 +2 +2 +2 to Jobs

EC3 Strengthen Local Economy +4 +4 +4 +4 +2 +4 +2

18 20 30 32 26 16 14

Recommendations

Employment policies cannot be expected to thoroughly cover all objectives and it should be borne in mind that other policies will also apply to employment related development that will cover EN and NR issues for example.

CS7.1

• Scores less well on EN and NR objectives. Consider altering last paragraph to refer to ‘required’ rather than encouraged. Consider also referring to protecting and where possible enhancing environment but using ‘improving’ in relation to signage, security and accessibility. (EN1, EN2, EN3). Consider adding specific cross-reference to CS1.1 as well as CS1.2.

CS7.2

• Scores less well on EN and NR objectives. Consider adding specific cross-reference to CS1.1 as well as CS1.2.

CS7.3

• Scores generally well overall but less well on EN and NR objectives. Consider adding specific cross-reference to CS1.1 as well as CS1.2. Consider adding reference to supporting/facilitating and recognising the value of the use of open spaces, the coast, the countryside, wildlife and built heritage as an educational resource (EN1, EN2).

CS7.4

• Scores generally well overall but least well on NR objectives. Consider adding specific cross-reference to CS1.1 as well as CS1.2. Consider being more explicit in reference to recognising the environment as a critical driver in the local economy and the need to protect the environment as a means of supporting the local economy (EN1, EN2, EN3, NR2, NR3). Consider adding reference to value of rurally based industries other than agriculture to the local economy e.g. water, mining, forestry, renewables and countryside and wildlife management (EN1, EN2, NR1, NR2, NR4).

CS7.5

• Scores least well on EN and NR objectives. Consider adding specific cross-reference to CS1.1 as well as CS1.2. Consider expanding on recognition of environment improvements by including reference to public realm, importance of open spaces etc (EN1, EN2).

CS7.6

• Scores least well on EN and NR objectives. Consider adding specific cross-reference to CS1.1 as well as CS1.2. Consider adding supporting/lobbying train and bus service providers to integrate services in order to provide better for the tourist economy, focusing particularly on links that serve or support key tourist movement routes (SP2, NR1). Consider adding support for leisure and tourism travel infrastructure improvements such as cycle paths and footpaths, particularly those that form key links between bus/train stations and the main tourist attractions (SP2, NR1). Consider adding recognition of the value of biodiversity, geodiversity, landscape, culture and heritage to the tourism

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL economy and reference to the need to protect and enhance these assets in order to support this sector (EN1, EN2, EN3).

CS7.7

• Scores least well on EN and NR objectives. Consider adding specific cross-reference to CS1.1 as well as CS1.2. Consider adding reference to the Wind Energy SPD and that larger wind projects would need to be in accordance with it (SP6, EN1, EN2, NR2, NR3). Consider specific reference to support for community owned renewables projects (SP6). Consider adding reference to building on South Lakeland’s renewables (primarily hydro) heritage (SP6, NR1). Consider adding support in principle for green/eco business park (EC1, EC2, EC3, NR1).

Feedback from the SA panel:

• CS7.1 – CS7.7 – recommendations supported also suggest adding adaptive re-use of building and design guide / standard in relation to employment. Policy CS7.7 appears to give blanket support for all forms of renewable energy proposals. The policy needs supplementing with caveats on avoiding and mitigating any associated harmful environment impacts from renewable energy schemes, nuclear proposals and their infrastructure.

Appraising the Core Policies on the Environment

The table overleaf summarises the findings for CS8.1 – CS8.10 (those core policies specifically related to the environment)

2 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

SA Objectives – CS Quality Environment Core Policies - Overall scores

Sustainability CS8.1 CS8.2 CS8.3a CS8.3b CS8.4 CS8.5 CS8.6 CS8.7 CS8.8 CS8.9 CS8.19 Appraisal Objectives Green Protection Open Quantity of Biodiversit Coast Historic Sustainabl Developme Minerals Design Infrastruct and Space Open y and Environme e nt and and waste ure enhancem Standards Space, Geodiversi nt constructi flood risk ent of Sport and ty on, energy landscape Recreation efficiency and Provision and settlement renewable character energy SP1 Increase 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Participation in Democratic Process SP2 Improve +4 +2 +4 +4 +2 +2 +2 0 0 0 Access to Services & Facilities, the Countryside and Open Spaces SP3 Decent 0 0 +2 +2 0 0 +2 +2 +2 0 Affordable Housing

SP4 Improve +2 0 0 0 +2 +2 +2 0 0 0 Skills, Education, Training SP5 Improve +4 +2 +4 +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 Health & Wellbeing

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SP6 Create +4 +2 +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 0 0 0 Vibrant, Active and Inclusive Communitie s EN1 Protect and +4 +2 +2 +2 +4 +2 0 0 +2 0 Enhance Biodiversity and Geodiversity EN2 Conserve +4 +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 0 +2 0 and Enhance Landscape Quality and Character EN3 Improve the +4 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +4 0 +2 0 Quality of the Built Environment NR1 Improve +2 0 +2 +2 0 0 0 +4 0 +2 Local Air Quality, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Promote Renewable Energy and Reduce the Need to Travel NR2 Improve +2 +2 0 0 +2 +2 0 +2 +2 +2 Water Quality and Water Resources

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NR3 Restore and +2 +2 0 0 +2 +2 0 0 +2 +2 protect Land & Soil

NR4 Manage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 +2 0 +4 Mineral Resources Sustainably, Minimise Waste and Encourage Recycling EC1 Retain 0 0 0 0 0 +2 +2 +2 0 +2 Existing Jobs and Create New Employment Opportunitie s EC2 Improve 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Training & Access to Jobs EC3 Strengthen +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 0 +2 Local Economy

34 20 24 22 22 22 20 16 14 16

3 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL In summary, the appraisal demonstrated that this group of policies scored positively against the sustainability objectives, though it has highlighted a number of areas that could be strengthened.

Recommendations

CS8.1

• Scores well overall but least well on EC objectives. Consider adding specific recognition of the value of green infrastructure in supporting the local economy and it’s potential to help enhance it (EC1, EC3).

CS8.2

• Scores less well on SP, NR and EC objectives. Consider adding cross-reference to CS1.1 (SP3). Consider adding reference to value of landscape and character of area as an educational resource (SP4). Consider adding reference to value of landscape and character of area in supporting local economy (EC1, EC3).

CS8.3a and CS8.3b

• Score less well on NR and EC objectives. Consider adding reference to supporting the better utilisation of school open space sites and sports facilities for the wider public and vice versa (SP4, SP6). Consider adding reference to the wider benefits of open space as an element of green infrastructure or cross-reference to CS8.1 (NR1, NR2, NR3). Consider adding reference to the value of open spaces and sports facilities as an educational resource (SP4). Consider adding reference to value of open spaces and sports facilities to the tourism economy (EC1, EC3).

CS8.4

• Scores less well on NR and EC objectives. Consider cross-reference to CS1.1. Consider explicit reference to the value of biodiversity and geodiversity to South Lakeland’s economy (EC1, EC3).

CS8.5

• Scores less well on SP and NR objectives. Consider adding reference to potential further use of Morecambe Bay for marine dredged aggregate (NR4) (or add to CS8.9). Consider adding reference to value of coast to economy (EC1, EC3).

CS8.6

• Scores least well on NR objectives. Consider adding that formulation of conservation area management plans will be done in consultation with the public (SP1).

CS8.7

• Scores less well on SP and EN objectives. Consider adding cross-reference to CS7.7. Consider adding reference to enabling people to live sustainable lifestyles (SP4). Consider value for improvement of built environment (EN3 – SA questions include sustainable construction etc). Consider adding ‘and water’ after ‘energy’ in first line (NR2).

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL CS8.8

• Scored less well on SP, NR and EC objectives. A policy specifically on flood risk cannot be expected to cover full range of SA objectives.

CS8.9

• Scores less well in SP and EN objectives. Consider fuller cross-reference to MWDF i.e. Core Strategy and Generic Development Control policies (now adopted) as well as Allocations document (not yet adopted). MWDF includes Kendal as a location for a strategic municipal waste management facility. Consider adding reference to need in Kendal to relocate HWRC from Canal Head. Consider adding support in principle for new recycling and other waste management facilities.

CS8.10

Feedback from the SA panel:

• CS8.1 – CS8.9 – recommendations supported. CS8.1 should note that green infrastructure is not solely composed of natural environment components but also includes designated landscapes and spaces, part of the historic environment. CS8.2 identifies green gaps and that these will be shown on the Allocations DPD, consideration should also be given to the identification of other areas of important open space, for example in conservation areas. CS8.6 is supported with the commitment to CAAs and CAMPs and the complication of a local list. Consideration should be given to preparation of a local heritage at risk register that would cover grade II listed building.

Appraising the Core Policies on the Health and Wellbeing and Accessing Services

The table overleaf summarises the findings for CS9.1, CS9.2, CS10.1 and CS10.2 (those core policies specifically related to the health and wellbeing and accessing services)

2 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

SA Objectives – CS Health and Wellbeing and Accessing Services Core Policies - Overall scores

Sustainability Appraisal Objectives CS9.1 CS9.2 Developer CS10.1 CS10.2 Social and contributions Accessing services Transport impact of community new development infrastructure SP1 Increase Participation in Democratic +2 0 +2 0 Process

SP2 Improve Access to Services & +4 +2 +4 +2 Facilities, the Countryside and Open Spaces SP3 Decent Affordable Housing 0 +2 0 0

SP4 Improve Skills, Education, Training +2 +2 0 0

SP5 Improve Health & Wellbeing +4 +2 +2 +2

SP6 Create Vibrant, Active and Inclusive +4 +2 +2 +2 Communities

EN1 Protect and Enhance Biodiversity and 0 +2 0 0 Geodiversity

EN2 Conserve and Enhance Landscape 0 +2 0 0 Quality and Character

1 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

EN3 Improve the Quality of the Built +2 +2 +2 +2 Environment

NR1 Improve Local Air Quality, Reduce +2 +2 +2 +2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Promote Renewable Energy and Reduce the Need to Travel NR2 Improve Water Quality and Water 0 +2 0 0 Resources

NR3 Restore and protect Land & Soil 0 +2 0 0

NR4 Manage Mineral Resources 0 +2 0 0 Sustainably, Minimise Waste and Encourage Recycling EC1 Retain Existing Jobs and Create New +2 +2 +2 +2 Employment Opportunities

EC2 Improve Training & Access to Jobs +2 +2 +2 +2

EC3 Strengthen Local Economy +2 +2 +2 +2

26 30 20 16

Likely Negative Effects of the Core Strategy DPD

Below is a list of the most likely negative effects of the Core Strategy DPD against the sustainability objectives identified for the SA Framework.

Negative Effects

Likely negative effects of the strategic objectives and core policies for the Core Strategy DPD:

To preserve and enhance landscape quality and character

• CS7.1 - Meeting the employment requirement • CS7.2 - Type of employment land required and sectoral split • CS7.7 Opportunities for energy and the low carbon economy

To improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and reduce the need to travel

• CS7.6 - Tourism Development

Mitigation and Maximising Benefits

Overall the Draft Core Strategy provides a comprehensive policy framework based on sound spatial development principles that should support major improvements to the quality of life for residents of South Lakeland. In all cases a range of positive effects have been identified in relation to the policies set out in the DPD. Key significant positive effects that have been identified include the securing of affordable housing and providing a decent home for all sectors of the community, balancing the need for economic development with the protection of the wide and varied assets of the District, protecting the special character of the area through a range of policies to promote culture and heritage, and identifying appropriate regeneration areas. The spatial representation of the locational policies will ensure balanced growth, sympathetic to the existing scale of settlements and paying due regard to their capacity for growth.

Some negative effects have been identified, but these are restricted to a small number of proposed policies. It is firmly believed that in many cases when considered in the whole the policies represent a good balance between what are often conflicting priorities. Recommendations have been identified to improve the sustainability of individual policies within the final publication Core Strategy.

Beyond amending the wording of the Core Strategy in light of the findings of the SA, the major challenge will be to implement the proposals in the Core Strategy in a manner that secures the most appropriate sustainable solution, minimises the adverse impacts of any developments and maximises any potentially positive effects.

3 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

APPENDIX A - Detailed Recording of Appraisal and Scoring of Policies in the Draft Core Strategy

Appraisal Recording and Scoring

Sustainability Appraisal of Core Strategy Key

Impact Timeframe Geographic Scale Major Positive +4 Short Term S Local L Positive +2 Medium Term M District Wide D No Impact 0 Long Term L Urban U Negative -2 Rural R Major Negative -4 Uncertain ?

Comments and Mitigation : (describe nature of impact; reasons for impact assessment and score; and suggestions for mitigation)

CS1 Spatial Strategy CS1.1 Sustainable Development Principles

SOCIAL PROGRESS

Sustainability Objective SP1: To increase the level of participation in democratic processes

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation

Comments It is accepted that with regards the LDF, the key driver for this will be through the SCI and document consultations rather than through the policies themselves. However, this policy should help to facilitate people’s involvement in democratic processes through supporting services and facilities in rural settlements, ensuring development is not isolated and contributing to the provision of physical and social infrastructure.

Mitigation • Ensuring SCI is adhered to in LDF document consultations • Demonstrate that account is being taken of parish plans in Core Strategy preparation • Producing clear consultation reports for LDF documents, showing how consultees’ responses have contributed to shaping documents

Sustainability Objective SP2: To improve access to services & facilities, the countryside & open spaces

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

4 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation

Comments The Sustainable Development Principles seek to support and nurture existing services and facilities in rural settlements. They also seek to reduce the need to travel and to support the provision of sustainable modes of transport for those journeys that are necessary. The amenity, social and recreation value of the natural and built environment is recognised and contributions to the provision of physical and green infrastructure are advocated Thus, this policy should have a significant positive impact on improving access to services, facilities the countryside and open spaces.

Mitigation • This option will need to be supported in meeting this objective by other policies such as those covering Development Strategy; Accessing Services; Accessing Open Space, Sport and Recreation; Town Centres and Retail and Green Infrastructure as by the work of partners • Supporting rural transport initiatives and the viability of services and facilities in rural areas • Requiring developer contributions relating to sustainable transport where appropriate

Sustainability Objective SP3: To provide everyone with a decent home Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time as the cumulative total of homes built increases Impact Score +2

5 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation

Comments Whilst this option does not, in itself, seek to provide homes per se, it is likely to contribute significantly to ensuring that homes delivered through other policies are ‘decent’ homes. This policy should help to ensure that new homes are built using sustainable construction techniques and incorporate sustainable technologies and high quality design, making them more sustainable than homes built previously. Making new homes more resource efficient should also have the added benefit of making new homes cheaper to run than existing properties in terms of fuel bills.

Mitigation • This option will need to be supported by CS1.2, CS6 and CS8.8 as well as the work of housing associations in order to meet this objective fully. • Policies relating to the provision of higher quality employment opportunities will also support this option in meeting this objective by helping to reduce the house price: income ratio.

Sustainability Objective SP4: To improve the level of skills, education and training

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

Comments and Mitigation

Comments This policy does not seek in itself to improve the level of skills, education and training, however, it may help to educate the public about sustainability issues and enable people to live more sustainable lifestyles. Another indirect impact might include an increase in training, education and skills opportunities within the field of sustainability, for example, by the need for skilled workers to manufacture and install renewable energy technologies.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by the policy on Education and Skills as well as the work of partners in order to meet this objective fully

Sustainability Objective SP5: To improve the health and sense of well-being of people

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

Comments and Mitigation

Comments Many aspects covered by the Sustainable Development Principles are likely to have positive impacts on people’s health and sense of wellbeing. Under this option, such impacts could include better access to services and facilities, more resource efficient, cheaper to run housing, minimised risk of flooding, safeguarding and enhancing the built and natural environment and reducing opportunities for crime.

Mitigation • This option will need to be supported by other policies, particularly those in CS9, in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective SP6: To create vibrant, active, inclusive and open-minded communities with a strong sense of local history

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

6 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation

Comments This option seeks to ensure that development respects the qualities and character of South Lakeland’s communities and reinforces civic pride. This option also seeks to protect and enhance the built and natural environment, including the provision of physical, social and green infrastructure and to reduce crime and the fear of crime, which should also improve the vibrancy, activeness and inclusiveness of communities.

Mitigation • This option will need to be supported by other policies such as the spatial portraits for individual areas and policies in CS8 and CS9 as well as the work of other initiatives and partners in order to fully meet this objective. EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Sustainability Objective EN1: To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

Comments and Mitigation

Comments This policy seeks to safeguard and enhance the quality of the natural environment, including for it’s biodiversity and geodiversity value. Contributing to the provision of green infrastructure will also have positive impacts for wildlife. This policy should also have indirect positive effects in terms of action to mitigate against climate change and use resources more prudently.

Mitigation • Ensure that the Core Strategy is clear about the local and wider importance of those species and habitats and geological features that are not fortunate enough to be designated, how they will be protected and to what extent • This option will need to be supported by the work of partner organisations and national and international policies as well as policies CS8.1 and CS8.5 in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective EN2: To conserve and enhance landscape quality and character

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

Comments and Mitigation

Comments This policy seeks to enhance the character and features of the landscape as well as recognising it’s amenity, geodiversity, biodiversity, social, recreation and historic value.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS8.2 in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective EN3: To improve the quality of the built environment

Timeframe L Geographic Scale U (but including smaller settlements) Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

7 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation

Comments This policy seeks to protect and enhance listed buildings and conservation areas as well as archaeological sites in their own right but will also help to meet this objective by ensuring that new developments respect the character of the existing built environment and contribute to creating a sense of place. It also seeks to ensure that other aspects of the quality of the built environment are also improved through prudent use of natural resources, increased energy efficiency, reduced flood risk and reduced pollution.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies including CS6.6, CS8.7and CS8.8 as well as by Conservation Area Management Plans and other initiatives in order to fully meet this objective • Consider referring to utilising and improving existing buildings in the SD Principles

SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Sustainability Objective NR1: To improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and reduce need to travel

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

Comments and Mitigation

Comments This policy seeks to mitigate against the effects of air pollution and aims to contribute to minimising the need to travel and offering a choice of sustainable modes of transport. It promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy in new developments, which all should in turn contribute to minimising increases in greenhouse gas emissions.

Mitigation • This policy will need the support of other policies such as CS8.1, CS8.8, CS10.1 and CS10.2 as well as the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective NR2: To improve water quality and water resources

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

Comments and Mitigation

Comments This option seeks to minimise water pollution and ensure provision for adequate wastewater management as well as increasing water efficiency in new buildings. The policy also seeks to minimise the risk of flooding by applying the sequential approach set out in PPS25 to new developments.

Mitigation • This option will need to be supported by policies CS8.1, CS8.6, CS8.8, CS8.9 and CS9.2 and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective NR3: To restore and protect land and soil

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

8 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation

Comments This policy seeks to ensure that developments take account of the need to enhance the landscape and the wider natural environment whilst also protecting soil from pollution.

Mitigation • This option will require the support of other policies such as CS6.6, CS8.1 and CS8.2 in order to fully meet this objective. • Consider referring to prioritising brownfield over greenfield land and to utilising and improving existing buildings in the SD Principles

Sustainability Objective NR4: To manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

Comments and Mitigation

Comments This policy promotes the use of local and recycled materials in the construction of new developments and seeks to facilitate prudent use of natural resources, including energy and water, minimise the generation of waste and encourage recycling generally.

Mitigation • This policy will require support from other policies such as CS6.6, CS8.8 and CS8.10 and the work of Cumbria County Council as the authority dealing with waste disposal and minerals in order to meet this objective. • Mutual support with local/wider waste management and recycling/composting initiatives will also be necessary to encourage people to create less waste and recycle/compost more • Consider referring to “composting” rather than just “recycling” • Consider referring to utilising and improving existing buildings in the SD Principles

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY IN WHICH ALL CAN PROSPER

Sustainability Objective EC1: To retain existing jobs and create new employment opportunities

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

Comments and Mitigation

Comments Whilst this policy does not specifically seek to meet this objective, many aspects of the Sustainable Development Principles have the potential to contribute indirectly to the retainance of existing jobs and to attracting new businesses to the area, creating new employment opportunities. Supporting increased sustainability can help businesses to run more efficiently and provides an attractive environment for new businesses to start-up in or relocate to. Businesses will have opportunities to operate from more efficient buildings, which should have the knock-on effect of cheaper energy bills and a ‘greener’ image. These benefits are likely to apply primarily to new businesses and existing businesses that are relocating as existing business premises will be largely unaffected. There may also be scope for new jobs to be created directly out of efforts to be more sustainable, for example, through the need for companies and skilled workers to manufacture and install renewable energy technologies.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by the policies of CS7, as well as other initiatives in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective EC2: To improve access to jobs

9 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

Comments and Mitigation

Comments This policy seeks to minimise the need to travel and create a more sustainable transport infrastructure which should help provide people with better physical access to jobs by offering more choice of transport options, including walking and cycling and public transport. Access to jobs may still prove challenging for some people, such as those living in rural areas and those who may find other aspects of access preventing them getting a job such as a lack of suitable childcare or suitable qualifications.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7, CS10.1 and by the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective EC3: To diversify and strengthen the local economy

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

Comments and Mitigation

Comments Whilst this policy does not specifically seek to meet this objective, many aspects of the Sustainable Development Principles have the potential to contribute indirectly to the diversification and strengthening of the local economy. Increased sustainability may help to make businesses more efficient overall through reduced energy consumption and more sustainable transport options. This option may contribute to a greener image for the economy and a more attractive environment to encourage new business start-ups and retainance of young people. Benefits of this option are likely to apply primarily to new businesses and existing businesses that are relocating as existing business premises will be largely unaffected

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS7, CS10.1 and by the work of partners and wider initiatives in order to fully meet this objective

10 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Appraisal Recording and Scoring

Sustainability Appraisal of Core Strategy Key

Impact Timeframe Geographic Scale Major Positive +4 Short Term S Local L Positive +2 Medium Term M District Wide D No Impact 0 Long Term L Urban U Negative -2 Rural R Major Negative -4 Uncertain ?

Comments and Mitigation : (describe nature of impact; reasons for impact assessment and score; and suggestions for mitigation)

CS1 Spatial Strategy CS1.2 The Development Strategy

SOCIAL PROGRESS

Sustainability Objective SP1: To increase the level of participation in democratic processes

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? No Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments It is accepted that with regards the LDF, the key driver for this will be through the SCI and document consultations rather than planning policies themselves. Under this policy, focusing development in the settlements where most facilities, services and transport opportunities are available should help to facilitate people’s involvement in democratic processes.

Sustainability Objective SP2: To improve access to services & facilities, the countryside & open spaces

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

11 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy will focus new development in settlements where access to services, facilities and transport is greatest, taking into account both settlement capacity and local need. It provides the benefits of having basic services available across a range of settlements with centralised main services are available in larger settlements meaning that there will be increased opportunities for people to walk to day-to-day services whilst other services will be accessible by sustainable forms of transport. Due to the rural nature of the district, residents generally have easy access to the countryside, even for those without their own transport.

Mitigation • This option will be supported in meeting this objective by other policies including CS8.1, CS8.2, CS8.3, CS8.4, CS9.1 and CS10.1

Sustainability Objective SP3: To provide everyone with a decent home

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

12 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy will help ensure that local housing needs are met across the district by focusing development in Principal, Key and Local Service Centres but also allowing development in smaller settlements outside services centres. It will help to address issues of affordability as locally as possible.

Mitigation • This policy will be supported by the CS6 policies, which focus on housing • The concept of decent housing is also determined by high quality, sustainable design; this aspect will be addressed primarily through policies such as CS8.8. • Policies relating to the provision of higher quality employment opportunities will also support this policy in meeting this objective by helping to reduce the house price : income ratio.

Sustainability Objective SP4: To improve the level of skills, education and training

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes. Over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy, by applying a settlement hierarchy and focusing development in service centres but allowing for appropriate levels of development in smaller settlements should offer increased opportunities for developing skills, education and training through links with new and existing establishments and businesses. The spread of development offered by this option will also help to support existing establishments, for example, small village primary schools, to remain viable by enabling more young families to remain living in villages rather than having to leave to find homes in more affordable locations.

Mitigation • This policy will be supported in meeting this objective through policies such as CS7, CS9.1 and CS9.2 as well as the work of partners

Sustainability Objective SP5: To improve the health and sense of well-being of people

Timeframe M Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes. Over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The approach set out in this policy will help to ensure that levels of development in particular settlements are appropriate to meet local needs in terms of housing and service/facility provision in accordance with the environmental and infrastructure capacity of the area. Addressing problems relating to housing affordability and access to services and facilities should impact positively on people health and feelings of well-being.

Mitigation • There is a need to ensure that any possible negative knock-on effects of this policy on general quality of life are minimised. For example, where new developments bring more traffic to a village, ensuring that this is not going to compromise air quality or prevent children crossing the road to access the local play area. • This option will be supported by other policies, such as those in CS9 as well as by the work of partners.

Sustainability Objective SP6: To create vibrant, active, inclusive and open-minded communities with a strong sense of local history

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

13 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments Whilst this policy does not seek to meet the criteria of SP6 directly, it supports the addressing of the local needs of each settlement and provides the basis for appropriate development to take place in accordance with each settlement’s environmental and infrastructure capacity. It will enable local services and facilities such as shops and schools to remain viable and local people to remain living in their home village or town.

Mitigation • This option will need to be supported by a number of other policies and initiatives in order to fully meet this objective. These include the area strategies and CS9 policies.

EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Sustainability Objective EN1: To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments Whilst this policy does not specifically seek to protect or enhance biodiversity or geodiversity, it does aim to ensure that development is within settlements’ environmental limits. Focusing development primarily in two main settlements and taking the capacity of settlements to take development into full account should help to ensure that the impact of development on biodiversity and geodiversity is minimised, though care will need to be taken to ensure that this is the case.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies, including CS8.1, CS8.5 and CS9.2 and relevant National and International policy and legislation in order to fully meet this objective • Ensure that the Core Strategy is clear about the local and wider importance of those species and habitats and geological features that are not fortunate enough to be designated, how they will be protected and to what extent • Consider adding more emphasis to the recognition of settlement character and environmental capacity in determining where development will go.

Sustainability Objective EN2: To conserve and enhance landscape quality and character

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments Focusing development primarily in two main settlements and taking the character and environmental capacity of settlements into full account should help to ensure that development has minimal impact on the landscape. However, there are likely to be some negative impacts as although brownfield land will be prioritised over greenfield, some green field land will be needed to accommodate development.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS8.1 and CS8.2 as well as by landscape assessments in order to ensure this objective is met

Sustainability Objective EN3: To improve the quality of the built environment

Timeframe L Geographic Scale U – primarily in built up settlements Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

14 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments Focusing development in main centres whilst allowing development in smaller settlements also is likely to offer the greatest opportunities for improving the built environment whether through complimentary design of new build or through the sympathetic reuse and refurbishment of existing buildings.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS6.6, CS7.5, CS8.2 and CS8.8 in order to achieve this objective. • Consideration must be made of the potential for improvements to be made to the built environment in smaller service centres and rural settlements as well as in terms of buildings in the wider countryside

SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Sustainability Objective NR1: To improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and reduce need to travel

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D & L Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments This option does not, in itself, seek to address the issues considered in NR1, however, applying the settlement hierarchy will concentrate development in settlements, primarily the two PSCs, where services and facilities as well as transport options are most readily accessible. This should reduce people’s need to travel. However, this may also attract greater densities of traffic, which could cause further reductions in air quality at existing trouble spots as well as creating new ones. In addition, people living in KSCs, LSCs and rural settlements/areas will always have to travel to PSCs for certain services and facilities. Concentrating development in two PSCs may present more viable opportunities for renewable energy and energy efficiency than more dispersed development might due to greater numbers of larger developments; this is less likely to be the case in KSCs and other smaller settlements.

Mitigation • This option will need to be supported by a range of other policies, including CS7.7, CS8.1, CS8.8 and CS10 as well as wider initiatives in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective NR2: To improve water quality and water resources

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments Any development is likely to increase demands on water resources and sewage infrastructure. This policy does aim to ensure that development takes place in accordance with environmental capacity and the capacity of existing infrastructure provision.

Mitigation • This option needs to be supported by other policies in order to meet this objective including CS1.1 and CS8.8 in order to secure the installation of water use efficiency measures in new developments • Consider adding recognition of the fact that some settlements may need additional water infrastructure capacity in order to grow

Sustainability Objective NR3: To restore and protect land and soil

Timeframe L Geographic Scale U – primarily in and around PSCs. KSCs and LSCs Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

15 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy seeks to apply a settlement hierarchy meaning that development will take place in accordance with the character and environmental capacity of individual settlements. The policy also prioritises the reuse of existing buildings and brownfield land. However, significant new development will need to take place on greenfield land in South Lakeland due to a lack of brownfield sites. The settlement hierarchy will mean that the impact of this will be most significant around PSCs, KSCs and to a lesser degree, LSCs.

Mitigation • This option needs to be supported by other policies in order to meet this objective, including CS6.6 • Imaginative ways of enabling the use of existing buildings and brownfield sites should be considered wherever possible – consider drawing up a list of empty buildings and brownfield sites to rasie awareness of them and ensure that priority can be given to these. • Consider requiring developer contributions (CS9.2) to help remediate or make readily available otherwise difficult to develop sites or to improve the quality of land and soil elsewhere

Sustainability Objective NR4: To manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to meet this objective. However, applying the settlement hierarchy may have the benefit of meaning that the majority of people do not have to travel far to reach recycling and waste disposal facilities/civic amenity sites as these are most readily available in larger villages and towns and also that waste and recycling collection services do not have to cover such great distances in order to collect every household’s waste/recyclables. However, new development will increase the amount of waste generated in the district overall and will require minerals/aggregate for construction.

Mitigation • This option will require support from other policies such as CS1.1, CS6.6, CS8.8 and CS8.10 in order to meet this objective. Support from wider initiatives and the work of partners will also be necessary. • Consider adding more emphasis to recognition of capacity of existing infrastructure provision and possibly list what infrastructure types we mean i.e could waste be included.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY IN WHICH ALL CAN PROSPER

Sustainability Objective EC1: To retain existing jobs and create new employment opportunities

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments Focusing development in the main centres whilst also allowing appropriate levels of development across the hierarchy supports the retaining of existing jobs by enabling existing businesses to expand and/or relocate. It also helps to create opportunities for new businesses to develop in both larger and smaller settlements.

Mitigation • This option will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective EC2: To improve access to jobs

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

16 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments Focus of development in main towns and appropriate development across the hierarchy should mean that people generally obtain better physical access to jobs by ensuring that homes and employment opportunities are located close to one another and where access to transport options is greatest. However, aspects of practicable access such as overcoming obstacles to getting a job such as securing appropriate childcare and having the right skills cannot be dealt with through this policy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such those in CS7 and CS10.1 and by the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective EC3: To diversify and strengthen the local economy

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments Focusing development in the main centres whilst also allowing appropriate levels of development across the settlement hierarchy supports the diversification and strengthening of the economy by ensuring that there are opportunities for existing businesses to develop and diversify and to attract new businesses to the district, including in rural areas.

Mitigation • This option will need to be supported by other policies in CS7 as well as the work of partners in order to meet this objective.

17 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Appraisal Recording and Scoring

Sustainability Appraisal of Core Strategy Key

Impact Timeframe Geographic Scale Major Positive +4 Short Term S Local L Positive +2 Medium Term M District Wide D No Impact 0 Long Term L Urban U Negative -2 Rural R Major Negative -4 Uncertain ?

Comments and Mitigation : (describe nature of impact; reasons for impact assessment and score; and suggestions for mitigation)

CS2 Kendal Area

SOCIAL PROGRESS

Sustainability Objective SP1: To increase the level of participation in democratic processes

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? No Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments It is accepted that with regards the LDF, the key driver for this objective will be through the SCI and document consultations rather than planning policies themselves. However, supporting the wider viability and vitality of Kendal should facilitate opportunities for people to be further involved in democratic processes. As Kendal is the main town in the district, it is likely that this policy will support this objective with regards Kendal residents and those living elsewhere in the district.

Sustainability Objective SP2: To improve access to services & facilities, the countryside & open spaces

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

18 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments Significant development is proposed to take place in Kendal and this policy specifies some key developments and regeneration that are likely to improve overall access to services and facilities for Kendal residents in particular but for those living in the catchment area and wider hinterland also. This policy also seeks to address a range of transport issues, which will also help to improve physical access, these include congestion and parking solutions, public transport improvements and pedestrian and cycling linkages and networks. Significant issues of access may still remain for rural residents, especially those without their own transport.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS8.3 and CS10.1 and other initiatives in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective SP3: To provide everyone with a decent home

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time as the cumulative total of new residential developments in the town takes place Impact Score +4

19 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy stipulates that Kendal will expand to accommodate significant residential development, taking into account the housing needs of the area. Substantial housing provision will also take place at Canal Head as part of the regeneration of that part of the town centre. Plans for a strategic business employment area and a cluster of knowledge based industries should contribute to minimising the house price : income ratio and thus improve housing affordability.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported in achieving the ‘affordable’ and ‘decent’ aspects of this objective by other policies, such as CS1.1, CS6 policies and CS8.8 as well as the work of partners, namely housing associations.

Sustainability Objective SP4: To improve the level of skills, education and training

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy particularly aims to support improvements to and expansion of Kendal College and the University of Cumbria as well as advocating provision for improvements to the wider education infrastructure where population growth requires this. The strategic business employment area and a cluster of knowledge based industries also planned for the town could contribute to improving the level of skills, education and training opportunities through apprenticeships and similar schemes that companies/businesses at these sites might provide but also through mutual relationships between such companies/businesses and new and existing educational establishments and initiatives.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS6 as well as the work of partners in order to meet this objective fully

Sustainability Objective SP5: To improve the health and sense of well-being of people

Timeframe L Geographic Scale Primarily L/U but with district-wide benefits Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The wider regeneration implications of this policy for Kendal such as redevelopment and regeneration of Kendal canal and Canal head area, development of educational facilities, increased quality and choice of jobs and access to services, facilities and recreation provision should all contribute to the health and sense of wellbeing of particularly Kendal residents but residents of other areas of South Lakeland and visitors from further afield as well. The most direct benefits to this objective from this policy might be in the development of increased opportunities for cycling and walking with designated foot and cycle path networks and linkages between key points of the town, which will support people to lead healthier lifestyles. Other traffic management initiatives should help to reduce traffic emissions and the build up of fumes in particular areas, which could help to reduce the negative effects of poor air quality on people’s health.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS9 and CS1.1 in order to fully meet this objective. • Consider adding recognition that elements from Access and Environment sections of the policy also contribute to Health and Wellbeing.

Sustainability Objective SP6: To create vibrant, active, inclusive and open-minded communities with a strong sense of local history

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies 20 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments The regeneration implications of this policy for Kendal such as redevelopment and regeneration of Kendal canal and Canal head area, development of educational facilities, increased quality and choice of jobs and access to services, facilities and recreation provision should all contribute to increasing the vibrancy and inclusiveness of Kendal in particular, this may benefit Kendal residents primarily but those from further afield also, as well as visitors. Local issues will be addressed and the town’s strengths, including heritage and open spaces will be built on under this policy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by the full range of other policies (with the exception of CS8.6) as well as wider initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Sustainability Objective EN1: To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, over time and in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to protect or enhance biodiversity or geodiversity. However, the policy does aim to improve green infrastructure in the town generally and to safeguard and enhance the natural environment, giving particular attention to the River Kent and it’s tributaries SAC. Development at Canal Head will involve redevelopment of existing buildings and development of brownfield land, both of which can be important for wildlife, often more so than open greenfield land.

Sustainability Objective EN2: To conserve and enhance landscape quality and character

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to conserve or enhance landscape quality or character, however, it does aim to improve green infrastructure in the town and to safeguard and enhance the natural environment as well as protecting green gaps between Kendal and Burneside, Kendal and Oxenholme and Oxenholme and Natland. Significant development is proposed for Kendal, particularly around the edges where the town meets the wider countryside and thus, there is potential for harm to the quality and character of the landscape.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.1 and CS8.2 as well as landscape assessments in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective EN3: To improve the quality of the built environment

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale U/L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as the cumulative total of regeneration and new development increases Impact Score +2

21 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments The significant new development in and around Kendal under this policy will provide many opportunities to improve the built environment, not least at Canal Head, which will involve the regeneration and redevelopment of a large area that currently includes industrial and brownfield land and existing buildings, some of which offer particular opportunities for improvement and which fall within and adjacent to the town’s Conservation Area. This policy also seeks to safeguard and enhance buildings and areas of heritage and cultural importance and improve green infrastructure.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.2, CS8.7 and CS8.8 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding specific reference to the Conservation Area rather than just to the grant scheme, for example, the recent appraisal and forthcoming management plan as well as the value of the Conservation Area to Kendal’s character.

SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Sustainability Objective NR1: To improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and reduce need to travel

Timeframe M Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy seeks to explore opportunities for solutions to the traffic and parking problems in Kendal and also aims to introduce, through work with partners, greater opportunities for cycling, walking and sustainable public transport, all of which should contribute to improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the significant development that is proposed under this policy for the Kendal area is likely to increase the numbers of businesses and residents and thus increase the numbers of journeys and vehicles on the town’s roads. This policy does not specifically seek to promote renewable energy or energy efficiency, though the significant development proposed could provide opportunities for such measures under other policies.

Mitigation • This policy will need the support of other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.1, CS8.8 and CS10 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider including how the vision for Kendal will contribute to addressing climate change, for example, Kendal could aim to become a transition town.

Sustainability Objective NR2: To improve water quality and water resources

Timeframe M Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score 0

22 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to improve water quality or resources. The significant development proposed for Kendal means that more pressure will be put on water resources and water infrastructure/wastewater works and there will be greater potential for water pollution from construction and from new businesses. This is particularly relevant in Kendal due to the presence of the River Kent and tributaries SAC. Development of greenfield land will decrease the area of land available for water to soak away and could increase the potential for flooding.

Mitigation • This policy needs to be supported by other policies in order to meet this objective including CS1.1 and CS8.8 in order to secure the installation of water use efficiency measures in new developments • Consider adding recognition of the fact that some settlements may need additional water infrastructure capacity in order to grow

Sustainability Objective NR3: To restore and protect land and soil

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to restore or protect land and soil. Significant development is proposed for Kendal, much of which will result in the expansion of the town beyond it’s existing boundaries and thus, meaning that significant greenfield land take-up will be required. However, this policy will also provide opportunities for remediation of contaminated land and the use of brownfield land and existing buildings.

Mitigation • This policy will require the support of other policies such as CS6.6 in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective NR4: To manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling. The significant development and regeneration under this policy will require minerals to be used for construction and will generate increased waste during construction and throughout the operational life of developments as increased numbers of residents and businesses will result in more waste. The Kendal Canal head development is likely to require the removal of the town centre HWRC, which may reduce ease of access to opportunities to recycle.

Mitigation • This policy will require support from other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.8 and CS8.10 and the work of Cumbria County Council as the authority dealing with waste disposal and minerals in order to meet this objective. Mutual support with local/wider waste management and recycling/composting initiatives will also be necessary to encourage people to create less waste and recycle more • Consider adding reference to non-transport aspects of infrastructure such as waste, including with regard to need for new site for HWRC in Kendal.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY IN WHICH ALL CAN PROSPER

Sustainability Objective EC1: To retain existing jobs and create new employment opportunities

Timeframe L Geographic Scale Primarily L/U but with district-wide benefits Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new

23 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL development increases Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy specifically seeks to support the development of a cluster of knowledge-based industries in the Kendal area and seeks to support specifically higher quality new jobs. The significant development, regeneration and initiatives planned for Kendal under this policy will help to support existing jobs and attract new businesses to the area by raising skills levels and creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. Tackling local transport issues will also support businesses and industries in the area. As Kendal is the district’s largest town and principle service centre, the benefits of this policy will support Kendal residents, residents of other areas of the district and visitors alike.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as other initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective EC2: To improve access to jobs

Timeframe M Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy specifically seeks to provide new jobs and support existing jobs. It also seeks to address traffic and parking problems and provide improved public transport and a wider choice of sustainable modes of transport including walking and cycling networks all of which should help to improve people’s physical access to jobs. The policy also seeks improvements to the education infrastructure (including Kendal College and University of Cumbria) although some aspects of practicable access, involving barriers other than physical limitations to accessing jobs, such as securing suitable childcare and obtaining the right skills will need to be addressed primarily by other policies and initiatives.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7, CS9.1 and CS10.1 as well as other initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective EC3: To diversify and strengthen the local economy

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy specifically seeks to support the development of a cluster of knowledge-based industries in the Kendal area and seeks to support specifically higher quality new jobs. The significant development, regeneration and initiatives planned for Kendal under this policy will help to support existing jobs and attract new businesses to the area by raising skills levels and creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. Tackling local transport issues and thus improving access and travel times and options will also support existing businesses and industries and attract new ones. The town’s existing features and strengths will be built upon, again attracting new businesses to the town and helping to retain existing employers. All these aspects will contribute to strengthening and diversifying the local economy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as the work of partners and wider initiatives in order to meet this objective

24 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Appraisal Recording and Scoring

Sustainability Appraisal of Core Strategy Key

Impact Timeframe Geographic Scale Major Positive +4 Short Term S Local L Positive +2 Medium Term M District Wide D No Impact 0 Long Term L Urban U Negative -2 Rural R Major Negative -4 Uncertain ?

Comments and Mitigation : (describe nature of impact; reasons for impact assessment and score; and suggestions for mitigation)

CS3 Ulverston and Furness CS3.1 Ulverston and Furness

SOCIAL PROGRESS

Sustainability Objective SP1: To increase the level of participation in democratic processes

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? No Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments It is accepted that with regards the LDF, the key driver for this objective will be through the SCI and document consultations rather than planning policies themselves. However, supporting the wider viability and vitality of Ulverston should facilitate opportunities for people to be further involved in democratic processes. As Ulverston is a Principal Service Centre, it is likely that this policy will support this objective with regards Ulverston area residents and those living elsewhere in the district.

Sustainability Objective SP2: To improve access to services & facilities, the countryside & open spaces

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

25 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments Significant development is proposed to take place in Ulverston and this policy specifies some key actions for development and regeneration in the town which have the potential to improve overall access to services and facilities for Ulverston residents in particular but for those living in the catchment area and wider hinterland of the functional area also. This policy also seeks to develop further convenience and comparison shopping, tourism and public transport as well as improvements to green spaces and green infrastructure. Issues of access may still remain for rural residents, especially those without their own transport.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS8.3 and CS10.1 and other initiatives in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding reference to allotments

Sustainability Objective SP3: To provide everyone with a decent home

Timeframe M Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as the cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +4

26 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy stipulates that Ulverston will expand to accommodate significant residential development, taking into account the housing needs of the area. Housing provision may also take place at the canal as part of the regeneration of that part of the town. Plans for economic development should contribute to minimising the house price : income ratio and thus improve housing affordability.

Sustainability Objective SP4: To improve the level of skills, education and training

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as the cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to improve the level of skills, education and training, however, the development of a main employment area at the Canal Head/Canal Corridor area should present opportunities for apprenticeships, training and similar that companies/businesses at these sites might provide but also through mutual relationships between such companies/businesses and educational establishments and wider educational initiatives. The policy also seeks to improve wider education infrastructure where population increases require this.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as the work of partners in order to meet this objective fully

Sustainability Objective SP5: To improve the health and sense of well-being of people

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The wider regeneration implications of this policy for Ulverston such as redevelopment and regeneration of the Canal head/corridor area, increased provision of jobs, enhancement of tourist attractions (which can also be utilised by residents) and a vitalised and viable town centre should all contribute to the health and sense of wellbeing of particularly Ulverston residents as well as residents of other areas of South Lakeland and visitors from further afield. The most direct benefits to this objective from this policy might be in the development of increased opportunities for cycling and walking due to the proposed improvements to transport network, including cycling and walking routes which should support people to lead healthier lifestyles. Public transport improvements should help to reduce traffic emissions and the build up of fumes in particular areas, which would help to reduce the negative effects of poor air quality on people’s health.

Sustainability Objective SP6: To create vibrant, active, inclusive and open-minded communities with a strong sense of local history

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale D

27 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments The wider regeneration implications of this policy for Ulverston such as redevelopment and regeneration of the Canal head/corridor area, increased provision of jobs, enhancement of tourist attractions (which can also be utilised by residents) and a vitalised and viable town centre should all contribute to the vitality and inclusiveness of Ulverston. Local issues will be addressed and the town’s strengths such as the Laurel and Hardy link, festival town reputation and high number of specialist, independent shops in the town centre and the success of the Market Towns initiative will be built on under this policy.

EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Sustainability Objective EN1: To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to protect or enhance biodiversity or geodiversity. However, the policy does aim to improve green spaces and green infrastructure in the town generally and to safeguard and enhance the natural environment. Development at the Canal is likely to involve redevelopment of existing buildings and development of brownfield land, both of which can be important for wildlife, often more so than open greenfield land. Significant development is proposed for Ulverston, around the edges where the town meets the wider countryside and the Canal corridor is adjacent to the Morecambe Bay SAC and to a number other green, currently undeveloped areas, including a County Wildlife Site so there is potential for harm to wildlife and loss of habitat.

Sustainability Objective EN2: To conserve and enhance landscape quality and character

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to conserve or enhance landscape quality or character, however, it does aim to improve green spaces and green infrastructure in the town and to safeguard and enhance the natural environment as well as protecting green gaps between Ulverston and Swarthmoor, Penny Bridge and Greenodd and Great and Little Urswick. Significant development is proposed for Ulverston, particularly around the edges where the town meets the wider countryside and thus, there is potential for harm to the quality and character of the landscape.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.1 and CS8.2 as well as landscape assessments in order to fully meet this objective 28 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

Sustainability Objective EN3: To improve the quality of the built environment

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The significant new development in and around Ulverston under this policy will provide many opportunities to improve the built environment, not least in the Canal Head/Corridor area, which will involve the regeneration and redevelopment of a large area that currently includes industrial and brownfield land and existing buildings. This policy also seeks to safeguard and enhance buildings and areas of heritage and cultural importance and improve green infrastructure.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.2, CS8.7 and CS8.8 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding specific reference to the Conservation Area, for example, the recent appraisal and forthcoming management plan as well as the value of the Conservation Area to Ulverston’s character • Consider adding reference to allotments

SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Sustainability Objective NR1: To improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and reduce need to travel

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments T This policy seeks to explore opportunities for improving transport routes between the M6 and Furness, including the rail link. This policy also seeks to introduce, through work with partners, greater opportunities for cycling, walking and sustainable public transport, all of which should contribute to improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the significant development that is proposed under this policy for the Ulverston area is likely to increase the numbers of businesses and residents and thus increase the numbers of journeys and vehicles on the town’s roads. This policy does not specifically seek to promote renewable energy or energy efficiency, though the significant development proposed could provide opportunities for such measures under other policies .

Mitigation • This policy will need the support of other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.1, CS8.8 and CS10 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider including how the vision for Ulverston will contribute to addressing climate change.

Sustainability Objective NR2: To improve water quality and water resources

Timeframe M Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score 0

29 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to improve water quality or resources. The significant development proposed for Ulverston means that more pressure will be put on water resources and water infrastructure/wastewater works and there will be greater potential for water pollution from construction and from new businesses. This is particularly relevant in Ulverston due to the presence of the Morecambe Bay SAC and the fact that the Ulverston canal is physically linked to the SAC. Development of greenfield land will decrease the area of land available for water to soak away and could increase the potential for flooding.

Sustainability Objective NR3: To restore and protect land and soil

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to restore or protect land and soil. Significant development is proposed for Ulverston, much of which will result in the expansion of the town beyond it’s existing boundaries and thus, meaning that significant greenfield land take-up will be required. However, this policy will provide opportunities for remediation of contaminated land and the use of brownfield land and existing buildings through the redevelopment of the canal head/corridor area.

Mitigation • This policy will require the support of other policies such as CS3.2 and CS6.6 in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective NR4: To manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling. The significant development and regeneration under this policy will require minerals to be used for construction and will generate increased waste during construction and throughout the operational life of developments as increased numbers of residents and businesses will result in more waste.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY IN WHICH ALL CAN PROSPER

Sustainability Objective EC1: To retain existing jobs and create new employment opportunities

Timeframe L Geographic Scale Primarily L/U but with district-wide benefits Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new

30 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL development increases Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments The significant development, regeneration and town centre retail, tourism and accessibility initiatives planned for Ulverston under this policy will help to support existing jobs and attract new businesses to the area by raising skills levels and creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. Tackling local transport issues and allowing for small-scale economic development in Local Service Centres will also support businesses and industries in the area. As Ulverston is the district’s second principle service centre, the benefits of this policy will support Ulverston residents, residents of it’s hinterland and visitors alike.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as other initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective EC2: To improve access to jobs

Timeframe M Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy specifically seeks to provide development to attract new jobs and support existing jobs. It also seeks to address transport and accessibility issues and provide improved public transport and a wider choice of sustainable modes of transport including walking and cycling all of which should help to improve people’s physical access to jobs. The policy also seeks improvements to the education infrastructure although some aspects of practicable access, involving barriers other than physical limitations to accessing jobs, such as securing suitable childcare and obtaining the right skills will need to be addressed primarily by other policies and initiatives.

Sustainability Objective EC3: To diversify and strengthen the local economy

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments The significant development, regeneration and town centre retail, tourism and accessibility initiatives planned for Ulverston under this policy will help to support existing jobs and attract new businesses to the area by raising skills levels and creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. Tackling local transport issues and thus improving access and travel times and options will also support existing businesses and industries and attract new ones as well as allowing for small- scale economic development in Local Service Centres will further support businesses and industries in the area. The town’s existing features and strengths, including heritage, culture and tourism, will be built upon, again attracting new businesses to the town and helping to retain existing employers. All these aspects will contribute to strengthening and diversifying the local economy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as the work of partners and wider initiatives in order to meet this objective

31 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Appraisal Recording and Scoring

Sustainability Appraisal of Core Strategy Key

Impact Timeframe Geographic Scale Major Positive +4 Short Term S Local L Positive +2 Medium Term M District Wide D No Impact 0 Long Term L Urban U Negative -2 Rural R Major Negative -4 Uncertain ?

Comments and Mitigation : (describe nature of impact; reasons for impact assessment and score; and suggestions for mitigation)

CS3 Ulverston and Furness CS3.2 Ulverston Canal Head and Corridor

SOCIAL PROGRESS

Sustainability Objective SP1: To increase the level of participation in democratic processes

Timeframe S Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments It is accepted that with regards the LDF, the key driver for this objective will be through the SCI and document consultations rather than planning policies themselves. However, the regeneration of the Ulverston Canal area should create opportunities for people to be involved in democratic processes through public involvement and consultation on the works that take place there. As Ulverston is a Principal Service Centre, it is likely that this policy will support this objective with regards residents of the Ulverston area as well as those living elsewhere in the district.

Sustainability Objective SP2: To improve access to services & facilities, the countryside & open spaces

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L/U Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

32 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments The regeneration of Ulverston Canal Head and corridor seeks to provide new facilities offering opportunities for leisure and recreation and provision of public open spaces as well as improving links between this areas and Ulverston Town Centre, supporting efforts to improve access to services and facilities. The location of the Canal corridor on the edge of Ulverston, adjacent the open countryside means that accessibility from the town to the countryside will also be improved.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS3.1, CS8.3 and CS10.1 and other initiatives in order to fully meet this objective

Sustainability Objective SP3: To provide everyone with a decent home

Timeframe S Geographic Scale L/U Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

33 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments The regeneration of Ulverston Canal Head and corridor seeks to include residential development and thus will contribute to meeting the overall housing needs. However, this policy does not seek to cover the ‘decent’ aspects of this objective. Development costs, which will be exacerbated by the need for redevelopment of existing buildings and brownfield land and possibly contamination remediation as well as the location, likely to be desirable due to canal side and coastal location may restrict the provision of affordable housing under this policy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported in achieving the ‘affordable’ and ‘decent’ aspects of this objective by other policies, such as CS1.1, CS3.1, CS6 policies and CS8.8 as well as the work of partners, namely housing associations.

Sustainability Objective SP4: To improve the level of skills, education and training

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to improve the level of skills, education and training, however, the development of a main employment area at the Canal Head/Canal Corridor area should present opportunities for apprenticeships, training and similar that companies/businesses might provide but also through mutual relationships between such companies/businesses and educational establishments and wider educational initiatives.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS3.1 and those in CS7 as well as the work of partners in order to meet this objective fully • Consider adding reference to opportunities for training in bullet 2 of the policy

Sustainability Objective SP5: To improve the health and sense of well-being of people

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L/U Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The regeneration of the Canal head/corridor area, including provision of jobs, tourist attractions (which can also be utilised by residents) and leisure and recreation facilities should all contribute to the health and sense of wellbeing of particularly Ulverston residents as well as residents of other areas of South Lakeland and visitors. The most direct benefits to this objective from this policy might be in the development of cycling and walking linkages between the canal area and the town centre and railway station; these should support people in leading healthier lifestyles and the in the provision of an improved recreation/leisure route along the canal to the coast.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such asCS8.3, those in CS9 and CS1.1 in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective SP6: To create vibrant, active, inclusive and open-minded communities with a strong sense of local history

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L/U Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

34 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments The redevelopment and regeneration of the Canal head/corridor area, including the enhancement of tourist attractions (which can also be utilised by residents), leisure and recreation facilities and foot and cycle links should all contribute to the vitality and inclusiveness of Ulverston. The town’s strengths such as it’s festival town reputation, unique town centre, public realm and the canal as a recreational and biodiversity resource will be built on under this policy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by the full range of other policies as well as wider initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective • Canal regeneration could include heritage trail/interpretation boards about the history of the canal and it’s role in the town’s development

EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Sustainability Objective EN1: To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity

Timeframe S-M Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does seek to enhance the biodiversity of the Canal area and provides a key opportunity to do so. However, regeneration of the Canal head/corridor area is likely to involve redevelopment of existing buildings and development of brownfield land, both of which can be important for wildlife, often more so than open greenfield land. The Canal corridor is adjacent to and physically linked to, the Morecambe Bay SAC and is adjacent a County Wildlife Site so there is potential for harm to wildlife and loss of habitat and care will need to be taken.

Mitigation • Ensure that the Core Strategy is clear about the local and wider importance of those species, habitats and geological features that are important but not fortunate enough to be designated, how they will be protected and to what extent • This policy will need to be supported by wider initiatives by partner organisations and national and international policies as well as policies CS1.1, CS3.1, CS8.1, CS8.5 and CS8.6 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding reference to protecting existing biodiversity value and improving quality of existing habitat for existing wildlife • Consider adding reference to proximity and potential impacts on Morecambe Bay Ramsar/SAC • Consider referring to adjacent County Wildlife Site • Consider adding reference to improving water quality and possibly to abstraction

Sustainability Objective EN2: To conserve and enhance landscape quality and character

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy seeks to improve the landscape and enhance the wider natural environment. This is likely to be through aesthetic improvements to the edge of the built up area that will be made through the redevelopment of existing buildings in the canal area, some of which are vacant and in need of renovation as well as through the use of other brownfield sites and public realm improvements. This should improve the general look of the area as well as views into the town and out of town through the canal area towards the open countryside and the coast, although particular attention will need to be paid to the design of new building development and other features of the scheme.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS1.1, CS3.1, CS8.1, CS8.2 and CS8.5 as well as landscape assessments in order to fully meet this objective

35 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

Sustainability Objective EN3: To improve the quality of the built environment

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L/U Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments The regeneration of the Canal head/corridor area is likely to involve redevelopment of existing buildings and the use of brownfield land to provide housing and employment as well as leisure and recreation facilities. This policy also seeks to enhance the public realm and the wider environment as well as helping to address flood risk issues at the site. This should improve the general look of the area as well as views into the town and out of town through the canal area towards the open countryside, although particular attention will need to be paid to the design of new building development and other features of the scheme.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.2, CS8.7 CS8.8 and CS8.9 in order to fully meet this objective

SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Sustainability Objective NR1: To improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and reduce need to travel

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L/U Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy seeks to provide improved links between Ulverston’s railway station, the town centre and the canal area using foot and cycle routes which will enable people to move around the town more easily without using their cars and thus should reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality. However, the significant development that is proposed under this policy for the Ulverston canal area is likely to increase the numbers of businesses and residents and thus increase the numbers of journeys and vehicles on the town’s roads. This policy does not specifically seek to promote renewable energy or energy efficiency, though the significant development proposed could provide opportunities for such measures under other policies.

Mitigation • This policy will need the support of other policies such as CS1.1, CS3.1, CS8.1, CS8.8 and CS10 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider including how the vision for Ulverston’s Canal Head/corridor area will contribute to addressing climate change.

Sustainability Objective NR2: To improve water quality and water resources

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score 0

36 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to improve water quality or resources. The regeneration of the Ulverston canal area may not result in increased pressure on water resources and water infrastructure/wastewater works as new homes, employment and other developments will partly be replacing existing developments. There will however be potential for water pollution from construction and from new businesses. Care will also need to be taken where any remedial action on contaminated sites takes place. Water quality is particularly relevant in the canal area due to the presence of and physical link to the Morecambe Bay SAC.

Mitigation • This policy needs to be supported by other policies in order to meet this objective including CS1.1 and CS8.8 in order to secure the installation of water use efficiency measures in new developments • Consider adding specific reference to improving water quality in the canal and possibly to abstraction

Sustainability Objective NR3: To restore and protect land and soil

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L/U Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The regeneration of the Canal head/corridor area is likely to take place primarily through the redevelopment of existing buildings and the use of brownfield land. There is potential for the remediation of contaminated land. The provision of employment and housing in this area will help to minimise the take-up of greenfield land required to meet employment and housing needs, thus protecting land and soil from development.

Mitigation • This policy will require the support of other policies such as CS6.6 in order to fully meet this objective. • Consider adding reference to use of brownfield land and existing buildings as well as contaminated land remediation

Sustainability Objective NR4: To manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling. The significant regeneration development under this policy will require minerals/materials to be used for construction and will generate waste during construction and throughout the operational life of developments as increased numbers of residents and businesses will result in more waste.

Mitigation • This policy will require support from other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.8 and CS8.10 and the work of Cumbria County Council as the authority dealing with waste disposal and minerals in order to meet this objective. Mutual support with local/wider waste management and recycling/composting initiatives will also be necessary to encourage people to create less waste and recycle more • Waste depot in the canal area may need to be incorporated into regeneration scheme.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY IN WHICH ALL CAN PROSPER

Sustainability Objective EC1: To retain existing jobs and create new employment opportunities

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

37 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy specifically seeks to provide a range of employment and business opportunities and to facilitate economic development in the area. The significant regeneration planned for this area of Ulverston under this policy will help to support existing jobs and attract new businesses to the area by creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. Proposals under this policy to provide new tourism, leisure and recreation facilities will also help to support the local economy generally, helping to ensure that existing jobs in that sector are secure and that new jobs are created.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as other initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective EC2: To improve access to jobs

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy specifically seeks to provide a range of employment and business opportunities and to facilitate economic development in the area. It also seeks to improve linkages within the town, particularly between the town centre and rail station and the canal area and including walking and cycling routes, which should help to improve people’s physical access to jobs. Aspects of practicable access, involving barriers other than physical limitations to accessing jobs, such as securing suitable childcare and obtaining the right skills will need to be addressed primarily by other policies and initiatives.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS3.1 and those in CS7 CS9.1 and CS10.1 as well as other initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective. • Consider adding reference to opportunities for training in bullet 2 of the policy

Sustainability Objective EC3: To diversify and strengthen the local economy

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy specifically seeks to provide a range of employment and business opportunities and to facilitate economic development in the area. The significant regeneration in the Ulverston canal area under this policy will help to support existing jobs and attract new businesses to the area by creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. The town’s existing features and strengths, including heritage, culture and tourism, will be built upon attracting new businesses to the town and helping to retain existing employers. All these aspects will contribute to strengthening and diversifying the local economy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as the work of partners and wider initiatives in order to meet this objective

Appraisal Recording and Scoring

38 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Sustainability Appraisal of Core Strategy – Issues and Options Key

Impact Timeframe Geographic Scale Major Positive +4 Short Term S Local L Positive +2 Medium Term M District Wide D No Impact 0 Long Term L Urban U Negative -2 Rural R Major Negative -4 Uncertain ?

Comments and Mitigation : (describe nature of impact; reasons for impact assessment and score; and suggestions for mitigation)

CS4 Cartmel Peninsula

SOCIAL PROGRESS

Sustainability Objective SP1: To increase the level of participation in democratic processes

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? No Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments It is accepted that with regards the LDF, the key driver for this objective will be through the SCI and document consultations rather than planning policies themselves. However, supporting the wider viability and vitality of Grange and the Cartmel Peninsula villages should facilitate opportunities for people to be further involved in democratic processes. As Grange is a Key Service Centre, it is likely that this policy will support this objective with regards Grange residents and those living in the wider area.

Sustainability Objective SP2: To improve access to services & facilities, the countryside & open spaces

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

39 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments Moderate development is proposed to take place in Grange and this policy specifies some key developments and regeneration that have the potential to improve overall access to services and facilities for Grange residents in particular but for those living in the catchment area and wider hinterland of the Cartmel Peninsula also. This policy also seeks to develop new integrated health facilities, a cluster of facilities and attractions, public and wider sustainable transport improvements including reinstated access over the railway line to the promenade and some further small-scale retail space. Significant issues of access may still remain for rural residents, especially those without their own transport.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS8.3 and CS10.1 and other initiatives in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding specific reference to the development of a swimming pool • Consider adding more specific reference to access and facilities for settlements other than Grange • Consider adding reference to walking as well as cycling routes

Sustainability Objective SP3: To provide everyone with a decent home

Timeframe M Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as the cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +4

40 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy stipulates that Grange will expand to accommodate moderate residential development and other settlements in the Cartmel peninsula will also accommodate some housing development, taking into account the housing needs of the area. Plans for economic development to support existing and provide new local employment opportunities should contribute to minimising the house price : income ratio and thus improve housing affordability.

Sustainability Objective SP4: To improve the level of skills, education and training

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as the cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to improve the level of skills, education and training, however, the promotion of opportunities for start-up and growing businesses and of an entrepreneurial culture in Grange may present opportunities for apprenticeships, training and similar, which could be provided by companies/businesses on-site and through mutual relationships with educational establishments and wider educational initiatives. The policy also seeks to improve wider education infrastructure where population increases require this.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as the work of partners in order to meet this objective fully

Sustainability Objective SP5: To improve the health and sense of well-being of people

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The wider regeneration implications of this policy for Grange such as redevelopment of the Berners area, which includes an integrated health facility, along with increased provision of jobs, enhancement of tourist attractions (which can also be utilised by residents) and a vitalised and viable town centre should all contribute to the health and sense of wellbeing of Cartmel peninsula residents. Other benefits to this objective from this policy might be in the development of increased opportunities for cycling and walking due to the proposed improvements to cycling and walking routes, which should support people in leading healthier lifestyles.

Sustainability Objective SP6: To create vibrant, active, inclusive and open-minded communities with a strong sense of local history

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

41 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments The wider regeneration implications of this policy for Grange such as redevelopment of the Berners area, increased provision of jobs, enhancement of tourist attractions (which can also be utilised by residents) and a vitalised and viable town centre should all contribute to the vitality and inclusiveness of Grange in particular. Local issues will be addressed and the town’s strengths such as the Victorian and Edwardian character, coastal resort reputation and high number of specialist, independent shops will be built on under this policy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by the full range of other policies as well as wider initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding more specific reference to supporting the vibrancy, inclusivity and open-mindedness of settlements in the Cartmel peninsula other than Grange

EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Sustainability Objective EN1: To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to protect or enhance biodiversity or geodiversity. However, the policy does aim to improve the network of green spaces in the area and to safeguard and enhance the natural environment. Moderate development is proposed for Grange, much of which will be around the edges where the town meets the wider countryside and other settlements in the peninsula will also accommodate some development. The peninsula juts out into the Morecambe Bay SAC and is home to the Morecambe Bay Pavements SACs and to a number other green, currently undeveloped areas, including other designated sites so there is potential for harm to wildlife and loss of habitat.

Sustainability Objective EN2: To conserve and enhance landscape quality and character

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to conserve or enhance landscape quality or character, however, it does aim to improve green spaces in the area and to safeguard and enhance the natural environment as well as protecting the green gap between Grange and Allithwaite. Moderate development is proposed for Grange, much of which will be around the edges where the town meets the wider countryside and other settlements in the peninsula will also accommodate some development, thus, there is potential for harm to the quality and character of the landscape.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.1 and CS8.2 as well as landscape assessments in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding specific reference to conserving and enhancing the landscape

Sustainability Objective EN3: To improve the quality of the built environment

Timeframe M-L 42 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The moderate new development in and around Grange under this policy will provide opportunities to improve the built environment, for example in the Berners area, which will involve the regeneration and redevelopment of a large area that currently includes brownfield land, the existing vacant pool building and the old lido. This policy also seeks to promote high quality contemporary design to complement and enhance the distinctive Victorian/Edwardian townscape of Grange, as well as improving the network of green spaces.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.2, CS8.7 and CS8.8 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding specific reference to the Conservation Areas, for example, the recent appraisals and forthcoming management plans as well as the value of the Conservation Areas to Grange’s and Cartmel’s characters • Consider adding reference to localised flooding issues

SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Sustainability Objective NR1: To improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and reduce need to travel

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy seeks to improve public transport, cycling and walking routes in the Cartmel peninsula, all of which should contribute to improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the moderate development that is proposed under this policy for the Grange area is likely to increase the numbers of businesses and residents and thus increase the numbers of journeys and vehicles on the area’s roads. This policy does not specifically seek to promote renewable energy or energy efficiency, though the moderate development proposed could provide opportunities for such measures under other policies.

Mitigation • This policy will need the support of other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.1, CS8.8 and CS10 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider including how the vision for the Cartmel peninsula will contribute to addressing climate change.

Sustainability Objective NR2: To improve water quality and water resources

Timeframe M Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score 0

43 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to improve water quality or resources. The moderate development proposed for Grange as well as more modest development in other settlements in the peninsula means that more pressure will be put on water resources and water infrastructure/wastewater works and there will be greater potential for water pollution from construction and from new businesses. This is particularly relevant in the Cartmel peninsula due to the presence oflow-lying land and the proximity of the Morecambe Bay SAC. Development of greenfield land will decrease the area of land available for water to soak away and could increase the potential for flooding.

Sustainability Objective NR3: To restore and protect land and soil

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to restore or protect land and soil. Moderate development is proposed for Grange, much of which will result in the expansion of the town beyond it’s existing boundaries and more modest development is planned in other settlements in the peninsula thus, moderate greenfield land take-up will be required. However, this policy will provide opportunities for the use of brownfield land and existing buildings through the redevelopment of the Berners area.

Mitigation • This policy will require the support of other policies such as CS3.2 and CS6.6 in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective NR4: To manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste or encourage recycling. The moderate development and regeneration under this policy will require minerals to be used for construction and will generate increased waste during construction and throughout the operational life of developments as increased numbers of residents and businesses will result in more waste.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY IN WHICH ALL CAN PROSPER

Sustainability Objective EC1: To retain existing jobs and create new employment opportunities

Timeframe L Geographic Scale Primarily L/U but with wider benefits

44 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The development, regeneration, retail, tourism and accessibility initiatives planned for Grange under this policy will help to support existing jobs and enable new business start-ups in the Cartmel peninsula by raising skills levels and creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. Tackling local transport issues and allowing for small-scale economic development in Local Service Centres will also support businesses and industries in the area. As Grange is a key service centre, the benefits of this policy will support Grange residents, residents of the wider peninsula and visitors alike.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as other initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective EC2: To improve access to jobs

Timeframe M Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy specifically seeks to provide development to enable new business start-ups in the Cartmel peninsula and support existing jobs. It also seeks to address transport and accessibility issues and provide improved public transport and a wider choice of sustainable modes of transport including walking and cycling all of which should help to improve people’s physical access to jobs. The policy also seeks improvements to the education infrastructure although some aspects of practicable access, involving barriers other than physical limitations to accessing jobs, such as securing suitable childcare and obtaining the right skills will need to be addressed primarily by other policies and initiatives.

Sustainability Objective EC3: To diversify and strengthen the local economy

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments The development, regeneration, retail, tourism and accessibility initiatives planned for Grange under this policy will help to support existing jobs and enable new business start-ups in the Cartmel peninsula by raising skills levels and creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. Tackling local transport issues and thus improving access and travel times and options will also support existing businesses and industries and attract new ones. Allowing for small-scale economic development in Local Service Centres will further support businesses and industries in the area. The town’s existing features and strengths, such as the Victorian and Edwardian character, coastal resort reputation and high number of specialist, independent shops will be built upon, again attracting new businesses to the town and helping to retain existing employers. All these aspects will contribute to strengthening and diversifying the local economy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as the work of partners and wider initiatives in order to meet this objective

45 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

Appraisal Recording and Scoring

Sustainability Appraisal of Core Strategy – Issues and Options Key

Impact Timeframe Geographic Scale Major Positive +4 Short Term S Local L Positive +2 Medium Term M District Wide D No Impact 0 Long Term L Urban U Negative -2 Rural R Major Negative -4 Uncertain ?

Comments and Mitigation : (describe nature of impact; reasons for impact assessment and score; and suggestions for mitigation)

CS5 The East (including Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale)

SOCIAL PROGRESS

Sustainability Objective SP1: To increase the level of participation in democratic processes

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? No Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments It is accepted that with regards the LDF, the key driver for this objective will be through the SCI and document consultations rather than planning policies themselves. However, supporting the wider viability and vitality of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale as Key Service Centres should facilitate opportunities for people to be further involved in democratic processes. As these Key Service Centres serve a large rural hinterland, it is likely that this policy will support this objective with regards residents of these settlements and those living elsewhere in the east.

Sustainability Objective SP2: To improve access to services & facilities, the countryside & open spaces

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2

46 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comm ents and Mitigation Comments The development proposals for Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale in this policy such as new retail space and sustainable transport improvements have the potential to improve overall access to services and facilities for residents of those settlements in particular but for those living in the wider hinterland of the east area also. The maintenance and enhancement of tourism in the area should also support the retainance and provision of new facilities, which can be used by residents as well as tourists. Significant issues of access may still remain for rural residents, especially those without their own transport.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS8.3 and CS10.1 and other initiatives in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding reference to allotments

Sustainability Objective SP3: To provide everyone with a decent home

Timeframe M Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as the cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +4

47 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy stipulates that Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale will expand to accommodate moderate residential development and that several other settlements in the east will also accommodate some housing development, taking into account the housing needs of the area. Plans for economic development to support existing and provide new local employment opportunities should contribute to minimising the house price : income ratio and thus improve housing affordability.

Sustainability Objective SP4: To improve the level of skills, education and training

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as the cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to improve the level of skills, education and training, however, the promotion of opportunities for start-up and growing businesses in the east area may present opportunities for apprenticeships, training and similar, which could be provided by companies/businesses on-site and through mutual relationships with educational establishments and wider educational initiatives. The policy also seeks to improve wider education infrastructure where population increases require this.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as the work of partners in order to meet this objective fully

Sustainability Objective SP5: To improve the health and sense of well-being of people

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The support for new businesses and existing for jobs, enhancement of tourism (which can also provide facilities for residents) and a vitalised and viable town centre advocated in this policy should all contribute to the health and sense of wellbeing of residents in the east area. Other benefits to this objective from this policy might be in the development of increased opportunities for cycling and walking due to the proposed improvements to cycling and walking routes, which should support people in leading healthier lifestyles.

Sustainability Objective SP6: To create vibrant, active, inclusive and open-minded communities with a strong sense of local history

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies Impact Score +4

48 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments The support for new businesses and existing for jobs, enhancement of tourism (which can also provide facilities for residents) and a vitalised and viable town centre advocated in this policy should all contribute to the vibrancy and inclusiveness of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale in particular. Local issues will be addressed and the area’s strengths such as tourism and the high quality environment will be built on under this policy.

EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Sustainability Objective EN1: To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +4 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to protect or enhance biodiversity or geodiversity except within the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. However, the policy does aim to improve the network of green spaces in the area and to safeguard and enhance the natural environment. Moderate development is proposed for the east area particularly in the Key Service Centres of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale, much of which will be around the edges of settlements where towns and villages meet the wider countryside. The area is home to the Arnside and Silverdale AONB and to a high quality landscape, including other designated sites; the area is also adjacent to the Morecambe Bay SAC so there is potential for harm to wildlife and loss of habitat.

Sustainability Objective EN2: To conserve and enhance landscape quality and character

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to conserve or enhance landscape quality or character except in the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, however, it does aim to improve green spaces in the area and to safeguard and enhance the natural environment as well as protecting a series of green gaps including at Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale. Moderate development is proposed for the east area particularly in the Key Service Centres of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale, much of which will be around the edges of settlements where towns and villages meet the wider countryside, thus, there is potential for harm to the quality and character of the landscape.

49 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

Sustainability Objective EN3: To improve the quality of the built environment

Timeframe M-L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The moderate new development in and around the Key Service Centres of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale, as well as other villages and hamlets under this policy will provide some opportunities to improve the built environment, for example in the re-use of existing buildings and the use of brownfield land. This policy also seeks to promote high quality contemporary design to protect and enhance the character and local distinctiveness of the area, as well as improving environmental characteristics and the network of green spaces.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.2, CS8.7 and CS8.8 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider adding specific reference to Conservation Areas, for example, the recent appraisals and forthcoming management plans as well as the value of Conservation Areas to the characters of those settlements with such a designation • Consider adding reference to allotments

SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Sustainability Objective NR1: To improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and reduce need to travel

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy seeks to improve public transport, cycling and walking routes in the east area, all of which should contribute to improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the moderate development that is proposed under this policy for the east area is likely to increase the numbers of businesses and residents and thus increase the numbers of journeys and vehicles on the area’s roads. This policy does not specifically seek to promote renewable energy or energy efficiency, though the moderate development proposed could provide opportunities for such measures under other policies.

Mitigation • This policy will need the support of other policies such as CS1.1, CS8.1, CS8.8 and CS10 in order to fully meet this objective • Consider including how the vision for the east area peninsula will contribute to addressing climate change.

Sustainability Objective NR2: To improve water quality and water resources

Timeframe M Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score 0

50 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to improve water quality or resources. The moderate development proposed for Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe as well as more modest development in other settlements in the area means that more pressure will be put on water resources and water infrastructure/wastewater works and there will be greater potential for water pollution from construction and from new businesses. This is particularly relevant in the east area due to the presence of the Arnside and Silverdale AONB and the proximity of the Morecambe Bay SAC. Development of greenfield land will decrease the area of land available for water to soak away and could increase the potential for flooding.

Sustainability Objective NR3: To restore and protect land and soil

Timeframe L Geographic Scale L Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to restore or protect land and soil. Moderate development is proposed for the area under this policy, much of which will result in the expansion of the Key Service Centres and other settlements beyond their existing boundaries, thus, moderate greenfield land take-up will be required. However, this policy will facilitate opportunities for the use of brownfield land and existing buildings.

Mitigation • This policy will require the support of other policies such as CS3.2 and CS6.6 in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective NR4: To manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste and encourage recycling

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of development increases Impact Score 0 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy does not specifically seek to manage mineral resources sustainably, minimise waste or encourage recycling. The moderate development under this policy will require minerals to be used for construction and will generate increased waste during construction and throughout the operational life of developments as increased numbers of residents and businesses will result in more waste.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY IN WHICH ALL CAN PROSPER

Sustainability Objective EC1: To retain existing jobs and create new employment opportunities

Timeframe L Geographic Scale Primarily L/U but with wider benefits Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new

51 APPENDIX 4 – SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The development, retail, tourism and accessibility initiatives planned for the east area under this policy will help to support existing jobs and enable new business start-ups in the area by raising skills levels and creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. Tackling local transport issues and allowing for small-scale economic development in Local Service Centres will also support businesses and industries in the area. Development in the Key Service Centres of Milnthorpe and Kirkby Lonsdale should benefit not only residents of these settlements but residents of the wider area and visitors alike.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as other initiatives and the work of partners in order to fully meet this objective.

Sustainability Objective EC2: To improve access to jobs

Timeframe M Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments This policy specifically seeks to provide development to enable new business start-ups in the east area and to support existing jobs. It also seeks to address transport and accessibility issues and provide improved public transport and a wider choice of sustainable modes of transport including walking and cycling routes all of which should help to improve people’s physical access to jobs. The policy also seeks improvements to the education infrastructure although some aspects of practicable access, involving barriers other than physical limitations to accessing jobs, such as securing suitable childcare and obtaining the right skills will need to be addressed primarily by other policies and initiatives.

Sustainability Objective EC3: To diversify and strengthen the local economy

Timeframe L Geographic Scale D Cumulative Impact? Yes, in conjunction with other policies and as cumulative total of new development increases Impact Score +2 Comments and Mitigation Comments The development, retail, tourism and accessibility initiatives planned for the east area under this policy will help to support existing jobs and enable new business start-ups in the area by raising skills levels and creating an attractive and vibrant environment in which businesses and industries can thrive and be mutually supportive and interactive. Tackling local transport issues and thus improving access and travel times and options will also support existing businesses and industries and attract new ones. Allowing for small-scale economic development in Local Service Centres will further support businesses and industries in the area. The area’s existing features and strengths, such as the high quality environment and attractiveness for tourism will be built upon, again attracting new businesses to the town and helping to retain existing employers. All these aspects will contribute to strengthening and diversifying the local economy.

Mitigation • This policy will need to be supported by other policies such as those in CS7 as well as the work of partners and wider initiatives in order to meet this objective

52 APPENDIX 5 – CONSULTATION STATEMENT

South Lakeland Local Development Framework

Core Strategy Publication

Draft Consultation Statement

Published June 2009

Lawrence Conway, Director (Communities) South Lakeland District Council www.southlakeland.gov.uk/ldf

Contents

Page No

1 Introduction 3 - 4

2 Consultation – Issues and Options 4

3 Consultation – Preferred Options 4 - 27

Appendices

A Core Strategy Preferred Options Interim Consultation Statement 28 April 2008

B DPD Bodies – Consultees and Respondents at Preferred 28 - 46 Options Consultation

C Preferred Options Consultation – Schedule of Comments and Council Response

D Preferred Options Comment Form 47 - 48

Core Strategy Publication

Publication Core Strategy Consultation Statement

1 Introduction

Purpose of Document

1.1 This document sets out how South Lakeland District Council has involved the community and the various stakeholders in the preparation of the publication Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD). The document will show how the District Council has complied with Regulation 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 on public participation in the preparation of a development plan document. It will set out, for each stage of the consultation process so far, the following items, in line with Regulation 27.

• Which bodies and persons the local planning authority invited to be involved in the plan preparation under Regulation 25 (who was consulted?) • How these bodies and persons were invited to be involved (methods used for consultation) • A summary of the main issues raised by representations • How any representations made have been taken into account.

Later, the document will form one of the specified documents that must be submitted in the submission of the Core Strategy under Regulation 30. It will accompany a statement (relating to Regulation 28 - representations to publication Core Strategy) which will set out the number of representations received on the publication plan and a summary of the main issues raised by any representation received.

South Lakeland Core Strategy

1.2 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a new planning system, which requires Local Planning Authorities to prepare Local Development Frameworks to replace existing Local Plans. Like the Local Plans, the Local Development Framework (LDF) will set out strategies and policies to determine future development including the determination of day-to-day planning applications. South Lakeland’s LDF will apply to the area of South Lakeland outside the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The Framework will contain a range of documents detailing different aspects of spatial planning for the District. For more information on the South Lakeland LDF see http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/ldf

1.3 The Core Strategy is the first DPD to be prepared as part of the LDF for South Lakeland. It will set out the overall strategy for development in the District and will provide the strategic context for the production of other DPDs. These include the Allocations of Land DPD and the Kendal Canal Head Area Action Plan DPD.

3 1.4 A key aim of the new-style planning system is to enable more effective and inclusive public consultation as part of plan making procedures. This document sets out how we have involved and consulted with the public and stakeholders during the production of the publication Core Strategy and how representations and comments made were taken into account.

2 Consultation – Issues and Options

Regulatory Requirements

2.1 There was no formal requirement for a consultation statement to accompany consultation on a Preferred Options DPD. However, an ‘interim’ statement accompanying the South Lakeland Core Strategy Preferred Options was published, which

• Set out the results of consultation on the Core Strategy Issues and Options report (November 2005), and • Showed how the Council has addressed the resulting issues in the Core Strategy Preferred Options document (March 2008).

The statement is contained within Appendix A and can be found at the following website http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/ldf

3 Consultation – Preferred Options

Regulatory Requirements

3.1 The consultation on the Core Strategy Preferred Options April 2008 was undertaken in accordance with the 2004 Regulations and South Lakeland District Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement (September 2006).

The Core Strategy preferred options report was informed by the feedback received from the Issues and Options Consultation. It includes a strategic vision and a set of ten strategic objectives. It also includes ten preferred option policies relating to the spatial development strategy. Three of which set out the spatial context (PO1 - Locational Strategy, PO2 - Rural Area and PO3 - Distribution of Development). The other seven relate to topic areas (PO4 - Balanced Housing Market, PO5 - Sustainable Economy, PO6 - Town Centres and Retail Strategy, PO7 - Green Infrastructure, PO8 - Accessibility and Transport, PO9 - Sustainable Development Principles and PO10 - Developer Contributions.

The Core Strategy preferred options introduced the concept of ‘functional areas’ relating to the five key service centres. Each key service centre had its own ‘functional area’, which was the subject of an area strategy. Local Service Centres that did not fall within one of the five key service centre functional areas were the subjects of one of two other area strategies (remaining Local Service Centres west and remaining Local Service Centres east). The area strategies contained options relating to preferred directions of growth. The Core Strategy preferred options report also contained seven core policies PO18 - Gypsies and Travellers,

4 PO19 - Travelling Showpeople, PO20 - Tourism, PO21 - Education and Skills Development, PO22 - Community Wellbeing, PO23 - Built Heritage and PO24 - Sustainable Resources.

Requirements of Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

3.2 The Council’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) was adopted on 13 th September 2006. Consultation on the Core Strategy Preferred Options was undertaken in accordance with the SCI. A copy of the SCI can be found on the Council’s website at http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/ldf Its requirements state:

Who to Consult? • We will consult with specific consultation bodies, as set down in Appendix C of SCI • Seek to ensure that relevant interests and stakeholders are consulted using the list of community interests ‘matrix’, (Appendix D of SCI) to help identify relevant community interests and organisations, which may represent them • Seek to ensure that relevant interests and stakeholders are consulted selecting relevant organisations from the consultee list in Planning Policy Statement 12 (repeated at Appendix C of SCI). Those with an asterisk are those we think are likely to be most relevant to the South Lakeland LDF documents • Consult and engage effectively with hard-to-reach groups by using the community interests matrix at Appendix D, consulting with relevant organisations and seeking further advice from bodies including Voluntary Action Cumbria, Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Police. The SCI considers that hard-to-reach groups might include young people, older people, working families, some in dispersed rural communities, people with disabilities and minority ethnic groups and immigrants. • Consult members of the general public and other consultees who may not be referred to in Appendix C and D of the SCI but who are included on the consultee database. The database includes along with organisations/stakeholders referred to in Appendix C and D those members of the public who wish to be consulted on LDF documents. The database is continuously monitored and updated where necessary.

How to Consult? • Use consultation methods 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9 in the document (page 13 - formal public participation) which would require:

Method 1 - Making documents available at libraries and Council offices and making them available to consultees on the database by letter or email with a link to the Council’s website

Method 2 - Making documents available on the Council’s website, with opportunity to respond by email or web form (directly to the consultation database)

Method 3 - Publishing press notices in the Westmorland Gazette and North West Evening Mail, with details of where and when documents can be inspected and how and when to respond. Advice will be sought from the Council’s Communications Officer on use of press releases, articles and radio interviews

Method 4 - Making full use of existing channels of community representation and standing forums (e.g. Councillors of South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria County Council (within the District), Town and Parish Councils, Cumbria Association of Local Councils,

5 South Lakeland Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) and relevant Task Groups, Neighbourhood Forums of Cumbria County Council, Town Regeneration Partnerships - Kendal, Ulverston and Low Furness, Grange-over-Sands and Residents’ Associations)

Method 5 - Liaising with key stakeholder groups

Method 9 - Use of the Council Newsletter

• Consider the use of following methods, where relevant and time and resources allow.

Method 6 - Using questionnaires to focus comments on issues we want to discuss. Where a representative district-wide sample is helpful, Cumbria voice (a Citizens’ panel of 500 Cumbria residents) will be used.

Method 7 - Using exhibitions, displays or road shows. The media, posters and leaflets may be used to promote these

Method 8 - Use of focus groups and other interactive meetings

Method 10 - Arranging meetings with local communities

Method 11 - Consult secondary schools and colleges

Method 12 - Use 3-D computer modelling

• Select consultation methods to suit particular consultee groups (in accordance with guidance contained in a table on page 14).

Who We Consulted at the Preferred Options Stage

3.3 Public consultation took place on the Core Strategy Preferred Options DPD for six weeks from 18 th April - 30th May 2008. We consulted directly, by letter or mail, with approximately 1,000 consultees this being the total number of LDF Consultees on the database at the time. These comprise the specific consultation bodies and general consultation bodies with whom it was considered appropriate and relevant to consult. It was considered that the organisations on the database adequately represented hard-to-reach groups. The consultees and respondents are listed in Appendix B (these do not include members of the public).

How We Consulted at the Preferred Option Stage

3.4 We took account of the adopted SCI and considered/used the methods listed in the document, in the six week public consultation from 18th April 2008 - 30th May 2008. The period for accepting comments was extended two weeks beyond the six week statutory period, this was to ensure that people who became aware of the consultation in the latter stages of the statutory period who were wishing to make a representation had sufficient time to make their representation. We also prepared a consultation plan in advance of the start of the consultation period:

6 Required Methods

1. Documents - We made available the Core Strategy Preferred Options Report and related documents for inspection at libraries in the LDF area and SLDC offices and sent (or sent information on their availability) by letter or email to all those on the LDF Consultee database. We also offered to provide a on CD or paper format on request 2. Website - The consultation documents were made available on the Council website to view and download, with the comment form available in Word, PDF and web-form (to enter comments directly into the consultation database). 3. Media - There was extensive press coverage in the Westmorland Gazette on 14 th March 2008 when Cabinet first approved the Consultation Report. The formal statutory press notice was displayed in the press release issued to the Westmorland Gazette and North West Evening Mail on 18 th April 2008. Press releases were sent to all local press and radio stations. Paid advertisements of the details of exhibitions and drop-in open consultation days were placed in the Westmorland Gazette (A4 on 18 th April 2008), Citizen and Messenger (A5 on 15 th April 2008, and A4 on 30 th April 2008), Grange Now (A4 on 1 st May 2008) and North West Evening Mail (A4 on 18 th April 2008 and full page on 26 th April 2008, with editorial). Posters of displays and events were sent to local radio stations, requesting promotion of open consultation days. The Development Plans Manager undertook a radio interview on 18 April 2008 and later in May with BBC Cumbria, Lakeland and the Bay Radio Station. Posters were also sent to all libraries, post offices, supermarkets, Parish Councils, village halls and a range of local shops with a polite request that they be displayed somewhere prominent for the duration of the consultation. 4. Existing Channels - • Councillors of South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria County Council (CCC) (within the District) were consulted by letter with a CD of documents enclosed. • All Town and Parish Councils including Parish Plans Groups were consulted by a letter with paper copy of the Preferred Options report and a CD of others. Parish Councils outside the (adjacent) boundary of the LDF area were consulted by letter only with a CD of all documents. An A4 poster of displays and events were sent to all Parish Councils in and adjoining the LDF area on 10th /11 th April 2008, with a request that they be displayed on local notice boards. An email with the poster attached was also sent to South Lakeland District Councillors. • All executive members of South Lakeland LSP and Chairman of Task Groups were consulted by letter or e-mail. Presentations and/or briefings on the Core Strategy to the following main task groups were made as follows:

- Health and Well Being Task Group 20 th March 2008 - Jobs, Skills and Regeneration Task Group 10 th April 2008 - Affordable Housing Task Group 11 th April 2008 - Quality Environment Task Group 16 th April 2008 - LSP Executive Meeting 8 th May 2008

• Town Regeneration Partnerships were consulted by letter or email (Kendal Futures Board, Ulverston and Low Furness Market Towns Initiative and Grange 3 Ps Group) • All Resident’s Associations were consulted by post or email. • Kendal, Upper Kent, Kent Estuary, Kirkby Lonsdale, Grange over Sands, Ulverston/Low Furness and Grizebeck Neighbourhood Forums were made aware of consultation through a letter/email sent to CCC Neighbourhood Development Department.

5. Key Stakeholder Groups - All key stakeholder groups, as listed in the LDF consultation database were consulted by letter/email.

9. Council Newsletter - The December 2007 newsletter featured a general information report on the LDF, including the Core Strategy and Kendal Canal Head Area Action Plan (AAP), with invitation to register on the consultation database in advance of public consultation. The consultation was promoted in the centre page feature in South Lakeland News, which was sent to all households on the week beginning 19 th May 2008.

Other Methods Used

6. Questionnaire - A response form rather than a questionnaire was sent out with consultation letters and emails and placed on the website in PDF and as a web-form. The form was designed to obtain comments on specific parts of the document, in particular whether there was support, support in part or opposition to any part of the document and an indication of an explanation of reasons for supporting or opposing against said part of the document as well as any change(s) or new options to be considered. The form also gave an opportunity for general comments to be made. It was not considered necessary to also use Cumbria Voice.

7. Exhibitions, Leaflets and Posters - ‘Static’ unmanned displays were positioned at the following locations with time indicated: • South Lakeland House SLDC offices Kendal (18 th April - 9 th May 2008) • Westmorland Shopping Centre Kendal (9 th - 16 th May 2008) • Ulverston Coronation Hall (18 th April - 30 th May 2008) • Grange Victoria Hall (18 th - 25 th April & 9 th - 16 th May 2008) • Milnthorpe Library (25 th April - 2 nd May & 16 th - 23 rd May 2008) • Kirkby Lonsdale Library (2 nd - 9 th May and 23 rd - 30 th May 2008)

The displays explained the document’s purposes and opportunity to comment, summarised the main issues and preferred options, and illustrated the proposed Area Strategies. A document holder or table to hold response forms was also provided as part of the displays. Two further displays were provided to support any public meetings and to ‘travel’ to open days relating to method ten below. An easy to read summary was also produced and made available alongside consultation documents and a response form. Large numbers were made available to be distributed with comment forms at open consultation meetings and any other presentations . About 120 letters with posters were sent on the 10 th and 11 th April 2008 to Post Offices, supermarkets, convenience stores, and public halls requesting that it be displayed. The poster informed the public of the consultation and consultation events. A twenty to thirty minute presentation was created in power point format, as a start to any public meeting.

10. Community Meetings - Open Consultation Events were convened, with 2 officers present in each Key Service Centre and in selected villages based around the following electoral wards (Whinfell, Crooklands, Burneside, Levens, Burton and Holme, Cartmel and Holker, Kirkby Ireleth, Crake Valley and Low Furness/Swarthmoor). The meetings held are indicated below: Full Days

8 • Grange over Sands Victoria Hall: Friday 2 nd May 2008 9am - 8pm • Kendal Town Hall: Wednesday 7 th May 2008 9am - 8pm • Milnthorpe Methodist Chapel Hall: Friday 9 th May 2008 9am - 8pm • Kirkby Lonsdale Institute: Monday 12 th May 2008 9am - 8pm • Kendal Westmorland Shopping Centre: Wednesday 14 th May 2008 9am - 5pm • Ulverston Coronation Hall: Thursday 15 th May 2008 9am - 8pm

Half Days • Arnside Educational Institute (Arnside and Beetham electoral ward): Friday 16 th May 2008 1pm - 8pm • Gleaston Village Hall (Low Furness and Swarthmoor electoral ward): Tuesday 20 th May 2008 1pm - 8pm • Endmoor Village Hall (Crooklands electoral ward): Wednesday 21 st May 2008 1pm - 8pm • Lower Holker Village Hall (Cartmel and Holker electoral ward): Thursday 22 nd May 2008 1pm - 8pm • Old Hutton Village Hall (Whinfell electoral ward): Wednesday 23 rd April 2008 1pm - 8pm • Burton Parish Hall (Burton and Holme electoral ward): Tuesday 27 th May 2008 1pm - 8pm • Kirkby in Furness Community Centre (Broughton/Kirkby Ireleth electoral ward): Monday 28 th April 2008 1pm - 8pm • Sedgwick Village Hall (Natland electoral ward): Tuesday 29 th April 2008 1pm - 8pm • Burneside electoral ward no event - proximity to Kendal • Crake Valley electoral ward no event - proximity to Ulverston

The following consultation methods were considered but not used, in view of the nature of the document and their implications for time and resources:

8. Focus Groups

11. Schools and Colleges - Secondary schools and colleges within the LDF area were consulted by letter and e-mail.

12. 3 D Modelling - Not considered necessary, as proposals are of a general nature rather than designs for specific sites.

Summary of the Main Issues and How the Main Issues Were Addressed in the Publication Core Strategy

3.5 This section summarises the effectiveness of public engagement in the development of the publication Core Strategy, highlights common issues that were raised at preferred options, and summarises the main issues raised during the consultation and how they are addressed in the publication Core Strategy.

Appendix B lists the bodies (organisations and individuals) consulted directly by letter or email on the Core Strategy Preferred Options document and who responded to the consultation.

Appendix C is a schedule of comments made in response to the consultation on the

9 Preferred Options document and Comment Form (Appendix D) and sets out a proposed Council response with actions/recommendations. The schedule is grouped by category accordingly: • Members of the public. • Council bodies (County and Unitary and District Local Authorities and Town and Parish Councils). • Organisations.

Effectiveness of Engagement

Level of Response - Quantity We consulted directly, by letter or email, with about 1,000 Consultees who were on the LDF Consultee database at the time. A total of 1,661 respondents made representations to the document, these comprised a mix of residents, individuals, businesses and interest groups as well as local, regional and national agencies to the preferred options document. An illustration of how effective the consultation has been can be shown in the additional numbers of respondents received (approximately 1,300 consultees were added to the database as a direct result of the consultation the majority of which were members of the public. We consulted 125 members of the public, in total 1,009 members of the public responded with representations). This could be taken as a positive sign of how the Council has been effective in engaging with the public in terms of raising public awareness about the consultation.

Nature of Response - Types of Respondents As is shown in Appendix B, the majority of specific consultation bodies responded to the consultation, the exception being the Strategic Health Authority (Cumbria Primary Care Health Trust) and some utility providers (Transco, Telecommunications Bodies) did not respond, alongside some adjoining local authorities.

A wide range of interest groups responded to the consultation; these related to local business interests, house builders and other property developers, education interest groups, community groups representing different parts of the district, environment interest groups, tourism and economic development interest groups and housing interest groups.

A number of Parish/Town Councils (eighteen out of forty nine) and District Council members also made detailed responses and there has been continuous engagement since the preferred options report with members and Parish/Town councils in the development of the publication Core Strategy.

Nature of Response - Types of Response The responses ranged in terms of level of detail and content/subject matter. A significant proportion of the representations to the Preferred Options document related to the Area Strategies (PO11-PO17). Members of the public, Parish Councils, business interest groups, and community groups representing different locations primarily made these representations. They were often detailed in nature and related to the alternative and preferred directions of growth and consequently were not strategic in nature due to their site-specific nature. Many of these comments were concerned that areas of land were being allocated for development through the preferred options report and consequently were opposed to the ‘proposals’. However, these types of responses also raised questions regarding levels of development proposed in a settlement and issues with infrastructure capacity and needs relating to settlements. Such comments were used to help inform the

10 drafting of spatial policy relating to area strategies and different individual settlement needs.

It is considered that the majority of the other types of responses covered ground relating to different aspects of the Core Strategy, particularly with respect to the locational strategy (spatial distribution and amounts of development), vision and objectives, structure, core policies on rural areas, housing, tourism, economic development, and the environment.

In many cases, comments related to the need for greater explicit reference to certain topic areas particularly with respect to the environment and need for further evidence on certain topic areas.

It is considered that the level of detailed comment received across all aspects of the Core Strategy in a quantitative and qualitative sense is evidence of effectiveness of engagement.

Overview of Consultation Response

3.6 Common Issues Highlighted below and expanded on in greater detail in the table showing main issues are some common cross cutting issues that arose from the preferred options Core Strategy.

Areas of support There was broad support for many of the principles in the preferred options from respondents. Members of the public gave strong support for priority being given to the delivery of affordable housing and the meeting of other local needs across the district regardless of location. Organisations gave detailed support to the full range of subjects and policies subject to provision of further text/information being needed. There was general consensus for support to the concept of having a hierarchy/classification of service centres. There was also support for Kendal and Ulverston being classified as principal service centres (however, it was queried how this conforms with the North West RSS service centre classifications). There was also support for classification of Kirkby Lonsdale, Grange over Sands and Kirkby Lonsdale as key service centres.

Alternative Options A few alternative options were suggested mainly with respect to the following (others are mentioned in the table below in paragraph 3.7): • Lowering overall scale of housing and employment development at the district wide level. In terms of housing the overall targets have been set within the adopted RSS, so this is not considered a reasonable alternative. With respect to employment development, without any further more robust up to evidence base regarding employment land needs, it is considered that a lowering of targets cannot be justified and consequently this was not considered a reasonable alternative. • Making affordable and local occupancy housing requirements more flexible i.e. less restrictive and lower in value. Following discussions with the housing industry and the results of the housing viability study this alternative option has been considered as reasonable and is reflected in the publication Core Strategy. • Making affordable and local occupancy housing requirements even more restrictive than proposed in preferred options. It is considered that this is not a reasonable alternative as a more restrictive approach would mean that a number of sites would be unviable, with the net effect of delivering fewer affordable houses (given that contributions will continue to provide the majority of affordable housing units in the

11 areas). • A more balanced distribution of development across settlements with more development in Local Service Centres and less in key service centres and principal service centres particularly Kendal. Development levels should not be based on the concept of functional areas. These are now reflected in the publication Core Strategy. • Alteration to the rationale behind the derivation of criteria relating to Local Service Centre classification.

Structure A large number of responses related to the structure of the preferred options report stating: • It is considered too lengthy and at times detailed in nature almost appearing as a draft Core Strategy. The publication document is more succinct in its detail and content and with the removal of preferred directions of growth is purely strategic in focus. It includes four area strategies which are based on the spatial functional relationship of settlements that fall within each area (Kendal, Rural Kendal, Ulverston and Furness and the Cartmel Peninsula). • Strategic objectives should relate to how they will address the key issues. The publication document provides a clear thread of how the objectives and policies will address the key issues. • Remove reference to preferred directions of growth. The publication document removes all reference to preferred directions of growth. In terms of addressing representations relating to the preferred directions of growth in the Area Strategies these have been noted and have been included as forming part of the on-going prepublication participation on the Allocations of Land DPD (note that comments relating to spatial/area strategy for settlements have been considered in the development of the publication Core Strategy as shown in Appendix C). • Remove reference to functional areas and restructure area strategies accordingly. The publication document has removed reference to the concept of functional areas and the area strategies have been revised to reflect this. • A need for Core policies relating to biodiversity, landscape character and the coast. The publication document includes a separate policy on the coast, on biodiversity and on landscape character.

Evidence A number of responses related to gaps in the evidence base particularly with regard to the following topic areas: • Climate change • Renewable energy (limited information on this matter) • Economic development needs (requirement for a comprehensive up to date review of employment land needs exploring types and sizes of different types of employment throughout the district) • Biodiversity/ecology (it is not always considered clear how the Core Strategy is addressing matters regarding impact on ecological services and biodiversity) • Landscape character assessment (it is not clear whether the authority has undertaken a landscape character assessment). • Role of historic environment

The gathering of evidence is continuous, additional evidence will be obtained and existing evidence reviewed during the life span of the Core Strategy. Policies are flexible to reflect

12 changing circumstances in light of new evidence. There is a full commitment to ensure that gaps in the evidence base are plugged as and when necessary.

Infrastructure A significant number of responses mainly from members of the public related to infrastructure needs and capacity and whether new growth can be accommodated in view of a general assumption that existing levels of infrastructure capacity are at critical levels particularly in relation to: - Roads and poor access - Schools - Health facilities (GP’s and dentists) - Waste water supply (sewerage capacity)

In view of these comments, further engagement with strategic infrastructure providers and schools and GP’s was undertaken. The main aim was to obtain further evidence of the scale of any existing infrastructure deficits at both district and settlement level. The results of this engagement are shown in the monitoring and implementation framework.

Conformity with National Planning Policy Statements and the Adopted North West Regional Spatial Strategy (September 2008)

The publication Core Strategy is considered to be in general conformity with national planning policy statements. Government Office for the North West (GONW) did not express any issue of non-conformity with national planning policy statements as shown in their representations or ongoing informal advice in drafting the publication Core Strategy. However, GONW did raise the issue in their representation that a number of policies in the preferred options report lack local distinctiveness particularly (PO7-PO9 and PO20, PO22- 24). The publication Core Strategy has addressed this issue and ensures that policies are locally distinctive. Four area strategies, each with a bespoke vision, clear set of issues and policy explaining how district wide issues are expressed in these logical spatial areas have been included in the publication Core Strategy ensuring that it is locally distinctive.

The publication Core Strategy is considered to be in general conformity with adopted regional planning policy for the North West. The North West Regional Assembly in their representation to the preferred options report gave broad support, but did raise concern regarding PO2 in terms of how it can be implemented in the absence of settlement boundaries being defined.

Key Stakeholder Comments (Specific Consultation Bodies)

The majority of key stakeholders (specific consultation bodies) concern and issues relating to the preferred options report are reflected in the summary of main issues table below. It should be noted the majority of these comments were generally in support of the Core Strategy though some key stakeholders did express concerns regarding the following which have been addressed in the publication Core Strategy as mentioned either in the above text or in the table below these being: - Cumbria County Council (concept of functional areas, need to ensure housing policy requirements are flexible, need to expand on renewable energy policy) - Natural England (more explicit reference throughout the vision, objectives and policy to need to conserve and enhance the natural environment)

13 - English Heritage (greater evidence base regarding the role of the historic environment) - Parish Councils (expressions of concern regarding levels of development in a number of service centres in context of perceived lack of need for development in some cases at a district level and also infrastructure deficits/lack of capacity).

Summary of Main Issues

3.7 The main issues raised in the Preferred Options consultation are summarised in the table below. They have been listed under the chapter headings of the Publication Core Strategy; however, the Preferred Option policies are referenced next to them as contained in the Preferred Option Core Strategy document. The table also sets out how the main issues are addressed in the Publication document.

Summary of Main Issues How Main Issues are addressed in Publication Core Strategy Introduction (cross reference to vision, main issues and spatial objectives)

Some respondents considered that more The publication Core Strategy has been written in clarification was needed with respect to: such a way as to ensure a “golden thread” of content around the key issues which have been identified in • How the issues in the South the SCS (accessing services, housing, employment, Lakeland Community Strategy the environment and health and wellbeing). These are (SCS) relate to the key issues first introduced in the spatial portrait/key issues highlighted in the preferred section of the publication Core Strategy and then options document used as the structural basis for the rest of the Core • How the objectives tackle the Strategy. So the objectives have now been key issues repackaged around the 5 key issues, with a more specific focus on how the objectives will address the key issues.

The spatial objectives now include further detailed information on the natural environment, including Some respondents stated that there is a gap numerous sub objectives outlining how the strategy in the spatial objectives in relation to how the will help to protect and enhance the unique character natural environment will be protected and of the District. enhanced (landscape, biodiversity and geodiversity)

Some respondents considered that there is Specific reference is made in the vision to the issues not enough evidence of how: of climate change and flood risk. The Council’s evidence base includes a Strategic Flood Risk • The key issues of climate change Assessment. There is an intention to use recent and flood risk are to be addressed, Communities and Local Government grants to this is not established in the vision undertake further studies

Consultation responses from neighbouring authorities have been fully considered in developing the publication Core Strategy. The neighbouring authorities through representations raised no • Cross boundary issues have been significant concerns. The publication document does

14 considered if at all make specific reference to spatial relationships between SLDC and adjoining areas. The Council has worked jointly with the Lake District National Park authority on infrastructure planning.

Further detailed infrastructure planning work has been undertaken since the preferred options stage to underpin the development of the publication Core Strategy. This is documented elsewhere in the Core Strategy documents. • Infrastructure requirements have been tackled

A significant number of respondents supported the vision and spatial objectives and were in agreement as to the nature of the key issues as addressed

Spatial Strategy (cross reference to PO1/PO2/PO3/PO9)

Respondents objected in the main to the use of:

• Concept of functional areas. There The Council has revised its approach towards was belief that the rationale for “functional areas”, acknowledging that there was proposing higher levels of insufficient evidence to show functional areas in the development in service centres of Core Strategy on the basis of the criteria suggested in similar status based on the the preferred options report and the confusion it was reasoning of them being located in likely to create in implementing the Core Strategy. close proximity to principal and key Rather than a delineated functional area, the service centres is flawed. Also a publication Core Strategy now focuses on method for judging which understanding the nature of any relationship between settlements should be included in a settlements in the area strategies and devising functional area was called into policies that are appropriate to these circumstances. question as some settlements we excluded are actually nearer/more accessible than those we included e.g. around Milnthorpe • An alternative option was suggested to remove all reference to functional areas (option 6 of PO1) and to treat settlements as individual communities.

Respondents supported the preferred option The publication Core Strategy continues to support for: the principle of delineating green gaps between settlements, where necessary. Further work will be • Retaining existing and designating undertaken in advance of preparing the Allocations of new green gaps Land DPD to ensure that there is a clear justification for the location and extent of individual gaps.

15 The publication Core Strategy represents a more dispersed development pattern when compared to that proposed in the preferred options report. The levels of development in the Principal Service Centre of Kendal and Key Service Centres has been Many respondents were supportive of a reduced, whilst there has been a small increase in the preferred option for a more evenly area of development in the Local Service Centres and distributed amount of development particularly in the other, small rural settlements. suggesting therefore an alternative to option 1 in PO3 for a reduction in the amount of Proposals for a “new settlement” were not considered development for the Principle Service as a reasonable alternative in preparing the preferred Centres of Kendal and Ulverston and also options report. The principles of sustainable the 3 Key Service Centres of Grange-over- development can be used either in support of, or in Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe opposition to, new settlements.

However, the size of any new settlement is crucial to An alternative option was consideration for a whether it can be considered sustainable, since the new settlement. larger the settlement, the more self contained it is likely to be. Research demonstrates that new settlements would need to be in the order of 10,000 dwellings or more to minimise travel to work by car, maximise the viability of public transport and attract a wide range of employment opportunities. This is significantly higher than the residual housing requirement in the area over the next 15 years.

Even in buoyant locations, there are likely to be marketing (and possible viability) difficulties in trying to concentrate too much private housing development in a single location and difficulties in finding suitably large sites that could be justified in sustainability terms.

The publication Core Strategy does not propose to define settlement boundaries outside of the Service Centres. This is on the basis of the greater degree of flexibility and response to meeting local needs and promotion of rural diversification. It is felt that this approach is consistent with the recommendations of the Taylor Review into rural housing and economy and the government’s own response to that report. To define settlement boundaries for each settlement would run counter to the concept of setting a grouped development “target” for these areas, and require a Respondents gave differing levels of support clear early prediction as to amounts of development for PO2, some supported Option 1, as this which would be appropriate in each and every would allow for greater flexibility and location at the start of the plan. therefore response to local needs and promotion of rural diversification. Others The classification for Local Service Centres (LSCs) questioned the implementation of PO2 has been developed since the preferred options where boundaries are not defined and document. Whilst the preferred options report therefore suggested that an alternative suggested that LSCs should be designated on the option be proposed for defining boundaries. basis of having 5 out of 6 key services, it was felt that this required further thought. Particularly as such an approach suggests that each of the 6 criteria are of equal importance to functioning as a Local Service

16 Centre, which is perhaps not the case. Instead, the draft Core Strategy has identified LSCs on the basis of having 3 core/essential factors - a local shop, primary school and “good public transport accessibility”. However, this has only led to very minor changes in those settlements listed - with Heversham/Leasgill being excluded on the basis of Respondents raised issues with how Local lacking a local shop. Service Centres have been designated. It was not clear how criteria has been weighted, some representations related to inaccuracies in the written text (as recorded in Appendix C) calling into question the robustness of evidence The publication Core Strategy includes a detailed monitoring and implementation framework. The development targets are now less prescriptive, with grouped targets for the Key Service Centres, Local Service Centres and smaller rural settlements.

Broader development needs are included through the publication Core Strategy. Wherever possible these have been included within the relevant area strategies to ensure that the strategy is locally distinctive.

The requirement to protect high quality and versatile agricultural land from development is established in national and regional policy and therefore it is Key stakeholders (Government Office and unnecessary to repeat it here. Cumbria County Council respectively) stated the need to: The publication Core Strategy continues to prioritise the use of previously developed land and buildings • Establish a clear monitoring above greenfield land. mechanism for circumstances where development targets are breached over periods of time putting into question whether an Safeguarding and enhancing biodiversity is included alternative option in PO3 should be throughout the publication Core Strategy and has put forward for less prescribed been made more explicit. targets i.e. ranges? • Ensure development needs relate not just to housing and employment but cover other land use types such as minerals and waste

• Lack of any explicit reference to the need for protection of high quality and versatile agricultural land from development

Respondents strongly supported priority for re-use of brownfield land and buildings over

17 the use of greenfield land.

Respondents raised concern with PO9 in how it: • Does not include reference to safeguarding and enhancing ecosystems

Area Strategies Kendal Area (PO11)

Respondents raised concerns regarding: The amount of development proposed for Kendal has • Amount of proposed development been reduced since the preferred options report, both for employment and housing on in terms of housing and employment land. This will account of existing infrastructure reduce the need for development of greenfield land deficits and likely adverse impact on on the edge of Kendal. environmental capacity i.e. flood risk and traffic congestion. Suggest alternative option for a lower development target The publication Core Strategy supports in principle • Loss of green gaps between the retention of strategic green gaps, including Oxenholme and Kendal and between Oxenholme and Kendal and Burneside in Burneside and Kendal. Support for Kendal, as per objectives for protecting landscape preferred option for their retention; character. The publication Core Strategy outlines a no impact on their integrity should commitment to defining the specific extents for green be allowed gaps in the Allocations of Land DPD, to ensure that it is considered at the same time as finding the most appropriate development sites to meeting all land use requirements up to 2025.

The publication Core Strategy is supported by evidence: including the Kendal Transport Assessment Respondents raised support for preferred and a retail assessment. The Kendal Transport option that tackles key issues of need to: Assessment identified a recommended mitigation • Address traffic congestion and strategy to deal with the impact of further parking concerns development, and this did not support the • Support vitality and viability of development of a northern relief road. Kendal Town Centre • Support for redevelopment of The publication Core Strategy sets out the strategic Kendal Canal Head context of the development of the Kendal Canal Head area, which is being produced as a separate area Respondents required clarification/reasoning action plan document. for why the option of a northern relief road was not included as a preferred option.

Area Strategies Ulverston and Furness (PO12/PO17)

Respondents supported the principle of Given the strategic importance of the Ulverston Canal redevelopment of Ulverston Canal Head and Corridor, it has been included within the Employment Area through a masterplan but publication Core Strategy as a strategic site. This questioned its deliverability. establishes the broad framework for the comprehensive redevelopment of the site, with further exploration into the deliverability of the scheme

18 through another planning document in the LDF at a later date.

The publication Core Strategy retains the same levels of development for Ulverston as put forward in the Respondents raised concern with the preferred options report on account of its principal proposed levels of development for service status and evidence of development needs. Ulverston on account of likely adverse An appendix that outlines the work undertaken since impact on highways network and in context the preferred options stage to develop understanding of existing infrastructure deficits for all types of critical infrastructure constraints and requirements of services. There was significant concern to support development levels up to 2025 supports that all development will be in one location. the publication Core Strategy. An alternative option was suggested for lowering development targets and concentrating development within existing settlement boundaries although it was The publication Core Strategy continues to refer to a accepted that development outside of number of “paired” settlements such as Great and centres would be acceptable to a degree if Little Urswick acting jointly as a service centre. This serving local needs is not to undermine the individual character of the settlements - which will be further protected by green Respondents objected to designation of gap designations where necessary - but rather in Great and Little Urswick as a single Local acknowledgement of the fact that due to the very Service Centre. Support though for a new close geographical proximity of these settlements green gap to be designated between the two effectively local residents are served by services communities. provided within both settlements.

The publication Core Strategy has been restructured so as to include area strategies that reflect the logical spatial split of areas. The Ulverston and Furness area strategy makes explicit reference to the relationship with Barrow in Furness and the rest of Furness.

General concerns from respondents regarding lack of reference in preferred option to the relationship of the area with The publication Core Strategy supports in principle Barrow and rest of Furness. Strategy should the retention of strategic green gaps, including compliment the strategy for remainder of between Ulverston and Swarthmoor, as per objectives Furness. A number of people suggested for protecting landscape character. The publication waiting to see what the strategy for Barrow Core Strategy outlines a commitment to defining the in Furness and surrounding area is likely to specific extents for green gaps in the Allocations of be to ensure that there is a co-ordinated Land DPD, to ensure that it is considered at the same approach. time as finding the more appropriate development sites to meeting all land use requirements to up 2025. Respondents supported option for retention of green gap between Ulverston and There is continued emphasis in the publication Core Swarthmoor Strategy for addressing this issue.

It is felt that the spatial development strategy within the Core Strategy identified an appropriate approach to tourism and recreation development proposals over the next 15 years. The publication Core Strategy includes objectives for Ulverston and Furness regarding supporting and enhancing tourist attractions with a clear focus on Ulverston in the first instance

19 rather than open countryside. Respondents supported option that supports the delivery of addressing the relative inaccessibility of the Furness area to the rest of Cumbria and NW Region

Lake District Economic Futures Study recommended that a recreational development area be identified in the northern part of the Furness Peninsula, for new commercial attractions surrounding the national park and accessible to residents of the areas to the south and west of the Lake District Area Strategies Cartmel Peninsula (PO13)

Respondents raised major concerns with The amount of development proposed for Grange respect to: over Sands has been reduced since the preferred options report, both in terms of housing and • Proposed scale of development for employment land. This will reduce the need for Grange over Sands, Allithwaite and development of greenfield land on the edge of Grange Cartmel on account of existing over Sands. infrastructure deficits/capacity and adverse impact on local environment. The publication Core Strategy proposed grouped Suggest alternative option for lower targets for development across the settlement targets hierarchy. The exact scale and level of development • Particular concerns regarding scale of supported will be dependent on individual character growth in Cartmel, the community should and impact on environmental capacity, existing see limited growth on account of need to size/role and infrastructure provision, and the desire preserve its tourism and historic appeal to meet the need for affordable housing as locally as possible.

See earlier comments on functional areas.

Respondents widely objected to the concept of the Grange over Sands functional area See earlier comments on green gaps.

Respondents supported retention of green gap between Allithwaite and Grange and the designation of a green gap between Cark and Flookburgh and between Flookburgh and Ravenstown The publication Core Strategy supports the Respondents gave support in the main for: regeneration of Berners Close Car Park and Lido Site • Regeneration of Berners Close Car in the area strategy for Grange over Sands. Park and Lido site There is continued emphasis in the publication Core Strategy on support for tackling this issue. • Strategy that focuses on catering for local needs with reference to need for retaining young people and addressing demographic issues • Strategy that promotes the tourism appeal of the area Area Strategies Rural Kendal (PO11/PO14/PO15/PO16)

Respondents expressed concerns with: The publication Core Strategy proposed grouped • Scale of proposed level of targets for development across the settlement development particularly in hierarchy. The exact scale and level of development Burneside, Natland, Oxenholme, supported will be dependent on individual character Holme, Burton in Kendal, and impact on environmental capacity, existing Heversham/Leasgill, Kirkby size/role and infrastructure provision, and the desire Lonsdale, Milnthorpe and Levens to meet the need for affordable housing as locally as on account of infrastructure deficits possible. e.g. impact on sewerage network, limited school and medical care An appendices that outlines the work undertaken facilities, and poor level of general since the preferred options stage to develop local shopping/service/community understanding of critical infrastructure constraints and facilities and adverse impact on requirements to support development levels up to environment and likely traffic 2025 supports the publication Core Strategy. growth. Suggestions in all cases for alternative options for lower growth targets. See earlier comments regarding Local Service Respondents objected to: Centres. • Designation of Heversham/Leasgill as a Local Service Centre See earlier comments regarding functional areas. • Concept of Milnthorpe functional area and the methods employed for deriving such an area and which settlements would be included in it See earlier comments regarding green gaps.

Respondents supported: • Retention of green gaps between Oxenholme and Kendal and also Burneside and Kendal, Milnthorpe and Ackenthwaite and the designation of a green gap between Natland and Kendal and Milnthorpe/Heversham and Leasgill The publication Core Strategy includes specific policy • Option for prioritising local needs content in the area strategy as per the request of the development AONB group. Furthermore, specific cross-references are made to the Management Plan and Action Plan. Respondents stated that: • The document does not endorse the fact that two Local Service Centres are in the AONB (Arnside and Sandside/Storth)

Core Policies

Accessing Services (PO8)

Respondents supported the preferred option The publication Core Strategy includes further for: detailed proposals for how improvements to public • Improving access to public transport transport across the whole district will be across whole district but this implemented.

21 requires a clear implementation plan • Promoting sustainable transport Each of the area strategies includes proposals initiatives such as use of travel relating to promoting cycling and walking. plans, promoting cycling and Furthermore the draft Core Strategy includes policies walking, consequently their were on managing the transport impact of individual some concerns that the preferred development schemes and more generally about option is prioritising support for improvement accessibility to services. essential road infrastructure improvements over sustainable The publication Core Strategy makes it clear that transport options essential road infrastructure improvements may be required over the next 15 years - but does not state that these will be pursued rather than more sustainable transport options.

The publication Core Strategy includes a core policy of mitigating the transport implications of development Respondents raised major concerns proposals. More generally, the strategy seeks to regarding: direct new development to those areas which are • How new development can utilise already served by public transport and seeks use of access to sustainable transport developer contributions to deliver necessary initiatives and not cause further improvements to sustainable transport provision in the congestion and environmental harm locality.

The possibility of a northern relief road for Kendal has been considered as part of the Kendal Transport Assessment. However, this shows no support for a northern relief road. Respondents wanted clearer evidence why alternative option of a northern relief road in Kendal has been discounted.

Health and Well Being (PO7/PO21/PO22)

Respondents gave support to: • Preferred option for delivery of a The importance of green infrastructure is enshrined high quality green infrastructure, its throughout the publication Core Strategy as a important role in enhancing health fundamental element of delivery of a quality and well being needs to be built into environment and also its importance to health and the strategic objectives well being (which are two of the five key issues which need to be addressed).

The publication Core Strategy includes more detailed Respondents considered need for preferred information on demographic change up to 2025. This option to be based on evidence of is included in the spatial portrait, but also considered demographic needs and community needs in in more detail in the context of the development the local communities – this is not clearly strategy and likely changes to demographic make up evident in each of the different areas. It has also been acknowledged in the infrastructure work that supports the Core Strategy, which has considered current and future capacity issues in light of population growth.

Evidence of community needs have been collated through previous consultation, most notably the preferred options report, and incorporated into the

22 publication Core Strategy where Respondents raised questions regarding the appropriate/supported by evidence. existing social infrastructure capacity in all settlements and whether this can cope with new growth particularly with respect to access to medical care, schools and other important social/community facilities such as village/community halls.

Housing to Meet Local Need (PO4/PO18/PO19)

Respondents supported: The Core Strategy continues to prioritise the delivery • Preferred option that prioritises of housing to meet local housing needs, with a delivering houses that relate to local particular emphasis on affordable housing. However, needs especially affordable housing the requirements for contributions towards affordable housing (and local occupancy) have been reduced based on the findings of the Council’s viability assessment and also through ongoing dialogue with the development industry.

Reference to placing a restriction on new housing preventing their use as “second homes” has been • Controls on allowance of new removed from the Core Strategy following on from the development to become a second government’s response to the Taylor Rural Review. home However, the requirements for affordable and local occupancy housing will ensure that the majority of new development is targeted at local people and would not be available to purchasers looking to obtain a second home.

See comments above. The contributions towards affordable housing have been revised downwards on the basis of the findings of the viability study and through dialogue with the development industry. The Some respondents namely developers levels proposed can be seen to be generally viable, expressed major concerns regarding the albeit that there remains flexibility to negotiate on a viability of the preferred option particularly site-by-site basis where this may not be the case. with regard to local occupancy and affordable housing targets. Alternative option See comments above. suggested for less restrictive and prescriptive targets to ensure deliverability of housing land.

Some respondents namely developers supported the option within PO4 for allowing See comments above. Setting a more restrictive increased flexibility through evidence of approach would mean that a number of sites would viability assessment to allow variances to be unviable, with the net effect of delivering fewer requirements in respect to affordable and affordable houses (given that contributions will local occupancy housing. continue to provide the majority of affordable housing units in the area). Some respondents namely members of the public suggested a more strict preferred Detailed information in support of the housing option with respect to provision of housing policies, including the definition of local occupancy, is

23 and that this should only be allowed if it is included in a separate appendix to the Core Strategy. affordable and for genuinely local people. Setting an overall restrictive approach would have implications for the viability of development and also propensity of banks to lend.

Some respondents questioned the wider definition of local occupancy, believing that it should be more restrictive and that it relates The publication Core Strategy includes less only to the immediate locality. prescriptive development targets - including grouped targets for Key and Local Service Centres. This will provide greater flexibility to respond to local circumstances, whilst staying with the broad development framework that seeks to believe a Respondents suggested alternative options balanced distribution of development. for: • Less prescribed housing targets It is felt that it would be too prescriptive to set down in especially in rural areas policy housing densities relating to specific locations. Instead, the core policy on making effective and efficient use of land and buildings will encourage higher densities close to transport hubs and near the centres of the Key Service Centres, whilst acknowledging that in some circumstances a lower density might be supported.

The publication Core Strategy in the Core policy • Setting of housing densities that within the housing section makes reference to lifetime reflect local circumstances i.e. relate homes standards. to location

Aspiration for all new homes to be built to lifetime homes standards by 2013 (see the National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society. Jobs, Skills and Regeneration (PO5/PO6/PO20) Many respondents were not supportive of Reference to support of Shenstone as a strategic site Option 5 in PO5 for provision of a (freestanding employment site) has been removed freestanding site at Shenstone. Those that from the Core Strategy. Further, more detailed were only did so where in accord with feasibility work will need to be undertaken as part of sequential test and where it can be shown the Allocations of Land DPD to support any allocation that it is deliverable for a freestanding employment site.

The publication Core Strategy clearly identifies the provision of an adequate supply of employment land Respondents expressed some objection to as one of the central objectives of the whole strategy. strategy for existing employment land – i.e. More specifically, the core policy on meeting the allowance of some release of employment employment requirement clearly states that due to the land for other uses. A clear evidence base is relative lack of unconstrained and available sites in

24 needed to justify such a policy this is not the district it is necessary to robustly enforce policies clearly evident. aimed at safeguarding and maintaining the best employment sites. However, in conformity with national and regional guidance, sites that have been identified as being uneconomical, severely constrained or otherwise unavailable for future employment use should not be allocated in the LDF. Further consultation on these proposals will be undertaken as the Allocations of Land DPD progresses.

The publication Core Strategy includes less specificity regarding employment land provision that was advocated in the preferred options report, albeit that development will be monitored against the broad development strategy in CS1.2 (Publication Core Respondents not convinced that there is a Strategy document). The strategy supports, in need to break employment provision down to principal, the development of local employment sites settlement level especially in rural areas. in the Local Service Centres without setting individual Consideration be given to alternative option targets, and also supports rural diversification and for rural areas for criteria based policy developing employment sites in rural areas to meet approach (Government Office for the North identified local need. West) The publication Core Strategy includes further detailed information relating to the preferred mix of employment land provision.

Respondents supported option for: The approach towards tourism is included at various • The provision of a diverse economic points throughout the strategy, initially in the district base relating to all employment wide vision and objective, in each of the area types across the district, both rural strategies and also within the core policy on tourism. and non-rural. The general approach is slightly more relaxed than • Retail strategy (PO6) as proposed that proposed in the preferred options report, with a i.e. protection of existing service clear acknowledgement that it will not be possible for centres. all tourism development to be accessible by public • Enhancement of tourism economy, transport. though some different opinions regarding whether a less lenient or The development strategy clearly states that more lenient approach in rural development in any given settlement will be areas should be proposed dependent on a number of factors, including environmental capacity.

• A preferred option that balances commercial demand with environmental capacity (option 2 in PO5 does not do this), suggestion for alternative option to reflect environmental constraints

25 Quality Environment (PO7/PO23/PO24) Respondents gave support to PO7, but The publication Core Strategy highlights protecting would like to see greater reference to the and enhancing the quality environment as one of five concept in its widest sense i.e. providing and central objectives in the Core Strategy. It then goes enhancing the connection of ecosystems on to explore requirements relating to the and ecosystem services environment in each of the area strategies, before introducing a number of core policies intended to ensure that the objectives are realised.

The publication Core Strategy outlines the intention of working towards improving the quality and value of all Respondents suggest alternative options for: open spaces sites. • Upgrading all low value open space where possible The publication Core Strategy states that developer contributions may be levied in relation to green • Developer contributions to green infrastructure. infrastructure in its widest sense The approach towards sustainable construction, energy efficient and renewable energy has been • Extension of 10% threshold to all revised based on feedback from consultees. The new developments otherwise 2008 Planning Act requires policies to address strategic objectives of mitigating climate change to be included in the LDF. The climate against climate change will not be change implications of a new development will need realised. More robust evidence base to be addressed when submitting planning required. Baseline figures are applications. The policy is based on the current needed in order to know how evidence available to the council, but with sufficient reductions will be measured. flexibility to respond to further evidence base work to be undertaken in the near future regarding capacity and viability.

The publication Core Strategy includes a policy relating to the historic environment, which makes clear how the historic environment will be protected and enhanced.

Respondents supportive of PO23 – historic The publication Core Strategy includes a policy environment protection and enhancement, relating to minerals and waste. however, it is not clear how the Core Strategy is considering its effect on the historic environment.

Respondents would like explicit preferred The publication Core Strategy highlights protecting option regarding safeguarding of minerals and enhancing the quality environment as one of 5 resources and reference to need to have central objectives in the Core Strategy. It then goes mineral consultation areas on to explore requirements relating to the environment in each of the area strategies, before introducing a number of core policies intended to Many respondents saw the protection of the ensure that the objectives are realised. environment as the key objective for the Core Strategy and that this should govern all The publication Core Strategy includes separate decisions policies on biodiversity, enhancement of landscape/settlement character.

Respondents requested separate policies relating to biodiversity/ecology and landscape quality/character

Issue regarding need for habitat restoration/creation is not fully explored

Brief Review of Experience and Lessons of Public Consultation

3.8 A number of responses to the Core Strategy made reference to the public consultation process. A summary of a brief review of the experience and lessons of public consultation from the Core Strategy preferred options is included below. It is anticipated that we will consider feedback from the experience and lessons learnt to inform future consultation on LDF documents including the publication of the Core Strategy and reviews of the SCI.

• Advertise in Lancaster newspapers (Lancaster Guardian). • Parish Newsletters to be used as a means of publicising consultation. • Clear attention-grabbing headlines in adverts. • Not considered necessary to write to everyone living in the area but full opportunity should be taken where possible to contact everyone where the consultation period (or by information in advance of consultations) coincides with:

-Council tax mailing, -Bi-annual South Lakeland News.

• Ensure letter with poster distribution states the importance of the topic and therefore of displaying it locally. • Consider fuller briefing and involvement of Cumbria Association for Local Councils (CALC) and Parish Councils and Local Area Partnerships (LAP’s) in future. • Ensure full use of supermarket venues. • Review ease of access to and use of website and online document/response facilities with a better online database to encourage more responses. • Ensure full briefing of all Council members. • Use of plain English and a shorter document.

Suggested Improvements to LDF Consultation Database • Add copy/edit facility to make data input easier. • Could be linked to electoral roll, to import names/addresses directly by Council – only necessary if we are going to write to/email everyone. • Add ‘search and attach’ facility – at present it takes time to scroll through hundreds of responses to find the right one.

27 APPENDIX A

Core Strategy Preferred Options - Interim Consultation Statement April 2009

(Council website)

APPENDIX B

DPD Bodies – Consultees and Respondents at Preferred Options Consultation

* Specific Consultation Bodies

AGENCY RESPONSE British Waterways R Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Civil Aviation Authority Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment Crown Estate Cumbria Partnership NHS Trust Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency Cumbria Vision R Forestry Commission, Lakes Forest District Invest in Cumbria Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust South Lakeland Leisure Sport England - NW Region Sustainability Northwest The Planning Inspectorate The Woodland Trust R

ARCHITECTS RESPONSE ADL Architectural Design Roger Armstrong Baird Architects Chris Barber Mike Batty Ben Cunliffe Architects Martin Boyd R Hilary Brown Chris Bugler Bywater and Tweedale Carnforth Building Design Christopher Rushton/Rhodes Dirk Churchman Clague Pixton Design Peter Clucas Craig and Green

28 Paul Crosby D H Design ARCHITECTS RESPONSE Datum Design Company Derek Hicks & Thew Dryden Johnson Architects Fisher Wrathall Ted Fletcher Ian Gibson Gill Dockray Architects Grange Architectural Services David Greenwood Paul Grout Haigh Architects Noel Hakeman Hanson Walford Mellor Simon Hargreaves Harrison Pitt Architects Hills Erwin Partnership T Hodgson J G Owen, Building Design Service J Wearing & Son Jeffrey & Rigg Ltd JMP Architects Limited John Coward Architects Ltd R John Moore & Partners Terry Johnson M Jolly P Lusted Manning Elliott Architects Mason Gillibrand Architects McMinn Consultancy Roger Newbold R J Oates O'Neil & Petrie Overend Architects Nicholas Pighills Planet South Lakes R G Wood Martin Samman Brian Smith Gordon Smith SRM Building Design William Sutherland R Tarbuck Alan Theaker The Boyd Partnership The Wright Design Partnership Tom Mellor & Partners Tweedale R

29 R A Walker William J Hale Ltd

BANK / BUILDING SOCIETY RESPONSE Abbey National Plc Barclays Bank Bradford & Bingley Cumberland Building Society Furness Building Society Halifax Plc HSBC Bank Plc Leeds & Holbeck Building Society Lloyds TSB Bank Plc Marsden Building Society Natwest Bank Plc Newcastle Building Society Northern Rock Plc Royal Bank of Scotland Skipton Building Society Yorkshire Bank Yorkshire Building Society

CANAL HEAD AAP - LANDOWNERS RESPONSE Ashford Associates Properties Ltd R Bridge House Restaurant Mr and Mrs Broomby Canal Head Garage Co-operative Funeral Services Cumbria Heating Components D M Gould Wholesales DB Outlook Systems Ltd EBSD Support Team (South) Fountains Mr and Mrs Gardner Gawith Hoggarth TT Ltd Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Ltd R x2 Goodacre Carpets of Kendal Ltd HM Architecture Ibex Internet Ltd Kendal Ski Club M.D. Laundry Machines (Kendal) Ltd Mealbank Properties Ltd Mountain Works Ltd Purple Griffon Ltd Samuel Gawith & Co Ltd SBS (Cumbria) Ltd Scout Association

30 Stramongate Press Ltd The Guinea Group CANAL HEAD AAP - LANDOWNERS RESPONSE Whitby & Co

COMMUNITY RESPONSE Arnside Village Society Margaret Belk Carnforth Regeneration Partnership Cartmel Priory C of E School Cartmel Village Society R Casterton School R Castle Walk Residents Association Church Commissioners Croftlands Community Association Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC) Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service Development Overview & Scrutiny Committee Diocesan Board of Finance Tim Farron MP Gallowbarrow Residents Association Grange 3 Ps Group Hallgarth Residents Association House of Lords John Hutton MP R Kendal Athletics Club Kendal College Kirkbie Green Residents Association Kirkbie Kendal School Kirkby Ireleth Affordable Housing Team R K-Village Outlet Centre Lakes Market Towns Partnership Milnthorpe Residents Association Oxenholme Community Association Queen Elizabeth School Queen Katherine School Rinkfield Residents Association Sandylands Residents Association R SE Highgate Residents Association South Lakeland Local Strategic Partnership St Martin's College Summerlands Village Residents Association Ulverston and Low Furness MTI Partnership Ulverston Victoria High School Young Cumbria

COUNCILS RESPONSE Aldingham Parish Council* R Arnside Parish Council* Barbon Parish Council* R Beetham Parish Council* Blawith and Subberthwaite Parish Council* Burneside Parish Council* R Burton-in-Kendal Parish Council* R Casterton Parish Council* R Docker Parish Meeting* Duddon Parish Council* Egton-with-Newland, Mansriggs & Osmotherley Parish Council* Firbank Parish Meeting* Grange over Sands Town Council* R Grayrigg Parish Meeting* Helsington Parish Council* Heversham Parish Council* R x3 Hincaster Parish Meeting* Holme Parish Council* R Hutton Roof Parish Council* Kendal Town Council* R Killington Parish Meeting* Kirkby Ireleth Parish Council* Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council* R Lambrigg Parish Meeting* Levens Parish Council* R Lower Allithwaite Parish Council* R Lower Holker Parish Council* Lowick Parish Council* Lupton Parish Council* Mansergh Parish Meeting* Middleton Parish Meeting* Milnthorpe Parish Council* R Natland Parish Council* R New Hutton Parish Council* Old Hutton & Holmescales Parish Council* R Pennington Parish Council* Preston Patrick Parish Council* R Preston Richard Parish Council* R Sedbergh Parish Council* Sedgwick Parish Council* Skelsmergh and Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council* Stainton Parish Council*

32 Ulverston Town Council* Urswick Parish Council* R COUNCILS RESPONSE Whinfell Parish Meeting* Whitwell & Selside Parish Meeting*

COUNCIL NEIGHBOURS RESPONSE Allerdale Borough Council* Askam and Ireleth Parish Council* Barrow Borough Council* R Broughton East Parish Council* Burrow-with-Burrow Parish Meeting* Carlisle City Council* Colton Parish Council* Copeland Borough Council* Craven District Council* R Crook Parish Council* Crosthwaite and Lyth Parish Council* Cumbria County Council* Dalton with Newton Parish Council* Dent Parish Council* Eden District Council* Fawcett Forest Parish Meetings* Haverthwaite Parish Council* Hawkshead Parish Council* Ireby and Leck Parish Council* Lake District National Park Authority* Lancashire County Council* R Lancaster City Council* R Lindal and Marton Parish Council* Longsleddale Parish Meetings* Millom Parish Council* Millom without Parish Council* North Yorkshire County Council* Orton Parish Council* Priest Hutton Parish Meeting* Silverdale Parish Council* Staveley-in-Cartmel Parish Council* Staveley-with-Ings Parish Council* Tebay Parish Council* Underbarrow and Bradleyfield Parish Council* Upper Allithwaite Parish Council* Whittington Parish Council* Witherslack, Meathop and Ulpha Parish Council*

33 Yealand Conyers Parish Council* Yealand Redmayne Parish Council* COUNCIL NEIGHBOURS RESPONSE Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority*

COUNCIL OFFICER RESPONSE Cumbria County Council Building Programmes Land & Property Manager Cumbria County Council Head of Waste Management Cumbria County Council Spatial Planning Manager Cumbria County Council Transport Policy Officer - Development Control Cumbria County Council Head of Environment Cumbria County Council Principal Policy Officer Cumbria County Council Neighbourhood Development Officer Cumbria County Council Sustainability Manager Cumbria County Council Area Engineer for South Lakeland Cumbria County Council Transport Policy Manager Cumbria County Council Director of Adult Social Care Cumbria County Council Strategy Development Officer Cumbria County Council Strategic Policy Manager Cumbria County Council School Organisation Project Team Cumbria County Council Interim Area Support Manager Cumbria County Council Waste Minimisation & Recycling Officer Cumbria County Council Equality Officer Cumbria County Council - Cumbria Children Services Head of Service and Partnerships

Cumbria County Council Senior School Improvement Officer

Cumbria Strategic Partnership Partnership Officer

Lancashire County Council Principal Planning Officer

Lancaster City Council Principal Tourism Officer

NPS North West Ltd Deputy Practice Manager South Lakeland District Council R Tourism & Marketing Officer South Lakeland District Council Scrutiny Officer South Lakeland District Council Principal Solicitor South Lakeland District Council Culture and Economy Manager South Lakeland District Council Head of Commercial & Technical Services South Lakeland District Council Strategic Director of Customer Services South Lakeland District Council Conservation Officer South Lakeland District Council South Lakeland Crime and Disorder Partnership, Policy Group South Lakeland District Council Strategic Partnerships and Performance Manager South Lakeland District Council Community and Housing Manager South Lakeland District Council R Environmental Protection Manager

34 South Lakeland District Council Waste Development Manager South Lakeland District Council LSP Support Officer, Strategy & Performance COUNCIL OFFICER RESPONSE South Lakeland District Council Parks and Contracts Officer South Lakeland District Council Development Plans Manager South Lakeland District Council Chief Executive South Lakeland District Council Development Control Manager South Lakeland District Council Regeneration and Housing Manager South Lakeland District Council Head of Strategy & Performance South Lakeland District Council Principal Housing Strategy Officer South Lakeland District Council Cemeteries Officer

DEVELOPER / LANDOWNER RESPONSE Acorn (Kendal) R Alan Smith Developments Ltd Ron Allonby Barratt (Manchester) Rosalind Batchelor Blantyre Developments Ltd Briery Homes Ltd Mr Brown John Burch Martin Cannon Michael Connolly Chris J Cookson Country Land and Business Association Cox & Allen (Kendal) Ltd C W Cox & Sons (Kendal) Ltd A Cumberbatch A W Cummings Dalesmoor Homes Ltd Dallam Tower Estate R x2 Jean and Bernard Dawson Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) John and Alyson Dickson Margaret Dodgson M W Downham TD Edmondson Edward Duckett & Sons J English Fred Hall and Son B Gass G & P W (Property) Ltd Peter Heginson S P Hobson Shaun Hodgson JR & BJ Holmes

35 Desmond Holmes Home Builders Federation R DEVELOPER / LANDOWNER RESPONSE Horner Lakeland Developments Ltd Ivan Coates Builders Ltd Mr Jeffries Johnson Teadon and Ham R Johnston Lake District Estates Co. Ltd Lakeland Building Company Ltd Leck Construction Ltd Levens Hall Estate R Lucy Macdonald Magnus Homes Philip Marks J Martindale D Mather Miller Homes, Strategic Land - North West Region, Richard Miller Moorsolve Ltd Dick Palmer Oliver Parsons Neil Price Ltd Norman Jackson Contractors Ltd Northern Affordable Homes Ltd Northern Trust Company Limited Oaks from Acorns Homes D W Parsons R Peill & Co Persimmon Homes Priory Building Richard Lawson & Son Robert Hughes Ltd Robinsons R Russell Armer Ltd R C A Shields Richard Simm Shirley Simm South Cumbria Construction Springstone Homes Les Stewart Story Homes R Mr and Mrs Taylforth Thomas Armstrong Group Ltd Time & Tide Properties TRAC - South Lakes Trafalgar Homes Ltd D H Willacy & Son Ltd L & W Wilson (Endmoor) Ltd A D Wood

36 Wordsworth Homes Anne Wright

ESTATE / LAND AGENT RESPONSE Arnold Greenwood Carigiet Cowen Carter Jonas Cumberland Estate Agents Ltd Cumbrian Properties David Corrie Associates Davis & Bowring R DV North West Hackney & Leigh Halifax Estate Agents Harrison Coward M. B. Hodgson & Son Michael C L Hodgson My New Roof Pearson & Pearson Estate Agents Poole Townsend R & B Estate Agents Richard Turner & Sons R Studholmes Whittaker & Co. Wilson & Partners

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE Department of Work and Pensions

HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS RESPONSE Cumbria Rural Housing Trust Home Group Home Housing Association Housing Corporation Impact Housing Association Ltd Mitre Housing Association South Cumbria Housing Forum South Lakes Housing Two Castles Housing Association

37 INSPECTION POINTS RESPONSE Arnside Library Grange-over-Sands Library Kendal Library Kirkby Lonsdale Library Milnthorpe Library South Lakeland District Council Ulverston Library Ulverston Town Hall

INTEREST RESPONSE Age Concern South Lakeland Aggregate Industries UK Ltd Ancient Monuments Society Arnside Silverdale AONB R Association of Cruising Enthusiasts AWAZ Bangladeshi Community Association Bay Sustainability Action Group Beck Community Centre Blackwell Bourne Leisure Ltd R Brewery Arts Centre British Horse Society British Humanist Association British Trust for Conservation Volunteers David Brockbank Broughton Business Association Broughton Chamber of Trade Business Link for Cumbria C & J Clark Properties Carnforth Area Regeneration Partnership Castle Green Hotel Castle Hagg Allotment Holders Chinese Association Cumbria Churches Together in Cumbria Community Action Furness Community Transport South Lakeland Connexions Council for British Archaeology Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society Cumbria & Lakeland Self Caterers Association Cumbria Arts in Education Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership Cumbria Bridleways Society Cumbria Broadleaves

38 INTEREST RESPONSE Cumbria Chamber of Commerce Cumbria Community Foundation Cumbria Cricket Board Cumbria CVS Cumbria Deaf Association Cumbria Disability Network Cumbria Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers Cumbria Hockey Association Cumbria Inter-faith Forum Cumbria Joint Agency Gypsy and Traveller Strategic Planning Group Cumbria Lawn Tennis Association Cumbria Magistrates Courts Committee Cumbria Outreach Cumbria Probation Service Cumbria RIGS Group Cumbria Rural CAB Cumbria Sport Cumbria Sure Start Cumbria Tourism R Cumbria Wildlife Trust R Cumbria Youth Alliance Disability Action - South Lakeland Distinctly Cumbrian Douglas Wheeler Associates Duddon Estuary Partnership Enterprising Communities Farley Health Products Federation of Cumbrian Amenity Societies Federation of Small Businesses Mike Fell Freight Transport Association Friends of Eden, Lakeland & Lunesdale Scenery Friends of the Lake District (CPRE) R Furness Energy Partnership Furness Enterprise R Furness Greenways Partnership Furness Greenways Partnership Steering Group Furness Line Action Group Furness Multi-Cultural Community Forum Garden History Society Gay Cumbria Glaxo Smith Kline R Gleaston Water Mill Grange & Cartmel Peninsula Trust Grange Civic Society R Grange Rotary Club Grange-over-Sands and District Chamber of Trade Help The Aged

39 INTEREST RESPONSE Henry Cook Limited (Bilerud) Holker Estates Company Limited Home Start South Lakeland Inland Waterway Association R Inter- Faith Forum James Cropper PLC R Jobcentre Plus Kendal & District CAB Kendal & District Cycle Scene Kendal & South Lakeland Affinity Group Kendal and South Lakes Shopmobility Kendal Civic Society R Kendal Ecumenical Group Kendal Futures Board R Kendal Retail Forum Kendal South Westmorland Rotary Club Kirkby Lonsdale Chamber of Trade Kirkby Lonsdale Civic Society R Kirkland Partnership Lake District Peninsulas Tourism Partnership R Lakeland Arts Trust Lakeland Limited Lakes Action Line Lakes Hospitality Association Lancaster Canal Boat Club Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership Lancaster Canal Trust LEADER + Lunesdale Rotary Club Made in Cumbria Manna House Marl International Limited Judith E Martin I Mellor Mental Health Services Mind Morecambe Bay Partnership NACRO National Farmers Union (NW Region) National Offender Management Service (NOMS) R National Playing Fields Association Newland Furnace Trust Richard Newman North West Arts North West Parachute Centre North West Planning Aid Northern Federation of Sport and Recreation npower NSPCC

40 INTEREST RESPONSE Oaklea Trust One World Centre Oxley Developments Co Ltd Parr St Evangelical Church Paul & Company Quarry Products Association Ramblers Association Road Haulage Association RSPB R Rural Transport Partnership Cumbria Rural Women's Network Shelter Cumbria Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings South Lakeland Action on Climate Change R South Lakeland Communities Trust South Lakeland CVS South Lakeland Equalities and Diversity Partnership South Lakeland Friends of the Earth R South Lakeland Voluntary Society for the Blind South Lakes Chamber of Commerce South Lakes Gateway Steering Group South Lakes Pensioners Forum Stagecoach-in-Cumbria Supporting People Sustrans Julie Tait Tenants Committee The British Wind Energy Association The Co-operative Group Ltd The Georgian Group The National Trust R The Theatres Trust R The Twentieth Century Society The Victorian Society The Waterways Trust Transpennine Express Ulverston and District Civic Society Ulverston CAB Ulverston Licensed Victuallers Association Ulverston Rotary Club Ulverston Traders Association Ulverston Trades Council University of Cumbria R VELUX ViRSA Voluntary Action Cumbria Welfare State International West Lakes Renaissance Westmorland Agricultural Society Ltd

41 INTEREST RESPONSE Westmorland Football Association Westmorland Shopping Centre Janet Willis Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc Womens Institute Youth Sport Trust YWCA Cumbria

MEDIA RESPONSE BBC Radio Cumbria BBC Television - North West Border Television Granada Television Lakeland Echo Lakeland Radio The Bay 96.9fm

MEMBER RESPONSE Cumbria County Council (Cartmel) Cllr Ted Walsh Cumbria County Council (Grange) Cllr W J Wearing Cumbria County Council (High Furness) Cllr Oliver Pearson Cumbria County Council (Kendal Castle) Cllr T Clare R Cumbria County Council (Kendal Highgate) Cllr Geoffrey Cook Cumbria County Council (Kendal Nether) Cllr L Lishman Cumbria County Council (Kendal South) Cllr A D Bobbett Cumbria County Council (Kendal Strickland and Kent) Cllr D T Clarke R Cumbria County Council (Kent Estuary) Cllr Ian Stewart R Cumbria County Council (Lakes) Cllr Brian Barton Cumbria County Council (Low Furness) Cllr J C Hemingway Cumbria County Council (Lower Kentdale) Cllr R K Bingham R Cumbria County Council (Lyth Valley) Cllr J Bland Cumbria County Council (Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale) Cllr Joseph Nicholson Cumbria County Council (Ulverston East) Cllr W A Kolbe Cumbria County Council (Ulverston West) Cllr P M Halfpenny Cumbria County Council (Upper Kent) Cllr S Collins Cumbria County Council (Windermere) Cllr J E Stocker South Lakeland District Council (Arnside and Beetham) Cllr Prudence Jupe South Lakeland District Council (Broughton) Cllr Joss Curwen South Lakeland District Council (Burneside) Cllr Frank Hodson R South Lakeland District Council (Burton and Holme) Cllr Roger Bingham R South Lakeland District Council (Cartmel) Cllr H Martin South Lakeland District Council (Coniston) Cllr Anne Hall South Lakeland District Council (Crake Valley) Cllr Betty Spendlove South Lakeland District Council (Crooklands) Cllr Sheila Eccles

42 MEMBER RESPONSE South Lakeland District Council (Grange) Cllr Tom Harvey R South Lakeland District Council (Grange) & District Chamber of Trade Cllr Bill Wearing South Lakeland District Council (Hawkshead) Cllr Gordon Jenkinson South Lakeland District Council (Holker) Cllr Jack Manning South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Castle) Cllr Sonia Lawson South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Far Cross) Cllr E D Farrell R South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Fell) Cllr Paul Little South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Glebelands) Cllr S M Emmott South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Heron Hill) Cllr Andy Shine South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Highgate) Cllr C R Graham South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Kirkland) Cllr Rob Cocker South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Mintsfleet) Cllr Gwendoline Murfin South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Nether) Cllr C Feeney-Johnson South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Oxenholme) Cllr Jonathan Brook South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Parks) Cllr Brendan Jameson South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Stonecross) Cllr Graham Vincent South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Strickland) Cllr Stephen Coleman R South Lakeland District Council (Kendal Underley) Cllr R J Curry South Lakeland District Council (Kirkby Lonsdale) Cllr Rodger Read South Lakeland District Council (Lakes Ambleside) Cllr D Earnshaw South Lakeland District Council (Lakes Ambleside) Cllr David Vatcher South Lakeland District Council (Lakes Grasmere) Cllr V Rees South Lakeland District Council (Levens) Cllr Brenda Woof South Lakeland District Council (Low Furness and Swarthmoor) Cllr David Foot South Lakeland District Council (Low Furness and Swarthmoor), Central Services Portfolio Holder Cllr S M Marshall South Lakeland District Council (Lyth Valley) Cllr Robin Brown South Lakeland District Council (Natland) Cllr Brenda Gray South Lakeland District Council (Sedbergh) Cllr Kevin Lancaster South Lakeland District Council (Sedbergh) Cllr C D Stephenson South Lakeland District Council (Staveley in Westmorland) Cllr Stanley Collins South Lakeland District Council (Ulverston Central) Cllr Norman Bishop-Rowe South Lakeland District Council (Ulverston East) Cllr Philip Lister South Lakeland District Council (Ulverston North) Cllr Colin Hodgson South Lakeland District Council (Ulverston South) Cllr B Wilkinson South Lakeland District Council (Ulverston Town) Cllr Graham Donning South Lakeland District Council (Ulverston West) Cllr Janette Jenkinson R South Lakeland District Council (Whinwell) Cllr Peter Thornton South Lakeland District Council (Windermere Applethwaite) Cllr Maggie Bridge South Lakeland District Council (Windermere Bowness North) Cllr Hilary Stephenson South Lakeland District Council (Windermere Bowness South) Cllr David Williams South Lakeland District Council (Windermere Town) Cllr Kathleen Atkinson

43 PLANNING / OTHER CONSULTANT RESPONSE Alder King Barden Planning Consultants R Broadway Malyan Buttery and Watson CB Richard Ellis Charles Topham Group Ltd Coates Associates R Colliers CRE Development Planning Solutions Ltd DPDS Consulting Group DPP Dunlop Haywards Planning England & Lyle F.E.R Consulting Fusion Online GL Hearn John Heminsley Higham & Co HOW Planning LLP Indigo Planning R JMP Consulting JWPC Ltd JYM Partnership King Sturge LLP Knight Frank LLP Local Dialogue LLP Malcolm Judd & Partners MCP Planning & Development Morbaine Limited Mosaic Town Planning Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners Judith Notley PFK Planning R Planning Potential Royal Mail Property Holdings RPS Planning Rural Innovation Stephens Associates Stephenson Halliday Steven Abbott Associates R Storeys:ssp Taylor and Hardy Taylor, Skelton, Walters Plc The Barton Willmore Planning Partnership - Northern The Planning Bureau Ltd White Young Green

44 PRESS NOTICE RESPONSE Grange Now North West Evening Mail The London Gazette The Westmorland Gazette

RELIGIOUS RESPONSE Knights of St Columba

STATUTORY RESPONSE Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority* Cumbria Police Authority* Cumbria Primary Care Trust* English Heritage North West Region* R Environment Agency* R Government Office North West* R Highways Agency* R Mobile Operators Association* Network Rail* R National Grid TRANSCO* Natural England* R North West Regional Assembly* R Northwest Regional Development Agency* R United Utilities* R Yorkshire and Humberside Assembly* Yorkshire Forward* R

RESPONSES FROM THOSE NOT CONTACTED CONSULTEE TYPE RESPONSE BY LETTER OR EMAIL ASDA Stores Interest R Binfold Croft Sheltered Housing, Residents of Binfold Croft Community R Business Clusters Ltd Interest R Cartmel Priory, Canon William Bailey Religious Group R Cedar Grove Action Group Community R Cumbria Affordable Housing Housing Association R Dallam School Community R Dalton Hall Business Centre Interest R David Barrett Architects Architects R Grange Fell Post Office Interest R Kentrigg West Action Group Community R Low Fell Gate Farm Developer / Landowner R LSP Task Group – Jobs, Skills and Regeneration Community R Saint Marks CE School Natland Community R Simm Construction Interest R South Lakeland Parks Ltd Interest R

45 RESPONSES FROM THOSE NOT CONTACTED CONSULTEE TYPE RESPONSE BY LETTER OR EMAIL South Lakes World Development Movement Interest R Stockbeck Action Group Community R Strutt and Parker Estate / Land Agent R Swarthmoor Hall Religious Groups R Transition South Lakes Interest R Triangle Opposition Group (TOG) Community R Turley Associates Planning / Other Consultants R x2 E I Wilson and Son Interest R

Members of the public consulted – 125 persons

Members of the public responded – 1009 persons

46 APPENDIX D Preferred Options Comment Form

South Lakeland Local Development Framework

Extra Comment Sheet

Please complete one of these sheets for every representation you make on each separate option or separate section in the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Reports. You need only fill out one copy of your contact details, but please indicate the total number of pages enclosed in the box provided on the contact details form.

What are you commenting on? (Please indicate the specific paragraph number, preferred option name/number, map, figure or table number you wish to comment on together with the page number).

Document name (i.e. Core Strategy Preferred Options, or accompanying Sustainability Report; Kendal Canal Head AAP Preferred Options or accompanying Sustainability Report) Page number(s) Paragraph number(s) (where applicable) Alternative Option name/number (where applicable) Preferred Option name/number (where applicable) Map/Table/Figure number(s) (where applicable)

Do you support, oppose or have an observation about this part of the Report? (Please mark with a cross).

Support Support Part Oppose Comment (neither support nor oppose)

Please write your comment or explain your reasons for supporting or opposing this part of the Report. You may refer to the tests of soundness in the glossary of the Preferred Options reports, before making your comments.

(Continue on a separate sheet/expand box if necessary)

What change(s) would you suggest for this part of the Report?

(Continue on a separate sheet/expand box if necessary)

Please use this space if you wish to set out a new option for consideration .

(Continue on a separate sheet/expand box if necessary)

Signature: Date: 2008

Thank you for your time.

49 APPENDIX 7 – COMMUNITY OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY

Local Development Framework Core Strategy

Community Overview and Scrutiny – 25th June 2009.

Comments to relay to Cabinet:

Drafting/phraseology Alternative wording for ‘non affordable local occupancy housing’ Careful description of situation in respect of the west – avoid use of language (remote) which may cause offence Proof reading – especially in respect of spelling of place names and references to ‘town’ ‘village’ as appropriate.

Preparations for consultation Clarity on when, where, how the Consultation is to be conducted, including the expectation on the role of Councillor Enable Ward Councillors to have the opportunity to read the consultation responses received at earlier stages – if possible on a geographical basis Ensure the public are aware of where, when and how the allocations of sites, development boundaries will be consulted upon – (Allocations of Land DPD) that it is not part of the Core Strategy

Neighbouring LDFs Ensure our plan exerts appropriate influence on the development of neighbouring LDFs – especially the National Parks, to achieve as far as practicable a compatibility and consistency of approach.

Achievement Recognition and thanks for the quality, scale and depth of the work undertaken by the Development Plans Team in producing the Strategy and accompanying reports.

Noted by D Sykes 1

Equality Impact Assessment Proforma

An Equality Impact Assessment is an equality and diversity review of the Council’s policies, procedures, functions, customs, practices, systems and services, whether they are formal or informal, written or unwritten. Please Note: The term policy will be used in this proforma from now on. This is purely as shorthand for a function, strategy, policy or procedure etc that you may be assessing.

The aim is for you to highlight the examples of good practice and the areas of disadvantage that need to be addressed. There are seven strands to the South Lakeland Equality Scheme:

• Ethnicity (including gypsy and travellers and migrant workers) • Religion/belief • Gender • Disability • Sexuality • Age • Rurality

As a Local Authority we have a legal obligation to carry out Equality Impact Assessments of all policies.

Date: June 2009 Department/ Directorate: COMMUNITY INVESTMENT & DEVELOPMENT Unit: DEVELOPMENT PLANS TEAM

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 2

Policy: SOUTH LAKELAND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK: PUBLICATION CORE STRATEGY DPD

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 3

1. Associated policies and procedures (list if relevant)

Name of policy - Name all policies/ procedures that impact, influence or affect the policy/ procedure that is being assessed. Note – the policies listed below should be considered in your impact assessment if they have an impact on your service delivery.

• South Lakeland Sustainable Community Strategy 2008-2028 • South Lakeland Corporate Plan 2009 – 2012 • North West of England Plan Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021 • Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001 – 2016 Adopted Plan April 2006 (Saved Policies) • Single Equality Scheme 2008 – 2011

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 4

[List as bullets] 2. Screening Aims of policy or procedure being assessed:

What is the purpose of Sets out the long-term development strategy for South Lakeland the policy? outside the National Park areas (2003 – 2025). It draws together strategies of the Council and other organisations whose activities have implications for the development and use of land. It puts the aspirations of the Sustainable Community Strategy into effect – seeking to create a sustainable district that is the best place to live, work and visit.

This equalities impact assessment is based on the strategic objectives of the Publication Core Strategy Who is intended to The Core Strategy is intended to benefit the whole community and benefit from this policy all stakeholders including: - (for example, customers, stakeholders etc) • Older People (including older people in rural areas) • Young People (11-18 year olds) including Rural Young People (11- 18 year olds) • Young Adults (18-24 year olds) including Rural Young Adults (18- 24 year olds) • Young Children and Families with Young Children (under 11’s) • Rural Women

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 5

• Single Parent Families • Social Housing Providers (registered and other social landlords) • Private Housing Landlords, Private Landlord Tenants & Private Housing Owners • Social Landlord Tenants • People in Housing Need & Homeless People • Housing Developers • Developers • Black & Ethnic Minorities, • Migrant Workers, • Gypsies and Travellers • Carers • People with Disabilities • Small Enterprises • Unemployed People • Employees • Councillors • Members of Parliament • Public Transport & Community Transport Providers • Public Transport User • Transport Infrastructure Providers and Interests groups (roads, rail, canals, cyclists and walkers) • Agencies (local government - county, district & parish) • Regional and central government • Health Service Providers • Local Strategic Partnership • Emergency Services • Service providers, shops, post office etc • Utility Providers • Tourism and hospitality operators • Biodiversity and Nature conservation organisations • Built heritage conservation organisations

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 6

• Community Safety organisations • Leisure, arts and cultural providers • Schools and Colleges • Landowners What are the intended The Core Strategy forms part of the Local Development Framework outcomes of the policy (LDF). The LDF is identified as a key project in the Council’s (and how will they be Corporate Plan 2009-2012.Its development and delivery will help achieved?)? - List the contribute to the achievement of priorities of the Community deliverables here (how they Strategy such as: affect people - For example use Corporate Plan targets) Priority: Making South Lakeland the best place to live Achievement: • Physical and mental health & well-being is improved for people in South Lakeland • Housing Needs in South Lakeland are addressed • South Lakeland’s development is balanced against protecting the area’s natural and built environment • Rural communities have improved access to the services & facilities they need

Priority: Making South Lakeland the best place to work Achievement: • South Lakeland’s economy can respond positively to the global economic challenges • South Lakeland has balanced economic growth with well paid jobs in both indigenous businesses and new inward investing businesses • Distinctive Key Service Centres focus and drive economic activity

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 7

Core Strategy Strategic Objectives which will deliver the above: • Aim to achieve a balanced housing market • Aim to protect the unique character of the District • Aim to improve accessibility to services • Aim to improve health and wellbeing for all • Aim to deliver a step-change in the local economy and contribute towards enhancement of the wider Cumbrian economy

Corporate Plan Local Target: Consult upon and adopt the Local Development Framework by May 2010

Who implements the The delivery of the LDF will require a partnership approach between South policy? (List staff, Lakeland District Council and its partners partners etc) The Council cannot deliver everything itself nor can the outcomes be achieved through the granting or refusal of planning permission. The delivery of the LDF will involve other organisations and groups who will work within the framework of their own strategies and plans as well as the spatial plan for the District – the LDF. It will be very important for the Council to work closely with its partners to ensure the success of the LDF.

The delivery of some parts of the plan will be reliant upon the availability of resources. The Council and its partners will seek to secure funding through the relevant sources but there is no guarantee of success. Over the period of the Core Strategy (over 15 years) the funding mechanisms are very likely to change. It is important for the LDF to have a clear vision and strategic policy direction to help improve the success of future work programmes and funding bids.

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 8

What level of impact does this policy have on the general public, council employees, stakeholders, visitors High etc?

Note - If you have answered: High = proceed to full equality impact assessment Medium = proceed to full equality impact assessment Low = contact the Policy Officer (Equalities) for advice (x7102). None = this assessment should be signed off and forwarded to the Policy Officer (Equalities).

3. Full Impact Assessment required?

Is there a need to proceed to a Yes full impact assessment? – see note below.

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 9

4. Full Equality Impact Assessment:

Data: List examples of background information that you think is relevant. This may include official statistics such as Census or Household Survey information, or data held by the organisation, such as service uptake, workforce or complaints data. For help and advice with this impact assessment consult the guidance document on the equality and diversity public folder – Intranet home page/ equalities and diversity/ public folder/ SLDC E&D project documents/ EIA guidance 1.4.

Information from focus groups and consultation should also be included where you think it is relevant.

What quantitative data do you have on this policy? General South Lakeland profile information • Census 2001 – including population, age structure, household composition, economic activity • ONS population projections – including population, age structure, ethnicity and minority • Cumbria Intelligence Observatory publications – including Cumbria in Figures, Cumbria Profiler, Cumbria Economic Bulletin • Audit Commission – including area profiles • South Lakeland Community Health Profile 2008

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 10

What qualitative data do Key pieces of qualitative data: you have on this policy? • South Lakeland Housing Needs & Market Assessment Study, Final Report June 2006 • Strategic Housing Market Assessment July 2009 • Cumbria Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment, Final Report May 2008 • Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment May 2009 • Viability Impact Study Final Draft March 2009 • Employment Land & Premises Study, Final Report Dec 2005 • Housing Land Position Statement June 2009 • Employment Land Position Statement June 2009 • South Lakeland: Knowledge-Based Employment Land Search & Assessment, Final Report Aug 2007 • Kendal Economic Regeneration Action Plan Final Report June 2007 • Grange over Sands Regeneration Study , Final Report Dec 2007 • South Lakeland Retail Study Oct 2007 • Town Centre Retail Health Checks Mar 2009 • South Lakeland District Council Open Space, Sport & Recreation Assessment Feb 2008 • Kendal Transport Assessment Final Report & Car Parking Study June 2009 • Publication Consultation Statement – evidence of community and stakeholder views and how these have been addressed in the Publication Core Strategy

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008 11

What data do I need to get It is important to stress that individuals/groups/representatives from the or am I missing? seven strands covered by the equalities scheme were directly consulted through e-mail/letter during the plan preparation of the publication Core Strategy. These groups/representatives are registered on the LDF Consultee database. A number of groups/representatives were also made aware of consultation at preferred options stage through presentations to executive members of South Lakeland District Council Local Strategic Partnership and Chairman of Task Groups. Open Consultation Events were held during consultation on preferred options in all key service centres and also local service centre/smaller settlements providing a good geographic spread.

However, there is an absence of evidence/data showing how effective engagement with these groups/representatives has been due to the lack of monitoring of representations to consultation in terms of assessing the different types of respondents.

How can I generate this Ensure future consultation on the Core Strategy and other DPD’s uses data? effective consultation methods in pursuit of effective engagement with individuals/groups/representatives who comprise the seven strands of the equality scheme.

Inclusion of an equality monitoring form in future consultation to enable monitoring of nature of type of respondents making representations to consultation on LDF documents. This matter should be addressed in the review of the Council’s LDF Statement of Community Involvement.

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5. From the evidence you have seen, please indicate where you think the policy disadvantages a particular group (based on the findings in the table above). Please also indicate where you think the policy is having a good impact in promoting equality and diversity.

Wherever possible use monitoring data to support the issue.

Equality group screening for issues:

Notes:

For a positive impact it is important to indicate the rise in usage of a beneficial measure – eg the recorded increase in use of a Polish translation on the website. Also show why there is positive/ negative impact. Try to use statistics/ surveys to back up positive and negative impacts.

Ethnicity: Is there any concern that this policy could cause differential impact on the grounds of ethnicity? All ethnic groups recognised under the Race relations Act including Asian, Black, East Asian and white minority ethnic groups, including Eastern Europeans, Irish people and Gypsy Travellers.

Area Positive Impact Negative impact

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Ethnicity Strategic Objective: The Economy There is no evidence that the publication Core Strategy will have a negative impact This objective focuses on ensuring on equality in relation to ethnic minority that both local needs and the groups. needs of new businesses will be met across the District. The needs There is no evidence that the Council has of all are captured in this reached BME people in its consultation objective and therefore it is process. considered a positive impact for BME groups.

Strategic Objective: Housing

This objective focuses on ensuring that a range of housing types and sizes to meet the needs of all sectors of the community will be delivered. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for BME groups as it will help to ensure that their particular housing needs are met. The publication Core Strategy includes a specific policy for meeting the housing needs of gypsies and travellers.

Strategic Objective: The

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Environment

It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for BME groups as it will protect and enhance the unique built and natural character of the District for all.

Strategic Objective: Accessibility

This objective focuses on ensuring that accessibility will be improved to all types of services across the District. The Council will work with local communities to improve local services supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level, specific to the needs of different communities. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for BME groups.

Strategic Objective: Health and Wellbeing

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Disability: Is there any concern that this policy could cause differential impact on the grounds of disability? All forms of disability recognised under the Disability Discrimination Act including sensory impairment, mental health, learning disabilities, mobility related conditions, conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma.

Area Positive Impact Negative impact

Disability Strategic Objective: The Economy There is no evidence that the publication Core Strategy will have a negative impact This objective focuses on ensuring on the grounds of disability. that both local needs and the needs of new businesses will be There is no evidence that the Council has met across the District. The needs reached disabled people in its consultation of all are captured in this process. objective and therefore it is

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considered a positive impact for people with a form of disability.

Strategic Objective: Housing

This objective focuses on ensuring that a range of housing types and sizes to meet the needs of all sectors of the community will be delivered. The sustainability of the housing stock will be optimised ensuring that the quality and design of existing and new stock will be adapted to the needs of everyone. The Council will aim to ensure that all new houses that are built are suitable, or easily adaptable, for occupation by the infirm (Lifetime Homes Standard or equivalent). The lifetime homes concept increases choice, independence and longevity of tenure, and is vital to individual and community wellbeing. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for people with a form of disability.

Strategic Objective: The

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Environment

It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for people with a form of disability as it will protect and enhance the unique built and natural character of the District and through provision of a coordinated network of green infrastructure ensure that there is ease of access to the natural environment including disabled people access.

Strategic Objective: Accessibility

This objective focuses on ensuring that accessibility will be improved to all types of services across the District. New development will be accessible by a variety of modes of transport and there will be improved access across the District through provision of an integrated transport network accessible for all including disabled people. The Council will work with local communities to improve local services including

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disabled people– supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for people with a disability.

Strategic Objective: Health and Wellbeing

This objective will deliver improvement to the health and wellbeing for all and will ensure that the needs of different groups, individuals across the District are catered for. It places an emphasis on protecting and enhancing existing social and community infrastructure, including education and health facilities and to improve community wellbeing in line with an understanding of predicted future needs and current gaps in infrastructure. Support will be given to independent living for disabled people, including giving grants and assistance to adapt people’s

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homes. The Council will work with partners to develop and deliver health and wellbeing initiatives, including working with the Primary Care Health Trust to identify new sites for integrated health facilities. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for people with a disability.

Gender: Is there any concern that this policy could cause differential impact on the grounds of gender? Including men, women and transgender people.

Area Positive Impact Negative impact

Gender Strategic Objective: The Economy There is no evidence that the publication Core Strategy will have a negative impact This objective focuses on ensuring on the grounds of gender that both local needs and the needs of new businesses will be met across the District. The needs

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of all are captured in this objective and therefore it is considered to have a positive impact on the grounds of gender.

Strategic Objective: Housing

Strategic Objective: The Environment

It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for people on grounds of gender as it will protect and enhance the unique built and natural character of the District for all.

Strategic Objective: Accessibility

This objective focuses on ensuring

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that accessibility will be improved to all types of services across the District. New development will be accessible by a variety of modes of transport and there will be improved access across the District through provision of an integrated transport network accessible for all. The Council will work with local communities to improve local services – supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact on grounds of gender.

Strategic Objective: Health and Wellbeing

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existing social and community infrastructure, including education, health, cultural and leisure facilities and to improve community wellbeing in line with an understanding of predicted future needs and current gaps in infrastructure. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact on grounds of gender.

Sexuality: Is there any concern that this policy could cause differential impact on the grounds of sexuality? Including heterosexual, gay, lesbian and bisexual people.

Area Positive Impact Negative impact

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Sexuality Strategic Objective: The Economy There is no evidence that the publication Core Strategy will have a negative impact This objective focuses on ensuring on the grounds of sexuality. that both local needs and the needs of new businesses will be There is no evidence that the Council has met across the District. The needs reached LGBT people in its consultation of all are captured in this process. objective and therefore it is considered to have a positive impact on the grounds of sexuality.

Strategic Objective: Housing

Strategic Objective: The Environment

It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for

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people on grounds of sexuality as it will protect and enhance the unique built and natural character of the District for all.

Strategic Objective: Accessibility

This objective focuses on ensuring that accessibility will be improved to all types of services across the District. The Council will work with local communities to improve local services – supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact on grounds of sexuality.

Strategic Objective: Health and Wellbeing

This objective will deliver improvement to the health and wellbeing for all and will ensure that the needs of different groups, individuals across the District are catered for. It places an emphasis

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on protecting and enhancing existing social and community infrastructure, including education, health, cultural and leisure facilities and to improve community wellbeing in line with an understanding of predicted future needs and current gaps in infrastructure. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact on grounds of sexuality.

Age: Is there any concern that this policy could cause differential impact on the grounds of age? All age groups.

Area Positive Impact Negative impact

Age Strategic Objective: The Economy There is no evidence that the publication Core Strategy will have a negative impact This objective focuses on ensuring on the grounds of age. that both local needs and the needs of new businesses will be There is no evidence that the Council has met across the District. Support reached different age groups in its will be given to the development

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of further and higher education in consultation process. the District and the provision of training and life-long learning to support the needs of everyone regardless of age. The needs of all are captured in this objective and therefore it is considered to have a positive impact on the grounds of age for both young and older people.

Strategic Objective: Housing

This objective focuses on ensuring that a range of housing types and sizes to meet the needs of all sectors of the community will be delivered. The sustainability of the housing stock will be optimised ensuring that the quality and design of existing and new stock will be adapted to the needs of everyone. The Council will aim to ensure that all new houses that are built are suitable, or easily adaptable, for occupation by the older people and the infirm (Lifetime Homes Standard or equivalent). The lifetime homes

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concept increases choice, independence and longevity of tenure, and is vital to individual and community wellbeing. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact on the grounds of age. The Core Strategy includes a policy which specifically supports the provision purpose – built and/or specialist accommodation for older people. It also includes requirements for affordable housing across the district.

Strategic Objective: The Environment

It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for people on grounds of age as it will protect and enhance the unique built and natural character of the District for all.

Strategic Objective: Accessibility

This objective focuses on ensuring that accessibility will be improved

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to all types of services across the District. The Council will work with local communities to improve local services – supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact on grounds of age.

Strategic Objective: Health and Wellbeing

This objective will deliver improvement to the health and wellbeing for all and will ensure that the needs of different groups, individuals across the District are catered for. It places an emphasis on protecting and enhancing existing social and community infrastructure, including education, health, cultural and leisure facilities and to improve community wellbeing in line with an understanding of predicted future needs (large increase expected in the number of older

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people/retired people) and current gaps in infrastructure. The objective will also be delivered through providing incentives for young people who have left the area to return, namely skilled jobs, training opportunities and a good spread of housing that meets their needs. The Council will work with partners to reduce the perception of anti-social behaviour and support independent living for older people, including giving grants and assistance to adapt people’s homes. The Council will work with partners to develop community facilities such as multi use games areas for young people and create opportunities for healthier lifestyles. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact on grounds of age.

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Religion/belief: Is there any concern that this policy could cause differential impact on the grounds of religion or faith? All faiths including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and non religious beliefs such as Humanism.

Area Positive Impact Negative impact

Religion/belief Strategic Objective: The Economy There is no evidence that the publication Core Strategy will have a negative impact This objective focuses on on the grounds of religion or faith. ensuring that both local needs and the needs of new businesses There is no evidence that the Council has will be met across the District. reached people of different The needs of all are captured in religion/beliefs in its consultation process. this objective and therefore it is considered to have a positive impact on the grounds of religion or faith.

Strategic Objective: Housing

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Strategic Objective: The Environment

It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact for people on grounds of age as it will protect and enhance the unique built and natural character of the District for all.

Strategic Objective: Accessibility

This objective focuses on ensuring that accessibility will be improved to all types of services across the District. The Council will work with local communities to improve local services – supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact on grounds of religion or faith.

Strategic Objective: Health and

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Wellbeing

This objective will deliver improvement to the health and wellbeing for all and will ensure that the needs of different groups, individuals across the District are catered for. It places an emphasis on protecting and enhancing existing social and community infrastructure, including education, health, cultural and leisure facilities and to improve community wellbeing in line with an understanding of predicted future needs and current gaps in infrastructure. It is considered that this objective will have a positive impact on grounds of religion or faith.

Rurality: Is there any concern that this policy could cause differential impact on the grounds of access to services from rural areas. (For further information see the North West Rural Community Council’s document “Rural Equity in the North-West” in the equality & diversity public folder/ E&D project documents/ impact assessment guidance).

Area Positive Impact Negative impact

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Rurality Strategic Objective: The Economy There is no evidence that the publication Core Strategy will have a negative impact This objective focuses on ensuring in terms of causing differential impact on that both local needs and the the grounds of access to services from needs of new businesses will be rural areas. met across the District. Developer contributions will be used to support sustainable employee travel to and from work and also to provide recruitment and training to ensure that the benefits of economic development are targeted at local residents. Support will be given to diversification of the agricultural and wider rural economy, including allowing small-scale economic development in rural settlements outside service centres. The vitality and viability of town and local centres through addressing obstacles to growth will be promoted. It is considered that this objective will not cause differential impact on the grounds of access to services from rural areas.

Strategic Objective: Housing

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This objective focuses on ensuring that a range of housing types and sizes to meet the needs of all sectors of the community will be delivered. Housing requirements in rural areas will relate to local housing need i.e. provision of affordable housing. It is considered that this objective will not cause differential impact on the grounds of access to services from rural areas.

Strategic Objective: The Environment

It is considered that this objective will not cause differential impact on the grounds of access to services from rural areas as it will protect and enhance the unique built and natural character of the District for all.

Strategic Objective: Accessibility

This objective focuses on ensuring

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that accessibility will be improved to all types of services across the District. The Council will work with local communities to improve local services – supporting emerging Local Area Partnerships in order to deliver more tailored services at the neighbourhood level. Development will be concentrated in the Principal Service Centres of Kendal and Ulverston, then in the other Key Service Centres of Grange over Sands, Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe, followed by a number of designated Local Service Centres throughout the rural hinterland. The Council will work with partners to improve sustainable rural transport and maintain rural services, including between Local Service Centres and their rural hinterland and also links to nearby centres outside the District, such as Barrow and Carnforth. Support will be given to improvements to rural accessibility and lobbying to improve broadband access in rural areas. It is considered that this

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objective will not cause differential impact on the grounds of access to services from rural areas.

Strategic Objective: Health and Wellbeing

This objective will deliver improvement to the health and wellbeing for all and will ensure that the needs of different groups, individuals across the District are catered for. It places an emphasis on protecting and enhancing existing social and community infrastructure, including education, health, cultural and leisure facilities and to improve community wellbeing in line with an understanding of predicted future needs and current gaps in infrastructure. It is considered that this objective will not cause differential impact on the grounds of access to services from rural areas.

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6. Using the information above please indicate the relevance of the policy to the identified groups.

- High: Affects most of the group and has a major impact - eg Wheelchair users and Reception access. - Medium: Affects some of the group and has a variable impact – eg elderly people’s access in parks and gardens – unable to access all areas - Low: Affects few people in the group and has a minimal impact – eg male/ female use of the corporate website

Area Relevance - High Relevance - Medium Relevance - Low Ethnicity Yes Disability Yes Gender Yes Sexuality Yes Age Yes Religion/ Belief Yes Rurality Yes

Note - If you have answered: High = proceed to consultation stage (see table below) Medium = contact the Policy Officer (Equalities) for advice (x7102). Low = Unlikely to require consultation

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7. Consultation: SLDC has service level agreements with the groups in the table below. Which equality groups should be consulted to ensure proper consideration of the issues?:

Consultees Yes No Cumbria Disability Network Yes AWAZ – (Cumbrian Black Yes Minority Ethnic group) OutREACH Cumbria Yes Age Concern Yes Other?

Please ensure that any supporting documents/ information are available on request.

8. Summary of comments received through consultation:

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9. Action Plan Actions are designed to address the negative impacts identified in section 5

Negative Impact Actions proposed Lead officer When Outcome There is no To include a Stephen July 2009 Evidence that the evidence that the monitoring form in Ottewell onwards Council has engaged Council has future consultations effectively with different reached different minority groups in its minority groups in consultation process. its consultation process

[Add rows as necessary]

10. Date completed June 2009 Signature

Printed

Note: Completed equality impact assessments should be uploaded onto the equality and diversity public folder – link from the intranet (equality and diversity). The Policy officer (x7102) should also be notified.

South Lakeland District Council Equality Impact Assessment Proforma 1.4 May 2008