Cotswold District Community Toolkit
A series of ‘how to’ guides for Parish and Town Councils to support Community-led Planning and Place Making
Nov 2016
______Cotswold District Community Toolkit Collated by GRCC Nov 2016 1 Acknowledgements
The local charity GRCC (Gloucestershire Rural Community Council) has brought together this toolkit to support communities in the Cotswold District on regarding aspects of community led engagement and planning.
In producing sections of the toolkit GRCC has worked with 2 communities - Fairford and Mickleton- to trial some of the techniques and methods. Our thanks to Fairford Town Council and Mickleton Parish Council for piloting elements of this work.
This work has been funded by Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the toolkit has been produced in partnership with Cotswold District Council.
Future review and revision
This toolkit will be reviewed and refinements made to reflect development of the Cotswold District Local Plan and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
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List of contents
Content Page
Introduction 4
Who might use this toolkit? 4
The context 4
Sections in the Cotswold District Community Toolkit 5
How to engage with the wider community – Part A 6
How to engage with the wider community- Part B 7
How to assess and prioritise your community’s infrastructure needs 8
How to protect important green spaces 14
How to asess potential sites for development in the community 23
How to work with developers 29
How to undertake a formal community led plan 31
Help Sheets 1 to 5 32
______Cotswold District Community Toolkit Collated by GRCC Nov 2016 3 Cotswold District Community Toolkit
A series of ‘how to’ guides for Parish and Town Councils to support Community-led Planning and Place Making
Introduction
This toolkit brings together a number of ‘how to’ guides for communities in the Cotswold District in order to support community led planning and place making.
In composing this toolkit we celebrate our rural context, recognising the opportunities available to rural communities and also the challenges faced. Cotswold communities need to continue to evolve in light of drivers such as the ‘digital revolution’ and reduced service delivery as a result of national and local government cutbacks. Communities are also keen to ensure that decisions about future priorities are based on a firm understanding of their community and its needs.
Who might use this toolkit?
The toolkit contains seven ‘how to’ guides, two of are ‘Foundation’ elements which relate to general good practice in community engagement and consultation to aid decision making. These sections are therefore relevant to all Parish/Town Councils.
The other sections relate to specific community activity- eg in relation to protecting important green spaces and forming plans for the future. This toolkit can therefore be used to support evidence gathering in relation to community-led plans such as Parish Plans and Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDP). It will help communities to assess future infrastructure needs in the Parish/Town so that communities can benefit fully from developer contributions should future development take place. In addition, evidence sourced as a result of using this toolkit can be used to comment on planning applications.
The Context
Cotswold District covers a rural area covering approximately 450 square miles and lies in the eastern half of Gloucestershire. About 83,000 people live in the District, scattered over nearly 200 settlements and there are 115 parishes, 87 of which are parish and town councils and 28 parishes which do not have a council, but a parish meeting.
The toolkit is produced in the context of an emerging Local Plan for the Cotswold District which will guide decisions on the use and development of land up to 2031. Cotswold District Council is also in the process of producing its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which enables Local Planning Authorities to raise funds from developers, when undertaking new projects in their area, in order to fund a wide range of infrastructure that is needed as a result of development. The CIL is a tariff based approach, set out in a Charging Schedule, which indicates how much developers would be expected to contribute towards infrastructure. CIL allows for a percentage of the developer contribution to be received by the community where the development takes place (25% where the Parish/Town has a NDP in place; 15% where there is not a NDP in place).
______Cotswold District Community Toolkit Collated by GRCC Nov 2016 4 Section 106 can still be payable in certain circumstances to mitigate the impact of a particular development. Section 106 contributions can only be requested in addition to CIL (where CIL is applicable) if that Section 106 contribution is: Necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms Directly related to the development Fairly and reasonably related in kind and scale to the development
______Cotswold District Community Toolkit Collated by GRCC Nov 2016 5 ______Cotswold District Community Toolkit Collated by GRCC Nov 2016 6 Sections in the Cotswold District Community Toolkit:
The two Foundation ‘how to’ guides at the base of the following diagram are relevant to all Parish and Town Councils as they relate to sound practice in engagement and gathering. The top row of guides will be relevant to most communities, dependent on your community’s activity and aspirations. Hyperlinks are provided to the relevant sections within this toolkit.
PICK PICK PICK PICK PICK
How to assess your How to protect How to assess How to work with How to undertake a community’s important green spaces potential sites for developers formal Community Led infrastructure needs development in the Plan Guidance and checklist community A framework and sample for completion by Links to guidance for A guidance note by CDC to communities on producing questions and activities communities, produced Instructions and by CDC, on evidence support Parish and Town Neighbourhood for communities to template forms to Councils in engaging with Development Plans and the assess their current and gathering to designate enable communities to developers, particularly non statutory Parish Plans future infrastructure Local Green Spaces conduct assessments of where there are major needs and to prioritise potential sites for and Design Statement developments. those needs housing development
Foundations: How engage with the wider Foundations: How to engage with the wider community Part A: Analysing how your Parish/Town community Part B: Gathering opinions to Council currently engages understand your community’s needs Information and questions to enable parish and town Process and guidance for gathering opinions and reaching councils to consider how they currently engage with their all groups in your community community to make decisions
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How to Engage with the wider community
Part A: Analysing how your Parish/Town Council currently communicates and engages As part of the pilot project leading to the composition of this Toolkit, Fairford Town Council and Mickleton Parish Council considered their engagement techniques and how the town/parish council functions as well as their understanding of the term ‘infrastructure’. It is helpful for communities to examine the way in which they currently function to acknowledge and build on good practice and to recognise and address gaps or areas for improvement. Pilot study findings
The list of self assessment questions can be found in Help Fairford’s engagement activity has increased Sheet 1 as its Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) Group has undertaken consultation Links with good practice in running parish/town activity to highlight issues to address, councils strengths to capitalise on and hence to inform the vision and objectives of its emerging NDP. This toolkit encourages Parish and Town Councils to There has been a proactive approach to consider their governance plus how they engage with the engagement through door-to door delivery of wider community to ascertain local needs and to influence community surveys and by holding drop in decision making. There are already examples of excellent events. This is a stronger approach than community engagement by Parish and Town Councils in simply publishing meeting dates on a website Cotswold District and some Councils are undertaking the and expecting people to attend. Local Council Award Scheme, which provides a framework by which parish/town councils can show they meet the Use of surveys and drop in sessions rather than formal public meetings allows more standards set by the sector. The Foundation Level relates people to have the opportunity to contribute to a council acting lawfully, according to standard practice. and allows those who would not voice their Effective community engagement features at the top 2 opinions through public meetings to be levels of the Standard- Quality Award and Quality Gold heard. Award. At Quality Award Level the council should have an effective Engagement Policy and provide evidence of Information on engagement techniques can community engagement as the community plans for its be found in the How to guide to identify and future. At Gold Award Level evidence is sought to understand your community’s needs demonstrate that the council engages with diverse groups using a variety of methods, with community engagement leading to positive outcomes for the community.
Communities may also be interested in the Egan Wheel which defines sustainable communities under the following 8 strands:
Social and Cultural Governance Transport and connectivity Services Environmental Equity Back Economy Housing and the Built Environment
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HOW TO Engage with the wider community
Part B – Gathering opinions and understand your community’s needs
A) Gathering Community Opinions: Reaching people
In order to ensure that you are reaching all groups in your community the following chart can be used to identify different groups of people in your Parish/Town and how they might be reached.
Guidance on engagement Groups in our Where might they Plans: How to community eg age gather/ what might reach this group Top tips on Listening to Your groups, interest interest them Community groups, families, businesses etc Although the Eden Project guide to Community Consultation has been composed for NDP groups the principles and information will be useful for all Parish and Town councils seeking to engage B) Talk to other stakeholders with their community. (See list Make use of the expertise available from statutory authorities on of methods from page 16) topics ranging from transport and highways to health and education.
C) Desk top research can also draw out facts about your community
Examining census information- available for your parish/town can provide an insight and reveal facts that are not otherwise apparent. Census and other information is also available from Inform Gloucestershire and can relate to: Demographics- who lives in your community Health Employment and jobs Education and skills
Information on planning designations for your area, available from the CDC website, can identify special characteristics of your area to be preserved or addressed. These may relate to designated landscapes, Conservation Area, Listed buildings, flood zones and other designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
The emerging Cotswold District Local Plan contains summaries of key settlements and has an evidence base including studies and surveys of the district. On electronic versions you can perform a search to find references to your community. Other studies may be available- eg transport surveys, Back to Sections
Back to engagement The following headings can be useful in tracking learning from desktop research Information Source Link (if appropriate) + Content Conclusions/ is about (document) page number/section commentary (ie what is (Topic) it telling you?)
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HOW TO Assess And Prioritise Your Local Community’s Infrastructure Needs
Introduction
When making recommendations for infrastructure needs, especially for Section 106 funding, it is important that Parish /Town Councils can quantify and justify each request. Likewise if communities are compiling a list of infrastructure needs in preparation for future Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding it is likely that it will not be possible to fund all requirements therefore prioritisation, based on robust evidence will aid decision making.
This section should be completed before starting on any community led planning. Increasing housing numbers will have an impact on your community. However, many communities will not have gathered the basic information needed to help assess whether further research is needed and which form it should take. This baseline could be used as a starting point for any form of Community Led Planning including Parish Plans, Community Design Statements or Neighbourhood Development Plans. Communities should choose which format is the more appropriate for their circumstances and needs and it is important to keep the amount of research proportionate and reasonable. However, do check with your local planning authority how much weight is given to each format before you start.
Baseline Notes Number of new homes under CDC Local Plan 2011-2031 Number of planning Number of homes in permissions granted (as of community (refer to …..date) Census 2011 and then add on any others that have been built up to date) Number of homes built (as of….date) Number of homes still to be built (from …..to …….) Profile of new houses to be Check with developer built or have been completed or study marketing e.g. older people’s materials or refer to accommodation, affordable planning consent housing, 2 bedroomed etc details for breakdown on numbers etc Population breakdown as of Pull out key facts Census 2011 which are likely to affect infrastructure Local Infrastructure Tasks National Community’s Requirement Conclusion Recreation grounds play areas Record each and **** and other community green measure their size spaces Sports Pavillions Record each one and
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use the same criteria for meeting spaces to formulate a basic outline of this provision Meeting Spaces – record and Include village halls, gather simple facts, primary school and church halls purpose, number of people it etc. can house at any one time, facilities included, number of parking spaces, open availability or limited availability Education – number of children Optional – Evidence on school/ playgroup roll gathered could help to Catchment area details influence decisions Max capacity of school outside the planning Refer to formula in CDC process, e.g. used to Infrastructure Delivery Plan help support a grant 2016 to calculate number of application or give places needed strength to an argument for a business case GP Service – current providers Optional - This Number of patients information can be Capacity to expand obtained from the practise manager. Evidence gathered could be used to help support a business case to share with providers. Transport Optional – but evidence gathered could be used to help support a business case to share with providers
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Below is a five-step process which communities can follow to establish their needs, priorities and actions. More detail is provided in the following pages and links are provided to Help sheets eg templates and checklists which should prove useful and prevent each community ‘reinventing the wheel’
STEP 1: Defining infrastructure in your community
STEP 2: Gathering evidence through research and audits
STEP 3: Analysis and Drawing Conclusions
STEP 4: Prioritising and Justifying
STEP 5: Forming an Action Plan for Delivery and Management
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STEP 1: Defining local infrastructure in your community
Gaining an understanding of your local infrastructure needs is all about getting to know your place and its context. It helps paint a picture of how it functions, what works well and not so well, and when and what are the key elements which contribute towards making it a successful sustainable community.
It is also important to understand what role Cotswold District Council, as the Local Planning Authority (LPA), has in identifying critical and essential infrastructure as part of the Local Plan and decision making process. A LPA can only seek the delivery of infrastructure which meet nationally set tests. LPAs have to consider viability issues for any development and therefore can be restricted on the amount of financial gain/ Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). They must balance collecting revenue through CIL to fund infrastructure (critical infrastructure) and ensuring that the rates are not so high as to put the development at serious risk. This means that there is likely to be funding shortfalls and Parish and Town Councils, for the future, will have a key role to play in helping to bridge the financial gap in local infrastructure provision, alongside other funding solutions.
The following sections give you the tools to enable you to establish your local community needs, priorities and next steps for action.
Pilot study findings Completing the following table will demonstrate your understanding of roles of relevant partners involved in delivery of Communities’ definition of the various elements of infrastructure relevant to your parish. This infrastructure needs vary. Those can be completed by parish/town councillors or it could be a ‘kick interviewed in Mickleton placed off’ activity in a wider community consultation. importance on social infrastructure as well as the more traditional capital aspects.
Infrastructure Organisation Role How delivered aspect
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The following headings may prove useful when defining local infrastructure within your Parish/Town. When defining local infrastructure needs refer to the CDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2016 to help understand wider infrastructure provision which may influence your decisions at a local level.
Community and culture
Meeting places Library Youth services a) Open space, sport and recreation Indoor o Meeting places o Indoor spaces for other recreational facilities Outdoor o Sports facilities o Play facilities- formal and informal o Other green infrastructure – woods, parks, allotments, orchards b) Other Street furniture (includes street lighting, signage, bins, bus shelters) Employment hubs
The following aspects of infrastructure will more likely be outside the scope of a parish or town councils’ ability to meet the costs of this provision through CIL received. However, gathering evidence on these could be used to inform discussions with providers, which is why it has been included here. Evidence gathered could also be used to shape the contents of a Neighbourhood Development Plan to help the LPA when making key decisions on these aspects when considering housing development.
Education- schools, colleges and nurseries Healthcare - facilities (GP surgeries, dentist etc) Transport (roads, traffic, parking, pavements and footpaths/bridle paths/cycle paths (including accessibility and linkages), transport) Utilities Gas Electricity Broadband Mobile telephone infrastructure Infrastructure is defined Water management (flooding, water supply and waste water) as: The basic facilities and installations that help a government or community run, including roads, schools, phone lines, sewage treatment plants and power generation.
This covers a wide range of items, some state-run while others are ______Cotswold District Community Toolkit Collated by GRCC Nov 2016 community run. As6 communities change, so their infrastructure needs may alter.
STEP 2: Gathering evidence through research and audits
You are aiming to find out the following with a view to using the information to engage discussion and decisions in your community: How well do the infrastructure facilities meet current needs? Are they ‘at capacity’? Avoid repeating previous Future proofing - ie could they cater for changing consultations population/needs? It may be the case that your A) Ask the community community has previously carried out an activity to identify people’s It is important to gain the community’s view on local infrastructure opinions on what they value and provision now and in the future. Guidance in the toolkit section How to the needs/ challenges in the identify and understand your Community’s Needs provides information locality. If so, it is a good idea to use on engagement techniques which can be used at this stage. Marking the physical infrastructure on a map can be a good starting point for that information as the basis for discussion. Open or closed questions can be used asking people to rate new questions. the facilities – in terms of importance to their household and in terms of Eg ‘in 2005, your let us know that level of satisfaction with the facility. Open questions can generate the following issues were important thoughts about future capacity and needs. for our community. Since then the following changes have taken place. B) Check the community’s perspective: Finding out Which of these points are still the suppliers’ perspectives and plans relevant to our community. What else is important to you and Conversations/ interviews with the managers of those infrastructure why? facilities/ services will allow you to test the community’s perspective. It will also give the chance to find out if the managers have any issues they wish to raise/ ideas about future needs. Help sheets 2+3 contains audit checklist and sample questions for use for community building/ meeting spaces and also for providers of other services- eg Health Services.
A table can be used to plan and Infrastructure Provider- Date of Comments made track discussions and a simple aspect including communications by providers (or report of findings presented contact reference to details document containing report A community’s approach
Fairford NDP’s community C) Check the community’s perspective: Other research consultation demonstrated concern about the capacity of The Cotswold District Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan contains an the sewerage system in the assessment of Infrastructure needs. However bear in mind that this town to cope with current, let document has been devised to supplement the Local Plan and covers the alone future, housing strategic needs of the whole district. Other surveys/reports may also be pressures. The group tested available- eg relating to transport, Highways or Flooding. this perspective and checked facts through discussions with Thames Water to gain the supplier’s perspective.
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STEP 3: Analysis and Drawing Conclusions
The table of findings suggested at Step 3 will contain key points gained during the evidence Workshop Plan gathering stage. These now need to be considered and key messages drawn out about future needs. 1. Presentation of findings, including Overview of research carried out A workshop can be a useful method of involving Is community perception backed up Parish/Town Councillors and residents in by other research? considering needs and an overview of a possible Other organisations with a role to workshop plan is provided on this page. In some play in addressing this need communities, councillors may be willing to Any plans in place and status of those present findings in each area, thus dividing the plans task.
2. Following each presentation, consider and list: Some Parish/Town Councils may be confident in Key messages about needs (this can involving the wider community in this initial result in a vision and objectives for workshop. Others may prefer an internal meeting to discuss and trial the approach and then take a your community). summary to the community, with justified conclusions. 3. Consider whether plans already in place (from a variety of organisations with a role to play) adequately address issues identified Lechlade NDP group found that presenting information from their research to the wider community, 4. For those which are not being addressed, through a Drop in Day enabled generate ideas/options about how the the NDP group to justify why they needs might be addressed. were pursuing some aspects of
infrastructure and not others in their NDP. 5. Begin to consider the benefits and concerns of each option and list further They provided boards of research required –eg costs/ information summarising their permissions/ legal aspects research and conclusions and
checked with the community
whether they agreed with those conclusions GRCC staff can facilitate workshops in your community.
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STEP 4: Prioritising and Justifying Decisions
It is unlikely that all the infrastructure needs identified in Step 3 can be met immediately therefore discussion will be necessary to consider levels of importance, likelihood of delivery and timescales.
Again it is best practice to involve the wider community in decision making. Two levels of involvement may be considered:
a) Presentation of the facts established to date and enabling discussion and decision making by residents /other stakeholders b) Parish/Town Council prioritisation and presentation of potential decisions for comment prior to amendment (as appropriate) and final decision.
The first model is the most participative but practical factors eg organising the event, time constraints and the number of projects/ activities to be considered will affect your conclusion about which model to use. However, in both cases the principles and process of decision making are identical: Present the facts then discuss and prioritise.
Present the facts – Following Step 3 you will have investigated rough costs and timescales for each project /activity identified. These can be Prioritisation wheel presented on summary sheets or boards - one per project/ activity. This tool is a visual way of prioritising which allows all participants to be heard. It can be a helpful technique Discuss and prioritise to use if you have a number of projects / activities in the ‘must have’ category. Some groups may prefer to discuss all factors ‘in the round’ but it is worth considering separating How it works: A series of concentric circles are drawn the discussion and prioritisation in relation to on a large piece of paper. Each project is represented need prior to cross referencing against other on a card and all are placed around the outer ring of elements (such as cost, timescales responsibility, the concentric circles. Each person, in turn moves one feasibility) in order to ensure that the discussion project card one ring inward (towards the centre). does not drift or lose focus. To discuss and Carry on doing this, in turn, until projects move prioritise according to need, you could ask people forward towards the ‘bullseye’. It may be that there is to divide the projects into level of need categories. no consensus, in which case, more discussion may be This task can be done visually- eg one sheet of needed. You may require each person to justify their paper per option and cards representing projects. ‘move’ and this activity can be carried out in groups and responses compared. Must have – eg key service for local residents/ service users. Urgent need for repairs or to increase capacity due to change in population. Should have – improvements which are not vital but would alleviate pressure Could have – These would be the ‘nice to have’ projects Not needed – if the previous steps have been followed it is logical to assume that there will be no projects in this category.
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Once you have established level of need then you can If you are finding it difficult to decide if a consider the other factors. These can be considered project is needed – try asking the questions: individually or grouped. Discussion may lead to re-ordering What will happen if this does not take of the priorities. place?- what alternatives are available? Consider
Cost Resources required Ease of achieving Level of priority on others’ agenda (Do your discussions with other stakeholders suggest that this is a priority for them? Does it feature in any published plans eg CDC Infrastructure Delivery Plan, Gloucestershire Transport Plans etc? ) Responsibility and role of the Parish /Town Council Timescales and time to complete- can it be achieved in an appropriate and realistic timescale? Linkages with the other projects/plans Legal and quality requirements (eg are there minimum standards / will planning permission be required?)
STEP 5: Forming an Action Plan for Delivery and Management
There will be two categories of project/ activity A well specified requirement is 1. Those for which other organisations will take the lead (eg transport, roads, education): Your action plan for this Uniquely identifiable category is likely to relate to the Parish/Town Council’s role Current and this could vary from initiating or engaging in concept or Consistent planning discussions to securing elements of funding to Justified (why needed- ensure that the project happens. verifiable with an audit trail of evidence) 2. Those which the community will lead – eg local facilities for meeting places, play facilities: Action plans for this category will be detailed and involve developing detailed specification so that requirements are clear and exact costs can be identified.
A general action plan would typically contain the following headings:
Project/ activity Action to be Timescales Responsibility Progress title undertaken
The Parish/Town Council should monitor and report on delivery and should assess the benefits of the Back new infrastructure. This would typically be considered during regular or specific sub-committee meetings.
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HOW TO Protect important green spaces Guidance and checklist provided by CDC
INTRODUCTION
The Natural Environment White Paper (The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature 2011) highlighted “the importance of green spaces to the health and happiness of local communities”.
Green spaces, particularly natural green spaces, located close to local people provide a range of social, environmental and economic benefits, including –
improved mental and physical health increased social activity increased physical activity reduced crime improvements to children’s learning increased voluntary action improved community cohesion and sense of belonging potential for local food growing more attractive places to live, work, play, visit and invest enhanced opportunities for wildlife habitats and wildlife corridors climate change adaptation for example by flood alleviation
The White Paper recommended that a new Green Areas designation be introduced that would give local people an opportunity to protect green spaces that have significant importance to their local communities.
“We propose that green spaces should be identified in neighbourhood plans and local plans which complement and do not undermine investment in homes, jobs and other essential services. Given the importance of green spaces to the health and happiness of local communities the Government considers the new designation should offer suitably strong protection to localised areas that are demonstrably special ….”
That recommendation was incorporated into the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as the new designation of Local Green Spaces.
PURPOSE OF THE TOOLKIT
This guidance and checklist is designed to support local communities in putting forward their local open spaces for formal designation as a Local Green Space in a robust, consistent and transparent manner.
The Policy Context
National Planning Policy Framework
The NPPF provides the following information on Local Green Space designations -
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76. Local communities through local and neighbourhood plans should be able to identify for special protection green areas of particular importance to them. By designating land as Local Green Space local communities will be able to rule out new development other than in very special circumstances. Identifying land as Local Green Space should therefore be consistent with the local planning of sustainable development and complement investment in sufficient homes, jobs and other essential services. Local Green Spaces should only be designated when a plan is prepared or reviewed, and be capable of enduring beyond the end of the plan period.
77. The Local Green Space designation will not be appropriate for most green areas or open space. The designation should only be used: where the green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves; where the green area is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and Where the green area concerned is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.
78. Local policy for managing development within a Local Green Space should be consistent with policy for Green Belts.
Additional guidance is provided in the National Planning Practice Guidance.
Local and Neighbourhood Plans
Local Green Spaces can be designated through the emerging Cotswold Local Plan or through neighbourhood plans.
A policy, related to Local Green Spaces, will be included in the emerging Cotswold Local Plan.
Where relevant an appropriate policy should also be included in neighbourhood plans.
The proposed text for the emerging Cotswold Local Plan is included at appendix 2.
PROCESS FOR DESIGNATION
Step 1 If your community is considering designating an area as a Local Green Space, it may be helpful to test the site against the “decision tree” in Figure 1 on page 4.
Step 2 Make informal contact with the Council (contact Lesley Davies, Forward Planning) so that we can provide you with help in deciding whether it is worth progressing with the designation process.
Step 3 If the site seems potentially suitable we will ask you to complete the designation checklist (including all the relevant evidence) see pages 7-12
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Step 4 We will review the evidence you have provided and give guidance as to whether we consider the site is suitable for designation and whether any additional evidence is required. If the evidence is sufficiently robust and, in the case of designation through the Local Plan, Cotswold District Council considers the site suitable, the designation process can start.
Step 5 If the site is to be designated in the Local Plan, we will consult the owner of the land (if known). If the site is to be designated in a Neighbourhood Plan, those responsible for producing that plan should consult the owner of the land (if known).
Step 6 The site can then be considered for inclusion in the appropriate draft Local or Neighbourhood Plan. The deadline for inclusion in the emerging Cotswold Local Plan is 14th June 2014.
Step 7 The site designation will be “tested” through the plan process. Anybody can object to policies or sites in a plan during the consultation process and these consultation responses must be considered. Neighbourhood Plans will also be subject to a local referendum. Both Local and Neighbourhood Plans are formally scrutinised by a Planning Inspector or an Independent Examiner, who will ensure that the plans are robust and based on sound evidence.
Step 8 Formal designation when the relevant plan is approved.
It is important to note that the designation process could take some time and that it may be worth looking in parallel at other means of protecting or enhancing the site.
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Figure 1 -Decision tree
Potential Local Green Space Site Is the site allocated for Is the site development in reasonably close the Local or to the community Neighbourhood it serves? Plan? No
No Yes
Has planning permission for development already been Yes granted at this site?
Yes
Is that permission likely to be implemented? Is the site of particular value to the local Yes community?
Yes
Unless that permission/allocation can be implemented and the Local Green Space Is the site an “extensive tract of land”? still be accommodated on the site, Local Yes Green Space designation is not normally appropriate No
The site is not likely to be suitable for Local Green Space
Consider other alternatives to Local Green Space designation
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Criteria for Designation
Any type of green space could be suitable for Local Green Space designation from recreational land with a sports pavilion or the area around a war memorial to allotments or an urban space that provides a tranquil oasis.
As Local Green Space designation means that development is highly unlikely to be permitted on a site, there is a strong possibility that land owners and others will challenge the designation. To meet that challenge the designation must be based on solid evidence that the site meets the relevant criteria. This will be easier to demonstrate if the checklist in this toolkit is completed and the relevant evidence provided.
A potential Local Green Space site must meet the criteria set out in the NPPF, and further detailed in the National Planning Practice Guidance. These criteria are not specific – they do not give set distances or areas, but act as guidance which should then be interpreted at a local level.
In order to ensure that any designation in the District is robust, we have created a checklist against which potential Local Green Space sites should be tested. Not every potential site will meet every criteria however all sites must meet the following criteria in the checklist – Point 2.1 not with an extant planning permission within which the Local Green Space could not be accommodated Point 2.2 not allocated for development in the relevant Neighbourhood Plan or the Local Plan, unless it can be shown that the Local Plan housing allocation is not strategic and can be re-located somewhere else in the neighbourhood plan area; or alternatively that the Local Green Space could be incorporated within the site as part of the allocated development Point 3.2 Not an “extensive tract of land” Point 3.3 “local in character” Point 5 in “proximity to the community it serves” Point 6 “demonstrably special to the local community”
And all sites must meet at least one of the following criteria in the Checklist-
Point 7 “particular local significance … because of its beauty” Point 8 “particular local significance … because of its historic significance” Point 9 “particular local significance … because of its recreational value” Point 10 “particular local significance … because of its tranquillity” Point 11 “particular local significance … because of its wildlife” Point 12 “particular local significance … for any other reason”
In order to provide further certainty, it is proposed that Natural England’s Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards (ANGSt) are used to define the likely size of a suitable Local Green Space and its distance from the local community. Therefore a Local Green Space should normally be located within 2km (1.25 miles) of the community it serves and a site of 2ha (5 acres) or less should be located within 300m (325 yards) (or 5 minutes’ walk) of the community it serves. Given the rural nature of the District, it may be necessary to relax these requirements in certain circumstances.
A site of over 20ha (50 acres) would be considered to be “an extensive tract of land” and therefore not suitable for designation as a Local Green Space
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Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (Natural England 2010) ANGSt recommends that everyone, wherever they live, should have an accessible natural greenspace: of at least 2 hectares (5 acres) in size, no more than 300 metres (325 yards) (5 minutes walk) from home; at least one accessible 20 hectare (50 acres) site within two kilometres (1.25 miles) of home; one accessible 100 hectare (250 acres) site within five kilometres (3 miles) of home; and one accessible 500 hectare (1240 acres) site within ten kilometres ( 6.25 miles) of home; plus a minimum of one hectare (2.5 acres) of statutory Local Nature Reserves per thousand population.
The checklist for Local Green Space designation can be found in Help sheet 4
ALTERNATIVES TO LOCAL GREEN SPACE DESIGNATION
If during the process it becomes evident that the site is not appropriate for local green space designation, there are other options that can be investigated.
Agreements with land-owners It may be possible for local communities to reach either formal or informal agreements with the owner of the site to ensure access to the site for local people. This may be an appropriate option where the site owner has a long-term connection with the local area, for example the owner of a large historic estate. It may be possible for the land-owner to dedicate the site as “open access land”. Further information: Right of way and open access land - GOV.UK
Community Purchase In some instances local communities have purchased important sites to ensure that they remain in community control in perpetuity. The ownership can lie with the Town or Parish Council or with a specific trust.
Village Green status Anyone can apply to register land as a green if it has been used by local people for lawful sports and pastimes ‘as of right’ (ie without permission, force or secrecy) for at least 20 years. Further information: Town and village greens: how to register Open Spaces Society
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Local Nature Reserves A Local Nature Reserve (LNR) provide people with special opportunities to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it. Local Nature Reserves are designated by district or county councils and the Local Authority must control the LNR through ownership, lease or agreement with the owner. Further information: Natural England
Assets of Community Value The Community Right to Bid gives community groups a fairer chance to prepare and bid to buy community buildings and facilities that are important to them. This could include village shops, pubs or allotments. The right covers private as well as public assets. It is important to nominate land and buildings to be part of the register of ‘assets of community value’, which is held by the Local Authority (Cotswold District Council). If something on this register is offered for sale, the community then have up to six months to prepare a bid. Further information: www.gov.uk My Community Rights Cotswold District Council – Community right to bid
APPENDIX 1 to Local Green Space Designation Guidance: DRAFT COTSWOLD LOCAL PLAN POLICY AND SUPPORTING TEXT
Draft Supporting Text
National policy makes provision for local communities to identify green areas of particular importance to those communities, where development will not be permitted except in very special circumstances. These Local Green Spaces can be designated through the local plan or through neighbourhood plans. The following sites have been proposed as Local Green Spaces through the local plan consultation process –
A
B
C
Additional guidance is provided on the criteria and evidence required for selection of local green space sites in “Local Green Spaces – a toolkit for local communities in Cotswold District”
Neighbourhood plans, when produced, should seek the provision and enhancement of green infrastructure, including Local Green Spaces where designated, as well as including the designation of new Local Green Spaces where appropriate.
Draft Policy
Local communities are encouraged to include new and robustly justified Local Green Spaces within their neighbourhood plans, where this designation does not prevent identified development needs being met. The selection of these sites should be guided by the advice in “Local Green Spaces– a toolkit for local communities in Cotswold District”
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Development that would harm the openness or special character of a Local Green Space or its significance and value to the local community will not be permitted unless there are very special circumstances which outweigh the harm to the Local Green Space.
WEB REFERENCES
Natural Environment White Paper – The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature (2011) http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm80/8082/8082.pdf
National Planning Policy Framework. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2
National Planning Practice Guidance. http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/open-space-green-space-and-rights- of-way-2/local-green-space-designation/
Natural England – Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/40004?category=47004
Natural England – Landscape http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/landscape/default.aspx
Natural England - mapping http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/maps/default.aspx
Natural England – Local Nature Reserves http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designations/lnr/
Land Registry http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/
Cotswold District Council – planning applications http://www.cotswold.gov.uk/residents/planning-building/planning/online-planning-register/
Cotswold District Council – planning policy http://www.cotswold.gov.uk/residents/planning-building/planning-policy/
Cotswold District Council – Open Spaces, Sport and Recreation Study http://consult.cotswold.gov.uk/portal/fp/open_spaces/open_spaces_sport_and_recreation_study?ta b=files
Cotswold District Council – Community right to bid http://www.cotswold.gov.uk/business/land-property/community-right-to-bid/
Gloucestershire County Council – Find your Councillor http://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1
Gloucestershire County Council – public rights of way http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/prow
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Greenspace http://www.green-space.org.uk/index.php
House of Commons – find your MP http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/
Campaign to Protect Rural England – home page http://www.cpre.org.uk/
Campaign to Protect Rural England – tranquil places http://www.cpre.org.uk/what-we-do/countryside/tranquil-places
Cotswolds Conservation Board http://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust http://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/
Gloucestershire Rural Community Council http://www.grcc.org.uk/
Cotswold Water Park Trust http://www.waterpark.org/
English Heritage http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/protection/process/national-heritage-list-for- england/
Gloucestershire Historic Environment Record http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/her
Gloucestershire Archives http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/archives/article/107703/Archives-Homepage
Sport England http://www.sportengland.org/
Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records http://www.gcer.co.uk/
National Biodiversity Network http://www.nbn.org.uk/
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/BoCC_tcm9-217852.pdf
Town and village greens: how to register https://www.gov.uk/town-and-village-greens-how-to-register
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Open Spaces Society http://www.oss.org.uk/what-we-do/village-greens/
My Community Rights http://mycommunityrights.org.uk/community-right-to-bid/ www.gov.uk – Community right to bid https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/giving-people-more-power-over-what-happens-in-their- neighbourhood/supporting-pages/community-right-to-bid www.gov.uk – open access land https://www.gov.uk/right-of-way-open-access-land/open-access-land Back
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HOW TO: Assess potential sites for development in the community
WHAT AND WHY? A key stage for the Local Plan will be to select appropriate sites for the necessary development, mainly but not exclusively for housing. A study by Cotswold District Council – the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) – forms a key stage in this. The potential development sites assessed in the SHLAA have come from a wide variety of sources: landowners, property agents, local communities and others such as the County Council. Whilst the SHLAA is an important source of evidence to inform plan-making, it absolutely does not determine whether a site should be allocated for development. The SHLAA is not the end of the identification process; other sites can put forward at any time – and that includes you, the local community. You may also wish to say why a site that has been excluded in the SHLAA should be reconsidered.
Each possible site needs to be assessed using what is mainly a nationally agreed set of criteria, if with some variations specific to Cotswold District. Information about those already assessed is valuable but it can very usefully be elaborated and made stronger if local people can add in some more detailed information. That is what this Site Assessment Toolkit is for.
Possible sites may be large and obvious. They can also be small and that may be particularly true in the smaller parishes. In either case they can be ‘infill’, often back land behind a main street frontage. This can be good (it saves pushing to build beyond settlement edges) or bad (it loses some important ‘breathing space’ in the village/town). All sites need to be looked at, and considered using the same criteria to avoid challenge if a site is excluded later in the plan-making process. However, any site needs to be able to provide 5 or more houses to be included in the SHLAA.
Sites also do not have to be selected in full; it is possible to use the evidence of an assessment to show that only part of a site is appropriate. Taking this further, site assessments can be used to actually protect a site from development by producing evidence about its value to the local community. Finally, a site assessment can provide valuable guidance about the appropriate type, nature and form of development (or what might happen if the decision is to protect it). However, the end result will always need to be a site, or a selection of sites, in your parish or town that can deliver the required amount of development.
The toolkit is based on proven sustainable development appraisal methods and it is designed to add to and complement the technical work undertaken by the planners and other officers. What you and they produce will be key to providing an evidence base from which will help the process of making robust and defensible allocation choices.
The result of your work will be an assessment for each site in your parish or town. Once all of your site assessments are completed we would like you to consider, with your whole community, which site or sites would be most appropriate. We have provided you with a form in your information pack to help you to do this.
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HOW? For each site assessment, there are four forms to be completed – see HELPSHEET 5. A completed set of forms included in this toolkit will be needed for each SHLAA site and for any further sites that you wish to put forward. For forms B and C we suggest trying to fill in some information before you go out, adding to, checking and perhaps changing this once actually looking at a site. Most questions should be fairly self-explanatory but there is an overall Site Assessment Guidance Note to help you if you wish.
FORM A: Baseline Information)
For existing SHLAA sites, the information will be added into the top form. You will need to check and add to the information in the ‘Designations and Known Constraints’ boxes and this is best completed before moving on to the other forms.
FORM B: Connections and Access)
This form is about how and how well the site connects to various local facilities. Boxes are included for some common facilities; use as appropriate and add/change boxes if there are other relevant facilities to mention. The form is also about the nature and quality of access to the site. There is an interim summary in this section.
FORM C: Site Environment)
This form addresses a variety of aspects about the environment of the site itself and its surroundings. There is also an interim summary in this section. For both Form B and Form C, please take plenty of photographs as you go out to complete the assessment. Wherever possible, mark on a site plan where each photo was taken from and the direction in which it was taken. Please also number and/or label the photos once you have downloaded them onto your computer.
FORM D: Overall Assessment Summary
This is where all results come together towards an overall assessment but this is still only an assessment, any decision to allocate a site will be made later. There is a mock-up of a completed form – a Worked Example.
Once assessments have been completed for all sites, see the Practicalities note for what to do next.
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GUIDANCE NOTES
These notes refer solely to Forms B, C and D. (Form A instructions are shown separately.) Forms A, B and C are needed when completing Form D.
FORM B: ASSESSING SITE CONNECTIONS
Background
This section assesses how well connected a site is to local facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. It also considers the quality of pedestrian and vehicle access. Minimising the need to drive and locating development where it is attractive to walk or cycle to local facilities and green space is central to achieving “sustainable development”. But driving is often essential, especially in rural communities. The ability of a site, and the roads connecting it, to accommodate vehicle access and movement without harming pedestrian safety and environmental quality is an important factor in site assessment.
Instructions
Initial Desktop Tasks Before Going Out
1. Using your knowledge, have a first stab at answering questions on Form B. 2. On an overall village map, record the site boundary, village facilities and the routes from the site to each facility. 3. Highlight known route safety and (in) convenience issues. 4. Mark the known access points into the site on the site plan and be sure to cover vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist access.
On-site Tasks
Take some sort of clipboard and pen and camera with you. Then:
1. Review and validate Connections desktop evidence. 2. Add/correct evidence on map and form. 3. Agree comments with the group before filling in the form. 4. Take plenty photographs.
Some Prompts
1 Walking to Services
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For assessing walking distance consider: 5 minutes walk is about 500m. This walking distance is likely to be viable for most people. 10 minutes walk is about 1 km. (0.7 mile). This is a reasonable distance for about 50% of people.
For assessing the quality of any route consider: Convenience, eg. directness, topography. Safety, eg. road crossings, pavements, lighting. Accessibility, eg. quality of surfaces, steps. Attractiveness, eg. tranquillity, views and nature.
NB. We have shown only typical main facilities. If you have other local facilities, print and complete another form.
2 Access into the Site
For the quality of access into the site, consider: How many accesses are there? What are they suited to; pedestrians and/or vehicles? Is there direct access to the highway or is it across other land (a ransom strip)? Is there sufficient width and visibility? Will work necessary to make an access harm the quality of the environment?
For the quality and capacity of any connecting roads, consider: Are there any existing congestion or safety problems? Might there be problems if development took place? What improvements may be required to resolve problems?
3 Connections Summary
Try to highlight just the key points in the site's favour. Try to suggest just the key actions required to overcome any constraints to make it a suitable site.
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FORM C: ASSESSING THE SITE ENVIRONMENT
Background
This section records site features and assesses their importance to the village and its landscape setting. It broadly follows a ‘landscape and visual assessment’ method of appraisal; this will help surveys to be more robust and coordinated with work undertaken by CDC. Views to and from the site, its natural and built features and its ecology may contribute to its importance in terms of character or local green infrastructure. This will influence how sensitive the site is and how tolerant it is to accommodating development.
Instructions
Desktop Tasks before Going to the Site
1. Have a first stab at questions on Form C. 2. Put a ring round the most suitable descriptions provided in boxes. 3. Add comments and information. 4. Record known views, natural and built features on the site plan.
On-site Tasks
Take some sort of clipboard and pen and camera with you. Then:
1. Review and validate environmental desktop evidence. 2. Add/correct evidence on map and form. 3. Agree comments with the group before filling in the form. 4. Take plenty of photographs. 5. In the summary, tick one of the boxes. Notes can be added to explain the tick.
Some Prompts
Site Characteristics
Part 1 is about recording and placing a value on the features on and around the site. To ensure a thorough task, questions assess a list of natural and built features in turn. However, use the summary to assess the overall quality of the environment. Features visible around the site may be important to its character or future use. Record these as well as those on the site and its boundary.
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FORM D: OVERALL ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
This is where you bring together all completed forms.
Background
The assessment is about whether the site is a potential option for some form of development. It is only ‘potential’ at this stage because all sites and all factors need to be considered before any final decision. Make your assessment in light of the designations and known constraints, the quality of connections and access, and the sensitivity of the environment.
Instructions
Bring together Forms A, B and C to make this overall assessment. Convene the group to agree the overall summary. Tick one of the main choices at the top right and add notes in the boxes that follow. Sign and date the survey and provide contact information. The Practicalities note explains how to assemble and send in completed forms.
Explanation of ‘Sensitivity to Change’
‘Sensitivity to change’ refers to the extent to which any development (change) on a site might have a negative effect on environmental quality. ‘Low’ is when a site could (in general) accommodate development without significant negative impacts, ‘Medium’ when some negative impacts might result but could be mitigated, and ‘High’ when a site and its setting might be damaged by any form of development.
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HOW TO WORK WITH DEVELOPERS
Guidance for parish and town councils by Cotswold District Council
The purpose of this guidance note is to support Parish and Town Councils in engaging with developers, particularly where there are major developments. Good engagement with developers should ensure that communities have a genuine opportunity to have their say in shaping development proposals before any planning applications are submitted.
A. Parish and Town Councils should:
- Be prepared to be positive and proactive in engaging constructively with developers, the District Council and other service providers from an early stage. In doing so they should consider the issues relating to particular development proposals and present any relevant evidence to support the Parish/Town Council’s position.
- Assist in identifying and engaging other interested groups/organisations operating within their community.
- Help to provide information to the community by identifying local people, places or means of communication that could be used by developers to publicise their proposals and related community involvement opportunities.
- Seek to understand the full range of community interests the Town/parish Council is representing with regard to particular development proposals.
- Identify, clearly and at an early stage, the issues relating to the development proposal(s) that are a priority for the Parish/Town Council and the questions that need asking of the developer, the District Council and or other services.
- Help in establishing more detailed evidence of gaps or pressures on existing services or facilities, quantify need for local infrastructure improvements and confirm details of delivery and on-going responsibility
- Acknowledge and respect the rights of all stakeholders to express their views.
B. Parish and Town Councils should NOT: - - Seek to negotiate with developers on Local Plan policy requirements, such as need and requirement for Affordable Housing.
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NOTE:
BY FOLLOWING THE GUIDANCE, PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS ARE NOT INDICATING THEIR SUPPORT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PLANNING PROPOSALS.
What CDC requests from developers before they submit a planning application (called a ‘pre application’ stage?)
The level of information can vary depending on the location of the application and the site constraints. There are a number of things which CDC requests from developers, so the Parish /Town Council can take comfort that these issues will be raised through the application process- eg Landscape requirements will cover the fact that a settlement is in the AONB, the Ecological Assessment will pick up where there is a SSSI
Issues to be addressed/provided for by developers through the application process:
Design and Access statement which may need to include heritage appraisal depending on whether Listed Buildings, Conservation Area etc are affected Planning Statement Flood Risk Assessment / Sustainable Drainage Scheme – for sites over 1 hectare or in Flood Zones 2 or 3 Waste Minimisation Statement Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment – need to consider both landscape character and landscape appearance Tree Survey and Arboricultural Method Statement- in accordance with BS5837: 2012 ‘Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – recommendations Statement of Community Involvement Archaeological Investigation – dependent on advice from Charles Parry at Gloucestershire County Council Ecological Assessment/ protected species survey Draft S106 Agreement or Unilateral Undertaking to cover affordable housing and financial contributions Traffic Assessment and Travel Plan Back Transport Statement and Safety Audit
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HOW TO Undertake a Formal Community-led Plan
Community-led plans come in a variety of forms and communities will need to decide on which will best suit their community’s needs. GRCC staff can come to your community to describe the types of plan in more detail and help you to make an informed decision about which to pursue.
1. PARISH PLAN: community engagement and consultation leading to the development of an ACTION PLAN for a Parish/Town. This can cover a variety of topics, from setting up new groups, to improvements and maintenance of facilities. Some may also contain actions relating to lobbying or provide a community ‘position statement’ to guide Parish/Town Council decision making eg on planning applications. It is good practice for the Parish/Town Council to track progress of the actions and to refresh the parish plan.
The GRCC website contains further information on Parish Plans, their benefits and the process involved and GRCC staff can provide support to communities to undertake a Parish Plan and to refresh their existing Plans.
2. COMMUNITY DESIGN STATEMENT: Formerly known as Village Design Statements, production of these documents involve engaging with the community to gain an understanding and to define important design characteristics in the area. Cotswold District Council has a design code which forms supplementary Planning Guidance to be considered at planning application and negotiation stage. However some communities supplement this with information which is more specific to their community.
Forming a Design Statement will typically involve a character assessment (walkabout) and research to identify local characteristics, involving the community in prioritising the importance of those characteristics and using that information to form a concise document which contains design guidance for developers and council decision makers.
The GRCC staff team can supply support to your community to undertake a Design Statement and the GRCC website contains information on the process. www.grcc.org.uk
3. NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Since 2013, communities have had the power to undertake Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDPs) which define local planning policies in relation to a defined neighbourhood or area. The My Community website contains a number of resources explaining NDPs and the process involved and a good starting point is the Roadmap on NDPs. The process is far more onerous than for parish plans and Design Statements as NDPs are statutory documents. GRCC staff can support and advise on NDPs. Back
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Help sheet 1: Self-assessment - How does your parish/town council operate?
The following questions will allow you to analyse your current practice and to explore your aspirations in relation to community engagement and involvement.
Section A: Your community’s needs:
1. What are the current issues and needs for your parish/town? 2. Please highlight the key priorities for your parish/town 3. How do you know these are the needs/ issues? 4. The term ‘infrastructure’ means the basic facilities, services and installations needed for the functioning of a community. 5. How has infrastructure been provided/ improved in your parish in the past? (Infrastructure improvements) 6. Please comment on any barriers to defining/providing this infrastructure – what could be learnt from the experience?
Section B: Your ways of working
1. How do you currently carry out the following (please explain methods used) a. Share information about decisions with the community? b. Find out about community issues, needs and ideas? c. Which sections of the community (if any) do you find difficult to engage with? d. Do you have any polices in place for engagement with the community/groups (including comments/complaints) e. Please list any community led planning in place and in process (add in dates as appropriate).
f. Has the council undertaken a Local Council Award Scheme or Quality Parish/ Town Council schemes? If yes please provide details including dates and levels awarded.
2. Using a scale of 0-5, where 0 is Poor and 5 is Excellent, please rate your parish/town council’s current practice in terms of the following: (0- Very Poor; 1- Poor; 2- Average: 3- Good: 4- Very good; 5- Excellent)
a. Informing the community about Parish/Town Council activity and decisions b. Consulting with the community about needs and issues c. Involving the community in prioritising and decision making
3. What have you done that worked well? 4. What would you like to do differently/better? 5. If elements are not working well- what are the barriers? Ideally, how would your parish/ Town Council like to involve the community in: a. Informing the community about Parish/Town Council activity and decisions b. Consulting with the community about needs and issues c. Involving the community in prioritising and decision making Back ______Cotswold District Community Toolkit Collated by GRCC Nov 2016 30
Help sheet 2: Sample Facilities audit and questions FACILITIES AUDIT 1: COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Facilities can include church hall, recreation ground, village green, scout hut. Community-run services can include elderly person’s help/taxis, youth events (if no meeting place), footpath maintenance group. As suggested, adapt the form as needed! Form reference: Facility/service: Form completed by: Manager/user met: Date:
For Buildings: Short description: Age: Size: Condition: Number of rooms: Toilets: Kitchen facilities: Heating Car parking: Access via public transport: Outside spaces/garden etc.: Any other land: Who runs/manages it:
For Open Space: Short description: Size: Condition: Toilets: Car parking: Access via public transport: Link to any building:
For Buildings, Land and Services: Activities: How frequently used: Who uses, local or further afield: Who runs each activity: Numbers involved: Capacity and Future: Overused or underused at present: Likely future demand/need if population changes/grows: Photos taken: Yes/No
2: STATE-RUN FACILITIES AND SERVICES Facilities can include school (various), health provision (centres, surgeries), sports centre, library, police station. Services can include buses and mobile library. Form reference:
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Facility/service: Form completed by: Manager/user met: Date:
For Buildings: Short description: Age: Size: Condition: Car parking: Access via public transport: Outside spaces/garden etc.: Any other land: Who runs/manages it:
For Buildings and Services: Activities or services provided: Who uses, local or further afield: Numbers involved:
Capacity and Future: Overused or underused at present: Likely future demand/need if population changes/grows:
Photos taken: Yes/No
3: PRIVATE FACILITIES Facilities can include shops (including farm shops), pubs, clubs, sports centres, playing fields, health clubs. As suggested, adapt the form as needed! Form reference: Facility/service: Form completed by: Manager/user met: Date:
For Buildings: Short description: Age: Size: Condition: Number of rooms: Toilets: Kitchen facilities: Heating Car parking: Access via public transport: Outside spaces/garden etc.: Any other land: Who runs/manages it:
For Playing Fields etc.: Short description:
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Size: Condition: Toilets: Car parking: Access via public transport: Link to any building:
For Buildings, Land and Services: Activities: How frequently used: Who uses, local or further afield: Open to all: Who runs each activity: Numbers involved: Typical costs:
Capacity and Future: Overused or underused at present: Likely future demand/need if population changes/grows:
Photos taken: Yes/No
4: FACILITIES AND SERVICES NEARBY This is less detailed (at this stage) and simply requires some open text notes on what is available and how far they are from the facilities within the town/parish.
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Help sheet 3: Facilities Audit Sample questions A) Community Meeting places
Below are a number of questions which may be relevant for a community buildings survey. Community Buildings Survey – questions 1. Does your organisation run a community building or other potential meeting venue?
2. Please provide the name and address of your building.
3. Do you own the freehold of your building or do you lease it?
Options: Freehold Leasehold Other (please state) If leasehold, who owns a) the land? b) the building? 4. What is your organisation?
Options: Parish/Town Council Registered Charity Community Association District/Borough Council Not for Profit Organisation Church Council County Council Constituted Group Other (please state) 5. How many people are on your Management Committee?
6. Please give the details of each Activity room* at your building (i.e. any room in which activities or meetings can potentially take place). Description of room, e.g. main room, meeting room, etc. Seated capacity Size in metres (length x width) Which floor is it on? (ground, first, second, etc.) Disabled access? (yes/no) 7. Please tick the facilities available at your building. Kitchen facilities Toilets Baby changing facilities Changing room Storage areas Lift Disabled access Heating Parking area Other facilities, please specify 8. Please rate the overall condition of your building. Very good Good Poor Very poor 9. Please suggest any improvements needed for your building. 10. If you have any plans for expansion/changes to your building, please outline them below.
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11. Are there any restrictions on using your building? If yes, please state. 12. Are any of your rooms dedicated for a specific purpose? If yes, please give details. 13. Can the public hire your building? 14. How much does it cost to hire your building? 15. Which age groups regularly take part in activities at your building? 0 to 5 6 to 11 14 to 18 19 to 40 41 to 65 Over 65 16. Please list the activities that take place at your building. 17. Please complete the following to show, on average, the potential availability and the actual usage of your building. Weekdays – Daytime Potential hours available Hours in use Weekdays – Evening Potential hours available Hours in use Weekends Potential hours available Hours in use 18. Please comment on the usage of your building, e.g. whether it is fully utilised or under- utilised, and the reasons for this. 19. Please describe any seasonal variations in usage
20. Please suggest any future needs for community facilities in **.
21. Please use this space to make other comments about your building. In order to gain the perspective of user groups of community spaces/ meeting places the following questions could be used: 1. What organisation or club do you represent?
2. How many members/attendees do you have?
3. In which location(s) do you hold your activities?
4. Do any of your members travel from outside ** to attend your activities? Yes / No (delete as applicable) a. If yes, how far do you have to travel?
5. Do the facilities available to you in ** meet the needs of your organisation or club in terms of; a. Availability Yes / No / No opinion (delete as applicable) b. Size Yes / No / No opinion (delete as applicable) c. Location Yes / No / No opinion (delete as applicable) d. Other Yes / No / No opinion (delete as applicable) (please describe):
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6. Please suggest any future needs for community facilities in **
7. Please make any additional comments regarding meeting places in ***
B. Sample Questions for health services- GP surgery
1. How many patients are registered at the practice?
2. Do you have capacity to take on additional patients? Yes / No a. If yes, how many more?
3. What services do you currently provide?
4. Do you have capacity to be able to expand the services you currently provide? Yes / No
a. If yes, in what way? E.g. extra services, later/weekend surgery opening etc. 5. What are your aspirations for future service provision in **?
6. What problems/issues do you currently face delivering services in Fairford?
7. At what point of increase in households in ** would you need additional services/facilities to meet demand? a. 10% increase b. 20% increase c. 30% increase d. 40 % increase
(delete as applicable)
8. What additional facilities/services would be needed to meet this demand?
Back
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HELPSHEET 4: CHECKLIST & CRITERIA FOR LOCAL GREEN SPACE DESIGNATION
1 General Information Tick if relevant evidence provided 1.1 Name and address of site Some sites have several names and all known names should be given
1.2 Site location plan The plan can be at any scale, but must show the location and boundaries of the site. Please indicate the scale.
Insert here or attach separately
1.3 Organisation or individual proposing site for designation This will normally be a Town or Parish Council or a recognised community group
1.4 Ownership of site if known Information on land ownership can be obtained from the Land Registry. Some land parcels are not registered however local people may know the owner.
1.5 Is the owner of the site aware of the potential designation? Do they support the designation? (Sites may be designated as Local Green Spaces, even if there are objections from the site owners)
1.6 Photographs of site
Insert here or attach separately
1.7 Community served by the potential Local Green Space i.e. does the site serve the whole village/town or a particular geographic area or group of people?
2 Planning History
2.1 Is there currently a planning application for this site? If permitted/allocated, could part of the overall site still be used as a Green Open Space? Further Information – Cotswold District Council – planning applications
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2.2 Is the site allocated for development in the Local or Neighbourhood Plan? If allocated, could part of the overall site still be used as a Green Open Space? Further Information – Cotswold District Council – planning policy.
3 Size, scale and “local nature” of proposed Local Green Space
3.1 Area of proposed site It is unlikely that a site of over 20ha (50 acres) would be considered suitable for designation.
3.2 Is the site an “extensive tract of land”? (Extensive tracts of land cannot be designated as Local Green Space) E.g. how large is it in comparison to other fields; groups of fields; areas of land in the vicinity etc.? Does the site “feel” extensive or more local in scale?
3.3 Is the proposed site “local in character”? E.g. does the site feel as though it is part of the local area? And why? How does it connect physically, visually and socially to the local area? What is your evidence?
4 Need for Local Green Space 4.1 Is there a need for a local green space in this location? E.g. is there a shortage of accessible greenspace in the area? Is there a village needs survey or parish plan that provides evidence of that need. Further information – Natural England (Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard) Cotswold District Council - Open Spaces, Sport and Recreation Study
5 Evidence to show that “the green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves” Please indicate what evidence you have provided against each point.
5.1 How far is the site from the community it serves? Is the site within 2km of the local community? Possible evidence – a map to show that distance
5.2 Are there any barriers to the local community accessing the site from their homes? e.g. railway line; main road Possible evidence – a map to show any potential barriers and how those can be overcome.
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6 Evidence to show that the green area is “demonstrably special to a local community” Please indicate what evidence you have provided against each point.
6.1 Evidence of support from Parish or Town Council e.g. letter of support; Council minutes
6.2 Evidence of support from other local community groups or individuals. e.g. letters of support; petitions; surveys etc.
6.3 Evidence of support from community leaders E.g. letters of support from Ward Members; County Councillors; MP etc. Further information on contact details - Cotswold District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, House of Commons
6.4 Evidence of support from other groups e.g. letters of support from organisations such as Campaign to Protect Rural England; Cotswolds Conservation Board; Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust; Gloucestershire Rural Community Council; Cotswold Water Park Trust; local amenity societies; local schools etc.
7 Evidence to show that the green area “holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty,” (if applicable) Please indicate what evidence you have provided against each point.
7.1 Is this criteria relevant to this site?
YES / NO
7.2 Describe why the community feels that the site has a particular local significance for its beauty.
7.3 Site visibility E.g. is it easy to see the site from a public place? Are there long-distance views of the site? Are there views of the site from any key locations?
7.4 Is the site covered by any landscape or similar designations? e.g. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; Conservation Area; Special Landscape Area Further information – Cotswold District Council; Natural England; Cotswolds Conservation Board
7.5 Is the site (or the type of site) specifically mentioned in any relevant landscape character assessments or similar documents?
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E.g. Cotswolds AONB landscape character assessment. Further information – Cotswold District Council; Natural England; Cotswolds Conservation Board
7.6 Does the site contribute to the setting of a historic building or other special feature?
7.7 Is the site highlighted in literature or art? E.g. is the site mentioned in a well-known poem or shown in a famous painting?
8 Evidence to show that the green area “holds a particular local significance for example because of its historic significance” (if applicable) Please indicate what evidence you have provided against each point.
8.1 Is this criteria relevant to this site?
YES / NO
8.2 Are there any historic buildings or remains on the site? E.g. listed buildings; scheduled ancient monuments; registered parks and gardens; war memorials; other historic remains or structures. Further information – Cotswold District Council; English Heritage; Gloucestershire Historic Environment Record; Gloucestershire Archives; local history society;
8.3 Are there any important historic landscape features on the site? e.g. old hedgerows; ancient trees; historic ponds or historic garden features Further information – Cotswold District Council; English Heritage; Gloucestershire Historic Environment Record; local history society
8.4 Did the site play an important role in the historic development of the village or town? e.g. the old site of the town railway station; the old garden for the manor house etc.
8.5 Did any important historic events take place on the site?
8.6 Do any historic rituals take place on the site? e.g. well-dressing; maypole dancing etc.
9 Evidence to show that the green area “holds a particular local
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significance, for example because of its recreational value (including as a playing field)”, (if applicable) Please indicate what evidence you have provided against each point.
9.1 Is this criteria relevant to this site?
YES / NO
9.2 Is the site used for playing sport? If so what sport? How long has it been used for sports provision? Is this sports provision free or is a club membership required? Further information – Sport England
9.3 Are the public able to physically access the site? E.g. are there any public rights of way across the site? Or adjacent to the site? Has access been allowed on a discretionary basis? Is there public access to the whole site or only part? Is there good disabled access to the site? (A site can still be designated even if there is no public access.) Further information – Gloucestershire County Council
9.4 Is the site used by the local community for informal recreation? And since when? e.g. dog walking; sledging; ball games etc
10 Evidence to show that the green area “holds a particular local significance, for example because of its tranquillity” (if applicable) Please indicate what evidence you have provided against each point.
10.1 Is this criteria relevant to this site?
YES / NO
10.2 Do you consider the site to be tranquil? E.g. are there are any roads or busy areas close by?
10.3 Is the site within a recognised tranquil area? e.g. within the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s tranquillity maps
11 Evidence to show that the green area “holds a particular local significance, for example because of the richness of its wildlife”; (if applicable) Please indicate what evidence you have provided against each point.
11.1 Is this criteria relevant to this site?
YES / NO
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11.2 Is the site formally designated for its wildlife value? e.g. as a site of special scientific interest; a key wildlife site etc Further information - Natural England; Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records
11.3 Are any important habitats or species found on the site? E.g. habitats and species listed in the UK priority habitats and species lists or in the Cotswold Water Park or Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plans or protected species or on the red/amber lists of birds of conservation concern. Further information - Natural England; Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records; National Biodiversity Network; Cotswold Water Park Trust; RSPB
11.4 What other wildlife of interest has been found on the site? Further information - Natural England; Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records; National Biodiversity Network; Cotswold Water Park Trust
11.5 Is the site part of a long term study of wildlife by members of the local community? E.g. long-term monitoring of breeding birds.
12 Evidence to show that the green area “holds a particular local significance, for any other reason”; (if applicable) Please indicate what evidence you have provided against each point.
12.1 Is this criteria relevant to this site?
YES / NO
12.2 Are there any other reasons why the site has a particular local significance for the local community?
Back
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HELPSHEET 5: SITE ASSESSMENT FORMS A TO D PLUS WORKED EXAMPLE FORM A: BASELINE INFORMATION Basic SHLAA Information The content of this first chart will be provided by CDC; information to be taken as given. Settlement Site Reference Name Site Name /
Address
Gross area (Hectares)
SHLAA Capacity Assessment
Current/recent uses
Availability
Site Planning History
Designations and Known Constraints You will need to check if any of the following apply. If so, add a ‘Yes’ in the box to the right. You may also wish to add comments in the boxes to the right, eg. If part of a site not in a flood zone is known by you to flood regularly.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) /
Special Landscape Area (SLA)
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) / Key Wildlife Site (KWS) / Local Nature Reserve (LNR) / Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Conservation Area
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Listed Buildings
Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) / Historic Battleground / Regionally Important Geological Site
Public Rights of Way
Flood Risk
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) / Ancient Woodland
Gas Pipeline with Buffer / Explosive Safeguarding Buffer / Pylons / Other Services or Wires or Cables (if known)
Filled Quarry or Landfill / Water Treatment Facilities Buffer Zone / Mining / Other contamination
Registered Parks & Gardens / National Trust Asset
Agricultural Best & Most Versatile Land Quality
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Other Known / Recorded Constraints Comments
FORM B: ASSESSING SITE CONNECTIONS AND ACCESS
Site: ……………………….. Surveyors(s): ………………………………………………… Date: ………………… Look through all the questions before starting. Leave any questions that do not seem to apply. Take a form, clipboard, map, camera and a pen or two with you when you go out. Take any photos you think are useful (often more useful than some words) and add any photo names/numbers in the right hand boxes once you get back to ‘base’.
1. WALKING TO LOCAL FACILITIES Facility Distance Route Observations and comments on safety and quality of route (metres) Quality Site Visit Notes/Record of Photos
Shop Good Fair Poor
School Good Fair Poor
Open Good (This is about publicly accessible spaces) Space Fair Poor
Bus Stop Good Fair Poor
Places of Good employm Fair ent Poor
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Any other Good Other facility name: facility Fair Poor
2. SITE ACCESS (ES) General quality of access Tick one Good: Easy access into the site and good roads approaching it. Fair: Poor access into the site but good approach roads, or poor access into the site and good approach roads. Poor: Poor access onto the site and poor roads approaching it. Number of Accesses. Type: comment on vehicle/pedestrian/cyclist access Observations / Comments / Site Visit Notes / Record of Photos Key Issues and Possible Mitigation (if Fair or Poor)
3. CONNECTIONS SUMMARY: Overall, how well connected is the site? Note key points in the site's favour in terms of connections.
Note the key points in terms of connections that would have to be addressed (mitigation) to make it a suitable site:
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FORM C: ASSESSING THE SITE ENVIRONMENT
Site: ……………………….. Surveyors(s): ………………………………………………… Date: …………………
Look through all the questions before starting. For almost all the questions on Site Characteristics just ring a word (or two) in each box that best fits what you know/see and, as necessary, add some notes about quality, condition etc. in the space below. The final Summary questions include their own instructions. Leave any questions that do not seem to apply. Take a form, clipboard, map, camera and a pen or two with you when you go out. Take any photos you think are useful (often more useful than some words) and add any photo names/numbers in the right hand boxes once you get back to ‘base’.
1. SITE CHARACTERISTICS Landform: Flat Gently Undulating Strongly Undulating Steep Valley Valley Floor Plateau
Observations/Notes/Record of Photos
Views In: Wide Channelled Long Short Glimpsed
Quality and Value of View/Record of Photos
Views Out: Wide Channelled Long Short Glimpsed
Quality and Value of View/Record of Photos
Natural Features on and Around the Site (Age/Condition/Value):
Boundary Hedgerow Trees Freestanding Shrubs Grass
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Numbers, Quality and Value Observations/Notes/Record of Photos
Ecology: (Known/Observed):
Birds Signs of Mammals Wildlife Corridors Water Habitat
Comments/Notes, Quality and Value Observations/Notes/Record of Photos
Built Form On and Around the Site:
Walls On-site freestanding buildings/structures
Neighbouring buildings/structures in view Neighbouring use Potential Conflicts Flooding: Additional local information (locations, severity, frequency, known causes etc.) beyond the formal information in the Baseline Information Observations/Notes/Any Photos
Drainage/Sewage: Local information on capacities, problems etc. Observations/Notes/Any Photos
Comments/Notes, Observations/Notes/Record of Photos
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2. ENVIRONMENT SUMMARY Environment Quality and Value: Does the recorded information above suggest that the site is of high quality and value, or is it medium or low? Tick one High
Medium
Low
Note key points in the site's favour in terms of environment.
Note the key points in terms of environment that would have to be addressed (mitigation) to make it a suitable site.
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FORM D: OVERALL ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
Site name/number: Tick one The site is suitable for allocation The site is well located and has lower environmental sensitivity* to change. (* See the guidance overleaf for an explanation of ‘sensitivity to change’.) This is a potential allocation subject to on- or off-site mitigation The site is either well located but with higher environmental sensitivity to change or poorly located but with lower environmental sensitivity to change. The site is unsuitable for allocation The site is poorly connected and has higher environmental sensitivity to change. What are the key reasons behind your final judgement?
If the site was judged to be potentially suitable, what type of development might be possible or appropriate – housing, employment, facilities etc.?
If the site was judged to be potentially suitable, what mitigation might be needed to make it properly suitable?
If the site was judged to be suitable or potentially suitable, what principles or conditions might be applied (eg. heights, screening, materials etc.)? (Add comments on the site plan if this helps, eg. to show a key view.)
Signed ……………………………………………………………….. Date ......
Telephone ……………………… Email …………………………………………………………
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HELPSHEET 6: SITE ASSESSMENTS -WORKED EXAMPLES
WORKED EXAMPLE
FORM A: BASELINE INFORMATION
9. Settle 11. Site ment 10. High Chew Combe Referenc 12. HC1 Name e
13. Site Name / 14. Barrett’s Paddock. Barrett’s Lane, High Chew Combe Addre ss
15.
16. Gross area (Hectares) 18. 0.4
17.
19.
20. SHLAA Capacity Assessment 22. About 10 houses
21.
Back 23.
24. Current/recent uses 26. Agriculture, pasture, grazing (horses)
25.
27.
28. Availability 30. Confirmed
29.
34. 11/00451/OUT.
31. 35. Outline Application for 12 houses and means of 32. Site Planning History access onto Barrett’s Lane
33. 36. REFUSED. 37.
Designations and Known Constraints
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You will need to check if any of the following apply. If so, add a ‘Yes’ in the box to the right. You may also wish to add comments in the boxes to the right, eg. If part of a site not in a flood zone is known by you to flood regularly.
38.
39. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 41. (AONB) / Special Landscape Area (SLA)
40.
42. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) / Key Wildlife Site (KWS) / Local Nature Reserve (LNR) / Special Area of 44. Conservation (SAC)
43.
45.
46. 49. Yes: CA 50 metres from site boundary 47. Conservation Area
48.
50. 53. Yes: Hammer House List Grade 2 to West of Site 51. 54. 52. Listed Buildings
55.
56. Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) / 57. Historic Battleground / Regionally Important Geological Site
58. 61. Yes: Public Right of Way runs across west side 59. of site from main access to stile crossing 60. Public Rights of Way
65. 62. 66. Yes: Zone 3 63. 67. Annual Winter flooding on Barrett’s Lane 64. Flood Risk 68.
69.
70. Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) / 71. Ancient Woodland
72. 75.
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73. Gas Pipeline with Buffer / Explosive Safeguarding Buffer / Pylons / Other Services or Wires or Cables (if known)
74.
76.
77. Filled Quarry or Landfill / Water 78. Treatment Facilities Buffer Zone / Mining / Other contamination
79.
80. Registered Parks & Gardens / National 81. Trust Asset
82.
83. Agricultural Best & Most Versatile 84. Land Quality
85. 89. Some archaeological evidence
86. Other Known / Recorded Constraints 90.
87. Comments 91.
88. 92.
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FORM B: ASSESSING SITE CONNECTIONS AND ACCESS
1. WALKING TO LOCAL FACILITIES 93. F 95. Dis 96. R 98. Observations and Comments on Safety & Quality of Route ac tan o 99. Site Visit Notes/Record of Photos ili ce u ty (m t etr e 94. es) 97. Q u a li t y
100. 101.S 102. 105.G About 600 yards. h o 106. Pavement and no difficult crossings. o o p d 107. CARS PARKED ON PAVEMENTS IN BARRATTS LANE 103. F a i r
104. P o o r
108. 109.S 113. 117.G c o 110. 118. About 10 minute walk. Pavement on Barrett’s Lane. h o o 111. d 119. No crossing at Junction Road into School Lane. ol 112. 114. 120.F a i r 115. P o o r
116.
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121. 122.O 123. 126.G p o 127. Access to farm fields and path through stile in SW e o corner of site. n d S 128. Sports Pitches about 800 yards across A451. 124. F p a ac i e r (p u 125. P bl o ic o or r pr iv at e)
129. 131.B 132. 135.G About 500 yards for Bristol Bus on A451. Hourly service u o 136. DIFFICULT TO CROSS ROAD s o St d 137. NO SHELTER! o 133. F p a 130. i r 134. P o o r
138. 141.A 143. 146.G Pub: n o 142. 147. About 500 yards. No difficult crossing. Post office y o service in pub. O d th 148. er
139. F 144. F ac a ili i ty r ? 145. P 140. o o r
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2. SITE ACCESS 149. General quality of access 150. T ick one
151. Good: 153.
152. Easy access into the site and good roads approaching it.
154. Fair: 156.
155. Poor access into the site but good approach roads, or poor access into the site and good approach roads.
157. Poor: 159.
158. Poor access onto the site and poor roads approaching it.
160. Observations / Comments / Site Visit Notes / Record of Photos 167.
161. Key Issues and Possible Mitigation (if Fair or Poor)
162.
163. Single Direct access onto Barrett’s Lane. (Farm Gate) NARROW WITH POOR VISIBILITY DOWN LANE. HEDGE BLOCKS VIEW, NEEDS WIDENING AND REALIGNING BUT NED TO RESTORE HEDGE
164. FOOTPATH STILE TO FIELD BROKEN.
165.
166. PHOTO 1 SITE ACCESS FROM BARRATTS LANEACCESS.
3. CONNECTIONS SUMMARY: Overall, how well connected is the site? 168. Note key points in the site's favour in terms of connections.
169.
170. GOOD walking distance and fair route safety to shops and school.
171. Car parking on pavements needs addressing
172. POOR pedestrian connection to sports ground.
173. FAIR direct access onto lane Need for improved visibility
174.
175. Note the key points in terms of connections that would have to be addressed (mitigation) to make it a suitable site:
176.
177. Widen site access and improve access visibility. Reinstate lost hedge.
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178.
179. Stop car parking on pavements and blocking access.
180.
181.
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FORM C: ASSESSING THE SITE ENVIRONMENT
SITE CHARACTERISTICS
182. Landform:
183. Flat Gently Undulating Strongly Undulating Steep Valley Valley Floor Plateau
184.
185. Observations/Notes/Record of Photos
186. Flat but Ridges within site
187. EARTH SPOIL MOUNDING IN NW CORNER
188.
189. Views In
190. Wide Channelled Long Short Glimpsed
191.
192. Quality and Value of View / Record of Photos
193.
194. Site is enclosed inside hedges that form boundary to Barratts Lane
195. GLIMPSED VIEWS IN FROM BARRATTS LANE AT SITE ENTRANCE
196. ENTRANCE VERY NARROW
197.
198. Views Out
199. Wide Channelled Long Short Glimpsed
200.
201. Quality and Value of View
202. /Record of Photos
203. Site is mostly enclosed within hedges Long views over site boundary to Shooters Hill
204. TOP STOREYS OF HAMMER HOUSE ONLY
205. VIEW OF SHOOTERS HILL FROM SOUTH SIDE OF SITE
206. PHOTO 2 TO SHOOTERS HILL.
207.
208. Natural Features on and Around the Site: (Age/Condition/Value):
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209. Boundary Hedgerow Trees Freestanding Shrubs Grass
210.
211. Numbers, Quality and Value
212. Observations/Notes/Record of Photos
213. Hedgerow on rural boundary and Barratts Lane frontage.
214. Rolling pasture.
215. HEDGE IN POORER CONDITION TO RURAL BOUNDARY. IN NEED OF RESTORATION.
216. PHOTO 3 HEDGEROW.
217.
218. Ecology: (Known/Observed)
219.
220. Birds Signs of Mammals Wildlife Corridors Water Habitat
221.
222. Comments/Notes, Quality and Value
223. Observations/Notes/Record of Photos
224.
225. Boundary hedgerow connect to neighbouring boundaries and to open countryside.
226.
227. Built Form On and Around the Site:
228.
229. Walls On-site Freestanding Buildings & Structures
230.
231. Neighbouring Buildings & Structures in View Neighbouring Use Potential Conflicts
232.
233. Comments/Notes, Observations/Notes/Record of Photos
234.
235. Hammer House overlooking (See Above)
236.
3. ENVIRONMENT SUMMARY How Sensitive is the Environment? 237. Environment Quality and Value: Does the recorded 238.
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information above suggest that the site is of high quality and value, 239. or is it medium or low? 240. Tick one
241. High 242.
243. Medium 244.
245. Low 246.
247. Note key points in the site's favour in terms of environment.
248. Hedgerow Enclosure and Wildlife
249. Long Views from Shooters Hill
250. Relationship with listed Hammer House
251. Note the key points in terms of environment that would have to be addressed (mitigation) to make it a suitable site.
252.
253. Retain Public Right of Way
254. Reinstate/improve hedgerow with access works
255. Valuable grazing land. Back
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FORM D: OVERALL ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
256. Site name/number: Barratts Paddock, High Chew Combe 257. T ick
258. The site is suitable for allocation 261.
259. The site is well located and has lower environmental sensitivity
260.
262. This is a potential allocation subject to on- or off-site mitigation 264. 263. The site is either well located but with higher environmental sensitivity or poorly located but with lower environmental sensitivity
265. The site is unsuitable for allocation 267.
266. The site is poorly connected and has higher environmental sensitivity
268. What are the key reasons behind your final judgement? 273.
269. Access to shops, primary school and bus stop.
270. Access straight onto Barratts Lane but visibility poor.
271. Boundary hedges very important - No major views in or out,
272. Site has no buildings or important trees. but NB Hammer House.
274. If the site was judged to be potentially suitable, what type of 279. development might be possible or appropriate – housing, employment, facilities etc.?
275.
276. Housing only. Within residential lane.
277. Potential need for sports facilities on site.
278. NB Overlooking / neighbour issues.
280. If the site was judged to be potentially suitable, what mitigation might be 285. needed to make it properly suitable?
281.
282. Hedges need to be kept.
283. If access widened, new hedges need to be planted.
284. Good design in context of Hammer House.
286. If the site was judged to be suitable or potentially suitable, what 294. principles or conditions might be applied (eg. heights, screening, materials etc.)? 295. 287. (Add comments on the site plan if this helps, eg. to show a key view.)
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288.
289. Screen buildings behind hedges.
290. No more than two storey houses.
291. Tiled roofs to match village.
292. White render and stone walls.
293.
Date ...18/11/2013...... Back Telephone 01761 765432 Email …[email protected]…………………
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