Knowsley Replacement Unitary Development Plan Adopted June 2006 FOREWORD

Foreword

The Unitary Development Plan is part of our long term efforts to improve the choice of housing, jobs and services in Knowsley. The Plan also explains how important aspects of our environment will be protected and improved. The next few years will be important in our continuing efforts to improve the Borough for all who live or work here.

The Council is committed to partnership working. This final version of the plan has been prepared following extensive consultation with the local community and other stakeholders. It will guide the development of the Borough over the period to 2016. We would like to invite all people with an interest in the future of Knowsley to join with us in developing a safe, clean and attractive environment with a good range of jobs and quality housing.

Councillor Graham Morgan Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Neighbourhoods Knowsley Council

1 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 CONTENTS

Contents

Page Page SECTION A: SECTION B: INTRODUCTION AND STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

(N.B. Each policy listed is just referred to by its CHAPTER 1 7 number and title) Introducing the Plan CHAPTER 5 31 CHAPTER 2 11 Housing Key Issues and Influences H1 Strategic Housing Land Requirements • Introducing Knowsley and Supply

• Key Issues H2 Sites Allocated for Housing Development

• Sustainable Development and Local H3 North Huyton and Tower Hill (Kirkby) Agenda 21 Action Areas

• National Planning Policy H4 Development Opportunity Site • The North West Context (Valley Road, Kirkby) • The Merseyside Context H5 Development within Primarily Residential Areas • The Local Context H6 Treatment and Redevelopment of Housing CHAPTER 3 19 Clearance Sites Vision and Objectives H7 Provision of Flats, Nursing and Residential Homes, Hostels, and Housing in Multiple The Vision Occupation (HMOs) Strategic Objectives H8 Extensions and Alterations to Residential Properties CHAPTER 4 25 Core Policies H9 Sites for Gypsies, Travelling Show People, and Other Itinerants CP1 Regeneration and Development Priority Areas CP2 Environmental Assets CP3 Development Quality Key Diagram 2 3 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 CONTENTS CONTENTS

Page Page Page Page

T8 Transport Assessments CHAPTER 6 49 CHAPTER 11 123 CHAPTER 14 167 T9 Travel Plans Economic Development Development Quality and the Built Environment Community Benefits and Planning Agreements T10 Access for the Less Mobile EC1 Strategy for Provision of Employment Land DQ1 Design Quality in New Development PA1 Planning Agreements T11 Taxi Facilities EC2 Sites Allocated for Employment Development DQ2 Security in the Built Environment T12 Aerodrome Safeguarding CHAPTER 15 171 EC3 Primarily Industrial Areas DQ3 Gateway Sites and Corridors Monitoring and Review EC4 Regional Investment Site: Kings CHAPTER 9 97 DQ4 Trees and Development Business Park • How will we monitor progress? Green Belt and the Rural Economy DQ5 Development in Conservation Areas EC5 South Prescot Action Area • Indicators and Targets G1 Development within the Green Belt DQ6 Demolition of Buildings and Structures in EC6 Tourism and Cultural Development Conservation Areas • Future Review of the Plan G2 Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green Belt DQ7 Listed Buildings CHAPTER 7 63 DQ8 Historic Parks and Gardens G3 Agricultural Land APPENDICES Town Centres and Shopping DQ9 Sites and Areas of Archaeological Importance G4 Rural Diversification S1 Retail and Town Centre Development Strategy Appendix 1 175 G5 Existing Major Developed Sites in the S2 Diversification of Uses within existing Centres CHAPTER 12 137 Key Partners Green Belt Minerals, Waste and Energy S3 Huyton Town Centre G6 Conversion or Change of Use of Existing APPENDIX 2 177 S4 Kirkby Town Centre Action Area Buildings in the Green Belt MW1 Protection, Winning and Working of Minerals Resources List of Development Briefs adopted by S5 Prescot Town Centre G7 Alteration, Extension or Replacement of Knowsley Council (July 2005) MW2 Proposals for Mineral Developments S6 The Ravens Court (Halewood) Action Area Existing Dwellings in the Green Belt MW3 Onshore Oil, Gas and Coal Bed Methane APPENDIX 3 S7 Local Centres and Parades G8 Agricultural or Equestrian Development 179 MW4 Waste Management Strategy S8 Location of Development for Town Glossary CHAPTER 10 111 MW5 Waste Management and Treatment Facilities Centre Uses Urban Greenspace, Sport and Recreation MW6 Landfill or Landraising APPENDIX 4 185 S9 Shop Fronts and Security Shutters OS1 Strategy for Urban Greenspace, Sport and MW7 Renewable Energy Housing sites with planning permission as at S10 Advertisements Recreation 1 April 2004

OS2 Urban Greenspace CHAPTER 13 151 CHAPTER 8 79 Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation APPENDIX 5 187 Transport OS3 Quantitative Standards - Public Open Space Employment land supply (excluding sites allocated for General Amenity Use, Allotments and ENV1 Control of Pollution in New Development T1 An Integrated Transport System Children’s Play in policy EC2) ENV2 Noise and Vibration T2 Merseytram System OS4 Protection of Playing Pitches and Other ENV3 Light Pollution APPENDIX 6 189 T3 Other Public Transport Schemes Formal Sporting Facilities ENV4 Hazardous Substances Local Shopping Centres and Parades in Knowsley T4 Major Highway Schemes OS5 Public Open Space and Recreational Facilities to Meet the Needs of New Development ENV5 Contaminated Land T5 Location of Major Traffic Generating APPENDIX 7 191 New Development OS6 Location of Major New Sporting and ENV6 Landfill Gas Recreational Facilities Examples of Town Centre Uses T6 Ensuring Choice of Travel to Serve ENV7 Flood Risk and Drainage New Developments OS7 Educational Uses and Sites ENV8 Telecommunications Developments APPENDIX 8 193 T7 New Development and Walking & ENV9 Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites Sites of Biological and/or Local Geological Interest Cycling Routes ENV10 Protection of Species

4 5 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 INTRODUCING THE PLAN

CHAPTER 1

Introducing the Plan

WHAT IS THE UNITARY FORM AND CONTENT OF THE PLAN DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND WHAT DOES IT DO? 1.4 The Plan contains a Written Statement (this 1.1 document) and a Proposals Map. The Unitary Development Plan (or “UDP” as it is often called) sets down: THE WRITTEN STATEMENT • The Council’s strategy for the physical 1.5 development of the Borough; and

• Where development is likely to take place, The Written Statement is split into Sections A and B: and which areas are to be protected • Section A identifies (in chapter 2) the key issues from development. and influences concerning land use and development in Knowsley. Chapter 3 “Vision and Objectives” and chapter 4 “Core Policies” 1.2 establish the overall vision and objectives of the Unitary Development Plans can involve difficult Plan, and the broad principles governing the choices about the future of individual pieces of land. nature and location of proposed new development Any planning application for development will in Knowsley over the period to 2016. normally need to be determined in accordance with • Section B identifies (in chapters 5-14) how the the Plan. For example, if the Plan allocates land next strategy will be delivered in relation to individual to your home for development, it is likely that the topic areas such as housing, the economy etc. development shown will eventually occur. Also, if Each chapter contains a range of policies against you want to carry out development yourself, the which proposals for new development will be policies of the Plan will help to determine what will assessed. Each policy is marked in bold in the be permitted. text. Underneath each policy there is an explanation, which clarifies the background and 1.3 terms used in the policy. The policies fall into two types: It is therefore important that the Plan is prepared in - Part 1 policies are broad policies, which set consultation with others, generating maximum the overall strategy for a particular topic. ownership of the Plan’s proposals amongst the For example, policy H1 (“Strategic Housing community as a whole.

6 7 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 INTRODUCING THE PLAN INTRODUCING THE PLAN

Land Requirements and Supply”) in the 1.9 adopted) be "saved" for up to three years, and regard to the regeneration of specific parts of the housing chapter sets the overall amount of possibly (subject to the approval of Government Office Borough, and also the content of individual The “land use” designations and allocations on the housing development that needs to be for the North West) longer if they are still considered Development Briefs. Proposals Map link to specific policies in Section B accommodated in Knowsley. to be up to date. During this three year period the of the Plan, which explain how proposals for Council will prepare a range of new Local - Part 2 policies are more detailed. Some Part development will be considered in that area. Development Documents, including a new Core COMPULSORY PURCHASE POWERS 2 policies determine the precise location of Strategy, Statement of Community Involvement and a 1.16 new development (for example policy H2 in IMPORTANT NOTE: number of Supplementary Planning Documents. the housing chapter lists specific sites for The Council is very keen to work in partnership with INTERPRETATION OF THE PLAN POLICIES These will progressively supplement and in some new housing). Other Part 2 policies provide landowners to implement the proposals set out in cases replace the policies of the UDP. The timetable guidance on how proposed developments in this Plan. From time to time, however, it may be It is important to stress that in making decisions for the production of new Local Development different parts of the Borough or for specific necessary to make use of compulsory purchase on any individual planning application the Council Documents, and the scope of each document is set types of development will be determined (for powers to bring land forward for development. must consider the consistency of the proposals down in the Council's Local Development Scheme, example, policy H5 in the housing chapter These powers are set out in the planning legislation with the Plan as a whole. Proposals that may dated March 2005. The Local Development Scheme provides guidance on new development and enable the Council to acquire land compulsorily comply with one policy may not necessarily will be reviewed annually and any alterations affecting existing residential areas). where this is necessary to secure the carrying out of comply with others. In assessing such cases, published in a revision to the Scheme. development, redevelopment or improvement of land, the Council will need to weigh up the factors in the interests of promoting the economic, social or 1.6 involved, to ensure that a balanced decision is 1.13 environmental wellbeing of the area. To help you understand which policies in section B made in accordance with the overall interests of will relate to any specific development proposal or the community. Together with the Regional Spatial Strategy for the planning application, there is a standard heading North West (see chapter 2 "Key Issues and SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENTS “Policy Links” at the end of the explanation for each Influences") the UDP will form the statutory HOW WILL THE UDP BE 1.17 policy. This identifies any other policies in the Plan IMPLEMENTED? Development Plan for Knowsley. which are most likely to be relevant. This Plan sets down policies governing how the 1.10 Council will assess planning applications for various ACTION AREAS AND DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS forms of development. However, the Council takes 1.7 The UDP will be implemented: 1.14 the view that it would be helpful to provide additional • A further chapter (Chapter 15) describes how we will Through the assessment of planning and related guidance with further technical detail explaining how There is likely to be considerable change in some monitor progress and the arrangements for future applications for development; and some of the policies will be implemented. This advice parts of Knowsley over the next few years as the review of the Plan. • By guiding and influencing the development will be provided in Supplementary Planning Council continues its drive to regenerate the activities and use of regeneration funding by the Documents (or SPDs). Borough. The Plan identifies some of the areas of Council and its partners. THE PROPOSALS MAP greatest likely change as “Action Areas”. The Council 1.8 has also prepared Development Briefs, which explain 1.18 1.11 in greater detail the proposed development of The Proposals Map covers Knowsley in two sections The Council has already produced advice notes to individual sites, or groups of sites (these can occur (north and south) and identifies: A major emphasis will be placed on working in cover some types of development (e.g. extensions to either within the Action Areas or elsewhere - see list partnership with others - see list of key partners in houses). It is intended to produce SPDs covering • Areas which are to be protected from most forms in Appendix 2). Where necessary, the Council will Appendix 1. these and other forms of development. The SPDs will of development e.g. Green Belt; prepare further Development Briefs to help to themselves be made subject to consultation with • implement the policies of this Plan. Areas which are allocated for development local people and others to ensure that interested e.g. new sites for housing or industry; IMPLICATIONS OF NEW parties can put their views forward to be considered, • Areas which are designated for existing uses GOVERNMENT PLANNING 1.15 before the relevant SPD is finally published. e.g. existing Primarily Residential or Primarily LEGISLATION For information on the various Supplementary The Council and its partners have already carried out Industrial areas; and 1.12 Planning Documents (SPDs) the Council proposes to extensive public consultation concerning the options produce, please refer to the Local Development • Action Areas within which the Council proposes The government has recently (in September 2004) for development in two of the Action Areas (at North Scheme (LDS), approved March 2005. that comprehensive development or introduced new statutory provisions in the Planning Huyton and South Prescot). Further consultation will redevelopment should take place (on which more and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. As a result of be carried out by the Council and its partners with detail is given below). this new legislation, the policies of the UDP will (once 8 9 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 INTRODUCING THE PLAN KEY ISSUES AND INFLUENCES

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE? 1.19

A glossary is included in Appendix 3 which describes CHAPTER 2 some of the more technical terms used in the Plan. Please feel free to contact the following for further details:

Forward Planning Team Department of Regeneration and Development Key Issues Knowsley Borough Council PO Box 26 Municipal Buildings and Influences Archway Road Huyton Knowsley Merseyside INTRODUCING KNOWSLEY KEY ISSUES L36 9FB 2.1 POPULATION, THE ECONOMY AND Web site address: http://planning.knowsley.gov.uk HOUSING MARKET Knowsley comprises a belt of small towns, suburbs E-mail: [email protected] and countryside, lying to the east of Liverpool. 2.3 The total population of the Borough is approximately Telephone: 0151 443 2302 The recession of the 1970s and early 1980s hit 150,000 and the largest urban areas are Kirkby, Knowsley very hard. Over 20,000 jobs were lost from Huyton, Prescot, Whiston and Halewood. within Knowsley Industrial Park alone and thousands Approximately 55% of the Borough is countryside. of local people faced unemployment. At the same Each of Knowsley’s communities has its own time, Knowsley’s relatively poor choice of housing to quite different historical background and buy, at a time of unprecedented growth in the particular characteristics. demand for owner-occupation, combined with the economic crisis to create one of the country’s highest 2.2 rates of population out-movement. Between 1971 and 1991, Knowsley’s population declined to 156,850 - The communities within Knowsley are, probably more a decrease of nearly 40,000. so than almost any other metropolitan area, a creation of the 20th century. With the exception of Prescot and a few other smaller older settlements, Table 2.1: Population Figures for the Metropolitan the majority of the existing development in the area Borough of Knowsley now known as Knowsley took place between the 1920s and the mid 1970s. Much of this expansion was 1981 1991 2001 as a result of Liverpool over-spill development. The expansion of the Borough’s population, however, Knowsley Population: ceased in the early 1970s. (Number) 172,991 152,091 150,459

Source: National Census statistics

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2.4 THE ENVIRONMENT 2.11 2.15 Population loss can severely hamper the 2.8 The North West Regional Assembly has produced a National planning legislation requires the Plan to regeneration of local communities, by making framework called “Action for Sustainability”, which have regard to the resources that are likely to be The Borough of Knowsley contains many important services (such as schools, health services etc.) less shows how sustainability objectives can be achieved available to implement the Plan and to economic, environmental assets, including: an extensive viable and making it more difficult to attract new network of green spaces within the urban area; large in the North West. environmental and social considerations. shops and leisure facilities to the Borough. To areas of countryside (designated as Green Belt in the The resources that are likely to be available (such as address the reasons for population decline the UDP); and areas of attractive landscape such as those contained in the regeneration programmes Council embarked upon an ambitious “stabilisation LOCAL AGENDA 21 STRATEGY FOR KNOWSLEY Knowsley Safari Park. The built and natural heritage outlined below) have been fundamental to influencing strategy” in 1991. Over 6,000 dwellings were “KNOWSLEY’S TOMORROW” of the Borough includes a number of Conservation the Plan’s proposals. Economic, environmental and constructed in the ten years leading up to 2002. Areas, Listed Buildings and Sites of Biological 2.12 social considerations are central to the vision and Population loss has been slowed but not halted. Interest. These assets are valued by local objectives of the Plan - see chapter 3. Since 1995 a number of major inward investments The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, 1992, produced communities, and play an important role in making have been made and over 4,500 jobs created. an international action plan Agenda 21 (Agenda for the Borough a more attractive place to live. the 21st Century). This is implemented at the local 2.16 level through Local Agenda 21 strategies. In 2.5 In accordance with new government guidance (which PUBLIC CONSULTATION Knowsley this strategy is called “Knowsley’s The population of the Borough is still falling, albeit at accompanied the reforms to the planning system 2.9 Tomorrow” and shows how the Council and its implemented through the Planning and Compulsory a slower rate than in the 1970s and 1980s. Due to community partners will implement “sustainable The Council consulted the public on the key issues to Purchase Act 2004) the Plan is slimmer than the demographic trends and increased rates of house development” principles at the local level. demolition there is a risk that decline could be addressed in this Plan in the summer of 2002. previous UDP. The policies in the new Plan are both accelerate again. Loss of population causes local A variety of consultation methods were used fewer in number and of a more general nature than schools and other services to become less viable including the Knowsley Voice Citizens Panel, which SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL in the previous adopted UDP for Knowsley. and the use of existing infrastructure to become includes over 2,000 local people. The consultation 2.13 less efficient. exercise has had a significant influence on the Plan. The findings are explained in a separate In order to ensure that the new UDP is truly THE NORTH WEST CONTEXT document entitled “Knowsley MBC: Replacement sustainable, the Council has carried out 2.6 REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY (RSS) Unitary Development Plan: Key Issues - “sustainability appraisal” as an integral part of the 2.17 Despite recent progress, unemployment is still higher Report of Consultation”. process in drafting this Plan. This has been carried than the regional and Merseyside averages. out by a working party of officers from the Council, Regional Planning Guidance for the North West (RPG) The Borough is under represented in target growth SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND the Environmental Advisory Service and Liverpool was published by the Secretary of State in March sectors such as knowledge-based industries. LOCAL AGENDA 21 University. The appraisal has used a methodology 2003. By virtue of the Planning and Compulsory According to the Government’s Index of Multiple based on the “Action for Sustainability” toolkit and Purchase Act 2004, Regional Planning Guidance now Deprivation for the year 2000, 18 of the Borough’s 22 THE UK STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE has heavily influenced the Plan. The appraisal is also has statutory status as the Regional Spatial Strategy. wards were within the most deprived 10% nationally. DEVELOPMENT being published as a separate document. A fundamental aim of RSS is to promote an urban 2.10 renaissance, to be focused within the North West 2.7 In May 1999, the Government published the UK NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY Metropolitan Area (of which Knowsley is part). Strategy for Sustainable Development (“A Better RSS places particular importance on regenerating The Plan cannot directly control population change. Quality of Life”). Achieving “sustainable development” 2.14 the city centres of Liverpool and Manchester/Salford, However, it can address some of its underlying will mean ensuring a better quality of life for together with their surrounding urban areas. causes by: The Government has issued a series of Planning everyone now, and for generations to come. Policy Guidance Notes, Planning Policy Statements • Allowing for the remodelling of the housing The strategy requires society to meet four objectives and Minerals Planning Guidance Notes (PPGs, PPSs market. This will mean dealing with areas of low in the UK and in the world as a whole. These are: 2.18 demand through housing clearance and renewal, and MPGs). These cover a comprehensive range of • Social progress which recognises the needs RSS has a number of significant implications for and introducing a range of high quality housing planning policy areas. The Council has had regard to of everyone; Knowsley. For example, it determines the amount of sites to meet current needs; and these in formulating the Plan and, where relevant, • house building that should take place in the Borough. • Effective protection of the environment; they are referred to in chapters 5-14 covering the Providing land to improve local job opportunities, Under the requirements of RSS a strategic study of • Prudent use of natural resources; and individual topics. shopping, recreational and service provision. Green Belt across Merseyside and Halton has been • Maintenance of high levels of economic growth carried out to determine whether there will be a need and employment.

12 13 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KEY ISSUES AND INFLUENCES KEY ISSUES AND INFLUENCES

to change its boundaries to accommodate long-term NORTH WEST REGIONAL HOUSING STATEMENT • Huyton/Prescot; This establishes the priorities for regeneration across development needs to 2021 and beyond. Relevant Merseyside and includes 2 “flagship” projects: 2.23 • Kirkby/Gilmoss (known as “Approach 580”); and issues arising from RSS are described in the • A Mersey Waterfront Regional Park - This will The North West Regional Housing Statement 2001 • Halewood/Speke. individual chapters of the Plan. seek to tap the historic, tourism, industrial and was developed by the Government acting in environmental potential of both sides of the partnership with others. It aims to ensure that every Mersey estuary; and 2.19 2.27 part of the North West offers everyone a choice of • A National Centre for Biotechnology at Speke. The Regional Spatial Strategy forms a part of the good quality housing in successful, secure and The Huyton/Prescot and Approach 580 Strategic statutory “Development Plan” for all the North West sustainable neighbourhoods. For Merseyside, the Investment Areas lie partly within the Green Belt in Although these two projects fall outside the (including Knowsley). The North West Regional statement identifies a need for a strategic Knowsley. The specific sites affected include Cronton boundaries of Knowsley, the Council is supportive of Assembly (NWRA) has recently started to prepare a approach to counter longstanding problems of Colliery, the Walton Farm/Axis Site (Adjacent to the their implementation, which will benefit Merseyside new Regional Spatial Strategy, which will replace the unfitness and obsolescence in the housing stock, and A580 and M57); and sites to the east of Knowsley as a whole. current RPG/RSS. It is expected that the NWRA will declining population. Industrial Park (both north and south of the A580). submit a draft of this document for approval to the These areas have considerable economic potential, MERSEYSIDE LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN (LTP) Secretary of State in 2006. but their Green Belt designation (see chapter 9 2.24 “Green Belt and the Rural Economy”) means that 2.31 proposals for new industrial, office or warehouse 2.20 The Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan, The Merseyside Local Transport Plan (LTP) is a issued in February 2003, makes provisions for the development on these sites could only be permitted statutory plan prepared by the five Metropolitan To avoid confusion, all references in subsequent establishment of a Regional Housing Board in each if exceptional circumstances are demonstrated in the Councils on Merseyside and Merseytravel. Close chapters of this Plan to the 2003 version of RPG refer region (including the North West), which will be planning application. liaison is maintained with transport companies and to the document by its new title of Regional Spatial responsible for overseeing the development of a other stakeholders. The LTP influences how Strategy (or RSS). Regional Housing Strategy. The first housing strategy Government funding is allocated and it aims: 2.28 for the North West (prepared in 2003) was, due to the • To ensure that transport supports sustainable NORTH WEST REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY short timescale, of a fairly interim nature with that Areas of greatest economic need are identified as economic development and regeneration; being developed in 2004 being more substantial Pathways Partnership Areas. Within these areas, 2.21 • To moderate the upward trend in car use and and comprehensive. funding will be used to encourage capacity secure a shift to more sustainable forms of The new Regional Economic Strategy was launched building and training, to enable the local transport such as walking, cycling and by the North West Development Agency in March workforce to take advantage of the opportunities, public transport; 2003. The strategy aims to improve the region’s THE MERSEYSIDE CONTEXT which are provided. Within Knowsley, the Pathways • To secure the most efficient and effective use of performance in terms of: business development; THE MERSEYSIDE OBJECTIVE 1 PROGRAMME Partnership Areas are at Halewood, Huyton, Kirkby the public transport network; and regeneration; skills and employment; infrastructure; 2000-2006 and Lickers Lane (Whiston). and image. It also encourages the growth of • To enhance the quality of life of those who live, 2.25 “business clusters” in targeted growth sectors. work in and visit Merseyside. The European Union has designated Merseyside as 2.29 an Objective 1 area for a period running from 2000 2.22 Each Strategic Investment Area and Pathways 2.32 until 2006. This is likely to result in up to 3 billion Partnership Area has its own delivery programme, The Regional Economic Strategy identifies Kings Euros being available (including EU sources, UK and which sets priorities for how Objective 1 moneys will The LTP includes a detailed investment programme Business Park in Huyton as one of 25 strategic private sector matched funding) to support be spent in that area. for new transport infrastructure provision up to 2006, regional sites for economic development. These sites regeneration activities. The programme aims to and a 10-year Transport Strategy for the period up to are at various locations across the North West and develop business, people, locations and communities. 2011, key elements of which are described in chapter are considered to be critical to the effective ACTION PLAN FOR THE CITY REGION 8 “Transport”. It is proposed to publish a new Local implementation of the Strategy. They should act as 2002-2005 Transport Plan in 2005, which will carry the flagship development sites, accommodating the 2.26 investment programme and strategy further forward 2.30 needs of the region for inward investment and into the future. The UDP will need to be closely The Objective 1 programme identifies eight areas indigenous business. Because Kings Business Park The Mersey Partnership (TMP), which represents over integrated with the LTP, to ensure that planning (known as Strategic Investment Areas), which have also meets the criteria set down in the Regional 350 businesses, six local authorities, Government decisions will facilitate the transport schemes the greatest potential to generate further Spatial Strategy, it is identified as a “Regional agencies, and universities on Merseyside, published proposed in the LTP, and that the transport needs of employment and economic growth. Knowsley Investment Site” in this Plan – see chapter 6 the “Action Plan for the City Region” in October 2001. new development are properly taken into account. “Economic Development”. contains all or part of three of these, located at:

14 15 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KEY ISSUES AND INFLUENCES KEY ISSUES AND INFLUENCES

MERSEYSIDE HOUSING MARKET KNOWSLEY MBC CORPORATE PLAN THE KNOWSLEY SCHOOLS REVIEW NORTH HUYTON NEW DEAL FOR COMMUNITIES RENEWAL INITIATIVE 2.35 2.39 2.42 2.33 The Council has prepared a Corporate Plan which In January 2002, an independent Schools The North Huyton area (including the estates of Within Merseyside as a whole there has been explains how the delivery of Council services will be Commission was set up, at the request of the Hillside, Woolfall Heath, Finch House and Fincham) significant depopulation and out-migration over the prioritised to help deliver the Community Plan vision Council, to fundamentally review the provision of is one of the more deprived areas of Knowsley, and is last 3 decades. Under the Government’s Sustainable and which provides a framework for individual schools in the Borough against likely future being regenerated under the Government’s New Deal Communities Plan, a Housing Market Renewal services provided by the Council. demand for places. The report of the Commission for Communities (NDC) programme. This programme Initiative (HMRI) has commenced within Merseyside, (dated March 2003) recommended that there will run until 2010 and will invest £55.8m of which will bring a renewed emphasis on housing should be a fundamental restructuring of school Government funds, with the aim of tackling clearance and regeneration, using millions of pounds KNOWSLEY MBC HOUSING STRATEGY provision in Knowsley, involving amalgamation of unemployment, poor examination results, ill health, of Government money. The “pathfinder” area for the 2.36 many of the existing primary and secondary poor housing and crime and disorder. The area is Merseyside HMRI is within the inner conurbation schools in the Borough. designated in this Plan as an Action Area within The Council produces a Housing Strategy each year. areas of Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral. Given the which major clearance will take place, and up to This document regularly reviews housing needs and ten-year timescale of the initiative and the extent of 1,450 new dwellings will be provided, together with priorities and will influence planning decisions 2.40 clearance and regeneration proposed, the initiative associated new employment, community and open relating to housing development over the Plan period. will also impact on neighbouring authorities The Council has yet to determine which of the space uses to meet local needs. including Knowsley. recommendations will be taken forward, and any KNOWSLEY MBC ECONOMIC changes will be dependent on further consultation SINGLE REGENERATION BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PLAN with the community. As a first stage, the Council is THE LOCAL CONTEXT PROGRAMME AREAS seeking government approval (under the Building 2.37 THE KNOWSLEY COMMUNITY PLAN 2002-2012 Schools for the Future Programme) to replace the 2.43 Proposals for promoting the economic development 11 secondary schools with 8 new learning centres. 2.34 The Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) initiative of the Borough are set down in the Council’s Changes to schools provision in the Borough could provides financial support for local projects, which The Knowsley Community Plan, 2002-2012, has been Economic Development Plan. This is produced heavily influence future land use and development will promote job creation, economic development, developed by Knowsley’s Local Strategic Partnership annually and contains proposals, which aim to: in Knowsley. education, training, housing, environment, community (known as “The Knowsley Partnership”), and six Local promote opportunity and social prosperity; foster safety, leisure and community development. There is Community Area Forums. The Knowsley Partnership enterprise, sustainable economic and environmental one remaining SRB programme within Knowsley (for includes representatives from the police, health and development; and encourage life-long learning. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL STRATEGY Kirkby - previous programmes for Huyton and education providers, the Schools Council, community FOR KNOWSLEY Halewood having recently been completed). The groups, business, and the voluntary sector, as well as 2.41 programme for Kirkby should generate up to Council Members and officers. The Community Plan KNOWSLEY MBC CRIME AND DISORDER £35 million of investment but will end in 2006. sets out a vision, together with specific actions and REDUCTION STRATEGY 18 of the 22 wards in Knowsley (covering the great majority of the built up area within the Borough) targets, arranged within the key themes of: 2.38 Community Safety; Economy and Employment; qualify for assistance under the Government’s The Knowsley MBC Crime and Disorder Reduction Education and Training; Housing and Environment; Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF). The aim is to Strategy identifies a range of actions to be taken by and Health and Healthy Living. improve economic performance and employment the Council and its partners to encourage citizenship provision, crime rates, educational attainment, health and reduce incidences of crime and disorder in the Important note: The Unitary Development Plan and housing. The Council, working in partnership community. The Unitary Development Plan has an must be closely aligned to the Community Plan. with others through 6 Local Community Area Forums, important contribution to make to this, for example Chapter 3 of the UDP “Vision and Objectives” has prepared a Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy. by requiring developers to take on board “Designing explains the overall vision of the Community Plan This covers the whole Borough and identifies issues Out Crime” principles in new developments. and identifies a range of objectives for the UDP and actions to be addressed within each Community which will guide how decisions about land use and Forum area. development will contribute towards meeting the Community Plan vision.

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CHAPTER 3

Vision and Objectives

THE UDP VISION - DELIVERING THE VISION SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 3.2 3.1 The UDP, as the Council’s land use strategy, must A key purpose of the UDP is to promote the creation pick up on the Community Plan aspirations, and and maintenance of sustainable communities in identify objectives that are deliverable through the Knowsley. This means pursuing a mixture of planning system. Given the Borough’s past history of economic, social and environmental objectives. In population loss and economic decline, it is inevitable defining what needs to be achieved, it is essential to that regeneration objectives will take a high priority. take into account the views and aspirations of people This should not be at the expense however of who live or work in, or visit Knowsley. The Knowsley damaging the Borough’s environmental assets. Community Plan states: The Plan will therefore pursue a balanced approach that will promote the regeneration of the Borough “Our vision for Knowsley is to encourage whilst protecting and enhancing the environment. community well-being by developing an economy that is vibrant, with a wide range of job 3.3 opportunities, where being a citizen is valued and lifelong learning and education is promoted. 19 strategic objectives have been identified for the We wish to develop a Borough where the UDP - these are set out below and establish the environment is safe, clean and attractive, where strategic direction for the policies that follow in the opportunity, health and social prosperity is rest of the Plan. available to all”

18 19 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 VISION AND OBJECTIVES VISION AND OBJECTIVES

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES Objective 1 Objective 3 Objective 5 Objective 7 To provide additional housing in a range of To provide a comprehensive range of employment To improve the provision of shopping, leisure and To protect and where possible increase locations consistent with the requirements of the sites and premises of different sizes, types and other uses normally associated with town centres, opportunities for education, recreation, exercise Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West. locations, and to safeguard existing employment consistent with local needs, whilst protecting and and play for people in the borough where a need is demonstrated. land and buildings that are needed. enhancing the viability and vitality of town, district Knowsley’s history of depopulation and out- and local centres in Knowsley. Following the review of schools provision in migration since the early 1970s (see chapter 2 The economy of Knowsley and Merseyside has Knowsley (see chapter 2 “Key Issues and “Key Issues and Influences”) has been linked to a recovered considerably since the recession of the Government policy requires that new shopping and Influences”), proposals are being developed to lack of choice and low demand within the housing 1970s and 1980s. However, the unemployment rate leisure uses should preferably be located in transform school provision within Knowsley. market. The Regional Spatial Strategy for the in Knowsley is still higher than it is for Merseyside, existing town or smaller centres, and should be The precise location of new schools has yet to be North West establishes that new housing which in turn is higher than it is for the rest of the appropriate to the scale and role of the centre determined. The UDP will aim to ensure that new development within Knowsley should be at an North West. The UDP therefore identifies a range concerned. The UDP identifies current shopping schools, as well as sporting, recreational annual average rate of 230 dwellings per year of sites for employment development, of different needs, together with a range of sites for new community, health and cultural facilities, are (net of demolition replacements). Due to falling locations, sizes, and types, to meet the need for shopping and other town centre uses within built in sustainable locations that best serve the household sizes, this rate of house-building is new development. existing centres at Kirkby, Huyton, Prescot, and local area. unlikely to be sufficient to maintain a stable smaller district centres including Ravenscourt population over the period to 2016. Within these (Halewood). The Plan discourages out of centre Objective 4 Objective 8 constraints, however, the Council will maximise development for these uses unless it is clearly To facilitate development that safeguards or To locate major new development where it is the opportunities for retaining population by established that the need for the development creates employment, particularly in the accessible by a choice of walking, cycling and providing for a range of new housing sites which is cannot be met within existing centres. North West Development Agency’s target public transport, thereby minimising the need to attractive to the market and to serve the different travel by car. growth sectors. townships within the Borough. Objective 6 The rate of traffic growth in Knowsley is currently Target economic growth sectors have been To accommodate improvements to the transport higher than in many parts of the country. The UDP identified by the North West Development Agency, Objective 2 network (consistent with the proposals set down will therefore, in conjunction with the Merseyside To provide a better choice of housing in terms of and are described in chapter 6 “Economic in the Merseyside Local Transport Plan), Local Transport Plan, seek to: tenure, type and market sector which will meet Development”. There is an under-representation of which will support the regeneration objectives • Minimise adverse environmental effects from the needs and aspirations of the community. these sectors in Knowsley - the range of sites of the Plan. this traffic growth; and identified in the UDP for economic development The Council has identified an increasing “lack of will therefore aim to meet the needs of these Transport linkages are seen as integral to the • Ensure that people have the choice of using fit” between the types of housing which are target growth sectors, as well as other more Council’s regeneration and development objectives. good quality public transport, walking or cycling available in the Borough and that which is needed established sectors. The UDP (in chapter 8 “Transport”) contains a to access new development. to meet the needs and aspirations of the number of strategic proposals, such as the community (see chapter 5 “Housing”). The Plan improvement to junction 6 of the M62 and the Objective 9 therefore makes provision for the remodelling of proposed Merseytram scheme which will To make efficient use of previously developed the housing stock, including: support these. land and buildings in providing land for new development. • The clearance of up to 4,000 unpopular or unsuitable dwellings (mainly within the social An important role of the UDP is to ensure that the rented sector) and their replacement with new use of greenfield land for new development is housing of other types and tenures which are minimised. This will be achieved by focussing new better suited to current needs; and development primarily towards previously • The comprehensive remodelling of areas of developed (brownfield) land and buildings in the particular need including North Huyton and urban area. The sites identified in the UDP for new Tower Hill, Kirkby. development (e.g. for new housing, industry or town centre uses such as shopping) are therefore mainly on brownfield sites.

20 21 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 VISION AND OBJECTIVES VISION AND OBJECTIVES

Objective 10 Objective 12 Objective 14 Objective 17 To ensure that waste management, minerals and To support the rural economy by encouraging To protect and manage Knowsley’s sites and To ensure that new development protects or energy production proposals accord with strategic appropriate forms of rural diversification, and species of nature conservation importance enhances the quality of air, land and the water sustainability objectives for Merseyside and the protecting agricultural land of the best and most (including those identified as requiring protection environment in Knowsley. region as a whole and comply with best versatile quality from permanent loss. in the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action environmental practice. Plan) and encourage a net gain in the An important role of the planning system is to Much of the land within the Green Belt is high biodiversity resource. work in conjunction with other legislation to A major priority in Knowsley is the need to quality agricultural land. There are also considered prevent pollution or hazard arising from new increase the proportion of waste that is managed to be opportunities to diversify the economy in the The North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan sets development (e.g. arising from air pollution, noise, by sustainable means (through reduction, re-use Green Belt, for example by introducing more priorities for the protection of habitats, sites and water pollution, land contamination or flooding, or recycling). A strategy to facilitate this is forestry or open recreational uses. The UDP species of nature conservation importance. or from the storage of hazardous substances). currently being prepared at the Merseyside level. therefore seeks to protect the stock of high quality The UDP therefore identifies Sites of Biological The UDP will seek to prevent pollution or harm The UDP will also seek to ensure that minerals agricultural land, and encourage the diversification Interest, and policies which will protect these sites, resulting from these causes where the extraction and energy production proposals (such of the rural economy. along with other important habitats and species, responsibility for this falls within the as oil or gas exploration proposals, or wind farms) from unacceptable harm from development. planning legislation. are considered in the context of strategic needs in Objective 13 Merseyside and the North West. To protect and where possible enhance the Objective 15 Objective 18 contribution made by open space to visual and To ensure that new development protects or To stimulate a high design quality in new Objective 11 residential amenity, ecology, culture, enhances the Borough’s stock of trees, hedges development which will: To protect the openness and character of the communities, health, access and strategic and woodland. Green Belt from inappropriate development. functions of space. a) Help to create a sense of place and pride in Knowsley and its constituent communities. The stock of trees, hedges and woodland (which is The designated Green Belt covers approximately The townships of Knowsley contain an extensive currently lower than in many areas in the North b) Respond to and enhance the character of the half of Knowsley, and contains some areas of high network of parks and other green spaces - this is West) forms another important environmental townscape and landscape; and quality landscape. It is regarded as a key considered to be one of the Borough’s most asset. The UDP will ensure that new development environmental asset, providing a physical break important environmental assets. The UDP sets c) Make the Borough a more attractive place to will either protect existing trees or, where between the Borough’s townships and standards that will ensure that an adequate live and invest in. appropriate, ensure the planting of new trees opportunities for countryside recreation. The UDP quantity and quality of greenspaces is protected and other landscaping to offset the impact of therefore seeks to protect the openness of the from development, and that opportunities will be A key emphasis of Government policy is to promote new development. Green Belt and to protect and enhance its sought to enhance existing greenspace networks. good quality design. Knowsley is currently environmental quality. responding to this challenge by preparing a Design Guide which will help to shape the design of new Objective 16 In preparing this Plan, minor changes have been development in the Borough. Key issues in To ensure that buildings and features which made to Green Belt boundaries to ensure they Knowsley include a relatively uniform built represent the best of Knowsley’s historic heritage more accurately follow the current boundary of the environment with few examples of really high are preserved or enhanced. built-up area. Any future changes to Green Belt quality or innovative urban design. The Plan will boundaries, to accommodate new housing or therefore aim to ensure that all new development Knowsley contains 15 Conservation Areas, together economic development to 2021 and beyond, shall is of the highest design quality and strengthens the with a number of Listed Buildings which are of be determined within a future review of this Plan. character of individual townships. This shall be informed by a strategic study of recognised historic and/or architectural merit, as Green Belt across Merseyside and Halton in well as a number of important archaeological accordance with the Regional Spatial Strategy for remains. The UDP will seek to protect these from the North West. unjustified harm or loss.

22 23 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 VISION AND OBJECTIVES CORE POLICIES

Objective 19 To ensure that the design of new development: CHAPTER 4 a) Provides for good levels of amenity and does not cause harm to amenities that ought to be protected in the public interest;

b) Provides a good level of accessibility to the whole community (including the less mobile) Core Policies making appropriate and safe provision for vehicle parking, walking, cycling and public transport; and

c) Discourages criminal activity. 4.1 4.2 Crime and the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour are significant issues in Knowsley and To put the Plan objectives into effect, three core The three core policies establish the underpinning the Council is implementing a number of policies have been identified. These are set out below priorities and principles of the Plan. They will apply to “Designing Out Crime” initiatives. The UDP will and will: all development types, and their implications for individual topics are then developed in greater detail also ensure that new development protects the • Guide the broad location and nature of future in subsequent chapters. amenity of existing residents and the wider regeneration and development in Knowsley; environment, and is also safely accessible by a • choice of transport (including the less mobile). Ensure that key environmental assets are protected or enhanced; and

• Specify the key qualities to be attained by new development.

24 25 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 CORE POLICIES CORE POLICIES

POLICY CP1: North Huyton KIRKBY, PRESCOT AND HUYTON POLICY CP2: REGENERATION AND DEVELOPMENT Tower Hill, Kirkby TOWN CENTRES ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETS PRIORITY AREAS South Prescot 4.6 1. All development should seek to either preserve 1. New development and regeneration activities Kirkby Town Centre Within Knowsley’s three town centres (at Kirkby, or where possible enhance (both quantitatively shall be guided principally towards the Ravens Court (Halewood) Prescot and Huyton) the main land use priorities (set and qualitatively) the following environmental following locations (shown on the This is a part 1 policy out in chapter 7 “Town Centres and Shopping”) will assets within Knowsley: Key Diagram): be the provision of: • The openness and character of areas • Existing residential areas; • New retail uses which are of a scale and nature designated as Green Belt; EXPLANATION CP1 which is appropriate to the centre concerned; and • The town centres of Kirkby, Prescot and • The network of greenspaces within and 4.3 Huyton, together with the smaller district • A wider range of other town centre uses, such as adjacent to Knowsley’s urban areas; and local shopping centres; and leisure uses (including cinemas etc.), health Policy CP1 identifies the broad priorities for the • Knowsley’s stock of Sites of Biological facilities, and financial and professional services. • The Strategic Employment Locations. location of new development over the period to 2016. Interest, Nature Reserves, Sites of Local Geological Interest, and other sites, 2. Within the residential areas priority will be STRATEGIC EMPLOYMENT LOCATIONS habitats and species which are identified as given to securing a better choice of housing EXISTING RESIDENTIAL AREAS 4.7 being of importance in the North and improved schools, health and other 4.4 Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan; community infrastructure. Particular emphasis The Strategic Employment Locations provide jobs for The majority of new residential development over the • will be given to securing regeneration and Knowsley residents and for Merseyside as a whole. Knowsley’s stock of trees, woodland, Plan period will take place within the existing improved levels of social inclusion within the They each fall within Strategic Investment Areas in hedges, rivers, streams, lakes and residential areas of Kirkby, Huyton, Stockbridge residential regeneration areas shown on the the current Merseyside Objective 1 programme, and ponds; and Village, Prescot, Whiston, and Halewood. Other Key Diagram. are located at Huyton Business Park, South Prescot, • priorities within these areas will include the provision The buildings, features and areas, together Halewood, Knowsley Business Park, Knowsley 3. The town centres of Kirkby, Prescot, and of new and improved schools, sporting, recreational, with archaeological remains which Industrial Park and Kings Business Park. They are Huyton, together with the smaller district and health and other community facilities to meet local represent the best of Knowsley’s suitable areas for new job creation which will local centres shall be the preferred location for needs. Outside these areas, for example within the historic heritage. new shopping and leisure development. These enhance their important role in the Merseyside smaller villages of Knowsley Village and Cronton, 2. New development will be required to centres shall also be appropriate locations for economy. Specific priorities for these areas are development will be of a much smaller scale. contribute to the management and a range of other uses appropriate to a town identified in chapter 6 “Economic Development”. maintenance of environmental assets where centre such as the uses listed in appendix 7. this is necessary either to avoid long-term Development of these uses must be of a scale RESIDENTIAL REGENERATION AREAS ACTION AREAS harm to the asset concerned or to ensure that and nature which is appropriate to the role and 4.5 environmental benefits associated with the function of the centre concerned. 4.8 The most deprived of Knowsley’s residential areas development are achieved. 4. Within the Strategic Employment Locations The UDP identifies 5 areas as Action Areas, which are suffer from levels of social and economic deprivation 3. Development that would damage the above shown on the Key Diagram the main priority suitable for comprehensive development, which are amongst the highest in the country. They assets will only be permitted in exceptional will be the provision of new industrial or redevelopment or improvement. These are at: include North Huyton, Huyton Quarry, South East circumstances where there is a clear and business uses which will safeguard or provide Huyton, parts of Kirkby, Stockbridge Village, the • North Huyton documented over-riding benefit arising from jobs (including but not solely limited to those Lickers Lane area of Whiston and South Halewood. • Tower Hill, Kirkby the development. In such cases, the Council within target economic sectors), or which will These areas, which are indicated on the Key Diagram, will require mitigation measures to be make these areas more attractive to potential • South Prescot coincide with the areas which are covered by the implemented which will counter any loss in the new development for these purposes. existing Objective 1 Pathways, and the North Huyton • Kirkby Town Centre environmental resource. 5. The following areas shall be designated as New Deal for Communities programmes (see chapter • Ravenscourt (Halewood) This is a part 1 policy Action Areas, where the Council will (in 2 “Key Issues and Influences”) and will be priority partnership with others) seek to areas for regeneration. comprehensively redevelop or improve the area in accordance with policies set out elsewhere in this Plan:

26 27 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 CORE POLICIES CORE POLICIES

EXPLANATION CP2 EXPLANATION CP3 4.11 4.9 4.10 Some of the policies in chapters 5-14 are themselves of a strategic nature. Government legislation requires The Planning Act 1990 requires UDPs to contain The government (through its “By Design” initiative) these to be identified as “Part 1” policies. A list of strategic policies in respect of the conservation of the and the Regional Spatial Strategy (through its Core these is set out below: natural beauty and amenity of land and the Development Principles) both encourage an improved • Policy H1 improvement of the physical environment. Policy CP2 design quality in new development. Policy CP3 “Strategic Housing Land Requirements and identifies the key environmental assets of Knowsley identifies the key qualities that the Council will seek Supply” which must be preserved, and gives policy effect to in new development. The policy will be implemented objectives 11-17 of the Plan. The overall aim is to primarily through the more detailed policies found in • Policy EC1 ensure that there is no net loss, and indeed a net subsequent parts of the Plan - see table 4.1 below. “Strategy for Provision of Employment Land” gain, in the environmental resource in Knowsley. Table 4.1: Links to other chapters of the Plan • Policy S1 The principles set by this policy are to be “Retail and Town Centre Development Strategy” implemented primarily through more specific policies Policies CP1 to CP3 will be implemented through • set down elsewhere in the Plan. the more detailed, topic specific policies which are Policy T1 contained in subsequent chapters. The links set “An Integrated Transport System” POLICY CP3: out below should in particular be noted: • Policy OS1 DEVELOPMENT QUALITY Core Policy Related chapter areas “Strategy for Urban Greenspace and Sport” • Policy MW1 All development proposals should seek to: Policy CP1: Chapter 5 Housing “Protection, Winning and Working of Minerals 1. Provide an efficient use of land and buildings, Regeneration and Chapter 6 Economic Resources” which will minimise the need to build on Development Development • Policy MW4 undeveloped greenfield sites to meet overall Priority Areas Chapter 7 Town Centres and “Waste Management Strategy” development needs; Shopping

2. Provide a high design quality which will Policy CP2: Chapter 9 Green Belt and respond to and enhance the characteristics of Environmental the Rural the site and its surrounding area; Assets Economy 3. Protect and enhance the environment and Chapter 10 Urban amenities of people who live, work in and Greenspace, visit Knowsley; Sport and Recreation 4. Avoid causing unacceptable levels of pollution Chapter 11 Development of air, land or the water environment; Quality and the 5. Avoid causing hazard from flood risk, the Built Environment storage or use of notifiable hazardous Chapter 13 Environmental substances, or land contamination Protection and or instability; Nature 6. Include provision for safe and convenient Conservation accessibility to new development by a choice of Policy CP3: Chapter 8 Transport transport, including walking, cycling and public Development Chapter 11 Development transport; and Quality Quality and the 7. Reduce the threat of global warming, for Built Environment example through environmentally efficient Chapter 13 Environmental building design and the encouragement of the Protection and use of renewable energy sources. Nature This is a part 1 policy Conservation

28 29 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 CORE POLICIES HOUSING

Key Diagram KEY CHAPTER 5 Borough boundary

Residential regeneration areas S Strategic employment locations Existing urban areas Housing Town centres

Existing strategic road network

H Proposed major highway schemes

Merseytram

S Proposed new station STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 5.2 Action areas • To provide additional housing in a range of The overall amount of housing development which Green belt locations consistent with the requirements may take place within Knowsley in future years will Railways of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the be guided by the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West. North West (see policy H1 below). Due to falling household sizes, the housing figures set by the • To provide a better choice of housing in Regional Spatial Strategy are unlikely to be sufficient terms of tenure, type and market sector to maintain a stable population over the Plan period. which will meet the needs and aspirations The Council will work within the requirements set by of the community. H the Regional Spatial Strategy in planning for new • To make efficient use of previously housing development - the policies set out below, developed land and buildings in providing however, seek to maximise the opportunities for land for new development. retaining population and tackling low demand. This will be achieved by providing land for new INTRODUCTION housing and also allowing for the demolition and replacement of unpopular stock with new 5.1 housing which will more effectively meet the needs of the community. Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 (see glossary) H advises that local authorities should, through their Development Plans, provide a sufficient amount of IMPROVING HOUSING CHOICE land for new housing and also a choice of housing 5.3 which meets all the needs of the local community. In meeting housing needs, they should make efficient The housing stock within Knowsley is heavily use of previously developed “brownfield” land and influenced by the Borough’s history as a post war existing buildings (particularly if these are vacant or overspill area for Liverpool. Approximately 30% of the under-used). The provision of a good choice of stock (about 17,000 dwellings) was until 2002 owned housing is also seen as key to achieving the by the local authority - a much higher proportion than Council’s wider population stabilisation and in any other Merseyside authority. Much of the former regeneration objectives (see chapter 2 “Key Issues local authority stock dates from the period between and Influences”). the Second World War and the 1970s. Vacancy levels over the stock as a whole are below those in the North West. However, vacancies within the former © Crown Copyright Knowsley MBC 100017655

30 31 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 HOUSING HOUSING

local authority stock are much higher than in other 5.6 and regeneration partnerships, to ensure that new POLICY H1: tenures and are considered to be in danger of rising development in these areas is of a type which meets STRATEGIC HOUSING LAND REQUIREMENTS The study found that, in overall terms, there is further. Problems of low demand are concentrated in current housing needs. Given the substantial AND SUPPLY sufficient affordable accommodation (see glossary) particular types of unpopular housing, such as opportunities that exist for the provision of new in Knowsley. However, the bulk of this provision is multi-storey flats and some terraced properties, and owner occupied and shared ownership affordable 1. Land will be released for new housing within the former Council stock. This is not the within specific parts of the Borough. The whole of the housing in these areas, as well as the transfer of development sufficient to provide an average of preferred tenure of many residents and the study former local authority stock was transferred to a new stock between tenures, it is not considered 230 new dwelling completions per year over found that it will therefore be necessary to provide up registered social landlord (the Knowsley Housing necessary to include in the Plan a policy requiring the period 2002 to 2016. to 1,000 affordable dwellings over the period to 2007 Trust) in 2002, with plans for significant investment the provision of affordable housing as a matter of 2. In addition to the above, sufficient land will be in other tenures. A further issue for Knowsley is that and removal of stock for which there is no demand. course in housing development sites across the provided to replace all demolition losses. there is a shortage of land which is considered whole Borough. suitable to accommodate executive housing attractive 3. Land for housing development shall be released for development in a phased 5.4 to workers in the Region’s target growth industries (see footnote1). FUTURE REVIEW OF HOUSING and orderly manner to meet the Within the private sector there is also a NEEDS following requirements: predominance of modern housing. Approximately • During any five year period, there shall be 45% of the stock within this sector has been built 5.7 5.9 no significant net under- or over-provision; since 1964, and only 5% built before 1919, compared In 2003 and 2004, there were substantial upswings in In 2004, the Council commissioned further work to • Demolition losses shall be replaced within to a national average of 21% (source of information: the North West housing market, which have been identify housing needs and demand, the findings of or near to the demolition site, or where “Knowsley MBC Private Sector Stock Condition particularly noticeable in Knowsley. Average house which are expected to be finalised late in 2004. this is impractical within other sites in the Survey, 2004”). prices in the Borough increased by 43% between The Council will monitor the need for and supply of existing urban area; June 2003 and June 2004. The effect of the increases affordable housing. Depending on future trends, a • The housing needs of the Borough as CURRENT HOUSING NEEDS in the cost of housing has been that some lower planning policy which encourages the development of a whole; income households were unable to purchase intermediate forms of private housing such as shared • 5.5 Priority shall be given to sites which properties on the open market, implying a further or low cost home ownership, and which promotes contribute to urban regeneration, need for provision of affordable housing. greater integration of affordable and private housing, In 2002, the Council commissioned a study of housing particularly within the Action Areas listed may be introduced in a future Development Plan needs and demand in the Borough (ref: “The in table 5.1; Knowsley MBC Housing Need and Market Demand Document for Knowsley. DELIVERY OF AFFORDABLE • Priority shall be given to the release of Study: April 2002”). Key issues arising from this study HOUSING brownfield sites in preference to greenfield included: sites; and 5.8 HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY AND • A demand for 1,960 new owner occupied FOR SPECIAL NEEDS • An efficient use of land shall be achieved, dwellings over the period to 2007, spread across The essential issue concerning the provision of 5.10 with the average density of new the Borough; affordable housing is considered to be an imbalance development being at least 30 dwellings to in supply with surpluses in the social rented sector The “Housing Need and Market Demand Study: • Strongest demand for semi-detached, with an the hectare. being accompanied by shortages in other sectors. April 2002” also found that across Knowsley 24% of additional demand for detached properties 4. Decisions on planning applications for housing The Plan therefore aims to address this by allowing residents are aged 60 or over. This proportion is likely and bungalows; development will ensure that there shall be no for the demolition of unpopular former local authority to grow in the future leading to a requirement for the • significant net over-provision within the Strong demand for three bedroomed properties, stock and its replacement (often in the same area) by adaptation of existing housing and provision of new Borough over the period commencing in addition some demand for larger four affordable units in other tenures and of a more accommodation specifically to meet their needs. 1st April 2002 and ending at a date which is bedroomed accommodation; and suitable type to meet current needs. It is anticipated In addition, 38.2% of households in Knowsley five years following the date of the decision. • that opportunities for this will be available in North included a person who has an illness or disability. A contracting market for the former In circumstances where it is considered that a Huyton, Tower Hill (Kirkby) and other existing The Council will, through the policies of this Plan and Council stock. particular development proposal would cause residential areas. The Council and the Knowsley through its Housing Strategy (see Chapter 2 “Key or significantly exacerbate such over-provision, Housing Trust will be able to use their powers as Issues and Influences”), aim to ensure that the needs planning permission will only be granted landlord and through the relevant funding agencies of the elderly, less mobile, and also groups such as where the immediate release of the site is young vulnerable people and the homeless are met. essential either to:

1Source of information: “North West Development Agency: Interim Response to Mersey Belt Study” 2003

32 33 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 HOUSING HOUSING

• Provide a significant social, environmental 5.13 OVERALL REQUIREMENT AND SUPPLY OF 5.18 and/or economic regeneration benefit (for To address these problems, the Knowsley Housing HOUSING LAND In interpreting table 5.1, it is important to stress that example where the development is Trust embarked upon an extensive demolition 5.16 the numbers for proposed "new build" dwellings are required as part of comprehensive programme in 2002. By September 2004, the Trust "gross" and should be offset against demolitions proposals to regenerate one of the Action The total housing land requirement for the period had already demolished approximately 600 dwellings which have or are expected to occur in the Plan Areas listed in table 5.1); or 2002-2016 will comprise 3,220 dwellings to meet the and decommissioned approximately a further 900 in requirements of the Regional Spatial Strategy. period. For example, of the housing completions • To meet a specific and urgent readiness for demolition. The precise scale, location, In addition it is anticipated that (on the basis of the which occurred between 1st April 2002 and housing need. phasing and mix of the dwellings that are still to be current and anticipated clearance rates) up to 31st March 2004, and the existing planning 5. "Windfall" housing development on greenfield demolished is subject to on-going review by Knowsley approximately 4,000 demolition losses will need to be permissions as at 31st March 2004, 376 were on sites sites will not be permitted except in exceptional Housing Trust, and could therefore change as the replaced. It is therefore expected that a total of up to which previously had dwellings on them. Within the circumstances where the development forms an Plan period progresses. It is anticipated that up to a 7,220 new dwellings will be needed over the Plan sites allocated for development in policy H2, 307 essential and supporting element of wider further 2,500 dwellings are likely to be demolished in period. These needs will be kept under review, dwellings have either recently been demolished or regeneration proposals that will bring significant the period from 2004 to 2012. particularly having regard to any variations which are scheduled for demolition in the near future. social, environmental and/or economic may occur in the demolition programme. Within North Huyton, the plans include over 1,150 regeneration benefits for the community as demolitions, meaning that the net provision proposed 5.14 a whole. in this area is expected to be no more than 300 new 5.17 This is a part 1 policy The Council proposes that dwellings that are lost dwellings. Within Tower Hill Action Area in through demolition should be replaced on a 1:1 basis. Table 5.1 indicates the estimated sources of supply Kirkby approximately 50 existing dwellings have This is justified by the current low rates of vacancy for housing development as at 1st April 2004. been demolished. EXPLANATION H1 over the stock as a whole and will allow for the The sources of supply include existing completions up HOUSING LAND REQUIREMENTS introduction of new housing of types and tenures to 31st March 2004, planning permissions granted which are better suited to local needs and but unimplemented as at 1st April 2004, sites 5.11 aspirations. It will also slow down population loss and allocated in policy H2, and provision within the The Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West thereby preserve the viability of local services. proposed Action Areas at North Huyton, Tower Hill, (RSS) requires that Knowsley should provide for an Kirkby and South Prescot (see policies H3 and EC5). annual average of 230 new dwellings starting at In the case of North Huyton and Tower Hill, the 1 April 2002. This figure is in addition to new 5.15 precise sites will be identified following the dwellings that are needed to replace dwellings lost In most cases, it is expected that the demolition sites completion of emerging master planning exercises through demolition. The housing land requirements will be subsequently made available for for these areas. In the case of South Prescot, the identified in policy H1 reflect the RSS requirement, redevelopment as housing sites. This recycling of the number of dwellings will be partly dependent on the and will cover the whole period from 1 April 2002 stock, to provide new housing that is better suited to mix of uses for this site - however an outline planning to 2016. current needs, will be a major priority over the Plan permission has subsequently (in early 2005) been period. The dwellings which have been demolished, granted for 395 dwellings. A further site (that and those which may be demolished in the future, currently occupied by the Kirkby Sports Stadium) will, HOUSING CLEARANCE AND RENEWAL include a significant number of high-rise or walk up it is expected, become available following the opening 5.12 flats (of up to 18 storeys in height) and other forms of of replacement leisure facilities in a more central high-density housing. Given the very high density of location in Kirkby. The site of the current stadium (at The demand for public sector housing in Knowsley many demolition sites, it will not always be possible a "gateway" location on the approaches to Kirkby has fallen dramatically since the mid 1990s. (even if re-building takes place at 30 dwellings to the from the M57) is identified as a Development This long-term trend is associated with demographic hectare or higher) to provide all the replacement Opportunity Site within which housing will (once the changes and the enhanced aspirations of residents dwellings on the same sites (some recent examples site becomes available) be considered appropriate for improved standards and choice of housing. have achieved a “replacement ratio” of little more either on its own or as part of a mix of other uses Although the transfer of the former local authority than 25% i.e. for every four dwellings lost on a site (see policy H4). stock to Knowsley Housing Trust in 2002 has provided only one is put back). additional resources to manage the stock in a sustainable way, there is a need for further decisive action to address fundamental problems of low demand for some parts of the stock.

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Table 5.1: Estimated sources of housing land supply 5.19 a proposal to meet a specific and urgent housing 5.25 as at 1st April 2004 (including demolition need if it would provide housing for the elderly, less Table 5.1 also includes an allowance of 1,500 for Greenfield housing developments will only be mobile or other special needs group in accordance replacements - see para. 5.18) "windfall" provision. Some of this allowance will, it is permitted where it has been clearly established that with the Council’s Supporting People, Homelessness anticipated be taken up by redevelopment of future they would form a necessary and supporting element Commitments and/or Housing Strategies. demolition sites and it is therefore not easy to predict of wider regeneration proposals which would bring Completions 1.4.02 to 31.3.04 897 precisely what this allowance should be. However, significant economic, social or environmental benefits Existing planning permissions 1,534 the figure of 1,500 is considered reasonable given PROMOTION OF REGENERATION WITHIN for the community as a whole. Examples of where this as at 31.3.04 (* see note 1 below) recent rates of windfall provision on brownfield sites EXISTING RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND may be the case are the proposed Action Areas in in past years and the anticipated scale of the North Huyton and Tower Hill, Kirkby. It is anticipated Allocations ACTION AREAS demolition programme outside the Action Areas. that the emerging master planning exercises for these Allocations on the Proposals Map 822 5.23 areas (described elsewhere in this chapter) could (see policy H2) Two of the most significant areas of change in the include, in the context of the overall proposals for RELEASE OF HOUSING SITES North Huyton Action Area 1,450 (source housing stock will be at North Huyton and Tower Hill, demolition and rebuild, a relatively limited amount of (see policy H3) of information: 5.20 Kirkby (see policy H3). As referred to above, these development on surplus greenfield areas. This is likely areas are designated as Action Areas in this Plan, North Huyton to be necessary to enable the comprehensive The release of sites for housing development will be within which current master planning exercises are New Deal remodelling of the housing stock, and the guided by the principles set down below. aiming to transform the built form. In North Huyton, - New Future) transformation of the design and layout of these areas for example, approximately 1,150 dwellings will be Tower Hill, Kirkby Action Area 300 that is considered to be needed. It is anticipated that demolished and 1,450 new dwellings provided. (see policy H3) AVOIDING AN OVER- OR UNDER- SUPPLY any loss of existing poor quality open spaces in these Regeneration of the housing stock is also a priority in areas will be offset by significant investment in and South Prescot Action Area 400 5.21 other regeneration areas with similar but less severe (see policy EC5) enhancement of the greenspace network. This will mean ensuring that the rate of development, problems, including other parts of Kirkby, Development Opportunity Site 225 when averaged out over the period 2002 to 2016 (or Stockbridge Village, parts of Huyton, Whiston and - Valley Road, Kirkby (policy H4) any five year period within it), does not significantly South Halewood, and as part of the regeneration 5.26 proposals for South Prescot. The release of land for differ from the rate of 230 per year net of demolition In the 1990s (prior to the publication of Planning Windfall allowance housing will therefore be managed in such a way as replacements. In assessing any planning application Policy Guidance note 3 "Housing" in 2000) a to support and encourage the regeneration of Allowance for “windfall” provision 1,500 for housing development, the Council will have regard significant proportion of the planning permissions these areas. (including recycled demolition sites to the rate of development and demolitions that have granted for residential development in Knowsley were taken place from the 1st April 2002 and the volume and other sources of windfall on greenfield sites. At the start of the Plan period and nature of the land supply (in sites which are provision outside the above areas) A SEQUENTIAL APPROACH TO SITE RELEASE (1st April 2002), much of the land supply committed allocated and/or with planning permission), and how (* see note 2 below) 5.24 by existing permissions was still greenfield. these compare with Regional Spatial Strategy This meant that in the two-year period up to Total supply 7,128 requirements and the other priorities listed in In accordance with Planning Policy Guidance note 31st March 2004, only approximately 50% of policy H1. 3 “Housing”, the sources of land supply identified * Notes: primarily use existing buildings or previously completions have been on brownfield sites. However, as the Plan period progresses, it is expected that the 1. Sites with planning permission as at 1st April developed (“brownfield”) land, in preference to other, primarily brownfield, sources of provision will 2004 are listed in Appendix 4. PROVISION OF A GOOD CHOICE OF SITES TO greenfield land. The Council has carried out an urban MEET HOUSING NEEDS capacity study, which together with similar studies become more dominant, and that, over the Plan 2. "Windfall” sites are defined for the purposes of period as a whole, at least 65% of new development 5.22 produced by other authorities on Merseyside (see this Plan as sites which are: not specifically footnote2) identifies the potential capacity of will be on brownfield sites. This would be consistent allocated in the Plan (i.e. in policy H2 or H4); The Council will seek to ensure that, at any one time, brownfield development land across Merseyside as a with the Regional Spatial Strategy, which requires which are outside the Action Areas (policies H3 an adequate stock of land is available to meet whole (as at April 2003). Taking account of the that across Merseyside (excluding Liverpool) at and EC5); did not have planning permission for different housing needs, at the right time, in terms of findings of this study (and of the other sources of land least 65% of all new homes should be on housing development as at 1st April 2004; and tenure, type, affordability and location. Planning identified above), the Council considers that there will “brownfield” land. which are completed between 1st April 2004 applications which meet an identified need (e.g. for be sufficient land from primarily brownfield sources and 31st March 2016. the elderly or for special needs housing) will in many to meet housing needs through to 2016. cases be supported. With regard to point 4 in Policy H1, the Council would - subject to compliance with 2References: “Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council: Urban Housing Capacity Study: Final Report, 2004” White other development plan policies - favourably consider Young Green and “Merseyside Sub-Region: Urban Housing Potential Study: 2004” White Young Green

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MAKING EFFICIENT USE OF LAND • The provision of dwellings to replace demolition and to inform its wider regeneration functions, the POLICY H2: losses on the same site; Council will keep an up to date assessment of SITES ALLOCATED FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT 5.27 housing land availability and development trends. • The re-use or redevelopment of vacant industrial Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 “Housing” requires This will identify factors such as: 1. The sites listed below are allocated for housing or commercial properties; that (to ensure an efficient use of existing land and development in the period up to 2016 and are • The overall rate of new development and buildings) new dwellings should normally be provided • Housing or live / work development as part of shown on the Proposals Map: demolitions (compared to RSS requirements); at a minimum density of 30 units to the hectare. wider regeneration schemes in town centres. Estimated • In considering any planning applications for housing Current site availability differentiated by type, Size capacity development, the Council will expect this overall location, market sector, quality etc. Site (Hect- (No. of 5.30 average to be maintained. It should be stressed • Likely future trends in building and Ref Location ares) dwellings) however that: In some parts of Merseyside, there has been demolition rates; H1 Former Bridgefield 8.3 250 • significant recent pressure for various forms of For some sites (e.g. within or near town centres) • The degree of “fit” between current site Forum site, Cartbridge windfall development, such as the demolition of higher densities of up to 50 or 60 dwellings availability and the regeneration needs of Lane, Halewood single or semi-detached pairs of dwellings or of per hectare will be appropriate; the Borough. existing uses such as public houses, often in H2 Former flats at 0.71 25 • In some exceptional circumstances, suburban areas, and replacement by high-density 62-100 Kipling Avenue, developments at lower densities may be required. Huyton development such as blocks of flats. Such 5.33 Examples of where this may be the case include development can be regarded as an efficient use of H3 Former Wingate Towers 2.3 70 where the surrounding highway network The Council will produce a Supplementary Planning land and therefore in some respects compliant with site, Alamein Road, constrains the number of dwellings to be Document which will describe in detail the Planning Policy Guidance note 3. However, if it takes Huyton accommodated, or in some circumstances where place to an excessive and unforeseen degree it can mechanism for controlling the release of housing H4 Land at Thingwall Lane, 18.0 350 higher density development would damage the have the effect of prejudicing the overall achievement land in accordance with the principles set out above. Huyton character of a Conservation Area. of the Plan strategy. H5 Land adjacent to 0.9 30 POLICY LINKS St Andrew’s Church Hall, REGULATING WINDFALL PROVISION 5.31 Policy H2 Boundary Drive, Halewood 5.28 Therefore, as part of its overall monitoring of the rate “Sites allocated for housing development” H6 Quarryside Drive, Kirkby 0.58 17 Although table 5.1 anticipates considerable provision of new housing development as a whole, the Council Policy H3 from windfall sources over the Plan period, it will be will monitor the rate of release of windfall sites from “North Huyton and Tower Hill, Kirkby Action Areas” H7 Land at Delph Lane/ 2.2 60 brownfield sources. If it appears that windfall Two Butt Lane, Whiston important to ensure that excessive releases from Policy H4 these sources (as defined in table 5.1) do not occur development is occurring at a rate which is “Development Opportunity Site - Valley Road, Kirkby” H8 Trecastle Road, Kirkby 0.6 20 which could threaten the overall strategy in this threatening an over-provision, or diverting Policy EC5 Total for period up to 2016 822 chapter. Windfall releases on greenfield sites will be development pressures away from other priorities particularly discouraged unless (as referred to above) such as the regeneration of the Action Areas, “South Prescot Action Area” 2. The Council will monitor and manage the they form an integral part of wider regeneration constraints will be placed on the nature and the rate release of these sites having regard to overall proposals bringing significant social, economic or of release of “windfall” sites. trends in housing supply and in accordance environmental benefits. with the principles for the release of land for housing set by policy H1. If necessary PROCEDURES (for example to ensure the focussing of 5.29 5.32 available development within the Action Areas) the timing of release of the sites will be varied. Sources of brownfield windfall development can The Council will monitor and manage the release of include the following: sites for housing development through decisions on • The re-use or conversion of empty dwellings or planning applications. The way in which this is done other existing buildings; must be sensitive to changing circumstances, such as variations in the rate of demolitions or of the rate of • The sub-division of existing dwellings to release of different types of housing development. form flats; To help it make decisions on planning applications,

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EXPLANATION H2 prepared to grant an early planning permission for POLICY LINKS • The phasing of each part of the the site provided that the number of dwellings development; 5.34 Policy H1 completed before 2011 does not exceed 150. • The design standards to be adopted (which Part of site H7 is currently occupied by a road “Strategic Housing Land Requirement and Supply” Policy H2 lists housing sites which are allocated for shall be of high quality); development over the period to 2016. The list of haulage company, but is considered suitable for Policy DQ1 • The location of proposed new and/or allocated sites forms just one of the sources of residential development. “Design Quality in New Development” enhanced public open spaces and housing land identified earlier in the chapter. Policy T8 community infrastructure; and The timing of release of the sites allocated in this CAPACITY OF THE SITES "Transport Assessments" policy (as with sites from other sources) will be • Proposals for road layout, public governed by the principles set by policy H1. 5.37 transport provision and provision for This means that there could be variations in timing POLICY H3: walking and cycling. The estimated capacity of the sites listed in policy H2 depending on factors such as how quickly the NORTH HUYTON AND TOWER HILL (KIRKBY) assumes (for most of the sites) a net density of at 5. Developments will be expected to provide new Knowsley Housing Trust’s clearance programme ACTION AREAS least 30 dwellings to the hectare. The only exceptions areas of greenspace or significant qualitative proceeds, and how quickly provision from other to this are: improvements to greenspace; and in order to sources comes forward to meet the overall housing North Huyton and Tower Hill (Kirkby) are • secure a successful regeneration of the area it requirements of the Borough. Site H4 (“Land at Thingwall Lane, Huyton”) which designated as Action Areas and are indicated on is likely that the housing development will has been initially assigned a capacity of 350 the Proposals Map. include some land which is currently dwellings based on previous planning 1. These areas are suitable for comprehensive redundant or poorly used urban greenspace, 5.35 applications. Any proposal for a larger number of development, redevelopment or improvement some of which has had development on it in dwellings would need to be accompanied by a Site H1 (“Bridgefield Forum” Halewood) was until including the following: the past. transport assessment that demonstrates the recently occupied by a major indoor sports centre surrounding transport network (including any a. Improvement, clearance and serving the Halewood area. Following the redevelopment of existing unpopular improvements) can accommodate the construction of replacement sports facilities and/or substandard housing; EXPLANATION H3 development; and elsewhere in Halewood (off Baileys Lane) the site has 5.39 b. Provision of a wider choice of housing become surplus to leisure requirements in the area • Site H7 (“Land at Delph Lane/Two Butt Lane, accommodation and improvements to local and the building demolished. In addition to the Whiston”) which has been assigned a reduced Two of the areas of most significant proposed change shopping, open space, leisure, health and substantial building footprint the site contains former capacity due to the need to include an open space (at North Huyton and Tower Hill, Kirkby) are other community facilities. car parks and a former playing field (now disused). element within an area of deficit against current identified as Action Areas. It is proposed that The site would form an extension to recent housing standards (it is likely that a planning contribution 2. In the case of North Huyton, the regeneration significant parts of these areas will be subject to development on neighbouring land immediately to will be sought from the developer to provide proposals will also include the provision of comprehensive development and re-development the south, which has broadened the housing choice at either open space or woodland planting at the new schools and the provision of a jobs, over the Plan period. the upper end of the market in Knowsley. western side of this site). education and training centre/managed work- space facilities. Sites H2 and H3 are the sites of blocks of flats NORTH HUYTON ACTION AREA which have either been demolished or are 3. The amount of new housing development and DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS programmed for demolition. demolition within the two areas shall be 5.40 5.38 approximately as follows: The North Huyton area (including the estates of Hillside, Woolfall Heath, Finch House and Fincham) is 5.36 For all housing sites, considerable care will need to North Huyton - up to 1,450 new dwellings be taken to ensure a high quality design and layout. (including 1,200 demolition replacements) one of the more deprived areas of Knowsley, and is Site H4 (land at Thingwall Hall, Huyton) has been being regenerated under the Government’s New Deal For some sites, Development Briefs will be prepared Tower Hill, Kirkby - up to 300 new dwellings subject to extensive waste tipping in the past and has for Communities (NDC) programme. This programme providing advice on the phasing of development, (including 50 demolition replacements). been accepted by the Secretary of State to be a design, layout, transport provision, landscaping etc. is one of the key elements of the Government’s previously developed site. There is likely to be a long 4. The Council and its partners will carry out The Council has already adopted a Development National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal, and period of remediation and post-remediation master planning exercises for these areas Brief for the land at Bridgefield Forum. Briefs aims to strike a balance between physical monitoring before housing development can proceed. which will identify: may be prepared for other housing sites as and developments and social projects. In recognition of the need to remediate the site and in when necessary, which will be treated as • The parcels of land to be developed or accordance with the plan, monitor, manage material considerations in the determination of redeveloped for the different uses mechanism in policy H1, the Council would be planning applications. listed above;

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5.41 TOWER HILL, KIRKBY ACTION AREA POLICY H4: POLICY LINKS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY SITE The North Huyton programme began in 2001, runs 5.44 (VALLEY ROAD, KIRKBY) Policy H2 until 2010 and will invest £55.8m of Government Similarly, the Tower Hill area in Kirkby is the subject “Sites Allocated for housing development” funds. Plans for the regeneration of the area are of a master-planning exercise which will set out the 1. The Development Opportunity Site at Kirkby Policy S1 being developed by extensive consultation with local Stadium, Valley Road, Kirkby (marked on the options for regeneration of housing and the “Retail and Town Centre Development Strategy” people and other partners who continue to play a environment. A central purpose of the master plan Proposals Map) would, if it became available leading role in the development, appraisal and Policy T8 will be to diversify the quality and choice of housing. for redevelopment during the Plan period, be approval of projects. These will be focussed on "Transport Assessments" In order to secure a successful regeneration of the suitable for redevelopment for residential use tackling unemployment, poor examination results, ill area it is likely that the housing development will or for a mix of residential and small-scale health, poor housing and crime and disorder. community or commercial uses to serve the include some areas which are currently redundant or POLICY H5: local area. poorly used urban greenspace (some of which has DEVELOPMENT WITHIN PRIMARILY 5.42 had development on it in the past). 2. Release of the site (in whole or part) for RESIDENTIAL AREAS housing development will be required to The regeneration of the area is likely to entail major comply with the overall principles governing 1. The Primarily Residential Areas are indicated physical land use changes and development PROCEDURES the phasing and release of sites identified in on the Proposals Map. proposals, including: 5.45 policy H1. 2. New development within the Primarily • The improvement and (where necessary) The master plans for the two Action Areas at North Residential Areas (or proposals for the change clearance and renewal of existing housing Huyton and Tower Hill will, once finalised, be adopted of use or redevelopment of existing buildings) stock; and EXPLANATION H4 by the Council as Supplementary Planning which is for uses appropriate to a residential 5.46 • The provision of more jobs and better community Documents. Any master planning exercise will need area will be permitted provided that the and leisure facilities. to take into consideration the requirements of and the The Council has recently carried out a review of development (either by itself or in conjunction with other developments) would not: • The provision of new schools. need to integrate into the planning process a full leisure provision in the Kirkby area as a result of Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental which the existing leisure facilities at Kirkby Stadium a) Have an unacceptable impact on the Assessment. This will ensure that sustainability are likely to become surplus to requirements for their amenity of neighbouring occupiers by 5.43 factors are built in at the start of the process. current use. Planning permission has been granted reason of noise, disturbance, overlooking, The Supplementary Planning Documents will guide A range of options is currently being developed, for the construction of a replacement leisure centre visual intrusion, smells, fumes, on-street the subsequent determination of planning which could involve the demolition of approximately on another site closer to Kirkby town centre parking or other causes; or applications in these areas. (at Cherryfield Drive). Completion of the new leisure 1,150 dwellings and replacement by approximately b) Adversely affect the character or street facilities is expected in 2007 and the site of the 1,450 new dwellings which are better suited to local scene of the area. needs. It is expected that the new housing existing leisure centre and stadium will become POLICY LINKS 3. Windfall housing provision in Primarily development will focus primarily on the available for redevelopment. The Council considers Policy H1 Residential Areas will be acceptable in redevelopment of cleared areas. Within later phases that this would be suitable for redevelopment for principle if it is for the replacement on a of the development (and as part of the general "Strategic Housing Land Requirements and Supply” housing, or for a mix of housing and small-scale one-for-one basis of housing units which have remodelling of the area) it may be necessary to Policy DQ1 community or commercial uses which could appropriately be located in a residential area and been demolished and accounted for under the incorporate some areas of existing greenspace. “Design Quality in New Development” terms of policy H1. Further new "windfall" However new areas of greenspace are also likely to outside a town centre. Any potential release of the Policy OS3 houses will only be permitted if the release of be provided, and the development will be expected to site for housing development would need to come at “Quantitative Standards - Public Open Space for the site is considered to be appropriate having provide significant qualitative improvements to a time when it is needed and is in accordance with general amenity use and children’s play” regard to the requirements of policy H1 and the greenspace provision. Under the schools review the overall land release mechanism provided by monitoring of overall housing land supply. (see chapter 2 “Key Issues and Influences”) the Policy T8 policy H1. Council has issued a Statement of Intent which "Transport Assessments" indicates that the secondary school in this area will be replaced and also that proposals will be developed for replacement of primary schools.

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EXPLANATION H5 POLICY H6: 5.52 POLICY H7: TREATMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF HOUSING PROVISION OF FLATS, NURSING AND It is important that, when redevelopment does 5.47 CLEARANCE SITES RESIDENTIAL HOMES, HOSTELS, AND HOUSES IN eventually take place, this is done on a MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (HMOs) The Council values the character and environmental comprehensive basis without prejudicing the qualities of the established residential areas and will 1. Proposals for the redevelopment or treatment redevelopment of other land e.g. by leaving a site 1. Proposals for the provision of flats, nursing or protect and improve their physical environment. of cleared former housing sites will be which is inaccessible from the public highway residential homes, hostels or Houses in A major consideration in determining proposals in required to achieve the comprehensive or which is too small to be of realistic interest Multiple Occupation (either within new build these areas will also be the need to protect the redevelopment or treatment of the site and to developers. development or as a result of the change of residential amenity of the occupiers of existing and avoid prejudicing the redevelopment of any use of existing property) will be permitted proposed properties. adjacent site or sites. POLICY LINKS provided that: 2. In considering any proposals which involve the a) There would be no unacceptable increase demolition of existing housing, the Council will Policy H1 5.48 in the level of noise or disturbance, or require that a satisfactory site management “Strategic Housing Land Requirements and Supply” loss of privacy, for occupiers of Some non-residential development and uses, such as plan shall be submitted which should contain Policy H3 neighbouring property; corner shops, and local services, may be proposals for maintaining the vacant land until “North Huyton and Tower Hill (Kirkby) Action Areas” b) Any necessary vehicle parking areas would appropriately sited within Primarily Residential such time as redevelopment commences. Areas. In many cases such uses are indeed needed to be adequate to meet the needs of the provide facilities close to where people live. development, safe and screened and/or Such uses should be carefully sited and designed to EXPLANATION H6 landscaped so as to avoid causing loss of visual amenity in the area; avoid causing loss of amenity for neighbours, and 5.50 planning conditions (see glossary) will be imposed c) Bin stores, fire escapes and clothes drying where necessary (for example covering opening Proposals for the demolition of existing housing can areas would be adequately screened or hours or parking facilities) to ensure that such uses be submitted to the Council as Local Planning designed so as to avoid causing loss of do not adversely affect occupiers of Authority in the following ways: visual amenity; neighbouring property. • If the demolition is associated with a scheme for d) In the case of proposals to convert existing rebuilding, as part of the planning application; or property, the property would be suitable in terms of its size and character to 5.49 • If no redevelopment is proposed at the time of demolition, an application must be submitted accommodate the development proposed; Proposals for new housing development on previously (under the terms of the General Development and developed “windfall” sites in primarily residential Order - see glossary) for approval of the detailed e) In the case of proposals for nursing or areas (as defined in table 5.1) can in some cases be method of the demolition works residential homes, hostels or Houses in granted, provided they meet all relevant design Multiple Occupation, the proposals would requirements, for example by avoiding causing not result in: overlooking, are designed to a high quality and 5.51 can be safely accessed from the highway. The Council - An existing dwelling having a nursing The Council considers it reasonable that a home, residential home, hostel or HMO will however monitor the amount of such windfall management plan for the treatment of the resultant on both sides; or provision and may constrain the supply from such vacant land shall be submitted as part of such sources if this is considered necessary to ensure that - More than 2 adjoining properties being proposals. This should include a timescale for available housing development meets the priorities used as a nursing home, residential redevelopment; maintenance of the vacant sites set by policy H1. home, hostel or HMO. free of litter or any other nuisance; and (where the timescale for redevelopment is uncertain) 2. For the avoidance of doubt, proposals for flats (whether through new-build or change of use POLICY LINKS interim treatment such as low-maintenance of existing property) will be regarded as planting schemes. Policy DQ1 windfall housing provision and will only be “Design Quality in New Development” permitted if this complies with the overall Policy ENV1 principles governing the release of housing sites identified in policy H1. “Control of Pollution in New Development”

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EXPLANATION H7 POLICY LINKS EXPLANATION H8 POLICY H9: SITES FOR GYPSIES, TRAVELLING SHOW PEOPLE 5.53 Policy H1 5.56 AND OTHER ITINERANTS "Strategic Housing Land Requirements and Supply” The provision of flats (either through the A very high proportion of planning applications Proposals for the use of land as temporary caravan conversion of existing properties or the conversion Policy H5 received by the Council relate to extensions to sites for gypsies and travelling show people and of existing single dwellings) can provide a valuable “Development within Primarily Residential Areas” dwellings. Policy H8 relates to extensions to all other itinerants will be permitted provided that: addition to the stock of housing. Nursing homes Policy DQ1 forms of dwelling, including houses, bungalows, provide a high degree of nursing and medical care dormer bungalows and flats. Although most a) The site is suitable for short term use for a “Design Quality in New Development” and are registered by the St. Helens and Knowsley proposals for such extensions are relatively small in mixture of business and residential uses; Policy T6 Health Trust. Residential homes provide more scale, they can have a significant impact on the b) The proposals would not cause detriment to routine care (mainly for elderly people). Hostels and “Ensuring Choice of Travel to serve New street-scene and on the privacy and the amenity of visual amenity; Houses in Multiple Occupation provide Developments” neighbouring residents. accommodation, often for people in need, and c) The site is readily accessible from shops, sometimes with a degree of rehabilitation schools, medical facilities, public transport and POLICY H8: 5.57 e.g. from drugs or other personal problems. other community facilities; EXTENSIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES New extensions to dwellings should generally be d) The site can accommodate within its curtilage smaller than the original dwelling and designed as a the parking and manoeuvring of all vehicles 5.54 Proposals for extensions to dwellings, or for the subordinate element. Larger or more dominant associated with the use; All these uses have a legitimate role to play in extensions may be permitted where this would erection or enlargement of domestic garages and e) The proposal would not prejudice the meeting housing needs. However, as a result of their enhance the overall appearance of the dwelling. outbuildings, will be permitted provided that: implementation of development which is intensity and nature they can have a greater impact The Council will adopt a Supplementary Planning a) The proposals would not (due to their scale proposed within or adjacent to the site; and on the surrounding area than other forms of Document which will explain in detail the implications and massing) result in a disproportionate residential development. The cumulative impact of of this policy for the different types of domestic f) The site is not situated: addition to the original dwelling; several of these uses on residential areas can be extensions and alterations and detached garages. - Within the Green Belt, particularly great. The criteria set by policy H7 are b) The design and materials to be used would - Close to or within the curtilage of a Listed intended to ensure that such uses will only be reflect those used on the original dwelling; POLICY LINKS Building, permitted where they would have an acceptable c) The proposal would not adversely affect - Within or adjacent to a Conservation Area, impact on the character of the area and the amenity the amenity or privacy of occupiers of Policy DQ1 or of the occupiers of neighbouring property. adjacent dwellings; “Design Quality in New Development” - Within a designated site of international, d) The proposal would not create potential national or local importance for 5.55 hazards to highway users by obstructing nature conservation. visibility for pedestrians or drivers of motor The provision of flats is a form of windfall housing vehicles; and provision. This means that the amount of such development will be monitored (along with other e) Adequate parking and garden space would EXPLANATION H9 forms of windfall housing development) to ensure remain for use by the residents of the 5.58 that they do not have a disproportionate effect on the extended property. overall supply of housing which could prejudice the Government policy (set down in Department of the achievement of the priorities set by policy H1. Environment Circular 1/94 “Gypsy Sites and Planning”), requires Councils to address the potential need for accommodation of gypsies within their Development Plans. The requirement for sites to be suitable for mixed residential and business use reflects the wide variety of uses which can take place on land which is occupied by gypsies or travelling show people. Unless suitably sited, these uses can harm the amenity of neighbouring properties due to

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noise, visual intrusion and other disturbances from the business activities themselves and related coming and going of vehicles. For this reason the preferred locations for these uses are outside CHAPTER 6 existing residential areas, but within a reasonable distance of local services and facilities. To reduce the risk of visual intrusion, sites should have natural screening or adequate landscaping, both for the caravans themselves and areas used for parking and Economic storage e.g. of fairground equipment and rides. Development POLICY LINKS Policy H5 “Development within Primarily Residential Areas” STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES THE ECONOMY OF KNOWSLEY Policy EC3 • To provide a comprehensive range of 6.2 “Primarily Industrial Areas” employment sites and premises of different Over 2,000 firms are based in Knowsley. 25.6% of jobs Policy G1 sizes, types and locations, and to safeguard in Knowsley are based on manufacturing compared to “Development within the Green Belt” existing employment land and buildings that are needed. 15.1% in the North West and 13.4% nationally, while 68.1% of jobs are in the growing service sector • To facilitate development that safeguards or compared to 79.1% in the North West and 80.4% creates employment, particularly in the nationally (Annual Business Inquiry employee North West Development Agency’s target analysis, 2002). Major international companies growth sectors. include Ford Jaguar, Kodak, BASF, QVC, Delphi Delco Automotive Systems, and Baker Petrolite. The INTRODUCTION Borough also boasts a large pool of labour, highly competitive land values and low business rates, good 6.1 communications facilities, and access to a range of A thriving and diverse local economy is an essential European Union and UK funding regimes. part of efforts to stem population decline and tackle Knowsley’s remaining problems of deprivation and 6.3 social exclusion. It is important to provide a good range of employment land and buildings to meet the The main industrial areas in Knowsley include: the differing needs of employers, small and large, new Ford Jaguar plant at Halewood; Knowsley Industrial and long established, local and multinational. Park; Huyton Business Park and the Pirelli (formerly This should help to create a variety of different jobs, BICC Cables) complex in Prescot. Knowsley Business accessible to a wide range of people with different Park has been developed as a high quality location for skills. It is important also to ensure that they are in growing businesses in a landscaped setting, and locations which are easily accessible by public work has commenced at Kings Business Park. Kings transport, and that local people have the skills to take Business Park is identified in this chapter as a the jobs which are provided. The Council aims to Regional Investment Site, reflecting its status as a deliver the former through land use planning and the strategic regional site in the North West Development latter through education and training in collaboration Agency’s Regional Economic Strategy 2003. with public and private sector partners.

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CURRENT ISSUES TACKLING THE ISSUES KEY ECONOMIC SECTORS AND Figure 6.1: Established Target Sectors “CLUSTER” DEVELOPMENTS 6.4 6.5 • Chemicals; 6.6 Over recent years significant progress has been made The Council intends to strengthen the local economy • Textiles; in tackling the legacy of economic decline from the by promoting new employment generating uses, Key economic sectors, identified by the North West • Aerospace; 1970s and 1980s. Over 4,500 jobs have been created particularly within the target growth sectors Development Agency in the Regional (Economic) • Mechanical and other engineering industries, in new developments since 1995, and the Council and identified by the North West Development Agency’s Strategy (2000)5, are now listed in the Regional including marine industries; its partners have carried out significant work in Regional Economic Strategy (2003), and by meeting Spatial Strategy for the North West. • upgrading the environment of the industrial areas in the needs of established employers. The Council has These sectors include: Energy; Knowsley. However, a number of significant issues identified the following priorities and needs: • • Established target sectors, which are important Automotive; remain as follows: • To provide more high quality sites because of their existing scale and contribution to • Food and drink; and • The Borough has an under representation of and premises; the regional economy, and • Land-based industries (primary agriculture growth industries, such as information and • To improve “gateways” to the Borough and • Target growth industries, which have the greatest and forestry and diversification of the communications technology, biotechnology, transport corridors; potential for growth. rural economy). financial and professional services and • Growth target sectors: creative industries; To implement physical regeneration strategies for The sites identified in this chapter of the UDP are the Industrial Parks, incorporating improvements capable of meeting the likely need for the former to • Environmental technologies; • The unemployment rate (at 4.0% - see footnote3) to the landscape, provision of services to expand or relocate to more appropriate premises and is higher than the average for Merseyside as a • Life science industries (biotechnology and development sites, better security, and to attract the latter to the Borough. whole (3.7%), and is significantly higher than the pharmaceuticals); improvement/remediation of vacant sites; North West and national averages (2.4% and 2.3% • Medical equipment and technology; • respectively). Male unemployment is To improve and provide new tourism and 6.7 • Financial and professional services; approximately three times the female rate (6.2% leisure facilities; The update of the Regional (Economic) Strategy, • Tourism; and 1.9% respectively) and a high percentage of • To improve business start up rates and create a published in 2003, encouraged the provision of unemployment claimants are under 25 years of more vibrant enterprise culture; and • Computer software and services/internet clusters. Clusters are geographically concentrated age (34.0%). Second and third generation based services (Digital industries); and • To improve public transport linkages between groups of industries that trade with each other or unemployment is not unusual; • employment areas and non-employment areas to which share the same infrastructure, customers or Creative industries, media, advertising and • Unemployment is particularly high in certain improve access to jobs for those without cars and skills base and whose linkages enhance competitive public relations. areas; Cantril Farm ward (now known as to encourage use of more sustainable forms of advantage. This critical mass provides the right Industries suitable for “cluster” development Stockbridge) has a rate of 8.3%, while Princess transport for those currently using cars. operating environment for growth companies and 4 Aerospace, Automotive, Aviation, Chemicals, ward has a rate of 7.3% (see footnote ) (over provides opportunities for new start-up companies Construction, Creative Industries, Digital three times the North West average); and and inward investment. The industries which are Industries, Energy, Environmental Technology, suitable for cluster development are identified in • The number of people claiming Incapacity Benefit Financial and Professional Services, Food & Drink, figure 6.1. An opportunity for cluster development in (IB) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was Healthcare (including Biotechnology), Maritime, Knowsley exists with the Jaguar plant in Halewood more than two and a half times the number of Sport, Textiles, Tourism. people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in 2001, and the possibility of attracting suppliers to Knowsley. with rates for claiming IB and DLA both over Potential provision for this is made with the allocation twice the national average. IB and DLA claimants of land adjacent to the factory for employment use. Source: North West Development Agency Regional generally cannot work full time and this (Economic) Strategy (2000) cited in the Regional illustrates that the amount of non-employed Spatial Strategy for the North West (March 2003) and people in Knowsley is larger than the Job Seekers Regional (Economic) Strategy 2003. Allowance rate.

5The Regional (Economic) Strategy (RES) was published by the North West Development Agency in 2000. The RES was 3 All unemployment figures given are the Jobseekers Allowance claimant rate. Source: NOMIS, July 2004 updated in 2003, with certain changes such as a change in emphasis from supporting established business (target) 4This information is only available based on the old Knowsley ward boundaries (dating before the re-organisation of the sectors and growth target sectors to a strategy for encouraging clusters of businesses. The Regional Spatial Strategy Borough’s wards in 2003) for the North West (published in 2003) was adopted in March 2003, and supports key economic sectors and clusters.

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6.8 POLICY EC1: EXPLANATION EC1 MAINTAINING AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF LAND STRATEGY FOR PROVISION OF The Knowsley Managed Workspace Study 2002 AND PREMISES FOR EMPLOYMENT USES EMPLOYMENT LAND DEFINITION OF “EMPLOYMENT USES” identified a need for more managed workspace 6.12 6.10 schemes. These should include the provision of more 1. Employment development will be primarily A key requirement of the Plan is to ensure that there small workshop units of up to 200 square metres, a Whilst other forms of development such as retail, located within the following Strategic is at all times an adequate supply of sites and major new managed workspace scheme of up to leisure and tourism can provide significant amounts Employment Locations: premises of a variety of types and sizes available 8,370 sq metres to be located in the Huyton/Prescot of employment, employment uses are defined in the • Huyton Business Park across the Borough for a range of different Strategic Investment Area, and two new planning legislation as: employment uses. A total of 164.8 hectares has been neighbourhood centres of up to 1,860 sq metres each • Roscoe’s Wood • Business uses (Class B1) - includes offices identified for development in the period to 2016 for at the Ravenscourt centre in Halewood and in • South Prescot Action Area - area A and C (not including financial and professional services employment uses. This overall total includes land North Huyton New Deal for Communities area. available for visiting members of the public), which already (as at 30.6.05) had planning permission Such schemes are designed to help smaller • Halewood research and development uses and light (34 Ha), allocations in policy EC2 of this Plan businesses by providing a variety of sizes of • Knowsley Business Park industrial uses appropriate in a residential area; (105.2 Ha) and additional land at Kings Business Park centrally managed offices and light industrial units • Knowsley Industrial Park and South Prescot Action Area (Area A and C) which for rent on flexible leases, often with maintenance, • General Industrial uses (Class B2); and is allocated in policies EC4 and EC5 of this Plan 24 hour security, shared secretarial services and • Kings Business Park • Storage or distribution (Class B8). (25.6 Ha). Sites with planning permission are listed business advice included. • Kirkby, Prescot and Huyton Town Centres in Appendix 5.

Smaller scale employment development will be Some “Sui Generis” uses (i.e. uses which fall outside 6.9 permitted in the Action Areas of North Huyton a defined Use Class and are therefore not in the B1, Figure 6.2: Employment Land uptake 1986 - 2003 (Page Moss District Centre) and Ravenscourt A number of existing plans, programmes and B2 or B8 Use Classes) such as waste transfer (Halewood District Centre). strategies will assist in dealing with these stations and car dismantlers share characteristics 1986 - 2003: 183.42 Ha / 18 years = 10.19 Ha p.a. issues, including: 2. Major office developments should follow a with B2 and B8 uses and can be appropriately located 1986 - 1995: 8 Ha p.a. sequential approach to location, with Town in some parts of Knowsley’s industrial areas. • The Objective 1 and Single Regeneration Budget Centres being considered first, then edge of However, the location and design of these facilities Source: Economic Land Availability on Merseyside, programmes (see chapter 2 - “Key Issues and Town Centres and then Strategic Employment needs to be carefully considered - see policy EC3 for April 1996 Influences”); Locations well served by public transport. more details. • The emerging “New Approaches” strategy 1996 - 1999: 19.45 Ha p.a. 3. The change of use or redevelopment of existing (in partnership with the North West Development employment land and premises to other uses Source: Greater Merseyside Authorities Land Agency) under which funding will be made 6.11 will be resisted unless either: there is no Assessment Final Report, Business Environments available for the treatment of derelict, The re-use of employment sites for other current or likely future demand of the land or Group, January 2001 under-used or neglected sites in “gateway” employment purposes often does not require premises for employment use; or the proposal locations for soft end uses; planning permission due to permitted development 2000 - 2003: 6.41 Ha p.a. would bring over-riding regeneration, • rights. Where planning permission is required, The A580 Corridor Improvement Strategy; environmental or amenity benefits. Source: planning application and building continued use for employment uses will be favoured, • The Council’s Financial Assistance to Industry regulations records (reviewed September 2004) 4. The redevelopment or change of use of existing especially in the strategic employment locations. programme, under which businesses can apply employment land or premises to other Planning permission may not be granted where the for funding for works such as security fencing employment uses will in most cases be new use would have significant adverse impacts on 6.13 and improvements to buildings; and permitted as will applications for the renewal other neighbouring uses in terms of amenity, traffic, Various studies have indicated that between 1986 and • The Local Transport Plan and projects of existing planning permissions for etc. Policy EC3 deals with changes from employment 2003, an average of 10.19 hectares of land per annum contained within it, particularly Lines One and employment development. to non-employment uses. was developed for employment uses in Knowsley Two of Merseytram. 5. All proposals for employment uses and for (see figure 6.2). Theoretically the overall land supply other uses within employment areas will be that is now available will be sufficient to maintain this required to be consistent with any approved rate of development over the plan period (to 2016) regeneration strategy for the area concerned. and beyond. However, the decline in the land uptake This is a part 1 policy experienced over the period 2000-2003 when

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compared to the period 1996 to 1999 indicates how 6.16 outside such areas. Appropriate locations for 6.20 most of the largest and most easily developed sites small-scale managed workspace schemes to Each of the Strategic Employment Locations Proposals that conflict with a regeneration strategy have now been developed. Possibly reflecting the encourage the establishment of new businesses may provides its own specific opportunities which are approved by Knowsley MBC will not be permitted. more restricted supply of larger sites with good include town, district and local shopping centres. summarised below: The A580 Corridor Improvement Strategy, for ground conditions and without ownership, Specific opportunities have been identified for the • Huyton Business Park example, includes environmental improvements such contamination, access and infrastructure problems, provision of managed workspaces in North Huyton as new hard and soft landscaping in an effort to the rate of development in the period 2000 to 2004 Business or industrial uses which would New Deal for Communities area, South Prescot, improve the physical environment of the A580 in has been much less than that which occurred enhance a gateway location near to the Kings Business Park and the Ravenscourt district order to attract new investment. Development that previously. The currently available sites also do not M62/M57 interchange. centre in Halewood. Such uses would however need would detract from these efforts will therefore include any sites within the largest size range to comply with Plan policies regarding these not be permitted. (over 20 hectares). • South Prescot Action Area - Areas A and C locations. Employment uses falling within Use Class Re-development in area A to provide B1, B2 B1 (see “definition of employment uses” above) are 6.21 and/or B8 uses and in area C to provide one or the most appropriate for any location which is close 6.14 more of the following uses: business and to primarily residential areas, having, by definition, Compulsory Purchase Orders may be necessary to Several sites suffer from being a small or irregular residential uses. no impact in terms of visual appearance, noise, assemble the land or obtain properties required for a size, have inadequate accommodation or are vibration, odour, atmospheric pollution or regeneration or development scheme. Land and/or contaminated. However, it is not appropriate to • Halewood other nuisance. buildings may be required for various reasons, such allocate land currently outside of the urban area New large-scale industrial or warehousing uses, as allowing comprehensive development, to ensure (i.e. Green Belt land) for employment uses given the that a scheme is large enough to be viable or to particularly those which would benefit from 6.18 findings of the Merseyside Green Belt study (see proximity to Liverpool John Lennon airport, the enable access to another site. chapter 9, "Green Belt and the Rural Economy"). railway and/or strategic road freight networks. Offices can create a large amount of traffic and During the plan period employment land will be increase the vitality and viability of town centres. 6.22 monitored in terms of the supply and demand of • Knowsley Business Park A sequential approach to their location should be different types, sizes and locations of land and taken, with town centre sites being considered first, New business, industrial or storage uses which All development needs to be appropriate in terms of buildings and this will be taken into account by the then edge of centre, and finally Strategic Employment are compatible with a high quality landscaped other Plan policies, and in the case of employment Council in producing successor documents to Locations. A proposal for an office development in an development, the following policy areas are Business Park. this UDP. out of centre location must be accompanied by a particularly important: • Knowsley Industrial Park supporting statement providing evidence that a • Design quality - Building design, site layout, sequential approach to site selection has been taken. New business, industrial and/or storage uses, effect on the amenity of neighbours; STRATEGIC EMPLOYMENT LOCATIONS Policy S8 (Location of Development for Town Centre particularly those which would benefit from • 6.15 Uses) provides more information about the sequential Transport - ensuring choice of travel to new proximity to the strategic road freight network, approach to the location of development. developments and impact on road traffic; The Strategic Employment Locations, within which and/or to the Knowsley Rail Freight Terminal. • Environmental protection and nature employment uses will be concentrated in the Plan • Kings Business Park conservation. period, are identified in section 1 of policy EC1. 6.19 They are the most sustainable locations for New business or hotel uses, and suitable Change of use or re-development of a site or employment uses as they have good existing industrial uses, which are compatible with a POLICY LINKS premises currently in employment use to a infrastructure, particularly public transport and high quality Business Park setting and with non-employment use will generally be resisted. Policy EC2 strategic road links, are within or adjacent to the the designation of the site as a Regional Exceptions may be made, however, if it is “Sites allocated for employment development” urban area and mostly constitute brownfield land. Investment Site. demonstrated that there is no current or likely future Furthermore, they are appropriate for employment Policy EC4 demand of the land or premises for employment use, use due to their segregation from residential areas, “Regional Investment Site: Kings Business Park” 6.17 or that there would be significant regeneration, which reduces impacts on residential amenity. Policy DQ1 environmental or amenity benefits. In the case of the They all fall within the Objective 1 Strategic “Design Quality in New Development” Although most opportunities for new employment former, the applicant will need to provide evidence Investment Areas in which Objective 1 funding will be uses are located in the Strategic Employment that the land or premises has been actively marketed Policy T5 concentrated in the period to 2006. Locations, the Council considers that some new at a realistic market rate for a period of at least “Ensuring a choice of travel to serve new smaller scale employment uses could be located six months. developments”

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Policy T6 Site Size Site Size 6.24 “Location of Major Traffic Generating New Ref Location (Hectares) Ref Location (Hectares) Development on sites E7, E14, E15 and E31 has the Development” E12 Britonwood 6.6 E36 Land between Villiers Court and 0.5 potential to be linked to the activities of the Knowsley Policy T8 E13 Moss End Way (East) 2.1 Overbrook Lane rail freight terminal. Development proposals on "Transport Assessments" these sites should, wherever possible, take advantage E14 Moss End Way (West) 4.2 E37 Land to the east of Cross Huller, 1.0 Policy T9 Randles Road / Gellings Road / of the rail terminal either through expansion of the E15 North Perimeter Road / 5.3 terminal, links to the terminal or utilisation of the “Travel Plans” School Lane Moss End Way terminal’s services. Policy ENV1 E39 Land adjacent News International, 0.6 E25 Part of Dairy Crest / 3.6 “Control of Pollution in New Development" Penrhyn Road Kraft site, A580 Policy ENV2 POLICY LINKS E26 Land off Arbour Lane 1.2 2. The following site would be suitable for Policy T8 “Noise and Vibration” development for B1 and B2 uses of a nature E28 Land at junction of Gores Road / 0.7 which would enhance a gateway location near "Transport Assessments" Acornfield Road POLICY EC2: to the M62/M57 interchange: E29 Land at Webber Road 1.1 SITES ALLOCATED FOR EMPLOYMENT E2 Land east of Roscoes Wood, 7.9 POLICY EC3: DEVELOPMENT E31 Land adjacent to Knowsley rail 1.0 Tarbock Road, Huyton PRIMARILY INDUSTRIAL AREAS freight terminal, Depot Road Total Provision in allocated sites: 105.2 1. The following sites are allocated on the E33 Land at corner of A580 / 3.3 1. Primarily industrial areas are identified on the Proposals Map for development for business Moorgate Lane Proposals Map and are appropriate locations (Class B1), industrial (Class B2), or storage and 3. Developments within all the above sites must for Business (Class B1); General Industry E35 Land adjacent Delphi Delco, 1.9 distribution (Class B8) uses unless otherwise provide good quality buildings and landscaping. (Class B2); and Storage and Distribution (Class Hornhouse Lane, adjacent to stated below: Particularly high standards will apply to those B8) uses. junction with South Boundary Road sites which are within Knowsley Business Park Site Size 2. Proposals for development for other uses in E38 Land north of Kodak, 3.3 or in “gateway” locations (such as sites E1 and Ref Location (Hectares) these areas (either on sites which are allocated Acornfield Road E2 and on the A580). Policy DQ3 (Gateway for development or on other land or buildings) Sites in Halewood Sites and Corridors) applies in such cases. E40 Part of Yorkshire Imperial Metals 1.5 will only be permitted where they would: E1 Eastern Compound Land, 18.5 off Coopers Lane a) Be complementary to and compatible with Speke Boulevard, Halewood EXPLANATION EC2 E42 Land adjacent 2 Gladeswood Road, 0.5 the surrounding employment uses; 6.23 Sites in Huyton Business Park Kirkby Industrial Park b) Be consistent with any approved Policy EC2 lists sites which are allocated for new regeneration strategy for the area; E4 Plot 5, Whiston Enterprise Park, 1.1 Sites in Knowsley Business Park development for employment uses in the period to Fallows Way c) Preserve or enhance the image of the E17 School Boys Plantation, 0.5 2016. The sites are almost all in the Strategic industrial area; and E30 Land at junction of Wilson Road / 0.7 Randles Road Employment Locations and are shown on the d) Avoid causing an unacceptable loss of land Stretton Way E18 Ainsworth Lane / Penrhyn Road 2.9 Proposals Map. The sites are in addition to those sites for which planning permission has already been available for industrial development. E41 Land adjacent to BASF Coatings 0.9 E19 Gellings Lane / Randles Road 0.9 and Inks Ltd, Ellis Ashton Street granted (see appendix 5). Many of the individual sites E20 Davis’ Pits, Randles Road 0.7 are freely available for development. Where any Sites in Knowsley Industrial Park E23 Land at junction of Penrhyn Road / 0.6 works are required, e.g. to remediate contamination, E6 Perimeter Road / Acornfield Road 18.5 School Lane provide services or infrastructure, the Council is very active in using regeneration funding to enable the E24 Land Between Randles Road and 1.2 E7 Depot Road 3.2 sites to be brought forward for development. School Lane E8 Marl Road 0.5 Compulsory Purchase Orders will be used where E27 Pehryhn / Villiers Road 2.1 necessary to assemble sites and to facilitate access E9 Arbour Lane 1.4 E32 Land adjacent to Ethel Austin Site, 2.3 to these sites. E10 Hornhouse Lane 3.0 Ainsworth Lane

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EXPLANATION EC3 POLICY LINKS EXPLANATION EC4 Other environmental constraints that will need to be taken into account include the need to preserve or 6.25 Policy MW5 6.28 enhance the setting of Hazels House (a grade II “Waste Management and Treatment Facilities” The Proposals Map designates a number of areas as Kings Business Park at Huyton is identified as a Listed Building) and the landscape within the site Policy ENV1 Primarily Industrial Areas. These are where strategic regional site in the Regional (Economic) which includes a lake, natural grassland, woodland “Control of Pollution in New Development” industrial, business or warehousing uses are the Strategy (2003) published by the North West and trees which are covered by Tree Preservation predominant existing land uses. These areas have a Policy ENV2 Development Agency. Furthermore, the Council Order. Part of the site is designated as a Site of key role to play in providing jobs for the residents of “Noise and Vibration” believes that it meets the criteria set out in the Biological Interest. Knowsley and of Merseyside. However, other uses Policy DQ1 Regional Spatial Strategy to enable it to be identified can be appropriately located within these areas, “Design Quality in New Development” as a Regional Investment Site. The site scores highly POLICY LINKS provided they are complementary in scale and nature Policy DQ2 in terms of regeneration priorities and regional and address identified needs of the area. “Security in the built environment” planning guidance criteria. It is a sustainable site, Policy EC1 being a major previously developed site, accessible by “Strategy for Provision of Employment Land” Policy EC1 6.26 public transport, close to housing, employment areas Policy G1 “Strategy for provision of employment land” and supporting services and is well landscaped. In some cases, for example, small shops or petrol “New Development in the Green Belt" It has good access via motorway and ‘A’ roads to rail stations are needed within industrial areas to provide a Policy DQ1 POLICY EC4: freight terminals inside and outside of Knowsley and local service to occupiers of the area. Other uses “Design Quality in New Development” REGIONAL INVESTMENT SITE - it is suitably located for international access from which can sometimes be most appropriately carried KINGS BUSINESS PARK Liverpool and Manchester airports. The entire site Policy DQ2 out in industrial areas include builders merchants, tyre has outline planning permission, with various phases “Security in the built environment” and exhaust centres, waste transfer stations, etc. 1. Kings Business Park meets the criteria for a either having been completed or having detailed However, such uses must be well sited and designed Policy T6 Regional Investment Site and is considered to planning permission. There are no impediments to to avoid causing harm to the environment and image of “Ensuring a choice of travel to serve new be suitable for employment uses which the development of the rest of the site in terms of industrial areas, the processes carried out by developments” support the Region’s Target Economic Sectors. flooding, land condition and availability, ownership, neighbouring industrial occupiers or neighbouring 2. Outline planning permission has been granted infrastructure or capacity. There is easy access to Policy T8 non-industrial uses. Such uses are generally not for the following uses: Higher Education Institutes in Liverpool. "Transport Assessments" appropriate for high quality B1 business parks due to - Business uses (Use Class B1); Policy T9 the impact of noise, fumes, dust and so on but may be - Suitable forms of industrial use (Use Class “Travel Plans” acceptable in industrial areas allocated for B2 or 6.29 B2); and B8 uses. - Hotel use (Use Class C1). The site was occupied until the 1980s by the CF Mott Teacher Training College, and contained a number of 3. The Council will approve detailed applications 6.27 very substantial buildings, which have subsequently for the development of the site for the above been demolished. The development would Most of the Primarily Industrial Areas are within the purposes, and for subsequent extensions, incorporate a mix of business, hotel and industrial existing Objective 1 Strategic Investment Areas, for infilling or alterations, provided that the uses (the latter of which must be of a type which is which there are current strategies for the development would: appropriate to the environmental setting of the site improvement of the environment. In assessing any a) Provide a high quality of design and layout and its proximity to residential properties). Conditions planning applications for uses other than for industry which reflects the status of the site; its on the outline permission specify which plots may be or warehousing, the Council will take into account landscape and ecological value; and its used for which purposes. whether the new use would be compatible with any setting close to the Grade II Listed Building approved regeneration strategy for the area, and also at Hazels House; whether there would be an adverse effect on the b) Not have a materially greater impact on 6.30 supply of land for industrial uses. the openness or purposes of the Green Belt than the existing approved A guiding principle behind the approved development; and redevelopment of the site has been that the new c) Secure the long-term management and business park should not have a materially maintenance of any existing landscape greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt features to be retained within the site. than the previous teacher training college.

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POLICY EC5: 6.32 6.36 Policy T6 SOUTH PRESCOT ACTION AREA “Ensuring a choice of travel to serve new The Council undertook a consultation exercise in the Area B comprises the northern part of the former developments” summer of 2002, during which the views of local Prescot sewage works. It is proposed that the bulk of 1. Land in South Prescot is designated as an people were sought on a range of options for the this part of the site will comprise sporting or Policy T8 Action Area and is indicated on the future development of the area. Whilst a mixture of recreational uses, landscaping or open space to "Transport Assessments" Proposals Map. views were expressed, the broad conclusion was that provide a buffer between the proposed employment Policy T9 2. The area is suitable for comprehensive the area was in need of significant redevelopment. development in area A and the neighbouring public “Travel Plans” re-development as follows: open space at “Browns Field”. Part of this parcel will Policy ENV1 Area A - The Pirelli plant and adjacent former also be occupied by the new road. 6.33 “Control of Pollution in New Development” industrial land Policy ENV2 The redevelopment of this area shall take The sites which are or could become available for 6.37 “Noise and Vibration” account of future development needs development are all brownfield and suitable in associated with the continued use of part of the principle for mixed-use redevelopment. However, to Area C comprises land which was vacated by BICC Policy ENV5 site for copper cable and rod manufacture, and provide better access to the M57 (and therefore the Ltd in the 1980s and which has subsequently “Contaminated Land” is also suitable for a range of new buildings to strategic road freight network), the Council is seeking remained vacant. This area is located adjacent be used for Business, Industrial, and/or funding to construct a new link road. This would to the new Cables Retail Park and also adjacent POLICY EC6: Storage/Distribution uses falling within provide improved access from the area of Huyton to Prescot station. TOURISM AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT Classes B1, B2 and/or B8 of the Town and Lane/Wood Lane/Liverpool Road, approximately along Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. the current line of Carr Lane. Planning permission 6.38 1. Proposals for new tourist and cultural has already been granted for this new road. Area B - The former Prescot Sewage works facilities, extensions to or redevelopment of Area C would be suitable for residential development (northern portion), Carr Lane, Prescot existing facilities and ancillary facilities will be and outline planning permission has recently been This area is suitable for sports and recreation permitted, provided that they would: 6.34 granted for new housing across most of the site. uses and/or open space/landscaping. The Council and its partners have also identified the In addition to the uses specified in the policy, part of a) Not cause any unacceptable transport or Area C - Land bounded by Manchester Road, need to improve Prescot station and facilities for area C has recently been subject to two alternative environmental problems; Station Road, the Liverpool/Wigan railway line, buses in the area. It will seek funding (including proposals for substantial retail development, to form b) Be of a scale and type which is compatible Warrington Road, and Steley Way where appropriate through the use of legal an extension to Cables Retail Park. Planning with other land uses in the surrounding This area is suitable for redevelopment for all agreements with developers) to secure the necessary permission was refused by the Council, partly due to area; and or some of the following uses: Residential or the impact of the scheme on Prescot town centre. improvements. c) In the case of new facilities that could be Business uses falling within Classes C3 or B1 The developer appealed to the Secretary of State, who located in a town centre or edge of town of the Town and Country Planning (Use dismissed the appeals. centre, a sequential approach to site Classes) Order 1987, and a Park and Ride site. 6.35 selection has been undertaken, with suitable Area A is partly vacant and partly occupied by Pirelli POLICY LINKS sites sought in town centres, edge of town Ltd for industrial uses. Policy EC5 will allow the centres, out of centre locations well served EXPLANATION EC5 Policy EC1 continuation of the existing Pirelli operations by public transport and only then other out of 6.31 “Strategy for Provision of Employment Land” (possibly within a reduced area) and the centre locations. The Council has identified an area of South Prescot redevelopment of the remaining areas for Policy T4 as being suitable for mixed uses. The area includes employment uses. Target growth sector uses “Major Highway Schemes” (see figure 6.1) will be particularly encouraged in this three parcels of land which are indicated as parcel A, Policy H1 location due to their future growth and employment B and C on the Proposals Map. Much of the area was “Strategic Housing Land Requirements and Supply” previously occupied by BICC Ltd in connection with creation potential. Policy H2 the manufacture of copper cables and similar “Sites allocated for housing development” products. However, the BICC operations and other Policy DQ1 uses have contracted in the last twenty-five years, leaving large areas of vacant land. “Design Quality in New Development” Policy DQ2 “Security in the built environment”

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EXPLANATION EC6 Opportunities exist to further develop international tourism to the Borough, and Merseyside, through TOURISM AS A DRIVER FOR Liverpool John Lennon Airport. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 7 6.39 6.42 Tourism is one of the country’s fastest-growing Potential new tourism and cultural developments industries. In an area such as Knowsley, the term can might include the development of hotels serving the be extended to include business and domestic visits wider Merseyside area and attractions created by the and visits to architectural attractions, sports facilities, Town Centres diversification of the rural economy away from countryside, museums and any leisure facility that traditional farming. Developments that help to attracts visitors from outside the area. Its potential interpret the historic heritage of the Borough, such and Shopping benefits include the creation of jobs, income for local as the clock and watch making industry in Prescot, businesses, environmental improvements and new will also be encouraged. Knowsley’s open countryside social and leisure facilities, which benefit local people has the potential to accommodate new sports, as well as visitors. recreational and tourist facilities, although it should STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 7.2 be noted that any development within the countryside The town, district and local centres are the most will need to comply with policies in chapter 9 • To improve the provision of shopping, leisure TOURISM AND CULTURAL FACILITIES suitable locations to accommodate town centre uses, “Green Belt and the Rural Economy”. Uses that and other uses normally associated with IN KNOWSLEY depending upon their size and the nature of the can be accommodated in a town centre or edge of town centres consistent with local needs, 6.40 proposed use. For example, shops are suitable in all town centre should be located there, as opposed whilst protecting and enhancing the viability types of centre, but a larger shop such as a The largest tourist attraction in Knowsley is Knowsley to in the Green Belt. Certain tourism or cultural and vitality of town, district and local centres supermarket may only be suitable in a district or Safari Park. This major regional facility employs local activities cannot be located in urban areas, in Knowsley. town centre. Similarly, a cinema is only likely to be people, provides business for local firms and attracts however factors such as the impact on the character • To locate major new development where it is suitable in a town centre due to the amount of traffic several hundred thousand visitors a year. The Council of the countryside and accessibility need to be accessible by a choice of walking, cycling and and disturbance such a use is likely to generate. recognises that this major existing tourist attraction taken into account. Wherever possible, previously public transport, thereby minimising the need An element of residential use is acceptable within offers the foundation to foster the development of developed land should be used in preference to other local tourist facilities, by providing the basis for undeveloped land. to travel by car. town, district and local centres; however it should multi-purpose leisure trips. Prescot Clock and only form a minor element of the centre and should Watchmaking Museum and the National Wildflower not undermine the vitality or viability of a centre. Centre in Court Hey (Huyton) are also of outstanding, POLICY LINKS INTRODUCTION although more specialised interest. Policy G1 7.1 TOWN CENTRES AND SHOPPING “Development within the Green Belt” WITHIN KNOWSLEY The provision of a good range of town centre uses is Policy G4 7.3 OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOURISM/ important to the Council’s wider regeneration “Rural Diversification” CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT objectives, helping to make the Borough a more The Borough of Knowsley includes three town Policy T5 centres, at Huyton, Prescot and Kirkby. These centres 6. 41 attractive place to live, visit and work in. Uses which “Location of Major Traffic Generating New can typically appropriately be located in a town centre provide a range of shopping facilities, together with Liverpool City has been awarded the status of Development” include shopping, financial and professional services, other employment, leisure, municipal and European Capital of Culture for the year 2008. This is Policy T6 community uses which complement the shopping food and drink uses, business, hotels, residential likely to stimulate significant interest in the whole of “Ensuring a choice of travel to serve new role of each centre. uses, community (including health), cultural and Merseyside as a destination for tourism and cultural development” religious uses, assembly and leisure (such as visits. Knowsley MBC has also produced a Cultural Policy T9 6 cinemas, concert, bingo and dance halls) and 7.4 strategy (see footnote ). This will encourage more “Travel Plans” people to get involved in cultural, community and miscellaneous suitable uses such as laundrettes, Knowsley also contains three district centres, which Policy DQ1 educational activities and events. The Council wishes beauty salons, photographic studios, and pharmacies. are smaller than the town centres, providing a more “Design Quality in New Development” to build on the success of existing tourist and cultural These uses are described in greater detail in limited range of shops and services. There is also a attractions in Knowsley, as well as accommodate the Policy DQ2 Appendix 7 of the Plan. network of smaller “local centres” and shopping potential needs of new development. “Security in the built environment” parades, which provide primarily convenience (food) shops and small-scale services (such as post offices and pharmacies) for small local catchment areas. 6Ref: Knowsley MBC Cultural Strategy

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7.5 CURRENT ISSUES the needs of modern retailers. A common issue POLICY S1: affecting all the town centres is the relatively RETAIL AND TOWN CENTRE With the exception of Prescot, the centres were 7.7 mostly constructed in the post war period up until the limited range of non-retail uses such as cafes, bars, DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 1970s to serve what was then a growing population. The range of shopping and leisure facilities within offices, restaurants and residential uses. 1. Proposals for retail development and other Prescot is a much older centre, having originally had Knowsley is relatively limited when compared to that town centre uses must: a market charter in medieval times. The centres available in larger city and town centres in TACKLING THE ISSUES - Protect or enhance the vitality and viability present a range of regeneration challenges which are neighbouring areas (such as Liverpool, St. Helens of existing centres; and addressed in this chapter. and Southport). This is particularly the case with 7.10 comparison goods (such as clothes, shoes, electrical - Be appropriate to the scale and role of each The Council has prepared a number of strategies and items etc.) and bulky goods (such as DIY, furniture centre as defined below: 7.6 Development Briefs to guide the regeneration of town etc.), but is also true (to a more limited degree) for Kirkby, Huyton and Prescot town centres - the There is only one retail park in Knowsley (known as centres or of individual sites within the centres. food retailing (convenience shopping). Many Knowsley provision of shops and a range of other town These include: Cables Retail Park) and it is located on the edge of residents therefore travel outside the Borough to visit centre uses, consistent with maintaining the Prescot town centre. This contains a food superstore shops and leisure facilities (such as cinemas and • “A Vision for Prescot” - strategy for the position of these centres in the Merseyside and a range of non-food retail warehousing units. bowling alleys). regeneration of Prescot 1997; shopping hierarchy, and reducing the need for Knowsley residents to have to travel to other • “Kirkby town centre - Asda Environs Site - Figure 7.1 centres outside of the Borough. 7.8 Development Brief” 1997; and District centres - the provision of town centre THE HIERARCHY OF CENTRES • “Development Brief - existing Asda store, Huyton To a significant degree, the relative shortage of uses but at a smaller scale to meet the needs WITHIN KNOWSLEY Village Centre” 2000. shopping and leisure facilities within Knowsley is to of the catchment area of the centre. Town Centres be expected given the limited size of Knowsley’s Local centres - the provision of small-scale centres and their role in the wider Merseyside town centre uses within Use Classes A1, A2, Huyton 7.11 economy. However, the Plan aims to ensure that each A3, A4, A5, B1, C3, D1 and other miscellaneous Kirkby centre performs to its optimum in a way that is The Council intends to monitor development on these town centre uses (see appendix 7). sites and update and expand these strategies and Prescot appropriate to its scale, role and function. 2. Where there is a clearly demonstrated need for briefs as necessary, to provide a clear vision for the new retail and town centre use development future development of each centre. which cannot be met through re-use or THE HEALTH OF KNOWSLEY’S TOWN CENTRES development of existing buildings or land within an existing centre, the preferred location 7.9 District Centres for the development will be on the edge of an In 2002, Knowsley MBC commissioned a study of its existing centre, in preference to an Halewood town centres, which assessed the health of each out-of-centre location. Page Moss centre and the need for future shopping and leisure 3. All proposals for major retail and town centre provision up to 2016 - see footnote7. The study The Croft, Stockbridge Village use development must be in locations which concluded that Huyton is generally a strong centre are, or which are capable of being made, which will be enhanced further by a new Asda store easily accessible by public transport, walking (opened in October 2004). Kirkby has some strengths and cycling. but currently suffers from a shortage of food 4. All proposals for retail and town centre use Local Centres and shopping in the centre itself. Prescot has significant development should be consistent with the shopping parades potential based on its attractive and historic Council’s urban regeneration objectives and with any approved regeneration strategy for the See list in Appendix 6 Conservation Area townscape and redevelopment opportunities, but is currently experiencing some area concerned. problems such as low rental levels, and high vacancy 5. All proposals for development within town or rates. One important reason is that the size of many other centres should be of high design quality of the retail units in the town centre does not meet which enhances the character of the centre and its attractiveness as a shopping and service location. This is a part 1 policy 7“Knowsley MBC Town Centre & Shopping Survey”, Chestertons plc, 2002

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EXPLANATION S1 7.15 POLICY LINKS Food and drink uses THE NEED FOR NEW SHOPPING DEVELOPMENT This approach to controlling location is in accordance Policies S2 to S8 2. Proposals for new buildings, or for the change with national and regional planning policy. Sites on of use or alteration of existing buildings, to IN KNOWSLEY Policy T5 the edge of existing centres will only be considered provide food and/or drink uses (use classes A3, 7.12 suitable where a need has been clearly demonstrated “Location of Major Traffic Generating New A4 and A5) within existing centres will be Development” The “Knowsley MBC Town Centre & Shopping Survey” which cannot be met by developing a site or sites, or expected to meet the criteria listed above in 2002 identified the need for further shopping re-use of existing buildings, within an existing centre Policy T6 relation to other non-retail uses and the development as follows: or centres within the same catchment. “Out of “Ensuring a choice of travel to serve new following additional criteria: centre” sites should only be considered where there development” • A major development of up to 9,000 square a) Any external ventilation and extractor is no town centre or edge of centre site available. metres gross floorspace for food retailing in Policy T10 systems which are necessary would be The terms “need”, “edge of centre” and “out of Kirkby town centre; and “Access for the less mobile” provided without causing harm to the centre” are defined in the glossary. external appearance of the building or • Further comparison goods retailing (see glossary) Policy DQ1 street scene and would not harm the within Kirkby, Prescot and Huyton. Due to “Design Quality in New Development” amenity of neighbouring properties increasing expenditure levels, a minimum of 7.16 Policy DQ2 through noise or odour; and 7,000 square metres additional floorspace would Retail and leisure uses can be major traffic “Security in the built environment” b) The proposal will not be permitted in a need to be provided, split between these three generators. It is therefore important that they are local centre or in any property (either centres over the period to 2011, if they are to located where they are accessible by a choice of within or outside an existing centre) that is retain their current market share - more may be means of transport, including walking, cycling and required if these centres are to “clawback” close to existing or proposed residential public transport, thereby reducing the need to POLICY S2: expenditure lost to other centres elsewhere. uses unless the applicant has submitted travel by car. DIVERSIFICATION OF USES WITHIN convincing evidence that the impact on EXISTING CENTRES residential amenity would be acceptable. 7.13 REGENERATION AND DESIGN ISSUES 1. Proposals for new buildings, or for the change These needs will be kept under review to inform 7.17 of use or alteration of existing buildings, to Residential uses decisions on individual planning applications. provide town centre uses (as defined in It is important that all shopping and leisure Appendix 7) within existing town and district 3. In the case of proposals for residential use, the developments should be consistent with the Council’s centres will be permitted provided that the applicant must demonstrate that existing uses other regeneration strategies. These include the town LOCATION OF NEW SHOPPING DEVELOPMENT following criteria are met: in properties near to, above or below the centre regeneration strategies, Development Briefs 7.14 application property would not cause a) The proposal would be compatible with the affecting each centre and also the Objective 1 and significant problems of noise, smells or A key emphasis of this Plan is to sustain and scale and role of the centre and would not other regeneration strategies listed in chapter 2 general disturbances to future occupiers. strengthen the vitality and viability of the three town “Key Issues and Influences”. have a detrimental impact on the retail centres of Huyton, Kirkby and Prescot, together with function of the centre; the smaller district and local centres. Policy S1 b) The proposal would not result in a 7.18 EXPLANATION S2 therefore establishes that town and district centres grouping of uses which would have a should be the preferred locations for future retail negative impact on the character of THE NEED TO DIVERSIFY All town and other centres are important focal points KNOWSLEY’S CENTRES development and leisure uses which attract a lot of for local residents and visitors. It is therefore the centre; people. New development should complement the 7.19 particularly important that new development is of a c) The use would not (by reason of smells, role and be appropriate to the scale of each centre. high standard of design and construction and noise, visual intrusion or general In Knowsley’s town and district centres generally This will mean that the catchment area for a compatible with the overall vision for each centre. disturbance) have a detrimental impact on there is inactivity after 6.00pm when the majority of proposed development should generally be not The design requirements for new development are the environment of the surrounding area; shops, banks and offices are closed. Some of the significantly larger than the centre within which it explained further in chapter 11 “Development Quality or on the amenity of any neighbouring centres include significant amounts of vacant or would be located. and the Built Environment”. residents; and under-used floorspace. In Prescot, the problem is d) The proposal would not cause or complicated by the ageing nature of some of the exacerbate on-street parking, traffic or buildings, and the need to preserve the historic fabric amenity problems. of the town centre.

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7.20 7.23 POLICY S3: EXPLANATION S3 HUYTON TOWN CENTRE The introduction of non-retail uses (either at ground These and some other non-retail uses 7.24 floor or upper floor level) can make an important (e.g. amusement centres) can cause disturbance and 1. Huyton town centre is an appropriate location contribution to the regeneration of the local area, noise by the coming and going of car borne visitors, Huyton centre is a modern shopping centre, mostly for new development, redevelopment and/or attracting more visitors and increasing personal customers and delivery vehicles, litter, and smells dating from the 1970s and is the main administrative improvement of existing buildings for new town safety by increasing activity in the evenings. from food preparation, often late at night. Uses which centre for the Borough. The centre benefits from a centre uses which are appropriate in scale and The introduction of uses such as childcare facilities, are likely to cause such problems will therefore not very strong anchor food store (Asda), and has been nature to the role and function of the town. health and social care and education and training normally be permitted in local centres or where the subject to significant regeneration works in recent facilities can also contribute to the interests of “social immediately neighbouring properties are in 2. The Council will grant planning permission for years, including the upgrading of pedestrianised inclusion”, making these uses available in centres residential use. In some cases, conditions may be the redevelopment of the site of the existing areas on Derby Road and new developments at Derby which by their nature are accessible to local people. imposed on the granting of permission, for example Asda store at Lathom Road/Derby Road, Road/Huyton Hey Road and Nutgrove Villa for a range restricting opening hours, or requiring details of Huyton, or re-use of the existing building, for a of town centre uses. fume extraction and vehicle parking to be agreed. mix of some or all of the following uses: THE NEED TO PROTECT VITALITY • Non-food retail (Class A1); AND AMENITY 7.25 POLICY LINKS • Financial and Professional Service uses 7.21 A new Asda store was opened on a new site (off (Class A2); Policy ENV1 Lathom Road) in late 2004. Following the completion The uses listed in policy S2 will, however, only be “Control of Pollution in New Development” • Food and/or Drink uses (Classes A3, A4 of the new store, the site of the existing store was permitted if they would meet the safeguards listed in Policy ENV2 and A5); vacated. The site now represents the main the policy. For example, the uses must be appropriate “Noise and Vibration” • development opportunity in Huyton town centre, to the scale, role and function of the centre Business uses (Class B1) - particularly on which should be redeveloped or re-used to help meet concerned. Shopping frontages will not be allowed to Policy H5 any upper floor levels; the need for further comparison goods shopping become dominated by non-retail uses, particularly “Development within Primarily Residential Areas” • Assembly and leisure uses, such as a provision in Huyton. where these would be closed, and therefore create Policy DQ 1 cinema, concert or dance hall, fitness dead frontages, in the daytime. Significant groupings “Design Quality in New Development” centre or family entertainment centre of similar uses will be avoided where these would (Class D2); and have a negative cumulative effect on the character of • Residential uses (Class C3). the area. 3. The mix of uses and the design of the development must be of a high quality which FOOD AND DRINK USES reflects the strategic location of the site within 7.22 Huyton town centre and which will provide safe, convenient, secure and visually attractive Food and/or Drink uses are defined within Use pedestrian links through the development Classes A3, A4 and A5 of the Use Classes Order, as between Derby Road and the site of the new amended by the Town and Country Planning superstore on Lathom Road. (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Order 2005. The amended Use Class A3 (Restaurants and Cafes) 4. In considering any planning applications for the covers the sale of food and drink for consumption on re-use or redevelopment of the site, the the premises e.g. restaurants, snack bars, cafes. Council will treat the document entitled Use Class A4 (Drinking establishments) covers use as “Development Brief: Asda, Derby Road, a public house, wine bar or other drinking Huyton” approved by the Council on establishment. New Use Class A5 (Hot food 8 March 2000, together with its proposed takeaways) covers the sale of hot food for parking strategy for Huyton Town Centre, as consumption off the premises. None of the categories material considerations. include nightclubs, which are considered to be in a class of their own (such uses are known as being “sui generis”).

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7.26 POLICY S4: EXPLANATION S4 7.32 KIRKBY TOWN CENTRE ACTION AREA Future development within the site will be guided by 7.28 The Council now considers that a larger food an existing Development Brief ("Development Brief - superstore of up to 9,000 square metres will be 1. Kirkby town centre is designated on the existing ASDA store, Huyton Village Centre”, 2000), Kirkby town centre was developed in the post war required together with further non-food shopping Proposals Map as an Action Area within which which identifies the site as suitable for shopping and period, and provides shops, a market, swimming provision of at least 2,000 square metres of comprehensive development or redevelopment other town centre uses. The site has a pivotal role in pool, municipal and other offices and services mainly floorspace over the period to 2011. Should no shall be permitted for the following: the town centre, being located between the existing for local residents. The heart of the centre is operator be forthcoming for the superstore, the • main shopping street and the new store. It is A major food store of up to 9,000 square arranged around a pedestrianised area at Council would consider, as an alternative, the therefore important that a high quality scheme is metres in gross floorspace and/or St. Chad’s Parade. provision of additional non-food retail units. submitted, providing an interesting and lively comparison goods retail units; and a pedestrian linkage through the site. mixture of other town centre uses which 7.29 shall complement the retail element and 7.33 which may include a mix of the A previous major food retailer (Asda) vacated a store The redevelopment may include other parts of the 7.27 following uses: in the centre in the late 1970s, and the building has town centre, perhaps incorporating (in addition to the The relocation of the Asda to its new site has affected • Professional and financial service uses subsequently remained vacant. A key issue facing the uses identified above) an upgrade or relocation of the land which previously performed an important role as (Class A2); centre is the need to attract a major food or other existing market facilities. a car park for the town centre. The Council is form of retail development which would restore and • Food and drink uses (Class A3); currently preparing a Huyton Town Centre Car enhance the centre’s role as a shopping centre. • 7.34 Parking Strategy, which will influence future Office uses (within Use Class B1), development within the town centre. particularly on first floors; 7.30 A further significant issue which will affect the town • Hotel (Class C1); centre is the proposed Merseytram scheme (see The Council has for many years been active in chapter 8 “Transport”), line 1 of which is scheduled • Residential Institution (Class C2); pursuing the regeneration of the centre, including for for implementation in the period up to 2005 to 2007. • POLICY LINKS Residential use (Class C3); example the implementation of environmental The line will enter the town centre from the enhancements and improvements, concentrated on Policy T10 • Non-residential institutions (Class D1); southeast along County Road, and will terminate at the retail core around St Chad’s Parade. There the existing bus station site on Cherryfield Drive. “Access for the less mobile” • Assembly and leisure uses (Class D2); and remains, however, a fundamental need to pursue It is also proposed (within the Local Transport Plan) Policy DQ1 • A petrol filling station. further regeneration activity based around the need to upgrade the bus station facilities within the “Design Quality in New Development” for further shopping based development. 2. The Council as Local Planning Authority will Plan period, possibly including new bus Policy DQ2 support the implementation of the following interchange facilities. “Security in the built environment” public transport schemes affecting Kirkby town 7.31 centre: The most significant potential development site is on 7.35 • Part of line 1 of the proposed Merseytram the northern side of the town centre, adjacent to A key requirement is the need for the new retail system; and County Road and Hall Lane. The land includes the development to be well located and designed in • Improvements to Kirkby bus station and vacant former Asda store, a nearby bingo hall and relation to the public transport improvements listed public transport interchange facilities; and other land. An existing Development Brief (see above. Due to the current uncertainties concerning footnote8) identifies the area as suitable for the • Kirkby Town Centre public transport the form of the proposed town centre redevelopment, erection of a medium sized supermarket, a leisure improvements the Council has designated the whole of the town development and related food and drink uses, centre as an Action Area. 3. The Council may use its site assembly powers together with a petrol station. Outline planning per- to enable the Action Area proposals above to mission was also granted for the scheme but has not be implemented. been implemented.

8“Asda Environs site - Development Brief” 1997

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7.36 3. The Council may use its site assembly powers 7.39 POLICY S6: to make land or buildings available for THE RAVENSCOURT (HALEWOOD) ACTION AREA The Development Brief approved in 1997 will guide The Knowsley MBC Town Centre & Shopping Survey development for the purposes listed in 1) and future development proposals in the short term. 2002 found a need to provide at least a further 2,200 2) above. 1. The Ravens Court District Centre (Halewood) However, this may be updated in the longer term square metres of comparison goods floorspace within is designated as an Action Area. by a more comprehensive town centre strategy which 4. Any redevelopment should strengthen the Prescot town centre through to 2016. There are no Planning permission will be granted for will be used by the Council to help it determine linkages between the town centre and the large sites available within the town centre and the development and/or redevelopment proposals planning applications. South Prescot Action Area Council is keen to preserve as much as possible of for a mixture of uses comprising some or all the historic fabric of the town. The use of site of the following: assembly powers may need to be considered to • POLICY LINKS EXPLANATION S5 create the necessary viable redevelopment sites. Retail development (Use Class A1) (subject Policy T2 7.37 The Survey identified a particular need to create a to a need being demonstrated for the proposed shopping floorspace to serve the “Merseytram system” more effective “gateway” retail link between the Prescot town centre is a focus for shopping, with Tescos and the older town centre along Sewell local area); Policy T3 ancillary business and service activities, serving Street/Market Place. The land identified as a • Financial and Professional service uses “Other Public Transport Schemes” mainly residents within the town itself and Development Opportunity Site on the Proposals Map (Use Class A2); surrounding area. The town centre shopping area is Policy T10 would, if it became available for redevelopment for by far the oldest within Knowsley, with many • Food and/or drink uses (Use Classes “Access for the less mobile” town centre uses over the Plan period, be capable of buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. A3, A4 and A5); Policy DQ1 providing this link. The shopping area is now based around a modern • Business uses (Use Class B1) “Design Quality in New Development” indoor centre, built in the late 1980s. However, it also (including managed workspace units and Policy DQ2 includes a substantial number of mainly small units 7.40 training facilities); “Security in the built environment” in the older properties along Eccleston Street and The centre is also subject to proposals for the • streets running off it. Most of the town centre is Non-residential institutions (Class D1); provision of a Merseytram link from Liverpool city designated a Conservation Area. In 2000, a major new • Assembly and leisure uses (Use Class D2) POLICY S5: centre (see chapter 8 “Transport”). Although the shopping development (Cables Retail Park) was which are appropriate to a district centre PRESCOT TOWN CENTRE alignment of the scheme within Prescot town centre completed just outside the existing centre, including location, such as a fitness centre; and has yet to be finally determined, an indicative route is a new Tescos supermarket and adjoining non-food 1. Prescot town centre is an appropriate location shown on the Proposals Map. • Improved public transport facilities. Retail Park. for new development, redevelopment and/or 2. The Council may use its site assembly powers improvement of existing buildings for new POLICY LINKS to enable the Action Area proposals under 1) retail, assembly and leisure and other town 7.38 above to be implemented. centre uses, which are appropriate in scale and Policy T2 Prescot town centre provides food shopping for local nature to the role and function of the town. “Merseytram system” people, but has limited provision of comparison goods EXPLANATION S6 2. Land just outside the town centre at Sewell shopping. The catchment of the centre is limited by Policy T10 Street/Kemble Street is marked on the the proximity of St Helens and Liverpool city centre. “Access for the less mobile” 7.41 Proposals Map as a Development Opportunity There is a high level of vacancies (14.8% of floorspace Policy DQ1 The Ravenscourt shopping area is a District Centre Site. This land is currently in use for other compared to a national average of 8.44% Knowsley “Design Quality in New Development” within Halewood which was constructed in the post purposes but, if it became available during the MBC Town Centre & Shopping Survey, Chestertons war period. It provides a range of shops and a Council Plan period, would be suitable for Policy DQ2 plc, 2002). Rental levels are low. The attractiveness One Stop Shop for local residents. However, the redevelopment for a mix of some or all of the “Security in the built environment” of the centre to multiple retailers is limited to a physical appearance of the centre has become following uses: degree by the small scale of many of the older Policy DQ5 rundown and a previous food store (Netto) has a) Retail; shopping units. “Development in Conservation Areas” recently vacated the centre. The Council and its partners have identified the need to comprehensively b) Assembly and Leisure; and redevelop the area, to create a vibrant district centre c) Residential. that offers a wide range of services and facilities which are easily accessible by the whole community of Halewood. In addition to the shopping area itself,

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the Action Area includes the adjacent bus station, EXPLANATION S7 POLICY LINKS 3. Development for town centres uses will not be surgery, clinic and library, a public house and permitted if it would, either by itself or 7.42 Policy H5 vacant land bounded by Roseheath Avenue, together with other developments and/or “Development within Primarily Residential Areas” Hillingden Avenue and Leathers Lane. The Council There is a network of small shopping centres and existing planning permissions, harm the has prepared a Development Brief which will parades (which are listed in Appendix 6) outside the Policy S2 vitality or viability of any town, district or local guide the development of the area and will be a main centres in Knowsley. These centres have an “Diversification of uses within existing centres” centre within the primary catchment area of material consideration in determining any the development. important role in the provision of local food and other Policy DQ1 planning applications. convenience shopping, and often also contain a post “Design Quality in New Development” 4. The development site must, prior to the office and pharmacy. Their presence encourages the completion of development, be accessible Policy DQ2 use of modes of transport other than the private car. by a choice of means of transport including POLICY LINKS “Security in the built environment” Local shops are particularly important for less mobile public transport, bicycle and foot, and by the Policy DQ1 members of the community, including the elderly and Policy T10 less mobile. “Design Quality in New Development” disabled people, and for non-car owners. “Access for the less mobile” 5. In considering proposals for major Policy DQ2 development for retail, leisure or other “Security in the built environment” 7.43 POLICY S8: town centre use, any urban regeneration Policy T3 LOCATION OF DEVELOPMENT FOR TOWN benefits associated with the development will Many of the parades were constructed in the 1950’s. “Other Public Transport Schemes” CENTRE USES be considered. Although a few of the parades suffer from problems Policy T10 of under-occupation and high vacancy rates, 6. Proposals to physically enlarge (or to extend 1. Proposals for retail development or other town “Access for the less mobile” significant improvements have been made in recent the range of goods which may be sold from centre uses which are likely to attract a lot of years. The Council is keen to work in partnership with within) any existing retail park or any other site Policy ENV1 people and are outside existing town, district or local developers and occupiers to continue the on the edge of or outside a town, district or “Control of Pollution in New Development” local centres will only be permitted if the improvement of the parades and of individual shops. local centre shall not be permitted unless they applicant has demonstrated the following: Policy ENV2 meet the above criteria. “Noise and Vibration” a) on an edge of centre site that: 7.44 - There is a need for the proposal; and EXPLANATION S8 In considering proposals affecting the parades, the POLICY S7: - Any need that has been demonstrated Council will ensure that the shopping needs of 7.45 LOCAL CENTRES AND PARADES cannot be met by developing land or residents are met whilst ensuring a viable long-term A key objective of this Plan is to protect the vitality re-using existing buildings within one The Council will grant planning permission for the future for the centres. This may require and viability of existing town, district and local or more existing town, district or re-use or re-development of properties within local redevelopment or re-use of some of the units for centres and to promote their regeneration. Major new local centres. shopping centres or parades for small scale town non-retail uses, together with further action to shopping or other town centre use development centre uses within Use Classes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, improve the environment around some of the centres. b) on an out of centre site that: which is likely to attract a lot of people should B1, C3, D1 and other miscellaneous town centre Some centres or parades could, for example, be - The criteria listed under a) above have therefore be located in town centres in preference to uses (see appendix 7) provided that: appropriate locations for small-scale employment or been satisfied; and other locations, whilst smaller scale uses may be community uses, or for partial redevelopment for appropriate within the smaller centres. Within local a) The development accords with policy S2; and - Any need that has been demonstrated residential purposes. An important over-riding centres, developments including retail, leisure or cannot be met by developing land or b) Local shopping needs would still be met by objective, however, is that local shopping facilities other town centre uses should generally be less than re-using existing buildings within one existing shopping facilities within safe and should continue to be available within walking 250 square metres in floorspace. Table 8.1 in chapter or more sites on the edge of an existing convenient walking distance of where people distance of where people live. 8 (Transport) defines the sizes of what is considered town, district or local centre. live in the surrounding area. to be major development. 2. Strategic employment locations will be considered suitable locations for hotels when no suitable sequentially preferable sites in or on the edge of town centres are available or likely to become available in the near future.

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7.46 INFORMATION REQUIRED WITH PLANNING POLICY S9: access arrangements will be sought at an early stage SHOP FRONTS AND SECURITY SHUTTERS Major shopping or other town centre use APPLICATIONS in the design process and planning conditions may be imposed where this would not duplicate the development outside an existing centre will only be 7.49 1. Proposals for new or altered shop permitted where there is a clearly demonstrated requirements of the Building Regulations. All applications for shopping or other town centre use fronts should: need for the proposals which cannot be met within an development located on the edge of or outside of existing centre or centres within the catchment of the a) Relate well to the street scene in terms of town centres must be accompanied by a supporting 7.52 proposed development. In this context, “need” should materials, form and proportions; statement providing evidence that a sequential Security shutters can detract from the appearance of include a clear quantitative and qualitative need for b) If located within a Conservation Area, approach to site selection has been taken. a premise’s frontage and setting. However, the the development. In the event of a need being preserve or enhance the character of the Applications for major development should be Council understands that there can be a real need for established for any specific proposal, the Council will area; and accompanied by information about the impact of the take account of whether it could be met through the security provisions. New external security shutters scheme on travel patterns. Further details are c) Provide good access for all members development of several sites or buildings in an may be permitted where there is no less obtrusive provided by policies within chapter 8, “Transport”. of the community. existing centre i.e. it should not be assumed that the way of providing adequate security. External shutters For all planning applications for retail development of development needs to take place in the form of a 2. Security shutters and grilles, including their should be perforated to enhance the street scene over 2,500 square metres, or smaller developments single unit requiring a large site. related housing shall be permitted if they: outside normal business hours. Projecting boxes for which are likely to have a large impact on a town or security shutters will not normally be permitted as a) Fit in with the design of the building and district centre, the developer will be required to these are particularly obtrusive. 7.47 submit a Retail Impact Assessment which will provide its surroundings; a detailed assessment of the impact of the scheme In the event of a need being demonstrated in a b) Have as little impact on appearance as on the viability and vitality of existing centres. 7.53 particular case, preference will be given to sites possible during both business and which are on the edge of an existing centre over non-business hours; and The Council will adopt a Supplementary Planning those which are out of centre. An edge of centre site POLICY LINKS c) When located on highway frontages Document to explain the above requirements further. is within easy walking distance of the prime shopping provide some perforated visibility into Policy T5 area. A distance of 200-300 metres is normally the premises. considered reasonable although this can be “Location of Major Traffic Generating New POLICY LINKS influenced by local topography, roads etc. Development” Policy T10 Policy T6 EXPLANATION S9 “Access for the Less Mobile” EXISTING RETAIL PARKS “Ensuring a choice of travel” 7.50 Policy DQ1 Policy T9 “Design Quality in New Development” 7.48 The term “shop fronts” in policy S9 refers to the “Travel Plans” frontages of retail, as well as office and business The Cables Retail Park at Prescot is located on the Policy T10 premises such as building societies, insurance edge of Prescot town centre. This development is “Access for the less mobile” brokers etc. which front onto the highway. subject to planning conditions which restrict the form The design of new or replacement frontages should of retailing within the site, for example by limiting the complement and/or improve the overall character of amount of food retailing. There are also a few cash the street scene. Where the property is within a and carry and other specialist retail units located Conservation Area or includes a Listed Building, the outside Knowsley’s main centres. Any proposal to separate policies related to the protection of these extend these developments, or to relax the conditions will apply (see chapter 11 “Development Quality and controlling the form of retailing which may take place the Built Environment”). within them, will be subject to the same requirements as those which apply to new developments. 7.51

The design of shop fronts must facilitate the accessibility of the premises for the benefit of all users, including those with impaired mobility. The agreement of developers to provide adequate

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POLICY S10: EXPLANATION S10 ADVERTISEMENTS 7.54 Proposals to display advertisements will be Advertisements are an accepted part of the urban CHAPTER 8 permitted provided that they would not harm landscape. They can give a building or area of land an amenity or public safety in the following respects: identity, and help direct vehicular and pedestrian Amenity considerations traffic to their intended destination. However, if advertisements are inappropriately sited or designed, a) They would not have an adverse effect on or if there is a proliferation of advertisements, there Transport visual amenity either individually or together can be a significant effect on the environment. with other advertisements; In certain instances, advertisements can constitute a b) Any illumination would be appropriate to the hazard to pedestrians or for road users. area and would not harm amenity through overly-bright, flashing or inappropriate forms 7.55 of illumination; STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES transport will be encouraged. The Council recognises c) The advertisement would not be out of scale or In terms of public safety, consideration will be given the importance of providing good quality transport in • To accommodate improvements to the harmony with the building or the existing to whether the advertisement itself, or the exact rural and semi-rural areas of the Borough as well as transport network (consistent with the street scene; location proposed for its display, is likely to be so in the urban areas (including the provision of services proposals set down in the Merseyside Local distracting, or so confusing, that it creates a hazard that create access for all to good interchange d) They would use colours and materials which Transport Plan), which will support the to, or endangers, people in the vicinity who are taking facilities). A Merseyside wide Supplementary are appropriate to their context; regeneration objectives of the Plan. reasonable care for their own and others' safety. Planning Document (SPD) on Transport is currently e) They would not create clutter on a building or Adverts should not block visibility splays of • To locate major new development where it is under preparation and is intended to complement the within the street scene; pedestrians and road users, create glare or dazzle, accessible by a choice of walking, cycling and policies in this chapter. f) Where they would be within or adjacent to a or obscure or hinder the interpretation of road public transport, thereby minimising the need Conservation Area, they would preserve or signs. Not all advertisements require advertising to travel by car. 8.2 enhance the character and appearance of consent; further guidance can be found in the • To ensure that the design of new development the area; Department of the Environment Transport and provides a good level of accessibility to the Knowsley contains a number of important strategic Regions booklet “Outdoor Advertisements and Signs: transport corridors, including four rail routes and g) Where they would be on or close to a Listed whole community (including the less mobile) a guide for advertisers”. several major highways. There is also an extensive Building they would not adversely affect the making appropriate and safe provision for network of bus routes and public rights of way, and a special historic or architectural character of vehicle parking, walking, cycling and rail freight terminal at Knowsley Industrial Park. the building; and public transport. POLICY LINKS Some transport facilities outside Knowsley are also h) Where they occur in the Green Belt they would Policy DQ1 important to residents and businesses within the respect the visual amenity of the countryside. “Design Quality in New Development” INTRODUCTION Borough. These include Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the rail network, the Port of Liverpool and Public safety considerations Policy T12 8.1 the Runcorn-Widnes Mersey Crossing. “Aerodrome Safeguarding” i) The proposals would not adversely affect The provision of a high quality integrated transport highway safety or other forms of public safety. system is fundamental to the regeneration and sustainability objectives of this Plan, underpinning PUBLIC TRANSPORT the local economy and providing a choice of transport 8.3 linking homes with jobs and services. A key aim is to The Merseyside Local Transport Plan (see “Key provide sustainable alternatives to the use of the car Issues and Influences” - chapter 2) contains a as a mode of transport, thereby increasing social number of important public transport programmes inclusion for those who do not own, or have access to, and proposals, which will affect Knowsley. As part of a car. The use of more sustainable modes of this, Quality Bus Partnerships and Quality Bus transport will also reduce energy use and the Contracts will be developed with bus operators to generation of greenhouse gases. As a result the use help achieve a step change in the image, quality and of new clean renewable technology to power

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attractiveness of bus travel across Merseyside as THE ROAD NETWORK RAIL FREIGHT LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT specified in the section on Public Transport in the 8.4 8.5 8.8 Merseyside Local Transport Plan. As part of the second Local Transport Plan, a Merseyside Whilst acknowledging the role of walking, cycling and The Local Transport Plan stresses the need to Under Government forecasts, there is likely to be a Accessibility Strategy will be published to ensure public transport, the Local Transport Plan also maximise the use of rail for the transport of freight. significant increase in air travel over the Plan period. adequate access for all to employment, education and stresses the importance of the road network. The rail freight network for Merseyside includes all This may require an increased role for Liverpool health opportunities. A Merseyside Bus Strategy will The freight strategy within the Local Transport Plan the railway lines within Knowsley, and the rail freight John Lennon Airport as outlined in the Aviation White also be prepared to supplement and strengthen this identifies a number of important highways as Freight terminal within Knowsley Industrial Park. Potential Paper (published December 2003). The Council element of the Merseyside Local Transport Plan. Priority Routes, and also identifies some locations on opportunities exist for the expansion of the rail freight recognises the importance of the airport to the network at which significant congestion/delays terminal. The Merseyside Freight Study (published Merseyside’s economy. The Airport’s Surface Access and/or conflicts with the environment of local May 2000) also emphasises the important role that Strategy (Issue 3 of which was published in April Public Transport Programmes/Proposals which communities occur. These include the rail has to play in the transport of freight both now 2004) encourages the use of all modes of transport, will affect Knowsley: M62/M57/A5300 Junction (the “Tarbock Interchange”) and in the future. It encourages the sustainable including public transport and other sustainable • Proposed Merseytram system; and the A580 corridor. A programme of junction distribution of freight generally and as part of this modes, to gain access to the Airport. As part of the capacity and environmental enhancements is being the development of Freight Quality Partnerships Airport Surface Access Strategy, options are currently • A Centre of Excellence programme for Public developed for these locations. (see Glossary) where appropriate. A new Merseyside being evaluated for the provision of an access road to Transport and Transport Planning; Freight Strategy is being prepared based on the link the airport with the A562 in the south of the • Network wide station improvement; findings of this Merseyside Freight Study. Borough, however these plans are insufficiently Freight Priority Routes in Knowsley • A new railway station at Headbolt Lane, Kirkby defined at this stage to show on the Proposals Map. (in the ten year strategy); • M57 Further transport and related infrastructure WALKING AND CYCLING developments may be needed if the airport is to • County wide provision of interchange points; • M62 8.6 achieve its full potential. Also the development of the • Park and Ride facilities at main rail • A5300 (Knowsley Expressway) Liverpool South Parkway multi-modal transport The most sustainable forms of transport are walking stations and at strategic sites on the edge of • A561 (Speke Boulevard) interchange is included as a major scheme in the and cycling and can bring great benefits by the conurbation; Merseyside Local Transport Plan and is designed to • A580 (East Lancashire Road) encouraging and promoting exercise and healthy enhance access for all to Liverpool John Lennon • Quality Bus Partnerships, Quality Bus living. The Merseyside Walking Strategy (published • Moorgate Road, South Boundary Road and Airport and the surrounding area. Contracts and their associated Quality June 2002) has been produced to supplement the North Perimeter Road (Kirkby Industrial Park) Bus Corridors; Merseyside Local Transport Plan. The aim is to give • Liverpool South Parkway multi-modal greater emphasis and priority to pedestrian needs POLICY T1: Source: Merseyside Local Transport Plan 2001 transport interchange (N.B. located outside and thereby encourage greater use of walking for AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SYSTEM the Borough but will affect Knowsley as it will work, social, shopping, school trips, and for improve access to Liverpool John Lennon recreational purposes. A Merseyside Cycling Strategy 1. The Council’s priorities for the development of Airport); and is also being drafted. the transport system are set down in the Merseyside Local Transport Plan, which aims • A new bus station in Kirkby. to provide a sustainable and integrated NEW MERSEY CROSSING transport system that would meet the needs of Source: Merseyside Local Transport Plan 2001 8.7 all existing and new development within and near to the Borough. Proposals are currently being developed for the 2. The Council will use its powers as Local provision of a new Mersey road crossing linking Planning Authority to support the following Runcorn with Widnes. The Council is very supportive strategic schemes within the Plan period: of this scheme, which will bring much needed improvements to the strategic road network serving a) Improvements to the M62/M57/A5300 the Merseyside and Halton area. junction (the “Tarbock Interchange”); b) A new link road to serve the south side of Prescot; c) The Merseytram scheme - Lines 1 and 2;

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d) Further development that is necessary to EXPLANATION T1 3. Merseytram Line 3 will link Liverpool City terminate adjacent to the bus station on support the future expansion of Liverpool Centre with Liverpool South Parkway Cherryfield Drive. There will also be the possibility of 8.9 John Lennon Airport (such as new access multi-modal transport interchange and an extension in the future to link with a proposed new roads and public transport facilities) Policy T1 lists major transport schemes, which are Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Route options railway station and transport interchange at provided that such development is in likely to be implemented within the Plan period. are currently being considered and in the event Headbolt Lane, Kirkby. accordance with its Airport Surface Access With the exception of one proposed scheme (the new of any part it being proposed to fall within Strategy, and are acceptable in terms of road which is required to serve the proposed Action Knowsley details will be set down in a 8.13 their environmental and other effects. Area on the South side of Prescot) the schemes are Supplementary Planning Document. Off site airport car parks will not be all included in the Local Transport Plan. The Council Line 2 will link Liverpool City Centre with Prescot via permitted unless they are in accordance will support the implementation of these schemes, the A57 (Liverpool Road), including a transport with the Airport Surface Access Strategy, EXPLANATION T2 which are considered to be critical to the Merseyside interchange at Prescot railway station, and will also and are acceptable in terms of their transport network and also to the Council’s 8.10 serve Whiston Hospital. Route options within Prescot environmental and other effects; and sustainability and regeneration objectives. are currently being considered. The Council will be The Council will also encourage the progression of A key element of the Merseyside Local Transport e) Environmental and highway improvements supportive of Line 3 subject to it meeting the policies all public transport services and facilities towards Plan is the provision of a 3-line Light Rapid Transit included within the Approach 580 SIA - and criteria set out in this Plan and further A580 Corridor Improvement Strategy. the goal of full accessibility in accordance with the system (known as Merseytram) to link Liverpool discussions. Although there are no firm proposals at principles of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 City Centre with parts of Knowsley and the eastern 3. Priority will be given to schemes which would present, the potential exists to consider further and its successors. fringes of Liverpool. The Merseytram system will provide for any of the following in accordance extensions to the Merseytram network in the future if provide a high quality, electrically powered, rail with the Local Transport Plan: required and subject to their feasibility. based transit system, with high levels of a) An enhanced provision of walking and POLICY T2: segregated operation. Merseytram will be cycling routes; MERSEYTRAM SYSTEM encouraged to source its electricity power from 8.14 b) Enhancements to the rail freight network, sustainable renewable energy sources where 1. Those Merseytram routes which are proposed including the provision of improved or possible. Of the three lines, two will fall partly Proposals for new tramways such as Merseytram to fall within Knowsley are shown (in indicative new rail terminal facilities, or rail within Knowsley. A proposed third line would link require the approval of the Government under the terms only) on the Proposals Map and shall freight facilities to serve existing Liverpool City Centre with a proposed interchange Transport and Works Act, 1992. A Transport and comprise parts of the following: industrial premises; facility at Liverpool South Parkway and Liverpool Works Act Order approval for line 1 was granted on • Line 1 - This will link Liverpool City Centre 21st December 2004, and it is anticipated that c) Enhanced provision for bus and rail John Lennon Airport, but at this stage it is not yet with Kirkby Town Centre, with a potential applications for approval under the Act will be (including new or improved bus and rail known whether any part of this line will fall partly extension to Headbolt Lane, Kirkby. Line 1 submitted for lines 2 and 3. stations and public transport interchange within Knowsley as the exact route is in the early is phased for implementation in the period facilities and development of Quality Bus design stages and is subject to further discussions. 2005 to 2007. Partnerships and Quality Bus Contracts to 8.15 aid the enhancement of the principal bus • Line 2 - This will link Liverpool City Centre 8.11 routes); and with Prescot (including a transport The Council considers it important that the interchange at Prescot railway station) and Merseytram system should be of a high quality d) Enhanced provision of Park and Ride A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has been Whiston Hospital. Line 2 is phased for design. A generic Merseytram Design Guide and one facilities to serve the Merseyside prepared and adopted for Merseytram Line 1, implementation in the period up to 2011. for Line 1 have been prepared, both published in conurbation. published March 2004. It has been decided that, due 2. The siting, design and layout of the to the advanced stage of the Replacement Knowsley October 2003, which will ensure that the scheme 4. Enhancements to the transport system should Merseytram lines, stops, supports for overhead Unitary Development Plan, it is not appropriate to (including tram stops, overhead wires and be designed so as to be the most appropriate wires and all other infrastructure shall be in prepare a Supplementary Planning Document for stanchions, terminus buildings and maintenance practicable option in terms of their impact on accordance with the Merseytram Design Merseytram Line 2. depots) is of high visual quality and that any the environment and the local community. Guides (generic and Line 1) published in environmental harm (e.g. due to disturbance for When undertaking transport improvements the October 2003. When constructing the tram neighbouring residents, noise, or visual intrusion) is opportunity should be taken to improve routes and their associated infrastructure the 8.12 minimised. When constructing the tram routes and walking & cycling routes, enhance the local opportunity should be taken to improve their associated infrastructure the opportunity should environment & streetscape and reduce visual The route for the Merseytram Line 1 has now been walking & cycling routes, enhance the local be taken to improve walking & cycling routes, clutter to a minimum. finalised. Line 1 will link Liverpool with Kirkby Town environment & streetscape and reduce enhance the local environment & streetscape and Centre via the A580 (East Lancashire Road), This is a Part 1 policy visual clutter to a minimum. reduce visual clutter to a minimum. Moorgate Road and County Road. This line will

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Merseytram Design Guides for Line 2 and 3 will be POLICY T3: c) The scheme will not seriously 8.19 prepared in due course. Also mitigation measures OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT SCHEMES compromise the purposes of including land New Park and Ride facilities will be considered to be will be taken to ensure that unacceptable harm to the in Green Belts; inappropriate development if sited in the Green Belt. free and safe flow of traffic is avoided. 1. Planning permission will be granted for public d) The proposal is contained within the Local However, exceptions to this may be made where the transport schemes of the following types: Transport Plan (or is required to support developer can demonstrate that there are no • New or improved bus or rail stations; other transport initiatives within the Local 8.16 alternative sites that could practicably be used for • New or improved Park and Ride facilities Transport Plan) and based on a thorough this purpose. The final alignment and design of the Merseytram (in locations shown on the Proposals Map); assessment of travel impacts; and scheme will also need to fit in with broader proposals • Public transport interchange facilities; and e) New or re-used buildings are included for the regeneration of surrounding areas, including 8.20 • within the development proposal only for those for Kirkby and Prescot town centres, North Development required to aid the essential facilities associated with the Quality Bus Partnerships, Quality Bus Contracts and Huyton and South Prescot. enhancement of the principal bus routes, operation of the park & ride scheme. their associated Quality Bus Corridors are developed provided that the proposals demonstrate that in partnership with bus operators and aim to help they are in accordance with the Merseyside achieve a step change in the quality and POLICY LINKS Local Transport Plan and/or its supporting EXPLANATION T3 attractiveness of bus travel across Merseyside. Policy H3 strategies; and are otherwise in accordance 8.17 The Quality Bus Corridors in the Borough are as with the policies of this Plan. “North Huyton and Tower Hill (Kirkby) Action Areas” follows: along the A580 into Kirkby, along the A57 into When undertaking transport improvements the The Merseyside Local Transport Plan 10 year strategy Policy EC5 Prescot and Whiston, along the A5080 into Roby, opportunity should be taken to improve includes the provision of new stations at several “South Prescot Action Area” along the B5178 into Tarbock Green, and along the walking and cycling routes, enhance the local locations in Merseyside, including one at A562 into Halewood. The introduction of modern Policy S4 environment & streetscape and reduce visual Headbolt Lane, Kirkby (subject to a feasibility study electric trolleybuses (powered by electricity from “Kirkby Town Centre Action Area” clutter to a minimum. and reference to the Strategic Rail Authority’s sustainable renewable energy sources) could be "New Stations: A Guide for Promoters" which was Policy S5 2. The siting of a proposed new railway station at considered as another possible innovative method of published in September 2004). A Park and Ride “Prescot Town Centre” Headbolt Lane, Kirkby is indicated on the enhancing and upgrading Quality Bus Corridors and Strategy exists (published July 2002), which aims to Policy DQ1 Proposals Map and the Council has agreed other main bus routes. This could also help improve provide a number of Park and Ride sites, of varying with Merseytravel to include a Park & Ride the image, quality and attractiveness of bus travel “Design Quality in New Development” sizes across Merseyside, which will link with rail scheme at this potential new railway station. across Merseyside. Policy T3 stations, bus routes and the Merseytram system. 3. In the event of Park and Ride facilities being “Other Public Transport Schemes” proposed within the Green Belt, it will need to Policy T8 be clearly shown that the following criteria 8.18 "Transport Assessments" have been met: Policy T3 will ensure that these schemes will be Policy T10 a) A thorough and comprehensive granted planning permission where they satisfy the “Access for the Less Mobile” assessment of potential sites, using a other policies of this Plan. For example, proposals for Policy MW7 sequential approach, has been undertaken new public transport infrastructure will need to be “Renewable Energy” which clearly demonstrates that there are designed and sited so as to avoid any detrimental no suitable alternative sites that could be impact on the environmental assets of the Borough, practicably used (either within Knowsley or or on the living environment of any nearby residents. any adjacent Borough) which are outside If proposals come forward for the development of the Green Belt, having regard to Headbolt Lane (Kirkby) and Prescot railway stations, sustainable development objectives, then these schemes should take into account the and the need to be flexible about size possibility of these stations also being served by the and layout; Merseytram system. b) The assessment establishes that the proposed Green Belt site is the most sustainable option taking account of all relevant factors including travel impacts;

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POLICY LINKS 8.22 POLICY T5: 8.26 LOCATION OF MAJOR TRAFFIC GENERATING The improvement of the M62/M57/A5300 junction (the The requirements of policy T5 will apply to the Policy G1 NEW DEVELOPMENT “Tarbock Interchange”) is scheduled for following forms of major development: “Development within the Green Belt” implementation in the period before 2011, and is Policy DQ1 1. Major developments (as defined in table 8.1) Table 8.1: Major traffic generating development likely to involve the creation of new slip roads linking should be or be capable of being located within “Design Quality in New Development” the M62 and the M57. The scheme is being safe and convenient walking distance of public Threshold Policy DQ2 progressed by the Highways Agency, and its transport facilities (defined as being no more (Gross “Security in the Built Environment” implementation will support the delivery of key than 400 metres from a bus stop and/or 800 Land Use Floorspace) development opportunities on Merseyside. Policy T8 metres from a rail station or Merseytram stop). “Transport Assessments” The scheme will also aim to improve safety and Food retail/non-food retail/ 1000 sq. metres reduce congestion on the strategic road network. 2. Developments that are likely to generate conference facilities/Class D2 Policy T10 The final details of the scheme, and therefore significant movement of freight or other and leisure uses (including “Access for the Less Mobile” the precise location of land affected, have yet vehicular traffic should be located at sites, cinemas, bowling alleys etc) Policy ENV2 which have good access to, and which will not to be determined. Business uses (Class B1 2500 sq. metres cause an unacceptable amount of congestion “Noise and Vibration” including offices)/higher and on the rail network or the Strategic Road Policy ENV3 further education 8.23 Network as indicated on the Proposals Map. “Light Pollution” Stadia 1500 seats The new link road in Prescot is required to provide 3. Where a site for a proposed major Policy MW7 Industry (Class B2) To be specified adequate access to the strategic highway network to development is not already within safe and “Renewable Energy” in the support the Council’s proposals for the South Prescot convenient walking distance of a station, stop Supplementary Action Area. Planning permission has already been or interchange on passenger rail, bus or tram Planning POLICY T4: granted for the scheme, which will be carried out in networks, planning permission will only be Document (SPD) MAJOR HIGHWAY SCHEMES several phases, along the alignment shown on the granted if improvements to the public Warehousing and distribution To be specified Proposals Map. These phases will be timed to transport network are made. There may also (Class B8) in the SPD 1. The following major highway schemes are coincide with critical stages in the redevelopment of be a requirement for improvements to the indicated on the Proposals Map: the Action Area, to ensure that sufficient highway Strategic Road Network. All such Housing developments To be specified a) The improvement of the junction of the capacity is generated to provide adequate access at improvements should be made prior to the in the SPD M62/M57/A5300 junction (the “Tarbock all times for freight and other vehicles likely to visit completion of the development to provide for Major tourism uses (including, To be specified Interchange”); and the Action Area, and to discourage the use of satisfactory accessibility for all. theme parks, golf courses, in the SPD Manchester Road (which runs through a museums etc) b) The provision of a new link road to serve residential area). the South Prescot Action Area. EXPLANATION T5 Holiday villages, hotel To be specified complexes, permanent camp in the SPD 2. The Council will use its powers as Local 8.25 8.24 sites or caravan parks etc. Planning Authority to support the New schools To be specified implementation of these schemes within the Also a new road from Upton Rocks residential The location of development can have a significant in the SPD Plan period. development (in Widnes) to Cronton Road (at a point impact on travel patterns, influencing both the just within Knowsley’s boundary) has already been number and length of journeys generated and also New hospitals To be specified granted planning permission. the choice of travel mode. Government planning in the SPD policy requires that major developments, likely to Significant extension or To be specified EXPLANATION T4 attract significant numbers of visitors, can be easily replacement of existing sites in the SPD POLICY LINKS accessed by walking, cycling and public transport. 8.21 (Any of the above land uses) Policy EC5 The objective is to provide realistic alternatives Development proposals which, by themselves, fall The Proposals Map identifies the broad location of “South Prescot Action Area” to the car. below the above thresholds but which in conjunction land likely to be required for two important with other proposals in the area will result in the highway schemes. thresholds being exceeded.

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8.27 POLICY LINKS EXPLANATION T6 8.33 As a guideline, all proposals for major traffic Policy PA1 8.30 New developments should be well served by public generating proposals as defined above should be on transport. Where necessary additional bus stops or “Planning Agreements” sites that are within 400 metres safe and convenient Policy T6 aims to ensure that there is a good choice other facilities will be provided within the site or the Policy T8 walking distance of a bus stop, and/or within 800 of mode of travel for all development proposals, with immediate locality. Where appropriate, obligations metres of a stop on the proposed Merseytram “Transport Assessments” an emphasis on walking, cycling and public transport. will be negotiated which require developers to make network or a railway station. This distance will be Policy T9 New developments will be expected to include a contribution (for a specified period of up to a provision for walking and cycling which links well influenced by factors such as topography and the “Travel Plans” maximum of five years) to the provision of new need to get across busy main roads. with the wider pedestrian and cycle networks and public transport services that are deemed Policy T10 which also links well with public transport facilities. necessary in order to ensure that the development “Access for the Less Mobile” These links should be attractively designed as an is adequately served. 8.28 integral part of the development.

It is also important to ensure that major POLICY T6: 8.34 developments are well located in relation the rail ENSURING CHOICE OF TRAVEL TO SERVE 8.31 network and the Strategic Road Network to avoid NEW DEVELOPMENTS In implementing the policy, the Council will take problems of congestion and of large vehicles (and To promote community and road safety, no account of the scale and nature of the development. other traffic) using unsuitable local roads. Where a 1. Proposals for new development should provide developments will be permitted which would cause a For example, minor extensions or alterations to or be served by a good choice of modes of proposal would significantly increase the volume of hazard as a result, for example, of the design of the properties may not have any material impact on travel which is appropriate to the scale and highway access or internal circulation system. traffic on the trunk road network, the Council will nature of the development, as follows: travel patterns in the area. In these circumstances, it consult the Highways Agency prior to making a Car parks, cycle parking facilities and footpaths would not be reasonable to require the developer to a) Well lit, safe, convenient and clearly decision on the planning application. A Memorandum should always be well surfaced and lit, and subject to provide additional facilities. The proposed Transport sign-posted footways and cycle routes both natural surveillance from occupied buildings. of Understanding with the Highways Agency provides within the site and linking to the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will explain Conflict between vehicle and pedestrian routes a framework for considering major development surrounding area and to public transport in detail to which forms of development, and in what proposals in a way which would not prejudice the facilities; should be avoided or actively managed through the circumstances, the policy will be applied. use of designs which slow traffic in areas of shared implementation of regeneration programmes. b) Cycle parking facilities in accordance with the Council’s minimum standards; use. In some parts of the Borough, on-street parking causes inconvenience and hazard and new POLICY LINKS c) Car parking facilities which do not exceed 8.29 developments will not be permitted which would the Council’s maximum standards; Policy DQ1 cause or exacerbate such hazards. Where development sites fail to meet these criteria, d) Parking facilities for the less mobile, “Design Quality in New Development” the Council will discuss the issue with its transport delivery and other service vehicles within Policy DQ2 planning partners. Where satisfactory provision the site in accordance with the Council’s 8.32 “Security in the Built Environment” would not otherwise occur, the developer will be minimum standards; Car parking standards will be set as a maximum Policy T8 asked to enter into a planning agreement (see e) Safe and convenient vehicular access to glossary) to cover or contribute towards the cost of and from the highway and within the (in order to encourage the shift towards more “Transport Assessments” additional public transport provision, or rail freight or site; and sustainable forms of travel) and will be set down in Policy T9 the proposed Supplementary Planning Document highway infrastructure which is needed to serve the f) Good provision of public transport to the “Travel Plans” development. The proposed Supplementary Planning site. In the case of major developments, (SPD) covering transport issues, along with cycle Policy T10 Document (SPD) on Transport issues (see paragraph and any other developments likely to parking and standards for the provision of parking generate a significant amount of travel “Access for the Less Mobile” 8.1 above) will explain the requirements of this policy spaces for the less mobile. In Huyton, Kirkby and demand, the provision of additional public and give greater definition to the land use categories Prescot town centres, together with district and transport facilities such as bus stops, bus local centres, a smaller number of parking spaces in table 8.1. layover bays, taxi bays or other facilities may be required within or adjacent to may be considered appropriate, provided the the site. development would not cause parking problems in the centre as a whole. 2. Exceptions to the above will be considered in the case of minor extensions, alterations or other developments, which will not materially increase the amount of traffic visiting the site.

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POLICY T7: associated link footpaths. However these are still POLICY LINKS EXPLANATION T8 NEW DEVELOPMENT AND WALKING & under development and as yet are insufficiently Policy DQ1 8.38 CYCLING ROUTES defined to show on the Proposals Map. There is also “Design Quality in New Development” the potential in the future, where appropriate, for the Large-scale developments can have significant 1. New development should preserve and where Council to identify Quiet Lanes (see glossary) which Policy DQ2 transport implications. The submission of transport possible enhance the walking & cycling are vehicular routes where traffic travels at slow “Security in the Built Environment” assessments with planning applications enables network, as it can help enhance and provide enough speeds to make walking, cycling, or horse these implications to be fully assessed. The aim is to access to green corridors & the countryside as riding enjoyable. The Council will similarly manage travel demand so as to limit the effects of well as promoting and encouraging exercise POLICY T8: consider the potential in the future to identify traffic generation on the environment (e.g. through and healthy living for all. TRANSPORT ASSESSMENTS “Greenways” if appropriate, where walking and noise or air pollution), and to provide for safe and 2. In considering proposals for new development cycling will form part of informal recreational easy access for all users to the site by all modes of Development proposals that would prejudice the which will block (either partially or wholly) an corridors. Footpaths and cycleways can have great travel. Not all proposals will require a full Transport primary function of any part of the highway existing right of way or other existing or benefits by helping promote and encourage Assessment. However, the Council will seek to network (i.e. the motorway, trunk road, primary proposed walking or cycling route, a balanced exercise and healthy living for all as well as ensure that adequate information is submitted with and local highway network) by generating a consideration of the following factors will enhancing and providing access to green corridors each planning application to ensure that the material increase in traffic, which would overload be undertaken: and the countryside. implications of the development for the transport the access to, or any part of the network, will not network are adequately assessed. a) The contribution that the route makes or be permitted, unless the necessary mitigation will make to the walking and/or cycling 8.36 measures required are undertaken. network in the area and the harm that 8.39 However, footpaths can sometimes contribute to the Planning applications for the following forms of would be caused to accessibility between risk of crime and nuisance, particularly where they development will be required to be accompanied by existing uses in the surrounding area if the The Highways Agency has responsibility for the run at the back of buildings without adequate natural a Transport Assessment: route were no longer available; and maintenance of the motorway, trunk roads and other surveillance. In some cases it has been necessary for a) Major traffic generating development primary routes on behalf of the Secretary of State. b) Any benefits to community safety or the Council to seek the closure of such routes in the proposals as defined in table 8.1; In regard to motorways, the Secretary of State has a security that could arise from the closure interests of the amenity of neighbouring residents strict policy of not allowing direct access to of the route. b) Proposals which, either by themselves or in and of preventing unauthorised access to property. motorways other than for motorway service stations, conjunction with wider proposals of which the 3. In the event of it being minded to approve a or motorway maintenance compounds. The Agency if development forms a part, are likely to cause development that would have an adverse necessary can direct the Council to refuse planning 8.37 significant harm as a result of existing road effect on existing pedestrian or cycle applications for developments whose access capacity or safety problems in the area; networks, the Council will seek to secure In considering proposals affecting rights of way, the arrangements breach this policy. alternative provision of equivalent quality, Council will take a balanced approach, which will c) Proposals which are likely to significantly safety and convenience. weigh up the benefits of keeping the route open increase pollution and/or noise as a result of 8.40 compared to any security or safety concerns that traffic generation; or cause pollution levels in Air Quality Management areas to exceed EXPLANATION T7 could arise from doing this. The more important the A Transport Assessment is required to identify route is to accessibility in the area, the less likely guideline levels; whether or not a proposal is feasible in traffic terms, 8.35 permission is to be granted for any development, d) Proposals that would generate a material and to ascertain the necessity and scope for which would affect the route. Where a development acceptable highway improvement works or other There is a comprehensive network of rights of way increase in traffic entering or using any would interfere with or block a footpath or cycle mitigation measures. Works may be required to within the Borough, which are designated as motorways, trunk roads or other primary route, the Council will seek to agree alternative protect the safety and efficiency of the trunk and local footpaths or bridleways on the definitive Rights of routes; and provision with the developer. It will be important to road networks. Any development must be Way map. One route (the Trans-Pennine Trail) is part e) Proposals that would impact on the ensure that any alternative provision is itself safe, satisfactorily integrated into and coordinated with the of a strategic long distance trail. Many footpaths and bus network. convenient and uses attractive boundary treatments, highway network. cycle routes, whilst not formally designated as rights lighting and surface materials. of way, are also considered to provide important links (often within the built up area) as outlined in the Countryside Recreation Strategy for Knowsley (approved 1996) which also includes a vision for the development of a “Knowsley Way” footpath and

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POLICY LINKS • Reductions in traffic speeds and improved POLICY T10: POLICY LINKS safety; and ACCESS FOR THE LESS MOBILE Policy ENV1 Policy DQ1 • More environmentally friendly freight movements. “Control of Pollution in New Development” All proposals for new development, or for the “Design Quality in New Development” Policy T6 change of use of existing buildings, will be required Policy DQ2 8.42 to have adequate access for the less mobile or “Ensuring Choice of Travel to serve new “Security in the Built Environment” those who have sensory impairments, and shall Development” Specific measures in a Travel Plan can include, for example, encouragement of car sharing, working from have adequate adaptability to meet lifetime design Policy T9 POLICY T11: home and providing public transport facilities for standards for homes and inclusive design “Travel Plans” TAXI FACILITIES employees. Any measures should have measurable standards for all other buildings and shall also be outputs, and arrangements for monitoring. in accordance with the principles of the Disability 1. Proposals for new or expanded operating Discrimination Act 1995 and its successors. POLICY T9: bases for private hire taxi facilities will be TRAVEL PLANS 8.43 permitted provided that: EXPLANATION T10 a) There will be no detrimental impact on The following forms of development will All major developments as defined in table 8.1 will surrounding land uses by virtue of noise, require the submission and implementation of normally be expected to develop and implement a 8.44 Travel Plan. The development of Travel Plans to cover litter or general disturbance; a Travel Plan: The Council will require that all development should whole industrial estates, industrial parks, business b) Satisfactory taxi parking, sufficient to meet provide for appropriate access for the less mobile. a) Major traffic generating development parks etc rather than just the individual site the needs of the business, is already In the case of most proposals for new buildings, and proposals as defined in table 8.1 (other than occupiers will be encouraged. The Council may available or is to be provided as part of the many alterations to existing buildings, the necessary housing); and implement highway measures to complement development; and company or school travel plans. The Council also provision will be enforced through the Building b) Smaller development proposals which, either c) Any radio masts associated with the use intends to ensure that routes to schools are made Regulations. Planning legislation will not be used to by themselves or in conjunction with other will be acceptable in terms of their effect safer and more convenient, and School Travel Plan duplicate this provision. However, planning decisions proposals, would: on visual amenity and the amenities of schemes should be used to achieve this. The Council will be used to secure adequate provision in those • neighbouring residents. Generate significant amounts of vehicular is currently developing a School Travel Plan Strategy cases which are not covered by the Building traffic in or near to Air Quality to support this. In addition, the Council may request Regulations, which may include for example some 2. Taxi operations may be required to initially Management Areas; or that Travel Plans be implemented for smaller alterations to buildings, external works, car parks operate on a temporary basis, in order to enable their impact on the surrounding area to • Exacerbate an existing traffic problem developments where the development may otherwise and footways. In implementing this policy the Council be fully assessed. in the surrounding area which would cause detrimental effects in an Air Quality will require new housing to meet the Lifetime Homes otherwise justify a refusal of Management Area (see Glossary) or an area with a Design Standards, as recommended by the Joseph planning permission. local traffic problem. Rowntree Trust. EXPLANATION T11 Travel Plans will be encouraged to be as 8.46 sustainable and innovative as possible and also POLICY LINKS 8.45 Taxis and minicabs are an important part of the provide inclusive access for all. Policy T5 public transport system, supplementing bus, tram Guidance on the standards to be applied is set down “Location of Major Traffic Generating New and rail services as well as providing a service in in the “Merseyside Code of Practice on Access and Development” their own right. The Council and Merseytravel also EXPLANATION T9 Mobility, February 1999”. Relevant parts of this wish to encourage the progression of taxi provision in Policy T6 document may be updated and adopted by the 8.41 the Borough towards the goal of full accessibility. “Ensuring Choice of Travel to serve new Council as a Supplementary Planning Document Private hire radio controlled taxi businesses generally A Travel Plan is a package of measures aimed at Development” (SPD). Another important document is the Disability aim to operate in a manner whereby vehicles do not satisfying transport and other business needs, with Policy T8 Discrimination Act 1995, which specifies that the less spend much time at the base. However, inevitably an emphasis on securing: “Transport Assessments” mobile should have adequate accessibility to there can be times between assignments in which • Reductions in car use; Policy T10 buildings and the built environment. taxi vehicles may tend to congregate around the office • Increases in more sustainable forms of “Access for the Less Mobile” base. In addition, customers can congregate at the transport such as walking, cycling and the use Policy ENV1 premises prior to their journey. In some cases, such of public transport; “Control of Pollution in New Development” businesses require tall and obtrusive radio masts to provide acceptable radio contact with drivers.

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8.47 8.49 • All wind turbine development proposals. POLICY LINKS • These issues mean that taxi facilities can, if A number of safeguarding areas for Liverpool Development that would involve using large Policy S10 inappropriately sited, cause problems of on-street John Lennon Airport relate to land within the cranes and other tall construction equipment that “Advertisements” parking and/or loss of amenity. Taxi facilities will Borough. Those that affect parts of the Borough are might impinge into the airspace of the Airport. Policy MW2 often be acceptable if located in a town or district illustrated in Figure 8.1. The whole of the Borough centre, or other commercial area. However, if the falls within the 30km consultation zone for wind “Proposals for Minerals Developments” 8.50 neighbouring properties include residential dwellings turbine development. The main types of development Policy MW5 the problems can be more serious. In cases where that will require consultation are as follows: Only the northern part of the Borough north of Kirkby “Waste Management and Treatment Facilities” planning permission is granted, the Council may • Any proposal likely to attract birds, such as around Northwood and Westvale is unaffected by the Policy MW6 require the use to operate on a temporary basis to Aerodrome Safeguarding Zones. enable its impact to be fully assessed. Other proposals involving significant tree planting, “Landfill or Landraising” minerals extraction or quarrying, waste disposal conditions may be imposed to prevent customers Policy MW7 or management, reservoirs or other significant visiting the premises very late at night; to limit “Renewable Energy” operating hours; to require the provision of off street areas of surface water, land restoration schemes, Policy ENV3 taxi parking spaces; or to require the provision of sewage works, nature reserves or bird litterbins for customers. sanctuaries in the Borough south of the Knowsley “Light Pollution” Village / Knowsley Park area. Policy ENV7 POLICY LINKS • Applications connected with an aviation use in the “Telecommunications Development” Borough south of the Knowsley Village / Knowsley Policy ENV1 Park area. “Control of Pollution in New Development” • Buildings and structures over 10 metres in the Policy T10 western part of Halewood. “Access for the Less Mobile” • Buildings and structures over 15 metres in central and eastern Halewood and the area to the POLICY T12: north west of Halewood. AERODROME SAFEGUARDING • Buildings and structures over 45 metres in Any development that would or could adversely Tarbock Green area and the eastern part of affect the operational integrity or safety of Liverpool Prescot and Knowsley Park. John Lennon Airport will not be permitted. • Buildings and structures over 90 metres in a large area including Kirkby, Knowsley Business EXPLANATION T12 Park, Southdene, Knowsley Village, western part of Knowsley Park, Stockbridge Village, Roby, 8.48 Huyton, Prescot, Whiston and Cronton.

Safeguarding Zones around airports and aerodromes • All telecommunication and radio masts etc in the are established by the Secretary of State and defined Safeguarding Zone which might affect avionics on safeguarding maps issued by the Civil Aviation equipment or radar e.g. close to the aerodrome Authority (CAA). They define certain types of or flight paths (NB consultation is required development that, by reason of their height, attraction by the General Permitted Development Order to birds or inclusion of, or effect on, aviation activity (GPDO), see Glossary, on masts erected under will require prior consultation with the airport or permitted development rights within 3km of aerodrome operator. Government advice in ODPM aerodrome perimeters); Circular 01/2003 sets out detailed guidance on how • the safe and efficient operations can be secured. Street lighting, floodlighting, searchlights, These areas are neither the responsibility nor the illuminated advertising or laser displays which proposal of the Council as local planning authority. may present a confusing image to pilots on the approach to a runway.

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Figure 8.1: Map of the Liverpool John Lennon Airport Safeguarding Zone: CHAPTER 9 Green Belt and the Rural Economy

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 9.2 • To protect the openness and character of the In Britain as a whole, the rural economy is facing Green Belt from inappropriate development. significant challenges against a background of ongoing reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, • To support the rural economy by encouraging and following the more specific problems caused by appropriate forms of rural diversification, and BSE and Foot and Mouth disease. The Government’s protecting agricultural land of the best and rural white paper recognises the inherent capacity of most versatile quality from permanent loss. the countryside to meet this challenge and encourages diversification of the rural economy. INTRODUCTION The well being of the rural economy can be supported through the sensitive diversification of 9.1 farm enterprises and other appropriate development, Approximately half of Knowsley, comprising all open such as renewable energy. countryside outside the boundaries of the urban areas is designated as Green Belt. Knowsley’s Green 9.3 Belt consists of urban fringe9 and countryside, which is a major environmental asset of ecological, Within the “urban fringe” and countryside there is a landscape, recreation and agricultural importance. need to balance the needs of the urban population for The UDP seeks to protect the urban fringe and recreational and leisure pursuits with the need to countryside from inappropriate development, whilst conserve and enhance the landscape, and to maximising its environmental, economic and social accommodate rural uses such as farming. benefits for Merseyside. The Council aims to ensure As Knowsley's rural areas are designated as Green that the countryside is well managed and accessible Belt, there are tight planning controls over to the residents of Merseyside, reflecting the aims of development in these areas. Knowsley’s Countryside Recreation Strategy (approved 1996).

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Knowsley Metropolitan 9 Borough Council. 100017655. 2004 Urban fringe is rural land that borders urban areas. The majority of Knowsley’s rural land is adjacent to urban areas within Merseyside

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THE PURPOSES OF GREEN BELT Merseyside in general) were tightly drawn around (which were taken into account in the Merseyside POLICY G1: existing urban areas. By their restrictive nature, the Green Belt Study mentioned above) identify that DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE GREEN BELT 9.4 tight Green Belt boundaries are considered to be there is enough land within the existing urban area to Planning Policy Guidance Note 2 “Green Belts” states likely to encourage regeneration in the existing urban meet the need for new housing development up to 1. Within the Green Belt the Council will not that the fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to areas. Within Knowsley, the Green Belt has remained and beyond the end-date of this Plan (2016). grant planning permission for development prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently almost unaltered since 1983 (apart from minor The Plan does not, therefore propose any changes to other than open (i.e. free from most forms of built development). “tidying up” of boundaries which took place when the Green Belt boundaries to accommodate future a) The construction of new buildings or The purposes of including land in the Green Belt are: first Knowsley Unitary Development Plan was housing development. structures for the following purposes: • adopted in 1998). To check the unrestricted sprawl of large built (i) Agriculture and forestry; up areas; 9.9 (ii) Essential facilities for outdoor sporting, • To prevent neighbouring towns from merging; APPROACH TAKEN IN THIS PLAN TO The potential need to accommodate land for recreational or tourism uses, which THE DEFINITION OF FUTURE GREEN BELT • To assist in safeguarding the countryside economic development is, however (taking account of preserve the openness of the Green BOUNDARIES from encroachment; the results of the Green Belt Study) considered likely Belt and do not conflict with the 9.7 purposes of including land in it; • To preserve the setting and special character of to be more pressing. The current supply of land for economic development is assessed in chapter 6 historic towns; and Government policy states that Green Belt boundaries, (iii) Limited alterations, extensions or “Economic Development”. Whilst in quantitative replacements of existing dwellings • To assist in urban regeneration by encouraging once established, can only be changed in exceptional terms there is still a significant supply available which would not (either by themselves the recycling of derelict and other urban land. circumstances. The Regional Spatial Strategy for the (164.8 hectares as in May 2004) there are considered North West, 2003 proposed that there should be a or in conjunction with any previous to be constraints on the supply in terms of the strategic study of Green Belt across Merseyside and alterations or extensions to the dwelling) range of site sizes, availability and quality. 9.5 Halton. This study (the Merseyside Green Belt Study - result in a disproportionate increase in These constraints may become more severe as the Final Report) was published in January 2005 and the size of the original dwelling; To further these objectives, Green Belt planning Plan period progresses. However, it is not considered concluded that there was no urgent need to review (iv) Limited infilling or redevelopment of policy must necessarily guard against development appropriate to make any changes to Green Belt the Green Belt boundary in Merseyside. Since that defined existing Major Developed which could be more appropriately located in built up boundaries to accommodate economic development time the Government has published its response to Sites; or areas. The protection of Green Belts in this way offers until at least after the new Regional Spatial Strategy the Barker Review of Housing Supply in which it opportunities to: is published, and even then any changes would need (v) Development of Kings Business Park signalled its intention to make planning more • to be identified in a future Development Plan consistent with its role as a Regional Provide access to the open countryside for the responsive to the housing market and better able to Document for Knowsley. Investment Site. urban population; deliver a variety and choice of housing. These are • Provide outdoor sport and recreation facilities matters that, it is anticipated, will be taken into b) The re-use of existing buildings where the near urban areas; account in the preparation of the new Regional PROPOSED MINOR CHANGES TO GREEN BELT new use would not have a materially Spatial Strategy for the North West which will greater impact than the present use on the • Retain attractive landscapes and enhance less BOUNDARIES determine the scope and timing of any Green openness of the Green Belt and the attractive landscapes; 9.10 Belt Review. purposes of including land in it. • Improve damaged land around towns; Notwithstanding the points set down above, the Plan c) The temporary use of land for mineral • does include several minor changes to the Green Belt extraction, engineering or other operations Secure nature conservation interest; and 9.8 boundary. The effect of these is to ensure the which preserve the open-ness of the • Retain land in agricultural, forestry and In 2004, two urban capacity studies were completed boundary runs along the actual boundary of existing Green Belt. related uses. which are relevant to this Plan, one of which housing areas. The areas concerned are located at d) The making of any material change in the assessed the capacity for new housing development Liverpool Road (adjacent to Kings Business Park), use of land where the openness of the on brownfield capacity sources within the urban area Wheatfield Road (Cronton), Pottery Lane (Whiston) HISTORY OF THE GREEN BELT ON MERSEYSIDE Green Belt is maintained and there is no in Knowsley, and the other of which did the same but and Knowsley Park Lane (Prescot). These changes 9.6 conflict with the purposes of including land for Merseyside as a whole (ref: “Knowsley have been made because keeping the existing in it. Green Belt boundaries across the whole of Metropolitan Borough Council: Urban Housing housing areas in the Green Belt would not serve any Merseyside were defined for the first time in the Capacity Final Report, White Young Green” 2004 and of the purposes of Green Belts. Merseyside Green Belt Local Plan, adopted in 1983. “Merseyside Sub-Region: Urban Housing Potential The boundaries of the Green Belt in Knowsley (and in Study: 2004” White Young Green). These studies

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EXPLANATION G1 9.14 POLICY LINKS POLICY G2: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND AMENITIES OF Dwellings which are unusually large in relation to the 9.11 Policy G2 THE GREEN BELT needs of the farm concerned would exceed what is “Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green In order to ensure that the Green Belt can achieve its “required” for the purpose stated and will therefore Belt” All new development within or adjacent to the purposes and objectives, there will be a general not be permitted under policy G1. Where permission Green Belt should protect or enhance: presumption against most forms of development for a key workers dwelling is granted, occupancy of Policy G3 within it. Certain forms of development, however, the dwelling will be restricted, by planning condition, “Agricultural Land” a) The appearance and character of the rural can be appropriately accommodated within the to a person solely or mainly working, or last working Policy G5 landscape; and Green Belt. in the locality in agriculture or in forestry, or a widow “Existing Major Developed Sites in the Green Belt” b) The environmental quality of the countryside or widower of such a person. Policy G6 for people who use it for living in, carrying out businesses or for recreational pursuits. NEW AGRICULTURAL OR FORESTRY BUILDINGS “Conversion or Change of Use of Existing Buildings in BUILDINGS FOR OUTDOOR SPORT the Green Belt” 9.12 AND RECREATION Policy DQ4 EXPLANATION G2 The construction of buildings for agriculture or 9.15 “Trees and Development” forestry purposes (e.g. for storage of machinery etc.) 9.18 is appropriate development in the Green Belt, Knowsley’s countryside provides opportunities for Policy ENV1 Policy G2 applies to all new development within or although the siting and design of such buildings must sustainable rural tourism and leisure activities, which “Control of Pollution in New Development” can play an important role in the regeneration of the adjoining the Green Belt, including proposals preserve the landscape character of the countryside. Policy ENV2 rural economy. In providing development for tourism connected with primarily open uses which are or leisure needs in the Green Belt, the development “Noise and Vibration” appropriate in the Green Belt in principle. DWELLINGS FOR KEY WORKERS must be appropriate, genuinely required and preserve Policy EC4 the openness of the Green Belt. 9.13 “Kings Business Park” LANDSCAPE IMPACT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT Policy ENV7 The provision of new dwellings is inappropriate in the 9.19 9.16 “Flood Risk and Drainage” Green Belt with one exception. This exception is The rural landscape in Knowsley includes many where the applicant has demonstrated that a new Knowsley Safari Park is by far the largest tourist Policy ENV9 important features such as areas of mossland dwelling is essential to accommodate one or more facility in Knowsley. It is located within the Knowsley “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” landscape, ponds, streams and small lakes, and key workers in connection with an agricultural or Hall estate, which covers an area of several square Policy ENV10 other areas of ecological importance. Some of the forestry enterprise. Planning Policy Statement 7 miles. The Park is a predominantly open use and the “Protection of Species” countryside within the Borough, however, has been “Sustainable Development in Rural Areas” requires Council is keen to encourage its long-term Policy MW2 damaged by previous human activities, including that applications for permanent dwellings for key attractiveness as a key tourist attraction. This means waste tipping, coal mining and other mineral workers must contain detailed information to that new buildings or other development which are “Proposals for Minerals Developments” working, roads and other development. demonstrate that there is a functional need for a new essential to the operation of the safari park may be Policy MW4 permitted under policy G1, provided they maintain the dwelling, together with details to establish the “Waste Management Strategy” primarily open character of the area. financial viability of the business. If the enterprise is a 9.20 Policy MW5 new one (i.e. has not been established for three “Waste Management and Treatment Facilities” When assessing the impact of new development on years), the Council should not grant permission for a EXTENSIONS TO RESIDENTIAL CURTILAGES the rural landscape, the Council will take into new permanent dwelling, but may consider Policy MW7 9.17 account its effects on factors such as views across granting permission for a temporary dwelling (such “Renewable Energy” the countryside, landform, trees, woodlands, as a caravan or mobile home) for a maximum three The extension of residential curtilages generally hedgerows, streams, ponds, field patterns, plot year period to enable the long term viability of the detracts from the openness of the Green Belt, due to layout, archaeological features, and existing rural enterprise to be established. the erection of fencing, boundary walls, domestic “paraphernalia” such as washing lines, play buildings. The Council will also take into account any equipment, parked vehicles, etc. Not all of these are benefits that would result from the development, for capable of being controlled by conditions on planning example the improvement of existing negative permissions in such a way as to reduce their impact features such as areas of dereliction, roads and any on the Green Belt. This means that such proposals unsightly or inappropriate existing buildings. will normally be refused as they fail to comply with policy G1. 100 101 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 GREEN BELT AND THE RURAL ECONOMY GREEN BELT AND THE RURAL ECONOMY

9.21 POLICY LINKS EXPLANATION G3 POLICY LINKS The Council intends to prepare a landscape Policy DQ1 9.24 Policy G1 character assessment, in accordance with best “Design Quality in New Development” “Development within the Green Belt” practice advice from the Countryside Agency, and The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Policy ENV1 Policy G2 may produce a Supplementary Planning Document Affairs (DEFRA) classifies agricultural land according which will identify: “Control of Pollution in New Development” to its quality. Land within grades 1, 2 and 3a is known “Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green Policy ENV3 as “best and most versatile”. Agricultural land in Belt” • Guidelines for the design and location of new Grades 3b, 4 and 5 is of moderate or poor quality and Policy G4 buildings and other development in the “Light Pollution” is less significant in terms of the national agricultural Green Belt; Policy ENV9 “Rural Diversification” interest. The majority of the agricultural land in • The key landscape, bio-diversity and ecological “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” Knowsley is classified as “best and most versatile”, qualities of the Green Belt which will need to be and is therefore subject to policy G3. POLICY G4: protected and enhanced; and RURAL DIVERSIFICATION POLICY G3: • The circumstances in which the Council may ask AGRICULTURAL LAND 9.25 1. Proposals for the diversification of rural developers to enhance the rural landscape. enterprises will be permitted provided that 1. New development involving the loss of best and New developments can, in effect, destroy the quality they would: most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 or of agricultural land, making it impossible to use it as IMPACT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT ON THE WIDER 3A) in a way which would practically prevent it a resource in the future. This is the case with a) Preserve the openness and purposes of the AMENITIES OF THE COUNTRYSIDE from future return to agricultural use, will not proposals for new buildings as well as for many Green Belt; be permitted unless: “soft” end uses such as golf courses (which can 9.22 b) Not harm the visual amenity or character rarely practicably be returned to agricultural use). a) It has been demonstrated that the of the area; and Knowsley’s countryside provides a valuable resource In some cases, although the development itself may development cannot be accommodated on for outdoor recreation and outdoor sport activities not be located on high quality land, it may sterilise c) Otherwise be in accordance with the previously developed land or on land within (such as fishing, walking, cycling and informal the use of land by fragmenting agricultural holdings policies of this Plan. the boundaries of an urban area; and recreation). The Borough contains three golf courses, or converting buildings needed to farm the land to as well as large country parks at Stadt Moers Park b) It has been demonstrated that sufficient other uses, unconnected with agriculture. and Halewood Park and an award winning Local land of lower agricultural quality is EXPLANATION G4 Nature Reserve at Acornfield Plantation. Many people unavailable or if available should not be 9.27 live in or run businesses in the countryside (such as developed in preference taking into account 9.26 Appropriate proposals for rural diversification can riding establishments) which are dependent on a landscape, wildlife, historic or Non-agricultural developments (such as new help to maintain a good quality and diverse quiet and disturbance free environment. archaeological considerations. recreational or tourism uses) can themselves have a landscape, protecting a valuable resource and 2. New development proposals which, whilst not valuable role to play in diversifying the rural economy supporting economic activity. The Council recognises 9.23 directly causing the loss of best and most and can also provide an opportunity for enhancing the that diversification into non-agricultural activities can versatile agricultural, would effectively prevent landscape. Policy G3 therefore does not seek to be vital to the continuing viability of many farm New development will generally be resisted where it the use of such land as a result of the prevent such uses being permitted in principle. enterprises. Rural diversification shall be would cause noise or other disturbance which may fragmentation of holdings or the conversion of However, where they would affect best and most encouraged where it contributes to sustainable spoil the enjoyment of those who live in the agricultural buildings to other uses will also be versatile land the onus will be on developers to development objectives and preserves the openness countryside, or use it for business or recreational subject to the requirements of 1 above. demonstrate (using information submitted with the of the Green Belt and does not conflict the purpose of purposes. Development will, however, be encouraged planning application) that the proposed development including land within it. if it would provide opportunities for increasing the cannot be accommodated on previously developed awareness and availability of outdoor recreation and sites or on land of lower agricultural quality. outdoor sport activity opportunities. Where alternative sites are available on lower graded 9.28 land, regard should be given to whether the Where rural diversification requires buildings, the alternative sites have a landscape, wildlife, historic or Council encourages the re-use or replacement of archaeological value which would mean that they are existing buildings. Where farm diversification unsuitable for the proposed development. proposals in the Green Belt would result in “in-appropriate” development in terms of Planning

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Policy Guidance note 2 “Green Belts”, any wider POLICY G5: EXPLANATION G5 POLICY G6: benefits of the diversification may contribute to the EXISTING MAJOR DEVELOPED SITES IN THE CONVERSION OR CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING 9.29 ‘very special circumstances’ required by PPG2 for a GREEN BELT BUILDINGS IN THE GREEN BELT development to be granted planning permission Where a site within the Green Belt is identified as a 1. Proposals for the limited infilling or Proposals for the conversion or change of (PPS7: “Sustainable Development in Rural Major Developed Site, infilling or redevelopment redevelopment of the major developed sites use of existing buildings in the Green Belt will Areas”, 2004). meeting specified criteria is not inappropriate identified on the Proposals Map will be be permitted provided they meet all the development. Limited infilling i.e. the filling of small considered appropriate in principle provided following criteria: gaps between existing built development at Major POLICY LINKS they would: Developed Sites in continuing use may further local a) The proposals would not have a materially Policy T6 In the case of infilling: economic prosperity without further prejudicing the greater impact than the present use on the “Ensuring Choice of Travel to serve New Green Belt. Similarly, the complete or partial openness of the Green Belt and the purposes a) Have no greater impact on the purposes of Developments” redevelopment of Major Developed Sites can bring of including land in it; including land in the Green Belt; significant environmental improvements without Policy ENV1 b) The building is of permanent and substantial b) Not exceed the height of the increasing any existing harm to the openness of the “Control of Pollution in New Development” construction and major reconstruction would existing buildings; Green Belt. Policy ENV2 not be necessary to accommodate the c) Not lead to a major increase in the proposed development; “Noise and Vibration” developed proportion of the site; 9.30 Policy ENV9 c) Any intrinsic architectural qualities of the d) Not harm visual amenity; and building itself would be preserved or enhanced; “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” For the purposes of assessing criterion i) (for total e) Be related to the existing use of the site. Policy G6 redevelopment proposals) the relevant area is the d) All building work involved would be in keeping In the case of redevelopment: footprint, excluding temporary or portable type with its surroundings, respecting local building “Conversion or Change of Use of Existing Buildings in buildings, open spaces with direct external access styles and materials; the Green Belt” f) Have no greater impact on the between wings of a building and areas of hard openness of the Green Belt or purposes e) Any associated vehicular access routes, standings. Any comparison of the existing and of including land in it and preferably have boundary treatments, utility services, gardens, proposed area of development will also be considered less (including impact from any storage or vehicle parking areas would be in terms of dispersal of the built form across the site. additional infrastructure); provided without harming the appearance of Even buildings of a reduced scale can have a greater the surrounding area; g) Contribute to the purposes of including impact on openness if they are dispersed across a land in the Green Belt; greater area. Proposals for partial redevelopment f) In the case of buildings which may be used by bats, barn owls or other protected species, the h) Not exceed the height of the existing should be put forward in the context of possible presence of such species must be buildings; comprehensive, long-term plans for the site as a whole. investigated and where appropriate, measures i) Not occupy a larger area of the site than must be implemented to ensure that any the existing buildings unless this would damage to habitats is minimised; achieve a reduction in height which would 9.31 g) Where the change of use is associated benefit visual amenity; and Separate criteria relate to the redevelopment of Kings with farm diversification the proposal j) Not harm visual amenity. Business Park, where more substantial development would not lead to the subsequent 2. The Major Developed Sites in the Green Belt is anticipated consistent with its role as a Regional fragmentation of the agricultural unit by are: Investment Site. separate sale of the building;

• Pentagon Fine Chemicals Limited, h) There would not be an unacceptable impact on Halewood POLICY LINKS the amenity of existing neighbouring occupiers; • Woolton Wastewater Treatment Works Policy EC4 i) The traffic generated would not be detrimental to either highway safety or • Huyton Sewage Works Regional Investment Site: “Kings Business Park” environmental quality; • National Grid Substation, Kirkby

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j) The applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated 9.34 POLICY G7: 3. The replacement of dwellings demolished prior that conversion of the redundant building ALTERATION, EXTENSION OR REPLACEMENT OF to the submission of the planning application The conversion of buildings which are not of would not produce displacement of activity and EXISTING DWELLINGS IN THE GREEN BELT will not be allowed. permanent and substantial construction or which are then the requirement for a new building to incapable of conversion without major reconstruction accommodate that activity; and 1. Proposals for the extension or alteration of an would be contrary to Government policy on Green existing dwelling within the Green Belt, or for EXPLANATION G7 k) In the case of a building erected in the last 4 Belts. Therefore, applicants will be required to submit the construction of a detached garage or 9.36 years evidence has been submitted which a full structural survey with applications to outbuilding within its curtilage, will be satisfactorily shows that the building was demonstrate that substantial reconstruction is permitted provided that they meet the Proposals for domestic extensions, garages, or legitimately required for and used for a not needed. following criteria: outbuildings, or for the replacement of existing substantial time for agricultural purposes. dwellings can be appropriate in the Green Belt a) The form and materials of the development provided they do not change the fundamental 9.35 would respect the appearance of the character and scale of the original dwelling. As a EXPLANATION G6 existing dwelling and its setting, and Barns and other buildings in the Green Belt (and also general guideline enlargements (either through preserve the openness of the Green Belt; 9.32 existing dwellings which are proposed to be replaced) extension or replacement of the dwelling) of over 50% can be important habitats for bats, barn owls or other b) The development and any associated will not be allowed. The size of the “original dwelling” The conversion of existing barns or other rural protected species. As required by the Habitats vehicular access routes, boundary is defined as “That which existed on 1 July 1948 or buildings to other uses (such as dwellings or Regulations (1994), where a conversion is proposed, treatment, garden, storage or vehicular the dwelling as originally built if this was later”. commercial uses connected with rural diversification) ecological surveys shall be required prior to parking areas would be provided without Proposals for substantial new detached buildings can be appropriate development in the Green Belt. determining the application. Conditions may be harming or unreasonably impacting on (such as garages etc.) which are within the curtilage However, such proposals must not have a materially imposed to ensure satisfactory provision for these the amenity of any neighbouring property and within 5 metres of the dwelling will be greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt species in the development. Further guidance is and the appearance of the surrounding considered in the same way as extensions. than the current use. As a guideline, increases of less provided in chapter 13 “Environmental Protection and area; and than 10% in the volume of the building will not Nature Conservation” and may be further set down in normally be considered to have a materially greater c) In the case of proposals to extend an proposed Supplementary Planning Documents on impact on the open-ness of an area. However, in all existing dwelling or for the construction of Nature Conservation and on rural developments. cases the design of a scheme must be of high quality detached buildings within 5 metres of the and preserve any intrinsic architectural qualities of existing dwelling, the proposal would not the building and its setting. POLICY LINKS (either by itself or in conjunction with earlier developments) result in a Policy T6 disproportionate addition over and above 9.33 “Ensuring Choice of Travel to serve New the size of the original dwelling. Developments” Details of all associated development, car parking, 2. Proposals for the replacement of an existing Policy ENV1 boundary walls, gardens, storage areas, utility dwelling in the Green Belt should (in addition services (such as electricity poles) and access routes “Control of Pollution in New Development” to the above): etc. should be submitted at the outset since these are Policy ENV10 a) Demonstrate that the building is integral to the effect that any scheme will have on the “Protection of Species” adequately served by public services or can openness of the Green Belt. Where planning Policy G1 be served without detriment to the permission is granted for a conversion to a openness of the Green Belt or the residential use, Permitted Development rights (see “Development within the Green Belt” character of the area; and glossary) may be removed by condition attached to Policy DQ1 the planning permission, thereby restricting further “Design Quality in New Development” b) In the case of buildings which may be used extensions, outbuildings, hard standings, walls and by bats, barn owls or other protected Policy G8 fences etc. species, the possible presence of such "Agricultural and Equestrian Development" species must be investigated and where appropriate, measures must be implemented to ensure that any damage to habitats is minimised.

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9.37 c) Will not have a significant adverse impact EXPLANATION G8 9.43 on the character or setting of local Dwellings which have been previously demolished 9.39 The keeping of horses can lead to the sub division of settlements or the amenity of existing are not “existing” and their replacement will fields, downgrading of pasture and a demand for new residents in terms of its visual impact, therefore not be permitted. The guidelines set by Proposals for agricultural buildings or plant, or for buildings to provide shelter and accommodation. noise, smell and use. this policy will also apply to building works which small-scale equestrian development are often Commercial riding establishments and livery yards appropriate in principle in the Green Belt. enlarge or replace mobile homes and caravans (such d) Will not have a significant adverse impact can amount to substantial developments with However, it is important to ensure they are not as those which exist in mobile home parks at in terms of traffic generation. stabling, flood-lit exercise areas, indoor riding detrimental to either the openness of the Green Belt Halsnead and Halewood). e) Access and car parking provision is schools and, occasionally, demand for 24-hour or to visual amenity. In considering the impact of a satisfactory; employee presence on site. The landscape can, proposal on the landscape, details should be submitted therefore, be fundamentally altered, leading to a loss f) In appropriate cases, the proposal is 9.38 not just of the development itself but also of associated of visual amenity, and a change in the character of accompanied by a landscape scheme, paraphernalia such as (in the case of equestrian the area, particularly when a number of such uses The requirements of this policy with regard to the reflecting the landscape character of developments) any jumps or other equipment. are in close proximity. There can also be conflict extension or alteration of dwellings will be covered in the area; between motorised and non-motorised road users, the Council's Supplementary Planning Document g) In the case of structures of a temporary with a consequent impact on road safety. covering householder development. nature being erected, the structure AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT would be removed on cessation of the 9.40 use intended. 9.44 POLICY LINKS Under current Permitted Development rights 3. In the case of equestrian development: (see glossary) for certain types of agricultural In some cases, however, horse keeping can be a Policy ENV10 a) Regard will be had to the Countryside development, planning permission needs to be positive force in maintaining traditional pastoral “Protection of Species” Agency and British Horse Society sought, or prior notification of intent needs to be landscapes, especially where there is a commitment Policy DQ1 recommended standards for stabling, given. Changing agricultural practises brought about to good pasture management and boundary “Design Quality in New Development” and grazing; by changes in hygiene and welfare legislation, the maintenance. Equestrian activity which respects the European Union Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rural environment can help to diversify the rural b) New buildings for equestrian use reform, and changing requirements of the market economy and is a traditional part of rural life. POLICY G8: exceeding 65 square metres in floor area place may well result in the need for new Additionally, land used for grazing is usually AGRICULTURAL OR EQUESTRIAN DEVELOPMENT will be considered inappropriate development. The Council wishes to ensure that such considerably more biodiverse than arable land. development in the Green Belt and will development is sensitively located, and respects the only be permitted in very special 1. Proposals for agricultural or equestrian character of the area. development should as a first preference circumstances; and 9.45 utilise existing buildings rather than c) The site must be well related to the The grazing of horses for recreational or agricultural new buildings. existing or proposed bridleway network, 9.41 purposes generally lies outside planning control, but other off-road routes, or the proposal must 2. Where it is considered necessary to erect a For any new agricultural development, proposals associated development, such as horse shelters, include works to provide new routes to new building or carry out other development should include details of any requirement for 24 hour stables, and ménage and turn out areas, is normally enable connections between the associated with agricultural or equestrian residential supervision. Where such a requirement is the subject of planning control. uses, the proposal will only be permitted if it development and other routes or places of identified, full details of how it is intended to provide satisfies the following criteria: equestrian interest. such accommodation must be provided at the outset. 9.46 a) Be sited and designed so as to have an 4. Any proposal for equestrian development acceptable impact on the openness of involving the overnight accommodation of EQUESTRIAN DEVELOPMENT To ensure that horse related development does not the Green Belt and the character of animals will only be permitted if the Council is result in overgrazing, proposals should indicate at 9.42 the landscape; satisfied that there would be adequate security least 0.4 ha of grazing land for every horse within or b) The building is of a design which is supervision which will avoid the need for a new In recent years there has been a proliferation of pony adjacent to the site where the horses will be kept. appropriate for its intended use, and dwelling to be constructed on or near the site. paddocks and horse related activities, especially in This guideline is based on the advice of the British sympathetic to its surroundings in terms urban fringe areas. The use of land for recreational Horse Society and of the Countryside Commission in of scale, materials, colour and horse keeping can bring employment and economic their booklet “Horses in the Countryside”. The architectural detail; benefits, and offer an attractive way of exploring the guideline will promote the interests of animal welfare countryside, but it can also have a significant impact and prevent overgrazing of land, with resultant on the countryside. detriment to the landscape.

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9.47

Where stables fall within the curtilage of dwellings and do not constitute Permitted Development (see CHAPTER 10 glossary), these will also be subject to the requirements of this policy.

POLICY LINKS Urban Policy G1 Greenspace, Sport “Development within the Green Belt” Policy G2 and Recreation “Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green Belt” Policy G3 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES SPORTING PROVISION AND URBAN “Agricultural Land” GREENSPACES IN KNOWSLEY • To protect and where possible increase Policy ENV9 opportunities for education, recreation, 10.2 “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” exercise and play for people in the borough There are several public indoor leisure centres Policy ENV10 where a need is demonstrated. providing sporting facilities for different communities “Protection of Species” • To protect and where possible enhance the in Knowsley. Recent improvements in the quality of Policy DQ1 contribution made by open space to visual and Council based facilities have offered new “Design Quality in New Development’ residential amenity, ecology, culture, opportunities for local people through the provision of communities, health, access and strategic a new leisure centre at Halewood and a multi use functions of space. sports facility at King George V, Huyton. There is also a range of private sporting facilities within the Borough including the Liverpool Football Club INTRODUCTION Academy based at Kirkby, and a similar facility 10.1 planned for Everton FC at Halewood.

This chapter explains the policies towards the protection and enhancement of the network of urban 10.3 greenspace and sporting facilities within each of the There is also an extensive network of “urban townships of Knowsley. These resources are greenspace” in Knowsley, including areas with considered to be essential to the quality of life within secured public usage (known as public open space) these areas. They help to provide a healthier society and other areas in private ownership. and make the Borough a more attractive place in which to live and invest and therefore assist in the goal of regeneration.

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Figure 10.1: Types of urban greenspace Sport and Recreation”. An Open Space, Recreation POLICY OS1: POLICY LINKS and Sport Strategy will also be prepared by the STRATEGY FOR URBAN GREENSPACE, SPORT i. Parks and gardens - including urban parks, Policies OS2-6 Council which, together with the needs assessment AND RECREATION country parks and formal gardens; will inform planning decisions with respect to open ii. Natural and semi-natural urban greenspaces - space and built sports facilities. Further guidance Open space, sport and recreational facility sites POLICY OS2: including woodlands, urban forestry, scrub, will be provided in a Supplementary Planning will be protected from inappropriate development URBAN GREENSPACE grasslands (e.g. downlands, commons and Document (SPD). and proposals to improve existing sites and create meadows) wetlands, open and running water, new sites, to meet identified needs in the Borough, 1. New development within or affecting areas of wastelands and derelict open land and rock will be supported. greenspace will not be permitted if it would areas (e.g. cliffs, quarries and pits); 10.5 New development should: significantly harm any special qualities of the iii. Green corridors - including river and canal The strategy will identify options for change after a) Protect sites which have existing or potential greenspace in respect of the following: banks, cycleways, and rights of way; considering existing and future needs. value to provide for identified local needs; a) Visual amenity; iv. Outdoor sports facilities (with natural or The Supplementary Planning Document will: b) Improve the quality and/or accessibility of sites b) Residential amenity; artificial surfaces and either publicly or • Define a hierarchy of different types of public where this would address identified deficiencies; privately owned) - including tennis courts, open space; c) Wildlife value and environmental benefits; bowling greens, sports pitches, golf courses, c) Create new sites where this would address • Identify the minimum quantity, quality and d) Cultural and community value; athletics tracks, school and other institutional identified deficiencies and resources are accessibility of each type of provision; playing fields, and other outdoor sports areas; available; and e) Recreational and health benefits; or • Identify a minimum acceptable size for those v. Amenity greenspace (most commonly, but not d) Protect and where possible improve links f) Strategic benefits. types of provision where this is applicable; exclusively in housing areas) - including between sites. 2. Development within or affecting greenspaces informal recreation spaces, greenspaces in • Provide design guidelines for each type Where needs arise from new developments, will be permitted where: and around housing, domestic gardens and of provision; planning obligations will be sought to secure new a) The development would be of a minor village greens; • Provide formulae for the calculation of commuted or improved provision and contributions towards nature which would not harm the qualities vi. Provision for children and teenagers - maintenance sum payments where new future maintenance. of the greenspace listed above; including play areas, skateboard parks, development will provide open space/recreation This is a Part 1 policy b) The development is required in connection outdoor basketball hoops, and other more facilities as part of the development or use with the use of the greenspace (e.g. small informal areas (e.g. 'hanging out' areas, existing provision in the area; teenage shelters); changing rooms); or • Provide formulae for the calculation of capital EXPLANATION OS1 c) Any harm caused by the development vii. Allotments, community gardens, and city cost of providing and maintaining new off-site 10.6 would be mitigated, for example, by the (urban) farms; provision where appropriate; and The policies of this Plan aim to ensure that new viii. Cemeteries and churchyards; and provision of replacement facilities which • Apply the standards to identify existing development is consistent with the provision of both must be of at least as high quality, “fitness ix. Accessible countryside in urban fringe areas. deficiencies/surpluses for all types of provision in an adequate quantity and quality of accessible urban for purpose”, and accessibility as any terms of quantity, quality, accessibility and size greenspace and sporting facilities. In the case of Source: The Urban Green Space Taskforce facilities which would be lost. and projected future needs taking account of public open spaces and playing pitches, provision will 3. Development must not sever existing, or socio-demographic trends, participation trends be made within a hierarchy of different types of open prevent identified potential, physical and/or and planned new provision. spaces, to be set out in the “Open Space, Sport and TACKLING THE ISSUES visual linkages between adjoining urban Recreation” Supplementary Planning Document. greenspaces, and should wherever possible 10.4 This will identify the special role that parks and other improve them. A key objective of this Plan is to promote the interests types of open space should play, and recommend of all types of sport and recreation which are needed appropriate facilities that should be provided within by the communities within Knowsley. The Council each level in the hierarchy and their distribution has prepared a strategy covering playing pitches and across the Borough. Development that would has also prepared an Open Space, Recreation and significantly harm the qualities of open space, as set Sport Needs Assessment to comply with the out in policy OS2, is inappropriate. requirements of PPG17, “Planning for Open Space,

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EXPLANATION OS2 • Sites of geological and/or geomorphological 10.9 POLICY LINKS interest; THE BENEFITS OF URBAN GREENSPACE It may not always be appropriate for replacement Policy T7 • Opportunities for environmental education; facilities to be of exactly the same scale or nature as 10.7 "New development and walking and cycling routes" and those that may be lost, but they should always be of Policy OS3 the same or greater value to the community and be The Council has identified a need to continue to • Accommodation of watercourses, water “fit for purpose”. For example, the replacement of a “Quantitative Standards - Public Open Space for improve the quality of urban greenspaces in features and emergency flood storage areas. Knowsley, to ensure that they contribute in different number of playing pitches with an artificial turf pitch General Amenity Use, allotments and Children’s ways to community needs. Urban greenspaces vary may provide more games to be played per year or Play” widely in type (see figure 10.1), size and value to the • Cultural and Community Value season, but it may not allow a sunday league to play Policy OS4 community, and smaller sites may not be identified their games at the same time, or allow players to “Protection of Playing Pitches and Other Formal • Accommodation of historic or specifically on the Proposals Map. New development make challenges due to the abrasive surface. Sporting Facilities” archaeological remains; within or affecting greenspaces (irrespective of whether the quantitative standards in policy OS3 and • Where a site has cultural or historic OS4 are met) should aim to protect or enhance their significance for the community; and 10.10 POLICY OS3: qualities, which can include the following: QUANTITATIVE STANDARDS - PUBLIC OPEN • The provision of sites for fairs and other, Adjacent urban greenspaces can link together to SPACE FOR GENERAL AMENITY USE, community events. form urban greenspace systems, sometimes known ALLOTMENTS AND CHILDRENS PLAY • Visual amenity as green corridors, providing a greater overall benefit than the spaces can provide individually. The spaces • 1. When considering planning applications, the The provision of open vistas within the • Recreational and health benefits may be separated by small gaps such as roads, urban area; following standards for the provision of public • railways or small pieces of land, but are still visually Providing opportunities for informal and open spaces will be applied as a minimum (not • Increasing tree coverage by providing suitable linked. As well as providing the benefits of individual formal recreation within sites; including land formally laid out as playing sites for tree planting; open spaces, they can provide attractive, safe, traffic • Encouraging people to walk or cycle along pitches and other sporting facilities): • free access to other open spaces and even the The provision of visual screening for green corridors; and countryside, can perform strategic functions and act a) No Substantial Residential Area should commercial uses; • The provision of sites for allotments as wildlife corridors. Many greenspaces also perform have less than 0.5 hectares per thousand • The framing of transport corridors, providing encourages exercise and healthy eating. a valuable function providing habitats and existing or residents for general amenity use, 0.05 a welcoming and attractive gateway to urban potential planted areas as part of the Mersey Forest hectares for allotments and 0.2 hectares areas; and initiative described in policy DQ4. for children's play; and • • Strategic benefits Contribution to the landscape and identity of b) All households should have access to the surrounding area. • Defining and separating urban areas; amenity greenspace, allotments and 10.11 • Providing linkages between town and country children’s play space within a catchment Wherever possible these systems should be • Urban quality and residential amenity e.g. green corridors; and distance that is appropriate for the users. expanded, with footpaths and cycle paths linking to • 2. In any part of the Borough where provision • Supporting regeneration and improving Links to, and between, open spaces. and through them. In some cases access may be falls below the standards set in 1) above, the quality of life for communities by providing restricted for reasons of community safety and loss by development of any greenspace visually attractive green spaces close to security, however non-publicly accessible spaces can GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT (irrespective of its current use) which would be where people live; still perform an important role in providing ecological AFFECTING GREENSPACES suitable in terms of its size, location and • The provision of buffers between residential and visual links, and care should be taken to ensure 10.8 character, to help to make good the deficiency and commercial areas, and alongside that such roles continue. The Council may identify will not be permitted. roads, thereby reducing noise and pollution Although it is important to conserve greenspaces that existing and/or potential new urban greenspace for residents. make an important contribution to the community systems in a Supplementary Planning Document. and the environment, the Council will not seek to An example of an open space system is the series of operate a wholesale presumption against the open spaces along the Alt Valley, particularly along • Wildlife value and environmental benefits development of urban greenspace. New development Seth Powell Way. • The provision of natural landforms, havens will be allowed where it satisfies any of the criteria and habitats for flora and fauna and under the second part of the policy. wildlife corridors;

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EXPLANATION OS3 greens, etc. are taken into account. The Council will POLICY OS4: EXPLANATION OS4 adopt a Supplementary Planning Document which PROTECTION OF PLAYING PITCHES AND OTHER 10.12 10.17 will describe the boundaries of the SRAs and other FORMAL SPORTING FACILITIES Policy OS3 sets minimum quantitative standards for detailed matters concerning the operation of Policy OS4 seeks to protect from development 1. Where a new development would lead to the the provision of public open space (“POS”) for use for this policy. existing playing pitches and other formal sporting partial or complete loss of an existing playing general amenity or children’s play. It does not cover facilities which are needed by the community. pitch or other formal sporting facility, the playing pitches and other formal sporting facilities, The policy will apply to the following: PROXIMITY TO CHILDREN’S PLAY SPACES applicant will be expected to demonstrate that which are the subject of policy OS4. New development • Grass playing pitches, whether public or private. at least one of the criteria listed below is met: within or affecting general amenity public open space 10.16 It will apply equally to single pitches and to must satisfy the quantitative standards set by a) There is an excess of provision for the groups of pitches, and related land required for In addition to meeting the area-based standards set policy OS3 as well as the qualitative criteria provided sporting use in the area and no evidence of the use of the pitch; by the first part of the policy, policy OS3 requires that by policy OS2. future or continuing need; housing development (either existing or new) should • Artificial playing pitches, mini and junior soccer have access to amenity greenspace, allotments and b) The proposal is for facilities ancillary to the and five a side pitches; DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACES children’s play space within a catchment distance that principal use of the site as a sporting facility; • Other outdoor facilities such as golf courses, is appropriate for the users. Accessibility standards in WITHIN KNOWSLEY c) The proposed development would affect only bowling greens and tennis courts; the form of travel distance by different forms of 10.13 land incapable of forming part of the facility; • Indoor sporting and recreational facilities of all transport will be set out in a Supplementary Planning d) Alternative provision of at least equivalent types; and Compared to many other Metropolitan areas, Document. In operating the standard for children’s quality, quantity, fitness for purpose and • Any land which may be currently vacant but that Knowsley has a good supply of public open space. play space the Council will ensure that the walking accessibility is proposed; or has been in use for sport or recreation within five Its distribution is, however, uneven within the route itself is safe and convenient. years of the planning application being made. Borough, with the post-war overspill estates e) The proposal is for a development of such generally having a good provision. At the other end of POLICY LINKS benefit to sporting interests that it the scale, in the older parts of the Borough which outweighs the loss of the existing facility. ASSESSMENT OF NEED FOR THE FACILITY include many inter-war estates, residential Policy OS2 2. Irrespective of whether any of the criteria set 10.18 development is denser and open space can be in “Urban Greenspace” within 1) above are met, development affecting short supply. Where a planning application is submitted for a Policy OS4 an existing playing pitch or other formal development that would lead to the total or partial “Protection of Playing Pitches and Other Formal sporting facility will not be permitted if it would loss of an existing facility the Council will assess Sporting Facilities” result in any of the community areas having 10.14 whether that facility is surplus to requirements by Policy OS5 less than 1.85 hectares of playing pitches and reference to its "Open Space, Sport and Recreation To operate the standards set by policy OS3, the other formal sporting facilities provision per “Public Open Space and Recreational Facilities to Needs Assessment and Strategy". The applicant may Council has split the residential parts of the Borough thousand residents available for public use. Meet the Needs of New Development” seek to demonstrate through an independent into areas known as “Substantial Residential Areas” 3. In any part of the Borough where provision assessment whether the facility is needed. (“SRAs”). These are residential neighbourhoods that falls below the standards set in 2) above, the This assessment should address both the quantity should be self-sufficient in accessible local public loss by development of any greenspace and quality of provision in the area, and the open space, the boundaries of which have been methodology should be agreed with the local (irrespective of its current use) which would be drawn along barriers to pedestrian access, such as planning authority in advance of the study suitable in terms of its size, location and main roads and railway lines. commencing. For example, in the case of grass character, to help to make good the deficiency playing pitches, other playing pitches within the area will not be permitted. may be unusable at certain times of the year because 10.15 they may be waterlogged. In these circumstances it The standards aim to ensure that a more equitable would be appropriate to consider the number of and adequate distribution of POS across the Borough games that can be accommodated in reality rather may be achieved over time - no SRA should fall below than the theoretical capacity of the pitch. Planning an acceptable level of provision. In calculating permission will not be granted unless the Council is whether an SRA complies with the standard, all satisfied either that the facility is no longer needed or that one of the other criteria listed within 1 b) to 1 e) forms of public open space except formal sports within policy OS4 are met. facilities, e.g. playing fields, tennis courts, bowling

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10.19 DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING OTHER AREAS OF POLICY OS5: 10.25 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL If a planning application for partial development for GREENSPACE (I.E. NOT CURRENTLY IN USE In determining planning applications the Council will FACILITIES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF other uses is received, account must be taken of the FOR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE OR AS A PLAYING refer to its quantitative standards and the quality of NEW DEVELOPMENT impact of the development on the viability of the PITCH) IN AREAS OF DEFICIENCY provision in the area. The Council will adopt a remainder of the facility. 10.22 1. All new residential developments should be Supplementary Planning Document which will set down: Some parts of Knowsley contain greenspaces which adequately served by public open space, THE MINIMUM QUANTITATIVE STANDARD FOR are not currently available for public use. If these sites children’s play and informal recreation • The circumstances in which on-site provision PLAYING PITCHES are in an area of shortfall in public open space or facilities as set out in policy OS3. will be required (this will generally be for playing pitch provision against the standards set by All residential developments larger developments); 10.20 either policy OS3 or OS4, and are of a size, location or 2. In all cases, developers will be required to • Circumstances in which a financial contribution Provision standards will be set separately for playing character which would make them suitable for future make a financial contribution towards the will be required towards off-site provision; and pitches and other types of formal sporting facility in use which could make up the shortfall, planning maintenance of any existing or new open space • The basis on which commuted sums for the Supplementary Planning Document. In terms of applications for other forms of development which that is needed to serve the development. maintenance will be calculated. accessibility, studies for the Council have found that would prejudice this will be resisted. This approach will Residential developments within areas of deficit people are generally prepared to travel further to be taken irrespective of the current condition of the 3. Where a development would result in an area formal facilities than to informal play areas. This will land and whether it is well maintained or neglected. 10.26 be reflected in larger catchment areas for playing falling short of the standards of provision, or, pitches, which are likely to be based on the if already below, to fall further below its When considering the design of new public open boundaries of the main settlements in the Borough. DUAL USE OF SCHOOL SITES standards, a legal agreement will be sought to space and recreational facilities, consideration will be require the developer either to: This links to the Council’s investment strategy in the 10.23 given to: provision and maintenance of playing pitches. a) Set aside and lay out an area of public open • Fitness for purpose; Application of the standards set out in policies OS3 Within these areas, larger “hub sites” consisting of space (with appropriate facilities), within and OS4 will also take account of any open space • The general design of any buildings or structures, several pitches can make the provision of ancillary the development site, sufficient to make within school sites which is available for use by the site layout, landscaping; facilities such as changing rooms more viable. up any shortfall that would otherwise community as a whole. If school facilities are occur; or • Its relationship with the adjacent area including available (and this availability is legally enforceable by b) Make a financial contribution (in addition to visual amenity and impact on neighbours (light EFFECTS OF THE QUANTITATIVE the Council as Local Planning Authority through an any that is required under 2) above) pollution, noise, hours of operation, intensity of STANDARDS IN POLICIES OS3 AND OS4 agreement with the school) this may make it possible towards off-site provision which would use, possible anti-social behaviour, etc); ON NEW DEVELOPMENT to release other open space in the area for enable an acceptable amount and quality of • development for other uses provided that the overall Its contribution to the factors set out in paragraph 10.21 public open space, children’s play and amount of open space within the area (including the 9.7, particularly environmental quality and informal recreational facility to be made New development that would lead to the loss of open space available within the school site) meets biodiversity; and available in the area. public open space or a playing pitch will only be the quantitative standards in policies OS3 and OS4. • Access for people with disabilities. permitted if the overall provision in the area would Availability of school facilities across the Borough will not, as a result, fall below any of the required vary and a practical view as to an appropriate level of EXPLANATION OS5 standards or, if already below any of the standards, dual use of facilities by schools and the local 10.24 fall further below. community will be required. The Council acknowledges that housing developers share its own concerns to ensure that a satisfactory POLICY LINKS standard of provision should be made and maintained for public open space, play, and recreational facilities, Policy OS3 since these are factors that prospective house buyers “Quantitative Standards - Public Open Space for will take into account. The Council will therefore seek general amenity use, allotments and children's play” the co-operation of developers in maintaining and Policy OS5 improving standards; in some circumstances, “Public Open Space and Recreational Facilities to however, it will require developers to provide an Meet the Needs of New Development” appropriate amount of open space, children’s play and informal recreational facilities.

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POLICY LINKS EXPLANATION OS6 POLICY OS7: the need to enable children and parents, where EDUCATIONAL USES AND SITES practicable, to walk to school without crossing major Policy OS2 10.27 roads and other significant physical barriers. “Urban Greenspace” 1. Proposals for the development of new schools, The Council recognises the need to continue to These requirements will also apply to other colleges or other training facilities, or for Policy OS3 improve sports and leisure facilities in Knowsley, to educational or training uses such as sixth form alterations or extensions to existing “Quantitative Standards - Public Open Space for provide modern and convenient sporting facilities. colleges and adult educational centres. educational or training facilities will be granted General Amenity Use, allotments and Children’s Major new indoor facilities have recently been planning permission provided that they are Play” provided in Halewood and Huyton, and planning located and designed in a way which is 10.31 Policy OS4 permission has been granted for a new sports centre convenient and accessible to pupils, students near Kirkby town centre (at Cherryfield Drive). Policies set down elsewhere in this Plan will ensure “Protection of Playing Pitches and Other Formal and other members of the community which The Council is also investigating options for the that the design of new school buildings, any Sporting Facilities” they are intended to serve. provision of improved facilities to serve associated structures and landscaping will be of high Policy DQ1 Prescot/Whiston. 2. The extended and community use of quality, incorporating features to deter and prevent “Design Quality in New Development” educational buildings and land for wider crime, and any security fencing should be of an Policy DQ2 community purposes and activities (either appropriate type to the area. An important factor is 10.28 “Security in the Built Environment” within existing or new educational facilities) the relationship with the adjacent area, particularly in will be encouraged where this is practicable terms of visual amenity and impact on neighbours Policy ENV2 Policy OS6 will ensure that all proposals for major new indoor or outdoor sporting and recreational and would not conflict with educational (light pollution, noise, hours of operation, intensity of “Noise and Vibration” facilities are easily accessible by all members of the needs, the security of the students or use, possible after-hours anti-social behaviour, etc). Policy ENV3 community, including people with disabilities, and a residential amenity. Policies in the transport chapter will ensure that “Light Pollution” choice of transport, including public transport, adequate parking and vehicular facilities are Policy ENV9 cycling and walking, and will not damage town EXPLANATION OS7 provided as well as access for the less mobile “Protection of habitats and designated sites” centres, for example, by competing directly with members of society. facilities in or near the town centres. NEW SCHOOLS AND EXTENSIONS/ ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING SCHOOLS POLICY OS6: DUAL USE OF EDUCATIONAL LAND LOCATION OF MAJOR NEW SPORTING AND POLICY LINKS 10.29 OR BUILDINGS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Policy S8 It is anticipated that the review of schools in 10.32 Knowsley (see chapter 2 - “Key Issues and Major new sporting and recreational facilities “Location of Development for Town Centre Uses” In some cases it is possible to combine educational Influences”) could have a significant effect on the should be located where they would: Policy T5 use of land and buildings with other uses such as provision of education in Knowsley. It is possible that recreational/sporting uses or as meeting areas for a) In the case of facilities which could “Location of Major Traffic Generating New new schools will be proposed and that some existing community groups. This can normally be achieved by appropriately be located within a town centre, Development” schools will be amalgamated, either on existing sites making the facilities available for these other uses comply with the sequential approach as set out Policy T6 or on new sites. outside normal school hours, i.e. in the evenings or at in chapter 7 “Town Centres and Shopping” of “Ensuring Choice of Travel to Serve New weekends. The dual use of facilities in this way can the Plan in respect of other town centre uses; Developments” 10.30 help to serve a range of community needs, and will b) Be well served and easily accessible by public Policy ENV2 be encouraged where this will not prejudice transport, walking and cycling; and The Council intends to ensure that, where new “Noise and Vibration” educational needs and will satisfy the other policies schools are proposed, or significant extensions to c) Avoid causing any adverse effect on the viability Policy ENV3 of this Plan e.g. those which aim to protect the existing ones, these are located so as to be of or vitality of any town or district centre in its amenities of residential areas. “Light Pollution” maximum accessibility and convenience to the catchment area. Policy ENV9 communities which they are intended to serve. This is a Part 1 policy “Protection of habitats and designated sites” Sites should be accessible by all members of the community, including people with disabilities, and a choice of means of transport, including public transport, cycling and walking. This will mean taking into account the catchment area of the schools, and

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REDEVELOPMENT OR RE-USE OF SURPLUS POLICY LINKS EDUCATIONAL LAND OR BUILDINGS Policy H2 10.33 “Sites Allocated for Housing Development” CHAPTER 11 In the event of any school buildings or land becoming Policy T6 surplus to educational requirements it will be “Ensuring Choice of Travel to Serve New necessary to consider for what use the site should be Development” redeveloped or re-used. Potential appropriate uses Development Policy T9 may (depending on the site) be for other educational “Travel Plans” uses, health centres, open space, housing or Quality and the industrial use. Policy T10 “Access for the Less Mobile” Built Environment Policy OS2 10.34 “Urban Greenspace” In determining what is the appropriate use for any Policy OS3 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES INTRODUCTION particular site the Council will be guided by the other “Quantitative Standards - Public Open Space for policies of this Plan. For example, if the site is in an • To stimulate a high design quality in new 11.1 General Amenity Use, allotments and Children’s area which is in shortfall of open space provision development which will: Play” The Government is committed to improving the against the standards set down in policy OS3, or of a) Help to create a sense of place and pride in quality of urban design in the UK and has stated: Policy OS4 Knowsley and its constituent communities; playing pitches when assessed against the standards (see footnote10): in policy OS4, it may be appropriate to make the site “Protection of Playing Pitches and Other Formal b) Respond to and enhance the character of available as public open space. In some cases, it may Sporting Facilities” the townscape and landscape; and “Good urban design is essential if we are to be appropriate to release the site for housing Policy DQ1 c) Make the Borough a more attractive place produce attractive, high quality, sustainable places development, for example, where there is a shortage “Design Quality in New Development” to live and invest in. in which people will want to live, work and relax. of available sites in sustainable urban locations. It is fundamental to our objective of an urban Policy DQ2 • To ensure that the design of new development: However, such proposals would need to satisfy the renaissance....” policies in the housing chapter, in particular the need “Security in the Built Environment” a) Provides for good levels of amenity and for the Council to monitor and manage the release of does not cause harm to amenities that housing land in accordance with the requirements of ought to be protected in the public interest; the Regional Spatial Strategy, and to give priority to b) Promotes a choice of transport for all THE CHALLENGE FOR NEW the release of brownfield sites before green-field. users (including the less mobile), making DEVELOPMENT appropriate and safe provision for vehicle parking, walking, cycling and public 11.2 transport; and The character of Knowsley’s townships and villages c) Discourages criminal activity. reflects their history, consisting of relatively isolated • To ensure that buildings and features which original settlements, around which there has been represent the best of Knowsley’s historic very rapid 20th century expansion. This means that heritage are preserved or enhanced. the housing areas are mainly twentieth century (pre-war or post war, including relatively large areas • To ensure that new development protects or with a style typical to these periods). The Borough’s enhances the Borough’s stock of trees, hedges network of public open space also forms an and woodland. important urban design feature in some areas. • To make efficient use of previously developed Compared to many other Boroughs the housing land and buildings in providing land for new and industrial areas are highly segregated from development. each other.

10“By Design - Urban design in the planning system - towards better practice” Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 2000

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11.3 POLICY DQ1: j) Provide high quality open spaces, designed to reflected in proposed new buildings. In those parts of DESIGN QUALITY IN NEW DEVELOPMENT be well used and appreciated; Knowsley which have a relatively uniform building Despite its history as a primarily “twentieth century” style (such as some of the areas of inter war and Borough, Knowsley has a considerable heritage of k) Provide good levels of amenity for occupiers of New development should be of a high quality post war housing), opportunities should be taken older buildings and spaces which are valued by the the development; design which will: to introduce appropriate forms of new building local community, some of which are listed because of Site surroundings l) Create a clear distinction between the public styles to create variety in the built environment. their special architectural or historic importance. and private realm; The use of sculpture and public art will be Some of the original settlements which predated the a) Respond to and, where appropriate, enhance m) Include any necessary noise attenuation and encouraged in appropriate locations. Where the twentieth century expansion of the Borough are now the characteristics of the immediate flood abatement measures as an integral part surrounding area contains important views, for protected as Conservation Areas (see glossary). surrounding area through the use of of design; example of buildings such as churches, woodlands or Many other buildings and features, such as red appropriate scale, density, massing, height other natural features; these should be preserved by sandstone boundary walls and the use of welsh slate and building lines; Buildings and structures new development. as a roofing material, are attractive and help to define b) Preserve or enhance views of important n) Achieve good design quality in all new the character of the Borough. landscape features/buildings in buildings and structures in terms of their surrounding areas; scale, style, materials, detailing and their 11.7 relationship with each other; 11.4 c) Protect the amenities of neighbouring In order to preserve the amenities of neighbouring occupiers, new buildings should be designed so that The challenge for new development will be to occupiers; o) Maximise environmental efficiency through they would not have an overbearing effect or cause respond to the heritage of Knowsley whilst Site characteristics efficient use of materials and resources, loss of light or privacy. Car parks and storage areas introducing new forms of design which will help to re-use of materials wherever practicable, and d) Preserve any existing buildings, walls or should be designed and located so as to avoid strengthen the “sense of place” and variety of built the promotion of energy efficiency structures which (whilst not necessarily causing noise or disturbance. form in Knowsley. This should help to create and Links to other approved strategies statutorily listed), are of intrinsic architectural maintain civic pride, and improve the public realm. or historic interest, or which contribute to the Schemes for new development should take character of the area; account of other relevant strategies and guidance SITE CHARACTERISTICS drawn up by the local planning authority. e) Preserve and manage any existing important 11.8 In particular, regard should be had to the aims and natural features such as trees, hedgerows, Many sites themselves contain important features objectives of any regeneration strategy which has greenspace, ponds, slopes and streams such as buildings which are of local historic or been approved by the Council for the area and where possible make use of these as architectural interest, sandstone or traditional brick concerned. Developers should also have regard to design features; walls, ponds etc. which, if present, should be the Knowsley Council Design Guide which sets out retained. The Council will prepare a list of buildings f) Include measures to accommodate appropriate design principles. protected species and their habitats where which, although not statutorily protected (see policy these are seen to be relevant on nature DQ7) are considered to be of local interest and should conservation grounds. EXPLANATION DQ1 therefore be retained in any new development. Access 11.5

g) Provide safe and convenient access for all by a Policy DQ1 applies to all new development ACCESS choice of transport, including attractive secure (including either new buildings or alterations to 11.9 and safe defined pedestrian links to any existing buildings). New development in Knowsley should avoid being community, employment, public transport and dominated by the needs of the car. Introverted dead shopping facilities in the area; SITE SURROUNDINGS AND CONTEXT end layouts which limit people's choice of travel Site layout and landscaping should be avoided, and the design of estate roads 11.6 h) Achieve an efficient use of land; should discourage drivers from driving fast. All new development should both respond to and New development should where possible front the i) Provide an appropriate form of landscape enhance the character of the surrounding area. street and incorporate pedestrian routes linked to treatment; Where this contains locally distinctive building styles where people want to go, i.e. to local shops, bus or materials, the Council may require these to be stops, employment, health and leisure facilities etc.

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SITE LAYOUT AND LANDSCAPING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES INFORMATION REQUIRED WITH Policy MW5 “Waste Management and Treatment Facilities” 11.10 11.13 PLANNING APPLICATIONS 11.17 New developments should provide for an efficient New buildings themselves should be both attractive use of land. This will mean in general terms and environmentally friendly. This will mean ensuring Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 “General Policy and POLICY DQ2: achieving a reasonably high density in new that their design and materials should relate well to Principles” requires that proposals for new housing SECURITY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT development, although for housing development this each other to create a clear and distinctive identity for layouts, major new industrial and commercial 1. New development should be designed so as to will need to be balanced against the Council’s desire a new development. buildings should be accompanied by a design provide good levels of personal and property to achieve a wider choice and better mix of housing in statement, stating how the development will take security, as follows: the Borough. account of the site context and features. 11.14 a) All public highways, footpaths and cycle routes, and car parking areas should be The Council will encourage new buildings to be 11.11 FURTHER ADVICE highly visible (including at night) and have designed and constructed in a way which promotes good levels of natural surveillance from Substantial new housing areas should also provide energy efficiency and the re-use of recycled 11.18 nearby properties; open spaces at the heart of the community which materials. Designs should include measures to The Council will adopt a Supplementary Planning b) The design of buildings and of landscaping provide a sense of identity and a safe place for minimise heat loss and make efficient use of water, Document describing the implications of policy DQ1 areas should avoid creating potential hiding children to play. Open spaces and car parking areas sunlight and natural light. for individual types of development. should be located where they have good natural places whilst providing defensible space by surveillance and where they will not become a source giving definition between the public and of nuisance. New development should include both LINKS TO OTHER REGENERATION STRATEGIES POLICY LINKS private realm; formal and informal landscaping schemes that 11.15 Policy H3 c) Features such as gates and fencing should incorporate areas of trees, plants and grasses, and be included where necessary to prevent The Council and its partners have approved a number “North Huyton and Tower Hill (Kirkby) Action Areas” use a variety of materials to create walkways, inappropriate access; of regeneration strategies for different parts of the Policy H5 pavements and boundaries. The design principles for d) The buildings themselves should be Borough, including those listed in chapter 2 “Key “Development within Primarily Residential Areas” all open spaces, parking areas, access routes, Issues and Influences”. As the Plan period progresses, securely designed, with main entrance fencing, hard landscaping, lighting, and street Policy EC3 further regeneration proposals are likely to be doors and windows enjoying good levels of furniture should be considered as an integral part of “Primarily Industrial Areas” approved (e.g. for some of the Action Areas identified natural surveillance; the development proposal. in this Plan). The design and mix of uses within all new Policy EC5 e) Long lengths of blank or uniform fencing development proposals should be consistent with the “South Prescot Action Area” or walls should be avoided where these 11.12 aims and objectives of these strategies. Policy ENV7 would create dead frontages; and “Flood Risk and Drainage” f) Large developments should include a Policies in chapter 13 “Environmental Protection and mixture of uses and/or types of dwellings Nature Conservation” require measures to be KNOWSLEY DESIGN GUIDE Policy ENV9 to maximise surveillance through the day included, where this is necessary, to reduce levels of “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites" 11.16 and night. pollution, noise and the risk of flooding, and to Policy ENV10 The Council has prepared a Design Guide which 2. Security features such as fencing, walls, CCTV incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS). “Protection of Species" If poorly designed, features such as noise barrier identifies design principles to be applied in new cameras and lighting (both in new Policy S4 mounds or fencing (often required for example in the development in Knowsley. The document identifies developments and where proposed to provide “Kirkby Town Centre Action Area” case of new residential development being close to the characteristics of different parts of Knowsley, for added security to existing developments) roads or other noise sources) can prove to be example in terms of predominant built form, density Policy S6 should be designed so as to avoid causing unattractive and/or constitute a maintenance liability. and accessibility, and key principles and priorities “Ravenscourt (Halewood) Action Area” harm to: In the case of industrial or commercial development, applying in each area. Developers will be expected to Policy T6 a) Visual amenity; features such as chimney stacks or other pollution have regard to this document (ref: The Knowsley “Ensuring Choice of Travel to Serve New b) The amenities of occupiers of nearby Design Guide: BDP Planning 2004) in designing control measures can be prominent and unsightly. Developments” property; or It is therefore important that such measures are proposals for new development. Policy OS5 considered at the initial design stage of new c) Highway safety. “Public Open Space and Recreational Facilities to development and included in any planning application. Meet the Needs of New Development”

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EXPLANATION DQ2 POLICY LINKS EXPLANATION DQ3 11.25 11.19 Policy DQ1 11.23 High quality new development visible from the routes listed can help to promote a sense of dynamism and “Design Quality in New Development” The design of new developments has a crucial role to Policy DQ3 lists a number of major road and rail vitality in the area. Poor quality new development in Policy H5 play in delivering and creating a sense of safety and routes within Knowsley which provide strategic these locations could however hinder efforts to attract security. The Secured by Design initiative (see “Development within Primarily Residential Areas” gateways linking to the regional and national investors as well as harm the environment for local 11 footnote ), together with the Council’s Crime and Policy EC3 transport network. In order to protect and enhance people. New development will therefore be expected Disorder Reduction Strategy (see chapter 2 - “Key the image of Knowsley and Merseyside as a whole it “Primarily Industrial Areas” to protect or enhance the appearance of these Issues and Influences”) seek to ensure that security is considered important to optimise the visual corridors as well as comply with the more general Policy ENV3 issues are taken into account as an integral part of appearance of these routes. Whilst much of the design policies set down elsewhere in this chapter. the design of new development. “Light Pollution” land which is visible from these routes comprises high quality farmland or development, the corridors also include some areas which have become 11.26 11.20 less attractive. The six Merseyside local authorities and the North POLICY DQ3: Security in new development should not be achieved West Development Agency have agreed a strategy, GATEWAY SITES AND CORRIDORS at the cost of making the development unattractive. 11.24 known as “New Approaches”, which will promote the This will mean ensuring that features such as 1. New development proposals which are within reclamation of derelict, underused or neglected land security fencing, walls, lighting etc. are only used Knowsley also contains a number of more minor or adjacent to, or visible from, any of the within strategic transport corridors and prominent where they are justified by security considerations routes which nevertheless provide important following road and rail routes within Knowsley gateway locations across Merseyside for “soft” after and are of high visual quality, particularly on “gateway” links between the strategic transport should seek to enhance the visual appearance uses. Improving the routes listed in the policy may highway frontages. network and the Borough’s town and other centres. of the route: involve the acquisition of land outside the highway or Examples of such routes include Lower Road and railway boundary and policy DQ3 makes it clear that • The A580 (East Lancs Road) Higher Road (Halewood); Roby Road, Archway Road site assembly powers will be used if necessary to 11.21 • The M57 and Tarbock Road/Cronton Road (Huyton); and promote environmental improvements. Over recent years, there has been considerable County Road, Valley Road/Hall Lane, Moorgate Road, • The A5300 (Knowsley Expressway) demand to construct palisade fencing around Bank Lane and South Boundary Road (Kirkby). industrial and commercial properties and schools. • The M62 This can create an unwelcoming visual appearance. • The A57 (Liverpool Road/Warrington Road) For this reason, the Council normally requires that and Prescot Bypass more attractive forms of fencing are used particularly • The A5080 (Tarbock Road/Cronton Road) on highway frontages in industrial areas or in residential areas. The Council will, within its • The A561 (Speke-Widnes road) proposed Supplementary Planning Document • All passenger rail lines covering design issues, describe what types of • security fencing are considered acceptable in Any other routes which link the above which locations. routes to any of Knowsley’s town or district centres.

2. The Council will use its land use planning 11.22 powers (including if necessary its site Lighting fixtures need to be attractively designed and assembly powers) to promote environmental located. They should be orientated and if necessary enhancements which are close to or visible hooded to avoid causing glare or nuisance for from the above routes. occupiers of adjacent property or car drivers.

11 Association of Chief Police Officers et al “The Secured by Design award scheme” 1999

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POLICY LINKS EXPLANATION DQ4 11.31 2. Conditions may be imposed restricting Permitted Development rights where this is Policy DQ1 11.27 The Council will make Tree Preservation Orders necessary to prevent future minor alterations where necessary to secure the protection and proper “Design Quality in New Development” to a development which could adversely affect Trees and woodlands are vital in maintaining and management of trees and woodlands for the the character or appearance of the Area. improving the quality of life for the inhabitants of long-term. POLICY DQ4: Knowsley and can provide a natural measure with 3. The Council will prepare Conservation Area TREES AND DEVELOPMENT which to combat environmental problems such as air Appraisals for each Conservation Area which pollution, noise pollution and the risk of flooding. POLICY LINKS shall be treated as material considerations in All new development Within urban areas tree cover enhances urban Policy DQ1 determining planning applications for amenity by providing a pleasant natural contrast to 1. Proposals for new development should include “Design Quality in New Development” development which may affect these Areas. the built environment and within the countryside appropriate planting of trees or other soft Policy G3 they make an important contribution towards the landscaping, the location and details of which rural landscape. “Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green EXPLANATION DQ5 should be determined as an integral part of the Belt” development, and which shall have regard to 11.32 Policy ENV9 the character of the surrounding area. 11.28 The Council has a duty to declare as Conservation “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites" Developments affecting existing trees Areas those areas of the Borough that have special The Borough currently has a tree coverage of Policy ENV10 architectural or historic interest, and whose 2. Development proposals affecting existing trees, approximately 6% of its total area. The Council will “Protection of Species” character or appearance it is desirable to preserve or woodlands and other vegetation, which make a seek to protect and improve the amount, distribution enhance. There are 15 Conservation Areas in positive contribution to amenity, should make and quality of Knowsley’s tree and woodland Knowsley, which are shown on the Proposals Map provision for their retention. resource. In considering proposals for new POLICY DQ5: and listed below. They vary in extent from large Town development the Council will aim to ensure that DEVELOPMENT IN CONSERVATION AREAS 3. Applicants for planning permission will be Centres to compact areas covering perhaps just one where there are existing trees which are important to required to provide a detailed survey of all side of a street. the amenity of the area, these will not be lost. 1. New development within or close to a existing trees on the site and the likely effects Where it is reasonable to do so, the Council will also Conservation Area must preserve or enhance on them of the proposed development, as seek to ensure that new development contributes to the character or appearance of the Area, outlined in the Council’s technical advice note its aim of increasing tree coverage. “Trees and Development”. having regard to the following:

4. Where the Council accepts that tree loss will a) The scale, form, massing, height, materials be unavoidable the applicant will be required to 11.29 and architectural detail of existing buildings in the Conservation Area; make adequate provision for their The Mersey Forest is a partnership between the replacement, normally including two new trees Countryside Agency, Forestry Commission, and b) Existing plot layouts and the street scene; for each tree lost. Replacement planting will nine local authorities in Merseyside and North c) Important views into, within and out of the take into account the number; size and species Cheshire (including Knowsley). The Mersey Forest Conservation Area; of trees lost and should contribute to the Plan sets targets for increasing tree coverage and extension of tree and woodland cover across associated habitats across its area in both rural and d) The need to preserve existing open spaces, the Borough. urban localities. structures and landscape features Links to the Mersey Forest Plan (such as trees and hedges, walls, and traditional paving); 5. All new development should be consistent 11.30 with the aims and objectives of the Mersey e) Likely levels of noise, pollution, traffic, In considering planning applications the Council will Forest Plan. parking or disturbance that may be caused be guided by by the development; and • Its “Tree Policy” f) The visual impact of any vehicular access, • Its technical advice note “Trees and parking or servicing/delivery areas that are Development” needed to serve the development. • The Mersey Forest Plan.

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Conservation Areas in Knowsley 11.35 POLICY LINKS 11.40 • Knowsley Village The Council is preparing detailed character appraisals Policy DQ1 Even where the building to be demolished makes for each Conservation Area (see glossary), which will • Prescot Town Centre “Design Quality in New Development” little or no contribution to the character of an area, explain why each area has been designated and the applicant will still need to provide full information • Roby Policy DQ6 describe its important buildings and special features. about what is proposed for the site after demolition. • Tarbock Village “Demolition of Buildings and Structures in The appraisals will be used to help determine the Consent for the demolition works will not be given Conservation Areas” • Tarbock Green effect of proposed developments on the character or without acceptable plans having been submitted for • Town End, Cronton appearance of each Conservation Area. Policy ENV9 the redevelopment of the site, and will normally be • Halewood Village “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” subject to a condition which will ensure that demolition does not take place until a contract for the • North Park Road, Kirkby 11.36 Policy ENV10 “Protection of Species” redevelopment works has been let. This is to ensure • South Park Road, Kirkby Some Conservation Areas include gap sites or that unsightly gaps and dereliction are not created • Old Hall Lane, Kirkby buildings that make no positive contribution to, or where demolition takes place. • Ingoe Lane, Kirkby detract from, the character or appearance of the POLICY DQ6: Conservation Area. The Council will seek to secure DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES IN • Ribblers Lane, Kirkby the redevelopment of these sites with new buildings CONSERVATION AREAS POLICY LINKS • St Michaels, Huyton of high quality design which is appropriate to their Policy DQ5 1. Proposals involving the demolition of an • Huyton Church/Victoria Road, Huyton historic surroundings. “Development in Conservation Areas” unlisted building or structure in a Conservation • The Orchard, Huyton Area will be permitted where the building or Policy DQ7 PROCEDURES structure makes no existing or potential future “Listed Buildings” positive contribution to the character or 11.33 11.37 appearance of the Conservation Area. DQ7: The designation of an area as a Conservation Area A Design Statement should accompany development 2. Proposals for the demolition of buildings which LISTED BUILDINGS means that important historic buildings are protected proposals to show how they will affect the character or appearance of the area. The Council will require make a positive contribution to the character of from unauthorised demolition and that special care detailed plans and drawings to be submitted with the area will be judged against the same 1. Listed Building Consent for the total or will be taken to ensure that new development fits in planning applications, showing the siting, design, criteria as proposals for the demolition of a substantial demolition of a Listed Building will with the character of the area. Conservation Areas scale, materials and means of access to the Listed Building. not be granted unless the Council is satisfied are not, however, intended to prevent change or development, and its relationship to its surroundings. that every possible effort has been made to development but to ensure that where change does 3. In some instances demolition of a historically For this reason, applications for development in repair and secure the future of the building and take place, it preserves or enhances the essential important building may be permitted because a Conservation Areas should not be submitted in outline. proposal for the subsequent re-development of character of the area. to continue the present use or find a suitable the site has been submitted which is of alternative use. exceptional quality. In such cases a condition 11.38 2. The Council will not grant consent for NEW DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING will be imposed to ensure that a contract for extensions, external or internal alterations, or CONSERVATION AREAS The Council may impose conditions on the granting the redevelopment works is let, before the the change of use of, or any other works to a of permission for any new development within existing building or structure is demolished. 11.34 Conservation Areas to ensure that the quality of a Listed Building that would adversely affect its architectural or historic character. All new development (including alterations to existing new development is not spoilt by inappropriate EXPLANATION DQ6 buildings as well as new buildings) either within or subsequent minor additions or alterations to the 3. Development affecting the setting of a Listed near to Conservation Areas should preserve or building. The Council has also issued Article 4 11.39 Building will only be permitted if the proposal enhance both the appearance and the more general Directions (see glossary) covering some Conservation With some limited exceptions, the demolition of would preserve the setting and important character of the area, according to guidelines Areas, the effect of which is that planning permission unlisted buildings and structures within Conservation views of the building. identified in the policy. Even if there have been is needed even for small-scale alterations (such as Areas requires Conservation Area Consent. previous unsympathetic developments within a changes to windows) which would not otherwise 4. Proposals affecting buildings and structures The general presumption is always in favour of the Conservation Area, the presence of these will not need permission. within the curtilage of any Listed Building will preservation (rather than demolition) of buildings or justify further works which would be detrimental to be subject to the same considerations as those structures that make a positive contribution to the the area. affecting the principal building. character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

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5. The Council will take positive action to secure 11.43 DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING THE SETTING OF EXPLANATION DQ8 the retention, repair, maintenance and LISTED BUILDINGS In the unusual circumstance that consent is granted 11.49 continued use of Listed Buildings and will use for demolition, conditions may be imposed to ensure 11.47 all necessary available powers to secure their the recording of the building and to ensure a contract English Heritage has compiled a register of parks adequate maintenance and repair. New buildings within the curtilage of, or close to, a has been let for the full implementation of any and gardens which are of special historic interest. Listed Building, should preserve the setting and redevelopment proposals submitted in support of the In Knowsley, the following parks (which are shown on views of the building having regard to factors such as application for demolition. the Proposals Map) are included on the register: EXPLANATION DQ7 the scale, massing, height, and roofscape of the • Knowsley Hall and Estate WHAT IS A LISTED BUILDING? Listed Building, and visual impact on its grounds, gardens and landscaping. • Part of Croxteth Park. 11.41 EXTENSIONS, ALTERATIONS, OR CHANGE OF USE AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS Buildings which are of special architectural or 11.44 11.50 historic interest are included in a statutory list ENFORCEMENT POWERS AVAILABLE TO SECURE THE REPAIR OF LISTED BUILDINGS published by the Department of Culture, Media and The best way of securing the future of Listed All development within, or close to these areas should Sport. Listed Buildings are vitally important to the Buildings is to keep them in active use. This will often 11.48 be carefully designed and sited so as to avoid harming cultural heritage of Knowsley and, once lost, cannot necessitate some degree of adaptation. Judging the the special character of these parks. Any planning The Council has powers to require owners to carry be replaced. Inclusion in the list means that consent best use requires balancing the economic viability of applications for development which may affect the out urgent works to preserve Listed Buildings, and to is required for the demolition of a building or for any possible uses against the effect that any physical parks should be accompanied by a design statement execute such works itself if necessary and charge the works of alteration or extension, either internal or changes would have on the special architectural or to show how the development takes into account the owner. These powers will be used if necessary. external which would affect its special interest. It is a historic interest of the building. features, views, layout and structure of the park and The Council also has powers to compulsorily criminal offence to carry out works to a Listed gardens. Materials used for the construction of any purchase buildings from owners to secure their Building without consent from the Council. buildings, structures or enclosures must be carefully 11.45 longer-term repair. chosen to preserve the quality and character of the It is essential that all works which affect a Listed Historic Parks and Gardens. DEMOLITION OF LISTED BUILDINGS Building are of a form, scale, and detailing which POLICY LINKS 11.42 would preserve the character of the building. Policy ENV9 Internal layouts, floor plans and original features POLICY LINKS Every effort should be made to preserve Listed “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” should be retained where they are important to this Policy G3 Buildings, if necessary by providing temporary character. Applications affecting Listed Buildings Policy ENV10 support or shelter, before demolition is considered. “Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green (either for building works or change of use) should “Protection of Species” If an owner does consider, as a last resort, that Belt” include full details of any physical changes that are demolition is unavoidable, they must apply for Listed Policy DQ1 necessary, including design (both internal and Building Consent for the works, and submit a full POLICY DQ8: “Design Quality in New Development” external), materials and proposed landscaping. justification against the following criteria: HISTORIC PARKS AND GARDENS Policy DQ5 • The importance of the building, its intrinsic “Development in Conservation Areas” The character and setting of Historic Parks and architectural and historic interest and its 11.46 Gardens in Knowsley will be protected and contribution to the local scene; Alterations to historic buildings should meet the enhanced by: • The condition of the building and the cost of needs of disabled people, although care will need to a) Resisting the unnecessary removal of features repairing and maintaining it in relation to be taken to ensure that necessary alterations do not such as walls and planting which are an its importance; detract from the character or special interest of the integral part of their character and setting; and Listed Building. • The adequacy of efforts made to retain the b) Ensuring that new development proposals building in use; and would not adversely affect their character • The merits of alternative proposals for the site. and setting.

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POLICY DQ9: 11.52 SITES AND AREAS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL Sites of national importance are designated by the IMPORTANCE Government as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. CHAPTER 12 Nationally important sites and their settings There are presently none of these in Knowsley. However, if any are designated within the Plan period 1. Development will not be permitted if it would it will be important to ensure that they should be destroy or harm a Scheduled Ancient physically preserved, along with their settings. Monument or other nationally important archaeological remains or their setting. Minerals, Waste 11.53 Sites and areas of district and local importance The preference is also for the preservation in situ of and Energy 2. Development must not cause damage to sites archaeological sites of less than national importance. and areas that are known, or thought to There are a considerable number of these within contain, remains of archaeological importance. Knowsley, which are recorded on the Sites and Procedures Monuments Record by the Merseyside Archaeological STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES MINERAL AND FOSSIL FUEL 12 3. Where it appears that a development would Service (SMR - see footnote ). • To ensure that waste management, minerals RESOURCES AND EXTRACTION IN affect a site of archaeological interest: and energy production proposals accord with KNOWSLEY strategic sustainability objectives for 12.2 a) Sufficient information should accompany 11.54 Merseyside and the region as a whole and the application to assess the character, Knowsley has a history of coal mining and clay Where evidence suggests that development could comply with best environmental practice. condition and extent of the archaeological extraction (e.g. for brick manufacture). There are still affect archaeological remains, the developer will be resource; and reserves of coal and brick clay, together with the required to arrange investigations to assess their potential for oil and gas exploration, and for b) Where the preservation of archaeological character, condition and extent. If the remains are INTRODUCTION features in situ is not justified, provisions extraction of methane from former coal workings. found to be particularly important, the developer may 12.1 A small part of the Borough contains silica sand through planning conditions will require be required to design the development to enable them deposits which are suitable for special industrial archaeological investigations to be to be preserved in situ. If in situ preservation is not This chapter deals with policies on minerals uses. Currently, the only “active” mineral extraction completed before development begins and considered necessary, conditions may be imposed on (including aggregates), waste and energy, all of which site in Knowsley is the Ibstocks brick clay quarry, also ensure the excavation, recording, any planning permission to ensure that the remains are central to the overall goal of sustainable Tarbock and it is likely that this will continue for the analysis and reporting of the are excavated, recorded, analysed and reported. development. National Government policy archaeological resource is undertaken. encourages local authorities to ensure through their Plan period. Development Plans that sufficient minerals are 11.55 extracted to meet national and regional needs, and 12.3 EXPLANATION DQ9 that targets for the sustainable production and Detailed guidance on archaeology and the 11.51 efficient use of energy and management of waste are Merseyside and Knowsley are both (as is typical of development process may be set out in a met. However, these forms of development can have metropolitan areas) net importers of minerals and Knowsley contains a number of important Supplementary Planning Document. significant environmental implications and the aggregates. For example, aggregates are mostly archaeological remains which are important as a policies of this Plan aim to ensure that these are imported from Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and cultural, educational and heritage resource. National POLICY LINKS balanced against the potential benefits of proposed North Wales. The Council is keen to promote more planning policy requires that new development developments. In many cases, proposals for these sustainable ways of supplying minerals and should take into account the need to preserve and/or Policy DQ7 forms of development will need to be accompanied by aggregates (e.g. through the greater use of recycled record archaeological remains. “Listed Buildings” an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). aggregates). However, it will ensure that all individual Policy ENV9 proposals (whether for extraction of minerals or for "Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites" their storage, processing, re-use or recycling) are environmentally acceptable.

12 The Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) is held within Liverpool Museum and updated on a regular basis

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WASTE MANAGEMENT IN KNOWSLEY 12.7 EFFICIENT USE OF MATERIALS AND 2. In considering all proposals for development (whether for the extraction of minerals or for 12.4 Any joint Local Development Document covering ENERGY IN NEW DEVELOPMENT other forms of development) account will be waste issues at the Merseyside level could replace 12.10 taken of the need to safeguard any mineral A fundamental aim of Government policy (set out in (if the document is produced as a Development Plan 13 resources that are known, or may reasonably Waste Strategy 2000 - see footnote ) is to reduce the Document under the terms of the Planning and One important way in which the UDP can help to be expected to exist, on the development site. amount of waste that is produced and in particular to Compulsory Purchase Act 2004) or supplement the minimise the generation of waste and the use of reduce the amount that is sent to landfill. Account will also be taken of whether the waste management policies of this Plan. In the energy is by requiring that proposals for new The Government has set a target that 25% of proposed development could make it difficult transitional period between drafting and agreement development (e.g. for new housing, industry or household waste should be recycled or composted to work minerals on adjacent sites. of the Regional Waste Strategy and any future Joint commercial use, or engineering schemes such as by 2005. Waste Local Development Document for Merseyside, new roads) should incorporate sustainable forms of 3. Proposals that would sterilise mineral policies MW4, MW5 and MW6 should be used to guide construction method. This can mean for example: resources will not be permitted except where it 12.5 planning decisions on waste management facilities can be demonstrated that: • Ensuring that the design and layout of new in Knowsley. This Plan is being produced at a time when there is development will minimise energy use; a) The mineral resource is of no commercial great change and uncertainty over regional and interest, and is unlikely to be so in the • Requiring the use of renewable sources of sub-regional waste planning policy and strategy. RENEWABLE ENERGY IN KNOWSLEY future; or materials and energy wherever practicable; The North West Regional Assembly has produced a 12.8 b) There is an overriding case for draft regional waste strategy, the land use elements • Ensuring the re-use and recycling of construction development taking place without of which are also now incorporated into the current Although there are currently no significant facilities materials in development projects. extracting the mineral first. draft review of the Regional Spatial Strategy. for the harnessing of renewable energy (e.g. wind 4. Where it appears that mineral resources would The interim draft of the proposed new Regional power) in Knowsley, the Borough does offer otherwise be sterilised by a proposed Spatial Strategy (published in October 2005) sets out, opportunities for some forms of renewable energy 12.11 development, the developer may be requested in Policy EM9, a set of detailed short and long term generation. The Council is keen to encourage the These issues are covered in chapter 11 “Development to extract such minerals as part of the targets for the minimisation, recycling, composting generation of renewable energy. This chapter Quality and the Built Environment”. Policy MW7 below proposed development. and recycling and/or recovery of value from waste. therefore identifies those forms of renewable energy which are most likely to be developed in Knowsley also encourages new development to incorporate This is a Part 1 policy and sets down criteria against which any proposals renewable energy production infrastructure where 12.6 would be assessed. practicable to contribute towards the energy At present, local authorities within Merseyside as a requirements of the development. EXPLANATION MW1 whole do not comply with the targets which have 12.12 12.9 been set either at the national or regional levels. POLICY MW1: It is important that the regional and national need for However, the Merseyside local authorities are Consideration will also need to be given to the PROTECTION, WINNING AND WORKING OF minerals are met and that this Plan provides an currently considering whether to prepare a new potential contribution that energy from waste MINERALS RESOURCES effective framework within which the industry may waste sub-regional plan (to be known as the generation may have on Knowsley and Merseyside - make applications. Environmental Impact Integrated Merseyside Waste Management Strategy). this issue is one which is likely to have implications 1. All proposals for the winning and working of Assessment (EIA - see glossary) will normally be The land use elements of this strategy will, it is across the whole Merseyside conurbation. It is minerals in Knowsley should seek to required for all minerals planning applications. anticipated, be incorporated into a new joint Local anticipated that the proposed joint Local However, proposals for minerals extraction or related Development Document covering waste management Development Document on waste (described above) demonstrate that they are environmentally development (such as minerals storage, stockpiling, issues in Merseyside - see glossary. Discussions are will assess the scope for energy production from this acceptable. Where a proposal would be likely currently under way between Merseyside authorities re-use and recycling) can have significant source and provide guidance on the location and to result in harm to the environment, the to determine the timing and scope of such a environmental impacts and cause harm, at least for design of any facilities that are required on a impact of such harm will be weighed against document but it could (if adopted) establish common the duration of the operation and in some cases for a Merseyside wide basis. any benefits that the proposal would bring and policies, locational principles and criteria for longer period. In considering proposals for mineral all relevant planning considerations including considering commercial and municipal waste extraction the Council will weigh the extent and the extent to which the proposal would management facilities across Merseyside. impact of such harm against any contribution that the contribute to meeting regional or national proposal would make towards meeting national or needs for extraction of minerals. regional need for the mineral concerned.

13 ”Waste Strategy 2000” Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, May 2000

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12.13 Borough. However, there have been no recent POLICY MW2: EXPLANATION MW2 proposals either for deep mining or open cast coal PROPOSALS FOR MINERAL DEVELOPMENTS When considering a particular proposal, the Council 12.17 extraction in Knowsley and little is known about will take the following factors into account: whether the resources could viably be extracted in 1. The exploration, appraisal, winning and Policy MW2 sets general criteria which will be • How the proposal will assist Merseyside’s the future. Silica sand resources are restricted to a working, processing and handling of minerals, applied to all proposals for minerals and related contribution to the national or regional need for small area to the east of Kirkby. Silica sand is an including provision of aggregate depots, will forms of development. All planning applications the mineral in the North West, (in the case of asset of national importance and should not be used only be permitted if the following criteria involving mineral operations will need to be aggregates provision this is set down in Minerals for aggregate purposes although there has been no are met: accompanied by an operational statement, 14 Planning Guidance Note 6 - see footnote ); recent activity or interest in the extraction of this (i) Proposals are accompanied by an restoration and site aftercare plans clearly identifying • mineral. Little is currently known about the extent of The need to maintain a landbank of permitted operations statement which sets out how the standards to be achieved, as set out in Minerals brick clay resources (other than the existing quarry in reserves in Merseyside; and the impacts of the development on the Planning Guidance note 7 "The Reclamation of Tarbock) and other minerals which may be present. Mineral Workings". Provision for the aftercare of • How the proposal will affect intra- and matters detailed in table 12.1 below will inter-regional supply of minerals and aggregates. be minimised and which is acceptable to minerals sites should normally be for up to five years, POLICY LINKS the Council; although the Council may seek to extend the period of aftercare beyond this period where this is (ii) Proposals are accompanied by a 12.14 Policy G1 necessary to achieve reclamation objectives. “Development within the Green Belt” restoration and aftercare plan covering the The following policies identify the environmental and matters set down in table 12.2 below which Policy G2 other planning considerations which will be taken into is acceptable to the Council. account in assessing minerals applications, and which “Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green Procedures will be balanced against the need for the proposal. Belt” Policy G3 2. Planning conditions or legal agreements will be used to ensure that mineral development SAFEGUARDING OF MINERALS RESERVES “Agricultural Land” Policy G4 does not have an unacceptable impact on the 12.15 environment. They will also be used to ensure “Rural Diversification” that restoration and aftercare plans are Government policy (in Minerals Planning Guidance Policy DQ5 note 1 “General Considerations and the Development complied with so that the site can be returned “Development in Conservation Areas” Plan system”) advises that valuable mineral to appropriate beneficial use. resources should be safeguarded from other forms of Policy DQ7 development, which could effectively sterilise the “Listed Buildings” resource for future generations. However, it is equally Policy DQ9 important not to blight land which could otherwise be “Sites and Areas of Archaeological Importance” developed for other uses through inappropriate Policy ENV1 safeguarding of land to meet future needs for mineral “Control of Pollution in New Development” development that may never materialise, particularly if the mineral resources are considered unlikely to be Policy ENV2 exploited in practice. “Noise and Vibration” Policy ENV3

12.16 “Light Pollution” Policy ENV9 In Knowsley, there are known resources of coal, brick “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” clay, coal bed methane, silica sand, and potentially oil or gas. The general location of coal resources within Policy ENV10 the Borough is shown on maps provided to the “Protection of Species” Council by the former National Coal Board, and is concentrated at the southern and eastern parts of the

14 ”Minerals Planning Guidance Note 6: Guidelines on National and Regional Aggregate Provision in England” Office of the Deputy Prime Minister June 2003

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Table 12.1 Table 12.2 POLICY LINKS Policy G1 Mineral Developments - Matters to be included in • The hours of working; Mineral Developments - Matters to be included in Operations Statements Restoration and Aftercare Plans “Development within the Green Belt” • Blasting and gas flaring requirements; Policy G2 • Applicants will need to show (in no particular The estimated number of vehicle movements All minerals developments must leave the site and “Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green order in minerals applications) how the likely each week; adjacent land in a condition which is safe, stable, Belt” impacts of the development on the following adequately drained and restored to the required • Details of maintenance regimes for plant Policy G3 matters will be mitigated: landform, to a standard suitable for the agreed and equipment; “Agricultural Land” after use. • The effect of the development on existing or • Assessment of the likelihood of borrow pits Policy G4 proposed residential or other environmentally The restoration and aftercare statement should being required off-site; “Rural Diversification” sensitive uses in terms of: visual amenity; cover the following: • dust, smells, air, land or water pollution; noise Facilities for sheeting and washing vehicles Policy DQ5 • Stripping of soils and soil making materials, and vibration; and floodlighting. leaving the site; “Development in Conservation Areas” storage and/or direct replacement; • • The likely effect on areas of: recreational use; How soil that is removed as part of operations Policy DQ7 • Storage and replacement of overburden; landscape; ecological importance; and will be protected and retained; “Listed Buildings” • Achieving the landscape and landform archaeological interest. • The height of stock piles; Policy DQ9 objectives for the site, including filling • The impact of operations on the structural • “Sites and Areas of Archaeological Importance” How mineral waste will be disposed of and operations if required following minerals integrity or setting of a Listed Building or processed; and extraction; Policy ENV1 Conservation Area and Scheduled • The measures that will be taken to identify, • “Control of Pollution in New Development” Ancient Monuments. Restoration including soil placement, relief of safeguard and, where appropriate, enhance compaction and provision of surface features; Policy ENV2 • The impact on groundwater and surface features of landscape, ecological, “Noise and Vibration” • How the site will be made stable, adequately water resources; including pollution, flows archaeological or earth science interest drained and restored to the required landform, Policy ENV3 of floodwater or the capacity of flood existing on site or created by workings. storage areas. to a standard suitable for the agreed after use; “Light Pollution” • Policy ENV9 • The impact on the structure or viability of Availability of suitable filling materials for agricultural holdings and loss or reduction in restoration and the feasibility of achieving the “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” agricultural land quality including best and proposed restoration within an acceptable Policy ENV10 timescale using imported material; most versatile agricultural land. “Protection of Species” • • The impact on the stability and drainage of the Phasing of restoration; means of incorporating Policy T8 new wildlife habitats; agreed after use. site and adjacent land. "Transport Assessments" • The impact of traffic generated by the Policy T12 development on properties on adjoining 12.18 “Aerodrome Safeguarding” routes used by the operations or on safety The Council may adopt a Supplementary Planning anywhere between the site and the strategic Document which will indicate in greater detail the transport network. Where possible, matters to be included in planning applications. sustainable alternatives to road transport should be employed.

Details on the following should also be included within the statement:

• Access to the site;

• The duration of operations;

• The phasing of operations;

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POLICY MW3: POLICY LINKS 12.22 Figure 12.1: The Waste Hierarchy (Source: Planning ONSHORE OIL, GAS AND COAL BED METHANE Policy Statement 10, ‘Planning for Sustainable Waste Pending the future preparation, agreement and See policies listed above in relation to policy MW2 Management’ Annex C Proposals for oil or gas exploration or extraction adoption of both the Waste DPD and the Integrated will be permitted where it is demonstrated in the Merseyside Waste Disposal Strategy, the policies set application that: POLICY MW4: out below provide a set of criteria against which WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY planning applications for waste related development a) The proposal is part of an appropriate overall can be assessed. exploration strategy for oil or gas exploration Proposals for new waste management facilities (or (and would not constitute either sporadic or for the enlargement or amended operation of Reduction piecemeal development); existing facilities) should be consistent with the THE WASTE HIERARCHY b) The proposal would not have an unacceptable following objectives: 12.23 impact on the appearance or character of the Re-use surrounding area; a) The need for the management of waste to be Waste management options will be guided by the c) The proposal would not adversely affect local moved up the waste hierarchy; extent to which waste is moved up the hierarchy, that Recycling & Composting amenity by reason of noise, disturbance, b) The need to achieve regional waste management is, dealt with in such a way as to reduce its pollution, visual intrusion or traffic self-sufficiency in the North West; environmental impact and encourage sustainable generation; and waste planning. c) The proximity principle; and Energy Recovery d) The land would be restored to a standard agreed by the Local Planning Authority, d) The extent to which sustainable transport irrespective of whether oil or gas is found. forms an integral part of the proposals. POLICY LINKS Disposal e) The need to ensure that waste development Policies MW5 and MW6 below EXPLANATION MW3 proposals are consistent with the policies in Planning Policy Statement 10 "Planning for 12.19 • the most effective environmental solution is Sustainable Waste Management”. often to reduce the regeneration of waste - The Government has recently issued licences for the This is a Part 1 policy reduction exploration for on-shore oil and gas in Knowsley and elsewhere in Merseyside. Several planning • products and materials can sometimes be used applications were (in the late 1990s) received for EXPLANATION MW4 again, for the same or a different purpose - exploration and extraction of coal bed methane from re-use 12.21 former coal workings. The need for land-based oil • resources can often be recovered from waste - and gas development must be balanced against any Policy MW4 identifies key principles set down in the recycling and composting adverse environmental effects and other relevant Government’s waste strategy. As indicated earlier in • planning considerations. All applications should this chapter, the local authorities on Merseyside are value can also be recovered by generating energy recovery demonstrate that they are consistent with national considering developing a sub-regional joint energy from waste - and regional objectives for increasing the proportion Development Plan Document (DPD) covering waste • only if none of the above offer an appropriate of energy derived from renewable sources. management issues, the intention of which will be to solution should waste be disposed of - disposal provide a criteria-based land use policy framework to PROCEDURES guide how the waste that is produced within the various waste streams (both municipal and 12.20 commercial/industrial) will be managed and to A project overview for the proposed exploration, provide developers with clear guidance as to whether appraisal and development must be submitted as any proposed site would be an acceptable location for part of any planning application for oil or gas a proposed waste management facility of a particular exploration in order to avoid sporadic or piecemeal type. This will (if adopted) form the basis of planning development leading to unforeseen and unacceptable for waste at the sub-regional level and will constitute environmental effects. The applicant will also be the long-term waste plan for Merseyside. required to submit a Restoration and Aftercare Plan, which must be agreed by the Council.

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POLICY MW5: 4. Planning permissions for temporary waste waste management developments which accord with POLICY MW6: WASTE MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT management uses and facilities may be made this overall strategy will be permitted where they will LANDFILL OR LANDRAISING FACILITIES subject to planning conditions requiring not have a significant unacceptable harmful impact reinstatement of the site, followed by on the local environment. The locational criteria Any planning application for landfill and/or 1. Proposals for new waste management facilities after-care, to enable the subsequent use of the given in Annex E of PPS10 may be referred to in landraising operations will need to satisfy the (or for the enlargement or amended operation site for purposes agreed with the local assessing the suitability of a proposed site. following additional criteria: of existing facilities) will be permitted where planning authority. a) The type of material used for filling and the they are seen to be meeting the strategic 5. Proposals for new superstores, supermarkets degree of compaction should be compatible objectives set out in Policy MW4, subject to an 12.26 and other appropriate large developments with with the proposed after-use; assessment of their likely environmental The criteria set out in Policy MW5 will be reviewed in their own car parks, which are acceptable in b) Where the proposed development is located on impact or other harm. In determining the context of the potential future adoption by the principle, will only be permitted provided that a floodplain, the proposals will not have an applications for new or enlarged waste Council of the Joint Merseyside Development Plan recycling facilities are designed as an integral unacceptable detrimental impact on flood management facilities regard will be had to Document on waste. However, there will be part of the development, so as to minimise attenuation capacity and would not impede the whether the proposed development would circumstances where energy recovery from waste their impact on amenity and traffic circulation. flow of flood waters; cause significant and unacceptable harm to management and treatment facilities will not be any of the following: practicable; for example, where landfill or landraise c) The visual impact of finished contours a) environmental resources or assets; EXPLANATION MW5 uses inert materials such as construction demolition (pre-settlement and post-settlement) must and excavation waste. be acceptable; b) the visual character of the 12.24 d) Landfill and landraising schemes must have a surrounding area; Policy MW5 applies to proposals for all forms of PROCEDURES positive contribution to landform and c) the amenities of occupiers of nearby waste management facility. It therefore covers: 12.27 landscape quality on completion; and property (particularly residential property or • waste transfer stations, waste reception and e) Satisfactory means (such as interim other environmentally sensitive uses such recycling facilities, scrapyards, aggregates and To ensure that the environmental effects of waste restoration) must be used to ensure that as schools, hospitals or specialist industrial soil recycling facilities, and Materials Recovery management facilities are fully considered proposals damage to restoration caused by subsidence or or business uses such as food processing Facilities (MRFs); must be accompanied by an Operations Statement, and high technology uses) in terms of visual landfill gas is minimised. • composting; and (unless the proposal is of a permanent nature), amenity, noise, vibration, dust, windblown a Restoration and Aftercare Plan, prepared to a • energy from waste facilities; material, smells, litter, vermin, air, land or specified and acceptable standard. EXPLANATION MW6 water or other nuisance; • waste water (sewage) and sewage sludge treatment plants; and 12.29 d) air safety, (including the need to safeguard 12.28 the airspace around Liverpool John Lennon • landfill proposals (which also need to satisfy the Policy MW6 sets criteria that all proposals for landfill Most forms of waste management, in addition to a Airport and avoid birdstrike hazard); criteria in policy MW6). or landraising must satisfy, in addition to the more planning permission, require a waste management general criteria set by policy MW5. Regardless of e) road safety and highway capacity. permit from the Environment Agency. Where this is operational requirements and other matters that 12.25 2. Proposals for waste management facilities the case, detailed conditions are normally placed on might be within the remit of the waste-licensing should also be compatible with any approved These operations and uses can contribute in differing the operation controlling its environmental effects. regime, it is important that controls are exercised by regeneration strategy for the area in which ways to the management of waste and at different Planning conditions will, however, be used where the Plan on matters that could have adverse effects they are proposed to be located. levels in the waste hierarchy. The government’s these would not duplicate controls under the on land-use considerations. Policy MW6 seeks to policies on waste are set out in Planning Policy licensing or other statutory provisions. 3. Proposals for waste management facilities ensure that all land-use related matters are Statement 10 “Sustainable Waste Management” must include facilities for the recovery of addressed when considering the impact of landfill (PPS10) and are augmented by Waste Strategy 2000 materials for re-use and recycling and / or the and landraising operations and that such adverse which sets national targets for recycling. As far as is POLICY LINKS recovery of energy from waste. effects that cannot be avoided are mitigated. possible, as explained under Policy MW4, local See policies listed in relation to policy MW2. authorities should seek to minimize the production of waste and thereafter to facilitate its re-use, or POLICY LINKS recycling and the recovery of energy from materials See policies listed under policy MW2 which cannot be re-used or recycled. Proposals for

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POLICY MW7: fossil fuels, include the contribution that this can • Domestic, commercial and motorway solar 12.36 RENEWABLE ENERGY make to limiting emissions of green-house gases photovoltaic (PV) systems (e.g. solar tiles or Where renewable energy developments such as wind (and hence restricting the effects of global warming) modules), which convert solar energy into turbines are proposed, the potential impact on the 1. Proposals for new development required in and also the contribution that it can make to a electricity, and which may be installed or operational integrity and safety of Liverpool John connection with the generation of energy diversified supply of energy. integrated into commercial or domestic buildings. Lennon Airport will be an important consideration - from renewable sources will be encouraged see chapter 8 “Transport”. and permitted. 12.31 12.34 2. Proposals for new infrastructure required to generate renewable energy should seek to The government has set a target that, by 2010, 10% of The impact that renewable energy schemes can have 12.37 avoid causing a detrimental impact on: the UK's electricity shall be supplied from renewable varies significantly according to the type of scheme In considering all proposals for renewable energy energy sources. It also states, in its Energy White proposed. For example, in the case of a proposal to • Sites of national, international and local schemes, the Council will weigh up the benefits of Paper15, that this figure should be doubled to 20% by install photovoltaic cells on a building the impacts are importance for nature conservation; the specific scheme which is proposed, against any 2020, and suggests that more renewable energy will likely to be primarily of a visual nature - with the • adverse impacts which may occur. Potential impacts The appearance or character of the be needed beyond that date. range of designs that is available it should in most on the environment may be acceptable if they are surrounding area; cases be possible to ensure that such schemes have minor, or are outweighed by wider benefits, such as • an acceptable visual impact although special The amenity of any nearby residents contributing to achieving the regional targets for 12.32 considerations will apply in the case of Listed by reason of noise, odour, renewable energy production. disturbance, pollution, visual intrusion or The North West region has the potential to generate Buildings or buildings in Conservation Areas. traffic generation. significant quantities of energy from a wide range of Proposals for digestion plants or biomass plants can renewable sources including onshore wind, offshore have significant local effects on amenity, for example 3. Proposals for renewable energy development wind, marine technologies (wave and tidal power), as a result of odour. These should therefore normally in sensitive areas such as the Green Belt, landfill gas, biomass, anaerobic digestion, small be sited away from residential properties. nature conservation designations, and scale hydroelectric schemes, photovoltaics and Wind turbines can have significant visual impact and Conservation Areas will only be permitted if energy from biodegradable waste. Revised regional also more local impacts in terms of noise. the developer has established that it would be targets are being prepared for the amount of energy impractical to site the development outside that is supplied from renewable resources. A need such areas, and that any adverse impacts of 12.35 has been identified to strengthen the policy the proposal would be minimised through framework at the local level, including local planning Some renewable energy projects can, if sited within careful site selection, location, scale, design guidance, to promote the achievement of renewable the Green Belt, constitute “inappropriate” and screening. energy generation targets. development, which may impact on the openness of 4. Any large scale new residential, commercial the Green Belt. Careful consideration will therefore and industrial developments will be required to need to be given to the visual impact of such projects generate at least 10% of the predicted energy 12.33 and developers will need to demonstrate very special requirements from renewable sources, where The topography of Knowsley limits its potential circumstances that clearly outweigh any harm by this is practicable and viable given the type of contribution to the generation of some forms of reason of inappropriateness in these areas. Such very development proposed, its location and design. renewable energy. However, there is considered to be special circumstances may include the wider scope to develop renewable energy from: environmental and sustainable development benefits associated with increased production of energy from EXPLANATION MW7 • Combustion of energy crops and / or agricultural renewable sources. Where renewable energy is and forestry biomass; 12.30 proposed in the Green Belt it will be necessary for the • Small anaerobic digestion plants fuelled by Renewable energy is the term used to cover those applicant to demonstrate compliance with the farm biogas; energy flows that occur naturally and repeatedly in relevant policies in chapter 9 “Green Belt and the the environment-energy from the sun, the wind and • Small scale wind turbines e.g. on buildings or Rural Economy”. the oceans and the fall of water. The advantages of within industrial parks; and using renewable sources of energy, as opposed to

15 ”Our energy future - creating a low carbon economy”, CM5761, February 2003

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12.38 12.39

The Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West The Council's proposed Supplementary Planning proposes in its draft partial review (2004), that Document on design issues will contain further CHAPTER 13 proposals for new developments such as housing, advice on incorporation of renewable energy industrial and commercial uses should be requirements in the design of new development. encouraged to incorporate infrastructure to meet at Environmental least some of the energy requirements of the POLICY LINKS proposed development. Therefore, policy MW7 Protection requires that large scale new residential, commercial See policy links listed under policy MW2 and industrial developments will be required to Policy G1 and Nature generate at least 10% of the predicted energy "Development within the Green Belt" requirements from renewable sources. Where a Conservation developer considers that it is not feasible to generate Policy DQ1 10% of the energy requirement from on-site "Design Quality in New Development" renewable sources, the developer should provide Policy T12 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES KEY ISSUES - ENVIRONMENTAL evidence with the planning application demonstrating “Aerodrome Safeguarding” • To ensure that new development protects or RISKS AND POLLUTION why this is the case. enhances the quality of air, land and the water 13.2 environment in Knowsley. Photovoltaic installations on domestic properties will The first part of the chapter (policies ENV1 to ENV8) • To ensure that the design of new development also be considered under policy H8 “Extensions and provides guidance on: provides for good levels of amenity and avoids Alterations to Residential Properties”. • The control of polluting development; any detrimental impacts on nearby occupiers. • The control of hazardous industries, • To protect and manage Knowsley’s sites and pipelines etc.; species of nature conservation importance • Control over sensitive uses (such as housing) (including those identified as requiring where these would be close to existing sources of protection in the North Merseyside pollution or hazard; Biodiversity Action Plan) and encourage a net • Development on contaminated land; gain in the biodiversity resource. • Flood risk and drainage; and • The siting of new telecommunications masts. INTRODUCTION 13.3 13.1 The planning system does not operate alone in This chapter covers a number of environmental controlling potentially polluting or hazardous issues which are concerned with protection of the developments. Other legislative controls exist and are public and the environment from risk of harm arising described in relation to each policy. Planning decisions from development. will be used to complement, rather than duplicate, the controls available under other legislation.

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KEY ISSUES - NATURE POLICY ENV1: therefore need to be identified at the original design IMPACT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT ON CONSERVATION CONTROL OF POLLUTION IN NEW DEVELOPMENT stage so that the full effects of a proposed WATER QUALITY development can be considered at the outset. 13.14 13.4 Development will not be permitted which is likely to cause significant harm to amenity as a result of The second part of the chapter (policies ENV9 and 10) Bodies of water, in the form of groundwater, impact on any of the following: IMPACT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT ON watercourses and lakes, are valuable for wildlife, the provides guidance which seeks to protect sites and AIR QUALITY species of nature conservation importance. Knowsley a) Air quality; quality of life of local people and provision of water contains a number of ecological sites and species, 13.11 supplies. These environmental assets are sensitive b) The quality of land and soil (due to which are identified as important within the North to pollution. Developments that may give rise to an contamination); or Under the National Air Quality Strategy, the Council increase in the level of pollution of the water Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan (NMBAP). may adopt Air Quality Management Action Plans. c) The quality of the water environment. environment could have a detrimental impact on fish The NMBAP is an important document, prepared These plans may be adopted on the declaration of Air populations and other species. Many streams run under the provisions of the Government’s biodiversity Quality Management Areas identified by the Council 16 through Knowsley and the Borough is underlain by strategy - see footnote . in accordance with the Environment Act 1995. EXPLANATION ENV1 rocks that serve as valuable groundwater reservoirs. The Council is currently identifying priority areas in 13.8 It is important to maintain the quantity and quality of which developers will have to demonstrate that their 13.5 these groundwater resources. Protection of the Policy ENV1 aims to ensure that new development, proposals will not affect Air Quality Standards. Borough’s water resources will be achieved through The NMBAP identifies sites, species and habitats of where it is not adequately controlled by other the continued support of the Mersey Basin Trust and conservation importance, together with links between pollution control legislation, will not be the Alt 2000+ Partnership action plans. wildlife habitats which should be protected. permitted where it would cause harm to air, land 13.12 The Environment Agency will be consulted on or water quality. Air pollution will be a material consideration in any developments that may have an impact on rivers, planning decision which may affect air quality (either 13.6 streams or groundwater resources. The Environment within or outside Air Quality Management Areas). 13.9 Agency has the power to control discharge to Additional information concerning nature Separate policies in chapter 8 “Transport” require controlled waters under the Water Resources conservation is also provided in the Alt/Crossens and Polluting industrial processes (and emissions to air, that development which would generate significant Act 1991. the Lower Mersey Local Environment Agency Plans land and water, noise, heat, waste, energy and raw amounts of traffic within an Air Quality Management (LEAPs). These identify, for example, a need to retain material usage) are controlled under the Area may require the submission of detailed wetland features, in view of the rarity of such habitats Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Pollution transport assessments or Travel Plans. POLICY LINKS in Knowsley and their importance for habitat creation, Prevention and Control Regulations Act 1999. Policy H5 landscape renewal and recreation. This legislation is implemented by the Council’s Environmental Health and Consumer Protection IMPACT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT ON THE “Development within Primarily Residential Areas” officers and the Environment Agency. QUALITY OF LAND AND SOIL Policy T8 13.7 13.13 “Transport Assessments” The Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West Policy T9 13.10 New development, for example for industrial uses, requires the Council to set out a coherent and waste disposal or mineral extraction, can, if not “Travel Plans” functional ecological framework which identifies In considering proposals for development it will be adequately controlled cause contamination of soil and Policy MW4 priority biodiversity resources, areas of land which necessary to take into account the effect that any reduce the quality of the land. Waste management “Waste Management Strategy” have the potential for returning these resources to pollution which may result from the development operations are controlled by the Environment Agency viable levels and wildlife corridors. Work is currently may have on amenity of the surrounding area and Policy MW5 through the Waste Management Licensing being carried out to develop Knowsley's spatial also the effect on amenity of measures that may be “Waste Management and Treatment Facilities” needed to comply with other pollution control Regulations. Planning controls will be used where ecological framework in accordance with the RSS. Policies ENV2 to ENV7 below legislation. For example, pollution controls under necessary to complement these other controls to other legislation may require the use of high chimney prevent contamination arising from new development. stacks or other pollution control measures to serve A separate policy within this chapter (policy ENV5) new development. These can in themselves have a deals with how the Council will assess proposals significant visual impact and such measures for new development on sites which are already contaminated.

16The Government’s biodiversity strategy is entitled “Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan”

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POLICY ENV2: POLICY LINKS 13.18 installations is subject to planning controls, for NOISE AND VIBRATION example under the Planning (Control of Major Policy H5 Planning applications for development should be Accident Hazards) Regulations 1999. The objective in accompanied by details of any lighting schemes 1. Development that will either cause an “Development within Primarily Residential Areas” operating these controls is to maintain appropriate proposed to allow assessment of any likely impact. unacceptable increase in noise or vibration Policy G2 distances between establishments and residential levels or itself be subject to unacceptable “Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green areas, areas of public use and areas of particular noise or vibration from an existing source will Belt” POLICY LINKS sensitivity or interest. The Council will consult the not be permitted. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about any Policy OS2 Policy H5 2. Where developments are permitted, conditions proposals to site new hazardous installations, or to “Urban Greenspace” “Development within Primarily Residential Areas” may be attached to the planning permission to modify existing installations, within Knowsley. Policy DQ1 Policy T12 ensure effective noise insulation or other required mitigation measures are carried out. “Design Quality in New Development” “Aerodrome Safeguarding” 13.20 Policy G2 The Borough of Knowsley already contains a number POLICY ENV3: “Landscape Character and Amenities of the Green EXPLANATION ENV2 of hazardous substances establishments and major LIGHT POLLUTION Belt” 13.15 accident hazard pipelines. Whilst they are subject to Policy OS2 stringent controls under existing health and safety Noise problems can be created when proposals for 1. Development requiring external lighting must “Urban Greenspace” legislation, it is considered prudent to control the noise generating development would be located near satisfy the following criteria: kinds of development permitted in the vicinity of to existing noise sensitive uses such as housing, a) The lighting scheme proposed is the POLICY ENV4: these installations. The HSE has advised the Council hospitals and schools. Areas that are considered minimum required for security and HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES on consultation distances for each of these tranquil (e.g. parts of the countryside or urban working purposes to undertake the task; installations. In determining whether or not to grant greenspace areas) should also be considered as b) There would be no unacceptable impact on 1. Development which involves the use or storage planning permission for a proposed development noise sensitive and preserved for their amenity value. visual amenity in the surrounding area; of hazardous substances, including within these consultation distances the Council will Conversely, problems can also be experienced where modifications to existing establishments, will consult the HSE about risks to the proposed proposals for sensitive uses such as new housing c) The scheme will not have an unacceptable not be permitted if it would cause unacceptable development from the hazardous installation. would be located close to existing factories, roads or effect on road safety; risk to the users of the site, surrounding land other existing sources of noise. d) The scheme will not harm wildlife; and users or the environment. POLICY LINKS e) There will be no unacceptable loss of 2. Development within the consultation zones Policy EC3 PROCEDURES residential amenity. around existing hazardous installations or “Primarily Industrial Areas” 13.16 pipelines will only be permitted if:

Problems can be avoided by ensuring adequate EXPLANATION ENV3 a) The level of risk to occupiers, visitors or users of the proposed development is separation distances between sensitive uses and 13.17 sources of noise or vibration. Where a development considered acceptable; or The lighting of developments is important for security would be likely to generate significant levels of noise, b) The proposal includes measures that will and safety reasons. However, different forms of or be sensitive to an existing noise source, the mitigate the likely risks to the lighting, from street lighting to security lighting, Council will require that a noise assessment report surrounding population. increasingly and unnecessarily pollute today’s be submitted as part of the planning application. environment. Poorly designed or badly aimed lights The proposals will also need to incorporate any that are responsible for “sky-glow” can have necessary measures to reduce noise or disturbance EXPLANATION ENV4 detrimental effects on wildlife, astronomical to acceptable levels. Noise control measures such as 13.19 interests, highway safety and reduce the feeling of earth mounds or fencing should be designed so that remoteness in rural areas. The Council may in some A fundamental aim of this policy is to prevent major they are as visually attractive as possible (including cases use conditions to require that lighting is accident hazards and limit the consequences of such sensitive design and siting and an appropriate degree orientated away from residential properties or from hazards. Certain sites and pipelines are designated of landscaping). Further guidance on noise nearby amenity or countryside areas. as hazardous installations by virtue of the quantities assessments can be found in Planning Policy of hazardous substance present. The siting of such Guidance Note 24 “Planning and Noise”.

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POLICY ENV5: contamination include for example chemical or after the development is complete this must be 3. Where remedial measures are necessary a CONTAMINATED LAND biological contamination or contamination from reported to the Council according to prior agreement. verification report must be submitted before gas from any source. Issues of stability and The developer is responsible for carrying out any the development is brought into use to 1. New development will not be permitted if there subsidence should also be considered when further remediation works which such risk demonstrate that remedial work has been is existing contamination on the site which proposing development on made or potentially assessments indicate are necessary. satisfactorily completed. could, as a result of the proposed development, contaminated ground. 4. Where ongoing monitoring and risk place the occupiers or users of the assessment are necessary, reports must be development, ecological systems, the water 13.26 submitted to the Council on an agreed basis. environment or surrounding land uses at PROCEDURES Under Part IIA of The Environmental Protection Act The developer must undertake any further unacceptable risk. 13.23 1990, the Council has prepared a strategy (see investigations or remedial measures which the 2. Where there is evidence that a site may be footnote17) which describes how it will inspect its It is the developer’s responsibility to find out the risk assessment shows to be required. unacceptably affected by contamination, area for contaminated land, and seek to secure the extent of any harmful substances affecting their sites. proposals shall be accompanied by a site remediation of any land which is found to be It is important to protect the development site and investigation report and schedule of contaminated. Developers are advised to have regard EXPLANATION ENV6 other receptors from any contamination. However, the remedial measures. to any liability that they may have under this 13.27 Council will have regard to sources of information at legislation when carrying out development proposals. 3. Where remedial measures are necessary then its disposal and will provide advice to developers. The decomposition of material within landfill sites Failure to remediate sites to a standard compatible a verification report must be submitted before can cause the generation of landfill gas. This gas can with the part IIA regime may leave a developer liable the development is brought into use to migrate in any direction through permeable ground, 13.24 for future remedial works. demonstrate that remedial work has been structures such as drains or even dissolved in water. satisfactorily completed. Where there is evidence that a site is potentially Gas can subsequently enter or affect adjacent land or buildings and pose an unacceptable risk to human 4. Where ongoing monitoring and risk contaminated, the Council will require site POLICY LINKS investigations and risk assessments to be carried health, property or ecosystems. Without control, the assessment are necessary, reports must be Policy ENV9 accumulation of gas may lead to explosions and fire submitted to the Council on an agreed basis. out. Details of these, together with any remedial “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” risk, or to odours and the risk of asphyxiation or toxic The developer must undertake any further measures that are considered to be necessary and Policy ENV6 effects. The latter may also affect ecosystems. investigations or remedial measures which the their timetable for completion, should be submitted, risk assessment shows to be required. normally at the planning application stage, and "Landfill Gas" agreed with the Council. Where there is evidence that 13.28 development of a contaminated site could cause risk POLICY ENV6: In the event of failure of active gas control measures EXPLANATION ENV5 to an existing ecosystem, applicants will also be LANDFILL GAS an unacceptable risk would be presented to property. required to submit an ecological survey with the 13.21 Gas monitors used to back up such systems may also application together with details of how the risk 1. Development on former landfill sites, or within fail. In the event of such failures there would be a Previously developed sites may have been affected by would be mitigated. past land use in such a way that may cause harm to 250 metres of current or former landfill sites very high risk of a serious incident. It is therefore the human health or the environment. Such sites need will only be permitted, where the applicant can Council’s policy not to permit residential development to be brought back into beneficial use in line with 13.25 clearly demonstrate that there is no risk from where site conditions are such as to require active the Government’s policy on regeneration of the generation or migration of landfill gas or gas control measures. This approach is in line with Planning conditions or legal agreements will be used 18 19 brownfield sites. other hazardous substances, or that guidance (see footnotes and ). to ensure that agreed remedial measures are carried satisfactory measures can be taken to counter out to the approved timetable, and that the any possible hazard either to the development satisfactory completion of such measures is verified by 13.22 site or other receptors. a suitably qualified expert. A verification report, 2. Residential development will not be Historically, the main industries within Knowsley have including evidence to confirm that works have been permitted where active gas control measures included collieries, the extraction of other minerals satisfactorily completed, must be submitted before are necessary. (including, gravel, sandstone, marl, clay and pebble such conditions can be fully discharged. Evidence beds), cable manufacture, watch making and should include for example: photographs; on site logs potteries. The deposit of various materials has taken and records; results of any validation testing; waste 17 ”Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy” Knowsley MBC, June 2001 place within various locations, for example through transfer notes; and delivery notes for new materials. 18 Building Regulations 2000, Approved Document C “Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture the infilling of excavations. Potential sources of Where monitoring and risk assessment are needed 19 BR212 “Construction of New Building on Gas Contaminated Land” Building Research Establishment

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PROCEDURES 13.32 d) Contribute to the biodiversity resource of 13.35 the Borough. 13.29 Planning conditions or legal agreements will be used The policy also imposes controls over new to ensure that appropriate measures are 4. New development will not be permitted unless development which may itself increase flooding Article 10 of the Town and Country Planning (General incorporated into proposals to control the migration a Sustainable Drainage System is incorporated elsewhere by increasing surface run-off, thereby over Development Procedure) Order 1995 requires the of gas or other mobile substances and to monitor and into the overall design. Exceptions may be stretching the capacity of watercourses and sewers. Council to consult with the Waste Regulation if necessary remediate any potential problems made where it can be demonstrated that: Authority (now the Environment Agency) before To control run off as close to the source as possible, granting planning permission for development within following development. a) The Sustainable Drainage System would be the use of Sustainable Drainage systems (SuDs) is 250 metres of land which: likely to cause either significant land or often appropriate. These represent a move away from water pollution; or traditional piped drainage systems to those that a. is or has, at any time in the 30 years prior to the POLICY LINKS b) The site’s ground conditions would mimic natural drainage processes e.g. balancing submission of the application, been used for the Policy ENV9 preclude the use of a Sustainable Drainage ponds and infiltration devices. deposit of refuse or waste; or “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” System; or b. is or has been notified to the Council by the Policy ENV5 Waste Regulation Authority for the purposes of c) The size of the site precludes the use of a 13.36 “Contaminated land” this provision. Sustainable Drainage System; or Part 4) of this policy aims to complement Part H of d) The proposed Sustainable Drainage System the Building Regulations 2000 by ensuring that SuDS POLICY ENV7: could cause damage to adjacent buildings 13.30 are incorporated into the overall design of the or sites. FLOOD RISK AND DRAINAGE development. The policy will apply to developments The Environment Agency maintains a publicly comprising one dwelling or more and also to available register of former landfill sites, and notifies 1. Development at an unacceptable risk of applications for new retail, industrial and Knowsley Council of sites within the Borough. flooding will not be permitted. Where a EXPLANATION ENV7 warehousing, as well as commercial uses such The statutory distance where consultation is required development would be within an area of flood 13.33 as hotels. (250 metres) is a minimum, and the Council may risk, the applicant will be required to: consult the Environment Agency about suspect sites It is recognised by the Council that flood risk is a) submit evidence to establish that the outside the consultation zone. The Council will likely to increase as a result of climate change. development could not be practicably 13.37 consult closely with the Environment Agency at all Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 “Development and located within an area of lower or no stages of an application, as advised in Department of Flood Risk” requires new development to be SuDS may be inappropriate in areas which comprise flood risk. the Environment Circular 17/89. consistent with the sustainable management of river soils with low infiltration rates or where there may be b) submit a flood risk assessment, which will systems. Within Knowsley this means having regard an increased risk of polluting land or water. fully assess the risks of flooding associated to Merseyside-wide initiatives including the For example, SuDS may not be suitable for use on 13.31 with the development in accordance with Mersey Basin Campaign and the Alt/Crossens contaminated sites or where industrial development It is the developer’s responsibility to supply the the requirements of Planning Policy Action Plan 2000+. is proposed that uses or stores hazardous materials. following information if required: Guidance note 25 "Development and It will be the responsibility of the applicant to Flood Risk". i) A site investigation report containing demonstrate why it may be inappropriate to 13.34 information on the nature and extent of landfill 2. Development will not be permitted if it incorporate SuDS into the overall design of their gas and any other harmful mobile substances; may cause an unacceptable risk of The areas currently identified as being at risk from scheme. Whilst secondary benefits such as the flooding elsewhere. flooding within Knowsley are within the catchment of creation of new biodiversity habitats are to be ii) A site specific risk assessment for gas; 3. Mitigation measures will be required, where the River Alt in the northern part of the Borough and welcomed, the primary functions of SuDS must iii) A schedule of any remedial measures that are necessary, to manage flood risk associated Ditton Brook to the south. These areas are based take priority. necessary to prevent migrating gas or other with or caused by new development. upon the most up to date data from the Environment harmful substances causing a hazard either These should: Agency. Policy ENV7 requires proposals for new during the course of development or during the development (other than for very minor development subsequent use of the site; a) Be derived from a flood risk assessment; such as small extensions and alterations) that are to b) Be fully described in the planning iv) Where remedial measures are put in place a be located in an area of flood risk to be accompanied application; verification report; and by evidence to establish that there are no areas of v) Where appropriate, evidence that adequate c) Be fully funded - including for the provision lower or no flood risk available for that development. provision has been made for the continued of long-term maintenance - as part of the monitoring of gas on site. development; and

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PROCEDURES POLICY ENV8: EXPLANATION ENV8 new freestanding mast. Developers will therefore TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENTS be expected to demonstrate that they have 13.38 13.40 considered mast sharing or the use of an existing 1. Proposals for new telecommunications masts A flood risk/run-off assessment will be required as The telecommunications industry is constantly building as an option before they can obtain and associated antennae and buildings will not part of the planning application for any development evolving, and it is recognised that the planning permission for a new mast. be permitted unless the applicant has which is likely to cause or be subject to a risk of system has a role in facilitating the improvement and demonstrated that the following criteria would flooding. The Council will adopt a Supplementary expansion of telecommunications coverage. be satisfied: 13.44 Planning Document which will describe where the However, it is important that such development does areas of flood risk are, using the most up to date a) Where the proposal is for a free standing not compromise environmental quality. All applications for a new telecommunication copy of the Environment Agency’s flood zone maps mast, the need for the development could structure (on a mast or an existing building) must not, for technical reasons, be met in a and to explain the other requirements of this policy demonstrate that the proposal is needed to provide more environmentally acceptable 13.41 further. Merseyside-wide planning guidance is adequate coverage or quality of service to users of manner by: currently being prepared for SuDs to provide more Telecommunication development includes radio the network. Site conditions, technical constraints, • detailed guidance including cross boundary flooding Sharing an existing mast or site, masts and towers, antennae of all kinds, radio landscape features and capacity requirements will and drainage issues. • Erecting antennae on an existing equipment housing, public call boxes, cabinets, poles affect the options for the design used by an operator. building or other structure; and overhead wires. The Government’s general policy on telecommunication development is to facilitate the 13.39 b) The development would not, by reason of 13.45 its scale, siting or design, have an growth and efficiency of telecommunication systems, Planning conditions or legal agreements will be used unacceptable impact on the character or whilst keeping the environmental impact of such The preferred location for telecommunications to ensure that where appropriate Sustainable appearance of the surrounding area, or the development to a minimum (Planning Policy development, particularly larger equipment, will Drainage Systems are provided and maintained. amenity of nearby residents. Guidance Note 8: 2001). A significant proportion of normally be within industrial and other employment new telecommunications development is connected areas, where feasible. Any applications for 2. New telecommunications development will not with the roll-out of mobile telephone networks. telecommunication development in environmentally be permitted within environmentally sensitive These networks are subject, in addition to planning sensitive areas such as Conservation Areas, the areas, such as Conservation Areas, residential controls, to licensing controls exercised by the Office setting of Listed Buildings, the Green Belt, areas of areas or the Green Belt, unless the applicant has demonstrated that there are no other of Communications (OFCOM). attractive landscape, Sites of Biological or Geological suitable alternative sites outside such areas interest, or Local Nature Reserves should and that appropriate steps have been taken to demonstrate that there are no suitable alternative 13.42 minimise any visual impact through careful locations and that the development would be siting, design and screening. All large new telecommunications masts (of over sensitively sited and designed. 15 metres in height) and some smaller masts require 3. Applications for development by full planning permission. Many types of smaller telecommunications code system operators 13.46 must be accompanied by: development (whilst not requiring a planning permission) require a determination from the Council The impact of telecommunications equipment on a) Evidence that the proposal would comply as to whether prior approval will be required for the human health is a major public concern and all with all relevant ICNIRP14 Standards (or siting and appearance of the proposed installation. proposals for telecommunications development will future guidance which may supersede the Policy ENV8 applies both to cases requiring planning be required to meet all relevant standards of the current guidelines), taking into account any permission and to applications for determinations. International Commission on Non-Ionizing cumulative emissions from other nearby telecommunications equipment; Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Consequently all applications should be accompanied by a statement b) Evidence of how the proposal fits into the 13.43 to the effect that the appliance when operational will wider network, regionally and nationally. In planning for new telecommunications meet the guidelines. c) Where the telecommunication development, a key requirement for the operators will development would be on or near a school be to minimise the impact of the network on the or college site, evidence that the governing visual appearance of the area. Often, it will be body of the relevant school or college has appropriate to share an existing mast or construct a been consulted. mast on an existing building rather than construct a

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13.47 a) That the development cannot reasonably be LOCALLY DESIGNATED SITES LINKAGES BETWEEN HABITATS located elsewhere and the benefits of the The requirements of policy ENV8 are based on those 13.50 13.54 development would clearly outweigh any set down in “A Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone harm to the nature conservation or Knowsley has a number of sites (shown on the Isolated wildlife habitats tend to be less rich in Network Development” (ODPM, 2002). geological value of the site; and Proposals Map) which are locally important, either for species than continuous, larger tracts. This is their nature conservation or for their geological particularly true in urban areas, where habitats are b) All practical measures will be taken to interest. Sites of Biological Interest (SBIs - see list in separated from one another by development. POLICY LINKS minimise harm to nature conservation Appendix 8) are important for wildlife interest whilst Linear and continuous structures, such as rivers with Policy T12 or earth science interests and mitigate Sites of Local Geological Interest (SLGIs) are their banks or stepping stones (such as ponds or “Aerodrome Safeguarding” any unavoidable harm within or near to designated because of their earth science features. small woods), are essential for the migration, the site. Policy H5 dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. “Development in Primarily Residential Areas” 3. Where planning permission is granted Policy ENV9 therefore will provide protection to planning conditions and/or agreements may 13.51 Policy G1 land which provides valuable links between be used to ensure the implementation of existing habitats. “Development within the Green Belt” In addition to the controls provided by policy ENV9, appropriate measures to compensate for the Local Nature Reserve (of which there is currently Policy DQ5 any residual impacts and to enhance the only one within the Borough, at Acornfield Plantation, “Development in Conservation Areas” CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS site’s management. Kirkby) enjoys further statutory protection, being AFFECTING WILDLIFE HABITATS Policy DQ7 managed by the local authority under powers granted “Listed Buildings” EXPLANATION ENV9 by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside 13.55 Act. This statutory provision establishes nature Planning applications that are likely to affect 13.48 conservation as the primary land use within this site. POLICY ENV9: important habitats or geological sites (whether Policy ENV9 will ensure that the UDP supports the PROTECTION OF HABITATS AND DESIGNATED designated or not) must be accompanied by an expert North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan (NMBAP) SITES NON-DESIGNATED SITES ecological survey and assessment which must: and Local Environment Agency Plans (see • Describe in full the nature conservation interest introduction to this chapter) by giving special 13.52 1. Development proposals will not be permitted if of the site and the likely impact of the protection to a range of wildlife habitats. they would destroy or have a significant Policy ENV9 also lends protection to other sites development on this; adverse effect on nature conservation interests which, although they are not formally designated on • Identify any mitigation measures that will be within any of the following: the Proposals Map, are important to wild animals and NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY included to offset any harm to nature plants. This part of the policy brings the Plan into line a) Any sites which are designated nationally DESIGNATED SITES conservation interests; and with the 1994 Habitats Regulations, which recognise or internationally; 13.49 that wildlife importance can extend beyond formally • Supply supporting evidence laying out the b) Locally designated sites including: Under the National Parks and Access to the designated sites. reasons why the development cannot reasonably i. Sites of Biological Interest (SBIs); Countryside Act 1949 and other legislation, sites can be located elsewhere. be designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or ii. Sites of Local Geological Interest 13.53 (SLGIs); as National Nature Reserves. Areas of international 13.56 significance are protected under separate European The local habitats in Knowsley that have been iii. Local Nature Reserves; law and conventions. Knowsley does not currently identified in the NMBAP as requiring protection Where it seems likely that a development could lead c) Other sites, which include habitats or have sites protected either by national or include the following: to loss or damage, the Council will seek discussions with developers (and where necessary impose other features of the landscape, or links international designations, but policy ENV9 and any • conifer woodland, lowland mixed broad-leaf conditions or enter into legal agreements with the between habitats identified as priorities other criteria within Planning Policy Statement 9 woodland (including ancient woodland), developer) to prevent avoidable damage and also to nationally or in the North Merseyside "Biodiversity and Geological Conservation" will apply lowland wood-pasture and parkland, lowland explore possibilities for creating or enhancing Biodiversity Action Plan. in the event of these designations being made during heath land, lowland raised bog, pond habitat, the Plan period. habitats in line with NMBAP and Regional 2. Exceptions from the requirements of 1) reed bed habitat, urban grasslands and field Biodiversity Targets. Where it is not possible to above may be permitted (on locally or boundaries habitat. secure satisfactory mitigation of any harm caused by non-designated sites only) in cases where the a proposed development, the Council will only grant applicant has proven: permission if it is satisfied that the development

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would bring benefits (for example related to the EXPLANATION ENV10 PROCEDURES POLICY LINKS urban regeneration objectives of this Plan) which 13.57 13.60 Policy G6 would clearly outweigh any harm caused. “Conversion or Change of Use of Existing Buildings in Some species of animals and plants are protected by All Planning applications likely to affect protected, rare or vulnerable species should be supported the Green Belt” POLICY LINKS law and their presence is a material consideration in planning decisions. All wild birds and certain plants by an expert ecological survey and assessment. Policy OS2 Policy G6 and animals are protected under the Wildlife and This should: “Urban Greenspace” “Conversion or Change of Use of Existing Buildings in Countryside Act 1981, in which case it is a criminal a) Describe in full the nature conservation interest Policy ENV9 the Green Belt” offence to harm the species or their habitat. Bats and on the site and the likely impact of the “Protection of Habitats and Designated Sites” Policy OS2 great crested newts are further protected under the development on this; and Habitats Regulations. Developments affecting such “Urban Greenspace” b) Identify any mitigation measures that will be species must pass statutory tests that are laid down Policy ENV10 included to offset any harm to nature in the Regulations. In addition to planning permission conservation interests. “Protection of Species” such developments may require a licence which can be obtained from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. POLICY ENV10: PROTECTION OF SPECIES 13.58 1. Development proposals will not be permitted where there is evidence that they would harm, It is advisable for prospective developers to check as directly or indirectly, a legally protected early as possible whether any protected, rare or species or its habitat, unless it can be vulnerable species are present on potential sites for demonstrated that the impact can be development. Where proposals may harm such successfully mitigated or that the development species or their habitat an appropriate survey should cannot reasonably be located elsewhere and be carried out by a suitably experienced and qualified the benefits of development clearly outweigh person and submitted with the proposal. If it is the harm it would cause. Planning applications considered that a development would be likely to likely to affect protected, rare of vulnerable result in harm to a legally protected species or its species should be supported by an expert habitat, English Nature will be consulted before the survey and specialist advice. application is determined.

2. In the case of species that are identified in the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan or 13.59 which are not legally protected but which are The North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan nevertheless rare or vulnerable, the identifies the following species in Knowsley which are development proposals should be designed so of conservation concern: as to prevent and/or mitigate any harm. • Corn Bunting, Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Skylark, 3. Where permission is granted, a planning Song thrush, Urban Birds (House Sparrow, condition or legal agreement should be used to Starling), Bats, Brown Hare, Water Vole, Common secure the continued protection of that species Lizard, Great Crested Newt and Bluebells. and protection or enhancement of its habitat.

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CHAPTER 14 Community Benefits and Planning Agreements

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES POLICY PA1: PLANNING AGREEMENTS This chapter links to all the strategic objectives set down in chapter 3 "Vision and Objectives". 1. Legal agreements will be used as appropriate The aim is to ensure that planning agreements are to ensure that new development contributes to used as a pro-active tool as and when necessary and complies with the Strategic Objectives and to deliver the vision and objectives of the Plan. policies of this Plan.

2. Legal agreements with developers will only be INTRODUCTION sought where: 14.1 a) The development would not otherwise be acceptable and a planning condition would The Council is keen to encourage development and not be effective; regeneration within Knowsley. However, in some b) The agreement would cover those matters cases development can impose costs or harm on the which would otherwise result in community or on the environment. Such costs can permission being withheld and where include, for example, the need to provide and practicable would enhance the overall maintain public open space, recreational facilities or quality of the development; and transport facilities to meet the needs of a new development, or harm to environmental assets. c) The requirements of the agreement would be necessary, relevant to planning, directly related to the proposed development, fairly 14.2 and reasonably related in scale and kind to Under the planning legislation (see footnote20), the the proposed development, and reasonable Council can enter into agreements with developers. in all other respects. The policy set down in this chapter explains how the Council will use planning obligations and agreements in a pro-active way, to mitigate any costs arising from development proposals and thereby help achieve the objectives of this Plan.

20 The legal powers for Local Planning Authorities to enter into legal agreements with developers are set down in Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended). The new Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 will replace the existing legislation, but the relevant part of the Act has yet to be enacted. The implications of the new legislation are described at the end of this chapter.

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EXPLANATION PA1 14.6 Table 14.1 14.3 Developers will only be liable to enter into planning Measures or funding provision likely to be sought agreements where their development would not through planning agreements with developers In considering any planning applications for otherwise (with the use of any conditions which may development, the Council must assess whether the be necessary) comply with the policies of this Plan. Measures or funding provision Measures or funding provision development complies with the policies of this Plan. In practical terms, agreements are unlikely to be Chapter Area likely to be sought Chapter Area likely to be sought If the development does comply with the policies of necessary for most minor developments such as this Plan, planning permission will in most cases be extensions or alteration to existing buildings. Chapter 5 • Phasing of large housing sites. • To secure community use of granted. If the development would not comply with “Housing” sporting or educational the policies, the Council will firstly consider whether facilities. Chapter 6 • Use of local labour in new any harm likely to be caused can be alleviated 14.7 “Economic development proposals. • through the use of planning conditions (see glossary). Chapter 11 Provision of an acceptable The content of agreements (for example the size of Development” Guidance on the use of planning conditions is set “Development balance and phasing of uses in any financial contributions that are required) will be Quality and the mixed-use developments. down in DETR Circular 11/95 “The use of conditions Chapter 7 • Provision of car parking for the subject of negotiation between the Council and Built • Provision of art or sculpture in in planning permissions”. If any harm associated with “Town Centres use by the public. the prospective developer. The scale and kind of Environment” public places. a development cannot be mitigated by the use of a and Shopping” • Funding of town centre benefit sought will always be related reasonably to • Funding of off site condition, the Council will then consider whether a improvements such as the needs likely to be generated by the development. compensatory tree planting - planning agreement can be used to offset the harm improved CCTV provision, see policy DQ4. (as an alternative to refusing permission). landscaping, paving and street • Conservation of buildings, 14.8 furniture. structures and places of • Improvements to community 14.4 In the case of planning agreements requiring a historic or architectural or buildings such as libraries, financial contribution towards a community benefit, archaeological interest - see Planning agreements can either: community centres or health payment will be made into specific funds managed by centres. policies DQ5 to DQ9. • Restrict development or the use of land; the Council for achieving the requirements of the • Management and promotion of Chapter 12 • Provision of recycling facilities. • Require operations to be carried out, or the land policies of the UDP. town centres. “Minerals, Waste to be used in any specific way; or Chapter 8 • Improvements to public and Energy” • Require payments to be made to the authority POLICY LINKS “Transport” transport system Chapter 13 • Off site mitigation measures either by a single sum or periodically. infrastructure, highways, The list in table 14.1, which is not exhaustive, “Environmental needed to prevent harm from cycleways and/or pedestrian indicates what types of obligation the Council is Protection and pollution or other routes - see policies 14.5 most commonly likely to seek from developers. Nature environmental risks T2, T5, T6, T7 and T9. Conservation” (e.g. noise control bunds, Agreements can be positive, requiring a developer to • flood prevention measures) - do a specific thing, or negative - restricting a party to Chapter 9 Off-site landscape “Green Belt enhancements – see policy G2. see policies ENV1 to ENV7. the agreement or his successors from developing or and the Rural • Provision of mitigation using the land in a specified way. Agreements must Economy” measures where a be directly related to the development and to the UDP development would damage a policies and proposals for the area. Agreements may Chapter 10 • Provision and maintenance of natural habitat, geological site, require provision of a specific community benefit or “Urban areas of greenspace or or important species - see facility, and/or a financial contribution towards the Greenspace, landscaping principally of policies ENV9 and 10. provision of such a benefit by the Council. Sport and benefit to the development - Recreation” see policy OS5. • Improvements to and provision of community buildings and greenspaces for recreational, leisure, sporting or educational purposes - see policy OS6.

168 169 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 MONITORING AND REVIEW

IMPLICATIONS OF THE PLANNING AND Development Plan Document) various matters COMPULSORY PURCHASE ACT 2004 including the types of development for which they will consider, or not consider, accepting a planning 14.9 contribution, and the basis on which the value of CHAPTER 15 Under the terms of the Planning and Compulsory contributions will be calculated. The relevant part of Purchase Act 2004, planning agreements will be the new Act has yet to be commenced, and detailed replaced by “planning contributions”. Regulations concerning its operation have yet to be Local authorities will be able to ask developers to made. The policy guidance set down in this chapter make payments or other contributions, either should therefore be viewed as interim pending the Monitoring through a pre-set “planning charge”, the details of introduction of the new system of planning which will need to be published beforehand by the contributions. Following the commencement of the and Review Council, or through agreements which are specifically new Act, the Council will set down its policy on the negotiated for particular cases. The Act introduces use of contributions in a future Development Plan new legal duties for local authorities to identify (in a Document for Knowsley. HOW WILL WE MONITOR INDICATORS AND TARGETS PROGRESS? 15.3 15.1 The government has produced a set of national core The Plan contains a number of strategic objectives. indicators against which the success of local planning For each objective, a number of targets and documents can be assessed. The Council will use the indicators have been identified. Progress against national indicators (indicated in table 15.1 below) to these will be monitored by the following means: monitor progress in implementing the policies of this UDP. The Council is also considering developing a set • Measuring the amount and type of development - of local indicators which can be used with other e.g. the number of new houses; amount of land Merseyside authorities to monitor planning issues on developed for employment uses etc.; a sub-regional basis. • Monitoring compliance with the Plan policies when the Council makes decisions on planning applications; and

• Monitoring any loss of environmental assets protected by the Plan.

15.2

An annual monitoring report will be produced. If it appears that the targets are not being met, or have no longer become appropriate, suitable adjustments will be made in a future review of this Plan.

170 171 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 MONITORING AND REVIEW MONITORING AND REVIEW

Table 15.1: Indicators of success and targets FUTURE REVIEW OF THE PLAN

CHAPTER 5 "HOUSING" • Employment land available by type. CHAPTER 12 "MINERALS, WASTE AND ENERGY" 15.4 • Losses of employment land in (i) The Plan aims to provide a vision for new • Housing trajectory showing: • Production of primary land won aggregates. employment/regeneration areas and (ii) the development and land use over the whole period to i. net additional dwellings over the previous whole of Knowsley. • Production of secondary/recycled aggregates. 2016. Inevitably, however, circumstances will change five year period or since 1st April 2002 (the and new development and conservation needs will • Amount of employment land lost to residential • Capacity of new waste management facilities start of the UDP Plan period) whichever is emerge in the next few years. The Plan will in due development. by type. the longer; course be replaced by new planning documents, • Amount of municipal waste arising, and ii. net additional dwellings for the CHAPTER 7 "TOWN CENTRES AND SHOPPING" prepared under the new planning system introduced managed by management type, and the current year; by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. • Amount of completed retail, office and leisure percentage each management type represents These new documents will take account of the iii. projected net additional dwellings for the development. of the waste managed. performance of this UDP against the indicators and following five years and up to 2016; • Amount of completed retail, office and leisure • Renewable energy capacity installed by type. targets which have been set, and will replace, amend iv. the annual net additional dwelling development in town centres. or continue the policies as appropriate. requirement; and CHAPTER 13 "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHAPTER 8 "TRANSPORT" AND NATURE CONSERVATION" v. annual average number of net additional dwellings needed to meet overall housing • Amount of completed non-residential • Number of planning permissions granted requirements, having regard to previous development within Use Classes Order A, B contrary to the advice of the Environment year's performance. and D complying with car parking standards to Agency on either flood defence grounds or (TARGET: PROJECTED NET NUMBER OF be set out in the local development framework. water quality. DWELLING COMPLETIONS BETWEEN • Amount of new residential development within • Change in areas and populations of biodiversity 1ST APRIL 2002 AND 1ST APRIL 2016, AND OVER 30 minutes public transport time of a GP, importance, including: ANY FIVE YEAR PERIOD BETWEEN THESE DATES, hospital, primary school, secondary school, i. change in priority habitats and species (by TO EQUATE TO 230 PER YEAR) areas of employment and a major retail type); and • Percentage of new and converted dwellings on centre(s). previously developed land (TARGET: 65%). ii. change in areas designated for their CHAPTER 9 "GREEN BELT AND THE RURAL intrinsic environmental value including • Percentage of new dwellings completed at: ECONOMY" sites of international, national, regional or i. less than 30 dwellings per hectare; sub-regional significance. Indicators yet to be defined. ii. between 30 and 50 dwellings per hectare; and CHAPTER 10 "URBAN GREENSPACE, SPORT AND RECREATION" iii. Above 50 dwellings per hectare.

• Affordable housing completions. • Amount of eligible open spaces managed to green flag award standard. CHAPTER 6 "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT" CHAPTER 11 "DESIGN QUALITY AND THE BUILT • Amount of floorspace developed for ENVIRONMENT" employment by type. Indicators yet to be defined. • Amount of floorspace developed for employment, by type, which is in employment or regeneration areas defined in the UDP.

• Amount of floorspace by employment type which is on previously developed land.

172 173 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 1: KEY PARTNERS

APPENDIX 1

Key Partners

The implementation of the Plan will require THE ECONOMY co-ordinated action on the part of both the Council • North West Development Agency and its key partners. These include the following: • Knowsley Chamber of Commerce • GENERAL Knowsley Business Link

• Neighbouring Local Planning Authorities TOWN CENTRES/SHOPPING • Town and Parish Councils • The traders associations for Huyton, Kirkby • The Knowsley Partnership and its and Prescot constituent organisations • Land owners, developers and retailers • The development industry and land or property owners

• North West Regional Assembly TRANSPORT

• Government Office for the North West • Merseytravel

• North Huyton New Deal for Communities • Transport operators

• Merseyside Objective 1 - Strategic Investment Area Partnerships and Pathways Partnerships GREEN BELT AND THE RURAL ECONOMY • Single Regeneration Budget Partnerships for • Rural landowners and farmers Kirkby and Halewood • National Farmers Union • The Mersey Partnership

URBAN GREENSPACE, SPORT AND RECREATION HOUSING • Sport England • Knowsley Housing Trust and other Registered • Private and voluntary sector providers of sport Social Landlords and recreation facilities • House Builders Federation

• Housing Corporation

174 175 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 1: KEY PARTNERS APPENDIX 2: LIST OF DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS ADOPTED BY KNOWSLEY COUNCIL (JULY 2005)

DEVELOPMENT QUALITY AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND NATURE ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION • English Heritage • Environment Agency APPENDIX 2 • ”New Approaches” Partnership • Health and Safety Executive

• Mersey Forest Partnership • English Nature List of Development Briefs MINERALS, WASTE AND ENERGY adopted by Knowsley Council • Neighbouring Minerals Planning Authorities (July 2005) • Neighbouring Waste Planning and Collection Authorities

• Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority

• Waste Management Operators Name of site covered by brief Date of adoption by the Council

Asda Environs Site, Kirkby Town Centre 1997

Land to the North of Shevingtons Lane, Kirkby February, 1998

Roscoes Wood West, Land off Cronton Road, Tarbock February, 1998

Roscoes Wood East, Land off Cronton Road, Tarbock January 1999

Asda store site, Huyton March 2000

Land off Greensbridge Lane November 2000 (including Bridgefield Forum), Halewood

Ravenscourt, Halewood September 2003

176 177 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 3: GLOSSARY

APPENDIX 3

Glossary

ACTION AREA ARTICLE 4 DIRECTION

An area within which it is proposed that A legal direction imposed by the Council which comprehensive development, redevelopment or requires that development which would otherwise improvement should take place. be “Permitted Development” will require a planning permission. AFFORDABLE HOUSING BROWNFIELD LAND Housing that is below a threshold cost when compared with average incomes in an area. This is land which has been previously developed i.e. has previously had buildings, hardstanding, car parks or other hard development. The definition of AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT brownfield land (see ODPM Planning Policy Guidance Under government legislation, planning permission is note 3: “Housing”) also includes land within the automatically granted for some forms of agricultural curtilage of buildings. development. However even if a specific planning permission is not required, the Local Planning Authority must in many cases be notified in advance BULKY RETAIL GOODS of the intended development. The Local Planning Large retail goods such as DIY products, domestic Authority may then require details of siting, design appliances or furniture. and external appearance to be submitted for approval before work starts. COMPARISON GOODS

AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREA Goods such as clothing where the customer can make a comparison between different retailers. A priority area for the management of air quality, identified by the Council under the terms of the Environment Act 1995. COMPLETION NOTICES A notice issued by the Council to require the ALLOCATED SITE completion of a development which has planning permission. These are sites that are allocated for a specific use e.g. industry or housing on the Proposals Map.

178 179 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 3: GLOSSARY APPENDIX 3: GLOSSARY

CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISALS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT INDEX OF MULTIPLE DEPRIVATION MERSEYSIDE LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN

These documents are prepared by the Council and A rigorous process required by the Town and Country This is published annually by the Government, and This plan is produced by the Merseyside local identify the special character of Conservation Areas, Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) provides an overall measure of “deprivation” across a authorities and Merseytravel. It sets out the together with necessary action to preserve and (England and Wales) Regulations 1999, by which the range of indicators, against which social and transport strategy for a 10-year period and the enhance them. For further advice see “Conservation environmental impact of a proposed development is economic conditions in Knowsley can be compared to detailed policies and proposals for transport over Area Character Appraisals”, English Heritage 1996. assessed prior to a decision on whether the other areas in the United Kingdom. a 5-year period. development should be permitted. CONSERVATION AREAS LANDFILL NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL FUND GENERAL DEVELOPMENT ORDER Areas of special historic or architectural character. Disposal of waste by burying the waste in landfill or A Government funding stream which is available to New development within these areas must preserve The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted land raised ground. use for local regeneration initiatives in Knowsley. or enhance the character or appearance of the area. Development) Order 1995 and the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order LISTED BUILDINGS 1995 together set down rules about what forms of NORTH WEST REGIONAL ASSEMBLY CONVENIENCE GOODS development require planning permission Buildings or other structures which are on a statutory A representative body of local authorities in the These are goods of relatively low value such as food (see “Permitted Development” below) and also list because of their special architectural or historic North West. which is bought on a frequent (often daily) basis. certain procedural matters. For example, some character, and which are protected from demolition forms of agricultural developments (policy G8) or or inappropriate alterations. Listed Building Consent telecommunications development (policy ENV8) do is required for works affecting these buildings. ODPM CURTILAGE not require a full planning permission but require the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Land which is attached (physically or by virtue of its Council to be notified of the details of siting and LOCAL DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENTS use) to an existing building e.g. school playing fields design of the development. New documents which the Council will produce are often within the “curtilage” of school buildings. OUT-OF-CENTRE under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act Development which is constructed totally away from GREENSPACE 2004 and which will supplement and (in the case of the town centre (normally more than 200-300 metres DEVELOPMENT those which have development plan status) replace Open land which may be used for either formal walking distance). policies of the Unitary Development Plan. They will Section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or informal recreation and is in either public or include a new Core Strategy and a range of new defines “development” as being (subject to certain private ownership. Supplementary Planning Documents. inclusions and exceptions) “...the carrying out of PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS building, engineering, mining, or other operations in, GREENWAYS Under government legislation, certain forms of minor on, over or under land ..” LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME development (such as small extensions to houses, Largely car-free off-road routes, for shared use by small fences and walls, small extensions to factories) people of all abilities on foot, bicycle or horseback. A "project plan" which the Council updates every year are automatically granted planning permission. DEVELOPMENT BRIEF and which will set down which Local Development This means that you do not always need to apply to Documents the Council intends to produce and when. A document which describes how a site or group of FREIGHT QUALITY PARTNERSHIP the Council for planning permission for these forms sites is to be developed. of development. However, the rules governing these This is based on the existing Freight Forum, MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS “Permitted Development” rights are complex and you containing representatives from a wide cross section are always advised to contact the Council for advice. of industry interests. The main role of the partnership Issues that can be taken into account by the Council “EDGE-OF-CENTRE” In some areas (e.g. some Conservation Areas, is to debate issues, exchange ideas, help develop a in determining planning applications. These relate to Retail or leisure development that is just outside converted barns and in some housing estates), sustainable distribution strategy and implement the the purpose of planning legislation and the need to (normally within 200-300 metres of) an existing town Permitted Development rights have been removed by recommendations of the Merseyside Freight Study. promote the public interest. or district centre. the Council meaning that planning permission is required even for the smallest extensions to houses, boundary walls etc.

180 181 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 3: GLOSSARY APPENDIX 3: GLOSSARY

PLANNING AGREEMENT REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY (RSS) SINGLE REGENERATION BUDGET USE CLASSES ORDER

Legal agreement, normally involving a developer and The Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West is A regeneration programme which covers parts of The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) the Council, under which, in return for the grant of produced by the North West Regional Assembly and Kirkby and Halewood, and under which financial Order 1987 categorises land uses into certain planning permission, the developer makes published by the First Minister for Planning. support is made available to support a range of classes, such as A1 (retail), B1 (Business), undertakings which are aimed at addressing any RSS provides the strategic framework for the UDP projects e.g. to create jobs, improve the B2 (General Industrial) and B8 (Storage and planning objections to the development which cannot and forms part of the adopted development plan for environment, or to create new training and Distribution). Planning permission is not normally be otherwise overcome. Knowsley. The Regional Spatial Strategy is currently educational opportunities. needed for a change in the use of property in a class being reviewed and it is expected that a new RSS will to another within the same class e.g. from one type of be published in its final form in 2007. shop to another (except for hot food takeaway shops PLANNING CONDITION SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENTS which are in a separate Use Class). (SPD) Condition imposed on the granting of planning RETAIL IMPACT ASSESSMENT permission for a development. A document which is produced by the Council VITALITY AND VIABILITY A study that addresses the need for proposed retail and provides further guidance on how the policies development. This should include an assessment of of this Plan will be applied in specific situations or The health of a town centre as measured by a PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE AND alternative sites, and the likely impact that a for specific types of development. A list of number of indicators, such as the range of goods that PLANNING POLICY STATEMENT development would have on existing town, district proposed Supplementary Planning Documents are sold, level of vacancies, pedestrian “footfall” Documents published by the Government which and local centres. in Knowsley is set down in the Council's Local figures etc. provide planning policy guidance on specific topics Development Scheme. e.g. housing or economic development. RETAIL NEED URBAN FRINGE The need for new shopping development that results PUBLIC REALM from increased population levels or expenditure The countryside areas just outside existing towns Areas within the town which, although they can be in per head in the local area. in Knowsley. either public or private ownership, are available for every one to use e.g. roads, footpaths and play areas within housing estates. RIGHTS OF WAY Include public footpaths, bridle-ways, and by-ways QUANTITATIVE NEED open to all traffic. They are designated on the statutory Rights of Way map. The level of need that there is for new retail development arising from trends in consumer spending. SEQUENTIAL TEST Test which is applied to proposals for development QUIET LANES which establishes that a development will not be permitted if an alternative, more suitable site is Roads which are designated as important walking or available for the proposed development. In the cycling routes as they have little traffic. context of retail development, this means that out of centre development will not be permitted if an alternative site is available within or on the edge REGIONAL PLANNING GUIDANCE (RPG) of a town centre. Regional Planning Guidance for the North West was published by the Government Office for the North West in 2003. By virtue of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, Regional Planning Guidance now has the status of the Regional Spatial Strategy.

182 183 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 4: HOUSING LAND WITH PLANNING PERMISSION AS AT 1ST APRIL 2004

APPENDIX 4

Housing Land with Planning Permission as at 1st April 2004

Site area Houses built Houses under Houses Site Name (ha) so far construction unstarted Capacity

Brownfield Headbolt Lane, ex-St Kevins School, Kirkby 9.2 0 0 300 300 Bewley Drive, Kirkby 3.5 9 49 56 114 Arncliffe Road, Halewood 3.43 130 0 23 153 Twickenham Drive, Huyton 0.32 0 0 47 47 207-209 Tarbock Road, Huyton 0.3 0 0 33 33 RAFA Club, Archway Road, Huyton 0.25 0 0 32 32 Brookside Road, Prescot 0.2 0 0 28 28 Former blocks 1-177 Mercer Heights, Kirkby 0.84 0 0 41 41 Land adjacent to All Saints School, Kirkby 2.2 65 0 10 75 Ryton Road/Tithebarn Lane, Kirkby 0.92 0 0 33 33 Overton Close, Westvale, Kirkby 0.34 0 0 21 21 Whitefield Drive/Lingtree Road, Kirkby 0.61 0 16 8 24 The Withens, Stockbridge Village 2.05 0 0 74 74

Total capacity (brownfield sites with permission) 771

Greenfield Land at Melling Mount, Kirkby 20 467 75 67 609 Land West of Saxon Way, Kirkby 6.88 183 43 27 253 Court Farm (south), Halewood 8.58 23 51 106 180 Trispen Close/Okell Drive, Halewood 1.1 0 0 40 40

Total capacity (greenfield sites with permission) 409

Total for Sites of less than 20 dwellings capacity 354

Total unbuilt capacity with Planning Permission, at 1 April 2004 1,534

184 185 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 5: EMPLOYMENT LAND SUPPLY (EXCLUDING SITES ALLOCATED IN POLICY EC2)

APPENDIX 5

Employment Land Supply (excluding sites allocated in Policy EC2)

Sites allocated in policies EC4 and EC5:

Area Site Name Size (Ha) Use

Prescot Area A - The Pirelli plant and adjacent former industrial 7.8 See policy EC5 land, South Prescot Action Area, Prescot. Prescot Area C - Land bounded by Manchester Road, 8.8 See policy EC5 (NB Planning Station Road, the Liverpool/Wigan railway line, permission granted for Warrington Road and Steley Way, South Prescot housing development) Action Area, Prescot.

Sub total 16.6

Kirkby Kings Business Park - Regional Investment site 9 See policy EC4 (developable area remaining)

Total 25.6

186 187 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 5: EMPLOYMENT LAND SUPPLY (EXCLUDING SITES ALLOCATED IN POLICY EC2) APPENDIX 6: LOCAL SHOPPING CENTRES AND PARADES IN KNOWSLEY

APPENDIX 6

Local Shopping Centres and Parades in Knowsley

Other Sites with planning permission at 30.6.05: Location Name of Parade / Local Centre Details

Development Kirkby Admin Road Parade of five shops containing a post office, clothing store, Area Site Name Size (Ha) Use started? stationers, electric company and takeaway.

Bewley Drive Containing a post office and florist. Kirkby Former Pre-Treatment Works, Arbour Road 2.3 B1, B2, B8 Started Broad Lane Containing a number of retail stores including supermarket Kirkby Deltic Way 0.5 B1, B2, B8 No and chemist.

Kirkby Kraft Meadow (part of Alchemy site) 7.0 A3/B1/B2/B8 Started James Holt Avenue Five retail units

Kirkby School Lane 7.5 B1, B2, B8 Started Kennelwood Avenue Six retail units Lowes Water Way Four retail units Kirkby Land Bounded By M57 Junction 4 Roundabout and 0.9 B2, B8 Started Moorfields Seven units including a post office. School Lane, Knowsley Business Park Old Rough Lane Twelve shop units including a post office. Kirkby Land to rear of Moorgate Point, Moorgate Road 2.6 B1,B2,B8 No Park Brow Drive Seven retail units Kirkby Former sports ground, Yorkshire Copper Tube Ltd, 4.0 B1, B2, B8 Started Richard Hesketh Drive Five retail units East Lancs Road (part of Alchemy site) Old Farm Road Six retail units Kirkby News International expansion land, Kitling Road 3.0 B1,B2,B8 No Rimmer Avenue Seven retail units

Huyton Plot 6A, The Kings Business Park 0.8 B1, B2 Started Sugar Lane Seven retail units

Huyton Wilson Road (site 3) (Land to rear of Halewood 3.5 B2, B8 No Prescot Scotchbarn Lane Four retail units International) Molyneux Drive Seven retail units including a post office. Total (B1, B2, B8) 32.1

Huyton Brickfields/Ellis Ashton Street 1.9 Waste transfer Started Huyton Woolfall Heath Avenue Seven retail units and processing Kingsway Parade 15 retail units

Total (B1, B2, B8, Sui Generis) 34.0 Gentwood Parade Five retail units Pilch Lane 19 retail units and a post office.

Longview Drive Seven retail units including a post office.

188 189 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 6: LOCAL SHOPPING CENTRES AND PARADES IN KNOWSLEY APPENDIX 7: EXAMPLES OF TOWN CENTRE USES

APPENDIX 7

Examples of Town Centre Uses

Location Name of Parade / Local Centre Details The uses listed below can often be appropriately located in a town, district or local centre, provided they are appropriate to the scale, role and function of the centre concerned. Huyton (Contd) Swanside Parade 21 retail units. Use class Use Definition Greystone Road Four retail units including a general store. name class (N.B. This is a summary only. Please refer to current legislation for further details) Hillside Avenue Including a General Store and a post office.

Hillside Road A number of retail units including a general store and Shops A1 Sale of goods and cold food, retail warehouses (but excluding warehouse clubs post office. and motor vehicle showrooms), hairdressers, travel and ticket agencies, post Longview Drive Seven retail units including a post office. offices, domestic hire shops, funeral directors, dry cleaners, and internet cafes. Hillside Road 19 retail units and a post office. Financial and A2 Professional (excluding health and medical services) and financial services Manor Farm Road Nine retail units including a post office. professional (banks and building societies); other services appropriate in a shopping area services where the services are provided principally to visiting members of the public. Whiston Milton Avenue Eight retail units. Restaurants A3 The sale of food and drink for consumption on the premises. Byron Avenue and cafes Greens Road 17 retail units on both sides of the road plus a post office. Drinking A4 Use as a public house, wine bar or other drinking establishment (excluding Dragon Drive shops, Whiston establishments night clubs).

Halewood Merrivale Road Retail units. Hot food A5 The sale of hot food for consumption off the premises. Baileys Lane Containing a number of retail units including a post office. takeaways

Mackets Lane 11 retail units. Business B1 a Offices other than financial and professional services providing for the visiting members of the public. Fazakerley Copplehouse Lane 10 retail units. b Research and development. c Other industrial processes appropriate in a residential area.

Hotels C1 Hotels, boarding and guest houses, provided that care is not provided.

Residential C2 Residential accommodation and care to people in need of care other than a use Institutions falling under use class C3 including hospitals, nursing homes, residential schools, colleges or training centres.

190 191 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 7: EXAMPLES OF TOWN CENTRE USES APPENDIX 8: SITES OF BIOLOGICAL AND / OR GEOLOGICAL INTEREST

APPENDIX 8

Sites of Biological and / or Geological Interest

Site Location: Site of Biological Site Number: Use class Use Definition (by Community or Local Geological (See Proposals name class (N.B. This is a summary only. Please refer to current legislation for further details) Area Forum area) Interest Map) Site Name

Residential C3 Dwellings for individuals, families and up to six individuals living as a single Sites in SBI 2 Charley Wood, Kirkby uses household. North Kirkby SBI 38 Acornfield Plantation, Kirkby Non-residential D1 Medical/dental services, crèches/day nurseries, education, art galleries, SBI 48 Mossland, west of Johnson’s Cottage, Kirkby* institutions museums, libraries, public hall or exhibition hall, religious worship. SBI 57 Moss Plantation and Brown Birches, Kirkby* (community SBI 61 Simonswood Brook, Kirkby* uses) SBI 68 Kirkby Brook, Northwood* Assembly and D2 Cinemas, concert hall, swimming pool, bingo hall or casinos, dance hall, Sites in SBI 4 Kraft Operational Land, Kirkby leisure swimming bath, skating rink, gymnasium or other indoor or outdoor sport. South Kirkby SBI 39 Mill Brook, Westvale Other N/A Laundrette, beauty salon, photographic studio, DIY store (where sale of good is SBI 41 Wango Lane Wetland, M57, Kirkby miscellaneous primarily to the public), pharmacy. SBI 55 Otis Meadow, Kirkby* uses for town centres SBI 63 Meadow, Kirkby (Mill) Brook, south of Old Hall Lane* SBI 67 River Alt, Kirkby* SBI 71 Croxteth Brook* SBI/SLGI 77 Kirkby Brook* SLGI 84 Kirkby Brook Waterfall

Sites in Prescot, SBI 11 Carr Lane Lake, Prescot Whiston and SBI 13 Lickers Lane Wood, Whiston Cronton SBI 14 Woodland, Sandfield Park, Whiston SBI 15 Tushingham’s Pond, Whiston SBI 16 Big Water, Halsnead SBI 18 Strettles Bog, Cronton Road

192 193 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 APPENDIX 8: SITES OF BIOLOGICAL AND / OR GEOLOGICAL INTEREST APPENDIX 8: SITES OF BIOLOGICAL AND / OR GEOLOGICAL INTEREST

Site Location: Site of Biological Site Number: Site Location: Site of Biological Site Number: (by Community or Local Geological (See Proposals (by Community or Local Geological (See Proposals Area Forum area) Interest Map) Site Name Area Forum area) Interest Map) Site Name

(Contd) SBI 19 Mine Waste, Cronton (Contd) SBI 25 Cartbridge Lane Wood, Halewood SBI 22 Pex Hill Country Park SBI 26 Green’s Bridge Plantation, Halewood SBI 23 George’s Wood, Cronton SBI 27 Halewood Triangle SBI 44 Stadt Moers Q2 and visitor centre, Whiston* SBI 29 Ash Lane hedge, ditch and grassland, Halewood SBI/SLGI 46 Stadt Moers Park, Quadrant 4* SBI 42 Flood plain, Ditton Brook, Halewood* SBI 47 Rough Head Wood, Cronton* SBI 45 Crab Tree Rough & Hopyard Wood North, SBI 49 The Old Wood, north, Halsnead* Halewood* SBI 52 The Old Wood, south, Halsnead* SBI 66 Netherley Brook* SBI 54 Copse, south of A58, Prescot* SBI 72 Netherley Brook, tributary* SBI 73 Mill Brook, Netherley* SBI 58 Land east of Fox’s Bank Brook* SBI 74 Ochre Brook, Tarbock* SBI 62 Alder Brook, Cronton* SBI 75 Ditton Brook, Halewood* SLGI 85 Cronton Mineral Line SBI 76 Tarbock Green ditch* Sites in SBI/SLGI 40 Knowsley Park* SBI 80 Dog Clough Brook, Tarbock* North Huyton, SBI 8 Little Wood, Stockbridge Village Notes: Stockbridge Village SBI 43 Howard’s Pits, Knowsley* 1) An asterisk (*) denotes new sites (i.e. not included in the previous 1998 Unitary Development Plan). and Knowsley Village SBI 51 The Roughs, Knowsley Village* 2) In column 2 the letters “SBI” mean that the site is a Site of Biological Interest, whilst “SLGI” means SBI 53 Meakin’s Pits, adj. M57 that it is a Site of Local Geological Interest. Where a site is both an SBI and an SLGI, the boundary SBI 59 Aker’s Pits, M57, Knowsley Village* shown on the Proposals Map is for the Site of Biological Interest. The specific Site of Local Geological SBI/ SLGI 70 Knowsley Brook* Interest for these “joint sites” is smaller than the SBI and is not shown separately on the Proposals SBI 78 River Alt, Seth Powell Way* Map. Details of all sites, including the boundaries of all SLGIs and a written citation detailing the biological interest present on sites can be obtained by contacting Knowsley Council’s Department of SBI 83 Grassland, west of Seth Powell Way, Huyton* Regeneration and Neighbourhoods. Sites in SBI 12 Huyton Lane Wetland, Huyton South Huyton SBI 56 Court Hey Park, Huyton* SBI 60 Coppice Lane Council Depot, Huyton* SBI 64 Bowring Park Golf Course, south of M62* SBI 65 Ten Acre Pits, Huyton* SBI 81 Huyton and Prescot Golf Club* SBI 82 Stadt Moers Quadrant 3, Huyton*

Sites in Halewood SBI 20 Dagger’s Bridge Wood, Tarbock and Tarbock SBI 21 Ox Lane Wood, Tarbock SBI 24 Brickwall Covert, Tarbock

194 195 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 196 KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006 Directorate of Regeneration and Neighbourhoods PO Box 26 Huyton Knowsley Merseyside L36 9FB

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