Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) Contents

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Foreword and Executive Summary

Foreword v Executive summary vii Getting involved xi

Bearing Fruits

1 Setting the scene 1 1.1 Core Strategy and Local Development Framework 1 1.2 Context to the Draft Core Strategy 1 1.3 The Core Strategy process 2 1.4 Swale Community Strategy: Ambitions for Swale (2009) 5 1.5 The wider view 6 2 A journey through Swale 9 2.1 Painting a portrait - taking a journey through Swale 11 3 The vision and objectives for Swale 25 3.1 The vision for Swale 25 3.2 How do we make the vision happen? 26 3.3 Core Strategy objectives 27 4 The strategy 29 4.1 Introduction 29 4.2 The Spatial Strategy 29 4.3 Provision for jobs and homes 38 4.4 Strategy for the Sittingbourne area 54 4.5 Strategy for the Isle of Sheppey area 58 4.6 Strategy for Faversham area 62 4.7 Gypsy and Traveller pitch provision - options for consultation 65 5 Cross cutting policies 71 5.1 Introduction 71 5.2 Sustainable development principles for Swale 71 5.3 Prosperity 77 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) Contents

5.4 Homes and communities 81 5.5 Health and wellbeing 88 5.6 Transport 91 5.7 Infrastructure 98 5.8 Green infrastructure 102 6 Allocations and areas of change 109 6.1 Introduction 109 6.2 New strategic allocations 109 6.3 Other new land allocations 135 6.4 Existing Swale Borough Local Plan Allocations 137 6.5 Neighbourhood Plans 137 6.6 Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan 138 6.7 Areas of future change 141 6.8 Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road 141 6.9 Kent Science Park 143 6.10 Port of Sheerness 145 7 Framework of Development Management Policies 147 7.1 Introduction 147 7.2 Sustainable design and construction 147 7.3 The coast 152 7.4 Heritage assets 160 7.5 Natural assets 163 7.6 Enabling development for landscape and biodiversity enhancement 172 7.7 Rural economy 174 7.8 Tourism 176 7.9 Affordable housing 181 7.10 Rural exceptions housing 184 7.11 Gypsy and traveller sites 187 7.12 Managing Transport Demand and Impact 189 7.13 Vehicle parking 195 7.14 Open space and recreation standards 196 7.15 Flooding and drainage 200 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) Contents

7.16 New or revised Development Management policies 204 8 Implementation plan and monitoring arrangements 211 8.1 Introduction 211 8.2 Monitoring arrangements 213

Appendices

1 Research and Evidence 215 2 Holiday Parks Supplementary Guidance 217 3 Schedule of development allocations 219 4 Map changes 223 5 Saved and new policies 231 6 Glossary 239

Policy Index

Policy ST 1 Land for jobs and homes 2011-2031 44 Policy ST 2 The location of development 47 Policy ST 3 Sittingbourne Area 57 Policy ST 4 Isle of Sheppey Area 61 Policy ST 5 Faversham Area 64 Policy CP 1 Sustainable Development 76 Policy CP 2 Prosperity 80 Policy CP 3 Homes and Communities 86 Policy CP 4 Health and wellbeing 90 Policy CP 5 Transport infrastructure 97 Policy CP 6 Infrastructure 101 Policy CP 7 Green infrastructure 106 Policy SA 1 North West Sittingbourne 113 Policy SA 2 North East Sittingbourne 116 Policy SA 3 Teynham 119 Policy SA 4 Land at the Western Link, Faversham 122 Policy SA 5 Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road - Bapchild Section 132 Policy RSA 1 Reserve Strategic Allocation: Land East of Scocles Road, Minster 134 Policy NP 1 Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan 140 Policy AC 1 Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road 142 Policy AC 2 Kent Science Park 144 Policy AC 3 Port of Sheerness 146 Policy DM 1 Sustainable Design and Construction 151 Policy DM 2 The Coast 153 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) Contents

Policy DM 3 Coastal Change Management Area 158 Policy DM 4 Heritage Assets 162 Policy DM 5 Natural Assets 167 Policy DM 6 Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessments 169 Policy DM 7 Agricultural Land 171 Policy DM 8 Enabling development for landscape and biodiversity enhancement 173 Policy DM 9 The Rural Economy 175 Policy DM 10 Tourism 178 Policy DM 11 Holiday Park Occupancy 181 Policy DM 12 Affordable Housing 183 Policy DM 13 Rural Exceptions Housing 186 Policy DM 14 Provision for Gypsies and Travellers 188 Policy DM 15 Managing Transport Demand and Impact 193 Policy DM 16 Vehicle Parking Standards 195 Policy DM 17 Open space, sports and recreation provision 199 Policy DM 18 Flooding and Drainage 203 Policy DM 19 Unstable land 205 Policy DM 20 Pollution 207 Policy DM 21 Land contamination 208 Policy DM 22 Telecommunications 209 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) v Foreword

Foreword

As we look ahead for the next 20 years, you have told us how we should answer the challenges and opportunities that we face and by how much and where we should grow. As we move forward, these views have made a difference. So why have we called this consultation Bearing Fruits? By echoing our Borough motto - Known by their fruits - we look now to delivering those fruits with a jobs-led strategy for these challenging economic times. There are though already exciting early signs of success, with new investment at an advanced stage for Sittingbourne and Sheppey and community-led planning now taking shape at Faversham. The Core Strategy is now about keeping this energy going and putting plans in place now, so that we have everything in place to enable us to move toward a brighter future that puts Swale where it deserves to be – out in front. Please help us on this journey so that we can get it right.

Councillor Andrew Bowles

Leader of the Council

Last year we presented you with options on how much development we might look to accommodate over the next 20 years and broadly where it should be located. You told us your views about whether there was too much or too little growth and whether there were enough jobs and services to support them. Importantly, you told us that maintaining the quality of the environment was crucial. Finding a path through all the views has been a considerable challenge and we have sought to find a way that will be right for Swale both for now and into the future. As we now move vi Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) Foreword

the debate from the wide-ranging to the more specific, we have identified the important sites that might be developed and the policies that may be needed to make sure that community needs and environmental protection are at the forefront with economic development. Our plans are still in draft at this stage, so it is now more important than ever to give the Council your views before we move on to the final stages of the process.

Councillor Gerry Lewin

Cabinet Member for Planning

Many of you responded to our last consultation – for the first time you can now see more clearly the actual policies and proposals that will shape the future development of Swale. Whether you support or are concerned about what is being put forward, they are both exciting and challenging. Please continue to engage with us about what we have presented in this consultation. There is much to absorb in the Core Strategy so let us help you through it by contacting us, or attending one of the advertised drop in days that we have arranged. Ultimately, challenge us over what we must do to make the strategy truly bear its fruits. We look forward to hearing your views.

Abdool Kara

Chief Executive, Swale Borough Council Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) vii Executive summary

Executive summary

Introduction

This is Swale Borough Council's draft Core Strategy. This is a document that sets out our development plans and planning policies for the next 20 years and we are seeking your views on it. Why have we called it Bearing Fruits? We have listened to your views on our previous consultation document Pick Your Own, and as a Borough whose motto is Known by their fruits we have developed a draft Core Strategy whose preferred approach now looks to delivering those fruits – new jobs, homes, shops – whilst safeguarding our outstanding environment for the future. The Core Strategy is one of the key documents that makes up the Local Development Framework - the new development plan for the Borough. It will set out the Strategic Planning Framework for the Borough to guide development and investment over the plan period up to 2031.

Our vision and strategy – in a nutshell

Our vision is that by 2031 Swale is to be known by the fruits of its endeavours. Its strengths have been mobilised and Sittingbourne is the town that residents want to use, coastal rejuvenation leads the way for success on the Isle of Sheppey, Faversham and the rural areas are thriving and successful. Achieving this will be challenging. However, we are looking beyond our economic difficulties and planning for jobs – we have created an employment led plan, supported by other developments, and we are trying to build in the most sustainable locations that we can find. We are focusing as much as we can on brownfield land, but where it is more appropriate to use greenfield land, we have focused it at the main urban areas and to a lesser extent at some larger villages. We have done this because these places have the facilities and services that can support or be supported by new growth. This affords the opportunity for people to re-balance their lives, retain more spending within the local economy and reduce the number and length of journeys for daily needs. Ultimately the spatial strategy will aim for better efficiency and self-containment.

The Core Strategy, once adopted, will supersede the strategic policies and some of the development management policies of the Swale Borough Local Plan (2008). The Core Strategy is part of the spatial plan for the Borough and as such, will take account of the plans and strategies of other agencies, and be the primary delivery mechanism for the objectives in the Community Strategy, Ambitions for Swale (2009).

The Development Planning System

The Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a new system of Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) which abolished the system of Structure and Local Plans. All local authorities are required to produce a Local Development Framework (LDF) for the whole of their boroughs, which were in turn to be in conformity with regional strategies.

The Development Plan for Swale comprises the LDF with the the Minerals and Waste Development Frameworks prepared by Kent County Council. General conformity with national policy (Planning Policy Statements and Planning Policy Guidance and Circulars) is required.

The current Swale Borough Local Plan, adopted in 2008, remains an important part of the planning framework for Swale. Policies saved post February 2011 will continue to inform the determination of planning applications unless and until superseded by the adopted Swale Borough Core Strategy. viii Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) Executive summary

Localism and the National Planning Policy Framework

The Localism Act (most of which will come into force in April 2012), abolishes the regional strategy (the South East Plan) and the Council has sought to identify and incorporate any material from that which remains relevant to Swale within the Core Strategy. The Localism Act also paves the way for Neighbourhood Plans which can be initiated and prepared by local communities, and provided they are in general conformity with the Borough wide plan, will become part of the LDF.

The Government published the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for consultation in October 2011, setting out priorities for planning in England. The draft NPPF includes a proposed ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’, with the aim of planning positively for new development. This approach, including consideration of the impact of planning policy on viability issues was first promoted as part of the Ministerial Statement Planning for Growth (March 2011). The draft Core Strategy cross references both the current range of national planning policy statements and guidance notes and the draft NPPF. The latter is expected to be adopted in spring 2012 and will replace the PPS range of guidance notes with a single document. It will be a material consideration for planning decisions, and it is therefore appropriate that the draft Core Strategy addresses the likely changes as far as possible. Further changes to the Core Strategy in its latter stages of production may be necessary to ensure general conformity.

The Draft Core Strategy – Structure of the Document

The Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy, Bearing Fruits, is divided into eight chapters.

Chapter 1 Setting the scene sets out the national planning policy context and the Local Development Framework process; where we are in that process; information on consultation undertaken to date; and how they have informed this version of the Core Strategy.

Chapter 2 A journey through Swale provides a portrait of the diversity of the Borough in terms of its built and natural environment, communities and economic activities. An analysis of issues and opportunities for the Borough as a whole and by area is included.

Chapter 3 The vision and objectives for Swale takes this analysis forward to identify a vision of where we would like the Borough to be in 2031 and sets out a series of objectives, both general and place specific which will help to achieve that vision.

Chapter 4 The strategy sets out the strategic spatial strategy for the Borough for new development. The key points are:

the strategy is employment led and focused at the main urban areas within the Borough; the overall employment target is 550,000 sq metres of new floorspace by 2031, although very few new allocations are needed to achieve this - the emphasis is on providing market choice and quality; the overall housing target for the period 2006 - 2031 is 13,500 dwellings. Some 8,550 of these are either already built, or the land already allocated, so the Core Strategy seeks to identify sufficient land for the remaining 4950 or so. This target represents a continuation of the average build rate experienced over the last few years. three options on the numbers of gypsy and traveller pitches which should be provided for in the Borough are presented for consultation. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) ix Executive summary

The draft Core Strategy also relies on the saving of existing key allocations and policies contained in the Swale Borough Local Plan 2008 . Similarly, key policies have been retained from the Adopted Local Plan and they are listed in Appendix 5 Saved and new policies.

Chapter 5 Cross cutting policies introduces policies (CP) which set out the key planning principles for sustainable development which underpin all the other policies in the draft Plan:

Sustainable development – satisfying social, economic and environmental needs, avoiding harm to the Borough’s environmental assets and promoting a settlement hierarchy; Prosperity – delivering sustainable employment provision and support facilities; Homes and communities – delivering sustainable new homes, provision of affordable housing and setting out a framework for design standards; Health and well-being – protecting and enhancing health facilities and promoting healthy living spaces; Transport – making best use of existing capacity and the provision of new sustainable transport infrastructure to meet new development needs; Community Facilities provision – making the best use of existing community facilities and public utilities and ensuring new provision where necessary to meet the needs of new development; and Green infrastructure delivery – supporting the establishment and enhancement of a network of green spaces and infrastructure across the Borough.

Chapter 6 Allocations and areas of change deals with allocations of land for specific purposes which will help deliver the spatial objectives and strategy for the Borough. This includes treatment of the Swale Borough Local Plan (2008) allocations, new strategic allocations, areas of search for smaller allocations (with potential site details appended) and a look at longer term areas of change.

The main new strategic allocations are at:

North West Sittingbourne – 880 dwellings and 69,000m2 employment floorspace North East Sittingbourne – 120 dwellings and 41,000m2 employment floorspace Teynham – 430 dwellings and 27,000m2 employment floorspace Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan – approximately 100 dwellings and employment floorspace Faversham – Western Link Brickworks – 135 dwellings and 13,000m2 employment floorspace Faversham - one further employment site to be chosen from three possible options of Perry Court Farm, Brogdale Road; Ashford Road/Salters Lane and land at Lady Dane Farm east of Love Lane. Approximately 50 dwellings and 20,000m2 employment floorspace is sought.

Additionally, an area of search has been identified for the provision of the remaining section of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road to the A2, also known as the Bapchild Link. The detail of this route and its design will be pursued through a separate, but supporting development plan document.

The main allocations retained form the Swale Borough Local Plan (2008) include:

Queenborough and Rushenden Regeneration area for 1,800 dwellings with additional employment and other commercial floorspace; Stones Farm development to the east of Sittingbourne for 550 dwellings; Sittingbourne Town Centre and Milton Creek Regeneration; 700 dwellings and major retail development; and completion of developments at Thistle Hill, Minster and East Hall Farm, Sittingbourne. x Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) Executive summary

Other Areas of Change have also been identified as signpost policies which could trigger a full or partial review of the Core Strategy. Although they are not critical to the implementation of the development strategy proposed in this document, they are:

Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road connecting the A2 and M2 east of Sittingbourne; Major expansion of the Kent Science Park beyond the current highways capacity of the area; Land reclamation proposals for 2,000 houses at the Port of Sheerness.

The Council will use the policies in Chapter 7 Framework of Development Management policies to assess planning applications. These policies provide detailed criteria aimed at ensuring new development proposals contribute to the achievement of the vision and the spatial strategy set out in the Core Strategy.

Chapter 8 Implementation plan and monitoring arrangements sets out the monitoring and implementation framework for the Core Strategy. This sets out how the Council intends to ensure the successful delivery of the development strategy in partnership with other public and private agencies and identifying likely phasing and funding streams for supporting infrastructure. Monitoring the effectiveness of the Core Strategy policies, those of other supporting documents within the Swale Local Development Framework and production of documents themselves will be undertaken through the Annual Monitoring Report. This chapter remains in skeleton format at the present time, whilst the approach to strategic and non strategic infrastructure and the setting and use of Community Infrastructure Levy Schedules is researched jointly with other Kent Districts.

Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA)

Swale Borough Council’s Draft Core Strategy and Framework for Development Management Policies DPD is subject to a SA/SEA. The purpose of the SA/SEA is to promote environmental protection and contribute to the integration of environmental, social and economic considerations into the preparation of the Core Strategy, with a view to promote sustainable development.

An Appropriate Assessment (AA) will also be required for the draft Core Strategy as part of the Habitats Regulation Assessment process. An AA is a statutory requirement that relates to the impact of the Core Strategy’s spatial strategy on European designated Ramsar sites. The broad assessment of such impacts will be made as part of the Sustainability Appraisal, leaving the formal AA to be undertaken at the Submission stage of the Core Strategy. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) xi Getting involved

Getting involved

You are invited to comment on the Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits.

This is the draft Core Strategy itself, containing the overall development strategy for the Borough for the next 20 years for homes, jobs, schools, services, open space and transport and other services. It includes key sites for allocation and likely areas for other allocations to be made and an up to date suite of policies to help us determine planning applications.

Supporting Documents

Other statutory documents which support the Core Strategy and assess its impact are also available for comment. These are:

Swale Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 2010-11 (SHLAA) The SHLAA is an important part of the Core Strategy evidence base and sets out a catalogue of sites together with their plans, which are judged to be suitable, available and achievable within the plan period. Sites will be selected for allocation in the Core Strategy and any subsequent development plan documents from this catalogue.

Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy Sustainability Appraisal The purpose of the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA) is to promote environmental protection and contribute to the integration of environmental, social and economic considerations into the preparation of the Core Strategy, with a view to promoting sustainable development.

You can view the documents:

Online - on our consultation website .

Download - all documents are available on our website at www.swale.gov.uk/bearingfruits

Swale Borough Council Offices, including Faversham Alexander Centre and Sheerness Gateway - reference copies are available for public inspection.

Libraries - reference copies are available for public inspection at all libraries within the Borough.

You can make comments:

Online - on our consultation website. This enables you to submit comments against specific parts of the document. Please note - if you have previously made comments on any of our consultations, then your contact details will already be in our system, making it easier to submit comments this time.

By email - [email protected]

By letter - Spatial Planning Manager, Swale Borough Council, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HT xii Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) Getting involved

Date for receipt of comments:

The public consultation period will run for a period of eight weeks from Monday 26 March to 5pm Friday 18 May 2012.

Please note, there is no guarantee that representations will be logged or reported if received after this date.

Please note that all maps in this document are subject to Ordnance Survey copyright restrictions.

Note also that maps have been captured at a scale of 1:2500 and should only be viewed online at this scale. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 1 Setting the scene 1

1 Setting the scene

1.1 Core Strategy and Local Development Framework

1.1.1 The Core Strategy is the most important planning document for Swale, setting out the vision and overall spatial strategy for the area and how it will be achieved for the period until 2031. Spatial planning brings together and integrates policies for the development and use of land with other policies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they function.

The Local Development Framework

1.1.2 The primary purpose of the Local Development Framework (LDF) is to assist in the regeneration and sustainable development of Swale by implementing the spatial aspects of Ambitions for Swale - the Sustainable Communities Strategy. The Core Strategy is the principal document in the LDF as it sets the Borough’s spatial strategy to 2031.

1.1.3 Other development plan documents (DPD) that will support the Core Strategy are:

Site Allocations DPD - setting out place and site specific proposals for the Borough, including allocations for many of the smaller proposals. The need and scope for this DPD will be determined once the Core Strategy is further progressed; Figure 1.1.1 The Local Development Framework Proposals Map DPD - setting out specific boundaries within which particular policies apply; any Area Action Plan DPD that is identified by the Core Strategy as being required; any Supplementary Planning Document required to help support and add further detail to the DPD policies; and any Neighbourhood Plans DPD.

1.1.4 The Council has an approved Local Development Scheme. This sets out its programme of future document production. This will be subject to review to reflect needs emerging from this Core Strategy.

1.1.5 The current Swale Borough Local Plan, adopted in 2008, remains an important part of the planning framework for the Borough. The Secretary of State has allowed the Council to ‘save’ policies that it considers are still relevant to the proper planning of the Borough. These will continue to be used in determining planning applications until they are replaced by the Local Development Framework. Appendix 5 provides a list of saved and new policies which will be retained after the Core Strategy is adopted.

1.2 Context to the Draft Core Strategy

1.2.1 This consultation is being undertaken at a time of change within the planning system nationally. The Regional Spatial Strategy - the South East Plan - is shortly to be revoked as a result of the Localism Act. The Act also seeks to give local communities more say over the amount 2 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 1 Setting the scene

of development that should be steered to their areas, within the context of a strategic role provided by Local Enterprise Partnerships and supporting evidence. The main elements of the Localism Act include:

preparation of neighbourhood plans where communities can decide what their area should look like. Led by Parish Councils and new neighbourhood forums, local people would vote on these plans in local referendums so that Councils can then adopt them where they are in accordance with an overall strategic plan for the area; and incentives, such as the New Homes Bonus, that will financially reward those Councils and communities that deliver new homes and businesses. Reforms to the Community Infrastructure Levy will also see a meaningful proportion of the levy handed over to the local neighbourhoods where the development takes place.

1.2.2 Government has also signalled its intention to replace the current system of Planning Policy Statements and Circulars (used by successive administrations to steer Councils in their plan and decision making) with a National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This will enable local planning authorities to develop their own policies in response to local issues.

1.2.3 Notwithstanding the above, the current system of plan making - the Local Development Framework or similar - will remain. The Council wishes to ensure that it is at the forefront of the emerging agenda. Clearly this consultation comes at a bridging point between former and emerging new Government policy and has been prepared on the basis of the extant Planning Policy Statements system and reflects the draft NPPF. The Council will need to respond to changes as they emerge.

1.2.4 The draft Core Strategy has been developed in line with national planning policy. It does not repeat this policy, but does seek to interpret it locally with regard to the particular needs and characteristics of Swale. See Planning Policy Statement 12 Local Spatial Planning (and consultation draft NPPF ) for further information. There is no point in introducing policy for areas that are already adequately covered by Government policy, other guidance or saved Local Plan policies, unless Swale has something special and distinct that it wants to say and has the evidence to say it.

1.2.5 It should be noted that all the policies and proposals in the draft Core Strategy should be read 'as a whole' that is, subject to all other relevant policies in the Development Plan and other material considerations.

1.3 The Core Strategy process

1.3.1 The Core Strategy is not a stand-alone document. It is part of the spatial planning framework for the Borough (see paragraph 1.1.2). The Core Strategy is intended to be a high level document addressing strategic issues facing the Borough alongside strategic development proposals. These may be small developments which nevertheless contribute to the delivery of the vision and objectives; and of course the framework of development management policies. In view of the current changes to national policy context, this Core Strategy seeks to provide a robust and up to date set of locally informed policies to guide development.

1.3.2 The Core Strategy may be supplemented in time by subsidiary development plan documents which will set out the detail of site allocations and supplementary planning documents on implementing Core Strategy policies. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 3 Setting the scene 1

1.3.3 This draft Core Strategy sets out an ambitious and long-term spatial strategy to deliver the aspirations set out in the Swale Sustainable Community Plan. It focuses on outcomes, setting out broad areas and principles, and where, how and when development should be delivered across the Borough. This document also sets out a Framework of Development Management policies (Chapter 7) to guide the determination of planning applications.

What we have done so far

1.3.4 Evidence Base. The production of the Core Strategy is based on a comprehensive research and evidence base, which includes research on land availability, transport and other community infrastructure capacity, flood risk assessment and environmental assets. The data and guidance covers a wide range of sources including bespoke work undertaken for Swale, work done in partnership with other agencies and references to Government and other public bodies' research and good practice guidance. The list is set out in Appendix 1.

1.3.5 Stage 1 (Pick Your Own). This issues and strategic options consultation document explored alternative options for the amount of new homes, jobs and associated infrastructure and where it should be located. It set out:

a vision for the Borough; objectives for the Borough that assist with delivering this vision; a broad development strategy for the Borough; strategic spatial development options; and a proposed framework of cross cutting policies and key development management policies that will assist with delivering the objectives.

What we are doing now

1.3.6 Stage 2 – draft Core Strategy (this document). The draft Core Strategy has taken into account consultation responses to stage 1 and technical evidence including the undertaking of a Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment, health impact assessment and community impact assessment. The Council has now selected its preferred strategic spatial option.

1.3.7 This crystallises the Council's preferred spatial strategy in terms of the overall amount and location of development and allocates key sites and infrastructure to achieve that. It also fleshes out the suite of cross cutting policies to help achieve the vision and objectives and provides an up to date set of development management policies.

What we will be doing next

1.3.8 Stage 3 - proposed submission Core Strategy. At this stage the Core Strategy will be complete and the consultation will be limited to issues of whether the strategy is ‘effective, justified, and consistent with national policy’ - this is called its soundness. The draft Core Strategy is submitted to the Secretary of State for a public examination. The Council does not respond directly to representations received at this stage. They are forwarded to the Inspector who will determine those issues to be heard at the subsequent Examination in Public (EIP).

1.3.9 Stage 4 - Examination in Public. A Government Inspector will undertake a public examination into the policies and proposals of the Council's draft Core Strategy. Dependent on the issues to be heard, relevant parties/ individuals will be invited directly by the Programme Officer (supporting the Inspector) to appear at the EIP. 4 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 1 Setting the scene

1.3.10 Stage 5 - Inspector's Report. This is a report into the findings of the issues considered at the EIP and includes the Inspector's conclusions, the soundness of the proposed Core Strategy and any recommendations made by the Inspector.

1.3.11 Stage 6 - Adoption of the Core Strategy. Subject to Members' approval, Swale Borough Council will adopt the Core Strategy as part of its Local Development Framework.

Assessing the Core Strategy

1.3.12 The Council has used a process of linked assessments to ensure that the potential impacts of the Core Strategy are properly examined. It has ensured that the recommendations of each have been considered and that the in-combination effects have been highlighted. The assessments are:

1. Sustainability Appraisal (together with Appropriate Assessment and Water Cycle Study); and 2. Health Impact Assessment .

Sustainability Appraisal (together with Appropriate Assessment and Water Infrastructure and Environmental Capacity Assessment)

1.3.13 The Core Strategy has been and will be subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating a Strategic Environmental Assessment) at each stage of its preparation. This will assess the environmental, social and economic performance of the emerging plan against a set of sustainability objectives. In July 2008, the Council produced its Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report. This provides a baseline set of objectives against which options, policies and proposals can be tested.

1.3.14 An Appropriate Assessment (AA) is required for the Core Strategy, as part of the Habitats Regulations Assessment process, so that sites that are important in a European context are protected. At this stage, the broad assessment of such impacts will be made as part of the Sustainability Appraisal, leaving the formal AA to be undertaken for the submission stage of the document.

Health Impact Assessment

1.3.15 This assessment ensures that decision making considers the potential impact of decisions on health and health inequalities. The Primary Care Trust covering Swale has undertaken a Rapid Health Impact Assessment on the Pick Your Own Strategic Spatial Options which has informed production of the draft Core Strategy.

Using the proposed framework for policies in this document

1.3.16 The draft Core Strategy contains land use allocations and identifies areas of search which will be drawn from the supporting Swale Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and Employment Land Review.

1.3.17 It also contains two sets of policies to guide and manage development and growth in a sustainable way. The cross cutting policies in Chapter 5 are on broad issues and will apply Borough wide, to ensure that planning decisions made in any location support the principles of sustainable growth and overall objectives of the Core Strategy. The more specific development management policies in Chapter 7 provide an up to date set of criteria for development proposals. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Setting the scene 1

Swale Borough Local Plan 2008 Policies and Proposals (as saved from February 2011)

1.3.18 The land use allocations (not already set out) in the Swale Borough Local Plan have either been saved, or updated and included in this Core Strategy. A schedule is included at Appendix 5 to reconcile this.

1.4 Swale Community Strategy: Ambitions for Swale (2009)

1.4.1 Our Sustainable Communities Strategy - Ambitions for Swale - was published in 2009 and describes priorities for the next twenty years, with shorter term targets to point the Council and its partners in the right direction. It highlights the following main challenges for Swale:

skills levels in the Borough falling substantially below the national average, holding back the potential of our citizens and businesses; concentrations of deprivation amongst the worst in the country; and ensuring our activities and policies both combat the causes, and manage the effects, of climate change as well as protecting and enhancing the natural environment

1.4.2 The goal of the Strategic Community Strategy Ambitions for Swale is: to transform Swale’s economic, social and environmental prospects, so that it is one of the best places in Britain in which to live, work, learn and invest.

1.4.3 The evidence supporting Ambitions for Swale shows that the Borough has some way to go before it can deliver the overall quality of life enjoyed elsewhere in the south east. In many cases, it will need to make improvements above regional and national averages. For the short term at least, the strategy recognises that everyone will need to work within a challenging economic climate.

1.4.4 Ambitions for Swale is in the process of revision with a new version Realising our Ambitions expected to be adopted in April 2012. This will inform the proposed submission Core Strategy.

1.4.5 The Core Strategy is closely aligned to Ambitions for Swale, both in its structure and in the delivery of its objectives via its vision and policies. These linkages are shown in the Table below.

Core Strategy Sustainable Community Strategy Objectives policy

1. Ambitions for Learning - To deliver a step change in Swale’s Policy CP2 learning and skills performance to ensure a high quality skills base sufficient and to enable people in Swale to realise their full potential.

2. Ambitions for Prosperity - To achieve a dynamic and sustainable Policies CP2, DM9 local economy increasingly focused on knowledge intensive industries to maximise Swale’s opportunities, embrace global change and support indigenous entrepreneurship.

3. Ambitions for Inclusion and Safety - To build communities in which Policies CP2, CP4, CP7 people are proud to live and where they feel safe and confident. 6 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 1 Setting the scene

Core Strategy Sustainable Community Strategy Objectives policy

4. Ambitions for Health - To achieve a Borough in which people live Policies CP3, CP4, CP6, healthier lives and have access to high quality services that meet CP7, DM17 their needs.

5. Ambitions for our Environment - To respond to environmental Policies DM1, DM4, challenges by ensuring the sustainability of all regeneration in Swale, DM5, DM6 and by protecting and enhancing our natural and built environment.

6. Ambitions for Culture - To achieve a vibrant Borough, where cultural Policies CP2, CP7, vitality contributes to Swale’s distinctive communities and their health DM10 and wellbeing.

7. Ambitions for Transport - To deliver an efficient, integrated, Policy CP6, DM15 sustainable and multi-modal transport network capable of supporting a growing population and increased economic opportunity.

8. Ambitions for Homes and Communities - To achieve high quality Policies CP3, DM1 sustainable homes where people choose to live in new and existing Communities.

Table 1.4.1 Links between draft Core Strategy and Ambitions for Swale

1.5 The wider view

1.5.1 The Core Strategy looks at guiding and delivering growth at the local level, but it is significantly affected by a variety of factors on global, national and regional scales. This section examines the most important and how they may influence Swale.

Global

1.5.2 There are many global influences affecting Swale now and, crucially, as it tries to plan for the next 20 years. This is a period which will be characterised as a time of transition and uncertainties in the relationships between countries, within economies and for the environment.

European

1.5.3 There is a widespread network of important habitats for biodiversity in the Borough. As such, a number of European Directives have implications for the Council in terms of the assessment of proposals upon the integrity of habitats such as the Medway and Swale, Queendown Warren and the Blean, which are deemed to be of international importance. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Setting the scene 1

National Influences

1.5.4 The principal influence on plan preparation is national planning policy which currently sets out the planning policies of Government in the form of a series of Planning Policy Statements (PPS). These include statements on a wide range of subject areas, including Delivering Sustainable Development (PPS1) and Local Spatial Planning (PPS12).

1.5.5 The Borough Council expects these to be replaced by the adoption of a single new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) during Spring/Summer 2012. Whilst the draft Core Strategy has had regard to draft NPPF and changes in policy emphasis, it has also needed to reference the extant set of national Planning Policy Statements and Guidance. The Council will nevertheless need to have regard to the final version of NPPF in drafting the proposed submission version of the Core Strategy.

The National Economic Climate

1.5.6 The recession that continues to impact upon the UK economy was in part due to the exposure of its financial sector to global events. These economic conditions are likely to have some impact on the achievement of the Core Strategy objectives, at least in the short to medium term.

1.5.7 Emergence from the recession is forecast, although growth is fragile and the recovery is likely to be slow and protracted. In general terms, this slow building of growth will have uneven and unequal distribution, with some job creation but with unemployment still remaining high. Areas such as Kent are envisaged as growing in line with the rest of the south-east, although structural weaknesses within local economies such as Swale may vary short term employment growth. For example, the demographics of the Borough and the skills of the workforce may subdue new inward investment due to investors’ attitudes to locations peripheral to London. Like anywhere else, fluctuations in the global economy may cause sudden and dramatic changes in Swale.

1.5.8 In the current climate future funding for major infrastructure projects will be more limited than the past as efforts are made to reduce the UK budget deficit. This may place limitations on providing absolute certainty over the timing and pace of development.

1.5.9 Development of the Core Strategy vision and objectives attempt to make Swale more robust and resilient through the economic cycle for the longer term. Whilst the Core Strategy is intended to plan for the period to 2031, it is likely that some of its policies and proposals will have a longer time-horizon. The Core Strategy's overall approach will need to remain valid and kept under review as economic circumstances change and the delivery plans of its partners alter with them.

Swale, London and the South East

1.5.10 Swale is influenced by its location within 50 miles of London. The Greater London region is a key driver of the UK economy, with an emphasis on growth, investment and connectivity. It forms the western edge to the Thames Gateway growth corridor. Historically, this area has been the focus of growth for the last 20 years and has been seen as a key location for the delivery of new homes and sustainable communities over the next 25 years. Despite the Government's imminent withdrawal of the Regional Spatial Strategy (the South East Plan), there has been no change in the Government's commitment to the strategic importance of this area. In addition, the 8 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 1 Setting the scene

Gateway remains part of the portfolio of a Government Minister. The recent formation of a new Local Enterprise Partnership covering East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Thurrock and Southend will also have an important bearing on the future role of the Borough at a strategic level.

1.5.11 Swale also adjoins other major growth points in Kent. Most notable is the Ashford growth area where some 22,400 new homes are planned, but there are also significant growth aspirations at Maidstone and the city of Canterbury which is a major tourist centre and university town. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 9 A journey through Swale 2

2 A journey through Swale 10 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 2 A journey through Swale

Picture 2.0.1 The Swale ABC Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 11 A journey through Swale 2

2.1 Painting a portrait - taking a journey through Swale

2.1.1 Economic, social and environmental change are part of our everyday life. The Core Strategy needs to consider how, when and where change needs to happen in response to the influences and trends outlined in the previous chapter. This needs to be based on a thorough knowledge and understanding of Swale's current position and distinctiveness.

2.1.2 Those familiar with Swale know it as a highly diverse and contrasting Kentish place of downland, farmed plain land and miles of coast. These distinctive characteristics are reflected in both its strengths and weaknesses and whilst they do not always fit the outside perceptions of a relatively prosperous part of south-east England, Swale possesses great assets, which have yet to be realised.

2.1.3 Defined by the organisation Common Ground, local distinctiveness is the particular essence that can be found in the tangible - buildings and landscapes, people, products, nature, and customs - but also through the less tangible qualities like literature, history, celebrations, names, recipes, myths, legends and symbols. Striving for local distinctiveness is about demanding the best of the new so that quality and authenticity adds richness to our surroundings. Common Ground promoted the idea of recording the things that make an area locally distinct by listing them alphabetically and producing them in an attractive and visual way. The Council asked for suggestions for a Swale ABC and the results can be found in Picture 2.0.1 at the start of this section.

What's in a Crest?

Hidden in the Borough Crest are elements of what makes Swale distinct. Dissecting it tells us much about Swale:

colour gold to signify wealth - historical, industrial, agricultural waves to signify ports, boat building and ancillary trades and, of course, The Swale Cinque Port at Faversham five cherries as the centre of the Kentish fruit growing activities the Ram as a reference to agriculture and to the Isle of Sheppey the White Horse of Kent Sea Lions as a reference to historic Kings and Queens the crozier a reference to monastic and religious establishments at Minster and Faversham Pilgrim's staff and pouch a reference that the area is on the route from London to Canterbury.

Unlocking the Secrets of Swale's Armorial Bearings (Leaflet, 1999) 12 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 2 A journey through Swale

Shaped by its location

2.1.4 Swale Borough is the bridging point between north and east Kent, named after the narrow channel of tidal water in the Medway Estuary. It is a Borough of some 133,000 people who primarily live in its three main towns, all influenced by that channel.

2.1.5 Swale has strong communication links. It is close both to London and mainland Europe, and well connected to the national motorway network. The M2 runs east-west across the Borough, providing access to destinations between the Channel Ports and London. Via the A249 there is alternative access along the M20. London is accessible in little under Picture 2.1.1 The Swale an hour by high speed rail services. As a coastal Borough, the Port of Sheerness gives access, via its deep water berths, to the largest ships of the world; its imports are distributed to all corners of the UK. Swale is also within easy reach of other major centres - Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone and the Medway Towns . The cultural, recreational and retail offers of these centres have somewhat over-shadowed the development of the Borough's towns.

2.1.6 Sittingbourne (population 46,000) is the main town, acting as a population, employment and service centre for the Borough. These functions and the town’s present day character have their roots in past travellers and pilgrims and the industries that settled there. They are a product of the town's location on the London-Dover road and at the head of an inlet of the Swale, Milton Creek.

2.1.7 The Borough's main point of difference with the rest of Kent is the Isle of Sheppey, separated from the mainland by the Swale. Its main town is Sheerness (population 12,000). It owes much of its distinctiveness to its role as a traditional seaside town and the past and present industries that established there, particularly the former naval dockyard and the current Port facility. The town centre functions as the main shopping and service centre for the Island's residents and visitors.

2.1.8 Faversham (population 18,000) is an attractive and historic small self-contained market town, at the centre of a rich farming hinterland. Faversham and Oare are located at the head of Faversham and Oare Creeks and surrounded by attractive countryside. The town is best known for its continued links with brewing and food. This, and the town’s industrial heritage, produce its present day character - an outstanding range of historic buildings and creeks and a lively independent retail and service sector in the town centre.

2.1.9 Outside the towns, from Hartlip in the west to Dunkirk in the east, Sheldwich in the south to Shellness in the north, are the Borough's extensive rural areas where 56,000 people live (42% of the Borough total). There are a great diversity of settlements and landscapes, many of great charm and character. Larger villages along the main transport routes like Newington, Teynham and Boughton have a range of local facilities and services. Away from the main routes are smaller, more isolated settlements and hamlets like Conyer, Warden and Throwley Forstal.

2.1.10 Over the last 20 years most of the villages and towns in Swale have experienced growth, with growth in the towns being the most rapid. Swale has the fourth largest population of all the district authorities in Kent and has seen the third fastest growing population since 2001. In the last 10 years more employment floorspace has been completed than anywhere else in the County and Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 13 A journey through Swale 2 it has the fourth highest levels of completed new homes. This growth, together with its important location and opportunities for regeneration has been reflected by the inclusion of the Sittingbourne area and the Isle of Sheppey within the Thames Gateway growth area.

Map 2.1.1 External factors on Swale

Shaped by its people

2.1.11 The diversity of its communities - ages, ethnicity, skills and trades, has been Swale's strength for centuries. The area has been a draw to many communities down the centuries - the early settlers, Iron Age, Roman and Saxon invaders and Flemish refugees - to the more recent arrivals from London during the 20th Century through to today's communities from eastern Europe and the many others who seek the area's cheaper housing and good transport links. All have been drawn to this location and its opportunities, bringing their skills to enrich and diversify Swale.

2.1.12 Swale's increasing urban population is mostly a result of migration into the area of the young and family groups rather than change arising from the local population. The death rate is higher than the South East average, but the increasingly younger population brings with it a rising birth rate (Swale Borough Council Topic Paper No 1 Demographics).

2.1.13 Ethnic minorities are still a small proportion of the population, although Swale is becoming more ethnically diverse. Increases are due mostly to those from Black African, Black British, Asian or British Asian backgrounds. Although a small proportion of the population, Swale also has a relatively large number of Gypsies and Travellers, both on their own sites and in permanent housing.

2.1.14 Three-quarters of the population of Swale regard themselves as Christian. Other religious communities such as Hindu, Muslim and Jewish, although not well represented, are likely to rise in line with the increase in the ethnicity of the Borough. 14 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 2 A journey through Swale

2.1.15 Swale has a wide mix of household types - married couples, families, lone parents and single older persons. The proportion of older people has increased as have one person households and while the number of married households is relatively stable, those who choose to co-habit has been increasing. The most common types of housing within Swale are semi-detached houses/bungalows and terraced properties and this is across a mix of tenures: private, rented and registered social landlord properties. Swale has a much higher proportion than the South East average of socially rented homes and of those owning their own homes.

2.1.16 There are wide contrasts between neighbourhoods in the Borough, from the most prosperous parts of Faversham and rural areas in the south of the Borough, to some of England’s most deprived neighbourhoods in Sheerness, Bluetown, Leysdown and Murston. This deprivation displays itself particularly in the educational attainments, economic opportunities and health of these communities.

Shaped by its products

2.1.17 Many present day Swale industries - paper, brick, brewing, cement, steel and maritime - have roots in our past. Swale makes things, grows things, imports things and moves them around but there are fewer offices, financial and high-tech businesses than most other parts of the South East. The town centres and industrial estates at Sittingbourne, Faversham, Sheerness and Queenborough are the main centres of economic activity. The largest of these is at Eurolink, Sittingbourne. Sheerness is a deep water port with rail freight connections and is one of the UK’s largest import points for Picture 2.1.2 Port of Sheerness fruit, timber, paper products and vehicles.

2.1.18 The largest private sector employers in Swale are in the industrial and transportation sectors including Aesica (pharmaceuticals), St. Regis Paper, Medway Ports and Shepherd Neame (brewers). There are more recent additions to employment in the Borough. These include major distribution and logistics firms and growth in environmental,renewable resources and science-based industries such as those at the Kent Science Park, near Sittingbourne - a unique facility in Kent. Less well-known, but a significant employer, are the prisons on the Isle of Sheppey. Throughout the rural area, land is in agricultural production (fruit and cereals), which makes a significant contribution to UK food supplies. There are also many small businesses which contribute towards rural employment.

2.1.19 An understated and undervalued employment resource is tourism. Swale has an inviting built and natural environment which attracts visitors to the area and to explore further afield. As at 2009, it was estimated that expenditure of day and overnight visitors brings over £200m into Swale, which contributes significantly to the GDP of the Borough.

2.1.20 Of those who work in Swale, 65% of them live here too, with 35% of those of working age commuting outside the Borough each day for work. For most, work is in the main towns of adjacent areas, although over 12% commute to London. The main reason for working outside Swale is the lack of availability of certain types of jobs and higher salaries in the Borough. Swale has the fourth highest number of international migrant workers out of all Kent local authorities and has seen significant growth in economic migration from within the EU, not only for agricultural work but for an increasing number of other work opportunities. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 15 A journey through Swale 2

Shaped by its environment

2.1.21 The Borough's outstanding environment is influenced by its geology, soils, topography, history, people and biodiversity. There are three broad landscape types (see Map 2.1.2) - the chalk of the Downs, the central agricultural plain and the clay marshes of the Thames Estuary.

2.1.22 The chalk grassland, fields, valleys and woodlands of the North Downs, comprising part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, dominates the southern reaches of the Borough. Its slopes and valleys, criss-crossed by narrow and sometimes sunken lanes, fall coastward. Places such as Milstead, Newnham and Badlesmere create picture book Kentish villages, their typical character influenced by their surroundings.

2.1.23 Beyond the chalk are the rich agricultural soils on the plains around the Roman road (the A2 Watling Street). Settlements developed at the head of creeks that ran from the Swale and later around the Roman road and the railway. The growth of settlements here - Sittingbourne, Faversham, Newington and Teynham - were fuelled by trade and populations brought by sea, road and rail. Gunpowder, brewing, paper, defence and maritime, brick and barge making all thrived in this area and their legacy remains in today's businesses, buildings, archaeology and landscapes. Agriculture - its fruit and hop growing - remain synonymous with the Borough motto - Known by their fruits. The area has been the cradle of cultivated fruit since the 16th Century. Around the A2 corridor at the western end of the Borough, the influence of the Medway Towns, with its population of over 253,000, is very significant both in terms of the hard edge to urban development at the Borough boundary and also the impact of leisure activities that have changed the rural character of the countryside here.

2.1.24 London clay underlies the northern and coastal boundaries of the Borough. At 111 kilometres, the coast has a major influence on settlements, landscape, wildlife and industry. Around the Swale and Medway, extending inland to the edges of the three main towns, a continuous belt of marsh is presided over by the sweeping arc of the Sheppey Bridge. Prone to tidal flooding, its mudflats, grazing and salt marshes are cut by ditches, dykes, inlets and creeks. With distant views and large skies overhead, the mood and character of these places change with tide, weather and season. Quiet and remote waters meander into creeks at places such as Oare, Conyer and Lower Halstow, influencing their character and activities past and present. For many though it is the great numbers of wintering and passage birds that define the marshes; their flocks and cries seen and heard above the mudflats. 16 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 2 A journey through Swale

Map 2.1.2 National landscape character areas

2.1.25 The north coast faces the Thames Estuary, with views of Essex and huge container ships and wind farms on the horizon. Sheerness is located here, its historic naval dockyard now part of a major commercial port. Queenborough retains its harbour of fishing boats, alongside industrial landscapes and seas of imported cars. North and eastwards, the Island's crumbling clay cliffs, its beaches and holiday amusements, are peppered by the thousands of chalets that swell the summer population along the coast as far as Leysdown. Extending east across the Island is an increasing sense of remoteness ending at the shingle spit with Shellness poised precariously at the entrance to the Swale. Between cliff and marsh, the Island’s spine of hills, topped by the village of Minster, their older and new communities overlooking prisons, marshes, the Swale and mainland beyond. Here, perhaps, is a combination of landscapes and communities that can be found nowhere else in the south of England.

2.1.26 Elsewhere, clay soils affect the eastern and western fringes of the Borough - the woods, hills and pastures at the Blean and in the west, the ridge and woodland between Iwade and Newington. Both give extensive and impressive views of the estuary and beyond. The Blean, its hillside and top thick with a canopy of trees is one of the largest continuous woodlands in England and home to rare birds and butterflies. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 17 A journey through Swale 2

Statement 1

Designated Environmental Assets in Swale

Some of Swale's environmental assets are so special that they are given added status in planning decisions by their virtue that they are 'designated'. They include:

Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - designated as a nationally important landscape; North Kent Marshes around the Swale and Medway - designated for their international wildlife importance; Blean woodland complex- designated internationally, nationally and in part locally for its wildlife interest; numerous National Nature Reserves, Local Nature Reserves and Local Wildlife Sites - areas designated locally for their landscape value; a large proportion of the agricultural land in the central belt of the Borough is defined by the Government as 'best and most versatile' land (comprising Grades 1-3a) - a national as well as local resource; Environment Agency’s highest zone of flood risk can be found around the coast, affecting large parts of our urban areas and villages due to the historic attraction of population and industry to the coast; a great range of heritage assets reflecting Swale's Roman and medieval legacy, its naval and maritime history and its industrial and agricultural past. These include:

1,850 listed buildings in Swale, including Abbey Farm, Faversham and the earliest surviving multi-storey iron-framed building in the World at the former Royal Naval Dockyard Sheerness. 21 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and 2,685 sites in the Sites and Monument Records. 50 designated conservation areas in the Borough. The areas range from the wealth of historic buildings present within Faversham, the former Royal Naval Dockyard at Sheerness to the numerous villages, hamlets and parklands. Four Registered Historic Parks and Gardens. 18 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 2 A journey through Swale

Map 2.1.3 Main natural assets in Swale

Map 2.1.4 Main historic assets in Swale Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 19 A journey through Swale 2

Statement 2

Facing the future - Strengths, Weaknesses and Opportunities

This section provides a short digest of principal challenges and opportunities facing the Borough. A more detailed assessment is contained in the individual technical studies listed at Appendix 1. Although lagging behind Kent and regional performance in some areas, notable success has been achieved in regeneration, with more schemes now moving towards implementation. Continued promotion of opportunities and strengths within and outside the Borough over the longer term will be needed, especially in the current difficult economic context.

Prosperity

Swale’s poor performance in education and skills, limits the ability of local residents to access higher-value jobs and limits the attractiveness of the Borough to employers demanding higher skills. Not known as a business location further afield. Narrow economy with above average proportion of lower paid jobs. Dominated by logistics, transport and manufacturing and under-represented by knowledge and environmental management based sectors. Main opportunities to diversify economy require environmental and transport constraints to be overcome. Agriculture and tourism need to modernise and diversify. Cultural activity in Swale starts from a low base. Land supply for employment dwindling in Swale Thames Gateway to meet future needs. Faversham needs improved quality of employment sites commensurate to its scale and location.

Figure 2.1.1 Swale employment sectors. Source: NOMIS 2011 20 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 2 A journey through Swale

Homes and Communities

Changes in our population base, including accommodating the needs of a population that is living longer will affect housing need, services and jobs. Significant social, economic and environmental disparities between the least and most deprived areas lead to the need to address concentrations of deprivation on Sheppey and at Sittingbourne, particularly in the areas of health, income, employment and skills. Some of these are among the worst in the region and limit the ability of the Borough to fully benefit from new investment. Considerable shortfall in affordable housing provision - over 700 units per annum needed to meet 50% of need - exceeds what can realistically be provided year on year; action to increase rural housing for local needs required. Housing needs include: some smaller housing units, greater numbers of larger family homes, aspirational housing to support economic growth, life-time homes and housing for vulnerable persons and a high demand for new Gypsy and Traveller site provision. Need to improve fitness of total housing stock.

Map 2.1.5 Neighbourhoods in Swale forming part of the 20% most deprived in England (Source: Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2010)

Sustainability and Environment

Few examples of progression toward more sustainable design and construction. Swale is on the front line of climate change and could be affected by changes to water, flood risk, erosion, landscape, biodiversity, soil, health and wellbeing, particularly for disadvantaged communities. Homes, transport and, unusually for Kent, industry are Swale's biggest carbon emitters. These need to be managed, but there are major opportunities for renewable energy across a variety of sources. Swale is within an identified area of serious water stress. Identification of supplies in the Kent Medway zone may be a threat to future growth. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 21 A journey through Swale 2

Biodiversity continues to decline as does landscape and townscape conditions in some locations. Improvements to these and to human health and wellbeing are needed via a network of urban and rural green infrastructure. In some cases landscape scale responses may be required. There are historic buildings at risk from neglect, most significantly the historic dockyard at Sheerness.

Map 2.1.6 Groundwater availability - Environment Agency North Kent and Swale Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy

Infrastructure

As communities develop, infrastructure needs to be in place at the right time and the time lag between demand and provision reduced. Main social infrastructure service needs are in areas of adult education, adult disabilities and dementia care. Where there are falling school rolls, these bring challenges of service reorganisation including closures/mergers of schools leading to development pressures/opportunities. The means to access broadband services using fast computer technology needs to be widened. Junction 5 of the M2 - its poor safety record and capacity - is the single greatest transport constraint, additionally, a new motorway junction also needs to be considered. Emerging stress at other M2 junctions may be longer term problem for East Kent growth. There is poor air quality in Ospringe, Newington and parts of Sittingbourne and Sheerness. Poor transport conditions and facilities in central Sittingbourne and the A2 challenges the nature of current transport relationships between the town, the A2 and the strategic road network. High levels of road and fuel use in Swale, below UK average use of public transport and higher than average proportion with no access to car. Higher levels of commuting, mostly to the nearest larger towns beyond Swale.

Sittingbourne

Fails to provide the range and quality of public and commercial services that one would expect to find in a town of its size and growth area status. Significant amounts of retail and leisure spending takes place outside Swale. It is the largest town in Kent without a dedicated further education facility. Cultural facilities are poor. 22 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 2 A journey through Swale

Has an indistinct cultural and architectural identity and would benefit from landmark buildings, urban greening of its spaces and streets. Notable deficiencies in parks and gardens, natural and semi-natural green space, amenity green space, provision for children and young people and allotments. Pockets of deprivation, particularly in the north of the town in Murston, Milton Regis and Kemsley.

Isle of Sheppey

Sheerness needs to consolidate its role as the main commercial and service centre for the Island and address its current concentrations of deprivation. The health of the town centre needs to be improved. Undeveloped transport network. Unmade roads and culs-de-sac to eastern and deprived communities increase isolation and promotes unsustainable travel patterns. The Island’s tourism offer is unique to Kent, but under-exploited. Traditional ‘bucket and spade’ product faces challenges to meet modern demands and expectations. Sustainable rural tourism, the Island’s historic assets and links with aviation pioneers are potential growth areas. Deficiencies in natural and semi-natural green space, formal outdoor sport facilities and allotments need to be addressed.

Faversham

Uniquely for this part of Kent, a typically Kentish market town. Despite its prosperous image, the settlement of Davington is amongst the most deprived neighbourhoods in England. The town needs to further maintain and further enhance its character and role as the primary service centre for eastern Swale. It additionally needs to develop as a local tourism and cultural centre. Existing employment allocations need to be developed or replaced, but modest increased provision is required to improve quality. Faversham Creek is under used and silting up. Regeneration opportunities exist, but viability, flood risk, the need for creek management and the lack of public sector investment holds opportunities back. There is locally high out-commuting, mostly short distance to Canterbury. Deficiencies in parks and gardens, formal outdoor sport facilities and amenity green space.

Despite the challenges, there are strengths and opportunities:

The Borough’s location, only 40 miles from Central London. Good transport links, including the High Speed Rail Link, and easy road access to the motorway network (M2/A249/M20), international rail services and major ports. The environmental quality of much of the Borough, and increasing recognition of the quality of Swale’s environment as an asset. Increasing opportunities for the Borough in developing knowledge economy sectors, such as technology-based businesses and environmental based industries. Population growth among economically active age groups. A strong tradition of entrepreneurship and relatively high rates of business formation. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 23 A journey through Swale 2

The availability of major regeneration opportunities, especially in Sittingbourne Town Centre and at Queenborough and Rushenden. Vestas wind turbine manufacturing and assembly proposals at Sheerness Dockyard. Mixed use convenience shopping permissions recently granted at Neatscourt and Halfway. 24 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 2 A journey through Swale Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 25 The vision and objectives for Swale 3

3 The vision and objectives for Swale

3.1 The vision for Swale

3.1.1 Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Spatial Planning (June 2008) looks to Core Strategies to produce a vision for the future of places. The vision should respond to and address a locality’s problems, needs and ambitions in a way that is locally distinctive as well as being robust, inspiring, realistic and in the best interests of local people, businesses and the environment. The draft National Planning Policy Framework carries these general principles forward.

What is driving Swale’s vision?

3.1.2 We know that Swale is not a single recognisable place, but a collection of many diverse communities and places. Its residents know where they live but the reputation, features, attractions, facilities or qualities of places in other locations can carry further afield, perhaps because of a cathedral, university or a spectacular landscape. Although the communities, businesses and environment here in Swale are not widely known further afield, this is not to suggest there is nothing of interest here. The great potential of Swale's greatest assets - its position within the Thames Gateway, its diverse communities, excellent location and transport links and an outstanding natural environment - are often a surprise and unknown. Building on these, coupled with a strong ambition for change, are the driving forces behind the vision for Swale. It means moving Swale - its places and spaces - from the unknown to the known; taking Swale forward to 2031 and beyond; making it known for what is here and what has been achieved.

3.1.3 The journey through Swale in Chapter 2 showed it to be a collection of diverse places and spaces. The Borough crest and its motto - Known by their fruits - is a reflection both of an agricultural past, present and future, but also as a metaphor for what can be achieved to make it known further afield. The vision for Swale also needs to express what the fruits of those endeavours will be by 2031. They will have used those key and unique assets of location, communities and environment to drive both a strong economy and the continuation of an outstanding environment for all our communities. Underpinning this is sustainability and climate change - the significant challenges for communities everywhere in the 21st century.

3.1.4 If Swale is not a single place, then its vision cannot hope to embrace every place within it. Four distinct parts of the Borough - Sittingbourne, the Isle of Sheppey, Faversham and the rural areas - are well understood and recognised. The vision distinguishes and responds to their uppermost challenges: a Sittingbourne that residents will be proud to use; Sheppey coastal communities not at the end of the line, but celebrating their rejuvenation; a market town at Faversham that retains its character whilst thriving as a centre for services and tourism; and rural communities that continue to remain relevant to 21st century needs. But, the future is uncertain, so the vision is flexible, whilst setting the bar high for all to aim for.

3.1.5 The vision has been developed in broad consultation with a wide variety of people and parties, including the Local Strategic Partnership (recently replaced with the Locality Board). At its start were the important questions posed about the direction the Borough was heading, the uncertain world within which we must live, the things that Swale did well or could do well and the things it did less well. The involvement and support of the Swale Partnership demonstrates that the Core Strategy Vision is both directly taking forward the Sustainable Community Plan - Ambitions for Swale and informing its future reviews. 26 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 3 The vision and objectives for Swale

Statement 3

The Vision for Swale

It is 2031 and Swale is known by the fruits of its endeavours.

We have harnessed our assets – a strategic location, diverse communities and an outstanding natural environment – and are a sustainable, flourishing place in which to enjoy life and do business with:

Sittingbourne transformed into an attractive, competitive and prosperous town, with a thriving centre that residents across the Borough are proud to use; Sheerness and Queenborough as beacons of coastal rejuvenation leading the way to success for all communities on the Isle of Sheppey; Faversham, a thriving market town and heritage destination that has grown organically; and Successful rural communities across the downs, farmed plains and coast as places of innovation; nurturing enterprise, local produce and greater self-reliance.

3.1.6 Chapter 4 of this document sets out a strategy stemming from the vision. Further amplification of what the Council believes the vision might mean in practice is provided below.

3.2 How do we make the vision happen?

3.2.1 The Sustainable Community Strategy Ambitions for Swale requires a transformation of the social, economic and environmental profile of the Borough. Despite the current difficult economic context, those charged with delivering the vision will continue to raise the bar of aspiration for the Borough, together with the development standards and actions needed to support them. Within this context, the following principles should be adopted:

1. Working towards sustainable development in Swale; 2. Adding value to our economy, embracing our potential for new technologies, whilst improving the skills of our workforce so that they can play their part; 3. Delivering urban regeneration, including access to services and facilities, arts and culture in areas facing challenges of disadvantage and deprivation; 4. Cost effective, flexible and continuous partnership working with public, private and voluntary bodies to achieve what we can in an uncertain economic climate; 5. Led by design, aspiring to the best quality of development through better use of resources and responding to local distinctiveness and place; 6. Integrating land use and travel in as sustainable way as possible; 7. Promoting healthy, inclusive, safe and, ultimately, successful communities; 8. Managing demands on existing infrastructure and making new provision at the right time; and 9. Increasing access to nature and open space, sporting and recreation provision, in both urban and rural environments.

3.2.2 These principles are then used to develop a series of objectives for the Core Strategy, as follows in Section 3.3. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 27 The vision and objectives for Swale 3

3.3 Core Strategy objectives

Cross cutting objectives for Sustainability and Environment, Prosperity, Homes and Communities, Infrastructure:

1. Adapt to climate change with innovation, reduced use of resources, managed risk to our communities and opportunities for biodiversity to thrive. 2. Use our coastal assets to support a strong economy and a sustainably managed environment. 3. Support economic success and improve community wellbeing with a network of maintained, protected and improved natural assets in town and country. 4. Use our historic and natural assets to drive regeneration, tourism, and environmental quality. 5. Strive for high quality design to bring a better quality of life and self-confidence to our communities. 6. Support sectors that can build on our strengths, diversify our economy, promote investment in skills, and develop our distinct opportunities in pursuit of greener and pioneering technologies. 7. Bring economic growth, regeneration and community development, especially to our most deprived communities. 8. Support our farming and food sectors so that they are at the forefront of increasing food security, reducing food miles and increasing local food consumption. 9. Provide the right housing to support regeneration and stronger, greener communities. 10. Develop tourism and culture to support regeneration, employment growth, communities and environmental management. 11. Improve prosperity and environmental quality with efficient and sustainable transport networks. 12. Ensure timely delivery of the services and infrastructure to support strong communities.

Place based objectives:

1. Re-establish Sittingbourne as the principal town with investment in retail, leisure, culture and community services and further education, within new and improved green spaces and streets. 2. Reinforce Sheppey's uniqueness by ensuring change supports Sheerness as its commercial and service focus; strengthens and integrates communities at Rushenden, Queenborough and Minster/Halfway; manages coastal and heritage assets; modernises leisure and tourism industries; and supports isolated communities. 3. With conservation and enhancement as the primary aim, sustain Faversham’s role and character as an historic market town for residents and visitors with a range of businesses and services that increase diversity and interest. 4. Address identified needs in our rural communities so that they are sustained in ways that also respects their scale and character. 28 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 3 The vision and objectives for Swale Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 29 The strategy 4

4 The strategy

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 This section provides the overall spatial strategy. It sets out the overall principles of the Core Strategy:

Where we are going; The amount and type of development and its location (via strategic policies); and What it means for each part of the Borough.

4.2 The Spatial Strategy

Where are we going?

4.2.1 It’s 2031 and Swale is known by the fruits of its endeavours. Bearing the fruits of the vision for Swale (Chapter 3) comes at a time of huge economic uncertainties. Swale is looking to be acknowledged further afield for what it will have achieved at a time when achievements of any kind will be a major challenge.

4.2.2 This is a Core Strategy with a 20 year time span during which much can change. It is, therefore, a spatial strategy which will provide solid foundations for growth for current and future generations, even though the timing of that growth will not be clear at this time. The Borough wants to play its role in supporting the national growth agenda and will bring forward a generous and flexible supply of land for the market, both to support its own economic strengths and for emerging and growing economic sectors. It will also provide markers for the future in areas where the way forward for them is not yet clear. Alongside this, it also provides a clear statement of responsibility for the protection and enhancement of the Borough's and indeed, some of the Nation’s, most important environmental assets – its wetland, downland and huge collage of historic assets.

4.2.3 The spatial strategy acknowledges that compromises have been and will have to be made. Severe, deep and protracted economic difficulties mean we cannot achieve all we want when we want it. These may be especially evident when meeting our needs for infrastructure and affordable housing. Despite these limitations, the spatial strategy remains one of support for growth. This though is not growth at any cost, for the scale and pace of growth will be adjusted where:

progress on creating jobs lags behind housing growth; or overloading the capacity of infrastructure leads to unacceptable consequences without the foreseeable means of resolving them; or avoidance, mitigation of impacts and management cannot prevent fragmentation or damage to our most important wildlife and landscapes.

4.2.4 These checks guide the spatial strategy toward achieving sustainable development. For Swale, this means moving toward, as far as practical:

supporting communities to be more self-sufficient to reduce impacts elsewhere; satisfying our social, economic and aesthetic needs; and providing a robust, adaptable and enhanced environment. 30 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

4.2.5 The cross cutting policies in Chapter 5 will set out the central role of the Core Strategy in explaining what developments will need to try and achieve so as to be judged as fitting in terms of a sustainable pattern of development in Swale.

Economy

4.2.6 We describe this spatial strategy as ‘employment led’. What does this mean? It means continuing Swale’s track record of providing numerically generous amounts of employment land that will give flexibility to the market. By providing an employment floorspace target of some 546,000m2 and 8,500 jobs with further potential at the Port of Sheerness, this generous provision additionally gives the opportunity for those who live in Swale and work elsewhere to do both here if they wish. This affords the opportunity for people to re-balance their lives, retain more spending within the local economy and reduce the number and length of journeys for daily needs. Ultimately the spatial strategy will aim for better efficiency and self containment.

4.2.7 As well as supporting current economic strengths, the spatial strategy will address qualitative as well as quantitative needs within the local economy. This will enable it to branch out into under represented sectors, increase higher growth/value businesses, reduce commuting for better paid jobs, improve skills and, in doing so, create a better business image for Swale.

4.2.8 The Borough's existing land bank for new employment developments is relatively high. However, in future we must think about what it can actually provide. We need also to identify other sites to create a step change to alter market perceptions, address future needs and demands, improve the quality of our provision and give greater market choice. Whilst delivering flexibility and market choice may not lead to all this land being developed in the plan period, we are not only trying to reduce the need for out-commuting by our residents for work, but we want to establish Swale as the home of businesses that are not only locally, but nationally important, such as those in the environmental and knowledge based sectors. As a result, a hopeful early outcome for the spatial strategy will enable the UK to become a major hub for the manufacture of off-shore wind turbines based on the facility at the Port of Sheerness where a total of 80,000m2 and 1,720 direct jobs could be created.

4.2.9 A longer term opportunity to address the qualitative needs of the local economy exists at Kent Science Park, to the south east of Sittingbourne. The Council supports the principle of major expansion here. However, for this Core Strategy, the means of delivering the infrastructure necessary to support this growth is too uncertain for this proposal to progress as a strategic allocation at this time. A ‘signpost’ for the longer term potential is provided, with a framework identified for bringing it forward via a Core Strategy review once the right conditions or opportunities present themselves.

4.2.10 This spatial strategy recognises that growth in retail and leisure will lead to job creation in the early years of the plan period. The start of major developments at Sittingbourne town centre and Queenborough will be an early win, with over 56,000m2 of employment floorspace and 1,400 jobs ultimately the goal. These will re-capture spending currently lost to other centres outside the Borough. Action will also need to be taken to address the health of Sheerness town centre where there are particular areas of concern.

4.2.11 Tourism will continue to be a significant contributor to the economy and is likely to be a beneficiary of reduced travel and spending abroad. Flexible policies will encourage growth of the Borough’s cultural offer by the extension, diversification and modernisation of its tourism products, particularly in the areas of sustainable rural tourism, high quality niche markets and for Sheppey’s chalet and caravan industry. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 31 The strategy 4

Housing

4.2.12 As an employment led spatial strategy, land for new housing to support new jobs will be provided so as to minimise the risk of excessive commuting into the Borough for work. The housing target will meet the future needs of the current local population, and provide for additional numbers of economically active people to help ensure an adequate supply of local labour. With a target of 13,500 new homes (10,406 from 2011), as an indicator of success, the spatial strategy will seek to maintain a relationship of a potential 0.8 jobs (42m2) for each new house built to maintain its employment led emphasis.

4.2.13 Delivering affordable homes will be difficult in the prevailing economic climate. The spatial strategy will be flexible over how provision can be made and will improve the supply of affordable homes and general market homes in rural communities. An increase in the number of larger family homes will be needed, which will also benefit the viability of some developments. Despite economic difficulties for the housing sector, the spatial strategy will recognise that quality new housing can help change perceptions of poorer housing markets like Queenborough and Rushenden and parts of Sittingbourne and Sheerness.

Environment

4.2.14 Maintaining and enhancing Swale’s outstanding environment will be a precondition for the success of the spatial strategy, as will be improvements to the environment of deprived urban communities and rural landscapes in decline.

4.2.15 Swale’s coast will be a thriving resource in the face of climate change. It will be both resilient to future changes and support new opportunities that arise. Businesses will be encouraged to suitable locations, whilst sites that cannot be made safe will be avoided. A coastal change management zone will ensure decisions taken now do not prejudice any future measures that may be needed to mitigate climate change effects.

4.2.16 Spatial strategy policies will encourage new development to make better use of resources, whilst strategic allocations will support energy strategies that will explore the opportunities to provide renewable and decentralised energy networks.

4.2.17 The spatial strategy is supported by a Green Infrastructure Plan - a high level network of accessible urban and rural green spaces. Existing assets will be protected, whilst development, where it can, positively maintains and improves the network of green infrastructure and maximises opportunities for biodiversity and access for all.

Transport

4.2.18 Transportation will play a key role in the delivery of the spatial strategy. New infrastructure will help to support economic growth by providing additional highway capacity and measures to promote equality of access to transport through an integrated and sustainable transport network. The key themes which the transport system will need to address include:

supporting economic growth; promoting equality of independence; tackling climate change; contributing to safety, security and health; and improving the quality of life. 32 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

4.2.19 Success in delivering the spatial strategy will make further demands on our transport systems, especially the road network, which comes under pressure at peak times. The spatial strategy will manage these demands and address the above key themes, by working with partners to achieve an integrated approach to transport provision. This will be through the sensible location of new development, which:

minimises the number and length of journeys people need to make for everyday needs; directs transport movements onto public transport and those part of the network where most capacity exists; and encourages walking and cycling.

4.2.20 The spatial strategy will be assisted by a Local Transport Strategy to be prepared in partnership with Kent County Council, with measures to reduce car use and manage transport demand more sustainably.

4.2.21 Whilst highway congestion will increase as a result of general increase in traffic and the proposals in the spatial strategy, this will remain within acceptable limits than that experienced at other successful towns in Kent, enhanced by providing the final link in the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road, joining the A249 with the A2 east of Sittingbourne. This will improve transport conditions in central Sittingbourne, and complement traffic management and public transport improvement measures associated with regeneration projects in the town centre and strategic development at north east Sittingbourne.

4.2.22 Longer term considerations will need to be given to measures to relieve junction 5 of the M2 and to improve the distribution of traffic into Sittingbourne from the west. This re-balancing of the network could be achieved by a Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road linking the M2 to the A2 east of Sittingbourne. This project, though, having no clear means of delivery at this time is, nonetheless, included as a ‘signposting’ policy in this Core Strategy to meet future development needs.

Deprivation Issues

4.2.23 Whilst wider action to raise prosperity in the Borough will impact positively upon all residents, the spatial strategy requires proposals to demonstrate clear benefits to the Borough's most disadvantaged communities. Priority will be especially given to development proposals able to support the most disadvantaged wards. However, the spatial strategy’s commitment will be seen principally within regeneration proposals at Sittingbourne town centre, at Queenborough/Rushenden, the wind turbine manufacturing proposals at Sheerness and in targeted areas of Faversham. A specific priority will be the high incidence and coincidence of poor health in many communities and the spatial strategy will require the proactive assessment and implementation of health action plans for major developments.

The focus for future developments needs

4.2.24 The Spatial Strategy will weight levels of growth toward Sittingbourne and the Isle of Sheppey, reflecting their position within the Government’s Thames Gateway Growth Area. This also reflects the achievable opportunities available and character of that area, as distinct from those in Faversham and remaining rural areas. The spatial strategy will give priority to the use of brownfield land, although its availability is lower than other Council areas within the Thames Gateway area and is therefore insufficient to meet all future development needs. The state of the Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 33 The strategy 4 economy will also impact upon the delivery of brownfield land and this will mean that some development on greenfield land as urban and village extensions will be needed to maintain a supply of land for housing and jobs.

4.2.25 Within the context outlined above, the spatial strategy has four focii for growth, descending in order of scale. This approach will be a key part of what makes development sustainable in Swale, meaning the convenient location of services, employment and good transport links close at hand to where people are to live.

4.2.26 The main focus will be the development and expansion of the principal town of Sittingbourne which will be established as the location of choice for better shopping, leisure, cultural and public services in order to retain spending within the area and attract people to the town.

4.2.27 The secondary focus will be at the other Borough urban centres of Faversham and Sheerness, where development will support their role as neighbourhood centres, alongside the centres of nearby Queenborough, Rushenden and Minster/Halfway where new housing and employment may fulfil a wider role. However, each of these settlements has additional considerations that require adjustments to the overall weighting of growth and distribution.

4.2.28 Faversham is a small and compact historic market town, with 40% of its area within a designated conservation area. Maintaining the urban environment with a vibrant mix of uses will be a priority here. At its urban edge, the landscape has only a low to moderate capacity for change. For this area the spatial strategy is therefore a ‘conservation first’ approach, and development levels for housing will be restrained in contrast to the likely demand, whilst improving the quality of local employment land. Growth will be ‘organic’ – a gradual process by which growth is not forced and where its scale is emphasised. Whilst Faversham is a focus for development, it will be the capacity and quality of the environment that leads developments decisions here.

4.2.29 At Sheerness, the needs of the community cannot all be provided within the town, or by its expansion, due to the presence of the coast and the undeveloped flood plain. The larger settlement at Minster/Halfway is on higher ground and has land with fewer constraints, but it lacks a focal point for provision of new services. In contrast, the smaller settlements of Queenborough and Rushenden have major opportunities for the regeneration of older industrial areas. The development needs of Sheerness, Queenborough and Rushenden, Minster and Halfway are therefore considered together and referred to collectively as Western Sheppey by the spatial strategy. This is to achieve a more sustainable development pattern for western Sheppey as a whole through maximising opportunities close to the main transport networks. Care will nevertheless need to be taken to maintain the separation in identity of each settlement. This approach represents a more sustainable option than locating major new development at the more remote eastern end of the Island.

4.2.30 The third focus for development will be at local service centres – Iwade, Newington, Eastchurch, Leysdown, Teynham and Boughton. These settlements will be the most appropriate focus for new development in the rural areas. However, the individual capacity of each settlement for growth is variable because of differences in their accessibility to a range of services and jobs and in the quality of the environments in and around them. On this basis, appropriate allocations are made by the Core Strategy.

4.2.31 The fourth focus will be the wider rural areas, where scales of development will be modest and not involve the actual allocation of development sites by the Core Strategy. Within this area, the spatial strategy distinguishes between villages where development can take place within their boundaries or at sites to meet local needs, as opposed to smaller villages, hamlets and the open 34 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

countryside where only essential development is envisaged. Built-up area boundaries for some settlements, defined on the Proposals Map, will be used to guide where and what types of development will be allowed at settlements and in the open countryside.

4.2.32 All these rural areas will be supported by policies that maintain sustainable growth that in turn enables investment in new business and housing to meet local needs. Priority will be given to the extension of digital infrastructure into rural areas, whilst new businesses and agricultural enterprises will bring benefits when they can be established without significant harm to the character of the countryside. Here the spatial strategy will acknowledge flexibility over such matters as the essential use of cars in remote rural areas, the growth of home working and the meeting of local needs. Local communities themselves may also bring forward proposals for development to meet their own particular objectives in areas where previously they may not have done.

The draft Core Strategy Key Diagram

4.2.33 The Key Diagram is intended to illustrate the overall intentions of the spatial strategy and those policies that critically effect where development should be located. In doing so, it outlines where the focus for major development will take place over the plan period and how this links with the main transport routes and neighbouring districts within Swale. It can be found at the end of section 4.2.

Considering the Pick Your Own options

4.2.34 The Spatial Strategy is the result of an assessment of the four strategic spatial options from the January 2011 Pick Your Own document (PYO) and supporting SA/SEA. The PYO consultation presented choices around the overall levels of development in the Borough and their potential distribution. As indicated by the PYO consultation document, given the variety of settlements and issues affecting the Borough, the strong likelihood would be that an eventual shape of a preferred option would lie somewhere amongst the four options, perhaps as a hybrid of two or more of them. This has proved to be the case, as elements of each of the four consultation options have been carried forward to a Preferred Option and the Spatial Strategy of this draft Core Strategy. Further background information, can be found in the following background papers: Technical Paper No.1 Determining a local employment target for Swale and Technical Paper No.2 Determining a local housing target for Swale .

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

PYO Option 1 focus Adoption of Option 1 in its entirety was not pursued because its at urban areas for employment aspirations were not considered adequate to meet the future 13,500 homes and economic needs of the Borough. It also failed to reflect emerging lower employment proposals for wind-turbine manufacture at the Port of Sheerness. Too growth. much reliance was also placed on unachievable housing contributions from urban regeneration projects at Sittingbourne Town Centre and Queenborough-Rushenden which, together with the need for further employment land, would have meant that the amount of land identified for development by the option was inadequate.

Features taken from Option 1: Level of housing, development focus (but with wider search needed to also include Faversham and some rural service centres), Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road, improvements to waste water. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 35 The strategy 4

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

PYO Option 2 focus In addition to those reasons provided for Option 1, adoption of Option at urban areas and 2 in its entirety was not pursued because it pushed too much new housing larger villages for development away from the principal centres of population, employment 13,500 homes and and services. Although providing rural homes, its scale would have lead lower employment to less sustainable patterns of travel and more severe impacts on the growth. countryside than at the main urban settlements.

Features taken from Option 2: As per Option 1.

PYO Option 3 focus Adoption of Option 3 in its entirety was not pursued because delivery at urban areas for of major elements of the option were found to be uncertain. Firstly, the 13,500 homes and reclamation of land from the sea at the Port of Sheerness and the higher employment development of its operational land for some 2,400 homes were growth. insufficiently advanced in their planning. Secondly, proposals for major expansion at the Kent Science Park near Sittingbourne could not be achieved due to uncertainties over access to the site. Finally, providing an initial phase of a new Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road from a new junction on the M2 could not be funded with any certainty. The failure to progress the housing proposals at the Port of Sheerness, together with changes to the other urban regeneration sites, outlined in Option 1, also meant that the reduced reliance on the use of Greenfield land for housing, by Option 3, could no longer be relied upon.

Features taken from Option 3: Increased overall employment provision at greater levels than option 1, but lower that option 3. Development focus with much reduced and more variable levels at local service centres. Growth at Kent Science Park and Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road as signposting for future consideration.

PYO Option 4 focus Adoption of Option 4 in its entirety was not pursued as the construction at urban areas for of 18,500 homes was found to be undeliverable and to have unacceptable 18,500 homes and consequences for the loss of countryside and high quality agricultural higher employment land. It would also have been at odds with the Council’s reasoned growth. housing target of 13,500 homes for the Core Strategy period. This target is intended to meet local needs as well as an element of in-migration in order to address future local labour supply demands. The target also reflects the amount of land available that can be developed without significant adverse impact on the environment. As with Option 3, delivery questions at the Port of Sheerness, Kent Science Park and the Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road showed that key parts of the Option could not be pursued. 36 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

Features taken from Option 4: Increased overall employment provision at greater levels than option 1, but lower that option 4. Growth at Kent Science Park and Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road as signposting for future consideration.

Table 4.2.1 Considering the Pick Your Own options

38 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

4.3 Provision for jobs and homes

4.3.1 In this section two policies are envisaged. The first, Policy ST 1 sets out overall amounts of new development to guide the Core Strategy. The second, Policy ST 2, guides the general location of allocations. Implementation of the spatial strategy requires land to be allocated for new jobs, homes and other community uses. These are led by strategic allocations – those considered the most essential to achieving the objectives of the Core Strategy, especially those associated with employment delivery.

4.3.2 Strategic allocations are set out in Chapter 6. These do not represent all of the Borough's development needs and other allocations are required to meet the Borough's housing target. The balance of housing and employment provision is expected to be progressed via the preparation of a separate Site Allocations Development Plan Document, although this may be dependent upon publication of the final version of the National Planning Policy Framework. The Core Strategy nevertheless indicates locations which will be used to provide this balance from the sites identified by the Council’s Swale Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

Employment Development Targets

4.3.3 Employment provision has been made having had regard to the Council’s 2010 Employment Land Review

4.3.4 In terms of its current supply of employment floorspace, Swale has a sizeable amount compared with nearby districts, with the stock dominated by manufacturing and warehousing premises, but with a very low proportion of office space. Since 2010, net new floorspace completions have been very low, reflecting economic conditions and losses of manufacturing space. The quality of the stock of industrial premises is relatively poor and dated in some areas and there are few dedicated office parks or modern office premises with those available currently under pressure to change to non-employment uses. Land allocated by the Swale Borough Local Plan or with unimplemented planning permission already provides for a significant land supply. Despite this, there is a limited supply of readily available sites for general industrial development and large scale distribution uses, and even fewer opportunities for offices and small, serviced office units in the right locations to meet the future needs of existing local businesses. In short, a more flexible and better quality supply is needed.

4.3.5 The Council has undertaken an assessment of need and demand relative to the constraints to development and the opportunities available. This assessment can be found in Technical Paper No.1 Determining a local employment target for Swale (March 2012). The Council’s net employment floorspace and job target for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2031 is for 545,614m2 having a capacity to provide 10,685 jobs falling predominantly within what are referred to as ‘B’ Use Classes, comprising office, industrial, storage and distribution uses, but also including retail and leisure provision. Floorspace figures for approved waste and energy projects are also included. The Council's job target however has been set at 20% below the capacity figure at around 8,500 jobs.

4.3.6 Table 4.3.1 shows how the employment floorspace target will be met from a mixture of existing committed employment sites and new provision. Excluded from this overall floorspace/jobs target and the table below is potential for a further 80,000m2 and some 1,720 jobs from the proposed wind turbine manufacturing facility at the Port of Sheerness. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 39 The strategy 4

Source of land Amount of floorspace (m2)

Available and achievable existing employment land commitments 525,874 waiting to be built (inc. waste/energy/retail/leisure).

Floorspace to be achieved by draft Core Strategy Strategic 169,940 Allocations.

Less floorspace estimated to be lost during plan period. 150,200

TOTAL NET AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT FLOORSPACE BEING 545,614 PROVIDED BY CORE STRATEGY

Amount of committed floorspace identified as not being built before 20,439 31 March 2031

Other floorspace potential (Port of Sheerness) 80,000

Table 4.3.1 Existing and proposed sources of employment land 2011-31

Retail and Leisure Development

4.3.7 Swale has three principal towns: Sittingbourne (the main shopping and administrative centre); Faversham (a market town serving a rural hinterland); and Sheerness (the main town on the Isle of Sheppey). The Borough is accessible to higher order centres at Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone and Chatham. The regional centre at Bluewater retail park is a 30 minute drive away.

4.3.8 The approach to retail and leisure provision has had regard to the Council's 2010 Retail Assessment. This showed that Swale retains high levels of local spending in the everyday supermarket shopping sector (convenience shopping). It also highlighted the need for a further 14,000m2 of comparison (non-food) floorspace by the year 2025. Development at these levels will help claw back expenditure lost to centres such as Maidstone and Canterbury which have a wider representation in terms of national multiples and department stores. This will boost the market share and retention of spending in the Borough. In terms of quantitative deficiencies, the retail assessment identified potential remedies. First, over trading at stores in the town requires additional floorspace in or close to Sittingbourne town centre (at the Forum and north and south of the railway line), whilst a new main food store could be sustained toward the eastern side of the Isle of Sheppey.

4.3.9 These deficiencies have been met largely at Sittingbourne town centre by the permissions for retail and leisure uses recently granted or resolved to be granted. In the case of convenience shopping, these permissions additionally resolve issues with significant over-trading in some locations. They, in effect, signal the implementation phases of the town centre regeneration policies of the Swale Borough Local Plan (2008). These policies continue to support those development proposals, together with the town centre partnership activities between the Council and the Spirit of Sittingbourne development company. Proposals are being worked up to regenerate other parts of the town centre south of the railway, for leisure, civic and other town centre uses.

4.3.10 Convenience shopping needs in other parts of the Borough have already been largely met as a result of recent planning permissions on western Sheppey and by a permission already implemented at Faversham. 40 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

4.3.11 In total, the extant proposals outlined above amount to some 56,349m2 of retail and leisure floorspace, providing a job capacity of 1,792 (included within the overall job target referred to above) as calculated by Technical Paper No.1 Determining a local employment target for Swale (March 2012). In consequence, it is not considered that the Core Strategy needs to make any additional provision Borough-wide, above and beyond that which the Council has recently approved.

4.3.12 The Retail Assessment identifies a retail hierarchy for the Borough as set out in Table 4.3.2.

Status Location

Town centre Sittingbourne (principal town), Faversham, Sheerness

Local centre Queenborough & Rushenden, Halfway, Minster, Milton Regis, Boughton, Eastchurch, Iwade, Leysdown, Newington, Teynham

Table 4.3.2 Swale's retail hierarchy

4.3.13 In line with Government policy, the preference for major new retail and leisure development are the main town centres. For the purposes of determining whether retail and leisure applications fall within these centres, the town centre boundaries for Faversham, Sheerness and Sittingbourne are defined in 'saved' Swale Borough Local Plan 2008 policies AAP1, AAP4 and AAP7 respectively. Additionally, 'saved' policies B3 and B4 will continue to guide planning applications, as they support Core Strategy objectives and they are considered to be in accordance with the emerging NPPF. With planned developments at an advanced stage in the process, it is not considered necessary at this time to propose new retail development management policies.

4.3.14 Within the town centres the core and secondary shopping areas, as defined on the Proposals Map, are also 'saved' in their current extent. This is because the 2010 Retail Assessment Study does not recommend any changes to these areas at the present time. However, once the implementation of the new retail proposals referred to at Sittingbourne have been implemented, a review of these designations may be warranted.

4.3.15 In the case of proposals for both new floorspace and changes of use, use of 'saved' Local Plan policies B3 and B4 to assess the impacts on vitality and viability should also be used with reference to the health checks undertaken for the Retail Assessment.

Tourism Development

4.3.16 Swale Borough has a rich cultural heritage and the contribution of tourism to the local economy can be overlooked. Although there is specific evidence to support the need for further tourist facilities within Swale, including that for hotels, the precise amount of provision is not quantifiable and as such future floorspace and job provision is excluded from the overall employment targets.

4.3.17 The 2009 Cambridge Model showed that total expenditure on tourism in Kent and Medway generated £2.6 billion directly and indirectly to local business, a 4% increase from 2006, and that tourism supports 63,261 actual jobs, an increase of 7% since 2006. For Swale, the model showed that total expenditure on tourism in Swale generated £207 million directly and indirectly to local business, an 8% increase from 2006 and supporting 4,252 actual jobs - a 10% increase since 2006. Swale's location relative to London and Europe is advantageous to tourism growth as will be the legacy from the 2012 London Olympics. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 41 The strategy 4

4.3.18 The key tourism aim of the Core Strategy is to improve the range of tourism facilities and the tourism offer, with emphasis upon improved quality to enhance the visitor profile of the Borough, hand in hand with regeneration of its town centres. This will be dependent upon continued growth in holidays within the UK. Specifically, accommodation needs to improve and expand and the current and potential range of tourism assets safeguarded. The value of tourism is recognised by the spatial strategy.

4.3.19 Tourism, as part of a wider cultural offer, will be important within regeneration projects. At the coastal towns of Faversham and Sheerness, it will be used to achieve a wider reputation for high quality consumer and leisure facilities. Given its location and proximity to other tourist centres at Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay, Faversham has strong potential to diversify its economy around tourism - a key component of the Core Strategy Vision for the town. For Sheerness to recapture its former role as a tourism centre for the Island, it must be a central part of wider regenerative initiatives for the town. Regeneration here could consolidate the Island's role as the Borough's unique offer. The contribution of the Borough's rural areas is significant and improved attractions, accommodation provision and recreational and leisure activities should be encouraged where appropriate.

4.3.20 The report Kent Hotel Development Hotspots Final Report, prepared by Hotel Solutions for Visit Kent & Tourism South East April 2011, indicates the type of hotel accommodation that could be needed in Swale.

At Sittingbourne:

Immediate market potential for a further budget hotel in Sittingbourne with Travelodge now having secured a site with planning permission in the town centre, with longer-term potential for further budget hotels as the town’s economy develops and the town centre is regenerated. A redeveloped and expanded Coniston Hotel will meet any requirements for a higher quality hotel in Sittingbourne.

At Faversham:

There is commercial interest for a budget hotel.

On the Isle of Sheppey:

There is potential for a budget hotel at Queenborough given the planned regeneration of Queenborough and Rushenden including the current development of Neats Court Business Park on the A249 and the Sheerness Port development.

Housing Development Targets (including provision for Gypsies and Travellers)

4.3.21 A Borough housing target of 13,500 homes for the period 1st April 2006 to 31st March 2031 has been set by the Council. Its assessment of need and demand, and capacity and opportunity can be found in Technical Paper No.2 Determining a local housing target for Swale (March 2012). The Council does not need to find extra land for the whole of its target as a considerable part is met by dwellings already completed, outstanding planning permissions and ‘saved’ allocations from the adopted Swale Borough Local Plan 2008 (see Table 4.3.3). 42 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Source of land Number of new homes

Homes built between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2011. 3,238

Homes with planning permission waiting to be built. 1,821

Sites reviewed and committed as allocations from the adopted 2008 3,492 Swale Borough Local Plan.

New land identified for housing. 3,643

Amount of new housing coming from windfall sites (sites not known 1,450 or identified).

TOTAL AMOUNT OF HOUSING BEING PROVIDED BY CORE 13,644 STRATEGY

Amount of housing identified as not being built before 31 March 2031. 850

Table 4.3.3 Existing and proposed sources of housing land 2006-2031

4.3.22 New housing provision has been made having considered the East Kent Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2009, the draft Swale Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (2010-11) and other wider impacts. The land availability assessment has not identified sufficient land to meet the housing target, so to limit the use of environmentally unacceptable land, the Council has made an allowance for ‘windfall’ sites. These are sites that are known to come forward all the time, but the Council is unable to predict where they may be. Government policy guidance indicates that they should not be relied upon for housing land supply during the first ten years of the plan period, but an allowance of 145 dwellings per annum has been assumed for the latter ten year part of the plan period. Technical Paper No.2 provides further details.

4.3.23 The draft 2010-11 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment is available for consultation alongside this draft Core Strategy. It includes all the sites that were put forward by landowners and developers for consideration for housing and mixed uses. Appendix 3 of the draft Core Strategy provides further details of sites judged to be achievable within the plan period and which may be potential sites in the Council’s future Site Allocations Development Plan Document. Alternatively, subject to finalisation of Government policy, the Council may include these sites as allocations at the next stage of the Core Strategy.

4.3.24 The Core Strategy contains an indicative target of 30-35% (depending on location) for the proportion of total housing that should be provided as affordable and is considered in greater detail under Policy DM 12.

4.3.25 As part of the overall housing target, there will be provision included for gypsies and travellers. Rather than numbers of homes, provision for this section of the community is expressed as ‘pitches’, which are usually sites big enough for a home and its associated domestic requirements. The Council is not yet able to say what proportion of its overall housing target will be for the gypsy and travelling communities. This is subject to an assessment of options for an overall target for pitch numbers in the Borough and their suggested distribution. Further details can be found at Section 4.7 and in Technical Paper No. 3 Review of evidence to determine pitch number options for gypsies and travellers in Swale (March 2012). Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 43 The strategy 4

Bringing Development Forward

4.3.26 Development targets should be viewed as minimum figures and the Council will consider further provision on suitable sites that accord with the Strategic Policy, (Policy ST 2) and other relevant Core Strategy policies. For housing, these may be via the redevelopment or conversion of existing buildings or due to higher than expected densities being achieved on allocated sites (or through Neighbourhood Plans). For employment, these may be by way of the expansion of existing sites.

4.3.27 The Council wishes to ensure that the scale and pace of development, in particular that for housing, does not undermine the employment led Core Strategy or lead to unacceptable consequences because necessary infrastructure cannot be provided to support it.

4.3.28 In the case of employment provision, a simple ratio that divides the number of new homes with the number of jobs and floorspace to be provided from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2031 is used. Subject to ratios changing because the level of new jobs was not keeping pace with the number of new homes, this may trigger further research which could, in turn, lead to a deferral of further permissions for housing or a review of the Core Strategy if more serious and structural difficulties are indicated.

4.3.29 Proposals involving retail and leisure uses (over and above that recently approved or resolved to be approved) which would significantly increase floorspace above that identified by the Council’s needs assessment will be assessed in accordance with saved Swale Borough Local Plan policies.

4.3.30 Levels of housing development could have potential impacts upon sites of European Importance for Biodiversity. There will be a need to consider the findings of the bird population and visitor studies commissioned by the North Kent Environmental Planning Group. These will be considered through all relevant planning documents, such as development briefs, and in the assessment of planning applications and may require both detailed design measures or adjustments made to the phasing, amount or type of development. 44 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Policy ST 1

Land for jobs and homes 2011-2031

Land is identified for the following uses:(1)

Floorspace and jobs for employment uses Number of new homes identified by (m2) identified by Core Strategy Core Strategy

Via Strategic Allocations, Neighbourhood General Balance of Balance of Plan, sites employment general housing within existing identified employment provision to Retail and proposed from existing identified by Total be provided Total and built up area commitments future Site jobs by Site traveller leisure boundaries, and Core Allocations (target) Allocations pitches. (1) outstanding Strategy Development Development commitments(2) Strategic Plan Plan and an Allocations. Document. Document(3) allowance made for windfall sites.

To be determined 639,465 None 56,349 8,548 9,616 790 following options consultation

Table 4.3.4 Land for jobs and homes 2011-2031

1. Subject to resolutions to grant planning permission. 2. Includes planning permissions yet to be built, allocations subject to 'saved Local Plan policies'. 3. Unless resolved to be formally allocated for submission version of Core Strategy.

Planning permission will be granted for development meeting or exceeding these targets unless:

1. progress on creating jobs lags behind housing growth leading to the number of jobs per new housing falling significantly below 0.8 jobs (or 1 dwelling per 42m2) per dwelling completed; or 2. overloading the capacity of infrastructure leads to unacceptable consequences without the foreseeable means of resolving them; or 3. avoidance, mitigation of impacts or management cannot prevent fragmentation or damage to designated European wildlife habitats; and 4. in the case of retail/leisure proposals, need and impact assessments demonstrate significant harm to the spatial strategy, including the vitality and viability of an existing centre.

1 excluding completions between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2011 and losses in employment land floorspace Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 45 The strategy 4

Employment development (other than retail/leisure) at the Port of Sheerness shall be permitted additionally to the provisions of Policies ST1 and ST2.

Alternatives considered - Land for jobs and homes 2011-2031

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Provide for a higher Provision above the housing target (e.g. 18,100 to meet demographic level of new housing. trends) would not be deliverable as it would involve levels of growth above historical rates and is unlikely to be achievable in the current economic climate. There are not significant levels of in-commuting in Swale that would suggest a need to provide more houses locally to support employment growth. Increased housing targets would also result in the use of environmentally unacceptable sites and/or sites in locations that are not considered sustainable.

2. Provide for a lower level If housing were only provided to meet the demographic needs of the of new housing. existing population (e.g. 9,500), this would result in an increasingly older population that would not provide the Borough with the necessary influx of economically active people. It could also potentially lead to increases in commuting into Swale because of a lack of available housing locally to support job creation.

3. Provide for a higher There are insufficient opportunities available to increase the amount level of new employment of employment floorspace further than proposed due to competition for land with housing and other uses. Employment growth could be significantly increased with formal allocation of Kent Science Park for expansion. However, assessment has shown this not to be deliverable at the present time due to the lack of an achievable means of access.

4. Provide for a lower level This would not enable Swale to compete with other locations or of new employment enable it to address the strengths and weaknesses identified by the Employment Land Review 2010.

5. Provide for lower levels These would combine the negative impacts of alternatives 2. and 4. of housing and employment

6. Provide for a higher Significant provision is already planned to meet identified needs. level of retail and leisure With a lack of town centre or edge of centre sites, this would run the provision risk of undermining the viability and vitality of existing centres. Higher levels of provision could run the risk of out of town locations coming forward, potentially at the cost of delivering sustainable town centre regeneration.

7. Provide for a lower level This is not a realistic alternative as there are resolutions to grant of retail and leisure planning permission for the levels identified in the Policy. Lower provision levels would not be realistic since this would result in the gradual 46 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

decline of town centres within the Borough as other nearby centres expand and compete for business.

Table 4.3.5 Alternatives considered - land for jobs and homes

The location of development

4.3.31 The broad distribution and means of allocation for land in the Core Strategy is set out in this section. It has been guided by the spatial strategy and by Policy CP 1 on sustainable development. It has also had regard to the East Kent Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2010 (undertaken in partnership between Swale and the other East Kent local authorities) which identified a number of local housing market areas as shown in Map 4.3.1.

Map 4.3.1 Local Housing Market Areas in Swale and East Kent. Source: East Kent Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2010

4.3.32 Table 4.3.6 shows the approximate distribution of new(2) Core Strategy allocations across local housing market areas.

Area Housing Employment (all types) floorspace (m2)

Sittingbourne 1,959 (53.8%) 110,300 (65%)

Sheerness/Minster 763 (21%) 0 (0%)

East Sheppey 10 (0.3%) 0 (0%)

2 Not previously allocated or an outstanding planning permission. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 47 The strategy 4

Area Housing Employment (all types) floorspace (m2)

Faversham 439 (12%) 32,800 (19.3%)

East Swale Rural Area 472 (13%) 26,840 (15.7%)

Table 4.3.6 New Core Strategy allocations across local housing market areas.

4.3.33 The Core Strategy Implementation Plan (Chapter 8) will, when finalised, set out its risk assessment and contingencies in the event of shortfalls in delivery of development.

4.3.34 Policy ST2 sets out the sources and development locations of allocations. Further details of the site schedule for the sites associated with this policy can be found in Appendix 3. Here can be found links to the Council's draft Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (2010/11) and its Employment Land Review (2010). Reference in the Policy to preparation of a Site Allocations DPD are subject to review and sites may be 'converted' to allocations for the submission version of the Core Strategy. The policy also provides a contingency in response to potential risk of non delivery of one of the Council's preferred housing locations at Queenborough-Rushenden by identifying a 'reserve' site elsewhere on the Isle of Sheppey.

Policy ST 2

The location of development

Planning permission will be granted for development as specified on land allocated to meet the provisions of Policy ST1 in accordance with the following distribution:

Source Housing 'B' Class Retail/Leisure employment (m2) (m2)

1. 'Saved’ Swale Borough Local Plan 3,492 173,329 56,349 2008 allocations as reviewed by the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. (1)

2. Sites within existing built up area 912 Not applicable Not applicable boundaries as identified by the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

3. From proposed changes to built up 121 Not applicable Not applicable area boundaries, as shown on the Proposals Map.

4. Within the Faversham Creek 102 To be determined To be Neighbourhood Plan at Faversham determined Creek, as shown on the Proposals Map.(2) 48 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Source Housing 'B' Class Retail/Leisure employment (m2) (m2)

5. Strategic Allocations, as shown on the 1,718 169,940 0 Proposals Map, at:

a. NW Sittingbourne 880 69,100 0

b. NE Sittingbourne 120 41,200 0

c. Teynham 433 26,840 0

d. Faversham Western Link 135 12,800 0

e. Faversham 'area of search' to meet 150 20,000 0 employment needs

6. Within 'areas of search', as shown on 790 0 0 the Key Diagram, with provision to be made via Site Allocations DPD:

a. SW Sittingbourne 130 0 0

b. South and west Minster/Halfway, Isle 660 0 0 of Sheppey

7. Via Windfall Allowance 1,450 Planning Planning permissions permissions granted in granted in accordance with accordance with Spatial Strategy. Spatial Strategy

TOTAL 8,585 343,269 56,349

Table 4.3.7 The location of development

1. Not re-allocated by the Core Strategy, but remaining part of the Borough's land supply and shown on the Proposals Map. 2. Final number to be determined by Neighbourhood Plan.

The Council will monitor the supply of housing and employment land. In the event that adjustments are necessary to the scale and/or pace of delivery, the Council will take action in line with the Core Strategy Implementation Plan. Any shortfall in provision within the Sittingbourne and Sheppey areas will not be made good by substitution of sites within Faversham or the rural areas, as this would be contrary to the spatial strategy. Should a shortfall in provision occur at the 'saved' Local Plan allocation at Queenborough - Rushenden, the Council will release land subject to Policy RSA1 of this Core Strategy. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 49 The strategy 4

Alternatives considered - the location of development

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Identify alternative strategic The location at NW Sittingbourne was chosen because the allocation locations at Council’s landscape evidence showed the majority of the area Sittingbourne able to accommodate this level of change – it is well contained by roads and existing development. The site has no environmental constraints and is close to the strategic road network and has a rail halt. It is large enough to contain mixed uses able to make more sustainable communities and is the only site with potential for a decentralised energy network. The site has been modelled for its transport impacts and has been shown to be acceptable. No other site at Sittingbourne has the combination of these attributes. Site constraints, such as flood risk, are capable of being addressed. There is loss of best and most versatile agricultural land (in common with most urban extension sites at Sittingbourne), but its protection is judged to be outweighed by sustainability benefits.

At NE Sittingbourne, again landscape evidence shows parts of the site as being able to accommodate change. It has good access to the strategic road network and is one of the few options available in the Borough to provide a significant level of new employment – the site is next to the Eurolink business park – a strong and proven existing location in the Borough. The site can be assessed by public transport. As has been achieved on the adjacent East Hall Farm site, the site has good potential to create sustainable mixed use communities. A considerable amount of open space/habitat creation is also proposed. The site has been transport modelled and has been shown to be acceptable, although mitigation at junctions is likely to be required. The main constraints are (i) best and most versatile agricultural land (ii) tidal flooding and (iii) adjacent SSSI/SPA. In respect of (i), there is limited loss of such land and is judged to be outweighed by the benefits above. In the case of (ii) the residential element is not affected and the employment component has the agreement of the Environment Agency. In terms of the sequential test (as required by PPS25) for the employment site, there are other locations, but none close to the main centres of population and strategic road network. No exceptions test is necessary. In the case of (iii), although a matter for the Appropriate Assessment, considerable open space and biodiversity mitigation is proposed, which, at this stage, is anticipated as being able to limit access to the wider SPA.

Other alternatives considered at Sittingbourne. Other areas that could have been considered at Sittingbourne are in its SW and SE sectors. In respect of the SW Sector, major sites in this area were rejected because they would not be able to provide for employment and housing needs at the scale needed without 50 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

critically damaging settlement separation with nearby villages. No employment was additionally proposed by site promoters and would not have therefore contributed to the Council's employment led strategy. Additionally, land here is not as well located in relation to services as other urban extension locations. Land here is also best and most versatile and, in the absence of any overriding sustainability benefit arising from proposals here, its protection was considered to take priority. Access to the strategic road network would also be problematical. Note, however, inclusion of a proposed area of search for smaller sites in this location in the draft Core Strategy (see below).

In respect of the SE Sector, landscape evidence showed that the scale of growth there would harm landscape/visual amenity. The area also contains best and most versatile land and development here (although reasonably close to facilities) would fail to offer the strategic benefits of the other locations to be considered as outweighing of this constraint.

2. Identify alternative strategic Having exhausted the opportunities for urban extensions at allocation locations at other Sittingbourne – for the reasons above – could other locations urban extension locations in have been considered in other settlements in the categories the Borough. below in Table 5.2.1.?

Although Faversham and Sheerness have good levels of services and infrastructure, neither are the primary focus for growth as set out by the spatial strategy. Additionally, in the case of Sheerness, there are no locations for urban extensions due to the sea and land at flood risk. At Faversham, the town is small, compact and historic, where maintaining the urban environment with a vibrant mix of uses is a priority. At its urban edge, landscape evidence shows it to have only a low to moderate capacity for change. The Core Strategy vision and spatial strategy is clearly a ‘conservation first’ approach, with development levels restrained in contrast to the likely demand. Growth is described as ‘organic’ – a gradual process by which growth is not forced and where its scale is emphasised. Whilst Faversham is a focus for development, it is the capacity and quality of the environment that leads developments decisions here. Whilst two strategic allocations are to be identified here, a scale of growth equivalent to that identified at the principal settlement Sittingbourne would not be possible without critical damage to the character and setting of the town as a whole.

Elsewhere on Sheppey, the Council has considered whether there is potential for strategic allocations at the other urban centres of Queenborough, Rushenden and Minster/Halfway. Queenborough already has a long standing commitment to major Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 51 The strategy 4

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

regeneration on previously developed land in a deprived community and there is no major further scope outside this area due to land at risk of flooding and of interest to biodiversity. Minster/Halfway has been and continues to be a long standing commitment for housing growth in the Borough, and although on higher ground with fewer constraints, a strategic scale of growth here would have significant visual issues on the higher ground; although the land is low quality agriculturally and not designated. It should though be noted that the Council has identified an ‘area of search' on the southern and western fringes of Minster/Halfway (see below).

Other locations for strategic allocations could have been considered at north Halfway and east Minster. In the case of north Halfway, this is a high flood risk area, a local wildlife site and also performs a settlement separation function. There are no realistic sites available that could pass flood risk tests. In the case of east Minster, sites were potentially available on higher unconstrained ground, however, these were judged by the SHLAA (supported by landscape evidence) to have more significant landscape/visual impacts and are further away from transport, employment and service links – in short, they were less sustainable and would rely on unsuitable roads.

However, it should be noted that the Council is considering the need for a 'reserve' site, to address land supply issues, on land to the east of Scocles Road, Minster. The site has landscape/visual impacts and is less central to employment and service opportunities. The site represents the 'least worse' option of those available as potential alternative strategic allocations for the reasons set out above.

Further east of Minster, communities have increasingly poorer accessibility to major services. The distance to services and employment are such that strategic levels of development would be extremely unsustainable (rail, bus and trunk road links are all at the western end of Sheppey, together with most of the Island’s population).

In conclusion, the spatial strategy addresses the development needs of Sheerness, Queenborough and Rushenden, Minster and Halfway together.

3. Identify alternative strategic The draft Core Strategy settlement strategy has six identified allocation at local service local service centres at the tier below the various urban centres centres (i.e. Alternatives to the in the Borough. These represent a third focus for development. choice of Teynham) 52 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

In the case of Iwade, the SHLAA identified scope for development, in addition to the considerable levels of growth seen since the 1990’s. This has not been accepted by the Council. It acknowledges that this would enable the use of lower quality agricultural land, however, the in-combination impacts with the NW Sittingbourne Strategic Allocation were considered to have a critical impact on the settlement separation between the village and Sittingbourne. The Council considers that the NW Sittingbourne site (it being within a higher settlement category within Policy CP1) should be viewed as having greater priority.

Boughton was not pursued for major growth as it is outside the Thames Gateway area and does not have a good range of public transport opportunities. Land around the village is also visually sensitive. However, some small scale developments are identified as small extensions to the existing built up area boundary of the village. The village has a good range of services which this limited growth could support.

Leysdown – at the extreme eastern tip of Sheppey – was not pursued because of its remoteness, very poor access and limited public transport availability. There are some services available to support the local and summer communities, but not sufficient to serve strategic level development. Outside the seasonal holiday industry, the nearest employment centre is 11km distance and main shopping facilities 14km in Sheerness town - both on a local rural 'B' road.

Eastchurch, although having some local services, the village is some 9km from Sheerness on local roads. The SHLAA and landscape evidence identified visual/landscape impacts as potentially high around the village. However, a small scale development is identified as an extension to the existing built up area boundary of the village. The village has a good range of services which this limited growth could support.

Newington, although having development opportunities and a reasonable range of service (inc. rail station), there is an air quality management area on the A2 in the centre of the village which sites cannot avoid. Traffic conditions in the centre of the village are poor because of the A2 - these in turn adversely impact upon the historic environment of the village.

In contrast, Teynham has a good range of services, employment and public transport (inc. rail station). It is close to major services and employment at Sittingbourne. There are development opportunities well related to the existing developed framework of the village north of the A2. To the south of the A2 the land is Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 53 The strategy 4

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

exposed and strategic scale development would be visually harmful, whilst land to the east drops into a visually prominent shallow valley.

A strategic allocation is made at Teynham for mixed uses inc. housing and rural employment (an important benefit). Although the sites are likely to comprise best and most versatile agricultural land, they are largely within the village confines and the sustainability benefits are considered by the Council to be overriding. A wider constraint is capacity on the A2 which would need to be assessed, but the site can be phased in the latter part of the Plan period to allow for other infrastructure (i.e. the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road) to be in place. The capacity of the waste water treatment works at the village needs to be upgraded and this is allowed for.

Beyond the service centres there are a range of smaller villages across the Borough. These are located away from transport routes and/or in open countryside. Many are located within the Kent Downs AONB. All are considered unsuitable for strategic or major scales of growth on the basis of the character of the surrounding countryside, relative remoteness from a full range of services and have limited services of their own.

4. Identify alternative strategic See alternatives considered under Policy ST 5 allocation locations at Faversham

5. Identify alternative 'area of See also above. The identified 'area of search' is limited to small search' at Sittingbourne to medium sized sites well related to the urban framework with limited impacts upon best and most versatile land. One site, at Ufton Court Farm, identified by the SHLAA, was not accepted by the Council because of the loss of agricultural land. Although an alternative search area could have been identified in SE Sittingbourne, sites would have potentially adversely impacted upon landscape/visual and agricultural land issues and smaller sites were not being promoted by landowners.

6. Identify alternative 'area of See also above. The identified 'area of search' is limited to small search' on Isle of Sheppey to medium sized sites behind the ridge of hills as identified by the SHLAA and supported by landscape evidence – one exception is the larger site of 500 units at Cowsted Corner where the site size has been limited to reduce adverse visual impacts. Although other areas of search could have been identified at Minster/Halfway in the same locations as considered (and rejected) strategic allocations, the smaller scale of growth raised the same issues. 54 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

7. Significant failure of These risks are most likely to be associated with the two major housing delivery leading to urban regeneration sites at Sittingbourne Town Centre and identification of ‘reserve’ site Queenborough/Rushenden. The first is not considered to be significant given the phasing of development in the latter part of the plan period. The second has greater risk given that delivery is expected during the first 10 years of the plan period. A reserve site would need to be identified on Sheppey, and would require identification of a site from the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment that has been rejected due to its suitability. Such sites would be on greenfield land and not offer the same regenerative benefits to deprived communities.

8. Significant failure in Failure is most likely to be attributed to economic conditions. employment delivery Given the extent of the supply and the length of the Plan period, no contingency is considered appropriate. In certain marginal situations enabling housing is considered as the means to deliver employment floorspace. However, Policies ST1 & 2 address the situation where employment delivery does not keep pace with housing in order to preserve a sustainable balance between jobs and labour supply.

9. Include Kent Science Park Employment growth could be significantly increased with formal as additional employment site allocation of Kent Science Park for expansion. This would support the diversification of the economy in the Borough and potentially raise local skills. However, assessment has shown this not to be deliverable at the present time due to the lack of an achievable means of access.

10. Focus more development Not including outstanding sites with planning permission, on previously developed land. completions and windfalls, land for 2,650 dwellings (approx. 37%) is already identified in the Borough as part of the land supply. The SHLAA has not revealed any further achievable previously developed sites. Although a major project was submitted for consideration at the Port of Sheerness, there were considerable issues associated with flood risk, access and biodiversity that had not been sufficiently developed to enable a sound strategic allocation to be made.

Table 4.3.8 Alternatives considered for the location of development

4.4 Strategy for the Sittingbourne area

4.4.1 Sittingbourne falls within the Kent Thames Gateway growth area and is also the main centre for the Borough. As such, it is the primary focus for development and concentration of higher order public services and facilities. Most services and facilities are present and there are good quality transport choices. It is suitable for the largest scale new developments and offers the opportunity to further reinforce the town’s role as principal settlement in the Borough and for further improvements to the transport network. Significant progress has already been made towards delivering these objectives as a result of strategic level allocations made in the Swale Borough Local Plan (2008) and supporting Sittingbourne Town Centre and Milton Creek DPD Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 55 The strategy 4

(2010), which are saved policies and guidance respectively. Establishing Sittingbourne as the location of choice will be led by town centre regeneration to create an enhanced range of shops, leisure facilities and public, commercial and voluntary services. Cultural activity starts from a low base, although the proposal currently at planning permission stage together with other initiatives to be brought forward as part of the town centre regeneration partnership should enhance the offer of Sittingbourne relative to other Kent towns of its size. Achievement of the regeneration proposals are likely to be subject to the prevailing economic conditions, but the planning frameworks and implementation partnerships to support it are at an advanced stage.

4.4.2 Specifically this includes, subject to referring the scheme to the Secretary of State and completion of a Section 106 Agreement, resolution to grant planning permission for a retail food store (6682m2) and associated petrol filling station, leisure and community uses and 150 dwellings at Sittingbourne Mill and Wharf sites. The Council has also resolved to grant planning permission, subject to final consultation and completion of a Section 106 Agreement for a supermarket (13,420m2) and additional A1 and A1/A3 uses on land at Milton Creek/Eurolink/Crown Quay Lane and a further 3300m2 retail floorspace as an extension to the Forum shopping centre.

4.4.3 The Core Strategy identifies a series of strategic sites to support the vision and spatial strategy and reinforce its role as the main centre and offers the most sustainable way to accommodate growth. In the Sittingbourne area these are located to the north west and north east of the town and are identified for mixed use development. In terms of the provision of employment floorspace these sites are easily accessible to the strategic road network. An area of search for smaller residential allocations to the south west of the town is also proposed by the Core Strategy from sites identified by the Council's Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. In order to meet development needs a strategic allocation is also identified at nearby Teynham where sites well related to the village and close to a good range of services have the potential to provide for both new homes and rural jobs. The Swale Borough Local Plan allocation for residential development at East Hall Farm and Stones Farm to the east of the town are also retained. 56 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Map 4.4.1 South West Sittingbourne: Proposed Area of Search

4.4.4 Whilst capitalising on the current and planned services and facilities and transport improvements planned for Sittingbourne, the Core Strategy will also need to ensure that the distinctive character and separation of smaller settlements from the town is maintained through careful siting and design of development and use of open space and protection of key areas of countryside.

4.4.5 Through Policy CP 4 the Core Strategy seeks to target development to help reduce deprivation in its communities at Milton Regis, Kemsley and Murston and improve general health and wellbeing. Improving skills and educational attainment is a key factor in this and providing the right skill levels to attract new business to the area. The future provision of further education facilities at the town will also need to be resolved and will be pursued in partnership with other public and private sector agencies as part of the town centre regeneration initiatives.

4.4.6 The recent completion of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road Creek Crossing has provided a direct link between the industrial areas to the north of the town centre with the A249 and the strategic highway network. This has assisted in removing heavy goods and other commercial traffic from the town centre and enables regeneration proposals to come forward. The town centre regeneration will also contribute to improvements to the highway network and traffic management within the town centre. The final section of the SNRR - Bapchild link is recognised through an area of search identified in Policy AC 1 and will further support the strategy for the town. Improvement of bus routing and additional routes to service new development and Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 57 The strategy 4 linking sites by walking/cycling routes will require a co-ordinated response from all development projects in accordance with a Local Transport Strategy to be prepared in partnership with the local highway authority.

4.4.7 The vision also requires a major response to the greening of the town, including its streets and the countryside on its doorstep. A network of nature reserves, open spaces, country parks and street trees within the town's central area could be created as part of this network.

Policy ST 3

Sittingbourne Area

The Council will continue to promote the role of Sittingbourne (as defined by the Key Diagram) as the main Borough Centre and focus key strategic developments in and adjacent to the town. This will be achieved through:

1. promotion of an employment-led regeneration strategy for Sittingbourne, including transformation of the town into an attractive, competitive location with a thriving centre that residents across the Borough are proud to use; 2. new strategic allocations of land for mixed use identified at north west and north east Sittingbourne and at Teynham. Planning permission will be granted for development of these sites in accordance with Policies SA1, SA2 and SA3; 3. identifying an area of search for the Bapchild section of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road; 4. identifying an area of search in south west Sittingbourne for 130 dwellings to be allocated in a future Site Allocations DPD using sites well related to the urban framework at a scale able to create opportunities for open space, safeguard settlement separation and high quality agricultural land; and 5. maintaining the separation and distinctiveness of Sittingbourne and its satellite settlements through the protection of countryside buffer areas and careful siting and design of development.

Alternatives considered - Sittingbourne Area

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Place major strategic development at There are no suitable and sustainable alternatives for alternative settlements. siting major development other than at the main urban centre, so as to reduce the need to travel for most services and facilities and to maximise the use of regeneration opportunities. See more detailed response at Policy SA1 and SA2.

Table 4.4.1 Alternatives considered - Sittingbourne Area 58 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

4.5 Strategy for the Isle of Sheppey area

4.5.1 The Isle of Sheppey comprises some 93 sq km (36 square miles) and is situated in the Thames Estuary, separated from the mainland by the Swale channel. The completion of the A249 Sheppey Crossing supplemented the old bridge crossing and has greatly improved transport links and created opportunities for the regeneration of the Island. There is also a rail link between Sittingbourne and Sheerness. The Island is a place of significant contrasts especially between the urban and industrialised west and much more rural east and therefore different policy approaches are needed.

4.5.2 Much of the Island is relatively low lying marshland and as such large areas of it are considered by the Environment Agency to be within the High Risk Flood Zone, but key areas of potential are defended and suitable for development. Extensive coastal and estuarine areas are present and subject to national and international biodiversity designations (principally bird habitats).

Map 4.5.1 South of Halfway / West Minster: Proposed Area of Search

4.5.3 The Island falls within the Thames Gateway growth area and its more accessible western end affords many regeneration opportunities. Priorities for this area have been economic regeneration and the improvement in the quality of the environment. The opportunities here relate to recently completed improvement in the highway networks, providing good links to the regional and national network. Therefore the majority of development proposed within this area is to enable the economic regeneration potential of Sheerness Port and sites along the A249 to be realised. There are other more modest new opportunities for housing development at the edges of Minster and Halfway to complement the major new economic development and offer a choice of sites as Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 59 The strategy 4 well as providing the opportunity for improvements to the Lower Road. An Area of Search for development is indicated from sites identified by the Council's Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

4.5.4 A Swale Borough Local Plan allocation at Thistle Hill/Plover Road is also retained and is likely to be a focus for new housing on the Island for some years to come.

4.5.5 In the recent past the Isle of Sheppey has seen significant amounts of new housing built without the corresponding growth in employment - a situation which now shows signs of starting to rebalance. In pursuing sustainable patterns of development, the focus of new development would be to concentrate development on previously developed land at western Sheppey (including Queenborough and Sheerness town centre). The continuing involvement of the Homes and Communities Agency will be vital to the regeneration of sites for mixed-used developments and environmental enhancements at the latter.

4.5.6 Sheerness has a strong industrial past with steel making and historic links with the former naval dockyard the latter now mostly within the curtilage of the modern Port of Sheerness. The Port is still a significant part of the local economy focusing on car and fresh produce imports. The Port has extensive opportunity for regeneration and diversification and the possibility of expansion to take advantage of deep water berths. This is likely to be longer term opportunity (see Policy AC 3) and subject to satisfactory mitigation measures in terms of the international biodiversity designations along the adjacent coastal area. A major opportunity is expected to come forward in the short term on Port land with the planning application for the manufacture and assembly of wind turbines for deployment in the North Sea. This is expected to create some 1720 direct jobs by 2020.

4.5.7 Sheerness town centre is the main shopping and service centre on the Island with over 200 shops. However, the High Street is identified by the Swale Retail Assessment as being at risk of decline and will come under further pressure from planning permissions recently granted for convenience superstores at Neatscourt (Queenborough) and Minster/Halfway. The town centre serves mainly the resident population and tourists during the summer months. The Swale Borough Local Plan Policy AAP4 is retained to guide development proposals which consolidate and enhance the town's role. The town nevertheless has historic assets such as Bluetown and the Dockyard conservation areas which offer considerable opportunities for sympathetic regeneration.

Queenborough and Rushenden Regeneration Areas

4.5.8 Key regeneration areas exist at Queenborough and Rushenden, which were the subject of allocations in the Swale Borough Local Plan and supporting SPD Masterplan, and these are retained and carried forward.

4.5.9 This area covers 165 hectares of land and buildings on both banks of Queenborough Creek and it is identified as a major strategic opportunity for regeneration (primarily housing and employment with associated social and community provision) for the Island. It anchors existing and new investment within this part of Swale and the wider Thames Gateway. This opportunity is reflected both within the Area Investment Framework for North Kent and through the on-going investment made by the Housing and Communities Agency. Key pieces of infrastructure to open up this opportunity has been the completion of the second Swale crossing and the Rushenden Relief Road, which opened in December 2011. A major retrofit project to upgrade housing and communal spaces at Rushenden has also recently started. 60 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

4.5.10 The area represents a major opportunity to regenerate the environment by the removal of industry and its traffic and the creation of new living and working environments that can enhance the waterside locations. It also offers the opportunity to create an improved physical relationship between existing and proposed developments and the important nature conservation interests bordering the site, particularly the Swale and the marshland areas to the south of Neatscourt. However, mitigation of any adverse landscape or biodiversity impacts to adjacent designated areas will be required. Queenborough Creek itself is a major asset, and opportunities will be presented to enhance existing, and introduce new, maritime activities. Parts of these areas are also within a conservation area so a high standard of development, sensitive to the historic setting, will be required. There are also opportunities to green poorly presented areas and produce landmark developments and quality public spaces. Environmental enhancement must extend though beyond the identified mixed-use sites into existing residential and business communities. To the north of the Neatscourt employment site, it will be important to ensure that a green buffer is provided to protect the amenity of existing residents. This could also act as a green corridor linking westwards to the creek.

4.5.11 The western part of the Island is dominated by the settlements of Sheerness, Queenborough and Rushenden, and Minster/Halfway. Whilst these settlements provide major opportunities for regeneration on the Island, the settlements cannot provide for all their residents' needs in terms of services and facilities within their respective settlement boundaries. Even Sheerness town centre has limited expansion and growth sites within the centre itself. With the recent proposals for new retail development at Neatscourt and Minster/Halfway, it is increasingly likely that western Sheppey will function as more of a collective entity in terms of provision for employment opportunities, services, facilities and infrastructure. That said, it is nevertheless important to maintain the separation and distinctiveness of each of the settlements and the Core Strategy policies will seek to achieve this.

4.5.12 The Island has also fulfilled a role as a traditional seaside holiday destination (particularly for Londoners), with the main commercial and leisure areas located around the north coast. Leysdown and Eastchurch Cliffs are the main focus of the Island's holiday parks. In the summer tourist season the population of the Island can increase substantially, focusing on the main facilities at Leysdown. The road network east of Minster is comparatively poor and in the absence of large scale new development at this end of the Island is unlikely to be upgraded. The eastern part of the Island is less accessible and there is limited alternatives to the private car. It offers a much more remote feel with rural and coastal landscapes and large designated areas for biodiversity, as well as being within flood risk areas. Large scale housing and economic development is therefore inappropriate. The area, nevertheless, has much potential to offer in the way of green tourism and modernisation of the traditional seaside holiday offer and this will need to be carefully managed. Core Strategy Policies DM10 and DM11 which guide and support further development proposals in this sector are located in Chapter 7. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 61 The strategy 4

Policy ST 4

Isle of Sheppey Area

The Council will continue to promote and support the economic regeneration of the Isle of Sheppey (as defined by the Key Diagram) by:

1. focusing development at the key sites of Queenborough and Rushenden, Sheerness Town Centre, the Port of Sheerness and Minster to deliver the relevant development strategies for those areas; 2. consolidating the retail and service role of Sheerness Town Centre and promoting developments and improvements which will add to the centre's vitality and viability; 3. supporting diversification of the Ports activities to support renewable environmental technologies; 4. identifying an area of search at the urban edges south of Halfway and west of Minster for 660 dwellings to be allocated in a future Site Allocations DPD using sites well related to the urban framework and where visual and landscape impacts can be minimised by existing topography and significant landscaping; 5. modernisation and diversification of the Island's tourism offer and promotion of rural tourism to enable the Islands coastal and wildlife assets to be discovered; 6. maintaining the separation of the settlements of Minster/Halfway, Queenborough and Sheerness; 7. making effective heritage protection and development management a priority as part of the framework for regeneration; and 8. supporting proposals to improve the learning, skills and health needs of the resident population.

Alternatives considered - Isle of Sheppey Area

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Strategy for Sheppey should focus Limiting development would limit new investment to pay on areas where there is social for improvements in town centre, transport provision and deprivation and mitigating those other services and facilities, particularly given the issues. reduction in Government funding/grants for regeneration have expired. Developer funding cannot be used to plug existing deficiencies - it can only mitigate the impacts of growth. However, the draft Core Strategy is focusing development at Queenborough-Rushenden (a deprived location), whilst development at the Port of Sheerness will enable prosperity to reach deprived communities on the Island.

2. Pursue a housing led strategy for This would exacerbate deficiencies in social infrastructure Sheppey. on the Island as it would not provide opportunities for job creation and training for local people. This would not be a sustainable strategy.

It would increase need for out commuting for employment. 62 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

See also alternatives considered in respect of Policy ST2.

3. No strategy for Sheerness Town Likely to lead to further decline in offer of the town centre centre. from competing out of town superstores and other centres in the Borough.

4. No strategy for Sheppey. Ad hoc development which is likely to cause harm to the Island's natural environment. It would also increase the divide between the rest of Swale and residents on the Island in terms of deprivation.

Table 4.5.1 Alternatives considered for the Isle of Sheppey area.

4.6 Strategy for Faversham area

4.6.1 Within the Faversham area, the vision displays a different focus and scale of growth. Organic growth means gradual growth, not forced, artificial or overwhelming. The conservation and enhancement of the historic and natural environments of the town and its surrounding rural hinterland will be the primary aim in planning to meet local need.

4.6.2 The town will consolidate its strengths - its range of services, compact small town character, attractive setting, and outstanding built and natural environment. These will be supported and expanded so that its role as a market town serving its rural hinterland can continue in the face of 21st Century change. New development and services will be focused in the town with flexible policies intended to ensure that supporting the market town role and diversity of land use are the primary considerations after its conservation and enhancement.

4.6.3 The town's developing tourism potential and appeal to those looking to move to the town will bring changes to the range of services in the centre. The process will be encouraged so that Faversham can form a 'triangle' of interest for visitors with nearby Canterbury and Whitstable, with an accent toward arts and culture, quality shops and facilities, and as a centre of excellence for food and drink. In so doing, this should not undermine its base of services essential to its continued market town role to serve residents and visitors.

4.6.4 There is a need to improve the range and quality of employment land to meet local needs at the town and the implementation of the existing retained employment allocations from the adopted Swale Borough Local Plan 2008 will be the Council’s priority, with sites at the Oare Gravel workings and Graveney Road a preferred focus. One such site at the Western Link, is now proposed as a strategic allocation for 12,800m2 of B class employment, supported by approximately 135 dwellings. This is in order to facilitate the development of the site which has not come forward for employment for some 20 years. Here, the Council will also explore the possibility of securing the land to the west of the Western Link for open space uses.

4.6.5 Whilst the existing supply of suitable employment land will need to be safeguarded and developed, other new sites will be needed to improve the quality of land available for businesses. The Core Strategy will need to signal a need for greenfield proposals to come forward at the town's edge that will allow for modest increase in both the supply and quality of employment floorspace to meet local employment needs. The policies will be flexible to enable unexpected, but small-scale high quality inward investment to gravitate to the town or its edge at suitable locations. The Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 63 The strategy 4

Employment Land Review (2010) identified a need for a further 20,000m2 of employment floorspace at Faversham and the Core Strategy will identify a strategic allocation to meet this need. An options consultation, consisting of three sites, located within an 'Area of Search' to the south east and east of the town to meet this need is presented in Chapter 6 (paragraphs 6.2.51 - 6.2.66). Only one of these sites will be taken forward and allocated. To support delivery of the chosen site, enabling housing of up to 150 dwellings is also likely to be pursued. Views are sought on three potential site options to meet these needs, at the end of the Section 6.2.

Map 4.6.1 South East and East Faversham: Proposed Area of Search

4.6.6 Despite its popularity as a place to live, the amount and type of new housing to be provided at Faversham will be limited to that necessary to support regeneration objectives without exacerbating current levels of out commuting. In terms of new land allocations, just 12% of the Borough total is proposed at the town and surrounding area. In addition to the new sites proposed to support employment, an area of the town needing regeneration is Faversham Creek, where a Neighbourhood Plan is being prepared (see Policy NP 1). Here, the main objectives are regeneration of key creekside sites, together with improvements to footpaths and public areas. 64 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Policy ST 5

Faversham Area

Within the Faversham area (as defined by the Key Diagram), an organic, employment led strategy will be pursued with the conservation of the historic and natural environment a key component. Within this context, the Borough Council will enhance the role of the market town to support its own local needs and those of the surrounding rural areas. This will be achieved by promoting development that can retain and harness local skills to achieve a greater diversity in employment and housing provision, in scale and character with Faversham and its surrounding countryside and communities. New development at Faversham must help to deliver the following spatial objectives:

1. protect the existing employment land and buildings where a local need exists; 2. provide for new employment development, as appropriate to the Faversham area, on land at the Western Link (12,000 m2 and one site from the proposed Area of Search for Faversham employment, 20,000 m2); 3. provide limited new housing which is designed to be locally distinct; 4. protect and enhance the diversity of Faversham's small-scale historic character and its maritime traditions; 5. protect and enhance its surrounding countryside and landscape, both for its own sake and to maximise opportunities for tourism; 6. mitigate against the risks of flooding, particularly around the Creek; 7. avoid any significant adverse environmental impacts, and where possible, enhance the biodiversity interest of internationally designated sites for nature conservation; 8. support and diversify the services and activities, including retail and tourism, in Faversham town centre to enhance its vitality and viability and its role as a market town and service provider for the surrounding rural area; and 9. enhance Faversham Creek and creekside so that it functions as a place of special interest and activity and as a tourist hub, with strong associations with the water. The Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan will develop these objectives.

Alternatives considered - Faversham Area

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Identify another development See alternatives considered under 'Provision for Jobs and focus to Faversham. Homes' (Section 4.3).

2. Pursue a housing led Housing of a larger scale than local organic growth rejected Strategy for Faversham. because it was not considered sustainable in terms of impact on the built and natural environments. It would also require significant greenfield site release, increase in out-commuting for employment and give rise to capacity issues at local M2 junctions for large scale development. Ultimately this would unbalance the spatial strategy which has an emphasis on Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 65 The strategy 4

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

regeneration at Sittingbourne and Sheppey. See also alternatives considered under 'Provision for Jobs and Homes' (Section 4.3).

3. Exclude recognition of Rejected as the Core Strategy can be supplemented by Faversham Creek recognised neighbourhood plans anywhere provided they are neighbourhood plan. in general conformity with the Core Strategy (subject to final version of the NPPF). This would neglect a sustainably located area of the town and its conservation area that is in need of regeneration.

Table 4.6.1 Alternatives considered - Faversham Area

4.7 Gypsy and Traveller pitch provision - options for consultation

4.7.1 The Core Strategy must set a target for the overall number of pitches for gypsies and travellers in the Borough. This section presents a number of options presented for consultation. A purpose of this consultation is to bring the process of defining overall levels of new housing for gypsies and travellers closer to that for mainstream housing. Further information in support of this section can be found in Technical Paper No. 3 Review of evidence to determine pitch number options for gypsies and travellers in Swale (March 2012).

4.7.2 A draft development management policy (Policy DM 14) has also been included within this consultation document and covers the Council's approach to planning applications for gypsy and traveller sites.

4.7.3 National policy toward the provision of sites for gypsies and travellers is changing with the publication of the Government’s draft guidance entitled Planning for Traveller Sites April 2011. It is likely that local Councils will need to set overall pitch numbers for the Borough in consultation with their local communities; these matters having been previously determined centrally by the Government. New Government guidance is expected to be finalised in the NPPF in spring 2012, but is likely to move to the setting of pitch numbers in a similar fashion to that used for mainstream housing. However, as with mainstream housing, this must be based on evidence which may include preparation of a Gypsy and Travellers Accommodation Assessment (GTAA).

4.7.4 Until the abandonment of further work on the partial review of the South East Plan for Gypsy and Traveller pitch provision in 2010, the development of an overall pitch number for the Borough was at an advanced stage. With the Core Strategy similarly well advanced, the Council cannot now produce new evidence. However, it is able to base its consultation options on available evidence that comprises:

the 2006 GTAA, prepared for North Kent Authorities (the assessment of need/demand); the Swale Gypsy and Traveller Corporate Policy Site Assessment 2010 (the suitability, availability, achievability of known sites). This was agreed, as amended, as part of the LDF evidence base on 7th October 2010; and the unpublished Examination in Public Panel Report into the partial review into the South East Plan (undated). 66 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

4.7.5 The Council has reviewed this evidence base in its Technical Paper which also includes its methodology for arriving at the consultation options. These are based upon assessments of need/demand and capacity/opportunity.

4.7.6 Each option includes a proposed distribution of pitches based on the areas of search as set out in the proposed Policy DM14. As a result, an assumption is built into the process that weights provision towards certain Core Strategy housing allocations and is based on such sites making on-site provision depending upon their size. The Technical Paper outlines how the pitch distribution is calculated and the housing allocations to which this approach would refer.

4.7.7 Once the Core Strategy sets a Borough based pitch target, if necessary, a Site Allocations DPD will then be prepared to identify the sites necessary to meet it. Sites would then be chosen in accordance with the criteria set out in Policy DM14.

The Proposed Consultation Options

4.7.8 The base date for pitch provision in the Borough is 1 April 2006 in common with mainstream housing provision in the Core Strategy. This means that although pitch numbers in the options are expressed for the 25 year period covered by the plan, to find out how much provision will be ‘new’, it is necessary to deduct the number of pitches granted permanent planning permission or judged as ‘tolerated’ by the Council from 1 April 2006 up until 21st September 2011. At this time, the figure amounted to 33 pitches. ‘Tolerated’ sites are those where there is no current intention by the Council to take enforcement action. Any updating to this data will be made before the Core Strategy is submitted for Examination.

4.7.9 Unlike mainstream housing, provision for gypsies and travellers is expressed as ‘pitches’. These do not equate just to the number of caravans, but may include ancillary space and facilities associated with living there and touring from the site.

4.7.10 It should be noted that where permanent planning permission is granted for a gypsy and traveller pitch, this counts toward the overall Borough housing target of 13,500 homes. In other words, the eventual pitch number target adopted by the Council is counted as part of the overall housing target for the Borough.

4.7.11 Sometimes provision needs to be additionally made for transit sites for gypsies and travellers en route to other destinations. This is not the case in Swale because planning permission has now been granted for such a site on the borders with Canterbury district. Similarly, no provision is made for travelling show persons as no evidence is currently available on existing or future needs. There is, however, scope at an existing tolerated site at Iwade, which is likely to be sufficient to meet future needs should they arise.

4.7.12 The Council’s review of evidence, as set out in the Technical Paper, produces a range of provision between 41 and 112 pitches. From each overall figure, a total of 33 pitches is deducted (this representing permanent permissions granted and tolerated sites), to give the amount needing to be found as new sites. Further information on each option is provided below.

Background to option 1

4.7.13 This is based upon the possible local capacity and availability of sites in the Borough using sites from the Council’s up-dated Swale Gypsy and Traveller Corporate Policy Site Assessment 2010, with the addition of sites with permanent planning permission granted and Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 67 The strategy 4 tolerated sites. This provides a pitch target option of 41 pitches with 8 new pitches needing to be found. A strategic allocation housing site at north west Sittingbourne is identified as making this provision.

Background to option 2

4.7.14 This option is based upon the assessment of need/demand derived from the 2006 Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment. To the identified need of 62 pitches to 2011, a growth percentage (3% per annum over 20 years from 2011) has been added to deal with the future formation of new households in the travelling community. This provides a figure of 112 pitches with 79 new pitches needing to be found. A number of mainstream housing sites are identified as meeting some of this need, with the remainder from other locations judged acceptable by the Council's site assessment process and development management policy on gypsies and travellers.

Background to option 3

4.7.15 Option 1 can be viewed as representing the situation today, but does not consider future growth caused by changes in household formation as option 2 has done. By taking the pitch figures of option 1 and applying the 3% growth figure of option 2, this option produces a figure of 74 pitches with 41 new pitches needing to be found. A number of mainstream housing sites are identified as meeting some of this need, with the remainder from other locations judged acceptable by the Council's site assessment process and development management policy on gypsies and travellers.

An interim approach to site provision

4.7.16 It will take a little while to adopt a revised Core Strategy policy approach. Until this is confirmed, priority will be given to the sites that scored most favourably in the updated site assessment, with the remainder being found through windfall sites permitted in accordance with the site assessment process and development management Policy DM 14.

The Consultation Options

Alternative Option 1

Options for pitch numbers for gypsy and traveller provision in Swale.

Option Number of New provision Distribution pitches for after Borough deductions for 2006-2031 completions and tolerated sites

Option 1 41 8 pitches All eight pitches on Strategic Allocation Capacity and at north west Sittingbourne. Windfall sites opportunity permitted only on exception needs basis based number in accordance with development of pitches management policy DM14. Until adoption of Core Strategy, priority given to suitable 68 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Option Number of New provision Distribution pitches for after Borough deductions for 2006-2031 completions and tolerated sites

pitches from the Corporate Policy Site Assessment and/or acceptable windfall sites assessed using the site assessment criteria and development management policy.

Table 4.7.1 Option 1 of Gypsy and Traveller consultation options

Alternative Option 2

Options for pitch numbers for gypsy and traveller provision in Swale.

Option Number of New provision Distribution pitches for after Borough deductions for 2006-2031 completions and tolerated sites

Option 2 112 79 pitches Likely to apply to 11 housing sites Demand/need providing a total of 47 pitches leaving based number of 32 from sites identified by site allocation pitches with DPD and/or windfall in accordance with forecast development management policy household growth DM14. Until adoption of Core Strategy, over 20 years priority given to suitable pitches from the Corporate Policy Site Assessment and/or acceptable windfall sites assessed using the site assessment criteria and development management policy.

Table 4.7.2 Option 2 of Gypsy and Traveller consultation options Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 69 The strategy 4

Alternative Option 3

Options for pitch numbers for gypsy and traveller provision in Swale.

Option Number of New provision Distribution pitches for after Borough deductions for 2006-2031 completions and tolerated sites

Option 3 As 74 41 pitches Likely to apply to four housing sites option 1 with providing a total of 26 pitches, leaving 15 forecast to be found by site allocation DPD and/or household windfall in accordance with development growth over 20 management policy DM14. Until years adoption of Core Strategy, priority given to suitable pitches from the Corporate Policy Site Assessment and/or acceptable windfall sites assessed using the site assessment criteria and development management policy.

Table 4.7.3 Option 3 of Gypsy and Traveller consultation options

Question 1

Other consultation issues: alternative pitch distribution

Views are sought on an alternative pitch distribution that would see the proposed Strategic Allocation (Policy SA1) at north west Sittingbourne provide at least eight pitches as the starting point for each option.

Question 2

Other consultation issues: period of supply

Given the current evidence base, whichever pitch number option is eventually selected, an approach open to the Council would be to identify pitch numbers sufficient to meet the immediate five or, perhaps, 10 year supply of land instead of a 25 year supply. The Council would commit to a review of pitch needs via a new needs assessment and address any subsequent provision either via a Core Strategy review or separate Site Allocations DPD. 70 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 The strategy

Question 3

Do you know of any potential gypsy and traveller sites?

Are you aware of land which may be suitable for travellers? If so, please let us know and send us further details.

How the Council will assess the consultation options

4.7.17 A separate Sustainability Appraisal has been undertaken of the consultation options. This, together with the consultation responses, will inform the final decision, along with the adopted version of Government planning policy guidance on Gypsy and Traveller site provision which is expected in the forthcoming NPPF. An important matter for Swale is whether the various options will be deliverable and in this regard, evidence from landowners willing to make provision for travellers on their land would be especially relevant.

Alternatives considered - gypsy and traveller pitch provision options

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Making no provision for the Gypsy Would result in increasing unauthorised encampments and Traveller communities. and raising tensions with both the travelling and settled communities. It would also expose travellers to poor standards of health and education provision. It may also push travellers into bricks and mortar housing which would be contrary to Government policy.

2. Not take into account the These sites form part of the ‘need’ identified by the Gypsy contribution from ‘tolerated’ sites. and Travellers Accommodation Assessment. Where there is no intention to take enforcement action on such sites, it is entirely appropriate to treat such sites as, in effect, permanent provision.

3. Expand existing traveller sites. Whilst some sites could be expanded, existing site occupants would not have control over the occupants of any expanded provision. This may bring in parties who are not part of the same family or ethnic grouping and could potentially raise tensions between communities. It is also likely that sites would not be delivered because owners of existing sites would not bring sufficient expansion plans forward.

4. Set pitch target in accordance with This would give an option of 248 pitches, and applying the five-year pitch need from the the 3% figure for future household growth would give an 2006 Gypsy and Traveller even higher pitch number. The Council has not pursued Accommodation Assessment and by this option as the proposed pro rata would be an artificial a pro rata project it forward for the means to arrive at a pitch figure that would bear no relation years 2011-2031. to any need/demand or capacity/availability.

Table 4.7.4 Alternatives considered - pitch options for gypsies and travellers. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 71 Cross cutting policies 5

5 Cross cutting policies

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 The cross cutting policies in this chapter are high level spatial policies which underpin the spatial strategy outlined in Chapter 4 and will apply to all plans and development proposals.

5.2 Sustainable development principles for Swale

5.2.1 The planning system has, as a statutory objective, a responsibility to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. This is echoed by PPS12 Local Spatial Planning and PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development and supplementary guidance on climate change.

5.2.2 Climate change is a key driver behind the need to achieve sustainable development. Climate change considerations impact, firstly, on how development is located and constructed and secondly, over the longer term has the potential to help mitigate the impacts of climate change itself. The White Paper UK Carbon Transition Plan: National Strategy for Climate Change and Energy was published in 2009 and includes commitments (likely to be reviewed) to the UK, that by 2020 there should be 18% carbon emission cuts on 2008 levels and that 30% of its energy should be produced from renewables. Climate change has wider implications on the Borough for flooding, health and biodiversity.

5.2.3 The draft National Planning Policy Framework explains that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. Sustainable development is a core principle underpinning planning and the success of the country and means that development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. For the planning system, delivering sustainable development means pursuing the following in an integrated way:

Planning for prosperity (an economic role); Planning for people (a social role); and Planning for places (an environmental role)

5.2.4 At the heart of the Government’s emerging policy is the presumption in favour of sustainable development - seen as a golden thread running through both plan making and decision taking – approving all developments able to demonstrate their credentials in this respect, unless adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

5.2.5 The Government expects that all plans should be based upon and contain the presumption in favour of sustainable development as their starting point, with clear policies that will guide how the presumption will be applied locally.

5.2.6 The spatial strategy sets out, that to work towards achieving sustainable development means that in Swale, as far as practical, we should be:

supporting communities to be more self-sufficient to reduce impacts elsewhere; satisfying our social, economic and aesthetic needs; and providing a robust, adaptable and enhanced environment.

5.2.7 The purpose of Policy CP 1 is to guide the application of this presumption in Swale by setting out what sustainable development means at the local level. For Swale, the challenge of sustainability has several strands: 72 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

1. The role of our towns, villages and countryside - which locations are the best for different types and scales of development so as to give the convenience of opportunity for as many of us as possible to meet our needs locally? This thread runs from deciding where we need to direct our new homes and jobs and the services available to support them, through to how far we should have to travel for them. 2. Giving us what we need in places that we want to live and work in - achieving successful developments for the jobs, homes and services the area needs in creating safe, healthy, attractive and bio-diverse environments. This thread runs from getting the growth we need, but supporting it with the services and infrastructure it needs, through to delivering a successful quality of environment that has been strongly led by design. 3. Our environment, facing the future and using less – making sure the quality, variety and distinctiveness of our environment continues to be Swale’s defining characteristic now and in the future. This thread runs from avoiding harm to what we value most, extending and improving the quality of all areas when and where we can and challenging ourselves and others to use less, both when we build and for those who use them. We have to both minimise the effects of climate change; making sure we continue to have safe and viable space for us and the animals and plants that need to adapt to the future.

5.2.8 Addressing the above ‘strands’ of sustainable development means that, notwithstanding Policy CP1, the Core Strategy (including associated Supplementary Planning Document and other guidance adopted by the Council) should be taken as a whole, with each policy read as if it contained the caveat: subject to all other relevant policies and other material considerations.

5.2.9 Supporting evidence for the second and third strands of sustainability can be found within relevant cross cutting and development management policies, whilst a suite of design based development management policies has been retained from the Swale Borough Local Plan. However, for Policy CP1, some further guidance is required in addition to the spatial strategy in respect of the first strand on the role of settlements.

The role of our towns, villages and countryside

5.2.10 Past history and growth, character and form all help define the diversity and number of settlements in Swale. Some places have most of the facilities and services that the people who live and work there need, for example, the largest towns and villages. Others, like the smallest hamlets, have limited or no services and people need to travel, sometimes long distances, to get what they need. The role and purpose of settlements are an important starting point for decisions about the need and scale of future development and where it and any supporting infrastructure and services are best focused.

5.2.11 In broad terms, accommodating growth sustainably requires the most significant scales of development to be steered towards those places with the greatest potential for providing jobs and good quality services with varied transport options close at hand. For the most part, this will be the largest towns and villages. It also means a lesser scale of growth in some other locations, whilst enabling existing services to survive or other local needs to be met. In order to help make these judgements, a series of categories has been drawn up within which Swale's towns and villages are placed. This sets out their roles and the availability of services to inform the distribution of development and the interpretation of development management policies.

5.2.12 Within the context of these categories, there is flexibility to enable communities to respond to local needs. It will enable communities to bring forward Neighbourhood Plans that conform to the Core Strategy, or meet other local needs, for example, affordable housing or for local jobs and Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 73 Cross cutting policies 5 services. It might also mean some development in the open countryside in support of countryside or biodiversity management. Planning decisions will also recognise that new technology will continue to shape the way people access services and that service provision is likely to take many and increasingly creative forms.

5.2.13 To help define this series of settlement categories, the Council’s Swale Rural Sustainability Study (2011) examined the services, facilities and transport options in relevant settlements. This evidence has then been placed within a wider context so that the defined settlement categories also consider the:

Core Strategy Vision and Spatial Strategy; number of people who live in the settlement; availability of, or proximity to, employment opportunities; character, the surrounding environment and its ability to accommodate further growth; definition of a built-up area boundary (see below); accessibility to wider transport network; and past rates of growth.

5.2.14 The definition of a built up area boundary on the Proposals Map, for many settlements in the Borough, has been used by successive Swale Local Plans. This boundary is an important dimension to defining which settlements are included within which category. In particular, it helps determine, not the social, economic or administrative boundaries to a village, but the change in character between built development and more open countryside. They have been drawn and updated by:

using identifiable physical features, such as roads, hedges or tree belts and existing property lines, avoiding, where possible, open undeveloped land or environmentally sensitive land; including sites on the edge of settlements which have planning permission, or are allocated for development in the Local Plan; and excluding predominantly open land uses on the edge of settlements, such as playing fields, large gardens and utilities.

5.2.15 Applying this criteria means that the loose-knit or sporadic built forms of some settlements make definition of a built up area boundary inappropriate as it would result in infill development with consequent loss of the rural character of the area. Consequently, the approach leads to concentrations of existing development being included within built up area boundaries, unless their location is unsustainable for further development. Outside built-up area boundaries, including within those settlements without defined boundaries, Policy CP 1 and Policy DM 5 intended to protect the open countryside, apply.

5.2.16 Table 5.2.1 provides the settlement categories and identifies the typical level of services present that lead to their intended role. It also provides guidance as to the interpretation of Policies CP1, ST1 and ST2 in terms of the scale and type of development that may be acceptable. The Core Strategy itself has set its overall development targets and locations for growth having had regard to these settlement categories. The named places themselves and the guidance associated with them are left outside Policy CP1 for ease of reference. However, interpretation of criterion 3 of Policy CP1 should have regard to Table 5.2.1 as the maintenance of the settlement categories is likely to represent the most sustainable approach for the Borough as a whole. 74 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

Category Name of Services mostly Role and focus for development of Settlement present Settlement

Main Sittingbourne All services and job Primary focus for housing, retail, Borough opportunities serving a employment and other developments Centre wider area. Good and concentration of higher order quality transport public services and facilities. Suitable options. for the largest scale developments and transport improvements.

Other Faversham and All services and job Secondary focus for development. Borough Sheerness opportunities serving a Suitable for a scale of development Centres rural hinterland and corresponding to urban regeneration other nearby urban and conservation objectives as centres. Good to fair appropriate. quality transport options.

Other Minster/Halfway Limited/variable range Taken together with Sheerness, these Urban and of local services, with settlements should provide the full Centres Queenborough more significant range of public services and facilities and Rushenden provision planned to necessary to serve their own needs serve wider area. and those of surrounding Variable quality public communities. May require variable transport provision. scales of development ranging from major urban regeneration to urban extensions of moderate scale as appropriate to meet the needs of all these communities.

Local Boughton, Should provide most or The main focus for development in the Service Eastchurch, all of the following: rural areas for accommodating new Centres Iwade, primary health care, facilities and services, or other Leysdown, education, organised developments able to support and Newington, sport and recreational enhance their role as a provider of Teynham facilities, food and other services to a wider rural area. shopping, pub, post office and place of Opportunities on brownfield, worship and be infill/redevelopment sites, or other accessible by frequent opportunities within or well related to (hourly) bus and/or train the built confines of the settlement as services. identified by the Core Strategy. Where sites cannot be provided within the built confines, new services/facilities and employment that can serve the settlement and surrounding area can be provided on sites that do not harm the character of the settlement and the countryside. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 75 Cross cutting policies 5

Category Name of Services mostly Role and focus for development of Settlement present Settlement

Villages Bapchild, Bay A variety of settlements. Villages with built up area boundaries View, Borden, The more sustainable form the remaining focus for Bredgar, provide: primary development. Modest scales of infill Conyer, education; recreation or redevelopment will be permitted at Doddington, area; a shop; and be more sustainable settlements that Dunkirk, accessible by bus or reinforce their role as a provider of Eastling, train. Less sustainable services to their home communities. Hartlip, Lower villages will be without For less sustainable villages, only Halstow, one or more of these minor infill/redevelopment will be Lewson Street, services or relatively permitted or, exceptionally, other Lynsted, remote from their development that would meet Neames Forstal, nearest local service community needs and increase their Newnham, centre. sustainability. Oare, Painter’s Forstal, Selling, Sheldwich Lees, Upchurch, Warden Bay

Other All other small Variable or non-existent Priority is given to the character and settlements and dependent on location. quality of all other settlements, areas within the biodiversity and landscapes in the open open countryside beyond identified countryside built up area boundaries. Development needs may be permitted that either: require a rural location to function, are essential for the continuance of social, economic or environmental health of a community and cannot be accommodated elsewhere in accordance with Core Strategy policies.

Table 5.2.1 Settlement categories

5.2.17 As well as decisions about development, maintaining the settlement categories is reliant to a significant degree on the decisions of infrastructure providers, in particular health, education, the Post Office and transport. A reduction in services could mean that a settlement no longer performs its defined role, with resultant implications for planning policy. Table 5.2.1 therefore helps to inform both planning decisions and the decisions of service providers in prioritising investment and will, additionally guide planning decisions about new service provision or the change of use of existing services. 76 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

5.2.18 For decisions involving development outside the built up area boundaries of settlements in Table 5.2.1, it remains important to ensure that excessive journey lengths are minimised as far as practical, whilst recognising that for many in the rural area, car use may be the only viable alternative. The Tables below are presented as guidance in these judgements and development should aim to meet most of the maximum distances set out.

Cashpoint Bank /Building Convenience Dentist GP Job centre Society Store

2km 4.6km 3km 4km 2.5km 10.5km

Table 5.2.2 Source: Commission for Rural Services Distance to Services Analysis 2011, South East Average.

Petrol Supermarket Pharmacy Post Office Primary Pub Secondary Station School School

3km 4km 3.5km 1.5km 1.5km 1km 5km

Table 5.2.2 (cont) Source: Commission for Rural Services Distance to Services Analysis 2011, South East Average.

5.2.19 Policy CP1 emphasises the importance of joint working, placing an obligation on all delivery authorities to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through specific and identifiable actions.

Policy CP 1

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development will be achieved in Swale by public, private and voluntary sectors working together in accordance with the following principles:

1. Satisfying social, economic and environmental needs through enabling communities to be more self sufficient in order to reduce impacts elsewhere; and 2. Providing a robust, adaptable and enhanced environment.

In order to demonstrate the principles of sustainability, actions by partners will:

1. Deliver the Core Strategy Vision, Objectives and Spatial Strategy; 2. Avoid significant harm to the Borough’s environmental assets as defined by the Core Strategy and promote the expansion of wider biodiversity and access to green spaces at a strategic and local scale; 3. Locate development to achieve a convenient relationship between work, home, services and recreation without excessive journey length by:

a. being guided by the category of settlement and maximum journey distance as set out by the core strategy; and b. maintaining and making new service provision in ways that maintain the social and economic health of the settlement in question. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 77 Cross cutting policies 5

4. Prioritise previously developed land and the reuse of existing buildings where possible, minimising the land taken for development, utilising it efficiently when compatible with its surroundings; 5. Provide high quality, locally distinct design, that responds to best practice and provides simple and direct connections that are safe and encourage physical exercise; 6. Adapt and respond to the effects of current and forecast effects of climate change as set out by Core Strategy policies;

7. Address resource usage and CO2 emissions, with priority towards the existing and future domestic, transport and industrial sectors as set out by Core Strategy policies; and 8. Ensure that the wide range of environmental based cross-boundary management plans are integrated within decision making.

Alternatives considered - sustainable development principles cross cutting policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Exclude policy on sustainable There is no reasonable alternative to setting out how the development principles for principles of sustainable development will be applied to Swale. underpin the spatial strategy and provides a positive approach to development proposals in Swale.

Table 5.2.3 Alternatives considered - sustainable development principles

5.3 Prosperity

5.3.1 Securing greater levels of prosperity is critical to the Core Strategy. Swale needs to maximise and build on its strengths, address the weaker aspects of the local economy and provide market flexibility, if it is to meet its target of creating over 8,500 jobs by 2031. At the same time, the prevailing economic conditions affecting the UK require flexible responses to ensure that the Council can capitalise on unforeseen opportunities.

5.3.2 The draft National Planning Policy Framework stresses the urgent need to restructure the economy, to build on the country’s inherent strengths and meet the twin challenges of global competition and a low carbon future. Its objectives are to:

plan pro-actively to meet the development needs of business and support an economy fit for the 21st century; promote the vitality and viability of town centres, and meet the needs of consumers for high quality and accessible retail services; and raise the quality of life and the environment in rural areas by promoting thriving, inclusive and locally distinctive rural economies.

5.3.3 The creation of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) in April 2011 includes Councils and businesses from Kent, Greater Essex and East Sussex. Their aim is to ‘Create the most enterprising economy in England’. To achieve this, SELEP is to drive forward prosperity by enabling and facilitating the right environment for business to flourish – where possible delivered by private enterprise, not public subsidy. This is intended to increase employment for the short and long-term. Included within its goals are to:

establish new businesses across the area to create between 250,000 and 300,000 new jobs; 78 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

largely complete the regeneration of the Thames Gateway with coastal and rural communities aiming to match the prosperity of the small cities and market towns; support deprived areas towards becoming thriving communities; and serve every community across the area with super-fast broadband networks.

5.3.4 The Kent Regeneration Framework (2009–2020) is the County Council’s overarching assessment of the key opportunities and challenges facing Kent over the next ten years. It advocates economic growth as the basis for sustainable regeneration in an environment within which businesses can grow and flourish and with a workforce equipped with the skills and learning it needs. The Framework identifies Kent Thames Gateway as a key driver of growth for the county with Swale needing to deliver transformational projects and economic regeneration to assist those areas suffering some of the highest levels of deprivation in Swale and indeed, England.

5.3.5 The North Kent Economic Development Strategy is currently being updated.

5.3.6 The Sustainable Community Strategy Ambitions for Swale looks to maximise Swale’s opportunities, embrace global change and support indigenous entrepreneurship by achieving a dynamic and sustainable local economy increasingly focused on knowledge intensive industries. Allied to this, it seeks to deliver a step change in Swale’s learning and skills performance to enable people to realise their full potential and form a better skills base to attract new investment.

5.3.7 Policy CP2 on prosperity supports a variety of Core Strategy objectives intended to strengthen economic development in the Borough, including tourism, retail and leisure. It addresses the issues highlighted by the Swale Employment Land Review (2010).

5.3.8 The policy looks to address the constraints to future growth, including supporting the growth in the Borough’s under-developed office, financial and business services sectors, together with the knowledge-based and bioscience sectors. Swale also has a relatively low-skilled workforce and support is needed to enable them to access the work opportunities in these sectors. Here, the Council will consider use of developer funding, either through Community Infrastructure Levy or use of S106 agreements (for specific developments) to support job training. Provision of small business units may be sought on suitable sites.

5.3.9 The Borough’s future growth depends on attracting inward investment, but also on developing sectors where it already has established strengths and also by stimulating growth of smaller scale home-grown firms. Diversifying into higher value manufacturing and environmental sectors offers potential and would build on the area’s strengths. The policy supports existing economic strengths, including its industrial and agricultural sectors. The Borough needs to remain both strong in manufacturing and other industries and grow its strengths and experience in logistics and distribution.

5.3.10 Statement 4 below identifies Swale's potential growth sectors which will be encouraged and supported. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 79 Cross cutting policies 5

Statement 4

Swale's future potential growth sectors

General and advanced manufacturing, engineering, distribution, agriculture, financial/business services, environmental technologies,healthcare/biotechnology,ICT,media/telecommunications, construction,retail/leisure, tourism, hotels and catering and boat repair. Other evidence points to the need to support the Borough's agricultural/forestry/woodland resource, whilst feasibility work for the Council identifies scope for an expansion of the Borough's cultural activities.

(Sources: Employment Land Review 2010, Planning Statement from National Farmers Union 2009 and The Feasibility of Developing Cultural Infrastructure as part of Sittingbourne Town Centre Regeneration Scheme, August 2009).

5.3.11 Three specific parts of the Borough are identified as ‘Existing Strategic Employment Locations’. The first is Eurolink Sittingbourne, a series of individual estates offering a mix of manufacturing and distribution firms as well as some office units. The second is at the Port of Sheerness, both an important transport asset and a likely future major manufacturing hub for off-shore wind turbines. Longer term regeneration and potential further expansion at the Port is a possibility for the future, but would need to be addressed through Core Strategy Review (see also Policy AC 3). Finally, the Kent Science Park, to the south of Sittingbourne, is an important focus for bioscience firms within Kent and a focus for knowledge-based growth within Swale. The Policy looks to encourage the development of these areas and their growth within the context of their individual constraints. Larger scale expansion of Kent Science Park is a longer term objective, but is unlikely to proceed in the absence of new additions to the highway network - again matters for Core Strategy review, but the subject of a signposting policy in this plan (Policy AC 2).

5.3.12 Policy CP2 is flexible as to the likely future demands of businesses, but for those seeking specific premises, the policy identifies broad locations where new business development will be supported on appropriate sites. These are based around the specific economic assets of the Borough and its priorities, including its existing town centres, deprived communities and rural areas.

5.3.13 The locations and type of future growth cannot always be foreseen, and the Policy will remain flexible to these possibilities. An area where the need for growth cannot be foreseen is within home working and the Council will look to grant planning permission unless there is an overriding incompatibility with the area or amenity of other residents.

5.3.14 It is important that the employment potential of existing land or buildings is safeguarded for its future use. This includes both land or buildings in current employment use or allocation, land where planning permission has expired or other vacant land and premises. Evidence of market signals indicating the need for more flexibility over alternative employment generating uses will usually support a grant of planning permission. However, for sites not considered viable, the likely long term nature of the economic downturn means the Council must be convinced that evidence points to wider, fundamental and deep seated structural problems with the site, rather than shorter term difficulties. The policy does, however, recognise the scope to release older, poorer performing industrial sites to other uses, either residential or mixed use development. Evidence to release sites should be linked to on-going problems, the need for the alternative development and the availability of sites for the relocation of existing firms. 80 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

5.3.15 Within the rural areas, the policy encourages suitable provision to come forward to meet demand, within the context of a criteria based development management, Policy DM 9 . This will include proposals for agriculture, which is important for both the economy and for local food production, together with sustainable rural tourism that can support the countryside and landscapes.

5.3.16 Availability of the highest speeds of internet connectivity is important to encourage economic growth in the rural areas. All new development will be required to provide for access to this technology regardless of location.

Policy CP 2

Prosperity

The Council will provide for an employment led Core Strategy to deliver 546,000m2 of floorspace and a target of 8,500 jobs, with actions by the public, private and voluntary sectors seeking to achieve a step change in market perceptions, a generous and thereby flexible supply of land for the market to deliver a strong and sustainable economy. They shall:

1. Encourage innovation, modernisation and competitiveness in the existing economy; 2. Support the likely growth of emerging and future potential sectors able to meet future challenges of the 21st Century; 3. Look favourably upon, when possible, unanticipated needs due to changes in economic circumstances, including working practises such as live/work; 4. Support the expansion of the office sector; 5. Support sectors that will be attractive to the local population who currently out-commute for work; 6. Support and steer growth, with regard to current constraints, towards existing strategic employment locations at Eurolink Sittingbourne, the Port of Sheerness and the Kent Science Park; 7. Steer other economic development to the following priority locations:

a. major committed employment sites at Ridham, Kemsley, Neatscourt, Isle of Sheppey and other ‘saved’ Local Plan allocations; b. strategic and employment allocations identified by the Core Strategy; c. the expansion of existing employment locations; d. town centres as guided by the Core Strategy Retail Hierarchy; e. within urban area close to transport links; f. within corridors formed by the A249, A2 and Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road; g. where the beneficial and re-use of heritage assets can be achieved; h. at clusters or networks of knowledge driven, creative or high technology industries; i. where benefits to deprived communities can be achieved; and j. in the rural areas where guided by Development Management Policies.

8. Require the delivery of digital infrastructure; Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 81 Cross cutting policies 5

9. Encourage improved educational facilities and the expansion of vocational learning, through the development of links between institutions and the private sector, including work-based learning at key locations; and 10. Manage existing and future employment potential by encouraging the upgrading of older industrial areas and the release of poorer sites to other uses when demonstrated to be no longer suitable for users, or when inappropriately located.

Alternatives considered - prosperity cross cutting policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Rely on National Planning Policy This would assist in achieving broad economic Guidance. objectives, but would not provide a locally distinct dimension to employment issues and would not enable the Council to act upon the recommendations of its Employment Land Review.

2. Increase/decrease employment See alternatives considered - provision for jobs and target. homes.

Table 5.3.1 Alternatives considered - prosperity cross cutting policy.

5.4 Homes and communities

5.4.1 New housing for Swale is needed in order to deliver its housing target of 13,500 homes, sufficient to match the needs and aspirations of the Core Strategy.

5.4.2 The draft National Planning Policy Framework states that the Government’s objective is to increase significantly the delivery of new homes. This means:

increasing the supply of housing; delivering a wide choice of high quality homes that people want and need; widening opportunities for home ownership; and creating sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities, including through the regeneration and renewal of areas of poor housing.

5.4.3 The Kent Housing Strategy (May 2011) identifies 5 priorities:

1. The continued delivery of key infrastructure to support managed growth and housing delivery across the County; 2. The continued regeneration of our disadvantaged neighbourhoods to bring them in line with more affluent parts of the County; 3. The provision of choice and affordability in housing for the citizens of Kent and Medway, including rural communities, which meets their needs and aspirations; 4. The managed improvement and retrofit of existing homes to make them fit for now and the future; and 5. To support vulnerable people in housing need to fulfil their potential and live a high quality life through the provision of excellent housing and support services. 82 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

5.4.4 The Government’s 2011 Housing Strategy Laying the Foundations states that a thriving, active but stable housing market that offers choice, flexibility and affordable housing is critical to our economic and social wellbeing. The Government is launching a series of initiatives intended to get the housing market moving.

5.4.5 Ambitions for Swale looks to achieve high quality sustainable homes where people choose to live in new and existing communities. Policy CP 3 supports the Core Strategy objective intended to provide the right housing to support regeneration and stronger, greener communities.

5.4.6 A key message of the East Kent Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2009 is the need for more homes to meet a growing and ageing population, alongside the need for smaller, but also larger family homes. The level of need for affordable homes is considerable and its provision is addressed in more detail by Policy DM 12. The condition of some properties in Swale is also of concern with the Council's 2009 Housing Stock Condition Survey finding that over 20% of the stock had a hazard requiring immediate attention, with some 4% of these occupied by a vulnerable person.

5.4.7 Providing an overall approach to housing in Swale is the Council's Housing Strategy (2010) that has five strands which this Core Strategy will aim to achieve, namely that:

1. All homes and neighbourhoods should provide sustainable environments for good quality, life-long living. 2. The housing supply is sufficient and matches needs and aspirations. 3. There is a good choice of housing options that support diverse needs and that everybody has an equal opportunity to live in a home that supports their life choices and maximises their health and wellbeing. 4. Adverse impacts to the environment from construction and occupation of housing are minimised. 5. All parties support and improve the life chances of vulnerable people and narrow the gaps in health and wellbeing.

Quality and purpose of housing

5.4.8 Housing development takes up more space than any other form of building and strongly influences the character of a place, as well as influencing lifestyle, behaviour, health, crime and use of private transport.

5.4.9 By quality we mean the appearance of housing and the standards that deal with the issues it affects, as well as the ability of buildings to adapt to changing needs over time and to the likely effects of climate change. The delivery of quality developments is inherent within the vision, the principles and objectives of the Core Strategy. This is supported by development management policies, together with the standards and objectives of the following (and successor) publications:

the National Code for Sustainable Homes; the Manual for Streets; advice (e.g. Building for Life Guide) from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment; Kent Design Guide (and appendix) - adopted by the Council as a Supplementary Planning Document; and Secure By Design Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 83 Cross cutting policies 5

5.4.10 New housing also has a major influence upon the physical and social perceptions of an area. Its purpose, which may be shaped by the context and characteristics of the local area, can be established early on within the design of a scheme and the type of housing proposed. The purpose of new housing could be to achieve one or more of the following objectives:

Create: extending or re-balancing the housing stock, market offer and appeal. Design is in a leading role to achieve this. Reinforce: not changing an area's housing offer. Design protects and enhances existing characteristics of a neighbourhood area. Restore: improving an area's offer when in decline or stress to improve overall market appeal and to create confidence in the housing offer. Design to play a leading role and could lead change on an urban renewal basis in some areas.

5.4.11 To help meet these objectives, Table 5.4.1, informed by independent consultant advice, sets out the approach within each of the local housing market areas identified by the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. These are inevitably high level objectives and do not take into account the many local sub-markets present within each area, although reference is made to a number of the more significant ones. More detailed considerations may be established via Neighbourhood Plans and/or Supplementary Planning Documents for specific sites/areas or design statements. Within design statements, the Council will look to those promoting planning applications within the areas below, to indicate the intended purpose of the proposed housing within the local housing market in the area in question.

Postal Relevant locations Main issues and main purpose of housing proposals Area

Sittingbourne Local Housing Market Area

ME9 Rural parts of The ME9 postcode has relatively high average prices and Sittingbourne, Iwade, reasonable levels of demand; as such the market is Upchurch, Newington, reasonably strong. Going forward the aspiration could be Milstead and Teynham. to encourage the development of good quality family housing, for which the greatest local demand exists.

Reinforce: not changing an area's housing offer. Design protects and enhances existing characteristics.

ME10 The town of Going forward the opportunity to provide a mix of quality Sittingbourne including housing types and unit sizes exists across the ME10 Milton Regis and postcode. Prices are affordable and there are reasonable Kemsley. levels of demand from a range of consumers. Viability is key as local buyers are value driven.

Create: extending or re-balancing the housing stock, market offer and appeal. Design is in a leading role to achieve this.

Locally ‘reinforce’ in some areas e.g. parts of southern Sittingbourne. 84 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

Postal Relevant locations Main issues and main purpose of housing proposals Area

Sheerness/Minster Local Housing Market Area

ME11 Queenborough and Property in this location is very affordable but the market Rushenden on the Isle could improve with the provision of better designed and of Sheppey. better quality housing. This could be enhanced by improvements to the local public realm spaces. It is important that future provision is linked to demand, which exists for predominantly 3 bed family housing but also flats. Given that values are at the lower end of the scale, development viability in this area could be marginal. The Council may wish to encourage the development of greater levels of private housing in order to enhance scheme viability.

Restore: improving an area's offer when in decline or stress to improve overall market appeal and to create confidence in the housing offer. Design to play a leading role and could lead change on an urban renewal basis in some areas.

ME12 Isle of Sheppey Within the ME12 postcode demand is greatest for family including Sheerness, housing. Future development of quality family housing that Minster, Leysdown and reflects the character of the area should be encouraged. If Warden. opportunities arise to improve design and/or levels of sustainability these should be taken.

Reinforce: not changing an area's housing offer. Design protects and enhances existing characteristics.

Locally ‘create’ within Sheerness and parts of Leysdown.

Faversham and East Swale Rural Local Housing Market Areas

ME13 Faversham and rural The development of family housing in keeping with the parts of east Swale character of the existing area should be encouraged. including Boughton, Oare, Selling and Reinforce: not changing an area's housing offer. Design Eastling. protects and enhances existing characteristics. Locally ‘create' within deprived communities within Faversham and Boughton.

Table 5.4.1 The purpose of housing in local housing market areas Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 85 Cross cutting policies 5

Type and mix of housing

5.4.12 The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2009) indicated that across East Kent an ageing population and declining average household size will be fundamental to future market perspectives. Although these effects are not as acute in Swale as other parts of East Kent, they are nevertheless important. The assessment recommendations in respect of lifetime housing are incorporated within Policy CP 3.

5.4.13 Despite evidence pointing towards a need for smaller sized accommodation, it is also the case that single people or couples without children may aspire to purchase a home at a maximum value that can be afforded over and above that required to meet their current needs. This, together with evidence pointing to a need for larger homes for families, supported by residents' aspirations for semi-detached and detached housing, suggests a need to weight overall provision toward semi-detached and detached housing. It should also be noted that in some locations, such housing will be important to broadening the housing base to provide a more attractive offer. The Housing Market Assessment recommended the following type and tenure of market housing and their proportion:

1 bed flats = 10% 2 bed flats = 15% 2 bed houses = 25% 3 bed houses = 40% 4+ bed houses = 10%

5.4.14 In the case of calculating the type and mix of affordable sector housing on a site, the Council will apply the relevant local housing market area percentage target to calculate the overall total of affordable housing sought for the site. The type and mix of houses within the affordable total will then be sought in similar proportions to the market housing section of that site. The Council and developers will be guided by the above proportions, having regard to local demand and, in particular, considerations of viability and the needs of the local housing market area in question.

Design and Density

5.4.15 There is no longer a national minimum target figure for the density of new housing. However, low densities will result in inefficient use of land and result in the need to take more greenfield sites to meet overall housing target numbers. Higher density need not mean blocks of flats or featureless estates with little or no landscaping. For example, modern terraced housing of 2 or 3 storeys can provide excellent internal and external space standards and still achieve medium or high densities.

5.4.16 The draft Core Strategy's overall approach to density is therefore to encourage the achievement of higher density development where it is sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.

5.4.17 Good quality design and layout will be essential for any new development and is the key to creating new neighbourhoods with their own character which reflect:

the purpose of the development; efficient use of land through higher densities; achieving higher standards of sustainable construction (Policy DM 1); the need to promote biodiversity within developments (Policy DM 8); 86 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

innovative housing design (Policy DM 1); and attractive layout and landscaping of public areas and spaces between buildings, supporting green infrastructure links between urban and rural areas.

5.4.18 Higher densities will generally be more appropriate in town centre locations, where land economics will also influence the intensity of land use. In suburban and sensitive locations, a lower density may be more appropriate, where the conservation and enhancement of the character of the site, its biodiversity and its local context may be a priority. For large new areas of housing, a variety of different densities across the site may be appropriate to create new neighbourhoods with variety of character and visual interest.

5.4.19 However, it is not the intention for the Core Strategy to prescribe actual housing density figures for specific areas of the Borough, as the form, massing and appearance of buildings and how they fit into their plots and the local area is the key consideration. The larger strategic site allocations made through this Core Strategy will be (re)creating significant pieces of new townscape and site specific master plan Supplementary Planning Documents may be required to cover, amongst other issues, the layout design and density of the new development, which is likely to be phased over a significant period of time. Neighbourhood Plans, together with Supplementary Planning Documents and design and access statements submitted with new planning applications, will identify the key characteristics of existing neighbourhoods, and their opportunities or capacity for change.

Previously developed land

5.4.20 Steering development to brownfield land is a priority, although it remains necessary for greenfield land to be developed if sufficient housing is to be provided. Not all brownfield land will be suitable for development, for example, sites in viable employment use, land at risk from flooding that cannot be made safe, or land that has developed as an important resource for biodiversity.

5.4.21 New housing is necessary to support a thriving economy and an employment led Core Strategy. Policy CP3 stresses this importance and is framed so as to support the aims of the Council's Housing Strategy. As a cross-cutting policy, it highlights the contribution that new housing can make to greener standards of construction and environments and to offering good quality, life-long living. It also recognises that the purpose of housing in a given area can support or change the market for the better. Finally, it looks to housing to support other objectives, including green infrastructure and improving the standards of existing housing where neighbourhood scale developments are promoted.

Policy CP 3

Homes and Communities

The public, private and voluntary sectors will take action to achieve 13,500 new homes to deliver sufficient choice of new housing to achieve sustainable environments for life-long and healthy living. They will:

1. Work together to reduce market and funding barriers to achieving the completion of 540 homes per annum to 2031; 2. Steer housing growth to the following priority locations: Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 87 Cross cutting policies 5

a. on previously developed land within built up areas, especially within deprived communities and town centres; b. within Strategic Allocations, Neighbourhood Plans and Areas of Search/ other site allocations as identified by the Core Strategy; and c. at settlements identified as appropriate by the Swale Sustainable Development Policy.

3. Justify applications for planning permission in terms of its defining purpose for the local housing market area in question as identified by the Core Strategy; 4. Make affordable housing provision, whilst considering matters of viability, in accordance with the Strategic Housing Market Assessment as set out in Policy DM12; 5. In rural areas, increase the provision of affordable and homes for sale to meet local needs; 6. Work together to bring vacant homes back into use and up the Decent Homes standard; 7. Reduce unauthorised encampments by making provision for the travelling community in accordance with overall pitch numbers set by the Core Strategy and Policy DM14; 8. Provide for the new infrastructure necessary to deliver the Core Strategy; and 9. Achieve sustainable and high quality design by:

a. achieving 20% of market housing to be lifetime homes with all homes meeting the Building for Life standard; b. improving climate change and environmental performance in existing and new stock through Policy DM1 and Supplementary Planning Documents; c. responding positively to the defining characteristics of an area through use of design statements, supplementary planning documents and other best practice design guidance; d. promoting housing densities appropriate to their location, the overall design objectives, and the quality of existing and future environments; e. preparing and implementing a site health impact assessments for developments identified by Policy CP4; and f. providing open space and biodiversity to contribute to widening the Borough’s green infrastructure in accordance with Policy CP7.

Alternatives considered - homes and communities cross cutting policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. No policy on the issue and Although this would still enable new housing to come forward, rely on National Planning Policy it would not enable the Council to use housing as the means Guidance. to change current perceptions of local housing market areas and to achieve sustainable environments for life-long and healthy living through the actions of partners across a range of cross-cutting issues.

2. Let the market decide the Whilst this would deliver housing, this would not always be a type and form of new housing. form and type that would respond to the needs of the local housing market area, neither would it always be respectful of the context of the site and its surroundings. 88 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

3. Micro-manage the housing This would not provide a realistic basis upon which to bring market to determine the type forward viable schemes that will sell to the market. In reality and form of new housing. this could lead to stagnation in housing delivery.

Table 5.4.2 Alternatives considered - homes and communities cross cutting policy

5.5 Health and wellbeing

5.5.1 There are significant health and wellbeing issues in Swale, especially in its deprived communities. The Council has placed health at the centre of its Core Strategy.

5.5.2 The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) refers to the importance of ensuring that people should be able to enjoy a better quality of life and that delivering sustainable development means using the planning system to promote healthy communities. The NPPF sets out the need for local planning authorities to identify strategic policies to deliver the provision of health facilities. Local planning authorities are advised to work with relevant bodies to understand and take account of the health status and needs of the local population. It also states that planning policies need to facilitate social interaction and inclusive communities to deliver community facilities and local services.

5.5.3 PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development seeks safe, healthy and attractive places to live, and supports the promotion of health and wellbeing by making provision for physical activity.

5.5.4 Incorporating health and wellbeing into spatial planning is a rapidly developing field. The most significant statements can be found in the Marmot Review Fair Society, Healthy Lives, a Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England post 2010. A key message from this document is that targeting improvements at the most deprived areas is not enough by itself and there needs to be improved health for all to change the overall profile of the Borough.

5.5.5 The Sustainable Community Strategy Ambitions for Swale has health as one of its top priorities.

5.5.6 Planning can have the most impact on improving health and wellbeing through new developments. New development should be located so that walking or cycling from home to local services and facilities is convenient. Not only will this promote exercise, but it will create opportunities for creating a sense of community. High quality and innovative design, layout and materials will create a healthier living environment, which can improve both physical and mental wellbeing for residents. Access to a readily available supply of healthy food such as local markets and farm shops can also contribute to overall health and issues connected with obesity. This aspiration for healthy communities is supported by all policies of the Core Strategy and goes to the heart of its vision of an outstanding environment and a place where life is enjoyed.

5.5.7 The Primary Health Care Trust for Swale has undertaken a Rapid Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the scoping of Core Strategy policies as part of the Pick Your Own consultation. HIAs identify potential health gains and consequences that a development or policy might bring. As well as being done at the scale of a Core Strategy they can be undertaken at planning application level.

5.5.8 An SA/SEA of the Pick Your Own document concluded that there would be minor beneficial effects in the application of cross cutting Policy CP 4. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 89 Cross cutting policies 5

5.5.9 Representations to Pick Your Own seek reference to sports and physical activity, promotion of access to the natural countryside asset, specific reference to those with learning difficulties and offer general support for design principles which reduce the potential for crime and fear of crime.

5.5.10 A policy on health and wellbeing is in accordance with Section 3.3, Core Strategy objectives 5 (better quality of life), 7 (deprived communities) and 9 (providing the right housing).

Statement 5

Key health facts for Swale

1. The health of people in Swale is generally worse than the England average - Swale has significantly worse levels of obesity and smoking related deaths. 2. There are significant health inequalities depending on where you live within Swale. The life expectancy for those living in the most deprived areas of the Borough is about eight years lower for men, and approximately five years lower for women, than for those living in the least deprived areas. 3. Swale is in the top 30% of deprived local authorities, nationally. This overall position masks extremes of deprivation with some areas being extremely deprived and others relatively affluent. 4. In Swale, there are seventeen neighbourhoods within the top 20% of most deprived areas in the country. The majority (13) of these are on the Isle of Sheppey, with two areas in both Sittingbourne and Faversham. A further six areas fall within the top 25% of most deprived areas. These include parts of Sittingbourne (3), Sheppey (2) and Faversham (1). Overall, the deprived areas include Sheerness, Leysdown and Warden and parts of Queenborough and Halfway and Minster Cliffs. In Sittingbourne, the areas most deprived are Kemsley, Murston, Milton Regis and Roman wards. Faversham has deprivation in parts of Abbey, Watling and Davington Priory wards. 5. Swale has one of the highest crime rates in the County, together with Dartford, Gravesham and Medway. 6. 50% of Swale adults never do any regular exercise.

Source: Swale Health Profile 2011, Indices of Multiple Deprivation (2010), SBC: Topic Paper 1 Demographics and Social Trends (2009)

5.5.11 Health and wellbeing is achieved through a combination of physical, mental, and social factors resulting in us feeling good and functioning well. As well as supporting physical health infrastructure such as new premises for a GP surgery (see Table 5.5.1) to meet the needs of existing residents and new developments, Policy CP 4 also seeks to address a whole range of issues from giving every child the best start in life, enabling everyone to achieve their aspirations, creating work opportunities for all, ensuring a healthy standard of living, developing sustainable communities with access to open spaces and a healthy food supply, and strengthening the role and impact of ill health prevention. The policy advocates use of Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) prior to the development of strategic allocations and for schemes in deprived wards in order that mitigation measures outlined in the Core Strategy HIA are addressed, to reduce health inequalities, and to demonstrate that health and wellbeing will not be adversely affected in the Borough’s deprived wards. 90 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

Location Facility Delivery

Sittingbourne Secure new premises for East Street surgery 2015

New premises at The Meads or elsewhere in north Sittingbourne

Provision of alternative premises for practices at 21 London Road.

Teynham Secure the future of two existing service providers 2015 (and meet the needs of future development at Teynham).

Queenborough New premises. 2015

Eastchurch New premises to meet future growth. 2015

Warden Bay

Leysdown

Table 5.5.1 Healthcare provision in Swale

Policy CP 4

Health and wellbeing

Relevant organisations and communities will promote, protect and improve the health of Swale’s population and reduce health inequalities across the Borough by:

1. Working with the East Kent and Coastal PCT to bring forward new GP surgery premises at Sittingbourne, Teynham and on Sheppey; 2. Protecting existing health care facilities where a proven need exists; and 3. Requiring Health Impact Assessments, including possible provision for mitigation prior to the development of:

a. land at strategic allocations; and b. for developments in excess of 1ha of land in Swale’s most deprived wards.

4. Promoting the provision of open space and access to nature in accordance with Policies CP7 and DM17; 5. Supporting proposals which increase access to a healthy food supply such as markets and farm shops; 6. Assisting with mitigating the effects of climate change through use of open space and greenery for shading and cooling within urban areas and town centres; and 7. Maximising opportunities to deliver high quality social and community facilities as part of new development by: Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 91 Cross cutting policies 5

a. ensuring such facilities are in readily accessible locations; and b. promoting shared facilities for health and other community facilities.

Alternatives considered - health and wellbeing cross cutting policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Decide not to meet deficiencies Result in increased deficiencies contrary to Government in health care provision. guidance and Borough Council objectives to improve health and wellbeing in terms of deprivation and inequalities in health.

2. Not seek facilities to assist in the Result in increased deficiencies contrary to Government provision of health and wellbeing. guidance and Borough Council objectives to improve health and wellbeing in terms of deprivation and inequalities in health.

3. Allow loss of health care Result in increased deficiencies contrary to Government facilities to alternative uses. guidance and Borough Council objectives to improve health and wellbeing in terms of deprivation and inequalities in health.

Table 5.5.2 Alternatives considered - health and wellbeing cross cutting policy

5.6 Transport

5.6.1 Transportation will play a key role in the delivery of the Swale Development Strategy. An efficient transport network which has good connectivity with the regional and national network is vital in helping the Borough to realise its economic potential. At the local level too, easy access to employment, education, shops, services and facilities is important in creating inclusive and prosperous communities. The transport network needs to strike a balance between providing adequate capacity for current and future residents and business needs, whilst minimising any negative environmental, social and health impacts. This will be both through improvements to the highway capacity and through an integrated sustainable transport network.

National Planning Policy

5.6.2 Planning Policy Guidance 13 Transport (January 2011) states that land use planning has a key role to play in the delivery of an integrated transport strategy. Through shaping the pattern of development, and the design layout and mix of uses, planning can help reduce the need to travel and length of journeys required for everyday needs. This can also help reduce some of the need for car journeys and enable people to make sustainable transport choices.

5.6.3 At the strategic level, planning policy should therefore aim to:

focus major generators of travel demand, including employment, shopping, leisure and services in city, town and district centres and near to public transport interchanges; manage the pattern of growth so as to maximise the use of public transport; 92 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

take account of the potential for changing overall travel patterns through a broad balance between employment and housing to minimise the need for long distance commuting; and locate facilities, and services for daily needs, including recreation open space close to their clients and seek to ensure safe and easy access to them, particularly by walking and cycling.

5.6.4 In rural areas the same principles generally apply, with services and facilities located at the most accessible locations or where accessibility could be improved as a result of planned improvements to the transport network.

5.6.5 Whilst road transport is likely to remain the principal mode of freight transport, land use planning can also promote sustainable distribution by protecting and allocating sites and routes which allow for rail and water transport and appropriate interchange sites.

5.6.6 In terms of managing travel demand, the emphasis is on promoting quick, easy and safe interchange between different modes of transport. Vehicle parking policies are seen as part of a package of planning and transport measures which will promote sustainable transport choices, with development plans setting parking standards for broad classes of development. (Vehicle parking is dealt with at Policy DM 16 of this plan).

National Planning Policy Framework

5.6.7 The emerging National Planning Policy Framework continues the core principle of sustainable development, namely that planning policies and decisions actively manage patterns of growth to make the fullest use of public transport, walking and cycling and focus significant developments in areas which are or can be made sustainable. Transport policies have an important role to play in facilitating development, but also in contributing to wider sustainability and health objectives. It is nevertheless recognised that different policies and measures will be needed in different communities and that sustainable transport solutions will vary between urban and rural areas.

5.6.8 Two objectives are identified for the transport policy:

Firstly, local authorities are expected to work with neighbours and transport providers to develop strategies for the provision of viable infrastructure necessary to support sustainable economic growth. Development, especially that which encourages increased delivery of homes and sustainable economic development, should not generally be prevented on transport grounds unless the residual impacts of the development are severe. Secondly, transport policy should support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and congestion through locating development which generates significant movement, where the need to travel will be minimised and the use of sustainable modes of transport can be maximised. The more detailed location and design of developments, will be instrumental in achieving this. Travel plans will play a key role in achieving this and will be required for all developments generating significant amounts of movement. Vehicle parking standards are to be determined by local planning authorities.

Local Transport Strategies and Plans

5.6.9 Kent County Council (KCC), as local transport authority, has produced a transport delivery plan Growth without Gridlock (December 2010) which sets out the transport strategy for the county over the next 10 – 20 years and which will in due course be supported by a local transport strategy Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 93 Cross cutting policies 5 for Swale. Swale is recognised in the strategy as part of the Kent Thames Gateway growth area which has a key role in the prospects for economic growth and regeneration in this area, particularly at Sittingbourne and Sheerness Port. Key transport challenges for Swale are identified as:

securing the necessary infrastructure to open up key development areas for housing and employment; delivering capacity improvements on the strategic road network; and regeneration of Sittingbourne Town Centre.

5.6.10 Key road schemes identified to assist with these challenges include the extension of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road to the A2 east of the town, the A249 Grovehurst and Key Street junctions and addressing the capacity of the M2/Junction 5. The opportunity for a new A2/M2 link and new motorway junction east of the town, which could offer new highway capacity and support major expansion of the Kent Science Park is also acknowledged.

5.6.11 The Kent Local Transport Plan (April 2011) (LTP) is the short term bidding and funding plan which prioritises schemes for implementation identified in Growth without Gridlock and the current edition focuses on the period 2011-2016. This five year integrated transport programme is focused on improving the quality of local bus services through a Quality Bus Partnership, which will complement the Sittingbourne Town Centre regeneration plans. The LTP further notes the modelling work undertaken to support this Core Strategy, which was incomplete at the time the LTP was finalised.

5.6.12 It is expected that the LTP will be updated, but bidding and prioritising schemes in the context of the new Local Economic Partnerships and the operation of Community Infrastructure Levy and other forms of funding are unclear at this time.

Swale Transport Network

5.6.13 During 2011, Swale has seen the completion of two major schemes including the Milton Creek crossing section of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road which now provides a direct link from the A249 to the Eurolink Business Estate. This greatly reduces journey times for freight traffic and reduces congestion in Sittingbourne Town Centre, to allow for further regeneration there.

5.6.14 The Queenborough and Rushenden Relief Road has also been completed and provides a link to the A249 on Sheppey and opens up large new areas for regeneration in the Queenborough and Rushenden area, not least of which are expected new developments at Neats Court and a major wind turbine manufacturing facility at the Port of Sheerness. This complements the major benefit of the new Swale crossing to the Island.

5.6.15 High speed domestic rail services have reduced journey times to central London to 53 minutes from Sittingbourne and 62 minutes from Faversham, which offers easy access to central London employment opportunities via a sustainable mode of transport.

5.6.16 Multi modal strategic transport modelling(3) for Swale has tested all the elements of this development strategy to assess the likely level of infrastructure investment required and likely levels of congestion. The proposals for Sittingbourne Town Centre, the wind turbine manufacturing at Sheerness Port and the potential for longer term expansion at Kent Science Park were included in the forecast modelling. Additions to the highway network were tested in the form of the final

3 Swale VISUM Model LDF Option 1 Forecasting (July 2011) and Swale VISUM Model Forecast Run II (September 2011) undertaken in partnership with Kent County Council. 94 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

section of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road from the Eurolink industrial estate to the A2 east of Sittingbourne and the addition of a Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road linking the A2 to the M2 east of Sittingbourne via a new motorway junction.

Statement 6

The Swale Transport Model

The main findings of the Swale strategic transport modelling forecasts indicate:

a. The level of growth anticipated will result in additional pressures on the highway network with traffic growth of some 30% and further investment will be necessary. b. Congestion levels will rise, although this will not be as severe as in many other locations in Kent and the balance between the substantial amount of development anticipated and infrastructure appears broadly acceptable. c. The strategic development locations proposed correspond with where there is currently most capacity in the highway network. d. The level of development tested will require the final section (Bapchild Link) of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road to be completed to free up the town centre for regeneration and facilitate further development proposed in the Core Strategy. e. Completion of the SNRR is likely to encourage some trips to switch from the M2 to the A2 east of Sittingbourne. However, congestion on this stretch of road is likely to militate against that and traffic is likely to find a balance between alternatives available. Provision of a Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road could also assist with relieving this congestion in the longer term. f. Some junction improvements to the A249 are likely to be needed. g. A modest modal shift to bus transport is predicted, although this is from a low base and more could be done to extend and improve the quality of services to new and existing developments. h. A small shift to rail transport is indicated although no major changes to service are anticipated. i. Congestion is likely to increase at M2/Junction 5, although earlier morning peak times operate at this junction compared to the rest of the study area, but modelling suggests the junction will not fail given the proposed development strategy. j. Including a Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road and M2 Junction 5A to the network close to the south eastern edge of Sittingbourne would provide more highway capacity and help rebalance the system away from M2/Junction 5, and assist with congestion on the A2 east of Sittingbourne, but would need more integration with major new development (not currently envisaged as feasible in this plan period) to be a requirement.

5.6.17 Peak hour congestion at M2/Junction 5 was the subject of earlier modelling work undertaken by the Highways Agency and Kent County Council. This junction is over capacity in peak hour and the Department of Transport has significant concerns about further local development impacting on the junction. The junction itself is highly constrained by environmental designations and the costs of major reconstruction are prohibitive. Subsequent feasibility work indicated that some short term relief to the junction could be provided by construction of an additional length of southbound lane on the A249. Longer term solutions to rebalance and expand the network away from M2/Junction 5 are not likely to be deliverable within the short to medium term. The Core Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 95 Cross cutting policies 5

Strategy, therefore, focuses development on those parts of the local network with capacity, and endeavours to balance development in as sustainable a way as possible to manage further increases in pressure on this junction.

Investment in the Transport Network

5.6.18 The need for development to be well integrated with transport supports the approach taken by the development strategy in focusing most new development at the main urban areas, making best use of the existing or planned improvements to the transport network, looking to achieve a balance between new employment and housing provision and minimising the need to travel where possible.

5.6.19 This Core Strategy continues to focus on Sittingbourne as the main urban area, with strategic allocations for housing and employment proposed at north west and north east Sittingbourne. This utilises existing capacity on the A249 and the built and planned sections of the SNRR. The Key Street and Grovehurst interchanges with the A249 are nearing capacity and will require improvement to accommodate traffic arising from development proposed in the Core Strategy.

5.6.20 Significant town centre regeneration including shopping, leisure, employment and housing development has been permitted in Sittingbourne Town Centre (as part of the implementation of the provisions of the Swale Borough Local Plan 2008 and supporting SPD). This will fundamentally change the layout and operation of the roads in the town centre. The opening of the Milton Creek section of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road has been an important step in removing industrial and freight traffic from the town centre. However, the benefits of the SNRR will be best realised with its extension to the A2 in the Bapchild area.

5.6.21 The town centre regeneration will change traffic flows within the town, but the net result is not expected to increase the overall volume of traffic travelling into the centre. However, developers will be expected to promote mitigation measures for congestion which may result at key junctions within the town centre. This will include not only traffic based highway infrastructure, but also improvements to the bus, walking and cycling networks. This will need to be incorporated into the design and layout of development proposals and within supporting transport assessments and travel plans, both for the town centre and for other developments proposed around the town. As part of the town centre regeneration plans, improvements to the station itself, the station approach and bus interchange will take place. A new pedestrian bridge link will also be provided over the railway to link the town centre with proposed new retail development on the north side of the railway.

5.6.22 Faversham is well served by rail links westbound and is well placed in respect of M2 Junctions 6 and 7 although these are also nearing capacity. Bus service links to the wider area are infrequent. Scales of development at Faversham are not as significant as elsewhere in the Borough, therefore, transportation improvements will concentrate on the quality of the bus, cycle and walking networks.

5.6.23 Sheppey has benefited from the construction of the new Swale Crossing, which has already brought significant investment and regeneration to the western part of the island. The recently completed Rushenden Link Road capitalises on this and opens up further regeneration land. There is a regular train service between Sittingbourne and Sheppey, although the eastern part of the Island still has a limited road network and public transport services. 96 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

5.6.24 Key transport infrastructure requirements in Sheppey will therefore focus on measures to support increased regeneration and expansion of the Port; improvement of the quality of the rail services, improved bus stop infrastructure, bus flags and timetables and improved walking and cycling routes.

5.6.25 Within the Borough’s rural areas, access is generally by narrow rural roads and a modest public transport service. Scope to improve the rural highway network is limited, so improved public transport options will be the main means of improving accessibility for residents of rural communities. A number of cycle routes are also planned through rural areas (in addition to the national cycle route already established through Swale), the most extensive of these is on Sheppey, where leisure routes will be extended to link communities across the Island.

5.6.26 The Port of Sheerness has access to deep water berthing which has been a factor in attracting new investment for wind turbine manufacture and assembly. Potential exists for longer term expansion for further berthing facilities, subject to appropriate consideration of designated biodiversity sites. Ridham Dock also offers a smaller but nevertheless useful port facility.

Summary of Highway Network Improvements

5.6.27 Working with the Highways Agency, Kent County Council and other partners to achieve improvements and extensions to the highway network including (but not exclusively):

a. the final (Bapchild) section of Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road, the detail of which will be addressed via Policy AC1 and a supporting development plan document; b. A249/ Key Street junction improvements; c. A249/Grovehurst junction improvements; d. Sittingbourne Town Centre road layout, traffic management and calming measures to support the town centre regeneration developments; e. provision of an additional southbound lane at M2/Junction 5; and f. over the longer term, the re-balancing of the highway network and provision of further relief for Junction M2/Junction 5 by bringing forward an A2/M2 link road and a new Junction M2/Junction 5A.

5.6.28 The Council, working in partnership with Kent County Council, the Highways Agency and the Department of Transport has identified a programme of transport schemes, which will be needed (over and above sustainable land use and transport policies) to manage the impact of the development strategy on the highway network. In addition, there is the longer term objective of the SSRR, which will also need to be recognised in future transport programmes and funding bids.

5.6.29 The programme of schemes and their costs will be kept under review so as to ensure cost effective and timely implementation to support new development. A risk assessment and management/viability assessment will be carried out as part of the overall assessment of the Core Strategy prior to submission.

5.6.30 Public funding for transport schemes in the current economic climate is difficult and the Council is exploring alternatives with partners. Bidding will be through the recently established Local Enterprise partnership for Kent, Essex and East Sussex. The Council is also pursuing preparation of a Community Infrastructure Levy schedule, which will enable pooling of developer contributions towards major infrastructure schemes. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 97 Cross cutting policies 5

PYO Responses

5.6.31 The responses to the Pick Your Own consultation in terms of transportation were mainly around objections to further large scale development on the grounds of highway congestion in and around Sittingbourne and M2/Junction 5. There was also objection to provision of the Bapchild section of the SNRR on local environmental grounds and the potential to increase traffic on the A2 east of Sittingbourne. There was major objection to Options 3 and 4 which promoted the Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road and M2/Junction 5A on grounds of environmental impact, the need for the scheme and additional development pressures which would be likely to result from it.

Policy CP 5

Transport infrastructure

The Council will adopt an integrated approach to the provision of transport infrastructure through making best use of capacity in the network and working with partners, public transport providers and developers to improve and extend the transport network in the most sustainable way. This will be achieved through:

1. Locating new development in a way which minimises the need to travel between homes and employment, shopping, community facilities and leisure and recreation facilities and ensuring that it is well located in relation to public transport links and to promote its use through improved access to existing or new services. Mixed use developments will also be encouraged. 2. Working in partnership with Kent County Council, transport operators and other partners to establish a Quality Bus Partnership for Swale which will deliver improved bus stop infrastructure and expansion of the bus network to serve new developments from the earliest stages of occupation and facilitate use of buses for commuting. 3. Working in partnership with Kent County Council, Network Rail and Network South East (or other rail franchise operators) and developers to maximise use of rail services for passenger and commercial traffic. Improvement of station forecourts and bus interchange facilities especially at Sittingbourne as part of the wider town centre regeneration initiatives. At Sheerness improvements to accessibility and use of this branch line will be supported. 4. Working in partnership with Kent County Council, developers and cycling groups to develop integrated walking and cycling routes to link existing and new communities with local services and facilities, public transport and the Green Grid network of recreation routes. 5. Working with the Port of Sheerness and other bodies to facilitate greater use of waterways for commercial traffic where this would not have an unacceptable adverse environmental impact which could not be satisfactorily mitigated. 6. Facilitating new investments in transport infrastructure by:

a. Working with partners to maintain and deliver an up to date Swale Infrastructure Delivery Plan and Strategic Transport Delivery Plan to ensure that the transport network operates at an acceptable level and that transport infrastructure is in place to support new development; b. Working with partners to progress the design of transport schemes and identify any land requirements. Areas of search for routes and safeguarding of land will be dealt with through future development plan document(s); 98 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

c. Seeking appropriate contributions from developments either financially, or in kind to fund the transport infrastructure required. Off site transport improvements relating directly to an individual development including site access and local junction and road improvements will be required through Section 106 and Section 278 agreements in addition to any pooled contributions to strategic infrastructure projects. The Council will introduce a Community Infrastructure Levy as a longer term means of funding strategic transport projects; d. Working in partnership to achieve alternative funding measures for any identified shortfall in strategic transport improvements; and e. Working with Kent County Council to address local road improvements, public transport walking and cycling initiatives, which are not necessarily related to development, through Local Transport Plan funding.

Alternatives considered - transport cross cutting policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. The Bapchild section of the This would not adequately support the regeneration of the SNRR could have be deleted. town centre and the potential for further economic growth at the Eurolink industrial estate, which are key parts of the development strategy. The transport case for provision of the road has been clearly evidenced through transport modelling. Detail of routing and design can be thoroughly examined via a development plan document. Dis-benefits resulting from any increase in traffic on the A2 east of Sittingbourne are likely to be self restricting and could be offset in the longer term through provision of a SSRR.

2. Include an 'area of search' for The provision of an SSRR is a longer term planning objective the Sittingbourne Southern Relief to expand and rebalance the highway network and support Road in this Core Strategy. further economic growth, although it is acknowledged that there would be significant environmental impacts requiring mitigation. The SSRR does not form a key part of the current strategy as its deliverability (and that of any development dependent upon it) within this plan period is too uncertain for it to be included as a more detailed action area plan policy at this time. It is therefore included within the plan as a signposting policy for future review and action when deliverability prospects improve.

Table 5.6.1 Alternatives considered - transport cross cutting policy.

5.7 Infrastructure

5.7.1 The Core Strategy outlines how the Council will deliver local and strategic development needs including housing, employment, and leisure and retail provision. It will also need to identify essential infrastructure requirements and their appropriate and timely provision to support this development. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 99 Cross cutting policies 5

National Policy

5.7.2 PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development looks to ensure that infrastructure and services are provided to support new commercial developments, including housing. Their provision and delivery in a timely manner to support new development is important to the Core Strategy. Provision needs to be made both on the basis of managing the existing resources and investing in new provision where it is identified as necessary and reasonable to support new development. The approach to this management and investment will impact on the actual delivery of infrastructure by the degree to which:

better efficiencies can be made in the use of a resource; behavioural change can be encouraged to reduce demand; and additional capacity can be provided by extending existing or providing a completely new resource.

5.7.3 PPS12 Local Spatial Planning states the need for Core Strategies to be supported by evidence of what community infrastructure is needed to enable the quantum of development proposed for the area. Whilst PPS12 does not define these terms, paragraph 4.29 refers to the need to consult with ‘social infrastructure delivery agencies’ (local education department, social services, primary care trust, acute hospital trusts, strategic health authority, the Police, charities/NGOs). Core strategies should be effective, meaning that the plan must make it clear how infrastructure that is needed to support the spatial strategy will be provided and ensuring that delivery partners that are essential to the delivery of this infrastructure are signed up to it. Where investment is still uncertain, PPS12 indicates that “the test should be whether there is reasonable prospect of provision” of the infrastructure required to support housing growth .

5.7.4 The emerging National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that local planning authorities should work with providers and other authorities to:

assess the quality and capacity of transport, water, energy, telecommunications, utilities, health and social care, waste and flood defences and their ability to meet forecast demands; and take account of the need for nationally significant infrastructure within their areas.

Identifying Infrastructure Needs

5.7.5 The Council’s Sustainable Community Strategy (Ambitions for Swale, 2009), and development plan documents which allocate land for development will identify key infrastructure needs.

5.7.6 To meet the growth requirements for Swale Borough Council and to realise the vision for the Borough, as set out in the Community Strategy, the Core Strategy identifies broad locations for future development and growth to meet the needs of the local community for housing, employment, retail, leisure and other uses. It indicates where, when and how much development is proposed to take place and how it will be delivered over the plan period. It must be supported by evidence of the physical, social and environmental infrastructure that is needed to enable future growth and development to take place.

5.7.7 Infrastructure requirements in respect of the list identified in the NPPF have been assessed through the evidence base and are addressed in topic specific Core Strategy policies, and, where appropriate, identified in the Infrastructure Delivery Schedule attached to the Core Strategy. 100 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

5.7.8 Working in partnership with Kent County Council, a model has been developed which calculates additional requirements for KCC service provision, taking account of deficiencies in local provision, population projections, and likely development proposals from the development plan. It can then:

estimate future infrastructure needs and timing of delivery in 5-year periods for existing population and new housing growth; estimate capital and revenue implications and funding sources; identify potential funding streams to meet funding gaps; inform Local Development Framework documents and Infrastructure Delivery Plans; and inform arrangements for developer funding.

5.7.9 Swale's infrastructure needs are likely to be concentrated at the growth areas of Sittingbourne, Isle of Sheppey, Port of Sheerness and Faversham. This does not, however, preclude provision of infrastructure elsewhere in the Borough should the need arise. The final schedule of new infrastructure requirements will not be finalised until the Core Strategy reaches submission stage, when the spatial strategy and allocations have been confirmed and the Infrastructure Delivery Schedule can be costed and finalised to reflect it.

5.7.10 No nationally significant infrastructure requirements have been identified for the plan period.

Statement 7

Infrastructure Definition

This list of infrastructure requirements is not exclusive, but includes common possibilities:

Transport - ports, road network, car parking, cycle and pedestrian infrastructure, rail and bus provision. Health - local health facilities. Social infrastructure - education facilities, supported accommodation and other social care facilities, social and community facilities, sports centres, open spaces (including accessible natural space), arts and culture, parks and play space. Green infrastructure - existing and proposed green grid network as identified in the Core Strategy Green Infrastructure Plan. Public Services - waste management and disposal, libraries, emergency services, Council offices, Job Centre Plus offices, training facilities, cemeteries, places of worship, prisons and drug treatment centres. Utility Services - non-renewable and renewable energy infrastructure, water supply, waste water treatment and telecommunications infrastructure.

Developer Funding of Infrastructure: Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Planning Obligations

5.7.11 The option for district planning authorities to prepare a CIL charging schedule became operational in April 2010. Use of a CIL charging schedule will generally require most new development in excess of 100 m2 floorspace (or any discrete new dwelling with a smaller floorspace) to contribute an amount in accordance with the schedule towards the delivery of infrastructure Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 101 Cross cutting policies 5 needed to support growth. This can potentially include cross boundary working and pooling of CIL monies with other local authorities to support strategic infrastructure projects which would benefit a wider area.

5.7.12 The CIL Regulations (2010) also set out that, either from April 2014, or the adoption of a CIL charging schedule (which ever is the earlier), the proceeds of no more than five separate Section 106 planning obligations may be pooled towards major infrastructure projects.

5.7.13 Swale Borough Council is preparing a CIL charging schedule, to be adopted in parallel with, or shortly after this Core Strategy. The infrastructure issues which are site specific and/or best left to Section 106 agreements is an area which is still being developed at national policy level and which the Council will be carefully considered in order to make the best possible use of developer contributions.

5.7.14 The option to use CIL places an increased emphasis on the importance of developing a robust infrastructure delivery plan, as this is required to be in place to establish that there is a gap in public funding for infrastructure before a local authority can establish a CIL charging schedule for their area. As a result, local authorities will need to identify and account for all likely available public funding sources to justify the development of a CIL schedule for specific infrastructure.

5.7.15 Current regulations do not permit the use of CIL to secure affordable housing. However, this matter is currently the subject of a Government consultation exercise and the Core Strategy may have to be further amended prior to submission stage in order to comply with any further change in statutory regulations.

5.7.16 The Infrastructure Delivery Schedule attached to the Core Strategy will provide a phased project plan of infrastructure requirements necessary to deliver the Core Strategy. This will help the Council to decide the form and level of developer funding in relation to areas of particular need. This schedule will be likely to form the starting point for the Infrastructure Delivery Plan which will in turn underpin any CIL charging schedule. Policy CP6 sets out the broad approach to infrastructure provision.

Policy CP 6

Infrastructure

The Council will work with developers and other public agencies to identify deficiencies in infrastructure which will need to be addressed in order to facilitate growth by:

1. Working in partnership with statutory agencies, developers, voluntary and community groups and other public sector bodies to facilitate timely infrastructure delivery; and 2. Collect developer funding as appropriate, via Section 106 Agreements or in accordance with the Council's Community Infrastructure charging schedule. 102 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

Alternatives considered - infrastructure cross cutting policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Exclude policy on approach This would be contrary to existing and emerging national to infrastructure provision. planning policy guidance. Additionally, failure to ensure timely provision of essential supporting and enabling infrastructure could compromise deliverability of the Core Strategy.

Table 5.7.1 Alternatives considered - infrastructure cross cutting policy.

5.8 Green infrastructure

5.8.1 Green infrastructure is a term covering all types of public and private open space which contributes to quality of life, to biodiversity and other roles (see Statement 8, below). Enhancement and expansion of Swale's green infrastructure is a key component in the regeneration of Swale and the wider Thames Gateway in creating an attractive environment for people and businesses to invest in. Establishment of a green infrastructure network involves mapping the distribution and assessing the role of such open space. It can then be used as a basis for making decisions about retention of that space, enhancing or extending it, making sure adequate new provision is allowed for in new development and mitigating the effects of any harm or loss as a result of unavoidable development.

5.8.2 PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development recognises the value of the natural environment to economic and social wellbeing. It also highlights the value of green infrastructure to urban cooling, sustainable drainage systems, and conserving and enhancing biodiversity. PPS 25 Development and Flood Risk additionally refers to making the most of the benefits of green infrastructure for flood storage and water management.

5.8.3 The draft NPPF recognises the value of multi purpose open space (which can include benefit for matters such as recreation, wildlife, carbon storage and amenity) in the core planning principles. It also states that "new development should be planned to avoid increased vulnerability to impacts arising from climate change. When new development is brought forward in areas which are vulnerable, care should be taken to ensure that risks can be managed through suitable adaptation measures, including through the planning of green infrastructure." It also states that local plans should promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the recovery of priority species populations, linked to national and local targets.

5.8.4 In Creating Sustainable Communities: Greening the Gateway (ODPM 2004) - a greenspace strategy for Thames Gateway, the concept of a green grid is promoted for both within and between built up areas. Greening the Gateway - Kent and Medway Initiative, is the partnership organisation for North Kent charged with the development of Green Infrastructure Projects. Separate 'Green Cluster' studies have also been produced for the Milton Creek, Faversham Creek and the Isle of Sheppey.

5.8.5 The Biodiversity Appendix to the Kent Design Guide SPD also supports the establishment of a green network, especially within an urban context.

5.8.6 The sustainability appraisal of Pick Your Own assessed the green infrastructure policy proposals and stated that "a green infrastructure network has the potential to deliver positive benefits with regard to the landscape of the Borough through enabling creation of green corridors Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 103 Cross cutting policies 5 and green chains and providing the mechanism for funding to be obtained to implement required improvements." It also states that "this policy approach is beneficial with regard to delivering environmental benefits. It also provides opportunities for benefits for the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors alike."

5.8.7 The Sustainable Communities Strategy Ambitions for Swale highlights the need to improve the quantity and quality of green and other public open space and the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in both urban and rural areas.

5.8.8 The green infrastructure network proposed through the Core Strategy is an all encompassing concept, which includes all the types of green spaces listed in Statement 8 below. The green infrastructure map (Map 5.8.1) has been compiled from the the Swale Landscape Character and Biodiversity SPD, proposed Biodiversity Opportunity Areas, and the natural assets and designated areas (see Section 7.5, Natural Assets) which are also defined on the Proposals Map. Mapping these existing assets will be a good basis from which to identify opportunities for extension or enhancement of the assets, which would then support and enhance both existing and proposed development. The need for protection of existing green assets and or mitigation opportunities where development is necessary can also be identified.

5.8.9 There are a number of sources of information and evidence produced by various agencies identifying issues, opportunities and projects which could be brought forward as initiatives to protect, enhance, extend, or mitigate the impacts of development on Swale's green infrastructure. The Council will encourage use of these resources in the preparation of development proposals and encourage partnership working with relevant agencies to implement green infrastructure projects and initiatives. Relevant sources include:

Swale Green Grid Strategy (2007), through the identification of landscape character, designations, ecological mapping, public rights of way and regeneration priorities has produced a Green Grid Framework Plan which will be supported by the provision of future green infrastructure; Swale Biodiversity Action Plan 2008 targets landscapes for action broadly based upon Biodiversity Opportunity Areas; Biodiversity Opportunity Areas in Swale (Natural England); North Kent Bird Study; North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan; Kent and Medway Greening the Gateway Business Plan 2011; and Swale Landscape Character Character and Biodiversity Assessment SPD 2011.

Statement 8

Definition of Possible Forms of Green Infrastructure

The term green infrastructure relates to the active planning and management of sub-regional networks of multi-functional open space. These networks should be managed and designed to support biodiversity, opportunities for recreation and amenity and health and wellbeing benefits for residents and visitors alike, particularly in areas undergoing large scale change.

The following types of open spaces can be regarded as part of the green infrastructure network:

1. Parks and gardens - including urban parks, country parks and formal gardens; 104 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

2. Natural and semi-natural urban greenspaces - including woodlands, urban forestry, scrub, grasslands (e.g. downlands, commons and meadows), wetlands, open and running water, wastelands and derelict open land and rock areas (e.g. cliffs, quarries and pits); 3. Green corridors - including river and canal banks, road verges, railway embankments, cycleways, and rights of way; 4. Outdoor sports facilities (with natural or artificial surfaces, either publicly or privately owned) including tennis courts, bowling greens, sports pitches, golf courses, athletics tracks, school and other institutional playing fields, and other outdoor sports areas; 5. Amenity greenspace (most commonly, but not exclusively, in housing areas) – including informal recreation spaces, greenspaces in and around housing, domestic gardens and village greens; 6. Provision for children and teenagers - including play areas, skateboard parks, outdoor basketball hoops, and other more informal areas (e.g. ‘hanging out’ areas, teenage shelters); 7. Allotments, community gardens, and city (urban) farms; 8. Cemeteries and churchyards; 9. Accessible countryside in urban fringe areas; and 10. Green roofs and walls.

Source: The South East Green Infrastructure Framework: From Policy into Practice (June 2009)

5.8.10 An environment which is both functional and able to integrate natural features and habitats is an asset for stimulating regeneration in Swale; through attracting new investment, raising land and property values through enhancing their amenity and helping business retain a key skilled and highly motivated workforce. It provides a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits by:

1. creation of new and enhancement of existing habitats, including where mitigation of adverse development impacts arising from development may be identified, especially those potentially affecting the integrity of European important habitats; 2. increasing biodiversity and increasing resilience and adaptation of species and habitats to climate change; 3. conservation and enhancement of landscape and recreation spaces; 4. helping to counter the effects of noise and pollution within built up areas; and 5. connecting people to the natural environment through measures such as providing a safe network of clearly defined car free routes linking home, work, school; and formal and informal recreation areas – which in turn improves general health and wellbeing.

5.8.11 Policy CP7 seeks to protect existing assets as part of maintaining and ensuring the integrity of the green infrastructure network. The Policy goes on to provide guidelines for maximising new provision by co-ordinated action by both the public and private sectors. It stimulates all three of the components of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental. It reinforces local distinctiveness with strong landscape infrastructure to establish urban and rural character, provide a setting for new development, promote a sense of place, and install community pride. Where potential adverse impacts are identified as part of the assessment process for impacts on European wildlife sites, developments will target enhancements to the green infrastructure network as the means of attempting to address such concerns. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 105 Cross cutting policies 5

5.8.12 Developer funding for the green infrastructure network (and, potentially, maintenance of new spaces) is likely to be sought, via Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or Section 106 Agreements.

Map 5.8.1 Existing Green Infrastructure Network 106 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies

Policy CP 7

Green infrastructure

The Council will continue to work with its partners and developers to ensure successful delivery of an integrated Swale Green Infrastructure Network based on the Green Grid Strategy, Open Space Strategy (and its associated open space assessment), together with the Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessment and Biodiversity Action Plans. This will be achieved by:

1. Protecting and enhancing the integrity of the existing green network as shown on the green infrastructure map and covered by Policy DM5, as shown on the Proposals Map. 2. Seeking appropriate mitigation measures where necessary development proposals place additional pressure on existing assets, or would result in their loss or unacceptable harm to them. 3. Promoting the expansion of the green infrastructure network, where possible, within new and existing developments which:

a. deliver a high standard of design quality to maximise social and economic, health and environmental benefits to provide a focus for social inclusion, community development and lifelong learning; b. contributes to the creation, restoration, reinforcement or conservation, as appropriate, of the landscape character areas identified by the Council's Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessment Supplementary Planning Document; c. contributes to the protection, conservation and management of historic landscapes, archaeological and built heritage assets; d. contributes to a net gain of habitats identified by Biodiversity Action Plans; e. enhances existing, and creates new, woodlands; f. provides new recreational facilities, particularly those that present opportunities to link urban and countryside areas; g. takes account of and integrates with natural processes and systems, such as flood risk and sustainable urban drainage; and h. maximise opportunities of access, particularly in urban areas, places particular emphasis on access to nature, maintaining domestic gardens, the greening of streets, historic and cultural assets and sport and recreation.

Alternatives considered - Green Infrastructure cross cutting policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. No Green Infrastructure policy. There would be no increase in the green infrastructure network and the associated benefits which would not be in conformity with NPPF and could lead to an unsustainable Core Strategy and developments. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 107 Cross cutting policies 5

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

2. Only seek green infrastructure It would cause disparities between different parts of the where associated with strategic Borough, especially in those areas already deficient in green allocations. infrastructure. Additionally, biodiversity targets would not be met.

Table 5.8.1 Alternatives considered - green infrastructure cross cutting policy 108 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 5 Cross cutting policies Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 109 Allocations and areas of change 6

6 Allocations and areas of change

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Land allocations are necessary to deliver the spatial strategy and these fall into several categories. These are:

New strategic allocations which are identified for the first time through the Core Strategy and are integral to the delivery of the Core Strategy. These comprise mixed use sites that include new employment provision. Extant Swale Borough Local Plan allocations which have not yet been developed. These have been reviewed further via the SHLAA and Employment Land Review studies and are retained as they meet national policy criteria for sites suitable for either housing or employment development. There are areas of search for more modest allocations - the sites from which these choices are to be drawn are listed at Appendix 3, with a link to the Council's draft 2010/11 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. Depending on the final format of the National Planning Policy Framework, these may either be included within the Core Strategy as allocations or left for a separate allocations development plan document. Neighbourhood Plans - at the present time there is only one being pursued in the Borough, at Faversham Creek, and its contribution to allocations is acknowledged here. Further Neighbourhood Development Plans may take forward allocations made through the Core Strategy or supporting DPDs and/or propose other allocations which are in accordance with the overall strategy. Long term Areas of Change 'signposting' policies which indicate where major allocations may be made in the future . These are not critical to the delivery of the current Core Strategy, but represent major opportunities, with long lead in times and/or requiring supporting infrastructure which is not expected to be deliverable within the current plan period.

6.1.2 The section also includes some options from which a strategic employment site to meet needs at Faversham will be selected.

6.2 New strategic allocations

North West Sittingbourne

6.2.1 North West Sittingbourne is the largest of the strategic sites outside of Sittingbourne main urban area. It is comprised of 4 sites, some 83.5ha in total, located between the built up area boundary of Sittingbourne and the A249 trunk road and railway line in close proximity to Kemsley station.

Purpose of this Strategic Allocation

6.2.2 The site has been identified as having significant potential to meet the Borough's future growth aspirations in a sustainable location that minimises impacts on the wider countryside. 110 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

Map 6.2.1 Strategic allocation at North West Sittingbourne

Site proposals

6.2.3 The site is suitable for mixed use development comprising:

880 dwellings (comprised of 2 sites); 69,100m2 of employment floorspace (comprised of 2 sites); At least 22 ha of major strategic open space/landscape across 3 sites; Proposed secondary and primary schools (need to be confirmed by KCC); and Enhancement to bus and rail facilities.

6.2.4 A key issue affecting all of the sites involved in this strategic allocation is the need for a new junction with Grovehurst Road which has been identified as necessary by the Core Strategy transport model. Detailed site modelling would be needed at the planning application stage to take this further, together with an assessment of the impact on existing junctions along the B2005. The quality of public transport also need to be improved - both in terms of public transport into the sites in question, but also the enhancement to rail facilities at Kemsley Halt.

6.2.5 Given the scale of development here and the mix of residential, commercial and social uses proposed, the Council's Renewable Energy Study has concluded that the creation of a district heating network would be viable at this location and that this should be further explored through preparation of a development brief. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 111 Allocations and areas of change 6

6.2.6 There are several landowners involved in the development of this strategic allocation. The Council will expect these landowners to come together in the preparation of a joint development brief for the site in order to ensure the proper co-ordination of development and necessary physical and social infrastructure.

6.2.7 The respective parts of the site are discussed below.

Land north of Quinton Road

6.2.8 This site is comprised of 60.70ha of greenfield land, located to the north of Quinton Road between the A249 to the west and the railway line to the east. It is well related to existing residential development although the railway line provides a significant barrier limiting access between the site with residential development to the east. The western boundary of the site is formed by the A249 embankment and its northern boundary by Bramblefield Lane. Although the site has a rail halt, there is a need to improve links to it and for facilities at the station to be enhanced.

6.2.9 The Council’s Urban Extension Landscape Capacity Study notes that the landscape relates to the urban edge of Sittingbourne (rather than to the countryside beyond the A249) and that residential and commercial development would perhaps be acceptable in this area, with a buffer of undeveloped land/open space along the A249. The extent of this buffer area is important to the mitigation of any impacts and 14ha has been identified alongside the A249 for this purpose.

6.2.10 A narrow drain runs centrally through the site which could flood in certain conditions.

6.2.11 The site has a current Local Plan allocation for a secondary school (8.21ha). However, Kent County Council have recently indicated that 10ha for this school may be required, together with a further 2.05ha for a two-form entry primary school. The need for this provision is to be further assessed by KCC as part of its modelling work for the LDF. In turn, the Employment Land Review has also identified potential for employment uses at this site of 8ha which would produce 32,000m2 of B1 floorspace.

Land at Great Grovehurst Farm, Sittingbourne

6.2.12 This flat parcel of land comprises a mix of greenfield and brownfield land located to the north west of Sittingbourne. It is currently in agricultural use and includes a number of former agricultural buildings that have been converted for various retail/employment purposes. The western section of the Sittingbourne northern relief road (Swale Way) forms the northern boundary of the site, the B2005 extends along the west boundary and the Sittingbourne/Sheerness rail link is located immediately to the east, all of which act to enclose the site and detach it from the wider area. The site is well related to existing residential development to the south where a secondary means of access could be provided.

6.2.13 This site is well located in terms of accessibility. Kent Highway Services advise that this site has the option to take access from Swale Way, Grovehurst Road and possibly Goodwin Close and Danes Mead. Formation of any new residential road junctions may prove difficult onto Swale Way due to level differences, traffic volumes, and visibility issues. However, it would be down to the developer to demonstrate that acceptable accesses could be formed, given the traffic volumes and speeds, through the submission of a Traffic Impact Assessment. 112 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

6.2.14 Remodelling of the A249/Grovehurst Road interchange is anticipated in the future, due to the increased use of Swale Way once the extension currently under construction is opened, and further development is constructed, and it is likely that land will need to be made available to facilitate a new road layout. It is therefore essential that sufficient land is reserved for these works.

Land at Pheasant Farm Grovehurst Road/Bramblefield Lane, Sittingbourne

6.2.15 This 10.40ha site is located at the north western edge of Sittingbourne. The site generally rises from south to north, occupying a prominent elevated location overlooking Sittingbourne (it previously having received spoil from construction of the A249 in the 1990s) and Iwade to the north. The site fronts Grovehurst Road to the north east, Bramblefield Lane to the south and the ribbon of residential development extending along Bramblefield Lane to the south east. The A249, which is in cutting, extends along the west beyond with the B2005 junction located to the north of the site. Beyond the A249 is the small hamlet of Howt Green and a number of farmsteads located along the old Sheppey Way and Iwade village to the north.

6.2.16 The site is not considered suitable for development. The most significant factors are the significant adverse landscape impacts that would accompany development on the higher parts of the site and the erosion of settlement separation between Sittingbourne and Iwade and the small settlements located along the old Sheppey Way. This view is endorsed in the Urban Extensions study, which advises that north of the footbridge crossing the A249 it would be appropriate to conserve the open character of the landscape between settlements.

6.2.17 Although unsuitable for development, the site is included within this strategic allocation as it is critical for the purposes of securing a second access to the north of Quinton Road site to the Grovehurst Road. This will increase the attractiveness of employment provision on that land as it would give more immediate access to the A249 at the Grovehurst Interchange and will limit traffic increases in Bramblefield Lane and at Grovehurst Road. The northern end of such an access would be located close to the A249 interchange, where vehicle speeds are reasonably high. Modelling would need to be undertaken to demonstrate that an acceptable access could be formed in this location, taking into account the traffic volumes and proximity to the existing junctions.

6.2.18 To additionally safeguard the separation of Sittingbourne and Iwade, the remainder of the site (at least 8 ha) should be added to the strategic level open space of the land to the south in order to create a continuous green corridor the length of the A249.

Great Grovehurst Farm (North of Swale Way), Kemsley

6.2.19 This large triangular shaped greenfield site (12.4ha) is located to the north of Sittingbourne/ Kemsley. It is bounded by the Sittingbourne northern relief road (Swale Way) to the south, the A249 trunk road to the west and the Sittingbourne/Sheerness rail link to the east. The site is flat, occupying a prominent position along side these strategic transport links. Beyond the eastern boundary of the site is the Morrison’s distribution centre, electricity sub-station and the Ridham/Kemsley employment area. The Employment Land Review supports this site in terms of its proximity to existing employment allocations at Kemsley Fields and its appropriateness for industrial uses. The site has some minor constraints with the northern part of the site being in an area of high flood risk, whilst overhead power lines will require a way-leave.

6.2.20 This part of the strategic allocation is crucial to the success of the spatial strategy in terms of meeting employment needs in a sustainable manner. The site is well connected in terms of road infrastructure and in close proximity to existing development. Although the site does have some Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 113 Allocations and areas of change 6 impact upon the separation between Sittingbourne and nearby Iwade, it is well contained by urban development and could be further landscaped to the point that the Council considers that meeting employment needs should be seen as the priority here.

Policy SA 1

North West Sittingbourne

Land at North West Sittingbourne is identified as a Strategic Allocation for mixed uses, as shown on the Proposals Map. Proposals shall accord with a Supplementary Planning Document to be approved by the Borough Council which shall include the means to ensure that the housing, employment and infrastructure elements proceed in an integrated and co-ordinated fashion. This will address the following:

1. Provision of 69,100m2 of ‘B’ class employment uses; 2. Provision of 880 dwellings; 3. Preparation of a structural landscaping scheme to provide a buffer of some 22ha of undeveloped land and/or open space along the A249; 4. On site flood mitigation measures will need to be addressed as parts of the site lie in areas at risk of flooding; 5. Pedestrian and cycle links to existing residential areas; 6. Securing the necessary vehicular access to the site in order to maximise both the residential and commercial potential of all the sites; 7. Provision for adequate bus access to the site and improved links to and enhancement of rail facilities at Kemsley; 8. Provision of a district heating facility; and 9. Provision of new primary and secondary schools on site (subject to confirmation of need by Kent County Council).

Alternatives considered - NW Sittingbourne

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Choose alternative strategic See alternatives considered under Policy ST2. allocation.

2. Do not use greenfield site. There is insufficient land in existing urban areas to meet the Borough housing target which would result in the non delivery of the core strategy. Additionally, in support of sustainable development principles, Swale has adopted a settlement strategy which directs development to those areas of the Borough which can be supported by necessary services and facilities.

Table 6.2.1 Alternatives considered - NW Sittingbourne 114 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

North East Sittingbourne

6.2.21 Land at north east Sittingbourne occupies a key location at the end of the current extent of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road (Swale Way). It comprises land to the east and north of the roundabout junction that provides access to the housing development at East Hall Farm, down to the railway line to the south. The land is currently in agricultural use. Close to the northern boundary of the site is a wooded and wet area important to biodiversity and designated as a Ramsar site, Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Purpose of this Strategic Allocation

6.2.22 This strategic allocation, covering some 50 ha, is a mixed use allocation and consists of a housing site, employment allocation, open space and areas for landscape and biodiversity enhancement. Its key strength is that it would form a natural extension to the established Eurolink industrial area and East Hall Farm housing estate, both of which are proven locations for development and can contribute significantly to the success of the spatial strategy to create a mixed use sustainable community.

6.2.23 Landscape evidence shows the area as being able to accommodate change and there is good potential to create open space and new habitats. The site has good access to the strategic road network.

Map 6.2.2 Strategic allocation at North East Sittingbourne Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 115 Allocations and areas of change 6

Site proposals

6.2.24 This site is suitable for a mixed use development comprising:

residential development – 120 dwellings on 3.4 ha in the south eastern part of the site; employment – 41,200m2 of B class uses on 10.3 ha in the north western part of the site; and along the northern part of the site, forming the remaining balance and significant part of the site, being for open space/playing fields and areas for landscaping, wildlife enhancement and balancing ponds.

6.2.25 A development brief will be required to guide the co-ordinated development of the site which will need to consider a number of matters as outlined below.

6.2.26 Although the north western (employment) part of the site is subject to tidal flooding, there is no alternative suitable employment site available. Whilst this would be a matter for detailed design and a flood risk assessment, the Council is satisfied that a safe development can be achieved.

6.2.27 Given the proximity of internationally important wildlife areas, it is necessary for the scheme to address both the immediate potential impacts on the site, but also wider impacts associated with increased population levels who may wish to access the wider marshland environment. The Council is satisfied that the site offers considerable scope for mitigation and enhancement and for open space that can be designed and managed in such a way as to limit access to areas to the north. However, at the development brief and planning application stage, the developer will need to undertake an Appropriate Assessment to consider such matters as the findings of the bird population and visitor studies commissioned by the North Kent Environmental Planning Group. This shall ensure that any proposed strategic avoidance and/or mitigation measures are considered in all planning documents and in the assessment of planning applications.

6.2.28 The Council's renewable energy study has identified potential for a range of renewable energy measures - wind energy (feeding into the national grid), high energy efficiency standards, solar photovoltaic, solar water heaters and air source heat pumps to domestic and non-domestic properties.

6.2.29 Critical to the shape and timing of the development of the site is its relationship to both the existing Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road (SNRR) and its final stage linking to the A2 - the latter is subject to a separate policy and allocation on the Proposals Map (see Policy SA 5). Firstly, a transport assessment will need to examine the detailed effects on its junction with the A249 at Grovehurst where the need for improvements have been identified. Secondly, a route for the proposed final link to the A2 has yet to be planned and a Strategic Allocation has been identified (see Policy AC 1) which is to form a separate Development Plan Document to identify the final route of the road. This Strategic Allocation overlaps in part with the north east Sittingbourne site. Until the route is finalised, it is important that development at north east Sittingbourne does not prejudice the future implementation of this road. Whilst this is unlikely to impact upon the employment element of the proposals, if housing proposals are to come forward early, they will need to demonstrate that land has been reserved to enable all reasonable potential route options to be fully considered. 116 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

Policy SA 2

North East Sittingbourne

Land at north east Sittingbourne is identified as a Strategic Allocation for mixed uses, as shown on the Proposals Map. Proposals shall accord with a Supplementary Planning Document to be approved by the Borough Council which shall include the means to ensure that the housing and employment elements proceed in an integrated and co-ordinated fashion. This will address the following:

1. Provision of 41,200m2 of ‘B’ class employment uses; 2. Provision of 120 dwellings; 3. Potential for the remainder of the site to make provision for significant levels of habitat creation, landscaping and open space to both mitigate and enhance the interests of the adjacent Special Protection Area, managed so as to additionally avoid population pressure upon the immediate and wider designated area and will be subject of an Appropriate Assessment; 4. Pedestrian and cycle links to existing and proposed residential and employment areas; 5. Provision for adequate bus access to the site; 6. Vehicular access to the site is expected to be achieved from Swale Way at the East Hall roundabout; 7. Policy SA 5 in respect of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road Bapchild section and any further transport assessment of impacts on the current and proposed road; 8. A structural landscaping scheme; 9. A site flood risk assessment to address flood risk; and 10. The potential for renewable energy measures.

Alternatives considered - NE Sittingbourne

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Identify alternative Strategic See alternatives considered under Policy ST2. Allocation.

2. Do not allocate land. Housing and employment targets for the Borough would not be met.

3. Allocated for housing only. Employment target for the Borough would not be met. As the site is currently greenfield, development would have a more significant impact on the SPA which may not be capable of mitigation. Furthermore, it would undermine the case for completing the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road and limit the expansion of the Eurolink Industrial Estate, which is a strategic employment site. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 117 Allocations and areas of change 6

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

4. Allocate for employment only. Housing target for the Borough would not be met and it would undermine the ability to fund the completion of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road.

Table 6.2.2 Alternatives considered - NE Sittingbourne

Teynham

6.2.30 Teynham is one of the largest villages in the Borough and has been identified as a Local Service Centre in Policy CP1 supporting the needs of the existing community and the settlements around it. Its historic core has developed along the main Roman Road Watling Street (Greenstreet) and this strong linear form, reinforced in the 19th and 20th century by further development, gives this part of the village its strong character. The landscape north of the A2 is more open in character.

6.2.31 It has a good range of services and public transport provision, including a rail station. The most significant detractor from the historic character of the main street are the large amounts of traffic, including HGVs which travel through the village on the main A2.

6.2.32 The countryside around the settlement is agricultural.

Purpose of this Strategic Allocation

6.2.33 This strategic allocation is of a scale and development mix that will provide rural employment and housing to support and enhance existing community facilities on sites well related to the existing framework of the village with minimal impact upon the surrounding countryside.

6.2.34 The total scale of the development here will trigger a transport impact assessment in relation to impacts upon the A2 corridor and the relationship of the sites with the completed Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road. The proposals would also need to support improvements to public transport services, especially bus services.

6.2.35 There are current restrictions in capacity at the Teynham Waste Water Treatment Works which will need to be addressed before development proceeds. 118 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

Map 6.2.3 Strategic allocation at Teynham

Site Proposals

6.2.36 There are three sites included in this strategic allocation covering 26ha. In total, they are suitable for a mixed use development comprising:

residential development of 433 homes; employment development of 26,840m2 of 'B' class uses; open space; and access to the Frognal Lane site via a new access from the A2.

6.2.37 The respective parts of the site are discussed below.

Frognal Lane

6.2.38 This is a greenfield site of some 22ha, largely bounded by existing development at Teynham, comprising sports pitches and agricultural land. The site has a flat topography and an extensive frontage with existing residential development to the south and east. This site is located close to Teynham railway station and to the bus services running along the A2 and in close proximity to a range of local services. This part of the strategic allocation will contain 300 dwellings and 26,840m² of B class employment. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 119 Allocations and areas of change 6

6.2.39 The residential element of the scheme forms the southern extent of the site and is located to the north of the ribbon of residential development extending along Frognal Gardens and London Road.

6.2.40 There will need to be an open space allocation within the Frognal Lane site so that there is no overall net loss of existing playing pitches or open space and that any additional requirement arising from the development can be provided on site.

6.2.41 Access to the site would be gained via a loop from the A2 across a further parcel of land to the west of Frognal Lane in order to address the otherwise restricted highway access between this lane and the A2. The remainder of this 8.3ha area plot is to be used as informal open space requiring significant planting and landscaping along the proposed access loop road where the adjacent land is fairly open in character and across the site as a whole.

Land east of Station Road

6.2.42 This 4.3ha site is split into two distinct parts. The northern half is open land, whereas the southern portion consists of a former orchard, each separated by a mature hedgerow that extends from east to west. As a whole, the site is framed on three sides by existing housing. The eastern boundary is populated by mature trees and hedgerow that confine the site from views from the east, beyond this natural screen the land falls way into a shallow valley of agricultural land.

6.2.43 This site will provide 120 dwellings with associated open space provision.

6.2.44 Access to the site east of Station Road, together with the existing on-street parking issues adjacent to the site, will require appropriate traffic management measures including improvements at the junction of Station Road and the A2.

Land adjoining Mayfield, London Road

6.2.45 This 0.33ha site is located on the west side of Teynham, near the junction with Frognal Lane and has a frontage on to the A2 and is hidden by substantial hedgerow planting. The site has previously been in use as allotments, but has been long abandoned. The proposed loop road to the Frognal Lane site has created a potential infill site for up to 13 dwellings.

Policy SA 3

Teynham

Land at three sites at Teynham is identified as a strategic allocation for mixed uses, as shown on the Proposals Map. Proposals shall accord with a supplementary planning document to be approved by the Borough Council which will include the means to ensure that the housing and employment elements proceed in an integrated and co-ordinated fashion. This will address the following:

1. Provision of 26,840m2 of ‘B’ class employment uses; 2. Provision of 433 dwellings across 3 sites; 3. Provision of open space to meet the needs of both existing and new residents by securing existing and, if necessary, new provision; 4. Pedestrian links between existing and proposed development areas; 120 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

5. Vehicular access to the sites in such a way as to avoid increased use of the junction of the A2 and Frognal Lane and improve traffic conditions on the A2 within the village; and 6. A structural landscaping scheme to consider both the existing mature vegetation and new provision, particularly for boundaries to the west of the village.

Alternatives considered - Teynham

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Identify a strategic allocation at See alternatives considered in respect of Policy ST2. an alternative Local Service Centre or alternative site at Teynham.

2. No allocation at Teynham. This option was rejected because without this site Swale will not meet its housing/employment targets; an alternative and less sustainable site would need to be found and allocated.

3. Teynham allocation be used for This option was rejected because Swale's employment all housing (no employment). target would not be met, there would be no new job opportunities in rural Swale. 100% housing at this location would not allow for the possibility of a balance of homes and jobs provision at this settlement.

Table 6.2.3 Alternatives considered - Teynham

Land at the Western Link, Faversham

6.2.46 This 8.3ha site, located within the urban area of Faversham at its western edge, comprises a brickworks and to the north, land allocated for employment, carried forward in successive Local Plans. Although the site has been assessed by the Council’s Employment Land Review 2010 as suitable for employment, it has not been brought forward and the future of the brickworks is uncertain. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 121 Allocations and areas of change 6

Map 6.2.4 Strategic allocation at The Western Link, Faversham

Purpose of this Strategic Allocation

6.2.47 The Council recognises that the scope to achieve the scale of previously planned employment provision may be now more limited as the town looks to provide for its employment needs in more assessable locations. Additionally, significant levels of employment could adversely impact upon the environment of nearby Ospringe. Nevertheless, the Council considers it important to retain some employment provision here, particularly as the surrounding neighbourhood lies in an area of deprivation. This is supported by evidence suggesting new housing would be needed to facilitate employment development.

Site Proposals

6.2.48 A strategic allocation is proposed for some 12,800m2 of business, industry, warehousing and office floorspace (‘B’ class uses), supported by up to 135 dwellings. Although this will enable any necessary open space to be provided on site to meet the needs of residents, the Council will explore with the landowner the means by which the open countryside beyond the Western Link can be brought into greater public access for landscape and biodiversity benefits.

6.2.49 Transport and Air Quality Impact Assessments are required to assess the implications for communities and travel on the A2. In addition the Council will expect improved pedestrian links between the site and the existing Lower Road estate to be achieved. 122 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

Policy SA 4

Land at the Western Link, Faversham

Land at the Western Link Faversham is identified as a Strategic Allocation for mixed uses, as shown on the Proposals Map. Proposals shall accord with a Supplementary Planning Document to be approved by the Borough Council which shall include the means to ensure that the housing and employment elements proceed in an integrated and co-ordinated fashion. This will address the following:

1. 12,800m2 of ‘B’ class employment uses; 2. 135 dwellings; 3. Open space to meet the needs of residents; 4. Improved pedestrian links to existing residential areas; 5. The Council will look to secure the means to achieve wider public access, landscape and biodiversity benefits on land to the west of the Western Link; 6. Vehicular access to the site is expected to be achieved from the Western Link; 7. Retention of mature trees/vegetation as part of a structural landscaping scheme; 8. Other constraints/issues focal points to be taken into account; and 9. To ensure that the employment objectives for the site are secured, before planning permission is granted, the Council will be satisfied, by reference to independent viability advice, that the level of new housing proposed remains necessary and sufficient to support the intended employment provision.

Alternatives considered - land at the Western Link, Faversham

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Select an alternative The chosen site is within the urban area – the only opportunity location at Faversham at this scale that does not require ‘fresh’ land. The site has been allocated for employment for years but has not been brought forward. It is proposed for mixed uses which as well as being an urban site is located in a deprived community where it can potentially benefit – no other location at Faversham has this combination of benefits. It should be the lever to bring forward employment on a site which has not previously been delivered. The main constraint is nearby Ospringe village where there is an Air Quality Management Area in the conservation area. This is indicated by the Policy as needing to be addressed at the application stage, however, the amount of employment has been reduced to limit the potential for HGV impacts.

2. Provide for employment for Whilst this could potentially achieve at least 20,000m2 of the whole site employment floorspace, this may not provide the necessary incentive to bring the site forward. Use of the site for some housing would additionally reduce the need to release other greenfield land outside the confines of towns and villages in the Borough. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 123 Allocations and areas of change 6

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

3. Provide for housing on the Whilst this could potentially provide up to 290 dwellings that whole site would reduce the need to release greenfield land outside the confines of towns and villages, it would secure no employment provision which would fail to achieve employment on a suitable site (as confirmed by the Employment Land Review). It would also not potentially help meet the employment needs of the adjacent deprived neighbourhood.

Table 6.2.4 Alternatives considered on land at the Western Link Faversham

Meeting future employment needs at Faversham

6.2.50 At Faversham, whilst some new employment land has been provided in recent years, some sites identified by the Swale Borough Local Plan have not come forward. Whilst the Council’s Employment Land Review (2010) found that the majority of these sites continue to be suitable for employment purposes, it recommended that a new, relatively small scale industrial site(s), be identified to provide for some 20,000m2 (5ha) of business, industry, warehousing and office floorspace (‘B’ class uses). Identification of such a site(s) would allow the release of poorer quality, older estates and upgrade the quality of the overall supply at the town.

6.2.51 Even at this scale, there are, at present, insufficient available and suitable sites within the urban area to provide the quality of site needed in a location with good access to the main transport network. This means that a decision needs to be taken to release land on the edge of the town. An actual extension of the town’s well-defined urban edges has not been undertaken for a generation and requires a challenging decision to be made as to a location which has the least harm to the character and setting of the town and the landscape around it.

6.2.52 The Council’s Urban Extension Landscape Capacity Study (2010) examined the character of land around the town and its ability to accommodate change. In broad terms, the study found that the town’s northern and western edges had a low capacity to be developed. Additionally, the Council notes that these areas are subject to tidal flooding and important wildlife designations. Between the Faversham-Ramsgate railway line, to the east of the town, and Ospringe village to the south, the landscape is described by the study as having moderate capacity for change.

6.2.53 The Core Strategy Key Diagram and Policy ST 2 identifies an area of search for a suitable site to meet the town’s future employment needs based on the conclusions of the above evidence. It comprises land running clockwise from the Faversham-Ramsgate railway to Brogdale Road south of the town. The area of search is slightly smaller than the area indicated by the Landscape Study as two further factors need to be taken into account. The first is that for any employment site to be attractive, it must have good access to the strategic road access. The smaller search area represents the greatest potential for near immediate access to the M2 Motorway, A2 and A229 Thanet Way. The second factor is the constraint to development represented by Ospringe and its conservation area. Development in the south-western and western parts of the town could be both harmful to its character and setting and further threaten the quality of environment in Ospringe Street which is already subject to an Air Quality Management Plan. 124 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

6.2.54 The Council has sought submissions from landowners within the area of search as part of the preparation of its Employment Land Review (2010) and Swale Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (2010/11). The Council’s assessment of the submitted sites has led to three ‘short listed’ locations where the Council wishes to make further assessment and canvass views from interested parties. The sites are:

Option A: Land at Perry Court Farm, Brogdale Road. Option B: Land between Ashford Road and Salters Lane. Option C: Land at Lady Dane Farm, Love Lane.

Map 6.2.5 Faversham employment site options

6.2.55 The Council wishes to choose one of these options as its preferred location. The site will then be identified as one of the Core Strategy's Strategic Allocations and included within the submission version of the document. The chosen site would be the subject of a policy and a development brief would be required which would need to be approved by the Council.

6.2.56 In addition to employment provision, all three promoters of the option sites have advocated some additional housing to support the delivery of the employment proposed. Consultants for the Council have undertaken high-level viability assessments in respect of one of the sites (in order that its findings can be used as a guide for all three). This has concluded that some enabling development would be needed for a range up to 170 units depending upon the state of the housing market. The Council has accepted this advice, and made the assumption that approximately 150 dwellings (5ha) would also be required for each site. This means that for each site, approximately Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 125 Allocations and areas of change 6

10ha have been assumed for both housing and employment development. To treat each site equally, it is assumed that the remainder of the site areas submitted would be identified as open space/landscaping.

6.2.57 Each site was assessed by the Council’s Employment Land Review (2010 ) for its attractiveness for employment development. Site A scored 19 and is described as ‘average’. Site B scored 17 and is described as ‘average’. Site C scored 20 and is described as ‘good’.

6.2.58 A description of each site, the issues it faces and a site plan is included below.

Option A: Land at Perry Court Farm, Brogdale Road

Map 6.2.6 Faversham Employment Site Option A - land at Perry Court, Brogdale Road

This 33 ha site is framed by the Abbey School, Ashford Road, Brogdale Road and the M2. The site is farmed and open in character, although it is reasonably well screened on the outer boundaries. Site levels gradually fall from the M2 northwards to the school. Immediately south of the school are historic listed buildings.

It is assumed that access to the employment area would be from the Ashford Road (this being the closest to Junction 6 of the M2). Whilst this access could also serve the housing, it is assumed that an access would be required from Brogdale Road.

The Council’s Landscape Capacity Study indicated that some development could be accommodated on land immediately to the south of the Abbey School. The Council considers that the setting and character of the listed buildings would need to be respected as well as 126 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

the visual/landscape impacts that would need to be assessed and addressed. These are likely to be at their greatest the further south built development extends toward the M2, but could perhaps be reduced if substantial open space/landscaping were focused in the southern part of the site and development located to the north. For this site some 23 ha would remain undeveloped. However, it should be noted that the site promoter is of the view that the larger area of land should be allocated for development.

It is assumed that some transport improvements would be required. These would mostly be at the A2 junctions with Brogdale and Ashford Roads. An improvement in the pedestrian links across the A2 from the school would also need to be addressed.

Option B: Land between Ashford Road and Salters Lane

Map 6.2.7 Faversham Employment Site Option B - land between Ashford Road and Salters Lane

This 14 ha site is framed by the A2, Ashford Road, Salters Lane and the M2 Motorway. The site is farmed and forms a shallow valley running northward from the M2 to the A2 where there is a gap in development that allows for open rural views back up the valley. The site is screened in views from the Ashford Road, but there are more exposed and prominent views of the site from the A2, M2 and Salters Lane.

It is assumed that access to the development would be from the A2 as only an emergency access appears available from an existing gap in development on the Ashford Road. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 127 Allocations and areas of change 6

The Council’s Landscape Capacity Study indicated that there was high visibility across the site, although less so on the valley side west of Salters Lane. It indicated that small scale development could be accommodated on this valley side. If the whole of the site were to be developed then much greater visual impacts would need to be addressed. Land for open space (4ha) could be used to contribute to this.

It is assumed that some transport improvements would be required. These would most likely be at the A2 junction with the Ashford Road and The Mall. As this junction would form the principal link to the site from the M2, such improvements may be extensive and would, in turn, need to be assessed for their visual impact.

Other issues affecting the site are the potential impacts on any new residents from the existing Highways Depot on the A2 and the Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Option C: Land at Lady Dane Farm, Love Lane

Map 6.2.8 Faversham Employment Site Option C - land at Lady Dane Farm, Love Lane

This 26.5 ha site comprises land east of Love Lane and south of Graveney Road, whilst its southern border comprises the Faversham-Canterbury railway. Its eastern boundary is the edge of an open north-south running ridge which then falls away to the east. Adjacent to the site is the former Nova industrial area, the Cemetery, the Love Lane housing estate, a farm complex and centre for adults with learning disabilities. Views of the site are restricted from 128 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

the A2, but are more extensive in other locations. The existing urban edge of Faversham is very well contained and defined here. There are long distant views of the site from the east that include views of St. Mary’s Church spire in the centre of the town.

It is assumed that several accesses to the site would be needed, both in Graveney Road and Love Lane. An access to the A2 could be achieved with a loop road from the south east corner of the site, although this would potentially increase development pressures on other land in the longer term. Access to the Motorway could be achieved at Brenley Corner via the A2 and to the Thanet Way at its Duke of Kent junction via the Graveney Road.

The Council’s Landscape Capacity Study indicates that a minor expansion of development could potentially be accommodated east of Love Lane where the land is visually contained by the ridge referred to above. Extensive development extending beyond, or visible from, land east of this ridge is considered by the study to be inappropriate. It indicates that the rural approach to Faversham and the compact nature of it should be conserved and the wider rural setting of St. Mary’s Church respected. Other mitigation measures such as the provision of some 16 ha of open land could have achieved this. It should though be noted that the site promoter considers that some 9 ha of this could be available for future phases of development.

The Council’s initial assessment of the options

6.2.59 In respect of Site B (Ashford Road/Salters Lane), the Council considers the site to be the least preferred option. It is disadvantaged from an employment point of view by its primary access from the A2 which as well as not being direct from the motorway, could lead to traffic difficulties at the junction with the A251 and The Mall which may require a major re-design to resolve within the conservation area. A primary access from the A251 close to the M2 would seem more desirable, but does not seem achievable at this stage. Developments of large parts of the site would be on visually prominent land, potentially detrimental to the setting of the town and landscape.

6.2.60 In respect of Site A (Perry Court Farm), the site would be attractive to potential employment uses; it being close to the M2. Whilst the site is well contained visually, additional development would have adverse impacts which would need to be considered.

6.2.61 In the case of both sites A and B, development would be located between the A2 and M2. Development of either of these sites could give rise to additional pressure over time to develop other land in this locality which would ‘fill’ and expand the town up to the M2. Not only would this change the character and setting of the town which has development entirely north of the A2 (in contrast to most A2 towns and villages), it would, over time, place an additional undesirable burden on the A2 between Love Lane in the east and the Western Link in the west as it became a more central road used by traffic north and south of it. It could eventually lead to transport conditions similar to other places where the A2 has become embedded within the urban area. Although better than site C, pedestrian routes would require safe crossing of the A2.

6.2.62 In the case of Site C (Lady Dane Farm), whilst the site has some adverse visual landscape impacts, it is likely to be the most attractive to employment users; it having good access to the strategic road network. For access to the town centre, it is acknowledged that the site is probably the furthest of the three and there could be localised transport issues on routes into the town centre Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 129 Allocations and areas of change 6

(although there is an off road route, this would not be attractive after dark and because of a large number of steps). Unlike other sites, this option could provide for development needs over the longer term.

6.2.63 Taking into account the above, and subject to further views as part of this consultation, Site C (Lady Dane Farm) is, on balance, the Council’s preferred approach.

Other matters affecting all site options

6.2.64 The Council has agreed with the Highways Agency that the levels of development proposed at Faversham should not affect the operation of junctions 6 and 7 of the M2 at the Ashford Road and Brenley Corner. However, in the longer term, the Council is concerned to ensure that their operation is not critically impaired by development proposals either within the Borough or in other Council areas. In the meantime, the chosen site option would need to prepare a transport assessment that should examine the implications for these junctions.

6.2.65 The Council’s priority remains the development of its existing identified employment supply at Faversham in preference to the development of greenfield land (unless its loss has been accepted and demonstrated by evidence). In addition, land at the former Nova site on Graveney Road is also potentially available and suitable for employment uses. In drafting the final policy for its chosen site, the Council will consider whether its release should be based on an up to date assessment of progress on delivery of other employment sites at Faversham and that if such sites have come forward, that the need for and timing of the release of the chosen option site should be reviewed.

Alternatives considered - meeting future employment needs at Faversham

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

Select an alternative location The draft Core Strategy presents three sites to meet a at Faversham Employment Land Review recommendation of 20,000m2 (5ha) of new employment land to improve choice and quality of stock, and the Council has assumed an element of housing to provide enabling development and improved choice.

Landscape evidence shows the town to have low capacity for growth to the north and west. The northern area is additionally at risk from flooding and is designated SSSI/SPA. It borders the town's conservation area and there is a strong setting to the town at this point. To the south and east, there is some (moderate) capacity, although the Council considers that the south west of the town should be excluded because of potential impacts on air quality on the A2 in nearby Ospringe. There is also a need for employment sites to have strong access to the motorway network, which would be less possible from sites in the south west of the town. This leaves two potential sites to the south and one to the east of the town. All breach the towns well defined and long held boundaries. All are likely to involve best and most versatile agricultural land, but the protection of this could be judged as overridden by employment and sustainability benefits. 130 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

A larger site to the east of Love Lane, Faversham was not 'short-listed' because the scale of development was in excess of the need and its landscape/visual impacts upon the town judged to be significant.

Make no new employment Whilst this would remove the need to release greenfield land, it provision at Faversham would mean that employment provision would rely on long standing sites which have not come forward. This risks not providing for employment needs in the town contrary to the Core Strategies employment led approach.

Table 6.2.5 Alternatives considered - meeting future employment needs at Faversham

Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road - Bapchild Section

6.2.66 The development strategy focuses new development at the main urban area of Sittingbourne, with strategic allocations at north west and north east Sittingbourne and major regeneration development already committed in the town centre. This will maximise use of spare capacity on the A249 and the completed sections of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road (SNRR). The opening in November 2011 of the Milton Creek bridge section of the road has already provided a direct link between the business area to the north and east of the town with the A249. The benefits of the road will be best realised with the completion of the route from the Eurolink Industrial Estate to the A2 in the Bapchild area. The northern bypass around the town will then be complete, further relieving the town centre of traffic, opening up development opportunities and supporting Core Strategy and other allocations. Strategic transport modelling carried out by the Borough Council in partnership with Kent County Council has demonstrated its value in reducing congestion in the town centre and supporting new development.

6.2.67 Commitment to finalising the route of the final section of the road is also important to ensure its continued inclusion in appropriate transport programmes and funding bids and will also allow it to attract developer funding. Commitment to and progress on completing the SNRR is also an important step in re-balancing the highway network to relieve pressure at M2/Junction 5, which will be complemented in the longer term by the Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road (SSRR) between the A2 and M2 east of Sittingbourne.

6.2.68 The Swale Borough Local Plan (2008) included a policy (Policy T8) which safeguarded land to provide an indicative route corridor running north of the railway and meeting the A2 at Bapchild Cricket Ground. Subsequent research by the Kent Highway Authority revealed that this route would be difficult to achieve due to ground conditions and configuration of a railway crossing and be prohibitively expensive. Local public consultation was carried out by Kent Highways in 2010 on alternative routes crossing the railway to the north west of Bapchild with alternative routes accessing the A2 either to the east or west of the village. The outcome of this consultation was inconclusive in terms of route preference and the issue was suspended pending consideration of a SSRR and the scope for linking the two. The SSRR is not likely to be deliverable within the plan period and it will be for a Core Strategy Review to pursue this further.

6.2.69 The SNRR however, is likely to be deliverable within the plan period and is also already identified in Kent County Council's transport delivery programme. Although a preferred route has not yet been agreed, this Core Strategy seeks to deal with this by allocating an area of search Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 131 Allocations and areas of change 6 within which the route of the road will be sought and allocated. This policy will be supported by early preparation of a development plan document to determine the detail of the route and appraisal and mitigation of impacts, including the area impacted by the chosen route itself and any potential for impacts on traffic flows and living environments on the A2 corridor east of Sittingbourne. The latter may require traffic management solutions in the settlements most affected. The evidence base for the DPD will include and review the design and consultation work carried out by Kent Highways in 2010 and work on this is expected to proceed in collaboration with the highway authority.

6.2.70 The area of search incorporates land which is allocated for mixed use under the strategic allocation for north east Sittingbourne. However, the area affected is anticipated to be for residential use and is phased post 2021 so should not be unduly constrained by deliberations on the road route. Access to the more northern part of the allocation for employment use is already in place from the roundabout at the southern most end of the built part of Swale Way. South of the railway, the Local Plan (2008) allocation and supporting SPD at Stones Farm for residential and open space has been retained. The area of search for the SNRR route encompasses the area of public open space (east of the Stones Farm residential allocation) to allow for the widest consideration possible of route options and to ensure that a full complement of public open space and adequate separation of the settlements of Sittingbourne and Bapchild can be retained. Implementation of the allocations north and south of the railway must nevertheless have regard to the need to provide for the road corridor. Development which would be likely to preclude achievement of the road between the current end of Swale Way and the A2 will not be permitted in advance of preparation of the DPD and allocation of a precise route. Funding towards provision for the road will be sought both from any suitable sources of public finding and from developer funding. 132 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

Map 6.2.9 Area of search for Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road - Bapchild Section

Policy SA 5

Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road - Bapchild Section

The area shown on the Proposals Map forms the area of search within which the route of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road - Bapchild section will be sought and allocated via early preparation of a development plan document. The DPD will allocate the route of the road itself and address environmental mitigation issues associated with the route. In formulating proposals for this road, regard should also be given to the impact of the new road on the traffic flows and living environments along the A2 corridor to the east of Sittingbourne, where appropriate mitigation measures may need to be provided before the road is opened.

Alternatives considered - Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road - Bapchild section

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Exclude any further pursuit of Option rejected as strategic transport modelling has the provision of the SNRR indicated that this stretch of road is of strategic importance in enabling further development and regeneration opportunities to be realised in and around Sittingbourne without unacceptable levels of congestion. Exclusion of a Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 133 Allocations and areas of change 6

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

means to pursue the allocation of a final route for the road would also be likely to impede funding and implementation.

Table 6.2.6 Alternatives considered - Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road - Bapchild section

Reserve Strategic Allocation: Land East of Scocles Road, Minster

6.2.71 A 27 ha site has been identified on land to the east of Scocles Road, Minster to provide a contingency in the event of a failure in housing delivery at the ‘saved’ Local Plan housing allocation at Queenborough-Rushenden on the Isle of Sheppey. As a brownfield site offering major regenerative benefits for local communities, the Queenborough-Rushenden site is the Council’s preferred location for growth on Sheppey. The site makes a contribution in excess of 10% of the Borough’s total housing land supply within the Plan period, with a significant further potential assessed by the SHLAA as likely to fall outside the Plan period. However, there are risks associated with the lower land values and adverse development costs that characterise the area. A significant delay in housing delivery there could pose a risk to the Borough’s housing land supply within the plan period, raise the likelihood of inappropriate speculative applications across the Borough and so undermine the spatial strategy itself. Consequently, the issue is addressed through the identification of a reserve site.

Map 6.2.10 Reserve strategic housing allocation at Minster 134 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

6.2.72 The proposed ‘reserve site’ is not well located to the major services and transport links on western Sheppey and its development raises some concern over possible adverse landscape impacts. With none of the advantages of the Queenborough-Rushenden site, identification of this reserve site is solely to address shortfalls in housing delivery on the regeneration site and should not be viewed as a signal for any preference for the site’s release for housing now or in the future. Despite these disadvantages, the Scocles Road site remains the only available alternative on Sheppey to the Queenborough-Rushenden site.

6.2.73 In order to prevent the premature release of this greenfield ‘reserve’ site, appropriate trigger points have been identified to ensure that its release does not prejudice opportunities for the successful delivery of the Queenborough-Rushenden scheme. Even if there are delays on the regeneration site, the Council also needs to be satisfied that the ‘reserve’ site will not be subject to similar constraints in delivery and that any shortfall is not being addressed by alternative housing delivery elsewhere in the Borough.

6.2.74 The ‘reserve’ site is located to the east of Scocles Road and comprises large and exposed arable fields on a prominent and undulating hillside. It is expected that considerable areas of the site will be needed for significant landscape enhancements to both extend the adjacent community woodland and reduce visual impacts. Due to this requirement, the maximum capacity of the site is likely to be 750 dwellings. Access to the site is likely to be required from the B2231 Lower Road and improvements to the road back to Cowstead Corner may also be needed.

Policy RSA 1

Reserve Strategic Allocation: Land East of Scocles Road, Minster

A reserve strategic allocation is identified on land to the east of Scocles Road, Minster for up to 750 dwellings, strategic landscaping provision and transport improvements. Proposals shall accord with a development brief to be approved by the Borough Council as a supplementary planning document. In the event that the Borough cannot demonstrate a five year supply of housing land, planning permission on the reserve site will only be granted if:

1. there have been no completions at the Queenborough-Rushenden ‘saved’ Local Plan Allocation by 1 April 2019; or 2. annual housing delivery after 1 April 2019 has been less than 50 dwellings for three consecutive years; and 3. it can demonstrated that completions on the reserve site can be delivered more rapidly that at Queenborough-Rushenden without prejudice to the latter’s delivery; and 4. it can reasonably be demonstrated that there would be no possibility for the Queenborough – Rushenden site to accelerate delivery so more homes are completed within the plan period than anticipated by the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, even if commencement of delivery from the site is slower than anticipated at the outset. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 135 Allocations and areas of change 6

Alternatives considered - Reserve Strategic Allocation

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

Identify an alternative Sites could be identified on land to the west of Minster and south ‘reserve’ site on the Isle of of Halfway, however, whilst these would be more sustainably Sheppey located close to employment opportunities, visual impacts are judged to be greater than the reserve site. Land could also have been identified on land to the north of Halfway, however, this would have affected land at the highest risk of flooding which would be unlikely to be able to address the sequential and exceptions tests of PPS25. Land could also be identified further to the east of the reserve site, however, such land is more remote from services and employment and/or would offer greater scales of visual impact.

Identify an alternative Land could have potentially been identified at Sittingbourne or ‘reserve’ site off the Isle of Iwade, however, this would have been less related to planned and Sheppey proposed employment provision on Sheppey and would have offered a less sustainable alternative. Such provision would have to be at a scale to give rise to those impacts highlighted in the alternatives considered at Policies ST1 and 2.

Table 6.2.7 Alternatives considered - reserve strategic allocation.

6.3 Other new land allocations

Housing and employment allocations

6.3.1 As explained in Section 4.3 the Council is making new allocations/retaining allocations of land to meet development needs from a number of sources:

1. Sites with a valid planning permission yet to be completed. These have been re-assessed by the Council's draft Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) 2010/11 and its Employment Land Review 2010. Sites found to be suitable, available and achievable form part of the land supply for the Borough. In the case of housing sites, a list of the sites in question can be found in Appendices 3, 4 and 9 of the SHLAA, whilst further details of employment sites can be found in Technical Paper No.1. 2. Unimplemented allocations from the adopted Swale Borough Local Plan 2008 and 'saved' policies. (see next section). 3. Sites within existing built-up area boundaries. These are sites assessed by the SHLAA within the built up area boundaries as currently defined by the adopted Swale Borough Local Plan 2008. A list of the sites can be found in Appendix 3, whilst further details and site plans of each can be found by reference to Appendix 4 of the SHLAA . As sites within existing built-up area boundaries, the sites are not formally allocated as it assumed that there is a presumption in favour of development of these brownfield sites and they would be considered against Policy CP3. However, the Council is considering whether to 'convert' the sites listed in Appendix 3 into formal allocations and readers are strongly urged to study the potential sites in question and make representations, if appropriate. 4. Sites within proposed extensions to built-up area boundaries. Appendix 4 shows a number of proposed changes to the built up area boundary of the towns and villages as shown on the Proposals Map. A list of these sites can be found in Appendix 3, whilst further details 136 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

and site plans of each can be found by reference to Appendix 4 and Appendix 9 of the SHLAA . As sites that would (if agreed) be within the defined built boundaries, the sites are not formally allocated as it assumed that there is a presumption in favour of development of these sites and they would be considered against Policy CP 3 . However, the Council is considering whether to 'convert' the sites listed in Appendix 3 into formal allocations and readers are strongly urged to study the potential sites in question and make representations if appropriate. 5. From a Neighbourhood Plan. One such plan is proposed at Faversham Creek. A list of the sites can be found in Appendix 3, whilst further details and site plans of each can be found by reference to Appendix 4 of the SHLAA. It should be noted that the yields arising from these sites are solely for the purpose of demonstrating potential capacity and it will be for the neighbourhood planning process to resolve final figures. 6. Non-strategic allocations. These are currently referenced by a series of areas of search at Sittingbourne and Minster/Halfway. A list of the sites making up the capacity of these areas of search (assessed by the SHLAA) can be found in Appendix 3, whilst further details and site plans of each can be found by reference to Appendix 4 and 9 of the SHLAA . It should be noted that at present such sites would be the subject of preparation of a separate Site Allocations DPD in due course. However, the Council is considering whether to 'convert' the sites listed in Appendix 3 into formal allocations and readers are strongly urged to study the potential sites in question and make representations if appropriate. 7. Windfall sites. These sites are not identified by the Core Strategy as they relate to the unanticipated development of sites that cannot be predicted. Further details on how this has been calculated can be found in Technical Paper No.2 Determining a local housing target for Swale .

6.3.2 Not all decisions concerning land allocations are led solely by the SHLAA and Employment Land Review. For some sites wider policy judgements have been applied on such matters as flood risk and in-combination impacts. A number of sites assessed as suitable, available and achievable by the evidence have not been allocated by the Council. Further details of these judgements can be found in Technical Paper No. 2 Determining a local housing target for Swale.

Alternatives considered - housing and employment allocations

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Choose alternative strategic See alternatives considered under Policy ST2. allocation.

2. Choose alternative other The assessment processes inherent within the evidence base allocations. of the SHLAA and Employment Land Review enable sites to be assessed that are the most sustainable. Sites that are not suitable in terms of their environmental impact are not progressed unless mitigation can be achieved. Likewise accessibility to a range of services ensures that sites with the highest performance are identified first.

Table 6.3.1 Alternatives considered - housing and employment allocations Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 137 Allocations and areas of change 6

6.4 Existing Swale Borough Local Plan Allocations

6.4.1 The Swale Borough Local Plan (2008) made a series of land use allocations to meet development needs, which have not yet achieved a planning permission or been built out. They remain a significant part of the land supply to meet the Core Strategy targets. These policies have been saved and are listed at Appendix 5. The allocations have been reviewed as part of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) and Employment Land Review and although no amendments to site boundaries are proposed, the likely contribution they are able to make to the housing and development targets has been reviewed. A list of the housing sites concerned can be found in Appendix 3, whilst further details and site plans of each can be found by reference to Appendix 4 of the SHLAA.

6.5 Neighbourhood Plans

6.5.1 The Localism Act, which received Royal Assent on 15 November 2011, introduced new rights and powers to allow local communities to shape new development by coming together to prepare neighbourhood plans.

6.5.2 Neighbourhood planning can be taken forward by two types of bodies - town and parish councils or 'neighbourhood forums'. Neighbourhood forums are community groups that are designated to take forward neighbourhood planning in areas without parishes. Neighbourhood forums should apply to the local planning authority to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan.

6.5.3 The criteria for establishing neighbourhood forums are being kept as simple as possible to encourage new and existing residents’ organisations, voluntary and community groups to put themselves forward.

6.5.4 Neighbourhood forums and parish councils can use new neighbourhood planning powers to establish general planning policies for the development and use of land in a neighbourhood. These are described legally as 'neighbourhood development plans.'

6.5.5 In an important change to the planning system communities can use neighbourhood planning to permit the development they want to see - in full or in outline – without the need for planning applications. These are called 'neighbourhood development orders.'

6.5.6 Local councils will continue to produce development plans that will set the strategic context within which neighbourhood development plans will sit.

6.5.7 They also have to meet a number of conditions before they can be put to a community referendum and legally come into force. These conditions are to ensure plans are legally compliant and take account of wider policy considerations (e.g. national policy). The conditions are:

1. they must have regard to national planning policy; 2. they must be in general conformity with strategic policies in the development plan for the local area (i.e. such as in a Core Strategy); and 3. they must be compatible with EU obligations and human rights requirements.

6.5.8 An independent qualified person then checks that a neighbourhood development plan or order appropriately meets the conditions before it can be voted on in a local referendum. This is to make sure that referendums only take place when proposals are workable and of a decent 138 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

quality. Neighbourhood development plans or orders do not take effect unless there is a majority of support in a referendum of the neighbourhood. If proposals pass the referendum, the local planning authority is under a legal duty to bring them into force.

6.6 Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan

6.6.1 Swale Borough Council has agreed to Faversham Town Council making the Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan based on the area shown on the Proposals Map and the map below.

Map 6.6.1 Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan

6.6.2 The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that "neighbourhood plans give communities direct power to plan the areas in which they live. This provides a powerful set of tools for local people to ensure that they get the right types of development for their community. However, the ambition of the neighbourhood should be aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area." (NPPF, Page 13, paragraphs 49 and 50.)

6.6.3 Respondents to the Pick Your Own consultation stated that they wanted maritime industries and traditional boat building to be integral to any plans at Faversham Creek and that employment creation was needed in this area. There were mixed views on new housing with respondents both for and against additional dwellings. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 139 Allocations and areas of change 6

6.6.4 The Council's Ambitions for Swale aims to develop the linked cultural, heritage and tourism offer, building on Faversham’s position as a historic market town, and linked with the quality of its surrounding countryside. Resources will be focused on community development and renewal in specific neighbourhoods and supporting the development of the employment base within the context of an overall strategy of incremental and organic growth.

6.6.5 The Faversham Creek area is part of the extensive Faversham Conservation Area and contains a number of historic buildings, many of them listed, together with traditional marine related activities and a series of green spaces. All are essential to the character of the area and represent an important asset to the town.

6.6.6 Nevertheless, the Creek is operating under a number of complex constraints. Navigation within parts of the Creek is restricted by a loss of depth and width to the channel and there is no longer safe navigation for large craft in the Basin due to silting. In addition to the cost of dredging, there are likely to be limitations imposed on large scale industrial dredging of the Creek by the Swale Special Protection Area (SPA). Similarly, navigation into the Basin is currently restricted by the swing bridge. Flood risk in relation to previously developed land within the 1:20 year flood zone of Faversham Creek must be carefully assessed and designed out of any proposals. As a result of their existing and former uses, a number of the sites are likely to be contaminated and require at least some remediation work. The attractive waterside environment of the creekside area has not had the same investment in the quality of the public realm as the town centre and is poor and uncoordinated in comparison. There are also a number of historic buildings in disrepair.

6.6.7 For these reasons, regeneration of Faversham Creek, whilst protecting the rich maritime, industrial and landscape heritage for economic, environmental and educational purposes, is the principal objective. The objective is strongly supported by local consultation (Stakeholder Consultation and Options Report ,Urban Initiatives, 2009) and Developing proposals and future planning policy options to deliver regeneration of the Creek area (Tony Fullwood Associates, October 2010).

6.6.8 Analysis (Tony Fullwood Associates, October 2010, see above) indicates that the Neighbourhood Plan should seek to regenerate Faversham Creek by focusing on:

1. clusters of heritage assets and marine-related activities with regeneration potential; 2. navigation improvements to the Creek through a combination of sluicing and smaller scale injection dredging; 3. protecting and enhancing important green spaces and upgrading the public realm within the area; and 4. maximising pedestrian links between the Creek and the town, along the creekside and to wider countryside routes.

6.6.9 Within the areas of heritage/marine-related activity adjoining the Creek, listed and other historic buildings and maritime uses, wharfs and moorings important to the character of the Creek should be retained and, where necessary, restored alongside complementary redevelopment opportunities. Given the location of these areas within the functional floodplain, and the historic association with the Creek, workshops/business uses, facilities for moored boats (e.g. showers/toilets) and small scale retail and restaurant uses would be likely to retain marine activities, be acceptable in the functional flood plain and improve the visitor attraction to the area. Dependent on design, amenity and flood risk considerations, residential development could be permitted 140 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

above ground floor level to assist with the viability of mixed use schemes and to provide activity throughout the day and evening. New buildings should be of a high design quality with their scale and vernacular respecting the setting of the listed building and the adjoining creekside buildings.

Policy NP 1

Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan

Within the Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan area, as shown on the Proposals Map and Key Diagram, priority will be given to the regeneration of Faversham Creek by retaining maritime activities (including the retention and improvement of wharfs and moorings for large craft repair) with complementary redevelopment opportunities for workshops/business uses, residential, small scale retail and restaurant uses. Where relevant, development of the area should result in:

1. The restoration of listed and other important historic buildings and enhancement of their setting; 2. The protection of open space and nature conservation interests and upgrading of the public realm; 3. Navigation improvements to the Creek; 4. The provision of a publicly accessible Creek side walk way; 5. High quality designs which respect their context; 6. Proposals which are acceptable in terms of flood risk; and 7. The remediation of contaminated sites.

Specific site allocations and proposals will be made through the Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan process.

Delivery

6.6.10 The Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan will detail the strategy set out in Policy NP1 including the allocation of specific sites and levels of development, the parameters for development as well as proposals for the improvement to accessibility and the public realm. Proposals will be delivered through the granting of consents and the implementation of improvements set out in the Neighbourhood Plan.

Alternatives considered - Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. No neighbourhood plan Faversham contains a large amount of vacant and under-used recognition for Faversham. land with significant potential. The lack of a coherent plan/strategy for this area could lead to detrimental impact on the area's historic assets.

Table 6.6.1 Alternatives considered - Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 141 Allocations and areas of change 6

6.7 Areas of future change

6.7.1 During preparation of the Core Strategy, the potential for major change at two key sites (Sheerness Port and Kent Science Park) has been the focus of much research and evidence gathering. Whilst the regeneration benefits of these would be welcomed and in accordance with an employment led strategy, over reliance on them could weaken the strategy unless viability and deliverability in the plan period can be demonstrated by a robust evidence base. Appropriate phasing relative to supporting infrastructure and delivery of smaller, but more straightforward sites are important considerations in shaping not only the Core Strategy, but also judging the cumulative effects on the Borough's prospects and supporting existing economic strengths.

6.7.2 The future for Sheerness Port has taken a different route to that considered as part of the Pick Your Own options, the latter involving proposals for major land reclamation from the sea and regeneration of the historic parts of the dockyard. This has not been pursued further by the Port owners and it is unlikely that these proposals would be actioned during this plan period . However, subsequent to the Pick Your Own consultation, a major proposal to use part of the site for wind turbine manufacture is expected to be pursued via the development management process during 2012. Whilst the transport and employment impacts of the proposal have been taken into consideration in the preparation of the Core Strategy, it has been regarded as a 'bonus' to the development strategy, which complements its objectives and relates well to housing and other development proposals and capacity in the transport network.

6.7.3 Major expansion of Kent Science Park (beyond 6 hectares deliverable within the existing highway network) is dependent on provision of major new road infrastructure. The Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road will have a valuable longer term role in re-balancing the strategic highway network. Kent County Council have committed to undertaking a full assessment of potential route options and design for the SSRR working in partnership with the Kent Science Park operators and Swale Borough Council.

6.7.4 These opportunities are potentially exciting ones, but at this stage there is some economic uncertainty as to whether they can be relied upon to deliver the development strategy at least in the first 10 to 15 years of the plan. However, the Council will keep this position under review given the potential benefits the opportunities present.

6.8 Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road

6.8.1 Transport relationships between the Borough’s towns and its junctions with the M2 give rise to:

safety and capacity problems at Junction 5 and the A249 leading to delays; congestion in central Sittingbourne that limits regeneration; congestion and delay within the A249 corridor; and deterioration in environmental quality on the A2 between Sittingbourne and Faversham.

6.8.2 Despite some improvement in central Sittingbourne arising from its partial northern relief road, definitive solutions for Junction 5 are unplanned and of huge cost and practicability. This focuses attention on an alternative solution for a new link between the motorway and eastern Sittingbourne. Strategic transport modelling undertaken as part of the Core Strategy evidence base has led to development of a case for such a route to add capacity and rebalance the highway network. Identification of a route located close to the south eastern fringe of Sittingbourne is likely to be most appropriate to maximise its utility, optimise the transport case and minimise the costs 142 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

involved. Ideally it could be integrated with development such as the proposed expansion of Kent Science Park. At this stage although the SSRR scheme would be beneficial it is not critical to support and deliver any other part of the development strategy in this plan.

6.8.3 It is understood that Kent County Council is committed to undertaking a full appraisal and design for the SSRR in partnership with the Kent Science Park operators and Swale Borough Council. They have additionally stated that they would be willing to actively promote the scheme within their transport programmes accordingly. In these circumstances, whilst the proposals for the SSRR are retained in a signposting policy, it is possible that progress made on the proposals could result in the early preparation of an Area Action Plan DPD.

6.8.4 Progress on the Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road will require the identification of an Action Area Plan development plan document which will include an area of search. This is likely to include land between the motorway, the south and south eastern boundaries of Sittingbourne to the A2, extending eastward to a point that considers realistic prospects of delivery and potential benefits to A2 communities, whilst having regard to the location of any A2 link by the planned Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road. Since the scheme is likely to have a significant environmental impact, the routes selection and design process by the operators would need to undertake appropriate studies to evaluate these matters. The review will also need to consider the funding options to provide an appropriate mix between public and private sector funding sources and whether enhanced access to the Kent Science Park can also be achieved.

6.8.5 Responses to the Pick Your Own consultation document in respect of the SSRR revealed considerable opposition to the proposal on grounds of unproven need in transport or economic terms, environmental impact and the (incorrect) assumption that significant numbers of additional houses were being proposed to pay for the road.

Policy AC 1

Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road

The Council will continue to promote the provision of a Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road between the A2 east of Sittingbourne and a new Junction 5A with the M2 motorway through appropriate transport programmes and pursuit of suitable funding partnerships. Should the context for the delivery of the road become more favourable, an immediate partial review of the Core Strategy would be triggered, with possible parallel production of an Action Area Plan Development Plan Document.

Alternatives considered - Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road Area of Future Change

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Pursue partial or total Options 3 and 4 of the PYO issues and options consultation provision of SSRR as part of proposed a new junction to the M2 and the first phase of the this Core Strategy. SSRR as far as Kent Science Park; and the new junction plus the whole SSRR supported by major new housing development respectively. Option 3 has been rejected as partial completion of the road is unacceptable to the Highways Agency. Option 4 with major new housing development raised major concerns Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 143 Allocations and areas of change 6

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

with respondees and is unacceptable to the Council. Deliverability of the road is dependent on securing reliable funding and prioritisation in any transport infrastructure programme.

2. Exclude all mention of the The SSRR could be totally excluded from this Core Strategy, SSRR from this Core Strategy given the acknowledged difficulties over deliverability within this plan period. However, the scheme is of acknowledged benefit to the capacity and functioning of highway network and could facilitate further economic development. Failure to pursue any kind of remediation to the highway network, could over the longer term result in congestion at M2/J5 being such as to severely constrain further development within a significant part of the Borough. Consequently, the 'signposting' approach for future intent and action is justified.

Table 6.8.1 Alternatives considered - Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road Area of Future Change

6.9 Kent Science Park

6.9.1 Located in the rural area south of Sittingbourne, the Kent Science Park has developed across 22 ha, utilising the site operated by Shell Research Limited until 1996. It currently comprises some 47,100m2 of laboratory, research and development space, containing some 75 firms, employing 1,200 workers predominantly involved in bio-sciences and environmental technologies. An extant planning permission would allow for the development of a further 4 hectares.

6.9.2 The existing transport network linking the site to the wider strategic road network is close to capacity (transport assessments carried out indicate that a maximum of approximately 6 ha inclusive of the extant permission could be achieved), limiting both the extent to which the Park can expand and its ability to attract new investment. Proposals to expand the Park and resolve these constraints have been subject to considerable investigation and production of a substantial evidence base. From this, the Council accepts and supports the principle of:

the economic benefits arising from high quality added value activities and employment opportunities to help retain high earning resident workers and boost local skills; and physical expansion, up to some 100,000m2, on land between the Park and the motorway, having considered likely demand alongside landscape/visual matters.

6.9.3 In order to bring forward the major expansion proposals as part of the Area Action Plan, the operator will be required to demonstrate:

the need, extent and phasing of growth at the Science Park taking into account the programming of the required transport and highway infrastructure required to support expansion; any environmental and other impact assessment studies that may be required; and review of infrastructure funding options. 144 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

6.9.4 It is likely that the detail of this allocation and development would be best dealt with in the same Area Action Plan development plan document as the Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road as major expansion at the Science Park is dependent upon adequate access to the strategic highway network.

6.9.5 Responses to the Pick Your Own consultation in respect of major expansion of Kent Science Park was mainly opposition from local residents questioning the need for the expansion in the light of recent release of a similar site in East Kent; its benefits to local residents and workers, the environmental impact of both the expansion and any associated road infrastructure or additional housing in the area and the lack of assessment of alternative sites for such facilities.

Policy AC 2

Kent Science Park

The Council will continue to support expansion of the Kent Science Park up to a maximum of 6 hectares which is achievable within the constraints of the current highway network.

The Council also supports major expansion at Kent Science Park subject to satisfactory access being provided through major highway additions. The Council will work in partnership with Kent County Council and the Kent Science Park operators with a view to bringing forward an early partial review of the Core Strategy. This would form part of a parallel production of an Area Action Plan DPD in relation to the provision of the Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road and deal with the detail of land use, design, layout within the Science Park itself and treatment and use of the surrounding area including mitigation of any adverse impacts.

Alternatives considered - Kent Science Park

Options Reasons not pursued

1. Include major expansion of Options 3 and 4 of the PYO Issues and Option consultation the KSP within this Core both advocated major expansion of the Kent Science Park, with Strategy. different levels of supporting infrastructure and associated development. The expansion of the Science Park is in accordance with a strategy led by economic growth, but delivery is extremely uncertain within this plan period both for the Science Park and essential access improvements and therefore these aspects of Options 3 and 4 cannot be pursued at this time.

2. Transfer KSP to an The option to transfer part or all of the operation to an alternative alternative site. site has been considered and rejected on the basis that the integrity of the facility as a high quality science park would be lost and there are no other suitable sites within the Borough. This would also create a problem in finding a suitable reuse of the existing site. Neither of these options have therefore been pursued. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 145 Allocations and areas of change 6

Options Reasons not pursued

3. Exclude all mention of KSP This has been rejected, partly, in view of the extant planning from this Core Strategy. permission for limited expansion within the existing capacity of the highway network. This would also negate the opportunity for longer term expansion of a unique facility within Kent and to provide an opportunity for higher skilled and quality jobs within the Borough.

Table 6.9.1 Alternatives considered - Kent Science Park

6.10 Port of Sheerness

6.10.1 The Port of Sheerness is a significant feature of the Isle of Sheppey's economy, covering more than 1.5 million square metres. It is one of the largest foreign car importers in the UK, and it handles thousands of tonnes of fruit and meat products from all over the world. Inexpensive land and good infrastructure, including a rail network that branches off the main passenger line, have attracted industries to the port area, including producers of pharmaceuticals and steel. The major employers are HBC Engineering Solutions, Regis Furniture and The Bond Group. The steel mill at Sheerness has also been a major employer. It was established in 1972, designed to recycle scrap steel into rods and coils. It has survived a number of closure threats and changes of ownership. Since 2003 it has been operated by Thamesteel, but as of early 2012, it is currently in receivership and the future is unclear.

6.10.2 The Pick Your Own document included proposals for major regeneration at the Port of Sheerness in Options 3 and 4. This would involve major land reclamation to facilitate new port operations and regeneration of the older parts of the dockyard. This site has the potential to yield significant amounts of brownfield housing (over 2,400 dwellings) and the proposal drew significant public support.

6.10.3 The international importance of the heritage and cultural significance of the former Royal Naval Dockyard is now widely recognised and accepted, alongside the importance of maintaining a commercially vibrant port.

6.10.4 The urban conservation areas at Queenborough and Sheerness Dockyard have been reviewed recently. The two conservation areas in question relate to the Council’s regeneration priorities making effective heritage protection and development management a priority as part of the framework for regeneration. Conservation area designation is a positive step towards encouraging regeneration and high quality development which respects and works with heritage. The new conservation area boundary for the Dockyard includes some areas identified as being of negative value. They form part of the operational port estate. Designation of part of the working port within the conservation area does not halt development but will draw attention to the need to balance important commercial priorities against heritage conservation. The intention is for the new designations to dovetail with existing planning documents including the Queenborough and Rushenden Masterplan (2010) to form a positive framework for regeneration.

Diversification of Port Activities

6.10.5 The wind turbine manufacturing facility would be the biggest plant of its type in Europe. It is estimated that there would be in the region of 2,000 employees on site by 2020, with around 1,720 direct jobs being created. The facility would have a minimum operational life of 30 years, but this could be extended to in excess of 50 years. A planning application for the manufacturing 146 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Allocations and areas of change

unit was submitted in early 2012. It is anticipated that production will get under way in 2014/2015. Technically, this involves a change of use of a site from open car storage to general manufacturing, and does not require a new allocation to be made via the Core Strategy.

6.10.6 The wind turbine manufacture proposals will therefore need to be recognised in the Core Strategy at least in terms of its impact on local labour supply and transport (for travel to work) most of the components and finished products are expected to be transported by sea. The scale of the change and intensification of use clearly represents a major change which the Core Strategy will need to take into account in a proactive way.

Policy AC 3

Port of Sheerness

The Council will support proposals for major regeneration at the Port of Sheerness subject to appropriate treatment of built and natural heritage assets in and surrounding the Port area. Subject to scale and nature of any proposals, this may require a supporting development plan document or partial review of the Core Strategy.

Alternatives considered - Port of Sheerness

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Exclude recognition of long Although not being actively pursued at the present time, there term regeneration possibilities is potential for regeneration for the older parts of the dockyard at the Port including sympathetic new uses for the historic assets; brownfield land for regeneration; as well as possible land reclamation to maximise use of deep water berthing. The potential for the longer term should be recognised.

2. Include regeneration site as Proposals and their associated evidence base were not Strategic Allocation sufficiently progressed to demonstrate with sufficient certainty that a project of this magnitude could be successfully achieved having regard to the environmental and technical issues involved.

Table 6.10.1 Alternatives considered - Port of Sheerness Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 147 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

7 Framework of Development Management Policies

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 The framework of development management policies provides a detailed set of policies, designed to contribute to delivering the vision, objectives and policies of the adopted Core Strategy. These policies will be used to assess and determine planning applications in association with other adopted Local Development Documents in the LDF and saved policies from the Swale Borough Local Plan (2008).

7.1.2 The draft NPPF is proposed to replace the current system of national Planning Policy Statements and Planning Policy Guidance and Circulars, which forms the context for development management policies. The PPS/PPG system is more detailed and previous advice has been that local planning policy need not repeat it. As drafted, however, the NPPF has reduced much of this detail and includes a 'presumption in favour' of development proposals unless there is a well evidenced local policy reason to suggest otherwise. The Localism Act (2011) has also revoked the South East Regional Plan which provided a further layer of policy guidance.

7.1.3 Consequently, it is for local development plans to ensure that a robust framework for development management decisions is provided. For this stage in the Core Strategy process, both the extant PPS/PPG and the draft NPPF guidance context are noted. After the NPPF is finalised and adopted by government (expected spring 2012), further fine tuning of the development management policies may be required prior to the submission of the Core Strategy.

7.1.4 The suite of development management policies for Swale therefore comprises:

the list of retained Swale Borough Local Plan policies (see Appendix 5) which are considered to be in conformity with the emerging NPPF; new and revised policies included in this chapter of the Core Strategy.

7.1.5 The development management policies follow the structure of the Core Strategy, which divides the issues into the four themes:

Sustainability and the Environment Prosperity Homes and Communities Infrastructure

7.1.6 All policies should be read alongside national planning policies, and it is important to note that this document should be read as a whole, as the policies inter-relate.

7.2 Sustainable design and construction

7.2.1 Swale’s location in the South-East of England means that it has a particular vulnerability to climate change. Swale lies within an area of serious water stress as defined by the Environment Agency and is vulnerable to tidal and surface water flooding as well as coastal erosion.

7.2.2 The Climate Change Act 2008 set a legally binding greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels and at least 34% by 2020. The UK has also signed up to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, which includes a UK target of 15% of energy from renewables by 2020. This target is equivalent to a seven-fold increase in UK renewable 148 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

energy consumption from 2008 levels. Planning, along with technological innovation and investment, will play an important role in adapting to climate change, in making the transition to a low carbon economy and meeting challenging carbon saving targets.

7.2.3 The Government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out its objective that planning should fully support the transition to a low carbon economy with radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and by minimising vulnerability and providing resilience to climate change.

7.2.4 PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development sets out how local planning authorities should ensure that development plans contribute to global sustainability by addressing the causes and potential impacts of climate change through policies which reduce energy use, reduce emissions, promote the development of renewable energy resources, and take climate change impacts into account in the location and design of development. Its supplement, Planning and Climate Change, explains how planning authorities should provide a framework that promotes and encourages renewable and low-carbon energy generation in Local Development Frameworks.

7.2.5 PPS22 Renewable Energy encourages opportunities for incorporating small scale renewable energy in all new developments, using a range of technologies such as solar thermal collectors, biomass heating, small scale wind turbines, photovoltaic cells, and combined heat and power systems.

7.2.6 In its commitment to tackling climate change, the Government intends to increase energy standards through Building Regulations with the aim of achieving net zero carbon emissions for housing by 2016 and for commercial development by 2019. Reductions in carbon emissions are to be implemented through energy efficient design and delivery of on-site low carbon or renewable energy. To reach zero carbon by 2016/2019, developers will be required to demonstrate that they have reached a certain level of energy efficiency and delivered a reasonable amount of low carbon/renewable energy on-site, before then contributing to an ‘allowable solutions’ fund as necessary to support other carbon reductions in the local area. The exact requirements of allowable solutions are yet to be defined by the Government, and Swale Borough Council will develop policy on allowable solutions and how those funds will be directed towards a community energy fund. The aim will be to ensure that monies are directed towards locally approved projects. These may include district heating networks, wind and other renewable opportunities and improvements to existing stock. Mechanisms for how this will operate will form part of this work.

7.2.7 The Code for Sustainable Homes (2008) is the Government's system for measuring the performance of new homes, and works in tandem with Building Regulations. The Code has six levels with mandatory requirements at each, regarding energy and water usage, materials, surface water run-off and waste. It also covers the categories of pollution, health and well-being (which incorporates Lifetime Home Standards), management and ecology but with flexibility over which standards to choose to achieve a specific Code rating. The attainment of higher Code levels requires the incorporation of renewable energy production.

7.2.8 The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is a voluntary assessment scheme that covers the management, health and well-being, energy, transport, water, materials and waste, land use and ecology, and pollution aspects of non-residential building performance. It is the most comprehensive assessment tool available to judge non-residential buildings and its standards range from pass to good, very good, excellent and outstanding. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 149 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

7.2.9 Swale’s Sustainable Community Strategy, Ambitions for Swale explains how the Council’s ambitions for our environment focuses on managing climate change, investing in strategic green spaces, and developing our network of green spaces, reducing waste, improving recycling, keeping Swale clean and working towards reducing our carbon footprint by 2026.

7.2.10 The Pick Your Own consultation generated debate amongst consultees on the subject of the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM levels which the Core Strategy would require. Developers tended to urge restraint in setting ambitious targets while others, including residents, environmental groups and Kent County Council urged the use of more ambitious targets. The question of 20% of energy being met from renewable sources on new development resulted in a similar response, with developers being concerned that such a target would be unachievable while others, including members of the Council's Local Development Framework Panel, supporting such targets.

7.2.11 The Council's Sustainable Design and Construction Guidance (March 2010, Creative Environmental Networks) showed that the Borough has potential for decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy generation and is well placed to become a location which can make a contribution to sustainable development. In November 2011 this study was supplemented by further work by consultants AECOM, the Swale Renewable Energy & Sustainable Development Study. The objectives of this study were to understand the carbon profile of Swale, identify carbon reduction and renewable energy opportunities, to help set policy and targets and consider sustainable design and construction standards as well as to propose mechanisms for delivery. The economic viability of policy and targets was considered throughout the study. The Study showed that existing buildings make up the bulk of the Borough's future energy demand and that efforts should be made to reduce the energy demand of existing development. In Swale's case it is non-residential buildings that are responsible for the majority of our energy demand and addressing this is a priority. In rural areas there is a significant use of oil and coal fuels and addressing this would reduce carbon emissions.

7.2.12 Both studies demonstrated that there are considerable resource opportunities across the Borough through biomass, wind, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and micro-generation. The existing town centres offer opportunities for district heating networks, biomass is a resource across the south east of the borough and solar energy can be exploited across the borough. There are particular opportunities for wind energy generation on the Isle of Sheppey and in the Kent Downs AONB, although there are strong landscape constraints in the AONB. However, all the Borough’s opportunities are delivery dependent and the council’s partnership with the industrial and commercial sector is important. Nevertheless, to meet local opportunities, the AECOM study concluded Swale can achieve 30% of its electricity and 12% of its heat from renewables by 2020 and this will directly contribute to the UK Government’s binding renewable energy target. However, it should be noted that the AECOM study backs away from recommending a percentage target for renewables, preferring rather to promote the use of energy efficiency as the first step in reducing carbon and promoting the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM levels as methods that can be used to promote the use of renewables.

7.2.13 All new development within Swale should respond to the opportunities presented in the Energy Opportunities Map. 150 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Map 7.2.1 Energy Opportunities

Water Capacity

7.2.14 Water resources and water quality are a particular issue for Swale and are likely to become more stretched as the population continues to grow. In order to protect water quality and reduce flood risk, sustainable drainage systems to treat run-off and mitigation measures to reduce flooding will be an integral part of development proposals on suitable sites.

7.2.15 Policy DM1 sets out the Council's approach to creating a more sustainable built environment. Where reference to the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM standards are made, the development commencement date, not the date of planning approval, will be used as the base date for assessment. Final Code and BREEAM certificates will be required to be submitted post construction.

7.2.16 In implementing the policy the details within the AECOM Swale Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Study, November 2011 should be drawn upon.

7.2.17 Applicants will be asked to complete an energy statement and the Council's list of local development management requirements to validate planning applications will be amended to reflect this. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 151 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Policy DM 1

Sustainable Design and Construction

New development proposals in Swale will aim to include measures for water and energy efficiency and increase supplies of decentralised, low-carbon and renewable energy in accordance with the following principles:

1. All new developments should maximise opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change by:

a. Ensuring buildings are orientated and designed to benefit from the sun’s warmth and light whilst taking opportunities for natural ventilation; b. Being efficiently laid out for district heating circulation where appropriate; c. Building to densities and designs which bring improved thermal performance; d. Choosing materials and construction techniques which reduce waste, increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions over the long term; e. Making efficient use of water resources and protecting water quality; f. The promotion of waste reduction and recycling; g. Demonstrating how they will contribute to the network of green infrastructure, including tree planting, green roofs and walls, and soft landscaping; h. Demonstrating how Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) can be incorporated, aiming to achieve greenfield run-off rates whilst contributing to the Borough’s green infrastructure; i. Encouraging, where appropriate, mixed-use development where a range of uses provides a variety of heat loads; j. Designing buildings which are adaptable to change over the long term; k. Being located and designed to take advantage of opportunities for decentralised, low and zero carbon energy and be required to connect to existing or planned decentralised heat and/or power schemes, unless this is demonstrated to be financially unviable or technically not feasible; and l. New development, where possible, should promote water and energy efficiency, decentralised, low-carbon and renewable energy in existing buildings.

2. New residential developments of 10 units or greater, or for sites over 0.3 hectares (whichever is the smaller) will be required to meet the full Code for Sustainable Homes standards as follows:

a. From 2011 onward, Code level 3 or above; and b. Once updates to Part L come into effect (currently scheduled for 2013) Code level 4 or above

3. All new non-residential developments over 1000m² gross floor area should aim to achieve the BREEAM “Very Good” standard or equivalent, with immediate effect. 4. Development should demonstrate how it has exploited opportunities highlighted in the Borough’s Energy Opportunities Map, in particular in the delivery of district heating, unless this is shown to be financially not viable, or technically not feasible. 5. Throughout the Borough, applications for renewable, decentralised and low-carbon energy installations will generally be supported. 152 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Alternatives considered - sustainable design and construction development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Exclude policy on The planning system is designed to promote the principles of Sustainable Design and sustainable development of which sustainable design and Construction and rely on the construction is one. As a result there would be slower progress Building Regulations, market in reaching national policy targets for reducing carbon and forces and government promoting renewables. It would also be contrary to the climate initiatives and incentives. change objectives of the draft NPPF and contrary to local ambitions to embrace the challenges of climate change in our Borough to promote energy and water efficiency and renewables. This is demonstrated by the evidence showing potential for solar, wind and biomass.

2. A more ambitious policy with The evidence study shows that more ambitious targets would a higher target. not be economically viable and may drive growth from the Borough. Additionally, the draft NPPF aims to encourage growth and higher targets may hinder this.

Table 7.2.1 Alternatives considered - sustainable design and construction development management policy

7.3 The coast

7.3.1 Swale’s coastline is 111km long, the longest of any Kent Borough. Low-lying land, estuarine habitats and coastal activities within a changing environment suggest the need for an integrated approach to decision making, taking into account natural processes, climate change and the range of plans, programmes and policies that influence our coast.

7.3.2 National, regional and local factors that feed into planning decisions include:

Planning Policy Statement 25 Development and Flood Risk and its supplement Development and Coastal Change and related practice guides. The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, which requires a long distance route and land for open-air recreation accessible to the public around the coast of England The Isle of Grain to South Foreland and the Medway Estuary and Swale Shoreline Management Plans (SMP). These plans conducted by the South East Coastal Group identify sustainable long-term management policies for the coast in the face of climate change and sea-level rise. The policies for Swale’s coastline range from 'hold the line' through 'managed realignment' to 'no active intervention'. The Environment Agency’s National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping Project (Kent) (Draft 2012) The North Kent Environmental Planning Group Bird Survey (Draft 2012) The Swale Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2009) The North Sheppey Erosion Study (Draft 2012);

7.3.3 Ambitions for Swale stresses the importance of a coastal identity to the Isle of Sheppey and recognises the tourism and recreational potential of the Borough’s key landscape and heritage assets, many of which are along Swale’s coastline. The Pick Your Own consultation includes objectives to ‘use our coastal assets to support a strong economy and a sustainably managed environment’ and ‘use our historic and natural assets to drive regeneration, tourism and Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 153 Framework of Development Management Policies 7 environmental quality’. The vision highlights Sheerness and Queenborough as beacons of coastal rejuvenation, whilst recognising that successfully managing coastal assets affected by climate change must be a key component of future sustainable development.

7.3.4 The overall response from the Pick Your Own Consultation to this policy was positive with the Environment Agency in particular stressing the significance of future coastal realignment schemes. Environmental bodies such as Natural England, RSPB and the Kent Wildlife Trust, while supportive overall, were anxious to point out that greater coastal access could lead to greater bird disturbance. A leisure provider supported the concept of roll-back and development that supports the local economy and Southern Water asked that exceptions would be allowed for infrastructure.

7.3.5 The policy for the Coast aims to promote coastal rejuventation, whilst managing the coastal assets which are a key component of our local distinctiveness. The policy also links the development of our coast to broader plans, programmes and policies that effect our coastline.

7.3.6 Statement 9 outlines Swale's coastal attributes and suggests a strong need for parties to co-ordinate decisions and investment.

Statement 9

Swale's Coastal Assets

Sheerness Docks - a natural deep water harbour. Fishing port at Queenborough; plus proposed marina facilities. Docks at Ridham. Leisure oriented marina and repair facilities at Otterham Quay; Harty and Oare landing stages (not in current use) The seaside resorts of Minster, Warden and Leysdown. Water sports offer. Swathes of wetlands and marshes, designated internationally and nationally for their biodiversity interest. Creeks, including Queenborough, Milton, Conyer, Oare, Lower Halstow and Faversham; Eroding cliffs on Sheppey. Local coastal paths and the regional Saxon Shore Way.

Policy DM 2

The Coast

Development proposals for the coastal areas of the Borough will be permitted provided they are in accordance with the following criteria:

1. They maintain and enhance access to the Borough's coast to promote recreation, health and well being, where it can be appropriately managed; 2. They seek to positively manage and expand the Borough’s biodiversity and areas of landscape quality at or near the coast. Plans to enable wildlife to adapt to the effects of 154 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

climate change, in line with the Green Infrastructure Plan and the policies of the Shoreline Management Plans should be brought forward through development proposals; 3. Within the built up areas as defined on the Proposals Map they will seek to rejuvenate the Borough’s developed coastal areas, particularly where these enhance the existing industrial and maritime infrastructure and coastal heritage. The development of new industries and activities, especially those relating to environmental management and tourism will also be supported, where appropriate; and 4. Outside the built up areas shown on the Proposals Map, the priority will be to conserve and enhance the undeveloped coast and its hinterland.

Alternatives considered - the coast development management policy

Alternatives Reasons for not pursuing

1. No coastal policy This would hinder the conservation of the coast and rejuvenation of the developed coast and thus be contrary to the vision and objectives of the Core Strategy. It would also not accord with the draft NPPF’s objective to conserve and enhance the undeveloped coast and promote coastal access.

Table 7.3.1 Alternatives considered - the coast development management policy

The Coastal Change Management Area

7.3.7 Over the coming century the coast of Swale will change significantly as a result of ongoing coastal change accelerated by climate change. Planning policy needs to respond to this change by actively managing these changes.

7.3.8 The PPS25 Supplement Development and Coastal Change specifically looks at development along the nation’s changing coastline. It strives to deliver a precautionary, yet positive, response to development in areas where the coastline is changing, to ensure the long term sustainability of coastal areas and avoidance of blight. It requires Local Planning Authorities to identify areas likely to be affected by physical changes to the coast, called Coastal Change Management Areas (CCMAs).

7.3.9 The Government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework continues the requirement for Local Planning Authorities to define CCMAs and explains how within these areas Local Planning Authorities should set out what development will be appropriate, in what circumstances and over what time frame. It explains how they should also make provision for development and infrastructure that needs to be relocated away from the CCMA.

7.3.10 The PPS25 Supplement Development and Coastal Change defines coastal change as ‘physical change to the shoreline, i.e. erosion, coastal landslip, permanent inundation (ie lost permanently to the sea) and coastal accretion’. It also states that ‘Regional and Local Planning Authorities on the coast should ensure that they have an evidence base at the appropriate scale and level of detail on the current and predicted impacts of physical changes to the coast to inform plan making. The prediction of future impacts should reflect the long-term nature and the inherent uncertainty of coastal processes (including coastal landslip), and take account of climate change. The evidence should be proportionate and sufficient to support the plan.’ Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 155 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Defining the CCMA

7.3.11 The Coastal Change Management Area for Swale has been defined in consultation with the Environment Agency, using the experience gathered from the relevant Shoreline Management Plans, the North Sheppey Erosion Study, Swale's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and the National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping project. The SMPs for Swale (the Medway Estuary and Swale SMP and the Isle of Grain to South Foreland SMP) set a range of policies for our coastline including ‘hold the line’ around the main built-up areas, and either ‘no active intervention’ or ‘managed realignment’ for the remainder of the Borough.

7.3.12 The PPS25 Supplement Development and Coastal Change - Practice Guide, explains that CCMAs do not need to be defined where the SMP policy is to hold or advance the line (maintain existing defences or build new defences) for the whole period covered by the SMP. In order to represent this policy within the CCMA, the built-up areas have been excluded from the CCMA.

Defining erosion and coastal landslip

7.3.13 The SMPs for Swale are a high-level examination of the coastal change issues within our Borough. In order to make this more relevant on the ground more detail was needed and for this we turned to the North Sheppey Erosion Study (draft 2011/2012). This draft study establishes, in more detail than the SMPs, the likely erosion lines over the next 50 and 100 years for the area of coast between Minster Cliffs and Warden Bay, as shown on the CCMA map. This area subject to erosion has been divided into two areas – erosion that is likely to occur in the next 50 years and that which is likely to occur in the next 100 years. There are a number of homes and caravan parks within the erosion zone. Due to the different lengths of time highlighted here, different policies for each of these erosion areas have been developed.

7.3.14 As well as erosion along the north coast of Sheppey, the SMP highlighted erosion issues around the coast at the Isle of Harty and Elmley Hills, from Ham Green to the east of Upchurch and from Funton to Raspberry Hill. However, no specific erosion extents were identified by the SMP for these areas, leaving that to further study. The National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping project (NCERM) for Kent may supply some of this extra detail and when it becomes available this element of the policy area will be reviewed. In the meantime the areas in question are sparsely populated with little built development and it is likely that issues within them could be dealt with by point 1 of this policy.

Defining permanent inundation and coastal accretion

7.3.15 There is no specific data on land expected to be affected by permanent inundation for Swale. In consultation with the Environment Agency it has been decided that the most appropriate data is the 1 in 20 (5% chance of flooding in any particular year) defended flood risk zone for 2115. This zone excludes the built-up areas (which are defended and are subject to a ‘hold the line' policy within the SMP), but does take account of climate change – using sea-level rise data to 2115. This area is likely to be larger than the area of permanent inundation but until further studies are carried out to show the area of permanent inundation (with climate change) this is considered the best data available to use. This flood risk zone data was gathered from the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for Swale, (2009). Where SFRA data is not available for the eastern edge of the Borough the Environment Agency's Flood Zone 3 is used. Coastal accretion is not considered an issue for Swale. 156 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

7.3.16 Another issue to address is that of managed realignment. The Isle of Grain to South Foreland SMP does show indicative managed realignment extents around WardenBay. While this managed realignment extent is subject to further study, in the area of Warden Bay it has been used to define the boundary of the CCMA. The Medway and Swale SMP does not show indicative managed realignment extents, but instead shows a policy line along the coast with no landward boundary. Background research for the Medway and Swale SMP included studies which indicated potential managed realignment extents. This research was used to inform policy but was not shown in the final SMP. These managed realignment extents all fall within the 1 in 20 year defended flood zone for 2115 and/or Flood Zone 3. However, instead of using these managed realignments extents to define the CCMA boundary in this area, for precautionary reasons and until further studies are carried out, the 1 in 20 defended flood zone or Flood Zone 3 will be used. It should be noted, however, that throughout the CCMA further research to investigate and define the extent, location and implementation of any managed realignment will be necessary as the SMPs’ studies progress. The issue of managed realignment, alongside all other policies within the SMPs, should be taken into account when considering planning applications to ensure integrated coastal management. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 157 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Map 7.3.1 Coastal Change Management Area 158 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Maintenance of Defences

7.3.17 It should be noted that the defended flood risk zones assumes that funding for the maintenance of existing defences is forthcoming. This is not necessarily the case and this risk should be recognised in the drawing up and administration of the Coastal Change Management Area.

Question 4

Coastal Change Management Area

Bearing in mind the data currently available, do you agree with the method used to define the Coastal Change Management Area? If not, please set out your reasons and offer an alternative option using currently available data.

7.3.18 The Coastal Change Management Area will be shown on the Proposals Map and for the purposes of this consultation is included as the Coastal Change Management Area Map. As outlined above, research into the definition of this management area is ongoing and the CCMA map shown here should be interpreted alongside the definition of the CCMA set out in paragraphs 7.3.11 to 7.3.16 above.

7.3.19 The policy for Coastal Change Management Areas defines the Coastal Change Management Area and sets out what development will be appropriate in such areas and in what circumstances. It should be read alongside PPS25 Supplement Development and Coastal Change and its Practice Guide.

7.3.20 The draft NPPF required Planning Authorities to ‘make provision for development and infrastructure that needs to be relocated away from Coastal Change Management Areas’. Within Swale this will be considered on a case by case basis, taking into account local factors as well as the impact of climate change.

Policy DM 3

Coastal Change Management Area

1. A Coastal Change Management Area has been defined around the coast of Swale, as shown on the Proposals Map. Within this area the following criteria will apply:

a. New residential building, or conversions of existing buildings to residential use, will generally not be permitted (subject to the exceptions in the criteria set out below); b. All other development, redevelopment, extensions and intensification of land uses will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that it will result in no increased risk to life or significant increase in risk to property; and c. Certain types of essential infrastructure and Ministry of Defence installations(4) may be permitted.

4 paragraphs 6.5 and 6.6 of the PPS25 Supplementary Practice Guide. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 159 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

2. Planning applications for all development within the Coastal Change Management Area’s 50 and 100 year erosion zones must be accompanied by a Coastal Erosion Vulnerability Assessment. 3. Within the 50 year indicative CCMA Erosion Zone only development directly related to the coast, such as beach huts, cafes, car parks and sites used for holiday caravans and camping may be permitted. All development will be subject to temporary planning permission. 4. Within the 100 year indicative CCMA Erosion Zone, in addition to the above, the following types of development may be permitted, subject to temporary planning permissions. In all instances clear, costed plans to manage the impact of coastal change on the development and the service it provides must be submitted:

a. Commercial or leisure activities requiring a coastal location and providing substantial economic and social benefits to the community; b. Key community infrastructure, which has to be sited within the CCMA to provide the intended benefit to the wider community; c. Subdivision of properties, including residential subdivision; and d. Limited residential extensions that are closely related to the existing scale of the property.

5. In order to make provision for development and infrastructure that needs to be relocated away from Coastal Change Management Areas within Swale applications for relocation will be considered on their merits where:

a. the proposed development replaces that which is forecast to be affected by erosion within 20 years of the date of the proposal; b. sites within the built-up area boundary are prioritised over sites outside the built-up area boundary; c. the scale of the proposed relocated development relates directly to the original site; d. the new development is located an appropriate distance inland from the Coastal Change Management Area indicated on the CCMA/Proposals Map and where possible it is in a location that is close to the coastal community from which is was displaced; and e. the existing site is either cleared and made safe or put to a temporary use beneficial to the local community.

Alternatives considered - coastal change management area development management policy

Alternatives Reasons for not pursuing

1. Exclude a Coastal Change This would be contrary to PPS25 Supplement and the draft Management Area policy. NPPF and would hinder the short-term economic potential of this area and future planning which is significant to change. Erosion is happening at an average of between 0.66m/year and 1.42m/year so planning for this inevitable change is needed. It would also be contrary to the vision and objectives of the Core Strategy. 160 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Alternatives Reasons for not pursuing

2. Define the CCMA differently. CCMA could exclude the flood zone area. This was rejected as there is no better data available at present. The Shoreline Management Plan data is not detailed enough to be used to define a line on the Proposals Map and whilst the flood zone is probably a precautionary approach it seems there is no better alternative.

3. Use the same policy criteria This was rejected because it would hinder the economic for the 50 and 100 year erosion opportunities of the area between the 50 and 100 year zones zones. which could benefit from economic development during that time.

4. Promote coastal defence This would not be economically viable and the measures works to stop coastal erosion involved with coastal defence (high flood walls, concrete and flood risk. reinforcements) may not be aesthetically or environmentally desirable.

Table 7.3.2 Alternatives considered - coastal change management area development management policy

7.4 Heritage assets

7.4.1 Heritage assets are defined by the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as "a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape positively identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions. Heritage assets are the valued components of the historic environment. They include designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority during the process of decision making or through the plan-making process (including local listing)" .

7.4.2 Swale’s built heritage is one of its greatest assets. The Borough has a wealth of historic areas, buildings, and features reflecting its Roman and medieval legacy, its naval and maritime history and its industrial and agricultural past. There are 1,850 listed buildings in Swale, 21 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and 2,685 sites on the Kent Historic Environment Record. There are also 50 designated conservation areas in the Borough. The areas range from the outstanding time-span of buildings present within Faversham, the former Royal Naval Dockyard at Sheerness to the numerous villages, hamlets and parklands. There are 4 Registered Historic Parks and Gardens, 41 listed buildings appear on the Council’s Local Buildings at Risk Register, and 13 (previously 11) on the English Heritage at Risk Register (paragraph 2.1 Swale Borough Council Built Environment Topic Paper No. 2).

7.4.3 PPS 5 Planning for the Historic Environment states that the Government’s overarching aim is that the historic environment and its heritage assets should be conserved and enjoyed for the quality of life they bring to this, and future generations. It indicates that Councils should set a positive, proactive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment in their area, taking into account the variations in type and distribution of heritage assets, as well as the contribution made by the historic environment. PPS5 also suggests that Councils establish local listings of non-designated heritage assets. Accompanying the PPS is the Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide March 2010.

7.4.4 The Government's Statement on the Historic Environment for England (2010) identified the following challenges: Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 161 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

loss and decay of Heritage Assets; maximising the potential of the historic environment in new development; ensuring flexibility of the historic environment to meet new challenges; training and skills; climate change; and economic downturn.

7.4.5 The Government's vision is that the value of the historic environment is recognised by all who have the power to shape it and that it is managed intelligently and in a way that fully realises its contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the nation.

7.4.6 The draft NPPF (2011) states that Government’s objective is that the historic environment and its heritage assets should be conserved and enjoyed for the quality of life they bring to this and future generations. Their objectives for planning for the historic environment are to:

conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance; and contribute to our knowledge and understanding of our past by capturing evidence from the historic environment and making this publicly available, particularly where a heritage asset is to be lost.

7.4.7 The Council's Ambitions for Swale aims to focus on the quality of Swale's built environment and on the preservation and promotion of local heritage and Swale's unique local characteristics.

7.4.8 This policy helps to deliver the following Core Strategy Objectives:

1. Use our historic and natural assets to drive regeneration, tourism, and environmental quality. 2. Strive for high quality design to bring a better quality of life and self-confidence to our communities. 3. With conservation and enhancement as the primary aim, sustain Faversham’s role and character as an historic market town for residents and visitors with a range of businesses and services that increase diversity and interest.

7.4.9 The Sustainability Appraisal of Pick Your Own on Policy DM3 (Heritage Assets) stated that this policy approach will achieve benefits with regard to the protection of the Borough’s heritage assets, the mechanisms proposed will also enable protection and enhancement of the landscape and townscape of the Borough through ensuring high quality designed development proposals. The emerging policy should continue to recognise the importance of the historic environment and the protection required, as identified in the current form.

7.4.10 Swale has a particularly rich legacy of heritage assets, both designated and non-designated. Drawing upon local evidence, it is important for Swale to broadly identify its strategic level heritage assets (see Statement 10), which need to be preserved or enhanced. Such assets act as regeneration and tourism drivers for the Borough, to give developments an identity and character specific to the area. Assets, buildings and features identified as at risk on National and Local registers are a particular priority.

7.4.11 There are 25 conservation area appraisals adopted and these also contain guidance for developers, householders and public bodies. Policy E15 of the Swale Borough Local Plan has been retained to guide development proposals in these areas; Policy E14 is retained in respect of Listed Buildings and Policy E17 is retained in respect of Historic Parks and Gardens. 162 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

7.4.12 Core Strategy Policy DM 4 recognises the wider role that heritage assets should play in the economy and in our quality of life and as drivers of regeneration, place making and tourism. It will strive to conserve or enhance the Borough's non-designated heritage assets and improve the standard of development in these areas. It highlights the need for a sensitive integration between the historic interest and the challenges of low carbon futures.

7.4.13 The Council will produce a list of Swale's non-designated local heritage assets as soon as resources permit.

Statement 10

Swale's Strategic Heritage Assets

These include:

Early settlements around Roman Watling Street and coastal creeks; Saxon and Norman settlements evidenced by e.g. defensive sites and churches; Former monastic establishments at Faversham and Minster; Medieval farmsteads with attendant barns, oast houses and outbuildings; Rural lanes and droving tracks; The array of coaching inns centered at Sittingbourne, together with other features e.g. milestones, associated with its travelling past; The legacy of the industries of e.g. gunpowder production, milling, brewing, brick making, barge building, paper production and maritime trading; Structures and features relating to pioneer aviators on Sheppey; Centuries of Naval history at the Royal Naval Dockyard at Sheerness; and World War II defensive structures, including those of strategic importance in the Battle of Britain.

Policy DM 4

Heritage Assets

The Council, in partnership with developers and other parties, will support the preservation or enhancement of Swale’s heritage assets, both designated and non-designated, and will help to create an individual sense of place and special identity for all areas. Development proposals will be permitted which conserve or enhance heritage assets by:

1. Protecting Swale's heritage assets and their settings; including listed buildings, conservation areas, archaeological sites, historic parks and gardens and scheduled ancient monuments; 2. Paying particular attention to preserving or enhancing Swale's heritage assets, especially those strategic level heritage assets as identified by the Core Strategy; 3. Bringing heritage assets into sensitive and sustainable use within strategic allocations, area action plans, neighbourhood plans, regeneration areas and town centres, especially for assets identified as being at risk on national and local registers; Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 163 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

4. Responding positively to the conservation area appraisals and management strategies prepared by the Council; 5. Respecting the integrity of the original design and setting of historic buildings, whilst meeting the challenges of a low carbon future; and 6. Supporting the appropriate use of heritage assets in rural areas for employment and tourism uses.

Alternatives considered - heritage assets development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

No Heritage Assets Policy. This would risk the loss of local distinctiveness, heritage and culture for Swale, alongside a loss of tourism potential and a downgrading of the built environment and loss of amenity.

Table 7.4.1 Alternatives considered - heritage assets development management policy

7.5 Natural assets

7.5.1 Swale’s diverse natural environment is one of its key attractions and assets. This section addresses the protection and enhancement of biodiversity, landscape character and quality and the wider countryside. General protection of the countryside is provided by Core Strategy Policy CP 1, Sustainable Development in Swale.

7.5.2 PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development recognises the value of the natural environment to both economic and social wellbeing.

7.5.3 PPS9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation aims to maintain and enhance, restore or add to biodiversity and geological conservation interests. Appropriate weight in decision making should be attached to designated sites of international, national and local importance, protected species, and to biodiversity and geological interests within the wider environment. It advises Council's to take a strategic approach to biodiversity and geology. For example, Local Development Frameworks should identify any areas or sites for the restoration or creation of new priority habitats which contribute to regional targets. Council's should also promote opportunities for the incorporation of beneficial biodiversity and geological features within the design of development. A good practice guide has also been produced.

7.5.4 PPS7 Sustainable Development in Rural Areas looks to protect the diversity of its landscapes, heritage and wildlife, with greater priority given to statutorily designated sites of landscape quality e.g. Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Landscape Character Assessments and supporting criteria–based policies are advocated as the means to address changes to landscapes. The Borough also contains significant levels of the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 & 3a). The PPS states that where significant development of agricultural land is unavoidable, local planning authorities should seek to use areas of poorer quality land (grades 3b, 4 and 5) in preference to that of a higher quality, except where this would be inconsistent with other sustainability considerations. 164 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

7.5.5 The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2011) states that the Government’s objective is that planning should help to deliver a healthy natural environment for the benefit of everyone and safe places which promote wellbeing. To achieve this objective, the planning system should aim to conserve and enhance the natural and local environment by:

1. protecting valued landscapes; 2. minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity, where possible; and 3. preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of land, air, water or noise pollution or land instability.

7.5.6 In relation to landscape and biodiversity the draft NPPF states that "local planning authorities should set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development on or affecting protected wildlife sites or landscape areas will be judged." (paragraph 166, page 46.) It also states that Plans must "minimise impacts on biodiversity and provide net gains in biodiversity, where possible."

7.5.7 Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP) have been prepared for key habitats and species in Swale (see Statement 11). These cover both designated (i.e. sites formally judged to be internationally, nationally or locally important) and non-designated sites. Of these BAP habitats, Swale is important for its mud flats and sand flats, which account for over a third of the total in Kent. Some 86% of this habitat in Swale is formally designated. Other wetland habitats represent almost 30% of the Kent total, with nearly 20% of it reedbeds - a national priority habitat. Some 79% of these wetlands in Swale are designated. Grazing marsh in Swale accounts for over 20% of this habitat in Kent. Within Swale, over 70% lies within designated areas.

Statement 11

Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats in Swale

UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Chalk grassland, acid grassland, neutral grassland, wood-pasture and parkland, vegetated shingle, maritime cliffs, reedbeds, arable field margins, coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, intertidal mudflats (littoral sediment), saltmarsh, ponds, traditional orchards and hedgerows.

Kent Biodiversity Action Plan: Ancient and/or species rich hedgerows, built-up areas and gardens, cereal field margins, coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, coastal saltmarsh, coastal vegetated shingle, standing open water, wet woodland, lowland calcareous grassland, maritime cliff and slope, mixed broadleaved woodland and plantations, lowland wood-pasture and parkland, mudflats, old orchards, reedbeds, and lowland meadow.

Swale Biodiversity Action Plan : Orchards, estuary habitats, woodlands, wildflower grassland, farmland, built-up areas and gardens.

7.5.8 The Kent Wildlife Trust have prepared Biodiversity Opportunity statements which identify specific opportunities to implement the Kent BAP. They indicate where the delivery of BAP targets should be focused to secure maximum benefits to biodiversity. Four Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) are identified for Swale and will form part of the Council's Green Infrastructure Map: Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 165 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Medway Gap and North Kent Downs; North Kent Marshes; Mid Kent Downs Wood and Scarp; and The Blean.

Map 7.5.1 Biodiversity Opportunity Areas 166 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

7.5.9 The Kent Habitat Survey 2003 is a comprehensive survey of the County's semi-natural habitats using the Phase 1 habitat classification system. It informs the assessment of environmental impact, together with the guiding of strategic planning. It identifies that Swale is important for its mud and sand flats, wetland habitats and neutral grassland, most of which can be found within designated habitats.

7.5.10 The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2009-2014 aims to secure the conservation and enhancement of the Kent Downs while supporting the social and economic wellbeing of its communities. It has been formally adopted by the Council.

7.5.11 Ambitions for Swale aims to protect and enhance the natural environment, whilst creating a cleaner and greener Swale in which people choose to live and work.

7.5.12 The Sustainability Appraisal on Pick your own recommended including further discussions and explanation of green infrastructure and links to Core Strategy Policy CP9 (Green Infrastructure).

7.5.13 The Swale Biodiversity Action Plan (see Statement 11) focuses on a number of Kent BAP habitats of importance to the Borough. One priority directly supporting the need for a greener urban environment are the Borough's built-up areas and gardens which provide suitable habitats for a number of UK BAP priority species. Building structures also often mimic favoured natural habitats, whilst previously developed land can be particularly important for rare insects. In contrast to many other habitats, built-up areas and gardens are increasing in extent, but pressure for building on previously developed land can threaten important habitats/species. The quality of the built environment from the point of view of wildlife may also be decreasing e.g. loss of cover in gardens, off-road parking and improved building regulations restricting access to cavities in buildings.

7.5.14 The Council's adopted Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal 2011 provides guidelines on the Borough's 42 local character areas and identifies habitat enhancement opportunities in each. It examines the current distribution of priority habitats, and identifies opportunities for linking these areas to form a more coherent and healthy network to better cope with future environmental change.

Local Landscape Designations and Landscape Character Assessment

7.5.15 PYO responses on this topic included support for local landscape designations, despite being restrictive, as their purpose is easily understood as protecting the open and rural setting of the area and are generally held in high regard by local communities. Objectors support the use of criteria-based policies as opposed to area based designations, as the latter are regarded as unnecessarily restrictive of reasonable agricultural development in the countryside. The PPS7 approach to develop criteria based policies outside of the AONB area, as opposed to designations, should therefore be followed.

7.5.16 From an ecological viewpoint the use of the Council’s Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessment, alongside the targets contained within the Biodiversity Opportunity Statements and the Swale Biodiversity Action Plan, was felt to provide far more resilient protection, enhancement and extension of biodiversity than designations by PYO respondents.

7.5.17 Special Landscape Areas and Areas of High Landscape Value were contained in the adopted Local Plan but have not been pursued in this Core Strategy. The Council has moved towards a criteria based policy using the Council’s Landscape Character and Biodiversity Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 167 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Assessment SPD (see above). This treats all the countryside outside of designated areas more equally. Landscape Character Assessments assess the condition and sensitivity of all the countryside and set out guidelines for action.

Local Countryside Gaps

7.5.18 In PYO responses, the local countryside gaps policy was supported by those who consider that encroachment of development on them would affect tourism as a significant contributor to the area in terms of investment and employment. It was argued that Swale should not conjoin with Maidstone, Medway or Canterbury and safeguard against the coalescence of settlements.

7.5.19 Objectors found the local countryside gaps policy to be unnecessary with no basis in national planning policy advice and was another example of the over protective, over planned approach to planning in Swale. It was also noted that the Council’s own Swale Urban Extension Landscape Capacity Study demonstrates that many of the areas subject to such countryside gap policies have landscape capacity to accommodate development while maintaining the objective of preventing coalescence.

7.5.20 In the Swale Borough Local Plan, these were areas of countryside between the urban edges of Sittingbourne and nearby villages and were intended to prevent the merging of these settlements. A further gap was designated between the settlements of Sheerness, Queenborough, Halfway and Minster and between the Medway Towns and settlements to their east. From a planning policy perspective, they are tools to prevent coalescence and as such they play only a minor role in positively managing the character of the countryside. As a result the Council does not intend to identify these gaps on the Proposals Map; instead references to the separation of settlements are made within relevant strategy policies and strategic allocations.

7.5.21 Policy DM 5 helps to deliver the following Core Strategy Objectives:

1. Adapt to climate change with innovation, reduced use of resources, managed risk to our communities and opportunities for biodiversity to thrive. 2. Support economic success and improve community wellbeing with a network of maintained, protected and improved natural assets in town and country. 3. Use our historic and natural assets to drive regeneration, tourism, and environmental quality. 4. Improve prosperity and environmental quality with efficient and sustainable transport networks.

7.5.22 The Natural Assets Policy DM 5 relates to the approach to identified and/or designated natural assets whilst the Landscape Character and Biodiversity Policy DM 6 seeks to integrate landscape and biodiversity considerations in both urban and rural contexts. Both policies are aimed at supporting the Borough's natural assets as a key part of sustainable development and local distinctiveness and to bring biodiversity benefits into the detailed design of new developments.

Policy DM 5

Natural Assets

The quality, character and amenity value of the wider countryside of the Borough, which is all the land falling outside the built-up area boundaries as defined on the Proposals Map, will be protected and where possible enhanced. To facilitate this, development proposals will ensure that: 168 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

1. Designated landscape and biodiversity assets which are supported by international and national policy, as shown on the Proposals Map are conserved and enhanced; 2. The objectives and guidance of relevant environmental and bio-diversity management and action plans are supported; 3. Local and regional biodiversity assets, such as Local Wildlife Sites, Local Nature Reserves and ancient woodland, as shown on the Proposals Map are conserved and where possible enhanced; and 4. Biodiversity Opportunity Areas as shown on the Green Infrastructure Map and on the Proposal Map, are used as the basis for prioritising habitat enhancement, linked to Biodiversity Action Plans, in the wider countryside. These areas will be priority targets for enhancement when it becomes necessary to mitigate potential harm to the integrity of designated habitats protected by European law. 5. The implementation of recommendations of the North Kent study of the bird population and visitor impact on designated areas (5); and any strategic avoidance and/or mitigation measures proposed will be considered in all future planning documents.

Alternatives considered - natural assets development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Give no protection to Natural This would be against international and national policy and laws Assets and afford inadequate protection to habitats of protected species. It would also give inadequate protection for nationally recognised landscapes. Finally, it would potentially undermine recreational and health benefits for people and undermine the quality, local character and amenity value of the countryside.

2. Give additional protection, This would deter developers and therefore have an impact on above that of National policy. the economy and less housing completions and not accord with current national planning policy.

3. Use local area based Not in accordance with current national policy guidance and landscape and countryside gap issues can be effectively addressed via the Landscape designations. Character and Biodiversity Assessments and where appropriate, in the relevant strategic area policies.

Table 7.5.1 Alternatives considered - natural assets development management policy

Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessments

7.5.23 The following policy requires the use of landscape character and biodiversity assessments to assess how development, both large and small, and other initiatives are responding to the actions and guidelines in these supporting documents. The Council's Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal 2011 has been adopted as an SPD and provides guidelines for action to improve landscape condition and sensitivity and indicates where new habitats could be created. Improving the biodiversity present within urban environments is also a key objective of the policy. Use of the Kent Design Guide (Appendix:Making it Happen - Landscaping, February 2007) is a key expectation upon developers, to create multiple features including bird roosting/nesting places

5 North Kent Phase 1 Bird Disturbance Report Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 169 Framework of Development Management Policies 7 on and within new buildings, aids to hibernation, green and brown roofs, habitats on railways, road and cycle path verges, connected hedgerows, wildlife underpasses and green bridges, which can further Swale’s green infrastructure. For further guidance for proposals involving the keeping of horses, the Council will also consider revision and re-adoption of its former supplementary planning guidance The Erection of Stables and Keeping of Horses.

Policy DM 6

Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessments

The Council expects development proposals, to be informed by consideration of landscape character and biodiversity assessment, and to further the aims, guidelines and targets of Biodiversity Action Plans and the Council's Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessment SPD. Development proposals will need to demonstrate that they:

1. Consider the key landscape and biodiversity characteristics for the area of the proposal, including the existing and potential contribution from existing developed areas, and integrate them sensitively within the design and layout of proposals; 2. Avoid or reduce any harm and/or incorporate design measures to mitigate any impacts to an acceptable level; 3. Promote biodiversity within the landscape structure and built design of development by reference to best practice guidance; and 4. Steer significant habitat and landscape scale enhancements to the Biodiversity Opportunity Areas, as identified on the Green Infrastructure Plan, and/or to landscape character areas whose condition is determined as poor by the Council's Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessment SPD, particularly in instances where off-site mitigation is appropriate.

Alternatives considered - landscape character and biodiversity assessments development management policy

Alternatives Reasons for not pursuing

1. Use a designations based This would be against national policy as no recent review has Policy. been undertaken. It would also not offer the same level of protection for the whole of the Borough. Finally, using criteria based policies, alongside targets in Biodiversity Opportunity Statements and the Swale Biodiversity Action Plan, provides far more resilient protection, enhancement and extension of biodiversity than landscape designations alone.

Table 7.5.2 Alternatives considered - landscape character and biodiversity assessments development management policy

Agricultural Land

7.5.24 PPS7 Sustainable Development in Rural Areas states that where significant development of agricultural land is unavoidable, local planning authorities should seek to use areas of poorer quality land (grades 3b, 4 and 5) in preference to that of a higher quality, except where this would be inconsistent with other sustainability considerations. 170 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

7.5.25 The draft National Planning Policy Framework says that local planning authorities should “take into account the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, local planning authorities should seek to use areas of poorer quality land in preference to that of a higher quality, except where this would be inconsistent with other sustainability considerations or the Local Plan’s growth strategy and where poorer quality land is unavailable or unsuitable.” (paragraph 167).

7.5.26 Swale has a wide area of some of the highest quality of agricultural land in the UK (called best and most versatile). It is found within a broad belt running east west around the A2. This reflects the wind blown deposits of brickearth that are especially conducive to growing a wide range of crops and made the area renowned for its fruit growing.

7.5.27 Within the fruit belt, mixed farmland and arable landscapes of the Borough the features of the present agricultural landscape probably began to be developed as the light soils were cleared during the Neolithic period and Roman times.

7.5.28 The area is one of the most productive agricultural areas in Kent due to the fine loam soils and favourable climatic conditions and a high proportion of arable land with very little stock rearing dominates the agricultural character of the area.

7.5.29 Agriculture continues to shape the nature and character of the countryside and Swale remains associated with a long history of fruit production. Agriculture shapes much of the diversity of the Borough’s environmental resources too, including internationally important estuarine and coastal habits in the North Kent Marshes, the central plain of orchards and arable land, the wooded clay outcrop of The Blean, and the southern woodlands and dry chalk valleys of the North Downs dip-slope.

7.5.30 Swale contains, proportionately, some of the most significant levels of the highest quality agricultural land in the UK. Around 80% of Swale’s land is managed through agriculture.

7.5.31 Production of soft and top fruits is high in Swale and is gradually increasing. This increased demand for locally produced fruit will lead to increased need for modern farming techniques to guarantee crops.

7.5.32 The evidence for Swale’s approach to agricultural land is that our agricultural sector has always been historically important to the area in terms of its identity and economy and the proportion of best and most versatile land that is present here. Food security and locally produced food is also of growing national concern and therefore Swale needs to make greater efforts to protect its best and most versatile farmland.

7.5.33 In response to Pick Your Own, the National Farmers Union (NFU) and developers highlighted the guidance within PPS7 and see no reason to depart from this locally as an additional layer of protection. In contrast, CPRE argue that the need to protect the highest quality land must be an underpinning consideration in determining the level and distribution of future development. It is strongly apparent within responses to the PYO strategic spatial options that protection of the Borough’s resource in the interest of local food provision and food security is high in the minds of many residents.

7.5.34 The Sustainability Appraisal(2011)on Pick Your Own stated that there may be competing pressures for agriculture land due to climate change and greater proportions of land falling within flood risk areas due to rising sea levels and surface water issues. There is also a need to be Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 171 Framework of Development Management Policies 7 more self sufficient in light of associated emission impacts from importing foods and the need to develop on non brownfield land. This illustrates a demand for increased protection of agricultural land, not currently supported by Government policy.

7.5.35 The best and most versatile land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a), as defined by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, is a national resource for the future. Its presence is a strong influence on whether development should be permitted and it is intended to ensure that it is only developed when there is an overriding need, and when other options have been examined first, having regard to other sustainability considerations.

7.5.36 This policy supports the following Core Strategy Objective:

Support our farming and food sectors so that they are at the forefront of increasing food security, reducing food miles and local food consumption.

Policy DM 7

Agricultural Land

Development on agricultural land will only be permitted when there is an overriding need that cannot be met firstly on land within the built-up area boundaries. Development on best and most versatile agricultural land (specifically Grades 1, 2 and 3a) will not be permitted unless:

1. There is no alternative site on land of poorer agricultural quality; and 2. Alternative sites have a greater importance for landscape, amenity, heritage or natural resource reasons, or where significant harm to other sustainability considerations would be demonstrated; and 3. The development will not result in the remainder of the agricultural holding becoming not viable.

Alternatives considered - agricultural land development management policy

Alternatives Reasons for not pursuing

1. No agricultural land policy Swale has a significant proportion of this national resource and and rely on Government policy. is a key aspect of the Borough's identity, its economy and the Core Strategy's vision. This warrants additional protection over and above that in national policy.

2. Restrict all development on Swale could not meet its housing target, when national policy agricultural land. says that such land can be used in certain circumstances. Farm diversification could also be reduced with an associated impact on rural employment opportunities.

Table 7.5.3 Alternatives considered - agricultural land development management policy 172 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

7.6 Enabling development for landscape and biodiversity enhancement

7.6.1 Nationally, biodiversity is in serious decline across a range of species and habitats. In rural areas, this decline is often associated with the condition of local landscapes. Both national planning policy in PPS9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation and the draft National Planning Policy Framework, state that where the principal objective of a development proposal is to conserve or enhance biodiversity and geological conservation interests, it should be permitted.

7.6.2 In response to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan identifies priorities and targets for action on habitats and species in Swale, whilst the Swale BAP focuses on habitats of importance to the Borough and targets landscapes for action. Like biodiversity, some parts of the landscape within Swale are also under pressure. The Swale Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal 2011found that of forty-two identified character areas, the condition of five were classed as poor, with a further sixteen as moderate. To target where enhancements to biodiversity would be most effective, the Kent Wildlife Trust has identified a series of Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) that are incorporated within the Council’s Core Strategy Green Infrastructure Plan (Policy CP 7).

Map 7.6.1 Landscape condition in Swale (2010)

7.6.3 The Pick Your Own consultation proposed that in exceptional situations development could be permitted in locations where it would not be otherwise allowed, when it enabled landscape and biodiversity enhancements to be achieved. Responses were mixed, including some which were overall positive to the suggested policy, but some developers regarding it as unduly onerous; and some conservation bodies concerned that this would lead to pressure for inappropriate residential development in the countryside. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 173 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

7.6.4 Carefully planned development can bring biodiversity and landscape benefits that can contribute to the green infrastructure network. However, this is most likely to be focused within and at the urban edges, rather than areas in need in the wider countryside. This policy looks to facilitate enhancements more widely in a way that does not undermine the Core Strategy and targets real and substantial benefits to areas identified as a priority for enhancement.

7.6.5 This policy is only likely to be applicable in a relatively small number of exceptional situations involving development that is small in scale and substantial in benefit. The whole purpose of such proposals will be the substantial and disproportionate benefits to landscape and biodiversity that they will provide. These should be such that they decisively outweigh the impacts of breaching other public policies.

7.6.6 Development must be otherwise acceptable were it not for policies intended to protect the undeveloped character of the countryside. Central to the proposals will be landscape and biodiversity enhancements targeted at one of the Biodiversity Opportunity Areas and/or one of the areas whose landscape condition the Council has described as poor. Legally binding management proposals, with measurable and time-bound targets both aimed at meeting those in Biodiversity Action Plans and supported by a recognised wildlife body would be expected. They will include measures to ensure implementation, management and review in perpetuity.

7.6.7 The degree to which the benefits would be both substantial and disproportionate will be a key test and are likely to relate to both the scale of the enhancement land in question relative to the development footprint. Other tests will relate to its potential contribution to meeting National, Kent and Swale BAP targets for biodiversity, and the degree to which they can be maintained over time.

Policy DM 8

Enabling development for landscape and biodiversity enhancement

Enabling development will be permitted for proposals that contravene planning policies for the protection of the countryside, when it is:

1. Of a high quality of design that benefits the condition of both landscape and biodiversity both substantially and disproportionately; 2. Securing the long-term future and appropriate management of land within Biodiversity Opportunity Areas as identified by Policy DM5 and/or landscapes in poor condition as identified by the Swale Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal 2011; 3. Contributing significantly to targets identified in UK, Kent and Swale Biodiversity Action Plans; 4. Wholly necessary to resolve problems arising from the condition of the landscape and its biodiversity, rather than the circumstances of the present owner, or the purchase price paid; 5. Demonstrated that sufficient subsidy is not available from any other sources and that the amount of enabling development is the minimum necessary; 6. In locations that do not lead to dispersed development patterns and/or lengthy journeys to access jobs and services; and 7. Demonstrated that after any dis-benefits have been minimised and mitigated, the overall benefits of the proposals decisively outweigh harm to other public interests and policies. 174 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Alternatives considered - enabling development for landscape and biodiversity enhancement development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Provide no policy on this This would not have a negative impact on the issue, but it would issue. remove the opportunity for the potential for a small number of cases to contribute significantly to landscape and biodiversity enhancement in Swale at a time when public funding is likely to be limited.

2. To loosen criteria in the Although this would contribute to the desired effect, the policy policy to enable more is potentially capable of undermining other planning policies developments to contribute. and as such its use must be seen to be exceptional.

3. To apply policy only to areas The policy as currently worded does not rule this out, a specific the subject of a formal focus on designated sites could lead to development pressures environmental designation. that would undermine the purpose of the designation.

Table 7.6.1 Alternatives considered - enabling development for landscape and biodiversity enhancement development management policy

7.7 Rural economy

7.7.1 The rural areas are considerable generators of wealth ranging from agricultural production and processing, tourism and the wide range of small to medium sized businesses that operate there. There is also a hidden rural economy, represented by a significant number of home-workers.

7.7.2 The draft National Planning Policy Framework supports sustainable economic growth in rural areas by expecting a positive approach to new development, including tourism and leisure developments which respect the character of the countryside and can benefit rural businesses, communities and visitors alike.

7.7.3 Ambitions for Swale aims to support rural economic development, especially through the continued development of the tourism and leisure markets.

7.7.4 The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Unit’s farm diversification toolkit can help farmers take a balanced and integrated approach to making changes on their farm. Its additional relevance to the wider rural area is commended.

7.7.5 Responses to the Pick Your Own consultation were supportive of a policy for the rural economy with concerns focusing upon the environmental consequences of support for polytunnels and for major produce storage and processing hubs. The potential needs of home-workers had also been overlooked.

7.7.6 Policy DM 9 supports Core Strategy objectives intended to encourage growth sectors and enable farming and food sectors to remain at the forefront of increasing food security and reducing food miles. Tourism is considered by Policy DM 10.

7.7.7 The Policy seeks to steer larger scales of general employment to existing centres in order to be close to existing populations and to limit impacts upon the wider countryside. Outside these areas, there are many existing buildings that will normally benefit from re-use, but there may be instances where employment uses may need to be in locations where they can benefit a particular Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 175 Framework of Development Management Policies 7 place or community and where a new building should be supported. Considering whether the scale of development is large or small will be determined by a combination of factors, including the number of employees, the resultant traffic movements and the scale of the building relative to its context.

7.7.8 Agriculture is a key economic sector for the Borough. The 2010 National Farmers Union publication The Future of Farming in Kent highlights the need for the industry to keep pace with the changing context brought about by climate change, food security, global markets, major food retailers and changing legislation/guidance. This may include the need for facilities such as large scale crop storage facilities and new growing technologies. As a Borough with a significant woodland resource, its potential management for woodland products and renewable energy projects is also highlighted.

7.7.9 In all cases, the potential impacts on the amenity of the countryside and its communities will be considered, especially when there could be detrimental impacts upon the landscape, heritage assets or local amenity caused by the development itself, its use or the traffic generated.

Policy DM 9

The Rural Economy

Development proposals that achieve sustainable and prosperous rural economies, including the development of local rural skills, will be supported provided that they are in accordance with the following criteria:

1. For non-agricultural/forestry sectors:

a. Larger scales of development shall be located at Local Service Centres as identified by the Swale Sustainable Development Policy CP1; and b. Smaller scale proposals shall re-use or appropriately extend existing buildings in the first instance or demonstrate that their location is necessary to support the needs of rural communities or the active and sustainable management of the countryside.

2. For the agricultural/forestry sectors:

a. Initiatives that extend the growing season, or improve the reliability or availability of local crops; b. Storage, distribution and 'added value' activities that are located in central hubs close to crop sources and the primary or secondary road network; c. An increase in the availability of locally grown food sold direct to the consumer can be achieved; d. The use of renewable energy sources can be increased; and e. The sustainable management of woodlands can be achieved.

3. For all rural employment proposals:

a. Adopt the use and/or modest extension of available previously developed land and buildings before developing greenfield land; 176 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

b. Avoid significant harm to the historical, architectural, biodiversity or landscape character interests of the surrounding area; and c. Avoid scales of traffic generation incompatible with the character of the rural area.

Alternatives considered - the rural economy development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. To have no policy on the This would have the effect of encouraging rural jobs but would issue. not give the Council the opportunity to respond to local strengths and issues around the agricultural economy or to provide any basis for considering the location of larger scales of growth. There would be reliance on national policy guidance which is subject to change.

2. To loosen criteria in the See 1. above. policy to enable more employment development to be provided.

3. To tighten criteria in the Proposals could be limited to those that require a rural area, or policy. could be limited to locations only accessible to public transport. This would be to ignore the reality of business activities that now take place in the rural area. The key objective is considered to be the safeguarding of the amenity of the rural area and in that sense it should not matter what the nature of the rural business is provided it meets the policy criteria. Whilst limiting the location to areas well served by public transport would encourage sustainably located development, it would not necessarily recognise the fragmented nature of public transport provision in rural areas or the reliance upon the private motor car. Criteria in the policy do however consider the scale of growth on the road network and the need to avoid significant harm to environmental assets.

Table 7.7.1 Alternatives considered - the rural economy development management policy

7.8 Tourism

7.8.1 Tourism is an important part of the local economy. Given the outstanding environment in Swale, the Council is keen to expand sustainable rural tourism to benefit local communities, economically and socially, and to raise awareness and support for conservation of the environment. For example, the Principles of Sustainable Tourism in the Kent Downs AONB, together with the Green Tourism Business Scheme support this process. The need for hotel development for both tourism and to support business is set out at Policy CP 2.

7.8.2 PPS4 Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth promotes tourism as part of town centre regeneration, whilst sustainable rural tourism that benefits rural businesses, communities and visitors can be supported, where it does not harm the character of the environment. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 177 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

7.8.3 The Government good practice guide on Planning for Tourism (2006) states that tourism is of crucial importance to the economic, social and environmental well-being of the whole country. Tourism can also bring many broader benefits that will contribute to the economic and social well being of local communities by supporting and enhancing local services and facilities and ensuring retention of public services. Tourism can help revitalise a locality, in particular villages and rural areas.

7.8.4 The draft NPPF states in the rural economy section that planning policies should “support sustainable rural tourism and leisure developments that benefit rural businesses, communities and visitors and which respect the character of the countryside. This should include supporting the provision and expansion of tourist and visitor facilities in appropriate locations where identified needs are not met by existing facilities in rural service centres.” (Paragraph 81, Page 20.)

7.8.5 Ambitions for Swale looks to the major opportunities for developing tourism further in the Borough, especially given its high quality environment. Growth is strongly associated with improvements in the cultural sector and wider environmental enhancement.

This policy will help to deliver the following Core Strategy Spatial Objectives:

1. Using our coastal assets to support a strong economy and a sustainably managed environment; 2. Using our historic and natural assets to drive regeneration, tourism and environmental quality; 3. Developing tourism and culture to support regeneration, employment growth, communities and environmental management; and 4. Reinforcing Sheppey’s uniqueness by ensuring change supports Sheerness as its commercial focus; strengthens and integrates communities at Rushenden, Queenborough and Minster/Halfway; manages coastal and heritage assets; modernise leisure and tourism industries; and supporting isolated communities.

Statement 12

Swale's Most Important Tourism Assets

Existing:

Coast - beaches, cliffs, lively seaside resorts inc. holiday parks and amusements, wild landscapes and marshes, Saxon Shoreway, Church Marshes, bird life and quiet sailing waters. The Isle of Sheppey is a point of difference in Kent. Countryside - downland, valleys, woodlands, orchards, parkland, narrow lanes, picturesque villages and houses and a network of foot and cycle paths (including a National Cycle Route) and bridleways. Built heritage - a great range of heritage assets reflecting its Roman and Medieval legacy, its naval and maritime history and its industrial and agricultural past, including 1,850 listed buildings, 21 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, 2,685 sites in the Sites and Monument Records, 50 designated conservation areas and 4 Registered Historic Parks and Gardens. Fruit Heritage - The National Fruit Collection. Festivals - Various eg. Hop, 'fruit' celebrations. Market Town - Faversham; small historic Cinque Port town, lively town centre, unexploited creeks. Industrial heritage - gunpowder, naval, brewing, aviation, 'defence of the realm', sailing barges, brick and paper-making. 178 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Food and drink - high quality restaurants, pubs and local food suppliers. Accommodation - small number of hotels, pubs with rooms, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments.

Emerging/further potential:

Faversham, Sheerness, naval and aviation history and facilities, sustainable rural tourism e.g. walking/cycling, other outdoor activities and sustainable accommodation.

7.8.6 Many visitors come to Swale for the seaside, historic Faversham, the outstanding countryside or to see some of the many other attractions. If this interest is not to be lost, it is essential that existing attractions and facilities are retained and improved, alongside the development of new ones. This also means that it is important that tourist accommodation, particularly serviced accommodation, which is relatively scarce in the Borough, is retained.

7.8.7 The Borough Council generally supports the provision of new tourist attractions and facilities, in appropriate locations, for the valuable contribution they can make to the local economy. In doing so, however, the Council recognises that there are often understandable reservations about the effects such developments can have. The potential for a particular area or site to accommodate additional tourist attractions and facilities will, therefore, depend on its capacity and the type of development proposed. The Core Strategy also needs to recognise that new types of activities may be needed during the holiday season if modern visitor expectations are to be met. In some cases this may mean minor extensions to existing holiday parks for new services and facilities as part of an overall approach to modernisation. Such minor extensions must be within the environmental, landscape and flood risk constraints of the site.

Policy DM 10

Tourism

Proposals for new tourism facilities and accommodation will be permitted provided they are in accordance with the following criteria:

1. They are located within the main urban centres of Faversham, Sheerness and Sittingbourne. Exceptionally, hotel development would be acceptable outside of these areas subject to accessibility, good design, economic viability and be situated close to sustainable modes of transport. 2. They are of a sustainable nature, if the proposal involves the conversion and/or modest expansion or redevelopment of existing rural buildings. 3. Provide bed and breakfast accommodation in the rural settlements or as part of farm diversification schemes. 4. Protect and enhance natural environmental assets which are important to the Borough's tourism industry. 5. Support growth in existing and potential key tourism assets. 6. Support the modernisation and upgrading of holiday park facilities. 7. Proposals which involve the loss of viable tourism enterprises will generally be resisted, unless other regeneration or tourism objectives in the locality can compensate for the loss. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 179 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Alternatives considered - tourism development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. No Tourism Policy. A concerted approach to tourism is required to ensure regeneration benefits and opportunities for local residents and the local economy can be realised given that tourism is a significant employment driver within Swale.

2. Have a Policy with a more There is potential for increased environmental and amenity flexible criteria. impacts arising from tourism proposals contrary to the draft NPPF and the Core Strategy’s countryside protection policies.

Table 7.8.1 Alternatives considered - tourism development management policy

Holiday Parks

7.8.8 In Swale, the Isle of Sheppey currently has 56 operational holiday parks comprising some 6,731 chalets and caravans (4,135 caravans and 2,596 chalets) occupying in total about 193 ha of land. This amounts to around 1.9% of the UK total and the largest concentration in Kent.

7.8.9 Nationally the park format varies considerably from tents to luxuriously furnished timber lodges with en-suite bathrooms. In Swale the format is more traditionally based on chalets and caravans, although eco-lodge initiatives are of emerging interest.

7.8.10 Nationally, the industry generates an annual £2.9 billion spend within (principally) UK rural economies. As well as direct employment, holiday park users support shops, pubs, restaurants and visitor attractions. National Tourist Board research suggests that every two caravan holiday-home pitch supports one rural job. There can also be other social benefits in that they provide work in areas where little alternative employment exists. The changing nature and flexibility of the leisure market and the higher aspirations of customers today are causing leisure providers to continually develop new concepts, responding to consumer needs and aspirations.

7.8.11 Swale faces a number of challenges within its holiday park tourism sector:

Whilst some parks have been modernised to meet changing needs, others are of poor quality and are in need of improvement. Holiday parks are for short term tourism occupation, and a good economic case has been made for allowing occupancy for a greater portion of the year (although some planning challenges have arisen as a result of year round occupation). The space available for parks is being squeezed by coastal cliff erosion, flood risk and restrictive policies to prevent expansion outside defined holiday areas.

7.8.12 Ambitions for Swale says that there are major opportunities for developing tourism further in the Borough, especially given its high quality environment. Growth in this sector is strongly associated with improvements in the cultural sector and wider environmental enhancement.

7.8.13 Pick Your Own responses on the topic of extending the holiday park occupancy season to enable them to compete with other parks in the region which have 10 or 12 month occupancies (to allow for increased occupancy rates and therefore justify investment) were split . Those who supported an occupancy expansion felt that it would increase investment in the industry which would lead to more visitors and therefore an increased benefit to local businesses and to the 180 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

regeneration of Sheppey, and expand business during off peak times. Others believed that if the accommodation was of a good standard, then there was no reason why it should not be occupied all year round. Objections to increased occupancy periods focused on the additional pressure on roads and social infrastructure, the quality of local amenity which is part of the tourism attraction and potential impact upon the North Kent Special Protection Areas, which are vital to the over-wintering bird populations during the season (October-March).

7.8.14 To date, most holiday parks in Swale have been restricted to an eight month period of occupation. On sites not at risk from flooding, an additional 11 day period is allowed for Christmas and the New Year. These restrictions were imposed to ensure that the accommodation was not used as permanent housing, in order to protect the rural character of the area and give a period of tranquillity for part of the year, as they are located in areas where planning permission would not normally be granted for permanent residential development. In a minority of sites which are located in areas at risk of flooding, permanent occupation over the winter period could give rise to risk to the lives of occupiers of the accommodation should flooding occur and potential homelessness.

7.8.15 The Council’s longstanding approach has been to refuse planning permission to increase occupancy periods beyond eight months and the Christmas/New Year periods. However, the local industry believes that there may be situations where a 10 month occupancy period could be considered, which would give more scope and incentive to enable modernisation and upgrading to take place. In turn, this will lead to investment and improving quality of the holiday parks by the operators and it will deliver tourism benefits and support for the local economy.

7.8.16 Following discussions with the holiday park operators, a new policy which would enable holiday homes to have extended occupancy periods from the current 8 months to 10 months has been drafted. Safeguards have been added to ensure that, as far as possible, holiday homes should be used for holidays rather than as sole or main homes. A set of conditions and obligations which would be attached to any planning permission has been drafted with the input of the holiday park operators. This approach has been used as a pragmatic response to a local issue over the last year or so and now needs to be formalised into adopted policy which will supersede the Local Plan (2008) policy on this matter.

7.8.17 Whilst encouraging the general improvement of the holiday parks, and the provision of facilities to serve both visitors and local residents, all units of accommodation on the holiday parks will remain subject to a seasonal occupancy condition. This essentially reflects the fact that these parks are generally in rural areas where permanent residential use would be contrary to planning policies intended to prevent residential development within the countryside, but it also reflects local conditions, for example, locations on land liable to flooding where year round occupation would be inappropriate. Consequently, the policy will extend the period of occupancy and the potential for increased tourism business. This policy will apply to both existing sites, together with extensions or new provision.

7.8.18 This policy will help to deliver the following Core Strategy Spatial Objectives:

Use our coastal assets to support a strong economy and a sustainably managed environment. Use our historic and natural assets to drive regeneration, tourism and environmental quality. Develop tourism and culture to support regeneration, employment growth, communities and environmental management. Reinforce Sheppey’s uniqueness by ensuring change supports Sheerness as its commercial focus; strengthens and integrates communities at Rushenden, Queenborough and Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 181 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Minster/Halfway; manages coastal and heritage assets; modernise leisure and tourism industries; and supports isolated communities.

Policy DM 11

Holiday Park Occupancy

1. Proposals for the creation of any new holiday caravan or chalet units, or the redevelopment of existing sites, will generally be subject to conditions which prevent their use as a sole or main residence and limiting occupation to a maximum of 10 months of the year, from 1st March to 31st December, subject to sites not being at risk from flooding. 2. Existing sites with an 8 month occupancy period will need to apply for planning permission to increase their occupancy to 10 months provided they are not at risk from flooding. 3. For sites where 10 month occupancy is not appropriate the Council will permit sites an 8 month occupancy period from 1st March to 31st October in any year, and where sites are not at risk of flooding, to an 11 day Christmas/New Year period, namely 23rd December to 2nd January the following year. 4. On those existing sites known to be within a designated flood risk area the Borough Council will require the provision of such flood warning measures as may be required by the Environment Agency. 5. The Borough Council will refuse proposals to extend the occupation period beyond these dates. 6. Standard conditions set out in Appendix 2 will apply.

Alternatives considered - holiday parks development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Retain the current 8 month This option was rejected because holiday operators/park owners occupancy period for holiday required additional revenue to make necessary improvements parks. on site and the existing occupancy period limited those opportunities.

2. Promote a 12 month This option was rejected because there is a risk that units would occupancy period for holiday be used as permanent dwellings when they do not have the parks. necessary infrastructure to support a permanent arrangement. They could also be at increased risk of flooding over the winter months.

Table 7.8.2 Alternatives considered - holiday parks development management policy

7.9 Affordable housing

7.9.1 There is a considerable unmet need for affordable housing in Swale. In 2010, 78% of newly forming households could not afford market housing, whilst 71% of single households could not afford a one-bedroom shared-ownership flat. There is also a significant waiting list for a home, including 3,104 households, excluding transfers, on the housing register in January 2012. A number of the terms in this section, including what we mean by affordable housing, are contained with the glossary. 182 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

7.9.2 The draft National Planning Policy Framework looks to local planning authorities to meet the full requirement for affordable housing in the local market areas, having assessed the viability of all developments.

7.9.3 The Government’s Housing Strategy Laying the Foundationsre-states its commitment to radically reforming social and affordable housing. This includes investing £4.5bn in new affordable housing, initiatives for social renting and reinvigorating the Right to Buy. A number of policy initiatives in the strategy also highlight the Government’s aim to refocus the way social housing is allocated such as preventing or discouraging the occupation of social housing by tenants with high incomes or alternative homes and to criminalise unlawful subletting.

7.9.4 Ambitions for Swaleidentifies a priority to ensure sufficient affordable housing to meet identified local needs.

7.9.5 The Council's Housing Strategy (2010-2015) aims to:

promote the effective physical and social integration of new affordable housing and new occupiers with new market housing and within existing communities; and secure high design and sustainability standards for all new developments and homes including improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and future proof design (including Lifetime Homes and Lifetime Neighbourhoods).

7.9.6 The East Kent Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2009 recommends that between 30% - 35% of new developments should be affordable dependant on the location, as shown in Table 7.9.1.

Local Housing Market Area Affordable housing contribution from sites

Sheerness/Minster 30%

Sittingbourne 35%

East Sheppey 30%

Faversham 35%

East Swale Rural Area 35%

Table 7.9.1 Affordable housing contributions per local housing market area

7.9.7 Policy DM12 supports the Core Strategy objective which looks to provide the right type of housing for stronger communities. It aims, as far as possible, to meet the recommendations of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. However, the policy comes at a time of severe downturn in the housing market. In 2011, other than for a handfull of sites in the stronger market areas of the Borough, the affordable housing targets were not viable. However, as a 20-year Core Strategy, the viability of sites will change and the above targets are a policy requirement for all qualifying proposals across the Plan period. Where the viability of a scheme is demonstrated as being negatively affected as a result of meeting the affordable housing target to a point where the scheme and the meeting of other planning objectives is unacceptably undermined, a reduced requirement may be considered and/or an adjustment made to the tenure split when this can improve matters. In circumstances where a lesser level of affordable housing or commuted sum is negotiated, but Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 183 Framework of Development Management Policies 7 land values then rise that improve the viability of a scheme before commencement of the development, legal mechanisms will ensure that a revised affordable housing target can be considered. This is called overage.

7.9.8 Any re-assessment of an affordable housing requirement as a result of viability questions should be undertaken by the developer using the relevant Homes and Community Agency’s viability toolkit. In complex cases, this may require independent review at the developers’ cost.

7.9.9 Provision may, exceptionally, be commuted off-site. The Council may consider this option in, for example, cases of economic difficulties or where alternative provision could be of higher quality or when other improvements to the quality of the housing stock are considered more appropriate. Monies commuted in this way may be pooled for use on other schemes, including provision for affordable public pitches for travellers.

7.9.10 The exceptional financial difficulties currently experienced by the housing industry extend to affordable housing providers whose own finances and availability of grants may be such that they are not able to support a scheme even when a contribution from a developer is available. In such circumstances, the Council will look to cascade or commute any provision for use by another provider or another scheme or pooled until a housing provider is able to come forward to support a project.

7.9.11 As well as meeting the threshold for affordable housing as set out in the policy below, the requirement will be calculated at the appropriate rate on a whole site basis. Sub-divisions of a site that would bring any particular application under the affordable housing threshold will be aggregated to ensure delivery of affordable housing is maximised across the entire site. Affordable housing will be integrated with open market housing on the proposed and adjacent sites and should avoid the concentration of one tenure type.

7.9.12 In order to address the operational detail of this policy, the Council will prepare and adopt a Supplementary Planning Document. This will address such matters as standards of accommodation, their layout and how matters of viability shall be calculated and agreed.

Policy DM 12

Affordable Housing

For all development proposals involving housing, provision shall be made for affordable housing in the following manner:

1. For developments of 15 or more dwellings or 0.5 ha or greater (whichever is the lower), or, within the rural area, as determined by a Parish Housing Needs Assessment; 2. In accordance with the affordable housing target range of 30-35% as appropriate to the local housing market area; 3. Not less that 70% of the total number of affordable dwellings provided will be affordable/social rented housing, the balance of up to 30% of the total number of dwellings will be intermediate housing(6);

6 Intermediate housing is defined as housing at prices and rents above those of social rented, but below market prices or rent 184 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

4. Endeavour, where possible, for all affordable homes to be designed to Lifetime Standards with an agreed number to be designed for wheelchair use; and 5. In exceptional circumstances:

a. on-site affordable housing provision may be commuted to a financial contribution to be used off-site, singly or in combination with other contributions; b. where no Registered Social Landlord is available, the affordable housing provision will be cascaded to another provider and/or site or a commuted sum; and c. where commuted or cascaded provision is made, its calculation shall have regard to the full amount of market housing that has been achieved on the original site and seek full provision of affordable requirement.

Alternatives considered - affordable housing development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. To have no policy on the issue and This would not enable local standards to be established rely on National Planning Policy and so would reduce opportunities to meet local housing Guidance. needs for affordable housing.

2. Vary local standards of affordable This is not supported by a technical evidence base. housing provision.

3. Make no provision at all for This is not in accordance with Government guidance. affordable housing. Whilst making adequate provision for affordable housing will be challenging in the current economic climate, to make no provision at all would only serve to worsen affordable housing need over the long term.

Table 7.9.2 Alternatives considered - affordable housing development management policy

7.10 Rural exceptions housing

7.10.1 In rural areas, affordable housing can already be provided as part of housing allocations or as infill development and can also be provided on other sites where other types of housing would not usually be allowed. The Government’s Neighbourhood Plans and the ‘Community Right to Build’ initiative can also bring forward affordable homes.

7.10.2 Policies intended to protect the character of the wider countryside place limits on the availability of new housing at rural settlements. However, on sites where planning permission would not be granted for housing (usually outside a defined built up area boundary), permission could be granted for affordable housing to meet the local needs of the community in question.

7.10.3 Historically, rural affordable housing schemes were provided on a 100% affordable housing basis. Whilst there were notable successes, with 28 units provided since the year 2000, this has not kept pace with need. Now, reductions in grant funding by as much as 75% to housing providers has undermined the viability of some schemes to the point that it represents a significant additional challenge needing to be faced. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 185 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

7.10.4 Not all rural housing need comes from local people who cannot afford a home. The restricted availability of housing also limits the ability to move for those who can afford a new home. For example, a changed circumstance and need for a smaller house may mean that they can no longer stay within a village that has been their home for many years.

7.10.5 The Council and rural housing partners wish to tackle these challenges with a flexible approach to meeting local housing need. There is a strong local justification for departing from previous policies to restrict sites solely to affordable housing, to allowing some unrestricted market homes for sale. These might also include plots for sale for local self build. This should help both increase affordable housing completions and allow for more mixed and sustainable rural communities. In turn, this supports Core Strategy objectives to provide the right housing to support stronger communities and to sustain rural areas in ways that respect their character.

7.10.6 The options stage of the Core Strategy sought views on whether market housing for sale should be used to subsidise rural affordable housing for local needs. Consultation responses were mixed, however, as the draft NPPF allows for Councils to consider the use of market housing to cross-subsidise the provision of affordable housing, the Council has resolved to pursue this option for the reasons and circumstances set out below.

7.10.7 It is important to ensure the protection of the wider amenity of rural communities and the countryside. Policy DM13 therefore provides a number of safeguards to ensure that local circumstances, need and the overall viability of a scheme are properly considered. In all cases, the number of proposed unrestricted market homes/plots for sale will be the minimum number to deliver the subsidy necessary to deliver a greater proportion of affordable units.

7.10.8 The evidence required to support a scheme to satisfy the Council will include:

an up-to-date and independent Parish housing needs assessment covering both affordable and non-affordable housing need undertaken by Action with Rural Communities in Kent; a thorough assessment of potentially suitable, available and achievable sites; and a robust, independently prepared and audited, viability assessment, prepared on an ‘open-book’ basis.

7.10.9 It is essential that there is significant input from the relevant Parish Council concerned in the preparation and support of the above evidence. In order to address the operational detail of this policy, the Council will prepare and adopt a Supplementary Planning Document.

7.10.10 Those houses provided as affordable must remain available for local people in perpetuity and this will be controlled via a legal agreement.

7.10.11 In order to ensure that provision does not undermine the overall strategy of the Core Strategy, the selection of suitable sites shall be made in accordance with the Swale Sustainable Development Policy.

7.10.12 The Policy does not apply to Neighbourhood Plans and the ‘Community Right to Build’ initiative. 186 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Policy DM 13

Rural Exceptions Housing

Permission for housing to meet local needs in rural areas will be granted provided:

1. Sites adjoin or are well related to the local service centres and villages identified by the Swale Sustainable Development Policy CP1 and where access to the majority of local facilities is achieved without excessive journey length; 2. The site is suitable in relation to the scale and character of the settlement/location, highway safety and the effect on the surrounding countryside and residential amenity; and 3. That the scheme is justified, to the satisfaction of the Council, by:

a. a local need shown by a housing needs assessment; b. a thorough site options appraisal; c. for schemes involving unrestricted homes/plots for sale, their number and type shall be derived from the housing needs assessment and a robust appraisal of viability to show the minimum provision necessary to deliver a greater and significant number of local affordable housing for that site; and d. reference to a prepared statement of community involvement that has sought to include the significant input of the Parish Council.

4. The site shall be subject to a legal agreement that provides for the permanent control and management of any affordable housing to ensure its retention for local need.

Alternatives considered - rural exceptions housing development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Do not allow cross-subsidy Whilst Government policy leaves this issue to local discretion, of rural affordable housing with shortfalls of grant funding is likely to lead to a lack of new homes for sale. affordable housing provision in rural areas and a failure to provide for more sustainable mixed communities.

2. Loosen criteria within policy. Whilst criteria could be loosened on such issues as not linking the provision of homes to local needs or leaving matters to the market to determine whether affordable housing should be provided at a greater level than the homes for sale. This is a new policy initiative and as such its effects will be uncertain and need to be monitored over time. The loosening of such criteria could potentially undermine the purpose of the policy and, in a worse case scenario, undermine the Core Strategy. Future iterations of the policy could consider changes in the light of monitoring.

3. Keeping homes for sale for This is considered to be unenforceable and too restrictive to local people in perpetuity. encourage landowners to release sites.

Table 7.10.1 Alternatives considered - rural exceptions housing development management policy Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 187 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

7.11 Gypsy and traveller sites

7.11.1 The Borough of Swale traditionally has had one of the largest gypsy and traveller populations within Kent and the South-East of England. As of July 2011 there were a total of 145 caravans in Swale.

7.11.2 Traditional patterns of work are changing and the traveller community has become generally more settled. Although a full time travelling lifestyle is still the case for the minority, there is a shift towards a more settled lifestyle with better access to healthcare, employment and education opportunities. In so doing, an important step can be taken to tackle many of the deprivation issues faced by the traveller community.

7.11.3 The Government wishes to remove perceived inequalities and abuses of the planning system that can create tension, undermine community cohesion and create resentment against an overwhelming majority of law-abiding gypsies and travellers. Confirmation of national planning policy guidance on this matter is expected in the adopted version of the NPPF due in April 2012. A locally set basis to make provision for gypsies and travellers is currently proposed, but a formal policy has yet to be issued.

7.11.4 Making provision for gypsies and travellers in a fair fashion for all is a key Council objective in its Swale Gypsy and Traveller Corporate Policy (July 2009), Swale Gypsy and Traveller Corporate Site Assessment (2010) and Housing Strategy (2008-2015). The options stage of the Core Strategy sought views on how future site provision in Swale could be made on a similar basis to other types of housing, including identifying sites on new housing allocations proposed by the Core Strategy. Responses broadly supported the approach advocated by Policy DM14.

7.11.5 The objectives of the policy are to make provision in accordance with the overall target for pitch provision in the Borough, which when resolved, will be set out in Policy ST 2. In so doing, it will support the Core Strategy objective to meet the housing needs of all its communities.

7.11.6 Policy DM14 will apply to the definition of gypsies and travellers as defined in national planning policy. It will apply both to the selection of sites via the site allocations development plan document process and for windfall proposals (i.e. sites not specifically allocated) that may come forward for planning permission in the meantime. It will also apply to proposed transit sites, and extensions to existing sites. In the case of sites for travelling show persons, no specific requirement has been identified. However, windfall proposals for the latter will be considered in accordance with the policy, supported by evidence of need.

7.11.7 The policy sets out a search sequence of locations suitable for sites, in descending order of their suitability with the primary focus on the main towns and sites identified as housing allocations. Having had regard to Policy CP 1, it makes provision of sites for gypsies and travellers that will be more accessible to a range of services. It recognises the circumstances particular to the travelling community and provides local site criteria to apply to all proposals.

7.11.8 Policy DM14 suggests a search sequence by which parties are required to demonstrate the non-availability of sites in a particular location before the Council permits a specific site proposal. The Council's Technical Paper No. 3 Review of evidence to determine pitch number options for gypsies and travellers in Swale suggests that the bulk of current and proposed provision is likely to be capable of being accommodated in areas outside the areas affected by national environmental constraints. 188 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Policy DM 14

Provision for Gypsies and Travellers

The Council will grant planning permission for sites for gypsies and travellers in accordance with the following descending sequence of priority locations:

1. Within the main Borough centres, including sites identified within proposed new housing developments; 2. Within local service centres and villages; and 3. Other places in the open countryside where access to the majority of local and district facilities can be achieved without excessive journey length in accordance with the Swale Sustainable Development Policy. 4. Except where there is overriding evidence of a location specific need, or a proposal to extend an existing site, the Council will:

a. be satisfied that no suitable sites are reasonably available within the previous priority location(s); and b. be satisfied that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate significant collective harm to the character of the area or on the capacity of its services and facilities.

5. All proposals shall show that they are:

a. without risk from flooding or instability, unless demonstrated as safe by assessment; b. offer safe and convenient pedestrian, vehicular access and parking without unacceptable impact on local highway safety; c. without significant harm to natural and heritage assets that cannot be mitigated and/or compensated; d. appropriate to the scale and character of the settlement/location; e. of a scale appropriate to provide the accommodation required; f. connected to utilities unless there are compelling reasons not to; and g. without significant harm to the health and wellbeing of occupants or others either by noise, disturbance, vibration or air quality.

6. Land allocated, or with planning permission, will be retained as available for gypsy and traveller site use, unless demonstrated that the site is no longer needed or suitable for such use.

Alternatives considered - provision for gypsies and travellers development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Have no policy at all. This would be contrary to Government policy and provides no context to the provision of sites for the gypsy and traveller communities. This in turn would lead either to no provision being made and resultant unauthorised sites and the tensions associated with this, or planning by appeal with provision being Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 189 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

made potentially in any location in the Borough. This would fail to place provision for travellers on the same base as mainstream housing.

2. Continue to permit sites This would fail to make provision in a way equitable with that wherever travellers wish to live. for the provision of mainstream housing.

3. Loosen policy criteria. This would fail to take into account the issues that would normally be considered in the choice of suitable sites for all housing provision and would thus fail to make provision in a way equitable with that for the provision of mainstream housing.

Table 7.11.1 Alternatives considered - provision for gypsies and travellers development management policy

7.12 Managing Transport Demand and Impact

7.12.1 National Planning Policy Statement 13 Transport places much emphasis on the need for new development to create places which connect with each other in a sustainable way and provide the right conditions to encourage walking, cycling and public transport. Places that work well are designed to be used safely and securely for a wide range of uses and by all sections of the community. Travel Plans are recommended for submission alongside planning applications which are likely to have significant transport implications.

7.12.2 The emerging National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) also states that all developments which generate significant amounts of movement (to be determined by local criteria) should be supported by a Transport Assessment which will consider:

whether the opportunities for sustainable transport mode have been taken up, depending on the nature and location of the site; safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved for all people; improvements can be undertaken within the transport network which can effectively limit the significant impacts of the development.

7.12.3 Developers will therefore need to ensure that their proposals are located and designed so as to minimise the need to travel in accordance with Policy CP 5 and that opportunities to connect with and maximise the use of, public transport, cycling and walking are taken wherever appropriate.

7.12.4 However, development or redevelopment can impact on the safe operation and capacity of the highway network. Consequently, the Council will expect, where appropriate, an appraisal of the traffic impacts of the development as part of an overall transport assessment. This may also include a Travel Plan. Developers will need to demonstrate that the existing highway network is safe and has sufficient capacity to accommodate the proposed development, or alternatively that access and capacity can be provided. Direct access to the Inter-Urban Road Hierarchy and secondary road network shown on Map 7.12.1 will generally be avoided. The Insets (Maps 7.12.2 - 7.12.4) show the Urban Road Hierarchy for Faversham, the Sheerness area and Sittingbourne respectively. 190 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Map 7.12.1 Swale Inter-Urban Road Hierarchy Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 191 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Map 7.12.2 Urban Road Hierarchy for Faversham

Map 7.12.3 Urban Road Hierarchy for the Sheerness Area 192 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Map 7.12.4 Urban Road Hierarchy for Sittingbourne

7.12.5 Occasionally, development which is otherwise acceptable may not be permissible if there is a severe impact on the highway system, which cannot be mitigated by off site highway improvements. However, where such improvements can be made, the developer will either be required to undertake the works or make a financial contribution towards them (either via S.106 or the new Community Infrastructure Levy). Such improvements may need to be undertaken before development becomes operational. The Borough Council will prioritise the delivery of highway schemes associated with development funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 193 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

7.12.6 Environmental quality and air quality impact of any transport access are an integral part of environmental quality and sustainability generally and the Council will expect consideration of this to be demonstrated in any development proposal.

7.12.7 In order to ensure that more sustainable patterns of development and transport are achieved, promotion of cycling and the needs of pedestrians should be a priority consideration in the design of new development. This is not only a consideration for the site layout itself, where the aim should be to maximise permeability within the site, but also the links out of the site to access surrounding services and facilities. Measures for traffic calming residential areas should be integral to the design and layout. Existing public rights of way through a development site should be retained on their established routes unless there are exceptional reasons to agree an alternative.

7.12.8 The Council is keen to enhance and extend public transport services by ensuring that there is a good relationship between the location of development and the public transport network. Consequently, development proposals will be expected to have regard to the relationship of the proposal with public transport services and to promote access to them, particularly in the early stages of development. This could involve providing new or better located stopping points, integrating the footpath and cycleway network with public transport services, providing vouchers or complementary season tickets to residents or workers. On larger developments, contributions could be made towards new or improved services. Developers are strongly encouraged to consult with local bus operators at an early stage in formulating their plans. The Council will expect to see the implementation of public transport services from the very start of development to set sustainable transport patterns.

7.12.9 The Council recognises the important contribution rail and water transport can make to the movement of freight and for other commercial purposes and the potential to help reduce the amount of heavy goods road traffic. It is therefore important that existing provision is safeguarded, including those facilities identified in the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plans (and the emerging development frameworks which will supersede them). Some established companies in Swale already have links to the rail freight network. The Council is keen to encourage greater use of these and will usually support development which proposes this. The Port of Sheerness already has deep water wharfage, which will be used more intensively with the expected plans for manufacture and assembly of wind turbines at the Port. The potential for extending the deep water wharfage remains a longer term possibility for the Port. Ridham Dock provides a more limited, but valuable facility. Opportunities to intensify use of these facilities and provide interchanges with the national rail network will generally be supported, subject to the avoidance of any significant adverse environmental impacts on internationally designated sites.

Policy DM 15

Managing Transport Demand and Impact

All development proposals will need to demonstrate that they have complied with the following considerations:

1. Development proposals generating a significant amount of transport movements will be required to support their proposal with the preparation of a Transport Assessment (including a Travel Plan), which will be based on the Council’s strategic modelling work. The 194 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Highways Agency may require a Transport Assessment if development is deemed to impact on the strategic road network. 2. In terms of impact on the transport network, development proposals will comply with the following criteria:

a. Proposals should not generate volumes of traffic in excess of the highway network capacity and/or result in a decrease in safety on the highway network, unless these issues can be addressed by environmentally acceptable improvements to the highway network and/or other transport initiatives agreed by the Borough Council and the appropriate Highway Authority. Such works would either be carried out by the developer or a contribution made towards them in accordance with Policy CP6; b. Proposals should not lead to the formation of a new access, or the intensification of any existing access onto a primary or secondary route, unless it can be created in a location which is acceptable to the Borough Council, or where access can be improved to an acceptable standard and achieve a high standard of safety through design; c. Integrate air quality management and environmental quality into the location and design of and access to development and, in so doing, demonstrate that proposals do not worsen air quality to an unacceptable degree; and d. Development proposals should not result in the loss of usable wharfage or rail facilities.

3. The location, design and layout of development proposals will need to demonstrate that:

a. priority is given to the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, including the disabled, through the provision of safe routes which minimise cyclist/pedestrian and traffic conflict within the site and which connect to local services and facilities; b. existing public rights of way are retained, or exceptionally diverted, and new routes created in appropriate locations; c. the safe and efficient delivery of goods and supplies and access for emergency and utility vehicles can be accommodated; and d. it includes facilities for charging plug-in and other ultra low emission vehicles on major developments.

Alternatives considered - managing transport demand and impact development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Do not have a policy on Most developments impact on transport demand. If not travel demand and impact. addressed systematically, it would impact on the safety of the existing network and its ability to function at an acceptable level of efficiency.

2. Loosen policy criteria. Planning for alternative modes of transport within larger developments contributes to environmental sustainability and amenity; and health and wellbeing objectives of the plan. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 195 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

3. More specific criteria as to Local highway authority advise circumstances in relation to the when and what transport amount of development proposed and the capacity and assessments should be configuration of the local transport network may require site required. specific approaches, rather than simply applying a broad site size or development threshold approach.

Table 7.12.1 Alternatives considered - managing transport demand and impact development management policy

7.13 Vehicle parking

7.13.1 Planning Policy Statement 13 Transport (2011) states that vehicle parking policies should be part of a package of planning and transport measures which are set out in the local transport plan and should complement planning policies on the location of development. Policies for parking standards in development plans should set parking levels for broad classes of development, which should be used as part of a package of measures to promote sustainable transport choices, the efficient use of land, enable schemes to fit into urban sites, promotes linked trips and access to development for those without the use of a car and to tackle congestion. It is important, however, that appropriate provision is made so that the vitality of town centres is not undermined. The PPS also sets out some maximum standards(7) for land uses, which can be superseded by more stringent locally determined standards.

7.13.2 The emerging National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) merely expects that local planning authorities will set their own vehicle parking standards for residential and non-residential development, taking into account the accessibility of the development, the type mix and use of the development, levels of local car ownership and the need to reduce the use of high emission vehicles.

7.13.3 Currently, the Borough Council applies guidance and standards developed by Kent County Council for residential and non-residential uses, although in some cases these have proved unsatisfactory in some locations. Development of appropriate local standards which take into account the type, use, design and location of the development, whilst still having regard to the principles of sustainable development and transport will need to be worked up with reference to local situations and experience. This will be through preparation of a Supplementary Planning Document pursuant to Policy DM16, developed in partnership with Kent Highways and Transportation. In the meantime the Council will continue to apply the extant Kent County Council guidance and standards to development proposals.

Policy DM 16

Vehicle Parking Standards

The Council will develop a Swale Vehicle Parking Supplementary Planning Document which will:

1. Provide guidelines for car parking standards for residential development which will take into account:

7 Planning Policy Statement 13: Transport (2011) Annex D 196 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

a. the location and accessibility of new development and levels of car ownership including;

i. the type, size and mix of dwellings; and the need for visitor parking; ii. provide design advice to ensure efficient and attractive layout of development whilst ensuring that appropriate provision for vehicle parking is integrated within it.

2. Provide guidelines for vehicle parking for non-residential uses which will take into account:

a. the accessibility of the development and availability of public transport; b. the type, mix and use of the development proposed; c. the need to maintain an adequate level of car parking within town centres to ensure that viability of the centres is not compromised; and d. that development proposals do not exacerbate on street car parking to an unacceptable degree.

3. Provide guidelines for cycle parking facilities on new developments, of an appropriate design and in a convenient, safe, secure and sheltered location. 4. Until such time as the SPD can be adopted, the Council will continue to apply extant Kent County Council vehicle parking standards to new development proposals(8).

Alternatives considered - vehicle parking development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Retain the status quo. This does not allow for locally set standards which respond Continue to use KCC parking more flexibly to local circumstances, or take on board national standards. policy advice to set car parking standards locally. The existing guidance is also somewhat dated.

2. Do not have any car parking This would be contrary to both extant and emerging national standards policy guidance and the principles of sustainable development patterns.

Table 7.13.1 Alternatives considered - vehicle parking development management policy

7.14 Open space and recreation standards

7.14.1 Open space (including sports and recreation provision) in Swale contributes to the Borough’s outstanding environment. The main role of the planning system is to ensure there is enough open space, sports and recreation provision which is accessible and in the right place, well managed and maintained and of a sufficiently high quality to attract users.

8 Extant vehicle parking standards comprise: Residential Parking, Interim Guidance Note 3: Kent County Council; SPG 4 Non Residential Parking Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 197 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

7.14.2 The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) refers to the importance of ensuring that people are able to enjoy a better quality of life (para 9). The NPPF sets out the need for local planning authorities to identify provision for health (in this instance for open space, sport and recreation) (para 23). Local Planning Authorities are advised that they must set local standards (for open space, sports and recreation) (para 40).

7.14.3 PPS17 Planning for Open Space, Sports and Recreation aims to deliver networks of accessible, high quality open spaces and sports and recreation facilities, in both urban and rural areas. To meet the needs of residents and visitors these facilities must be fit for purpose and economically and environmentally sustainable. It states that there must be an appropriate balance between new provision and the enhancement of existing provision, alongside the clear expectation of what Councils will expect from developers in respect of open space, sports and recreation provision.

7.14.4 Ambitions for Swale links open space to the improvement of neighbourhoods, health, safety and access to nature.

7.14.5 The Council's adopted Open Space Strategy(2009) seeks to extend and enhance the extent and quality of open spaces within the Borough by providing high quality, safe and accessible open space and the protection of existing open space, sports and recreation provision through policy and strategic links. It also provides a clear framework and approach that determines the priorities for investment, future policy and opportunities. Informing the Strategy is the Council's PPG17 Open Space Assessment. This has examined the quantity and quality of the existing stock and recommended standards of new provision for developments. The type and amount of open space in Swale is set out in Table 7.14.1 and the geographical deficiencies in provision identified are set out in Statement 13 below.

Type Quantity Total Area (ha) Area (ha) per 1000 population

Parks and gardens – freely accessible and 26 135.90 1.11 open to all

Natural and semi-natural greenspace – 21 535.74 4.36 including woodland, commons and local nature reserves

Formal outdoor sports – sports grounds, grass 58 134.10 1.09 pitches

Amenity greenspace – civic spaces and in 72 55.41 0.45 residential areas

Provision for children and young people – 69 7.18 0.24 equipped areas such as skate parks and multi-use games areas

Allotments 24 24.08 0.2

Cemeteries 21 22.62 0.18

Table 7.14.1 Open spaces in Swale 198 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Source: Swale Open Space Strategy: PPG17 Audit & Assessment 2009 - 2014 (July 2009)

Statement 13

Notable deficiencies in open space

Sittingbourne:

Parks and gardens, natural and semi-natural greenspace, amenity greenspace, provision for children and young people and allotments.

Faversham:

Parks and gardens, formal outdoor sport facilities and amenity greenspace.

Isle of Sheppey:

Natural and semi-natural greenspace, formal outdoor sport facilities and allotments.

Source: Swale Open Space Strategy: PPG17 Audit & Assessment 2009 - 2014 (July 2009)

7.14.6 Other linked strategies include the Council's current Play Strategy 2007-2012 and Swale Green Grid Strategy (2007), together with the forthcoming Playing Pitch and Indoor Sports Facilities Strategies. These highlight the existence of 83 free, public play facilities; the need to make provision for use by older people; fill gaps in provision and improve facilities to encourage increased usage; and promote health and wellbeing through creating a network of multifunctional green spaces providing sustainable access within urban areas and beyond.

7.14.7 The SA/SEA of the Pick Your Owndocument concluded that, by restricting the loss of open spaces, biodiversity and nature conservation within these areas will be protected. Furthermore, positive environmental effects and health benefits should result through the provision of new open spaces.

7.14.8 Representations to Pick Your Own stated that reference should include sport and recreation within open spaces. The need to enhance access to and use of playing fields was raised, as was the need for specific reference to protection of existing playing fields.

7.14.9 A policy on open space, sports and recreation is in accordance with core strategy objective 3 (improve community wellbeing) and 4 (environmental quality).

7.14.10 This policy protects existing open space and supports the provision and enhancement of good quality and well-maintained open space, recreation and sport facilities as part of the creation of balanced, healthy and ultimately, sustainable communities. It also sets out the need to provide open space as part of development proposals, especially where it will contribute to the proposed green infrastructure network. It highlights the requirement to address deficiencies in provision, with reference to the Council's PPG17 Audit & Assessment and Policy DM17 below. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 199 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Policy DM 17

Open space, sports and recreation provision

1. New development proposals are required to meet open space, sports and recreational needs, in accordance with the schedule set out in the table within this policy. Where new development proposals will result in a shortfall in provision, developer funding will be sought. Where provision cannot be made on site, contributions will be sought towards qualitative or quantitative improvements to existing provision. 2. Development proposals will address the priorities across the Borough to meet the following identified deficiencies:

a. Sittingbourne: parks and gardens, natural and semi-natural greenspace, amenity greenspace, provision for children and young people and allotments; b. Faversham: parks and gardens, formal outdoor sport facilities and amenity greenspace; c. Isle of Sheppey; natural and semi-natural greenspace, formal outdoor sport facilities and allotments.

3. Development proposals which would result in the loss of open space, sports or recreation facilities will only be permitted if:

a. it can be demonstrated that the existing provision is surplus to requirements; b. any resultant deficiency can be addressed by replacement provision with at least the same qualities, community benefit and ease of access; c. the proposed development is ancillary to the enjoyment of the open space, sports or recreation provision.

Typology Quantity (to ensure that Accessibility (to provide provision does not fall below access for all households to current level of) be within)

Parks and gardens 1.11ha per 1000 population 2km of a designated site;

800m of a local site;

400m of a neighbourhood site.

Natural and semi-natural 4.36ha per 1000 population 2km of a designated site; greenspace 800m of a local site;

400m of a neighbourhood site.

Formal outdoor sport 1.09ha per 1000 population 800m

Amenity greenspace 0.45ha per 1000 population 400m 200 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Typology Quantity (to ensure that Accessibility (to provide provision does not fall below access for all households to current level of) be within)

Provision for children 0.24ha per 1000 children's 400m and young people population (2 -17 years)

Allotments 0.20ha per 1000 population 800m

Cemeteries No standard set No standard set

Table 7.14.2 Swale Open Space Standards

Source: Swale Open Space Strategy: PPG17 Audit & Assessment 2009 - 2014 (July 2009)

Alternatives considered - open space and recreation standards development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Not meet deficiencies in all This would increase deficiencies in provision across the types of open space provision. Borough, particularly in already deprived neighbourhoods, with associated impacts on health and wellbeing for young people, the aged and disadvantaged. Inadequate open space provision across the Borough will impact on biodiversity and capacity for informal flood storage.

2. Allow new development to take This would increase deficiencies in provision across the place without making provision Borough, particularly in already deprived neighbourhoods, for open space, sports and with associated impacts on health and wellbeing for young recreation on grounds of viability, people, the aged and disadvantaged. Inadequate open space in the current economic climate. provision across the Borough will impact on biodiversity and capacity for informal flood storage.

3. Only make provision for open This would increase deficiencies in provision across the space, sports and recreation on Borough, particularly in already deprived neighbourhoods, strategic allocation sites. with associated impacts on health and wellbeing for young people, the aged and disadvantaged. Inadequate open space provision across the Borough will impact on biodiversity and capacity for informal flood storage.

Table 7.14.3 Alternatives considered - open space and recreation standards development management policy

7.15 Flooding and drainage

7.15.1 Significant parts of the Swale Borough are low-lying and at risk from tidal flooding, whilst parts of the Isle of Sheppey and Faversham are at risk from fluvial (river) flooding. Surface water flooding is also a risk in many parts of the Borough, particularly on the Isle of Sheppey. Consequences of climate change are rising sea levels and incidences in storm events which increase the risk of flooding to the Borough, and as such, it is an important issue for the Core Strategy to address. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 201 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

7.15.2 PPS25 Development and Flood Risk seeks to ensure that flood risk is taken into account at all stages in the planning process, to avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding and to direct development away from areas at highest risk. Where new development is, exceptionally, necessary in such areas, policy aims to make it safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere and where possible, reducing flood risk overall. It explains how local planning authorities (LPAs) should prepare and implement planning strategies that help to deliver sustainable development by using an appraise, manage and reduce risk approach. The PPS 25 Practice Guide shows how the policies of PPS 25 can be applied in practice and further clarifies the policy.

7.15.3 One of the objectives of the draft NPPF is to avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding by directing development away from areas at highest risk or where development is necessary, making it safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere. The NPPF advocates the same basic approach as outlined in PPS25 and its Practice Guide and promotes the use of the sequential and, if required, the exceptions test.

7.15.4 The Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) for Swale are the Medway Estuary and Swale and the Isle of Grain to South Foreland. The SMPs identify sustainable long-term management policies for the coast for the next 100 years in order to prevent the loss of coastal environments and protect people in coastal communities. The coastline is divided into a number of policy units within which a given policy is applied. In Swale these vary from ‘Hold the line’ around the main built up areas, through ‘No active intervention’ to ‘Managed realignment’ in the rural areas.

7.15.5 Ambitions for Swale includes the management of climate change as a priority ‘recognising both the opportunities and challenges for the Borough in adapting to environmental change’. One of the Core Strategy objectives is to ‘adapt to climate change with innovation, reduced use of resources, managed risk to our communities and opportunities for biodiversity to thrive.’

7.15.6 The Borough conducted a Swale Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) (Halcrow, 2009) which looked at the current risk of flooding as well as looking at flood risk in 70 and 100 years time – to take into account the effects of climate change. The SFRA examined the entire Borough at a Level 1 assessment and looked at nine potential development areas in more detail – a Level 2 assessment. It identified tidal overtopping and potential breaches as the main risk of flooding which will be exacerbated in the future due to sea level rise.

7.15.7 The SFRA data fed into the Environment Agency’s flood zone maps, as shown on the Environment Agency website. These maps are updated quarterly with the latest flood information.

7.15.8 Some sites falling in the flood risk area are allocated for development, but only where the Council considers the risk can be addressed, it does not worsen flood risk elsewhere and the development can be made safe.

7.15.9 As well as being at risk from flooding itself, developments can also exacerbate the problems of flooding elsewhere due to increased surface water run-off or impedance of the functioning of the flood plain. Similarly, the creation of impermeable areas can cause sudden flooding. The Council will expect developers to demonstrate, where necessary, how such problems will be avoided and to employ sustainable forms of drainage. Sustainable Drainage Systems need to be carried out to a standard set out by the SUDS Approving Body, the Lead Local Drainage Authority, KCC. Developers are asked to refer to the document Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems - Design and Best Practice Manuals produced by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (and subsequent updated guidance). Where such drainage is employed, legal agreements for their maintenance and operation will be secured by the Council. 202 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

7.15.10 In cases where flooding is an issue, the Council will seek the advice of the Environment Agency and, where appropriate, the Lower Medway Internal Drainage Board (who are responsible for management of the smaller watercourses throughout Swale). It will also be guided by the coastal management policies within the Medway Estuary and Swale and Isle of Grain to South Foreland Shoreline Management Plans. If development is to be approved, then any improvements to existing defences, or to flood warning procedures, must be at the developer's expense and designed to last the lifetime of the development.

7.15.11 The Council will work in partnership with its Emergency Planners and the Emergency Services to establish safe access and emergency escape routes from sites where flood risk is an issue.

7.15.12 The Council will look to the advice in PPS 25 and the accompanying Practice Guide and the SFRA, alongside this policy, when considering planning applications in flood risk areas. In the event of this guidance not being carried forward with the adoption of the final version of the NPPF, the Council would still intend development proposals to adhere to these principles, and would formalise them into a Supplementary Planning Document if necessary.

Map 7.15.1 Areas at risk from flooding in Swale Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 203 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Policy DM 18

Flooding and Drainage

All development proposals in areas of Flood Risk will be required to address the following criteria, following the approach set out in the Swale SFRA and PPS25 and supporting Practice Guidance. Should the latter be deleted, the Council will prepare a Supplementary Planning Document based on the same principles to ensure a consistent and rigorous approach to flood risk mitigation.

1. A sequential approach to development in flood risk areas will be followed within the Borough. 2. If necessary the Exceptions Test will be applied. 3. The effects of climate change on flooding must be considered at all times. 4. For all sites over 1 hectare, including sites within Zone 1, and for any site within Zone 2 or 3 of the Environment Agency flood maps, development proposals will be accompanied by a site specific flood risk assessment. This must be carried out to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency and should:

a. incorporate sustainable drainage systems within development proposals with the aim of achieving greenfield run-off rates; and b. include, when necessary, details of new flood alleviation and flood defence measures to be installed and maintained by the developer(s).

5. The Borough Council will not grant planning permission where the risk of flooding from new development would adversely impact, or increase risk, to human life, ecosystems, habitats and development, including those resulting from:

a. the impedance of, or increase in, flood flows; b. the loss of storage volume in the floodplain; c. the loss of integrity of the flood defences; and d. increased surface water run-off.

6. If, following application of the Sequential and Exceptions tests, new development is permitted, the applicant must ensure that development is appropriately flood resilient, that safe access and escape routes are provided and that any residual risk can be safely managed to standards required by the Environment Agency. 7. New development should seek to reduce existing causes and impacts of flooding at every opportunity. 8. Land required for current and future flood management will be safeguarded from development. 204 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

Alternatives considered - flooding and drainage development management policy.

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

Do not include policy on flooding Rejected as contrary to the provisions of national planning and drainage policy guidance and would not allow for a rigorous approach to risk mitigation in Swale where risk of flooding is a significant issue.

Table 7.15.1 Alternatives considered - flooding and drainage development management policy.

7.16 New or revised Development Management policies

Unstable Land

7.16.1 PPG14 Development on Unstable Land recognises that land can be unstable and aims to ensure physical constraints on the land are taken into account at all stages of planning in order to:

minimise risk to property, infrastructure and the public; avoid development in unstable locations; bring land back to productive use where possible; and assist in safeguarding investments.

7.16.2 PPG14 points out that it is the responsibility of the developer to determine the extent and effects of unstable land and that the responsibility and subsequent liability for safe development and secure occupancy for the development itself, and the neighbouring area, rests with the developer and/or the landowner.

7.16.3 The Government’s draft NPPF sets out how the planning system should aim to conserve and enhance the natural and local environment by preventing new and existing development contributing to, or being put at unacceptable risk from land instability.

7.16.4 In the Swale Sustainable Community Strategy, Ambitions for Swale, the strategic objective for the environment is set out as ‘to respond to environmental challenges by ensuring the sustainability of all regeneration in Swale, and by protecting and enhancing our natural and built environment'.

7.16.5 Some areas across Swale, such as adjacent to former quarries or pits, natural caverns, hidden basements and tanks potentially suffer from unstable land that should be taken into account in formulating development proposals. Where considered necessary, a slope stability report will be required. Dependent upon the outcome of such a report it may be decided that development is not appropriate or it may be necessary for remedial, preventative or precautionary measures to be included as part of development proposals. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 205 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Policy DM 19

Unstable land

On potentially unstable land, the Borough Council will only grant planning permission after it is satisfied that there are effective remedial, preventative or precautionary measures to address the risk concerned.

Alternatives considered - unstable land development management policy.

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Not have a policy on unstable land. Unstable land is an issue relevant to parts of Swale.

2. Ask for slope stability reports as standard for all It would be unduly onerous. developments across the Borough.

Table 7.16.1 Alternatives considered - unstable land development management policy.

Pollution and Land Contamination

7.16.6 Many of the regulatory aspects of pollution control are outside the direct influence of the Core Strategy, but planning can reduce the potential risk from some types of pollution by influencing the location and design of new developments. Some pollution aspects are also controlled by the imposition of planning conditions.

7.16.7 PPS23 Planning and Pollution Control explains that the overall aim of planning and pollution control policy is to ensure the sustainable and beneficial use of land and in particular encouraging reuse of previously developed land in preference to greenfield sites. Within this aim, polluting activities that are necessary for society and the economy should be so sited and planned, and subject to planning conditions, so that their adverse effects are minimised and restricted to acceptable limits. It stresses that opportunities should be taken wherever possible to use the development process to assist and encourage the remediation of land already affected by contamination.

7.16.8 The Government expects local planning authorities to adopt a strategic approach to integrate planning with plans and strategies for the control, mitigation and removal of pollution. It stresses that planning and pollution control are separate but complementary and should not duplicate each other.

7.16.9 PPS 23 explains that it remains the responsibility of the landowner/developer to identify land affected by contamination and to ensure that remediation is undertaken to secure safe development.

7.16.10 PPG 24 Planning and Noise recognises that noise can have a significant effect on the environment and on the quality of life enjoyed by individuals and communities and that the impact of noise can be a material consideration in determining planning applications. The guidance document outlines the considerations to be taken into account in determining planning applications 206 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

both for noise-sensitive developments and for those activities which will generate noise. It introduced the concept of noise exposure categories for residential development and advises on the use of conditions to minimise the impact of noise.

7.16.11 The Government’s draft NPPF sets out how the planning system should aim to conserve and enhance the natural and local environment by preventing new and existing development contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from land, air, water or noise pollution. It states that local policies and decisions should ensure that:

new development is appropriate for its location, having regard to the effects of pollution on health, the natural environment or general amenity, taking account of the potential sensitivity of the area or proposed development to adverse effects from pollution; and the site is suitable for its new use taking account of ground conditions, pollution arising from previous uses and any proposals for land remediation

7.16.12 The draft NPPF stresses that local planning authorities should focus on whether the development itself is an acceptable use of the land, and the impact of the use, rather than the control of processes or emissions themselves where these are subject to approval under pollution control regimes. Planning policies and decisions should aim to:

avoid noise giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life as a result of new development; mitigate and reduce to a minimum other adverse impacts on health and quality of life arising from noise from new development, including through the use of conditions, while recognising that many developments will create some noise; and identify and protect areas of tranquillity which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason.

7.16.13 Planning policies should sustain compliance with and contribute towards EU limit values or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the presence of Air Quality Management Areas and the cumulative impacts on air quality from individual sites in local areas. Planning decisions should ensure that any new development in Air Quality Management Areas is consistent with the Local Air Quality Action Plan.

7.16.14 By encouraging good design, planning policies and decisions should limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature conservation.

7.16.15 The Swale Sustainable Community Strategy, Ambitions for Swale, has the protection and enhancement of our natural and built environment as a strategic objective. Priority GR5 is to keep Swale clean and one of the specific ambitions for health is to reduce pollution.

7.16.16 The Pick Your Own consultation listed one of the Core Strategies draft objectives as ‘use our historic and natural assets to drive regeneration, tourism and environmental quality’. Pollution prevention and remediation is relevant to this objective.

7.16.17 The common types of pollution present in Swale are considered below. The Council will take a precautionary approach to their likely impacts:

Noise: When considering new development proposals, the Council seeks to minimise the impact of noise between new and existing uses. Proposed developments should not create noise that would require lengthy and costly solutions later on. The Council requires adequate Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 207 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

details to be submitted with planning applications to identify noise intrusive uses, noise sensitive sites, as well as the measures needed to reduce noise. By considering the noise exposure at the time of the application, and any increases that may be reasonably expected, a judgement will then be made on the potential noise impact and any mitigation measures required in accordance with Government Planning Policy. Water: The Environment Agency is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of water quality. However, the Council seeks to protect watercourses and surface and ground waters from potentially polluting developments. Supply sources are given protection from some types of development by the Environment Agency's Source Protection Policy. The Council consults with the Environment Agency on those developments that may give rise to an unacceptable risk of pollution to the supply sources. Development should avoid the creation of large impermeable areas that divert water away from a catchment and increase the opportunities for slow filtration and the effective replenishment of groundwater resources. Sustainable drainage techniques should be used within development schemes to reduce these problems and create attractive environments and opportunities for wildlife. Air: Air pollution does not recognise administrative boundaries and the Borough can be affected by pollution from sources both within and outside it. The Government's National Air Quality Strategy requires local authorities to carry out a review and assessment of the air quality in their areas to see if national limits for air quality are met. In areas where limits cannot be met, Air Quality Management Areas are established with measures to reduce levels put in place. Swale has two Air Quality Management Areas, both along the A2 – in Newington and Ospringe. There are air quality issues in other locations within the Borough, particularly in parts of Sheerness and Sittingbourne and it is therefore likely that a third AQMA will be declared in 2012. Planning can reduce the potential risk of air pollution by influencing the scale, location, and use of new developments and through planning conditions and Section 106 Agreements which can be used to address and mitigate the effects of pollution. The appropriate standards set by European directives and national legislation, and those adopted by national agencies, will be used when applying this policy. Light: Problems associated with outdoor lighting can arise from the environmental and visual nuisance caused by glare and light spillage, but also through wasted energy and the resultant increased running costs from the use of inappropriate lighting. Of particular concern are the potential impacts of lighting upon residential amenity, rural areas, the nocturnal environment, and biodiversity. The floodlighting of recreation areas has been a particular problem in the Borough. Some lighting is essential for safety and security, but when considering proposals the Council will need to be satisfied that the minimum lighting necessary for the purpose is used, and that the potential pollution from glare and spillage is minimised by the appropriate siting, design, direction, intensity and timing of illumination. Piecemeal proposals for lighting schemes should be avoided by addressing any existing lighting problems comprehensively. The Institute of Lighting Engineers has produced useful guidance on these matters.

Policy DM 20

Pollution

All development proposals will minimise and mitigate pollution impacts. Development proposals will not be permitted that would, individually or cumulatively, give rise to pollution significantly adversely affecting the following: a. Human health; 208 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

b. Residential amenity; c. Flora and fauna; d. Areas or buildings of architectural or historic interest; e. Rural areas; and f. Water supply sources, groundwater aquifers, or local hydrology.

Land Contamination

7.16.18 Land contamination is a particular issue in Swale due to the historic importance of manufacturing and distribution to its economy. There are two aspects to land contamination that may impact on development. Firstly, proposals may involve land where it may be suspected or known that contamination has occurred, and secondly, the proposed use itself may, if not properly controlled, present a risk of contaminating land or water. New potentially contaminating uses or processes, however, are controlled under other environmental legislation, though it is for the planning system to determine where such uses should be located.

7.16.19 When a site proposed for development is known, or suspected, to be contaminated, the Council is duty bound to ensure that any contamination is investigated prior to development. When problems are identified, the Council must be assured that they are capable of being remediated to a point where the land becomes suitable for the use proposed. In all cases, where contamination is suspected to be a problem, conditions will be imposed on planning permissions. With an emphasis on development involving brownfield sites, this is an important aspect of development management. For its part, the Council updated its own Contaminated Land Strategy in 2010.

Policy DM 21

Land contamination

On sites known, or suspected, to be contaminated, the Borough Council will only grant planning permission for development proposals if the developer agrees to undertake effective investigation and remediation work to overcome any identified hazard.

Alternatives considered - pollution and land contamination development management policies.

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. Not have policies on pollution control and New guidance as set out in the draft NPPF indicates land contamination and leave control to that a policy should be included on pollution to other environmental legislation provide safeguards to people and the environment.

Table 7.16.2 Alternatives considered - pollution and land contamination development management policies. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 209 Framework of Development Management Policies 7

Telecommunications

7.16.20 In accordance with Government policy the Council recognises and supports the need for modern telecommunication systems and their provision. Government policy on telecommunications is to ensure that people have a choice as to who provides their telecommunications service, a wider range of services from which to choose and equitable access to the latest technologies as they become available. To this end, high speed internet connectivity should be ensured for all new development.

7.16.21 Whilst it may not always be necessary for such development to need planning permission, operators are expected to take account of and respond positively to the Governments Code for Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development (2006) and engage at an early stage with the Council. In turn, householders should take note of the householder planning guide for the Installation of Antennas, including satellite dishes (2008), which includes the Government's statement of good practice on where to place antennas.

7.16.22 Protection from visual intrusion and the implications for subsequent network development will be important considerations in determining applications. In accordance with national planning policy PPG7 high priority should be given to the need to safeguard areas of environmental importance. In National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty proposals should be sensitively designed and sited and the developer must demonstrate that there are no suitable alternative locations. Careful consideration should be given to screening and planting. Operators should use sympathetic design and camouflage to minimise the impact of development on the environment, particularly in designated areas.

Policy DM 22

Telecommunications

Proposals for the installation of new masts or other structures for telecommunications equipment will be considered having regard to the technical and operational requirements of service providers.

Such proposals will be permitted provided that:

1. There is no existing mast, structure or building that can satisfactorily be used or adapted to enhance the national network; 2. Any mast or installation is sited, designed, finished and where appropriate landscaped to minimise any adverse impact on the appearance and amenity of its surroundings without unacceptably impairing operational efficiency; 3. Where the site is adjacent to an area of nature conservation interest, there is no significant adverse impact or any harm is outweighed by the benefits of the proposal. Where practicable, proposals will be expected to avoid areas designated as being of international, national and sub-regional significance for landscape or nature conservation interest; 4. Any new mast is designed with the possibility of future mast sharing, where practicable; 5. If the proposal affects a listed building or its setting, or the site is within a conservation area, the Borough Council will seek to ensure that: 210 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 7 Framework of Development Management Policies

a. there is no suitable site elsewhere, outside such areas, with less visual intrusion and/or impact on amenity that would serve the intended purpose; and b. if no alternative site can be found, the visual intrusion and/or adverse impact on biodiversity and amenity is minimised

Where it is proposed to replace or extend a mast to increase capabilities the Council will seek to ensure that the resulting appearance of the equipment is appropriate to its surroundings, having had regard to alternative means of achieving the required purpose of the installation.

The means for connection to high speed broadband or digital technology will be ensured in all new development proposals.

Alternatives considered - telecommunications development management policy

Alternatives Reasons not pursued

1. No policy on this issue as This alternative was rejected because whilst Planning cannot Telecommunication operators inhibit the service needs of the Telecommunications Industry, can add to the network subject it can and will provide guidelines on siting of masts and other to prior approval under Part 24 operational equipment having regard to its impact on people's of the General Permitted health and on environmental interests and residential amenity. Development Order.

Table 7.16.3 Alternatives considered - telecommunications development management policy Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 211 Implementation plan and monitoring arrangements 8

8 Implementation plan and monitoring arrangements

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 The co-ordination and delivery of necessary infrastructure alongside and sometimes in advance of new development is critical to achieving the objectives of the Core Strategy. Lack of physical infrastructure may delay development itself. Provision of good quality community services help to develop satisfaction with the neighbourhood for new and existing residents alike.

8.1.2 The Council has worked with its partners over a long period to achieve commitment to provision and funding of necessary infrastructure which has already supported significant regeneration initiatives, such as the A249 Swale crossing, the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road, the Queenborough and Rushenden link road and the emerging partnership working for Sittingbourne Town Centre.

8.1.3 In order to ensure that adequate and appropriate infrastructure is provided in a timely way, the Borough Council will continue to work with public and private sector providers and utility companies to facilitate delivery of infrastructure of the right standard and scale to meet the Borough's needs.

8.1.4 Whilst every opportunity will be taken to bid for appropriate funding and to coordinate investment plans of public and private bodies, it is unlikely that public funding will be available to meet all infrastructure requirements. The Council intends to prepare a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charging schedule which would be likely to be applicable to most new development, at the earliest opportunity to fund infrastructure. In the interim, the Council will continue to seek Section106 contributions to meet infrastructure needs arising from new development, either financially or through land and build costs.

8.1.5 Where site viability issues would occur as a result of seeking the full requirement of planning obligations, the Council will be likely to prioritise contributions according to the circumstances of the site, or consider deferral of some payments.

8.1.6 At this stage, the infrastructure needs and means of delivery is still being confirmed and cannot be finalised. As the Core Strategy proceeds to its final stages and the spatial strategy and site allocations are confirmed, the infrastructure requirements identified to deliver the strategy will be catalogued and costed in an Infrastructure Delivery Schedule incorporated into the plan (see Table 8.1.1) . As these details are worked up, it will also become clearer as to what matters are likely to be included in a CIL schedule and which will be left to site specific Section 106 agreements, so as to achieve the best overall result from developer funded infrastructure contributions.

8.1.7 The remainder of this chapter, will, in due course, include arrangements for the following matters:

Funding arrangements; Implementation mechanisms; Delivery agencies; Cross boundary and joint working with other local authorities and agencies. 212 8 Implementation

Strategic Area / Where What Specific Delivery Cost Funding Delivery issues / When Swale Site requirements agency sources comments

Borough

Draft

Core

Table 8.1.1 Derivation of the implementation plan plan

Strategy:

and

Bearing

monitoring

Fruits

(March

arrangements

2012) Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 213 Implementation plan and monitoring arrangements 8

8.2 Monitoring arrangements

8.2.1 Within the Local Development Framework, monitoring is an essential and continuous part of the plan making process. The Council's Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) will assess whether the Plan’s spatial vision is being achieved. This will be closely aligned to the Council's corporate performance monitoring and delivery of the Corporate Plan. The AMR will be used to identify where existing targets and indicators need to be amended or deleted and/or new ones included. The AMR will also identify the need for, and the scope of, a review of the policies.

8.2.2 The monitoring indicators identified are a mix of relevant indicators drawn from a number of sources:

National Indicators from the national data set that are monitored by the Local Authority and partners; Core Output indicators identified in planning guidance on Annual Monitoring Reports; Significant Effects Indicators identified in the Sustainability Appraisal of the Core Strategy; and Local indicators identified to assess performance in realising the vision and objectives of the Core Strategy, and effectiveness of the plan’s policies.

8.2.3 The Council will work with its partners, as appropriate, in the monitoring and review of the plan through the sharing of monitoring indicators. 214 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 8 Implementation plan and monitoring arrangements Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 215 Research and Evidence 1

Appendix 1 Research and Evidence

The Council has undertaken, or commissioned, a range of research to guide the development of options and underpin the Core Strategy. Most of this research is available on the Council's website.

Swale Borough Council publications (at http://www.swale.gov.uk/LDF/ unless highlighted):

Ambitions for Swale - The Swale Sustainable Community Strategy (2009) Topic Papers (Various) (2009-10 and on-going) Technical Papers Nos. 1-3 (Employment, housing and gypsies and travellers) How to determine dwelling numbers in Local Development Frameworks (2011) Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2009) Sustainable Design and Construction Study (2009) Employment Land Review (2010) and Employment Capacity Study (2010) Kent Science Park Economic Impact Assessment (2008) East Kent Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2009) Housing Condition Survey (2009) Swale Gypsy & Traveller Corporate Policy Statement (2009) Swale Gypsy & Traveller Corporate Policy & Site Assessment (2010) Swale Housing Strategy (2010) Swale Open Space Strategy (2010) PPG17 Assessment and Open Space Strategy (2010) Retail and Town Centre Study (2010) Draft Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and associated viability work (2010/11) High level viability assessment of the strategic spatial options (2011) Faversham - Review of employment sites (2012) Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal (2011) Swale Urban Extensions Landscape Capacity Study (2010) Water Infrastructure and Environmental Capacity Assessment (2010) Swale Green Grid Strategy (2008) Swale Biodiversity Action Plan (2008) The Feasibility of Developing Cultural Infrastructure as part of Sittingbourne Town Centre Regeneration Scheme August 2009. Sittingbourne Town Centre and Milton Creek Masterplan (2010) Swale Core Strategy Rapid Health Impact Assessment (2010) Swale Demographic and Labour Supply Forecasts (2010) MAC Associates Consultation Report into Core Strategy issues (2010) Swale Rural Sustainability Study (December 2011) Swale Renewable Energy & Sustainability Study, AECOM, November (2011) Opportunities on Strategic Sites (Addendum to Swale Renewable Energy & Sustainability Study), AECOM, December 2011 Swale VISUM Transport Modelling Reports

The following studies are also in progress, and will inform the development of later stages of the Core Strategy:

North Kent Bird Disturbance Study (Phase 1 due to be completed May 2012) North Sheppey Erosion Study (Due Spring 2012) 216 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 1 Research and Evidence

Other Sources and Publications

Kent Science Park evidence base (predominantly third party) Global Strategy Trends - Out to 2040 UK Government Global Trends 2025. US National Intelligence Council. DEFRA Ensuring UK Food Security in a changing world The English Indices of Deprivation (2010) Marmot Review: Fair Society, Healthy Lives 2010 Greening the Gateway - a greenspace strategy for Thames Gateway, ODPM 2004 PAS: Prevention is still better than cure 2008 Isle of Grain to South Foreland Shoreline Management Plan, South East Coastal Group Medway Estuary and Swale Shoreline Management Plan, South East Coastal Group North Kent Economic Development Strategy (2009) - no electronic version available The Kent Regeneration Framework 2009–2020 - no electronic version available Kent County Council population statistics Kent County Council Housing Information Audit Kent County Council Employment Land Survey Kent County Council Ethnic Population Estimates April 2009 Kent County Council CTRL Domestic Services Study (2007) Kent County Council Community Infrastructure Provision: Review of current and future service strategies in Kent March 2009 Kent Habitat Survey 2003 The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2009-2014 Market Towns: Losing their Character? A CPRE report – March 2004 NFU Future of Farming in Kent (2009) NFU Planning Policy Topics (2009) South East Travelling Showpersons Assessment. For former Regional Assembly (2010). North Kent Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Assessment. For North Kent Districts (2007). NHS Swale Health Profile 2011 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 217 Holiday Parks Supplementary Guidance 2

Appendix 2 Holiday Parks Supplementary Guidance

Conditions for planning permissions to be used in connection with the new policy on holiday homes.

A) No caravans/chalets shall be occupied except between 1st March and 3rd January in the following calendar year, and no caravan/chalet shall be occupied unless there is a signed agreement between the owners or operators of the Park and all caravan/chalet owners within the application site, stating that:

1. The caravans/chalets are to be used for holiday and recreational use only and shall not be occupied as a sole or main residence, or in any manner which might lead any person to believe that it is being used as the sole or main residence; and

2. No caravan/chalet shall be used as a postal address; and

3. No caravan/chalet shall be used as an address for registering, claiming or receipt of any state benefit; and

4. No caravan/chalet shall be occupied in any manner, which shall or may cause the occupation thereof, to be or become a protected tenancy within the meaning of the Rent Acts 1968 and 1974; and

5. If any caravan/chalet owner is in breach of the above clauses their agreement will be terminated and/or not renewed upon the next expiry of their current lease or licence.

On request, copies of the signed agreement[s] shall be provided to the Local Planning Authority.

B) Any caravan/chalet that is not the subject of a signed agreement pursuant to condition A shall not be occupied at any time.

C) The owners or operators of the Park shall at all times operate the Park strictly in accordance with the terms of the following Schedule:

The Park operator must:

1) ensure that all caravan/chalet users have a current signed agreement covering points 1 to 5 in condition A of the planning permission; and 2) hold copies of documented evidence of the caravan/chalet users’ main residence and their identity; this may comprise of utility bills, Council Tax bill, passport, driving licence or similar document; and 3) on request, provide copies of the signed agreement[s] to the Local Planning Authority; and 4) require caravan/chalet users to provide new documentation if they change their main residence; and 5) send all written communications to the main residence of the caravan/chalet user; and 6) not allow postal deliveries to the caravan/chalet or accept post on behalf of the caravan/chalet owner at the park office; and 7) ensure that each caravan/chalet is to be used for holiday use only and that no caravan is occupied as a sole or main residence, or in any manner which might lead any person to believe that it is being used as the sole or main residence, of the user or occupant; and 218 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 2 Holiday Parks Supplementary Guidance

8) adhere to a code of practice as good as or better than that published by the British Homes and Holiday Parks Association. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 219 Schedule of development allocations 3

Appendix 3 Schedule of development allocations

Policy ST 2 refers to various sources of potential housing land. For further details, including site location plans, the Council's draft Swale Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 2010/11 (SHLAA) should be consulted. However, not all the sites identified as achievable within the SHLAA are formally included within the Core Strategy. In some cases, the Council has made a series of judgements which have examined the combination of effects that might be caused by development of a large number of sites. These include effects upon biodiversity, transport and the separation between settlements. Further information can be found in the report considered by the Council's Local Development Framework Panel on 23 February 2012 and in the Council's Technical Paper No. 2 Determining a local housing target for Swale within which the phasing of all the sites in this Appendix are included alongside a housing trajectory.

Sites with outstanding planning permissions yet to be built

Please refer to Appendix 3 of the SHLAA for the list of the sites and associated site plans making up this element of the overall supply.

Sites forming review of Local Plan 'saved' allocations

Site Reference Site Settlement Dwelling Yield

SW/005 The Foundry, Queenborough 37

SW/111 Milton Pipes (Cooks Lane) Sittingbourne 190

SW/312 35 High Street, Milton Regis Sittingbourne 15

SW/318 Land adj. Manor Road Queenborough 6

SW/325 Plover Road (Thistle Hill) Minster 130

SW/326 Scocles Road (Thistle Hill) Minster 356

SW/327 East Hall Farm Sittingbourne 208

SW/329 Rear of Coleshall Cottages Iwade 327

SW/330 Stones Farm, Canterbury Road Sittingbourne 550

SW/331 Rear of Barnsley Close Sheerness 35

SW/333 West Street Queenborough 80*

SW/335 Creekside Queenborough 1700*

SW/337 Crown Quay Lane Sittingbourne 500*

SW/342 Swale House, East Street Sittingbourne 80

SW/345 Central Avenue Sittingbourne 10

SW/347 Fountain Street Sittingbourne 12 220 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 3 Schedule of development allocations

Site Reference Site Settlement Dwelling Yield

SW/348 Land around Focus DIY, Dover Sittingbourne 90 Street

SW/350 Jct East Street & St Michael’s Sittingbourne 16 Road

TOTAL * Not all within plan period 3,492 (within plan period)

Table 3.0.1 List of 'saved' Swale Borough Local Plan 2008 allocations

Sites from within existing built up area boundaries

Site Reference Site Settlement Dwelling Yield

SW/013 Transit Works,Power Station Road Minster 42

SW/039 Shellness Road/Park Avenue Leysdown 10

SW/076 Lydbrook Close,London Road Sittingbourne 60

SW/112 St Bartholomew’s Primary School Sittingbourne 29

SW/113 St Thomas’s Primary School Sittingbourne 22

SW/114 Halfway Houses Primary School Minster 60

SW/120 Iwade Fruit and Produce Iwade 30

SW/122 Iwade village centre II Iwade 12

SW/191 Faversham Police Station,Church Faversham 12 Road

SW/209 Land at Preston Skreens Minster 24

SW/212 Bysingwood Primary School Faversham 15

SW/213 Sittingbourne Adult Education Sittingbourne 26 Centre

SW/220 152 Staplehurst Road Sittingbourne 72

SW/352 109-111 Staplehurst Road Sittingbourne 48

SW/401 Former Paper Mill,Mill Way Sittingbourne 150

SW/442 Watermark,Staplehurst Road, Sittingbourne 300

TOTAL 912

Table 3.0.2 Sites within existing built up area boundaries Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 221 Schedule of development allocations 3

Sites from proposed minor changes to built up area boundaries

Site Reference Site Settlement Yield

SW/025 Nil Desperandum, Rushenden Queenborough 22

SW/037 Ham Farm Faversham 35

SW/132 Land north of High Street Eastchurch 15

SW/140 Land and buildings at Parsonage Newington 10 Farm

SW/163 Bull Lane Boughton 18

SW/415 Land off Colonels Lane Boughton 15

SW/417 Land south of Colonels Lane Boughton 6

TOTAL 121

Table 3.0.3 Sites from minor changes to built up area boundaries.

Sites within Neighbourhood Plan

Site Reference Site Settlement Dwelling Yield

SW/034 Weston Works, Brent Hill/Brent Faversham 40 Road

SW/203 Land at OrdnanceWharf, Flood Faversham 10 Lane

SW/353 & 354 Standard Quay & Fentiman’s Yard, Faversham 11 New Creek Road

SW/359 Standard House, New Creek Road Faversham 5

SW/356 South East Coast Oil Services Ltd Faversham 16

SW/424 Land at Swan Quay, Belvedere Faversham 20 Road

Total 102

Table 3.0.4 Sites from within Neighbourhood Plan (9).

9 Final yields to be determined by Neighbourhood Planning process. 222 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 3 Schedule of development allocations

Sites from within proposed 'Areas of Search'

Site Reference Site Settlement Yield

SW/165 Land at Belgrave Road Minster 140

SW/405 MinsterAcademy, Admirals Walk Minster 20

SW/194 Cowstead Corner, Lower Road Minster 500

SW/009 Manor Farm, Key Street Sittingbourne 20

SW/057 North of Key Street Sittingbourne 30

SW/126 Cryalls Lane Sittingbourne 80

TOTAL 790

Table 3.0.5 Sites from within proposed 'Areas of Search'. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 223 Map changes 4

Appendix 4 Map changes

Local Landscape Designations (including Areas of High Landscape Value, Locally Important Countryside Gaps and Strategic Gaps and Special Landscape Areas)

4.0.1 In past Local Plans, Swale has used local landscape designations to protect its valued landscapes for their intrinsic landscape value and quality from development pressures. These comprised Special Landscape Areas (the North Kent Marshes, the Blean and the Kent Downs (outside the North Down AONB), and a number of smaller Areas of High Landscape Value. It has also used a two tier policy approach for the protection of undeveloped areas between settlements – Strategic Gaps (between Sittingbourne and Medway and Maidstone) and Locally Important Gaps (between Sittingbourne and its surrounding villages, settlements on western Sheppey and between Upchurch and the Medway Towns). The scope and status of these designations have been reviewed for the draft Core Strategy and set out below.

Local Landscape Designations

4.0.2 National planning policy guidance advocates an approach based on landscape character assessment and the use of criteria-based policies rather than use of designations. Consequently, maintaining local designations has become more difficult. A hybrid policy approach is proposed that retains protection for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation, whilst elsewhere policies will require use of the adopted Landscape Character & Biodiversity Assessment 2011.

Strategic and Locally Important Countryside Gaps

4.0.3 The Strategic Gap was a product of the now obsolete Kent and Medway Structure Plan and the gaps included within the adopted Local Plan were not supported by the South East Plan (also about to be obsolete).

4.0.4 In respect of Locally Important Countryside Gaps, their definition on a Proposals Map implies their protection from development in perpetuity. However, the Council’s own Urban Extensions Landscape Capacity Study has demonstrated that there are areas within these gaps that could be developed without harm to their overall integrity. Within these areas Strategy, Cross-Cutting and Development Management Policies shall apply, together with the Landscape Character & Biodiversity Assessment 2011.

Changes to the Proposals Map

4.0.5 The Council's Local Development Framework Panel on 21st June 2011 resolved that the Council should no longer continue to show Local Landscape Designations, Strategic and Local Gaps on the Proposals Map. The designations will remain 'in force' until such times as the new approach forms part of the adopted Core Strategy.

New Local Wildlife Site - Abbey Fields, Faversham

4.0.6 In Kent, Local Wildlife Sites were previously known as Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCIs) and were first designated by the Kent Wildlife Trust in the early 1980s. Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs) are areas which are important for the conservation of wildlife in the administrative areas of Kent and Medway. They may support threatened habitats, such as chalk grassland or ancient woodland, or may be important for the wild plants or animals which are present. In Kent, 224 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 Map changes

there are over 440 Local Wildlife Sites, covering a total area of over 27,000 ha (roughly 7% of the County). They range from a 0.13 ha churchyard important for its orchids, to grazing marsh sites of over 1,000 ha.

4.0.7 A new LWS has been designated by the Kent Wildlife Trust since the Proposals Map was first prepared. The Abbey Fields LWS, comprises rough grassland and scrub. The site is notable for its scrubland and grassland birds. It also has a high invertebrate diversity, as well as water voles and reptiles. It was designated in December 2008 and now needs to be identified as a proposed change to the Proposals Map.

Map 4.0.1 New local wildlife site Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 225 Map changes 4

Coastal Change Management Area

4.0.8 Due to the requirements of PPS25 Supplement: Development and Coastal Change, the Proposals Map is proposed to be changed to show a defined Coastal Change Management Area. The Coastal Zone and the Area of Coastal Landslide and Rapid Erosion policies from the adopted Local Plan are proposed to be superseded by Core Strategy Policy DM3 and will be removed from the Proposals Map accordingly.

Changes to Built Up Area Boundaries

Boughton

4.0.9 Changes to the built-up area of Boughton are shown in Maps 4.0.2 and 4.0.3 and will be shown on the new Proposals Map. Map 4.0.2 refers to land at Bull Lane and Map 4.0.3 shows land at Colonels Lane. All three parcels of land were submitted to the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and are considered to be achievable housing sites.

Map 4.0.2 Built-Up Area boundary change at Boughton

226 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 Map changes

Map 4.0.3 Built-Up Area boundary change at Boughton Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 227 Map changes 4

Doddington

4.0.10 Through the Swale Rural Sustainability Study 2011 it was identified that Doddington needed an update to its built up area boundary as a result of changes in circumstances. Doddington’s primary school closed in December 2006 and is adjacent to the edge of the existing built up area boundary. It is proposed that the built up area boundary be extended to include this site to allow for its potential reuse. This boundary change is shown on Map 4.0.4 and will be shown on the new Proposals Map.

Map 4.0.4 Doddington Built-Up Area boundary change 228 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 Map changes

Eastchurch

4.0.11 Changes to the Eastchurch built up area boundary are shown on Map 4.0.5 and will be shown on the new Proposals Map. Map 4.0.5 refers to land north of the High Street. The site was submitted to the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and is considered to be an achievable housing site.

Map 4.0.5 Built-Up Area boundary change at Eastchurch Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 229 Map changes 4

Ham Road, Faversham

4.0.12 This site has been identified by the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment as an achievable housing site and is reflected by a change to the built up area boundary on the new Proposals Map as shown on Map 4.0.6.

Map 4.0.6 Built-Up Area boundary change at Faversham 230 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 4 Map changes

Queenborough-Rushenden

4.0.13 Changes to the Queenborough-Rushenden built up area boundary are shown on Map 4.0.7 and will be shown on the new Proposals Map. Map 4.0.7 refers to land at Nil Desperandum Rushenden Hill. The site was submitted to the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) and was considered to be an achievable housing site.

Map 4.0.7 Built-Up Area boundary change at Queenborough-Rusenden. Appendix 5 Saved and new policies

Swale Borough Local Plan Policies saved beyond Feb2011 Draft Core Strategy Reconciliation

Core Strategy Policy No. Title /Purpose Status re Core Strategy Policy No.

SP1 Sustainable Development superseded CP1

SP2 Environment superseded CP1

SP3 Economy superseded ST1, CP2

SP4 Housing superseded CP3 Swale

SP5 Rural Communities superseded CP2, DM10, DM14 Borough

SP6 Transport and Utilities superseded CP5, CP6

SP7 Community Services and Facilities superseded CP6 Draft

TG1 Thames Gateway Planning Area superseded ST2, ST3, ST4 Core

FAV1 Faversham and rest of Swale superseded ST2, ST5 Strategy: Saved SH1 Settlement Hierarchy superseded CP1

E1 General Development Criteria retained - Bearing

and E5 Cliff erosion and unstable land superseded DM4, DM20

Fruits

E6 The countryside retained CP1 new

E7 Separation of settlements superseded DM7, ST3, ST4 (March

policies E9 Protecting quality and character of Borough’s landscapes superseded CP7, DM6

2012) E10 Trees and hedges retained - 231 5 232 5 Saved

Swale Borough Local Plan Policies saved beyond Feb2011 Draft Core Strategy Reconciliation Swale

Core Strategy

Policy No. Title /Purpose Status re Core Strategy Borough

Policy No. and E11 Protecting biodiversity and geological interest superseded DM6, DM7

Draft new E12 Designated biodiversity and geological conservation sites superseded DM6

Core

E13 Coastal zone and undeveloped coast superseded DM3 policies

E14 Development and Listed Buildings retained Also see DM5 Strategy:

E15 Development in Conservation Areas retained Also see DM5

Bearing E16 Scheduled AncientMonuments and Archaeological Sites superseded DM5

E17 Historic Parks and Gardens retained - Fruits E18 Area of High Townscape Value retained -

(March E19 Achieving High Quality Design and Distinctiveness retained -

E23 New shopfronts, signs and adverts retained - 2012)

E24 Alterations and extensions retained -

Supporting and retaining existing employment land and CP2 B1 superseded businesses

Providing for new employment Also see SA1,SA2, B2 retained SA3, SA4

B3 Vitality and viability of town centres retained -

B4 New retail development retained -

B5 Existing and new tourist attractions and facilities superseded DM11 Swale Borough Local Plan Policies saved beyond Feb2011 Draft Core Strategy Reconciliation

Core Strategy Policy No. Title /Purpose Status re Core Strategy Policy No.

B6 Holiday Parks retained -

B7 Seasonal Occupancy Holiday parks superseded DM12

B8 Residential accommodation for holiday park wardens retained -

B9 Touring accommodation superseded DM11

Providing for new housing Also see ST1, ST2, Swale H2 retained SA1, SA2, SA3,

SA4,SA5 Borough H3 Providing affordable housing superseded DM13

H4 Gypsies and travellers (site criteria) superseded DM15 Draft

RC1 Revitalising the rural economy superseded DM10 Core

RC2 Retaining and enhancing rural services retained - Strategy: Saved RC3 Helping to meet rural housing needs superseded DM14

RC4 Replacement and extended dwellings in rural area retained - Bearing

RC6 Re use of rural buildings retained - and

Fruits

RC7 Rural lanes retained - new

Community led design statements and parish plans Neighbourhood plans, (March

currently only policies RC8 superseded Faversham Creek,

NP1 2012)

RC9 Keeping and grazing of horses retained - 233 5 234 5 Saved

Swale Borough Local Plan Policies saved beyond Feb2011 Draft Core Strategy Reconciliation Swale

Core Strategy

Policy No. Title /Purpose Status re Core Strategy Borough

Policy No. and RC10 Extending residential gardens in the rural area retained -

Draft new T1 Providing safe access to new development superseded DM16

Core

T2 Essential improvements to the highway network superseded DM16 policies

T3 Vehicle parking for new development superseded DM17 Strategy:

T4 Cyclists and pedestrians superseded DM16

Bearing T5 Public transport superseded DM16

Maximising use of railways and waterways for commercial DM16 T6 superseded Fruits purposes

T7 Town centre parking superseded DM17 (March

U1 Servicing development superseded CP6 and CIL

2012) U3 Renewable energy superseded CP1

U4 Placing services underground retained -

C1 Existing and new community services and facilities retained -

Housing development and provision of community services CP6 and CIL C2 superseded and facilities

C3 Provision of open space on new housing developments superseded DM18

Local Plan Site Allocations are generally retained unless built out: -

B11 Ridham and Kemsley , Sittingbourne retained - Swale Borough Local Plan Policies saved beyond Feb2011 Draft Core Strategy Reconciliation

Core Strategy Policy No. Title /Purpose Status re Core Strategy Policy No.

B12 East Hall Farm, Sittingbourne (employment) retained -

B13 The Meads, Sittingbourne retained -

B14 New Employment sites retained -

B15 Land at Western Link, Faversham superseded SA4

B16 Standard House and adj land, Faversham retained See also NP1 Swale

B17 The CreekBasin, Faversham retained See also NP1

Borough B18 Land and buildings to the west of Selling Road, Faversham retained -

B19 Land east of Faversham retained - Draft Duke of Kent,Thanet Way, Faversham -

B20 retained Core

B21 Neatscourt, Queenborough, Sheppey retained - Strategy: Saved Land at West Minster, east of Brielle Way -

B22 retained Bearing

Queenborough and Land at Whiteway Rd -

Fruits

B23 retained new and south of West Minster, Queenborough

(March

B24 Seeboard Yard and Offices, St Michaels Rd Sittingbourne retained - policies

B25 KentSciencePark superseded AC2 2012)

B26 Brogdale National Fruit Centre retained - 235 5 236 5 Saved

Swale Borough Local Plan Policies saved beyond Feb2011 Draft Core Strategy Reconciliation Swale

Core Strategy

Policy No. Title /Purpose Status re Core Strategy Borough

Policy No. and Eurocentre,Whitstable Rd, Faversham -

MU1 Built out

Draft new

MU2 Land at Graveney Rd, Faversham retained - Core

policies

B27 SittingbourneTown Centre retained - Strategy: H5 Housing allocations retained -

H6 Sites within existing built up areas superseded ST2, CP3 Bearing

H7 East Hall Farm, Sittingbourne (housing) retained -

H8 Thistle Hill, Minster, Sheppey retained - Fruits

- (March H9 Land at Plover Road, Minster retained

H10 Stones Farm, Sittingbourne retained - 2012)

T8 Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road superseded SA5

T9 Rushenden Road link Built out

C4 New secondary school, NW Sittingbourne retained -

C5 Open Space, Stones Farm, Sittingbourne retained See also SA4

C6 Play space, Warden, Sheppey retained -

C7 Land for Church use, Iwade retained -

C8 Learning hub, Sittingbourne Town Centre retained - Swale Borough Local Plan Policies saved beyond Feb2011 Draft Core Strategy Reconciliation

Core Strategy Policy No. Title /Purpose Status re Core Strategy Policy No.

Four Gun Field, Otterham Quay Lane - C9 retained

AAP1 FavershamTown Centre retained -

MU3 Former brewery buildings, Court Street, Faversham Built out -

AAP2 Faversham creekside superseded NP1 Swale

AAP3 Land at Oare, Faversham retained -

Borough AAP4 SheernessTown Centre retained -

Land to north of Sheerness Station,Bridge Road - MU4 retained Draft

Land and buildings at Naval Terrace and Regency Close, Delete – now being renovated - Core AAP5

Sheerness Dockyard by Spitalfields Trust Strategy: Saved AAP6 Queenborough and Rushenden retained -

MU5 Land south of Queenborough Creek retained - Bearing

MU6 Land north of Queenborough Creek retained - and

Fruits

AAP7 SittingbourneTown Centre retained - new

MU7 Bell Centre and adjacent land retained - (March

policies MU8 51 High Street, Sittingbourne retained

2012) AAP8 Land at MiltonCreek, Sittingbourne retained - 237 5 238 5 Saved

Swale Borough Local Plan Policies saved beyond Feb2011 Draft Core Strategy Reconciliation Swale

Core Strategy

Policy No. Title /Purpose Status re Core Strategy Borough

Policy No. and AAP9 Iwade retained (almost built out) -

Draft new Table 5.0.1 Reconciliation of Swale Borough Local Plan (2008) saved policies with proposed Draft Core Strategy (March 2012)

Core

policies

Strategy:

Bearing

Fruits

(March

2012) Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 239 Glossary 6

Appendix 6 Glossary

Glossary of Terms

Affordable housing: affordable housing is housing designed to meet the needs of households whose incomes are not sufficient to allow them to access decent and appropriate housing on the open market. Affordable housing includes both social and intermediate housing. The latter is priced below open market purchase or rental prices, but above social rent levels.

Appropriate Assessment/ Habitats Regulation Assessment: study carried out to make sure that sites which are important for biodiversity at European level are protected and will not be damaged by proposals and policies.

Area Action Plan: this is a Development Plan Document that provides a planning framework for an area of significant change or conservation.

Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs): BOA maps can be seen as a spatial reflection of Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP). They indicate where the delivery of BAP targets should be focused in order to secure the maximum biodiversity benefits.

Building Research Environmental Assessment Methodology: an environmental assessment for rating and certifying non-residential development.

Brownfield: previously developed land which is, or has been, occupied by a permanent structure.

Business floorspace/buildings/development/uses: activities or uses that fall within the B-use class (i.e. offices, industry, or warehousing).

Car-free development: car-free development means no parking provision will be allowed on site and the occupiers will have no ability to obtain car parking permits, except for parking needed to meet the needs of disabled people. Car-free development can help to reduce traffic congestion and associated pollution from new developments.

Coastal Change Management Areas: a defined coastal area which is subject to physical change and requires specific management to reduce coastal erosion.

Community Infrastructure Levy: the means to set a CIL charging schedule was introduced in 2010. Swale intends to set such a levy, which is being pursued in a separate document. It will require most developments to support the delivery of infrastructure needed to support growth, including sub-regional infrastructure.

Commercial-led development: development where the majority of floorspace is for business uses.

Combined Heat and Power: the combined production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source producing greater efficiency than conventional heat and power generation.

Conservation areas: an area of special architectural or historic interest whose character or appearance is protected. Conservation area guidelines have been produced to guide development decisions in each area.

Code for Sustainable Homes: an environmental assessment for rating and certifying the performance of homes in terms of their energy efficiency/ consumption. 240 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Glossary

Convenience retailers: shops that sell everyday items such as food, drink and newspapers.

Comparison retailers: shops that sell clothes, furniture, electrical items and other bulky and non bulky household items

Core Strategy: the Core Strategy is a development plan document setting out the long-term spatial vision for the local planning authority area and the spatial objectives and strategic policies to deliver that vision.

Development Plan Documents: statutory planning documents, produced by the Planning Authority, that form part of the Local Development Framework, including the Core Strategy, Site Allocations, Development Management Policies and Area Action Plans.

District heating: a system for distributing heat generated in a central location to adjacent residential and commercial areas.

Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust: the Organisation currently responsible for improving health services in Swale.

Employment floorspace/buildings/development/uses: activities or uses that generate employment, including offices, industry, warehousing, showrooms, hotels, retail, entertainment, educational, health and leisure uses (regardless of whether the end occupier is private, public or charity sector). It should be noted that some of these uses fall within the PPS4 classification of “main town centre uses” (e.g. retail, leisure, entertainment, arts, culture and tourism).

Employment-led development: development where the majority of floorspace is for employment uses.

Examination in Public: a hearing into the Swale Local Development Framework, presided over by a Government Inspector to assess the soundness of Development Plan Documents.

Faversham Neighbourhood Plan: this is a local development plan setting out the use and development of land in the Faversham Creek Area, prepared by Faversham Town Council, and the local community to shape the future of this important location at the heart of the town.

Green roofs: green roofs are vegetated layers that sit on top of the conventional roof surfaces of a building, which can support a wide range of plant life. Green roofs can create, or improve, biodiversity, contribute to minimising flood risk, improve thermal efficiency and improve the microclimate.

Green infrastructure: a network of connected, high quality, multi-functional open spaces, corridors and the links in between sites that provide multiple benefits for people and wildlife.

Growth without Gridlock: the transport strategy for Kent for the next 10-20 years.

Health Impact Assessment: Health Impact Assessments consider the potential impacts of planning policies and decisions on health and health inequalities. They identify actions that can enhance the positive effects, and mitigate, or eliminate, the negative effects of developments.

Hold the Line: Shoreline Management policy in which the existing flood defence line is maintained. Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 241 Glossary 6

Key Diagram: the Key Diagram is a map which shows where major development will take place over the plan period and how this links with the main transport routes and neighbouring districts within Swale.

Lifetime Homes: the Lifetime Homes Standard is a set of design criteria that provide a model for building accessible and adaptable homes. The Standard fits a concept called "inclusive design" and is basically an inclusive design approach to general housing.

Lifetime Neighbourhoods: places designed to be inclusive regardless of age or disability.

Local Transport Plan: short term bidding and funding transport plan for Kent (April 2011).

Microclimate: a local atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding area.

Mixed-use development: provision of a mix of complementary uses, such as residential, community and leisure uses, on a site or within a particular area.

Mixed tenure: to have a mix of social rented, intermediate and general market housing.

National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping project: Environment Agency's coastal risk mapping project.

Managed realignment: shoreline management policy which allows for the retreat of the shoreline, with management to control or limit movement.

No active intervention: shoreline management policy where a decision not to invest in providing or maintaining defences has been taken.

Open Space: all space of public value, including public landscaped areas, parks and playing fields, and also including, not just land, but also areas of water such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, which can offer opportunities for sport and recreation or can also act as a visual amenity and a haven for wildlife.

Public realm: this is the space between, and within, buildings that is publicly accessible, including streets, squares, forecourts, parks and open spaces.

Regeneration: the economic, social and environmental renewal and improvement of rural and urban areas.

Registered Social Landlords: a housing association, housing trust, housing cooperative or housing company that provides housing mainly for households in need either for rent or under shared equity arrangements.

Renewable Energy Study: a comprehensive review of the renewable energy resources and potential for renewable energy technologies

Section106 (S.106)/Planning Obligations: planning obligations, also known as Section 106 agreements, are legally binding agreements typically negotiated between local authorities and developers in the context of planning applications and are often site specific, and or relate to some type of supporting infrastructure provision. They are a mechanism by which measures are secured to make development acceptable which would otherwise be unacceptable in planning terms. 242 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Glossary

Social housing: housing which is affordable by all those in housing need. This is typically provided as rented accommodation through the local authority or a registered social landlord, and rents that can be charged are set by the government.

Shoreline Management Plan: a large-scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal change processes which helps reduce these risks to people and the developed, historic and natural environments.

Spatial policies: these focus on specific locations of the Borough and working in partnership with other agencies to deliver development and supporting infrastructure.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment: the requirement to undertake a SFRA is set out in Government policy guidance statement PPS25. The current Government planning policy on the issue of development and flood risk.

Supplementary Planning Document: supplementary planning documents provide additional information to support the policies in development plan documents. They do not form part of the development plan and are not subject to independent examination.

Sustainability Appraisal/Sustainable Environmental Assessment: when preparing a development plan document, the Council has to carry out a formal assessment of its contribution to sustainable development and assess its social, economic and environmental impacts.

Swale's Sustainable Community Strategy: an important document created by the Swale Local Strategic Partnership which sets out a broad vision for promoting or improving the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of an area, together with proposals for delivering that vision.

Swale Locality Board: this is Swale's Local Strategic Partnership which brings together senior representatives from the key statutory, voluntary, community and business sectors in the Borough with the aim of improving the quality of life for local people.

Sustainable transport: alternative modes of transport to the low-occupancy private car, including walking, cycling, public transport, car sharing, water transport and city car clubs.

Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS): means of managing surface water drainage to reduce flooding and pollution impacts.

Swale Water Cycle Study: to make sure that the water supply, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment infrastructure in the District can accommodate the required growth levels whilst minimising flood risk and impact on the water environment.

Windfall sites: a site that is not specifically allocated for development in a Development Plan, but which unexpectedly becomes available for development during the lifetime of a plan.

Acronyms

AA Appropriate Assessment

AONB Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

AMR Annual Monitoring Report Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 243 Glossary 6

AQMA Air Quality Management Area

BAP Biodiversity Action Plan

BREEAM Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology

BSF Building Schools for the Future

CHP Combined Heat and Power

CCHP Combined Cooling, Heat and Power

CCMA Coastal Change Management Area

CIL Community Infrastructure Levy

CPRE Campaign to Protect Rural England

DEFRA Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

DPD Development Plan Documents

ELR Employment Land Review

EIP Examination in Public

GTAA Gypsy and Travellers Accommodation Assessment

HCA Homes and Communities Agency

HIA Health Impact Assessment

HRA Habitats Regulation Assessment

LEP Local Enterprise Partnership

LSP Local Strategic Partnership

KCC Kent County Council

KSP Kent Science Park

LDF Local Development Framework

LSP Local Strategic Partnership

LTP Local Transport Plan

NCERM National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping Project

NFU National Farmers Union

NPPF National Planning Policy Framework

NP Neighbourhood Plan 244 Swale Borough Draft Core Strategy: Bearing Fruits (March 2012) 6 Glossary

PCT Primary Care Trust

PYO “Pick Your Own” Consultation Document

PPG Planning Policy Guidance

PPS Planning Policy Statement

SA/SEA Sustainability Appraisal/ Strategic Environmental Assessment

SBC Swale Borough Council

SCI Statement of Community Involvement

SCS Sustainable Community Strategy

SELEP South East Local Enterprise Partnership

SFRA Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

SHMA Strategic Housing Market Assessment

SHLAA Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment

SINC Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation

SNRR Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road

SSRR Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road

SMEs Small/Medium Enterprises

SMP Shoreline Management Plan

SPD Supplementary Planning Document

STS Sustainable Transport Strategy

SuDS Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems