Summary of Representations The North West of England Plan Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021 Statement of Reasons for Further Changes
Summary of Representations The North West of England Plan Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021 Statement of Reasons for Further Changes
6 12 78 28 174 247 511 201 579 1836 Number of Responses nsultation on 20 March 2008, with comments invited by 23 May 7 9 3 4 of RSS preparation were consulted on the Proposed Changes and 20 10 26 35 35 e set out in the two tables below. All representations made are e set out in the two tables below. All representations made are aries and Council offices throughout the region and also made Number of Respondents ents on the GONW consultation portal website. websites. A press release was also issued. total of 1836 representations were received from 149 people and organisations. More Total 149 Type of Respondent Campaign Group Government Agency Local Authority Parish Council Other Company/Business Other Public Sector Body Private Individual Business/Trade Association Voluntary/Community/Charity Group details about the origin and nature of these representations ar available to view along with the consultation docum 2008. Every organisation and person involved in earlier stages associated documents, which were placed on deposit at Libr available on the GONW and Regional Assembly’s In response to the consultation exercise a Summary of Representations Received Number, Type and Origin of Representations Received Background The Secretary of State’s proposed changes were published for co 13 90 18 12 54 26 56 57 64 238 215 284 209 190 212 1836 2 4 5 0 7 0 5 0 3 4 9 21 145 0 5 4 36 22 93 14 12 32 26 955 7 5 1 0 5 1 6 3 2 5 10 0 3 15 18 0 2 3 5 0 6 53 59 11 94 140 49 25 59 145 78 110 27 14 12 41 76 83 100 29 21 29 120 139 25 Support Object Comment Total Total 737 Proposed Changes Chapter General Comment Our Vision 1 Role & Purpose 2 Our Region 3 Policy Context 4 Spatial Principles 5 Regional Spatial Framework 6 Working in the North West 7 Living in the North West 8 Transport in the North West 9 Environment, Minerals, Waste & Energy 10 Manchester City Region 11 South Cheshire 12 Liverpool City Region 13 Central Lancashire City Region 14 Cumbria & North Lancashire 15 Implementation, Monitoring and Review 16 Assessment of Replaced and Potentially Saved Structure Plan Policies Appendix RT Maps & Diagrams Representations by Chapter
11.5% 11.7% 1.0% 4 Spatial Principles 10.3% 3 Policy Context 3 Policy 3.1% 0.7% 5 Regional Spatial Framework Spatial 5 Regional 2 Our Region 1 Role & Purpose 1 Role 6 Working in the North West North the in Working 6 13.0% 0.5% 7 Living in the North West Our Vision Our 0.3%
General Comment General 11.4% 3.2% 0.3% Maps & Diagrams Appendix RT 8 Transport in the North West
g 15.5% Waste & Energy 2.9% 9 Environment, Minerals, 1.0% Policies 1.4% 0.7% 4.9% and Review 3.5% Region 3.1% 14 Cumbria & North Lancashire 11 South Cheshire Potentially Saved StructurePotentially Plan 16 Assessment and of Replaced 12 Liverpool City Region 15 Implementation, Monitorin 13 Central Lancashire City 10 Manchester City Region City Manchester 10
Percentage of Representations by Chapter
SUMMARY OF REPRESENTATIONS
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams
General Comment (6/6)
Our Vision Most comments relate to the proposed deletion of the wording "live within its means", either wanting its retention or replacement by alternative wording. Some support for the redrafted Vision.
(10/10)
1 Role & Purpose The majority of respondents supported the changes made at the Proposed Changes stage.
(4/13)
2 Our Region The majority of the comments are in favour of the changes. Concerns expressed that the transport network needed improvements, that the diagrams should be based on Super Output level data, that development would be directed to South Manchester and West Cheshire, which was not considered sustainable, instead of areas which required urban renaissance. Some concern was raised about the three authorities that will become Cheshire East in two separate areas, transport links between Deeside and economically deprived communities of Wirral and Merseyside.
(14/56)
3 Policy Context Comments received that indicate that it would be helpful to see how AfS fits in with other Strategies and the RSS, and that the North West Green Infrastructure Guide, published by North West Green Infrastructure Think Tank Partners, should be added to the list of Regional Strategies.
(8/18)
4 Spatial Principles General support. DP1-DP9 particularly. DP6 subject to minor changes.
(2/2) The responses received highlighted general support for the policy but considered more detail should be added relating to engagement, DP1 Spatial Principles accessibility and regeneration through cultural identity. Consultees however raised concern at the loss of bullet points on safeguarding rural communities. Issues of access to public transport in rural areas - if this applied inflexibly this could stifle development in rural areas and be a barrier to development. Concern about the change from “development control” to “development management “. The principles of this policy should be followed in the RSS and not delegated to other tiers and plans and strategies.
(22/25)
5
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams A mix of responses was received from consultees. Support was received in the form of the emphasis place on sustainable communities, and the DP2 Promote Sustainable links to policy EM3 and the Housing Market Renewal schemes. Consultees however objected to the removal of “means of travel”. Further clarity is Communities required about the Housing Market Renewal Areas and Cumbria Local Authorities inclusion in these areas, if excluded both Furness and West Cumbria need to be listed. Consultees raised issues about managing travel and reducing need to travel as this does not align with the national and Cumbria policy. The policy should include a more proactive phrase on conserving regions heritage. Flood risk to existing population needs to be addressed in bullet point 5.
(16/19) A number of consultees support this policy and the proposed changes. However consultees requested clarification of the meaning of sustainable. DP3 Sustainable Economic It was highlighted that economic growth may not reduce inequalities and should say “sustainable economic development”. Consultees also Development suggested an amendment to GVA reference to Cheshire.
(12/14) Consultees raised issues relating to the issue of access to rural areas by public transport. A mismatch was identified between water resources DP4 Make the best use of Existing and development, as housing development should be at a scale which can be supported by known and predicted water resources. Consultees Resources & Infrastructure highlighted concern about the removal of reuse of buildings from the 1st priority. The infrastructure requirements were considered to be too restrictive. A mismatch exists between the policy which draws heavily on the PPG3 approach and PPS3 approach. There are issues relating to the phrase “normally on the fringes”. Further consideration should be given to urban extensions and new towns. An emphasis should be placed on non coastal European sites in North Wales and partnership working cross border to minimise impacts.
(21/23) A number of consultees support the policy it provides underpinning principles for the rest of the RSS. However, issues were raised relating to DP5 Manage Travel Demand access for public transport in rural areas. Local Service Centres should be included in the policy. There is a need to include a consideration of the management of freight. There is a need to include the sustainable transport hierarchy as recommended in SA.
(22/28) Consultees raise issues about the links between areas of opportunity and need and the challenges that this will bring. Concern was riased about DP6 Marry Opportunity & Need the policy as it does not address the regeneration and employment issues of the areas of need and just uses them as feeder areas for areas of opportunity, Consultees were concerned that depending upon the scale at which this operates this will lead to unsustainable development and commuting. This policy should underpin RDF1 and prioritise City Regions. The policy should be linked to policy DP5. Concern that access may be seen as more important that sustainability and that access by cycling and walking should be included.
(17/21) Support for the policy relating to green infrastructure and the tranquillity of the countryside, and the recognition of the commitment to European DP7 Promote Environmental sites. However consultees have indicated that in order to align with National Biodiversity targets there needs to be a presumption to “maintain and Quality enhance Biodiversity and assessments” of all designated sites not just European sites where development is likely to have an impact. The policy should reflect the historic environment in greater detail. Concern about phrase “assessing traffic growth”. Concern that it repeats national guidance and issues regarding Habitats Regulation Assessment and air and water quality could be dealt with more succinctly. Text could be added relating to culture and avoiding urbanisation of high value rural areas. Text should be added relating to the combination of effects and more emphasis should be placed on non coastal Welsh sites and cross boundary working. The policy should refer to inland and coastal waters and the need for 6
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams improvement of coastal waters.
(26/40)
DP8 Mainstream Rural Issues Consultees largely support the policy however they indicate that it should consider the meaning and necessity for the word mainstream. In addition the policy should provide guidance for areas outside Local Service Centres and Key Service Centres.
(10/12) The majority of consultees object to the policy and are concerned about the loss of targets which many think should be reinstated or increased in DP9 Reduce Emissions & Adapt to line with IPCC targets. Wording should be added to the policy relating to peat bogs as carbon stores. Additional wording should be added about Climate Change fragmentation and habitat creation to address the need for species movement as a result of Climate change. Concerns have been raised about the requirement relating the North West integrated Tool kit to be the development of local toolkits, requirements for Sustainability Appraisal and issues about the checklist approaches not being applicable to all types of development. Sustainable Urban Drainage systems are not appropriate as part of mitigation but would be better included as part of the adaptation along with water efficiency and building design issues.
(30/31)
5 Regional Spatial Framework (2/2) RDF 1 Spatial Priorities A mix of responses were received from consultees, including some significant objections relating to the Proposed Changes wording. Some consultees, including those Local Authorities highlighted in the policy and also from private developers supported the focus on regional centres and the elevation of Chester. Some consultees also indicated that the policy was better aligned with the Regional Economic Strategy. Consultees were however concerned as to how the policy works and the approach taken. Further information was requested as to how changes have been evidenced and tested. The proposed changes go against Panel Recommendations, particularly on Chester and tier 4 without any evidence for reasoning. There is no clear policy on City Region areas outside listed centres and some City Region locations seemed to have been downgraded below highlighted non-City Region centres. There is a need to address issues of deprived suburban areas. It is unclear what the status of the highlighted towns mean as this creates a tier 3a and 3b. Consultees were concerned about loss of a specific Key Service Centre policy. Birkenhead has been allocated in the wrong tier. Consultees were concerned that the policy would step up growth in remote locations, resulting in unsustainable development. The policy has a lack of differentiation between regeneration and growth.
(53/82) RDF 2 Rural Areas, KSCs, LSCs A mix of responses from consultees received. Some support for deletion of table 7.1 and KSC being defined locally, but there was also concern about delays in definition, inconsistency of criteria to be used and the lack of detail of criteria. Concerns were also raised about the lack of criteria for Key Service Centres in urban and suburban areas. There was some concern that RSS may not clearly identify a settlement hierarchy. Regarding the Open Countryside some concerns were raised from the private sector that the policy is more restrictive than national policy and that it applies exceptional tests to development which has been acceptable.
The policy needs a clear definition of what “rural areas” are and there are concerns that many areas would not be covered. Also concerns about conflicts with policy DP8. Consultees considered that innovation and flexible approaches should be applicable across all the countryside, not just specific areas of it. Concern that last section of the policy should relate to all open countryside not just sparse areas. Need further clarification of 7
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams terms such as “maximise” in relation to economy, “rural environmental inheritance” and “open countryside”. Role of Market towns needs to be included. Need to retain point about empowerment of local communities. Need clarification of the approach for smaller settlements outside Key Service Centres and Local Service Centres as considered that over concentration in these areas not sustainable for these areas.
(48/67) RDF 3 The Coast Consultees indicated that there was inconsistent consideration of the Habitats Regulations Assessment in this policy and issues with the terminology and referencing of SPAs and SACs and candidate and potential sites. Consultees considered the wording “all but exceptional “to be too loose and open to subjective interpretation. Concerns were raised about the deletion of various elements of text and footnotes such as references to climate change, ICZM, Coastal Forum, and the footnotes on wildfowl and image of coastal resorts. Additional text was proposed for ICZM.
(10/27) RDF 4 Green Belts Consultation responses relating to Green Belts indicated that the wording used is too loose re “maintaining general extent” of the green belt and clarification is required, or a change needed relating to “exceptional substantial strategic change”. Consultees object to the reference to Newton le Willows and should be vaguer i.e. in the general vicinity of to align with policy DP7. There is a need for reviews/studies to be set out more clearly and this needs to be set within a context of what is an appropriate urban form. Studies should only be done when clear evidence for their need and presumption against this should include a need for studies. A specific request for more detailed guidance on green belt review in required in relation to the need for review in E. Lancs to accommodate employment use post 2011. Consultation responses indicated that there were both objections to and support for the removal of Chester site from policy.
(27/34)
6 Working in the North West (5/9) W1 Strengthening the Regional References to Carlisle, the Furness Peninsula in Barrow, Workington and Whitehaven and Crewe are largely supported. A number of consultees Economy remarked that Chester and West Cheshire are within the Liverpool City Region and, as a result, should not be the subject of a separate bullet point in the policy. The more prominent position given to Chester was supported by some respondents but objected to by others. Concerns were raised that the reference to Blackpool and East Lancashire had been omitted from the policy, which is contrary to what is stated in Schedule 1 (R5.2) of the proposed changes document. There is also concern that the policy does not provide support for the SME sector and that the role of Manchester Airport as a key international gateway and economic driver of the North of England had not been adequately recognised. Throughout RSS, insert “sustainable” before “economic development”. (32/36) W2 Locations for Regionally The identification of Crewe, Carlisle, Whitehaven and Workington as locations for regionally significant economic development was supported by Significant Economic Development consultees. However, the criteria were considered to be too broad, insufficiently robust and capable of being applied too widely, which could lead to sites being identified in an uncoordinated manner. It is suggested that guidance should be provided on the overall number of sites that may be identified. The failure to set out how resources should be directed proportionally could result in a greater proportion of resources being directed to the individually named towns as to the totality of the three city regions. A number of respondents considered that the criteria should recognise that there may be a need to locate regionally significant developments in out of town locations. Concern was also expressed that prioritising sites that only reflect a need for regeneration will compromise the ability of the region to be globally competitive. A number of consultees object to the deletion of the reference to Priority Regeneration Areas for Barrow-in-Furness and West Cumbria. 8
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams (30/37) W3 Supply of Employment Land There is support for the incorporation of the cross-reference to the spatial principle policies DP1-9 and reference to environmental sustainability. However, significant concern has been expressed about the decision not to provide employment land requirements disaggregated between LPA areas, which could lead to a serious over or under supply in some areas. Consultees also highlighted that the identification of an over-provision of employment land in Cumbria fails to recognise that much of the existing supply is of the wrong type and in the wrong location. In addition, concerns were raised about the accuracy of the figures and the methodology used to derive them. It was also indicated that the requirement to update employment land portfolios every three years is more stringent than the Government’s own guidance. (32/37) W4 Release of Allocated The comments received on the proposed changes were generally supportive of Policy W4. In particular, the emphasis on providing alternative Employment Land replacement sites when employment land is released for other uses was welcomed as was the recognition that housing could represent a suitable alternative use. However consultees requested that the policy incorporate references to the Green Infrastructure Guide and to para 22 of the draft PPS4. A number of minor textual amendments were also suggested.
(8/9) W5 Retail Development Many aspects of the policy were supported, in particular the decision to keep Blackpool at the same level in the retail hierarchy as Preston, the promotion of retail investment where it assists in the regeneration and economic growth of town and city centres, the presumption against new out of centre comparison retailing facilities and the inclusion of Workington and Whitehaven in the list of centres where comparison retailing facilities should be enhanced and encouraged. However a number of consultees objected to the omission of particular centres from the list, including Kirby, Skelmersdale and Penrith. Consultees also indicated that it should be made clear that retail development which undermines the vitality and viability of regional shopping centres will not be permitted. The policy was considered to be inconsistent with policy CLCR2 of the Plan. Due to the substitution of the term ‘primary retail centre’ for ‘regional centre’ it was considered that this may not be appropriate to incorporate the reference to Salford. Several consultees indicated that the term “Regional shopping centre” should be used rather than “primary retail centre”, whilst others requested that the policy should recognise that where new evidence emerges, it may be necessary to review the list centres identified for retail development (24/26) W6 Tourism and the Visitor The references to Kendal, Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture and international sites of nature conservation importance are supported. Economy However, it is recommended that the final bullet point should be split into two bullets because of the different nature and scale of tourism activity and facilities that may be expected in Regional Parks and Wold Heritage Sites. Consultees also highlighted the requirement for a more extensive international network from Manchester Airport. (18/18) W7 Principles for Tourism The policy is widely supported and the incorporation of the text to address issues raised in the HRA was welcomed. However, other respondents Development had some concerns with the approach taken in the HRA. Consultees requested that cross-references to DP1-9 and RDF policies were made.
(10/10) W8 Regional Casinos All respondents objected to Policy W8 in its current form. Consultees suggested that the policy and supporting text should be deleted completely due to the government announcement not to pursue regional casinos. Other respondents requested that policy is updated in line with independent research to replace Blackpool with Manchester as the priority location for a regional casino.
(4/8) 7 Living in the North West (5/5) 9
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams L1 Health, Sport, Recreation, The representations received raised no major issues, and were generally supportive of the policy. Despite this, some consultees indicated that the Cultural and Education Services policy should identify Sustainable Community Strategies and Local Area Agreements; make specific mention to young people, and place a greater Provision emphasis on achieving sustainable neighbourhoods that incorporate a mix of uses. (11/13) L2 Understanding Housing A high proportion of consultees agree with the proposed changes especially the reference made to LA’s carrying out SHMA as required by PPS3. Markets However, it was considered that a greater emphasis should be placed on carrying out local survey work to understand the local context, especially in rural areas. In addition, further clarification was requested on the reason for, and the desired outcome of, exerting influence on housing supply including all types, sizes, tenures and values. (10/11) L3 Existing Housing Stock and The consultation responses received were relatively mixed, although a number of consultees supported the amendments made at the Proposed Housing Renewal Changes stage. However, the consultation responses received indicated that the policy should prioritise identified areas of housing renewal and provide greater clarity relating to the HMR/Pathfinders areas. The responses also indicated that consideration should be given to include a prior evaluation of the environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts of any proposed clearance and after uses, including the way it will affect the surrounding areas and the local community. The policy should place greater emphasis on improving sustainability and resource efficiency of the housing stock to reflect issues associated with water shortages, and that new housing development should incorporate sustainable drainage systems and water conservation and efficiency measures to meet or exceed level 3 for the code for sustainable homes for potable water and retrofitting. It was further highlighted that presumption should be against building new housing development in floodplains. (17/20)
L4 Regional Housing Provision A significant number of consultees supported the removal of the term ‘maximum’, although greater clarification was requested to reflect the requirement to consider policies DP1-9. In addition consultees supported the fact that new developments must be served by adequate water supply and sewerage management facilities; and that the supporting text clarifies that new development should not have an adverse cumulative impact on the existing stock and housing market.
In terms of areas of disagreement, there were requests for clarification on how the housing target will be managed on an annual and plan period basis, and the impact that removing maximums will have on areas of housing regeneration. There was some disagreement relating to brownfield land targets as set out in the document and how these figures will be applied either annually or over the entire plan period. Several consultees considered that brownfield land targets should be assigned to individual local authority areas.
Strong opposition was received in relation to the addition of text relating to the Wirral as a result of the Habitats Regulation Assessment and the perceived impact that his will have on housing delivery. Further clarification was requested to provide the scope for dis-aggregation of the housing requirement within the new East and West Cheshire unitary authorities.
(79/152) L5 Residential Density Policy The majority of consultees disagreed with the inclusion of this policy, although some support was evident. The main areas of disagreement related to the fact that the policy should reflect local characteristics and should not place a blanket coverage across the region. The figure of 30dph was disputed by a number of consultees due to the impact that this may have on regeneration areas, and the requirement for higher densities in urban areas.
(21/23) 10
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams L6 Affordable Housing A range of responses were received to this policy. Consultees supported for the use of Strategic Housing Market Assessments as a tool to inform the LDF evidence base. Consultees also indicated that affordable housing should be addressed individually in LDF’s rather than in the RSS so that LA’s can take account of regeneration and housing renewal programmes. (13/14) 8 Transport in the North West – Connecting People and Places (12/15) RT1 Integrated Transport Networks Generally consultees support the policy as worded.
(6/6) RT2 Managing Travel Demand Consultees indicated that the reference to the importance of public transport improvements as a pre-requisite for road user charging should be retained. The use of public transport to discourage car use should be strengthened. Non-sustainable travel demand should be “designed-out” of new developments. Object to the proposed removal of text relating to the defining of pre-conditions for the introduction of road user charging. Good access to public transport may not be possible at some multi-modal freight interchange locations. Consideration should be taken into account of the draft Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Development in the context of maximum parking standards. Disagree with restrictive parking standards for rural areas. Disagree that standards are the same for rural and urban areas. Further clarity required as to where 'urban standards' will apply. The policy should make reference to Stress Maps.
(25/39) RT3 Public Transport Framework The majority of responses received from consultees object to the policy although there was support for the facilitation of additional car parking at railway stations and; the proposal to allow Local Authorities to introduce measures to enhance the accessibility of regional towns and cities such as Carlisle. Consultees stated that the policy should be applicable to all Key Service Centres in Cumbria. Reference should be made to public transport measures which enhance connectivity within City Regions. The final paragraph of RT3 relating to RT10 as this no longer includes public transport priorities. The policy should support the need for more investment in public transport infrastructure making reference to Network Rail’s Route Utilisation Strategy process. References to walking and cycling should be deleted. Policy should include reference to introducing measures to enhance accessibility by public transport, cycling and walking and should be extended to include reference to the service centres identified in the Lake District National Park local development framework
(16/18) RT4 Management of the Highway A mix of comments were received, however, consultees supported the reference to maximising the use of secondary and recycled aggregates Network and maintenance schemes. Consultees indicated that reference should be made to mitigating any impacts upon the historic development, landscape and townscape. The policy should highlight the economic benefits that result from road transport. The policy should provide guidance on how partnership approach will work between LA's and HA to better manage the network at local and sub-regional levels.
(11/15)
RT5 Airports A significant number of consultees objected to this policy; however consultees support the inclusion of the text that enhances access by public transport, and the inclusion of the text as a consequence of the Habitats Regulations Assessment. Despite this, consultees considered that reference should be made to walking and cycling access for both passengers and employees. Reference should be made to policies DP1-9. 11
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams Further consideration should be given to the impact on atmospheric pollution including greenhouse gases. Airports should not become nodes for major economic growth. The major issue raised however related the fact that the growth of Airports goes against the principles of the Plan and the Sustainability Appraisal. (21/25) RT6 Ports and Waterways A mixture of responses were received for this policy, with some consultees supporting the changes made at the Proposed Changes stage including the amendments in line with the Habitats Regulations Assessment. Despite this, consultees suggested a number of possible amendments, many of which were minor textual amendments. Consultees indicated that the policy should contain more explicit support for new surface access infrastructure. The importance of partnership working between Local Authorities and operators should be highlighted. Clarification required as to the impact on areas of nature conservation objectives. Consultees also indicated that there should be consideration of the use of land adjoining ports for alternative uses. (16/23) RT7 Freight Transport The overwhelming majority of comments received on Policy RT7 objected to particular aspects of the Policy. A frequently recurring comment related to the absence of any consideration of rail; consultees offered various suggested text changes to resolve this. Some concerns were raised about the paragraph on the development of air freight and the perceived inconsistencies with the objectives of the Climate Change Bill and the commitment to reduce emissions “as an urgent priority” in DP9. Policy should clarify that the development of air freight facilities should, be located within the existing airport boundary or off-site in preference to expanding the airport beyond its existing boundary. (9/10) RT8 Inter-Modal Freight Terminals A mixture of responses was received as a result of this policy. Consultees raised issues relating to the Identification of Newton-Le-Willows in a Green Belt location. Rail access and associated facilities should be made available before the site is occupied. The wording added as a result of the Habitats Regulations Assessment to policies RT5 and RT6 should be added to this policy for consistency. Consideration should be given to Travel Plans. A number of minor textual changes are recommended.
(19/24) RT9 Walking and Cycling No major policy issues, however a number of textual changes are suggested
(5/6) RT10 Priorities for Transport The majority of respondents disagree with the proposed policy, although there was some support. Consultees require further details on when and Management and Investment how often the implementation plan will be produced and how the schemes contained within it will be selected. Consultees considered that the implementation plan should have been produced alongside the Proposed Changes document. A number of textual changes are also suggested.
(18/28) 9 Environment, Minerals, Waste & Energy (8/14) EM1 Integrated Enhancement and The overwhelming majority of respondents support the policy but have concerns about particular aspects. A number of respondents objected to Protection of the Region’s the inclusion of the words ‘seek’ and ‘where appropriate’ in the fifth paragraph. A significant proportion of consultees requested that the ‘no net Environmental Assets loss’ principle be re-inserted. A number of respondents suggested that the final bullet of EM1 (A) should be moved to EM3 and concerns were raised that the addition of the expression ‘seek to deliver’ in the place of ‘secure a’ in EM1 (B) significantly weakens the policy. Reference to the Mersey Estuary should be removed from EM1(B) or, alternatively, other areas, such as the Lune Estuary and the West Pennine Moors should be included. A number of consultees believed that EM1(C) is site-specific, rather than spatial, and needs to be re-written. Consultees requested that 12
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams reference to ‘veteran trees’ in EM1 (D) be re-inserted. The policy is considered to be very long and may be better expressed in similar terms to policy DP1. Concern was raised that no consideration has been given to environmental resources, assets and sensitivities outside of the Plan Area, and some respondents felt that the penultimate bullet in EM1 (A) would be more appropriate in EM1 (C). (29/32) EM2 Remediating Contaminated No change to Policy Land
EM3 Green Infrastructure The policy was widely supported. Consultees indicated that the reference to the need for a strategic network of Green Infrastructure and the importance of Green Infrastructure for biodiversity and adaptation to climate change was particularly welcome. However, consultees indicated that the definition of Green Infrastructure should be consistent with the one used in the North West Green Infrastructure guide. It was also highlighted that the role of the historic environment in planning for Green Infrastructure should be recognised and that there should be a stronger focus on ensuring good accessibility to green space and on the retention, enhancement, adaptation and integration of existing Green Infrastructure. (17/21) EM4 Regional Parks The policy is widely supported; the inclusion of the HRA text and emphasis on the importance of biodiversity in particular was supported. However, some considered that the importance of the historic environment and historic landscapes has not been referred to, whilst others argued that landscape and woodland assets have been overlooked. Consultees have indicated that it must be demonstrated that the policy would not have an adverse impact on Natura 2000 sites. In addition, it was considered unclear as to why the ‘recreational challenge’ has been singled out for consideration and action. (12/13) EM5 Integrated Water Majority of respondents supported the proposed changes, however consultees suggested that clarification should be provided on what is meant Management by water conservation and efficiency by inserting reference to code for sustainable homes standards. Concerns were expressed that the policy may stifle the Government’s housing growth agenda and further clarification is requested as to why the 2008 Water Availability in England and Wales’s map indicate that areas of north east and eastern Wales have ‘no water available’. Another respondents indicated that the statement relating to the proposed phasing of development ‘so that infrastructure can be provided’ should be reconsidered and/or further strengthened. (9/13) EM6 Managing the North West’s All comments were supportive of the Policy; the reference to sites of international nature conservation importance and the support for Shoreline Coastline Management Plans is particularly welcomed. The changes made in line with the HRA are also supported.
(6/6) EM7 Minerals Extraction Consultees stated that the policy does not provide the certainty required to assess under what circumstances mineral extraction will be permitted. It was suggested to include coal within the list of reserves of national significance. Consultees also expressed disappointment that recognition of the delivery of Biodiversity Action Plans in restoration had been incorporated. Further clarification was requested on the statement regarding the potential supply of marine dredged aggregates. (5/5) EM8 Land-won Aggregates Consultees have indicated that the policy does not provide the certainty required to assess under what circumstances mineral extraction will be permitted. In addition, specific reference should be made to the need to minimise distance that aggregates and waste are carried.
(3/3) EM9 Secondary and Recycled No change. Aggregates 13
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams
EM10 A Regional Approach to There was a relatively mixed response to this policy, however the majority of respondents expressed concerns with/recommended changes to Waste Management EM10. Consultees considered that the policy is worded too inflexibly to take into account of the potentially higher targets in the forthcoming Regional Waste Strategy. A number of respondents considered that the requirement for authorities to only seek to achieve the targets 'where practicable' should be strengthened as these are set by European legislation and transposed into UK law. The objectives and targets of the published Regional Waste Strategy should be expressed.
(12/14) EM11 Waste Management This policy received a mixed response with a number of respondents raising concerns. Consultees indicated that the sequence of initiatives Principles contained within the policy does not accord with the waste hierarchy of 'waste minimisation' and 're-use' and these should be separate bullet points. Some consultees considered that the sequence of initiatives is heavily slanted towards dealing with municipal waste as parts of the sequential approach cannot in all practicalities be applied to other waste streams. C&I waste should not be combined with CD&E waste.
(10/14) EM12 Locational Principles The majority of the consultees disagreed with aspects of the policy. Many respondents feel that the policy, as worded, could lead to waste travelling substantial distances for processing, and then hundreds of miles back to be finally disposed of. The development of “regionally- significant” thermal treatment plants would lock the region into a centralised system which would tend to work against waste minimisation. Several consultees stated that the reference to ‘communities to take more responsibility for their own waste…’ offers little by way of strategic direction for sub-regional planning. In addition to this consultees indicated that ‘regional and sub-regional self-sufficiency’ should be re-instated into the policy.
(11/12) EM13 Provision of Nationally, The majority of respondents raised concerns with aspects of Policy EM13 and the accompanying tables. Objections were made to the introduction Regionally and Sub-Regionally of new waste management figures at this stage. The policy should be recast as a clear sequential test. Several respondents raised concerns Significant Waste Management about the accuracy of the figures in Table 9.3, 9.4 and 9.5. A number of minor textual changes to the Policy were also suggested. Facilities (13/32) EM14 Radioactive Waste No change. Editing/typing error pointed out.
(1/1) EM15 A Framework For A high proportion of consultees agree with the proposed changes, especially the focus on reducing energy consumption. However, consultees Sustainable Energy In The North indicated that there is a need to make clear how CCAP relates to the Sustainable Energy Strategy. Concern was also expressed that the West reference to the economic feasibility provides an easy ‘get out’ for developers.
(6/7) EM16 Energy Conservation & A significant number of respondents support the Policy, with the reference to achieving particular BREEAM/CSH standards particularly welcomed. Efficiency However, several respondents consider that there is a need to update the reference to the CSH to reflect that it is only mandatory for new homes to be assessed against the code. Concern was raised that the policy, as worded, could lead to sub-regions and districts setting their own targets regarding these issues. Other responses concerned the need for targets to be removed or made more flexible, the need for targets for CO2 (and possibly other greenhouse gas) reductions to be included and for additional consideration to be given to the potential effects of renewable energy projects on European nature sites. 14
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams
(19/24) EM17 Renewable Energy The policy is supported by a number of consultees however; most respondents raised concerns with aspects of the policy. A number of respondents queried the weight that should be afforded to the criteria to be taken into account when considering the development of renewable energy. The policy incorrectly refers to a target of 20% of renewable electricity by 2020 rather than 20% energy. The policy also fails to recognise that there are high quality sites, without the benefit of a statutory designation. The renewable energy schemes can have a serious impact on historic environments. Additional consideration should be given to impact of renewable energy schemes on European protected sites. The duty to produce ‘sub-regional studies of renewable energy resources’ could cause confusion with the requirements of the supplement to PPS1.
(30/35) EM18 Decentralised Energy A mix of responses was received to this policy. The majority of comments concerned the decision not to include specific targets for incorporating Supply on-site renewable energy generation in new developments above a certain threshold. The decision to remove these targets was widely objected to although a number of respondents did support this amendment – several of which commented that by not setting a regional level targets for on site generation the Policy is more consistent with the supplement to PPS1. Consultees indicated that the policy should make clear that renewable energy schemes can affect European Sites, and that the targets for offshore wind in tables 9.6 – 9.9 need to be revised. Consultees also disagreed with the emphasis with which the targets in tables 9.6 – 9.9 place on offshore wind development at the expense of on-shore generation
(30/39) 10 Manchester City Region A number of respondents were concerned that the chapter refers to Manchester as a focus growth whilst the Liverpool City Region chapter refers to regeneration in relation to Liverpool. Concerns were also raised that the chapter fails to recognise/underplays the importance of Manchester MCR 1 Manchester City Region Airport as an economic driver and international gateway for the North of England. Priorities MCR1 would benefit from a reference to encouraging improvements in social and environmental infrastructure. Several respondents also noted MCR 2 Regional Centre and Inner that there were inconsistencies between the description of housing in MCR3 and paragraph 7.18. Other consultees expressed concerns that Areas of Manchester City Region MCR3 could be seen as a revival of the M56 growth corridor which would be counter to the need for regeneration of conurbation cores. There were also a number of requests to provide greater consistency in the use of cross-references to DP1-9 and W2-3. Concerns were raised about the MCR 3 Southern Part of the three local authorities that will comprise East Cheshire being split between two sub-regions. Delete the reference to the ‘Arc of Opportunity’ in Manchester City Region MCR2.
MCR 4 Northern part of the (24/57) Manchester City Region Policies have been grouped together for summary MCR 5 Strategic Framework for Warrington
11 South Cheshire A range of responses were received on the South Cheshire sub-region chapter. Support was expressed for the emphasis placed upon harnessing Crewe’s potential for sustainable economic growth. However, concerns were raised about retaining a separate chapter on South Cheshire due to CH 1 Overall Spatial Policy for this resulting in the three East Cheshire Local Authorities being split between sub-regions. In addition, there were a number of standard comments South Cheshire about the need to ensure consistency with the transport policies and that all schemes are in line with RT10. (4/12) 15
RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses) Diagrams
Policies have been grouped together for summary 12 Liverpool City Region A mixture of responses was received on this chapter. Policy LCR1 was widely supported although a number of minor amendments were requested and it was a recognised that there are inconsistencies in relation to use of the terms ‘Regional Centre’ and ‘City Centre’. It was also LCR 1 Liverpool City Region recommended that LCR1 should incorporate a reference to the Mersey Gateway and it was also questioned whether the policy should refer to Priorities integrated flood management.
LCR 2 The Regional Centre and There were a number of objections to the removal of Ellesmere Port from the area defined as the outer part of the Liverpool City Region. Inner Areas of Liverpool City There was significant support for LCR4, particularly welcomed was the maintenance of a policy of restraint in West Wirral. There was also a Region request for the policy to refer to the need to maintain and enhance the role of suburban town centres. The reference to harnessing the potential of Chester for sustainable economic growth in LCR5 received a very mixed response with consultees split relatively evenly between those LCR 3 Outer part of the Liverpool supporting and those objecting to this bullet. Objections were also raised to the absence of a specific reference to the need to support the City Region regeneration opportunities of Northwich and Winsford. (28/90) LCR 4 The remaining part of the Liverpool City Region Policies have been grouped together for summary
LCR 5 West Cheshire – North East Wales and Vale Royal 13 Central Lancashire City The introduction of the spatial element to CLCR1 was considered to be confusing and concern was expressed that, by focussing development on Region the four main settlements, the policy would fail to address the regeneration needs of wider areas of deprivation. There were also a number of requests to incorporate cross-references to DP1-9, RDF1 and W2-3 and issues raised about the role of the Key Service Centres, particularly in CLCR 1 Central Lancashire City East Lancashire, that were not listed as one of the four main settlements. Region Priorities A number of consultees raised concerns about the consistency between Policies CLCR2 and W5, particularly with regards to the description of CLCR 2 Focus for Development Preston in relation to retail development. Clarification was also requested on the exact definition of the Blackpool urban area. The Green City and Investment in Central Policy was widely supported. However, a number of minor textual amendments were requested, such as the incorporation of linkages to EM3, and Lancashire City Region also a need to incorporate guidance on the review of the Green Belt. (24/64) CLCR 3 Green City Policies have been grouped together for summary 14 Cumbria & North Lancashire There was widespread support for the reference to focussing development within Barrow in Furness, Whitehaven, Workington and Carlisle. However, concerns were raised about the deletion of references to Cleator Moor and Maryport from Policy CNL1. There was also concern that CNL 1 Overall Spatial Policy for there is insufficient support for Kendal’s role in supporting the regeneration of the Cumbrian economy and objections to the exclusion of Wigton Cumbria from CNL2.
CNL 2 Sub-area Development Consultees indicated that there were inconsistencies within the chapter in relation to the use of the Regeneration Priority Area nomenclature. Priorities for Cumbria Disappointment was also expressed about the lack references to the Energy Coast Masterplan and there were concerns about public transport access to rural areas. Concern was also expressed about the reference to having “due regard“ to historic fabric in Carlisle and Lancaster (Policy CNL 3 Spatial Policy for the Lake CNL2 and CNL4 respectively), which was considered to be weak and have little clarity of meaning. 16
17 (5/5) (39/59) (17/18) (16/54) (12/26) a Regional
service tlining the WRA to RPB s and Travellers
as too short to ree of local Policies have been grouped together for summary focused on inconsistencies and/or cartographic inaccuracies.
ee with saving Joint Lancashire Structure Plan policy on Gypsie ckpool would be more suitable as a Regional Gateways as opposed to within the circular. The Cumbria Structure Plan provides a deg
Summary of Representations (No. of Respondents/Responses)
distinctiveness not replicated in the RSS. A number of detailed comments are provided regarding which policies should be saved. enable proper comment. Proposed additions to text on targets and indicators and links to RES monitoring. Proposed change from N as this is not in conformity with the publish guidance contained between West Cumbria – Carlisle – Newcastle City Region. Bla Main issues relate to a concern about scope of the review i.e. should include KSC. Concern about timescale of the review. Seen A number of responses have been received from consultees, although most of these have raised issues with the proposed tables ou policies to be saved upon adoption of the RSS. Consultees disagr The majority of consultees that commented on the appendices objected to the approach taken. Reference should be made to the bus A number of comments were made to the maps section (Diagrams 2.2-2.10, the Key diagram, City Region maps for Manchester/Liverpool/Central Lancs/Cumbria). The comments received gateway. Diagrams RSS Chapter / Policy / Maps & District CNL 4 Spatial Policy for North Lancashire 15 Implementation, Monitoring and Review IM 1 Implementation 16 Assessment of Replaced and Potentially Saved Structure Plan Policies Appendix RT Maps 18 008 Reason for change ulting waste. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To clarify the legal position in relation to extension of Structure Plan policies To provide clear cross-reference to maps added at Proposed Changes stage to reflect panel recommendation
. 1 t of public consultation March to May 2 North West The Regional consumes and absorb the res
Regional Planning Body
r quality; manage the fabric of towns and cities and energy and by developing renewable sources. We and, as far as possible, reduce, the effects of climate 2 Our Region NO CHANGES Text ples. All may be applicable to development management 4 Spatial Principles DP1: Spatial Principles
needs to produce the resources it . 1 The Role and Purpose of RSS to provide more detail on methods for the delivery of RSS, the agencies that oposed Changes to RSS which were the subjec
will prepare an Annual Monitoring Report to report progress on implementation and (see maps 2.10-2.11) NWRA
any issues arising. This RSS replaces all of the saved structure plan policies of the Joint Lancashire Structure Plan (2005) A separate Implementation Framework is being prepared by the which were extended under transitional provisions of schedule 8 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. This RSS also replaces the policies of the Cheshire Structure Plan (2005) and the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan (2006) with the exception of those outlined as extended for a further period until replaced by future RSS review as set out in Chapter 15. Regional Assembly (NWRA) Planning Body Policy DP1: Spatial Principles The following principles underpin RSS (incorporating RTS) Other regional, sub-regional and local plans and strategies and all individual proposals, schemes and investment decisions should adhere to these princi in particular circumstances: will carry it out, targets to be met and arrangements for monitoring progress. As a separate document this will enable it to be more readily updated and to provide a rolling programme of actions. From an environmental point of view, it is important not only to develop the North West as a better place to live, but also to make a more substantial contribution to national and global environmental targets and initiatives. Particularly critical is the need to adapt to change; including by planning for the efficient use of sensitive coastal and rural landscapes; protect wildlife; increase tree cover; and find more sustainable ways of dealing with waste must also deal with dereliction; improve air and wate The highly urbanised nature of large parts of the North West has created a significant ‘ecological footprint’
8
1.9 1.4 1. 2.16
DP1 Policy Para. A system of measuring how much land and water a human population SCHEDULE 2 - FINAL CHANGES TO THE RSS This schedule lists the further changes to Pr 1
19 Reason for change To provide greater clarity of expression To ensure that the policy reflects the most recent guidance and the Pitt Review ‘Learning Lessons from the 2007 Floods’ and in response to the representation on the
; to live and work - is a regional priority in both
diversity, be sensitive to the environment, and al and cultural implications of development and Text including flood risk (see map 2.11) DP2: Promote Sustainable Communities
rural issues; ing
promote sustainable communities; promote sustainable economic development; make the best use of existing resources and infrastructure; manage travel demand, reduce the need to travel, and increase accessibility; marry opportunity and need; promote environmental quality; mainstream reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. fostering sustainable relationships between homes, workplaces and other concentrations of regularly taking into account the economic, environmental, soci improving the built and natural environment, and conserving the region’s heritage; improving the health and educational attainment of the region’s population, reducing present promoting community safety and security used services and facilities; spatial investment decisions on communities; inequalities;
• • • • • • • • The 8 Policies DP2-9 amplify these principles and should be taken together as the spatial principles underlying the Strategy. They are not in order of priority. The whole of the RSS should be read together and these principles should be applied alongside the other policies which follow. Policy DP2: Promote Sustainable Communities Building sustainable communities – places where people want urban and rural areas. Sustainable Communities should meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, promote community cohesion and equality and contribute to a high quality of life, particularly by: • • • • •
DP2 Policy Para. Securing the future delivering UK sustainable development strategy, UK Govt, 2005. 2 20 Reason for change To provide greater clarity and to be factually correct based on National Statistics ‘GVA in North West’ figures Dec. 2007 and to reflect representations by Cheshire County Council. Change due to the inclusion of South Cheshire in Manchester City Region following local government reorganisation and representations from East Cheshire Local Authorities. To align with Sustainable Communities Act. Proposed Changes by The Environment Agency. To provide factual clarification that HMRAs include West Cumbria and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes and to be consistent with policy L2 in relation to areas of housing restructuring. Change due to the inclusion of South Cheshire
3
4
or its successors and the basic 2 Blackpool, Fleetwood and Morecambe;
Diagrams 2.2- 2.9 illustrate just some of them. ices (including lifelong learning) and facilities to is still much to do. Overall GVA per head in the NW consistent with the regional and sub-regional spatial concentrations of disadvantage within specific groups West Cumbria Text Manchester City Region experiencing the highest growth
such as Community Strategies and reflected in Local Area Agreements (LAAs) and DP3: Promote Sustainable Economic Development of this document. 3 4
DP4 Make the Best Use of Existing Resources and Infrastructure and housing restructuring encouraging leadership, joint working practices, community consultation and engagement; reviving local economies, especially in the Housing Market Renewal Areas and other areas in need of integrating and phasing the provision of public serv promoting physical exercise through opportunities for sport and formal / informal recreation, walking regeneration meet the current and future needs of the whole community, ensuring that those services are conveniently located, close to the people they serve, and genuinely accessible by public transport; and cycling.
• • • • The guiding principles of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy 2005 elements of sustainable communities as set out in ‘Sustainable Communities: People, Places and Prosperity (A Five Year Plan) should be followed. Policy DP4: Make the Best Use of Existing Resources and Infrastructure Priority should be given to developments in locations frameworks as set out in Chapter 5 (notably policy RDF1) and sub regional policies in Chapters 10-1 is 12% lower than the England average, but there are considerable variations across the region, with Cheshire having the highest GVA per head and In addition to spatial disparities, there can also be such as older people, Black and Minority and Ethnic groups and people with disabilities. Plans and strategies should seek to better understand these disparities and concentrations of disadvantage, devise policies and focus investment to address them. The new spatial approach in planning will facilitate this, integrating different policy themes and delivery mechanisms (horizontal) and between different geographic levels (vertical) in knowledge of the needs and priorities of specific places. At the local level these priorities will be articulated in Sustainable Building a strong, stable and sustainable economy is a key factor in improving quality of life and one of the UK Guiding Principles for Sustainable Development. After years of deep-rooted industrial decline, the NW economy has performed well in recent years, but there There are also other disparities – not just in economic growth – between the NW and the rest of the UK; between the NW sub-regions; and within them. The maps at Multi Area Agreements (MAAs). rates and Cumbria the lowest. We need to strengthen regional economic performance, to continue the transformation of the economy in a sustainable way, enabling the sub-regions to achieve their potential in light of a clear understanding of their distinctive roles and visions for the future as set out in the sub regional policies in chapters 10-1
4.3 4.4 DP4 Policy Para.
21 Reason for change To provide clarification and to indicate change in RDF2 in relation to rural areas. To provide improved cross-referencing. in Manchester City Region following local government reorganisation and representations from East Cheshire Local Authorities. To ensure consistency with RDF1 wording and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
s will normally be Thi .
ed to Travel and Increase Accessibility RDF2 sets out the policy for developments in
udently and efficiently. Sustainable construction well-located in relation to housing, jobs, other within settlements, and previously developed land tives and policies of RSS. But its impact is much wider NO CHANGES Text DP6: Marry Opportunity and Need
DP7: Promote Environmental Quality
and which complies with the other principles in DP1-9
DP5: Manage Travel Demand; Reduce the Ne build upon existing concentrations of activities and existing infrastructure; do not require major investment in new infrastructure, including transport, water supply and sewerage. first, using existing buildings (including conversion) second, using other suitable infill opportunities within settlements, where compatible with other RSS third, the development of other land where this is Where this is unavoidable development should be appropriately phased to coincide with new infrastructure provision. within settlements; policies; services and infrastructure on the fringes of settlements.
which: • • Development should accord with the following sequential approach: • • • Natural and man-made resources should be managed pr and efficiency in resource use (including reuse and recycling of materials) should be promoted. more remote rural locations where innovative solutions will be needed to address the need to manage travel demand and reduce the need to travel. This principle is clearly reflected in the transport objec than this. It has helped shape the broad spatial priorities in the RSS, which have in turn influenced the distribution of housing in table 7.1. It has influenced the locational criteria for regionally significant economic development, with accessibility by public transport highlighted as a key consideration in policy W2. It underpins retail policy and the emphasis on development in town centres and KSCs. These considerations are equally applicable at local and sub-regional levels when preparing plans and strategies such as LDFs and LTPs, or deciding on individual schemes and proposals. 4.6 Policy Para.
22 Reason for change Incorrect map number used in error. Addition is text which previously appeared in RDF3 supporting text. Included here to avoid undue repetition. To provide greater clarity and to ensure that the effects of development should be To reflect recommendations in the Sustainability Appraisal of Proposed Changes and HRA and to reflect comments made during consultation by The Environment Agency. To be consistent with EM1 which includes Historic Environment and to reflect comments by Council for British Archaeology and English Heritage. To align more closely with PPS9 and regional commitments to implement National Biodiversity Action Plan targets and to reflect representations made during consultation on the Proposed Changes by Natural England, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission. Final bullet split to provide greater clarity and enhanced understanding of policy. Ramsar , sites pSACs
such as Ramsars areas ensuring that plans,
candidate re conservation are subject to . Lower tier plans, strategies and
), should be protected and enhanced, Special Areas of Conservation s
proposed and
water importance for nature conservation
including Text and inland (SPAs) designations
ater quality and water levels. the quantity and quality of biodiversity and habitat; international ) this includes significant areas of the coastline of the region. Development and
2.10
and enhancing 2.11 on sites of
and Special Protection Areas map
effects
(SACs) understanding and respecting the character and distinctiveness of places and landscapes; the protection and enhancement of the historic environment; promoting good quality design in new development and ensuring that development respects its setting reclaiming derelict land and remediating contaminated land for end-uses to improve the image of the maximising opportunities for the regeneration of derelict or dilapidated areas; assessing the potential impacts of managing traffic growth and mitigating the impacts of road traffic on promoting policies relating to green infrastructure and the greening of towns and cities; maintaining and enhancing the tranquillity of open countryside and rural areas; maintaining ensuring that plans, strategies and proposals which alone or in combination could have a significant taking into account relevant design requirements, the NW Design Guide and other best practice; region and use land resources efficiently; air quality, noise and health; strategies and proposals which alone or in combination could have a significant effect on the integrity and conservation objectives of sites of international importance for natu assessment, this includes assessment and amelioration of the potential impacts of development (and associated traffic) on air quality, w effect on the integrity and conservation objectives of sites of international importance for nature conservation are subject to assessment, this includes assessment and amelioration of the potential impacts of development (and associated traffic) on air quality, water quality and water levels.
Policy DP7: Promote Environmental Quality Environmental quality (including air, coastal especially by: • • • • • • • • • • (designated by the UK Government under the Ramsar Convention to protect and conserve wetland areas that are of international importance, particularly as waterfowl habitats) and ‘Natura 2000’ sites (a network of internationally significant wildlife sites within the EU, comprising sites and cSPAs). Consideration of effects of development on sites of international importance for nature conservation will also include, where relevant, the potential effects on sites outside the regions e.g. effects of development in the region on coastal and inland waters in Wales The North West has significant areas which are internationally important for nature conservation (see Diagram policies which seek to deliver RSS at a local level could have the potential to have significant adverse affects
4.11 DP7 Policy Para.
23 Reason for change considered for all sites including those outside the region. Such effects were identified as part of the consideration of European sites of nature conservation importance in Wales as part of the HRA of the Submitted Draft RSS. Also to reflect the representations of Countryside Council for Wales. To reflect representations made by Environment Agency during consultation on Proposed Changes. To provide greater clarity. Amendment to Secretary of State’s Proposed Changes to provide a clear context for the policy and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. This additional wording on targets reflects the recommendation of the EIP Panel
ura 2000’ sites) Nat (‘ in line with national targets
carbon dioxide emissions from
Rural Issues
tats Directive and would be unlikely to be in
; in particular, for residential and commercial to work together to prepare plans and strategies ffordability, economic diversification, and access to Text to the regional policy to reduce
DP8: Mainstream DP9: Reduce Emissions and Adapt to Climate Change
and manage potential negative impacts on valuable sites. Rural Issues is unlikely to meet the requirements of Habi including energy generation and supply, buildings and transport
to reductions in the Region’s
contribute take into account future changes to national targets for carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas all sources, to reduce emissions to 60% below 1990 levels by 2050 development, by developing trajectories or other yardsticks for identifying trends in carbon performance; emissions;
accordance with the development plan. Many ‘Natura 2000’ and Ramsar sites are highly sensitive to existing levels of air pollution and water pollution, not withstanding the potential impacts of future development. Local authorities will need to ensure appropriate monitoring regimes are in place and consider amelioration measures where appropriate to ensure that development does not have adverse effects. Many of the ‘Natura 2000’ and Ramsar sites extend well beyond individual local authority boundaries and Local Authorities and partnership organisations will need which minimise, avoid proposals may need to be assessed under the Habitats Regulation Assessment process for likely significant effects alone or in combination. Where it is indicated that plans and proposals are likely to have negative impacts which cannot be avoided, alternatives will need to be sought or imperative reasons of overriding public interest established and compensatory measures will be necessary. This is an onerous route and accordingly whilst this is a possible approach, development likely to have an adverse effect on the integrity and conservation objectives of sites of international importance for nature conservation and Ramsar sites DP8: Mainstreaming The rural areas of the North West should be considered in a way which is integrated with other decision making, and not seen as a separate topic. The problems of rural communities (such as housing a jobs and services), especially in Cumbria, have particular causes and require particular solutions – different in sparsely populated areas from those closer to large settlements. Plans and strategies should acknowledge this and respond to spatial variations in rural need and opportunities. The positive interaction between rural and urban areas should be promoted when appropriate. Policy DP9: Reduce Emissions and Adapt to Climate Change As an urgent regional priority, plans, strategies, proposals, schemes and investment decisions should: • •
DP8 DP9 Policy Para. North West Sustainability Checklist for Developments, NWRA, 2007. 3 24 sinks is emissions 2 2 Reason for change Moved to adaptation measures to reflect better actual role of SUDs and to reflect representation of the Environment Agency. To reflect large number of representations from a wide variety of consultees. Whilst the role of peatlands as CO complex, evidence indicates that in general rewetting of peatland reduces CO (Peatlands and Climate Change International Peat Society 2008) To reflect the implication of Climate Change as set out in the Stern Report and the representations on the Proposed Changes from Forestry Commission and Woodland Trust. Minor amendment which clarifies that NWIAT should always form the basis of assessment even when exceptionally other methodologies are used. Also aims to future-proof policy when NWIAT methodology may be revised.
to assess and strengthen
, and should apply ‘good’ or 3 as a basis
where energy can be gained from decentralised ctive adaptation to likely environmental, social and
NO CHANGES Text , green roofs and microgeneration; RDF1: Spatial Priorities
and increased pressure on water supply and drainage systems; 5 Regional Spatial Framework
, fragmentation
sustainable urban drainage identify, assess and apply measures to ensure effe increasing urban density; encouraging better built homes and energy efficiency, eco-friendly and adaptable buildings, with good reducing traffic growth, promoting walking, cycling and public transport; facilitating effective waste management; increasing renewable energy capacity; focusing substantial new development on locations the improved management and rewetting of the regions blanket and raised bog resource. minimising threats from, and the impact of, increased coastal erosion, increased storminess and flood protection of the most versatile agricultural land; Sustainable Urban Drainage. economic impacts of climate change. thermal insulation, supply systems; risk, habitat disturbance
• Measures to reduce emissions might include as examples: • • • • • • • Adaptation measures might include, for example: • • • Policy makers should use the North West Integrated Appraisal Toolkit the climate change mitigation and adaptation elements of their plans and strategies. Exceptionally, other comparable and robust methodologies might be used. Applicants and local planning authorities should ensure that all developments meet at least the minimum standards set out in the North West Sustainability Checklist for Developments ‘best practice’ standards wherever practicable.
Policy Para.
25 Reason for change Change due to the inclusion of South Cheshire in Manchester City Region following local government reorganisation and representations from East Cheshire Local Authorities. Following the consideration of representations on Proposed Changes consultation, which were critical of the clarity, underpinning evidence-base and spatial priorities of the proposed changes version of RDF1, this has now been amended. The policy now reflects the priorities of the Panel Report Recommendation which had resulted from extensive examination and consideration of evidence, representations and statements. The towns and cities included in bullets 3 and 4 of the policy are those originally included as regional towns and cities in Table 7.1 of the submitted Draft RSS. Moved to the end of the policy Highlighted towns and cities approach does not align with Panel Recommendation. Deleted text now included in fourth bullet point, final paragraph of policy and supporting text. The Panel Report prioritised regeneration in Cumbria as equal fourth priority and therefore the text has been merged. Specific text on Blackpool and East Lancashire were included in Proposed Changes but not the Panel Recommendation, references now included in supporting text, with final paragraph generally addresses areas of regeneration. Text drawn from Panel Recommendation with additional cross-reference to DP1-9 added for , , Carlisle
Altrincham, Ashton-
: :
13
14
in the 3 city regions,
.
.
activity towns/cities hould be the Regional Centres of Manchester and est Cumbria is such that investment should also be Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Burnley, Bury, Text Macclesfield, Northwich, Oldham, Preston, Rochdale,
, ter and housing markets also mean that Blackpool and East Furness, Workington and Whitehaven to provide employment - ancas in - Birkenhead,
, provided the development is of an appropriate scale and at points where
should be the following . Development in larger suburban centres within the city regions would be Furness - in -
for growth Barrow Restructuring of the economy . are priorities for investment and regeneration cceptable if it satisfies other policies, notably DP1 to 9 investment encouraged in Barrow- in -Furness and Workington and Whitehaven to address regeneration and workessness in Furness Peninsula and West Cumbria. the fourth priority should be the towns and cities outside the City Regions of Carlisle and Lancaster, with the first priority for growth and development s Liverpool; the second priority should be the inner areas surrounding these regional centres. Emphasis should be placed on areas in need of regeneration and Housing Market Renewal Areas in particular; the third priority under-Lyne, Chester, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, L Runcorn, St Helen, Skelmersdale, Southport, Stockport, Warrington, Widnes, Wigan Workington/Whitehaven compatible with this policy transport networks connect and where public accessibility is good;
Spatial Priorities In making provision for development, plans and strategies should accord with the following priorities, taking into account specific considerations set out in the Sub Regional Chapters 10- • • • As far as possible growth should be focused in their centres and inner areas but development elsewhere may be a The towns and cities highlighted in bold italics offer particular opportunities for growth which should be harnessed in sustainable ways. • The need to tackle the problems of Barrow and W encouraged in the centres of Barrow opportunities Lancashire In the third and fourth priorities development should be focused in and around the centres of the towns and cities. Development elsewhere may be acceptable if it satisfies other policies, notably DP1 to 9. Emphasis should be placed on addressing regeneration and housing market renewal and restructuring. RDF1 Policy Para.
26 Reason for change To align with policy RDF1, some aspects previously included as supporting text of RDF2. Deleted to align with the policy rewording. To clarify that Regeneration Priority Areas are not included in RSS with the exception of West Cumbria and Furness in line with Panel recommendation and to provide clarification of the Housing Market Renewal Areas (including HMRIPs) and housing restructuring areas. To align with RDF1. Change due to the inclusion of South Cheshire in Manchester City Region. consistency. Deleted to align with the policy rewording.
(including that Local particularly
- regeneration areas
the HMRAs
which amplify this in
. It is in the regional centres 13 14
It is clear where the emphasis should but
be harnessed in sustainable ways. Some of
Regeneration Priority Areas ation and regeneration issues. It will be for Local Text RDF2: Rural Areas ; and Crewe working with the Potteries. These considerations ut it also recognises that some places have greater potential for investment and regeneration activity B the focus is on the cores of the Manchester and Liverpool City , spreading development across a large number of towns/cities. In this it Whilst
, particularly Barrow in Furness and West Cumbria -
Manchester/Salford, Liverpool/Sefton, Wirral, Oldham/Rochdale, East Lancashire;
caster, Preston, Warrington, Chester and Crewe all have particular advantages, for ent.
. ” wins ; in Furness - The approach is balanced . e “win follows through the approach in RPG13. In the NW we need to build on success as well as tackle need and, wherever possible, link the two. The RDF1 should be read together with the sub-regional policies in Chapters 10- Housing land availability is sometimes an issue in these towns and for this reason it is important Unlike RPG13, this RSS does not specifically define be in terms of the overall priorities for this Regions economic growth than others necessary where these sit within areas with depriv Development Documents to identify such centres and indicate their role. The Land Use Consultants (LUC) study could provide some useful insight into the roles and characteristics of different types of suburban centres, but it is not considered that such centres are Key Service Centres as set out in RDF 2. towns of Carlisle, Lan example due to their location or their attractiveness to the market. We are not proposing unbridled growth in these locations. Rather, the opportunities they present should these towns have sensitive historic environments. Development must respect these constraints, and the spatial principles are clear about this, but increasingly we must find solutions and target investment to achiev Authorities work together. Thus, the potential of places like Chester may be released by enabling housing development in Ellesmere Port and North Wales; by Preston looking to Blackpool, Chorley and South Ribble; by Lancaster looking to Morecambe are reflected in Table 7.1. HMRIPs) of Workington/Whitehaven; and in Blackpool and East Lancashire where restructuring demands specific support and investm in Furness RPA and Housing Market Renewal Area, particularly in Barrow in Furness and in West Cumbria RPA and Housing Market Renewal Area, particularly in Workington/Whitehaven; as well as the areas of Housing Market restructuring of Blackpool, Fleetwood and Morecambe. RDF1 has itself been influenced by the spatial principles in DP1 to 9. It builds on the concepts of the city region, of public transport accessibility and making the best use of existing resources. It reflects the vision set out in the RES and the RFA The approach in RDF1 also allows for development in accessible suburban/urban centres, this is particularly regional framework. For example, policies MCR2 and LCR2 broadly define the regional centres and surrounding inner areas, and go on to explain the approach to specific sorts of development there, such as housing which will only be acceptable in certain circumstances. CLCR1 and 2 and supporting text set the specific priorities and visions for Preston, Blackpool, Blackburn and Burnley. (RPAs), with the exception of those in West Cumbria and Furness. and inner areas (frequently the location of Urban Regeneration Companies);
5.2 5.5 5.5 5.6 5.3 5.4 Policy Para.
27 Reason for change To provide greater clarity. Minor grammatical change. To provide clarification of differences between key and local service centres. Text deleted as considered it does not provide clear guidance. To clarify that this section of the policy applies
which should include
the priorities of the Regional Rural Delivery
es, meet local needs, or support local businesses will Text
range of services to the local community. the ‘sparse’ rural areas of the region, more innovative and flexible
more limited base.
retail, leisure, community, civic, health and education facilities and financial and professional act as service centres for surrounding areas, providing a range of services have good public transport links to surrounding towns and villages, or the potential for their maximise the economic potential of the Region’s rural areas; support sustainable farming and food; improve access to affordable rural housing; ensure fair access to services for rural communities; empower rural communities and address rural social exclusion; enhance the value of our rural environmental inheritance. including services; and development and enhancement.
Plans and strategies for the Region’s rural areas should support Framework and: • • • • • • Key Service Centres Plans and Strategies should identify a subset of towns and villages as Key Service Centres which: • • Development in rural areas should be concentrated in these Key Service Centres and should be of a scale and nature appropriate to fulfil the needs of local communities for housing, employment and services, and to enhance the quality of rural life. Local Service Centres Small scale development to help sustain local servic be permitted in towns and villages defined as Local Service Centres in Local Development Documents which already provide a Outside Key and Local Service Centres In rural areas adjacent to towns and cities, advantage should be taken of the service and, employment and more diverse economic In remoter rural areas particularly
RDF2 Policy Para.
28 Reason for change This text has now been incorporated into supporting text of RDF1. to areas outside ‘sparse’ rural areas and to reflect representations made during the consultation on Proposed Changes. To align more closely with PPS7 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To provide greater clarity and to align with policy RDF2 wording. To reflect representations on proposed changes and the publication on draft National Strategy on Participatory Budgeting. Change due to the inclusion of South Cheshire in Manchester City Region.
. By concentrating 4 where they will encourage
. 14 . (See also Policy L1 and para 7.2) 13 to business/employment use reas
es at a particular level in the hierarchy does not in ange of services already provided will be important which cannot be accommodated elsewhere (such as Text
In some areas, cities and towns will also play a role in providing
, , especially in sparse rural a However
participatory budgeting policy RDF2 applies only in rural areas.
more equitable access to housing, services, education, healthcare and employment; and a more diverse economic base, whilst maintaining support for agriculture and tourism. has an essential requirement for a rural location, is needed to sustain existing businesses; provides for exceptional needs for affordable housing in line with PPS 3 paragraph 30; is an extension of an existing building; or involves the appropriate change of use of an existing building. mineral extraction);
Good access to services is essential if rural communities are to survive and prosper Key Service Centres should be defined in LDFs on the basis of their current role in serving the needs of their rural hinterland and their potential to act as hubs for the provision of services, facilities and public transport. Factors such as their location, size, and the r in this. However, just because a centre currently operat itself justify its designation as a Key Service Centre. Key Service Centres may be market towns or large villages and may be freestanding or operate as part of a network. The Land Use Consultants study provides further guidance. but, for the avoidance of doubt, whilst this concept may also assist LPAs in defining the solutions to meet their particular development needs should be implemented and targeted towards achieving: • • Exceptionally, new development will be permitted in the open countryside where it: • • • • • LDDs should set out criteria for permitting the re use of buildings in the countryside in line with PPS7. settlement hierarchy in urban areas for local planning purposes, the Key Service Centre concept in the context of rural development in Key Service Centres, we can support sustainable development and social inclusion, providing focus for the economic regeneration of the wider rural area and housing to meet local needs, including affordable housing. access to services for the surrounding rural areas. This will need to be considered in formulating rural policy and will tie in with the sub regional policy frameworks in Chapter 10- innovative approaches to service and transport provision involving, for example, ICT, the shared use of buildings and It will also be important to maintain services in smaller villages. For this reason, LDFs should also define Local Service Centres and less accessible areas particularly sparse rural areas Local planning authorities will need to take a balanced view on proposals for development outside Key
9 10 11 12 5.8 5. 5.9 5.10 5. 5. 5.
Policy Para. “State of the Countryside 2005”, Commission for Rural Communities / Countryside Agency, 2005. 4 29 Reason for change To provide greater clarity. To provide clarification of terms. Not included in Proposed Changes in error. Explanatory information now included in DP7. Deleted text now included in DP7.
, Ramsar twork of such as the
such as Morecambe (Integrated Coastal Zone
is critical to minimise conflict internationally protected Areas outside these designations may estuaries and bays where policy is provided by national guidance
these ely, as long as they demonstrate the potential to le of Man, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, ies and newer industries like offshore wind farms. ies and newer industries like offshore wind farms. ry, Morecambe Bay, Ribble Estuary, Sefton Coast,
Text RDF3: The Coast RDF4: Green Belts . Collectively are home to many protected species and are an important (Ramsars, SPAs, SACs, cSACs, pSPAs and SSSIs) sites of international and national importance for nature conservation
ites of Special Scientific Interest. Proposals that seek to diversify and expand existing rural businesses in areas
The open countryside does not include the Green Belt point on a global migration route for birds. The coastal zone contains a wide range of cultural, heritage in PPG2 and RDF4 in RSS. SPAs and SACs of the Solway Firth, Duddon Estua Mersey Estuary, and Dee Estuary and candidate Bay and the Dee, Ribble and Mersey Estuaries (designated by the UK Government under the Ramsar Convention to protect and conserve wetland areas that are of international importance, particularly as waterfowl habitats) and ‘Natura 2000’ sites( a ne internationally significant wildlife sites within the EU, comprising Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)) along with nationally protected S Management in Europe (2002/413/EC) includes full definitions and guidance) Scotland and Wales The North West Coastal Forum and a network of regional and local coastal and estuary partnerships has developed in response to this need, with support of coastal communities, local authorities, agencies and others. These partnerships make important contributions to promoting sustainable development and use of the coast. and maximise cooperation, to sustain and realise this value. This includes integration across the land – sea interface and country/international borders, including Is The coast is unique in the North West in its combination of exceptionally high economic, social, environmental importance and potential. Integrated Coastal Zone Management that are lagging economically should be regarded positiv help build and maintain sustainable communities and are sensitive towards the local environment. Service Centres and development in open countryside will be permitted in the exceptional circumstances listed. The North West coast is chiefly low-lying and sedimentary in nature, characterised by large estuaries and bays with vast inter-tidal mud flats and salt marshes, extensive sand dune systems and other habitats of national and international importance Historically, the region’s coastal areas – its ports and fisheries, major resort towns and clusters of industry The North West maintains a like that around Widnes - have been instrumental in driving its economy. Liverpool is a port of national significance and the region’s other active ports: thriving maritime economy. Barrow, Fleetwood, Garston Dock, Glasson Dock, Heysham, The Port of Manchester (Manchester Ship Canal), Silloth, and Workington continue to provide employment. All provide important landfall sites for servicing offshore operations such as oil and gas, fisher Disused areas of dockland, for example in Liverpool, Barrow, Bootle, Maryport, Preston, and Whitehaven, are now providing significant opportunities for regeneration, bringing new employment to previously derelict and economically depressed areas. provide supporting habitat for species of importance. economic and environmental assets including Heritage Coast, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, World Heritage Sites, part of the Lake District National Park, and many
18 5.17 5.11 5. 5.21 5.23 Policy Para.
30 Reason for change To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. ther the Regional the Regional Planning
If however, monitoring of RSS
– Achieving Sustainable Economy Text W1: Strengthening the Regional Economy Any subsequent changes to green belt boundaries should be carried forward Where new evidence or the monitoring of RSS indicates the need for review, this
, together with relevant stakeholders should investigate both the need for change and 6 Working in the North West NWRA , any other local detailed boundary changes should be examined through the LDF process. NWRA building on the region’s strengths, particularly the three City Regions of Manchester, Liverpool and Central Lancashire. This should reflect the following growth opportunities:
Policy RDF4: Green Belts Overall the general extent of the Region’s Green Belt will be maintained. There is no need for any exceptional substantial strategic change to Green Belt and its boundaries in the North West within the timescales set out below: • within Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Merseyside before 2011; and • within Warrington before 2021. After 2011 the presumption will be against exceptional substantial strategic change to the Green Belt in Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire or Merseyside. Strategic studies, undertaken by Planning Body options for implementation. The findings will inform future reviews of RSS and subsequent reviews of plans and strategies. Local Development Frameworks may provide for detailed changes in Green Belt boundaries to accommodate the expansion of Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport; and to provide for an inter-modal freight terminal at Newton-Le-Willows. Subject to the agreement of Body It is anticipated that future development in the North West, as set out in this RSS, can generally be accommodated without the need for strategic reviews of the Green Belt. suggests differently, such reviews should be based upon strategic studies carried out by NWRA, toge with relevant stakeholders should be investigated and informed by strategic studies carried out by the Regional Planning Body together with relevant stakeholders. through a future review of RSS and subsequent reviews of Local Development Frameworks. Local authorities should bear in mind that any proposal to adjust Green Belt boundaries would need to meet the Government’s commitment to maintaining or increasing the amount of green belt in every UK region. Policy W1 – Strengthening the Regional Economy Plans and strategies should promote opportunities for economic development (including the provision of appropriate sites and premises, infrastructure, and clustering where appropriate) which will strengthen the economy of the North West by: •
5.25 W1 RDF4 Policy Para.
31
th Reason for change Inclusion of Wirral to reflect that it is the 8 To align more closely with RDF1, to reflect that West Cheshire is within Liverpool City Region and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Deleted text as Crewe now included in Manchester City Region. To take account of wider energy opportunities and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor rewording. most deprived district (out of 354) in terms of employment deprivation and to reflect as set ); 5 high value 6
sectors should be developed,
nuclear
energy ICT / digital, tourism, maritime and communications; Text policies and priorities of the regional transport policies ng high value added knowledge based industries in Chester by
regional transport
Manchester City Region – advanced manufacturing and engineering (includes Liverpool City Region – advanced manufacturing and engineering, financial and Central Lancashire City Region – advanced manufacturing and engineering, chemicals, aerospace, automotive and flexible materials), financial and professional services, media, creative and cultural industries, biomedical (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices), ICT / digital, and communications; professional services, media, creative and cultural industries, biomedical, added knowledge based industries, environmental technologies and biomedical, tourism and conferencing;
- - - realising the opportunities for sustainable development to increase the prosperity of Carlisle and giving positive support to the sustainable diversification and development of the rural economy through ensuring the safe, reliable and effective operation of the region’s transport networks and infrastructure supporting growth in service sectors, which will continue to act as significant employers within the improving the skills base of the region, including tackling skills deficiencies and concentrations of providing sufficient and appropriate housing to support economic growth (Policies L2 – L linking areas of opportunity and need. harnessing the potential for sustainable development in West Cheshire, developing the links with North East Wales; Lancaster, and to regenerate the economies of the Furness Peninsula in Barrow, and in West Cumbria in Workington and Whitehaven; the growth of existing businesses and the creation of new enterprise, particularly within Cumbria where there is a need to both develop high value business activities and sustain traditional economic activities. Prospects for growth in tourism, food and including promoting links between regional agriculture and production and retail facilities to reduce food miles and support local businesses; in accordance with the out in Chapter 8; region, and in which the greatest improvements in productivity can be made; unemployment; continuing the recent success of attracti harnessing Crewe’s potential for sustainable economic growth;
• • • • • • • • • A lack of basic skills and qualifications has been identified as a barrier to the growth of the regional economy. In particular the following districts have the highest rates of working age population without qualifications: Liverpool, Manchester, Oldham, Knowsley, Tameside, St Helens, Salford, Halton and Blackpool, which all fall within the City Regions. In addition Liverpool, Manchester, Salford, Halton, 6.4 Policy Para.
32 Reason for change representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text amendment to correct an error in To align more closely with DP5. Change due to the inclusion of South Cheshire in the Manchester City Region. Minor rewording to provide greater clarity. Lancaster, Carlisle,
. They should be: 13 transport nodes within the
Crewe, 14 h in PPS6. sustainable
ecific Economic Development
Text
W2: Locations for Regionally Sp and Barrow have particularly high unemployment rates. Within and outside of these , Wirral capable of development within the plan period, having regard to the condition and availability of the highly accessible, especially by adequate public transport services, walking and cycling; well-related to areas with high levels of worklessness and/or areas in need of regeneration; well related to neighbouring uses, particularly in terms of access, traffic generation, noise and pollution. land, infrastructure capacity, market considerations and environmental capacity;
geographic areas there are also concentrations of low skills and unemployment within specific groups within the community. Localised policies and initiatives will need to focus on how best to enable the participation of such hard to reach groups in education and training initiatives in order that skills and participation in employment can be improved resulting in improved health and quality of life. Knowsley Locations for Regionally Significant Economic Development Regionally significant economic development will be located close to urban areas of Manchester, Liverpool and Central Lancashire City Regions and Barrow-in-Furness and Workington and Whitehaven. Sites will be identified in Local Development Documents, having regard to the priorities in RDF1; spatial principles in Policies DP1- 9 and relevant sub regional policies in Chapters 10- • • • • They should not be used for development that could equally well be accommodated elsewhere and should not be developed in a piecemeal manner. Sites for regionally significant office development should be focussed in or adjacent to the regional centres and town/city centres listed in RDF1 consistent with the sequential approac Sites for regionally significant office development should be located in accordance with the sequential approach in PPS6, focusing on the regional centres and the town/cities listed in RDF1. Sites for regionally significant knowledge-based services may also be clustered close to universities, major hospitals or other research establishments. Sites for regionally significant knowledge-based manufacturing should be well connected to these facilities by transport and ICT links. Sites for regionally significant logistics and high-volume manufacturing should be well connected to the primary freight transport networks. If the vision and objectives of The Northern Way Growth Strategy, the RES and this RSS are to be achieved, the region must have a ready supply of land for employment use that is of sufficient quality and quantity to support economic growth. The supply must also reflect the implications of creating a more
6.5 W2 Policy Para.
33 Reason for change the Proposed Changes document To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To reflect the updates to Table 6.1 which has been amended due to calculation errors. To provide greater clarity.
so that all new and existing businesses have the Text hectares of land committed to employment use. Based on the
W3: Supply of Employment Land at any one time 5475 will work with NWDA, GONW and partners to identify sites within these 5,796 year supply. 70% of this land is allocated for general B1/B2/B8 use. NWRA ), and to ensure: 3 4
economy, with a focus on improving the productivity of workers in the business and sixteen nineteen productivity the most appropriate range of sites, in terms of market attractiveness and social, environmental and these sites can meet the full range of needs and are actively marketed; at least 30% of sites are available the amount of brownfield land used for employment purposes is maximised, reflecting the likely full consideration is given to the scope for mixed-use development particularly within centres, and on appropriate provision is made in Key Service Centres and full consideration given to the innovative re- the implications of home working on the scale and location of future employment land requirements are economic sustainability, are safeguarded for employment use; ability to grow successfully; increases in the amount available as a result of economic restructuring; larger sites; use of agricultural buildings to facilitate the growth and diversification of the rural economy; considered.
productive Policy W3 – Supply of Employment Land Provision should be made for a supply of employment land as outlined in Table 6.1. Local planning authorities should undertake a comprehensive review of commitments, to secure a portfolio of sites that complies with the spatial development principles outlined in Policies DP1 – 9, and RDF1 and sub regional policies (Chapters 10- 1 • • • • • • • Office development should, as far as possible, be focused in the regional centres, in and or adjacent to town / city centres listed in RDF1 and in Key Service Centres, consistent with RDF2 and the sequential approach in PPS6. The Regional Planning Body The region currently has around services sectors, increasing employment in knowledge-based industries and tackling unemployment and skills deficiencies across the region. broad locations and monitor their progress. Some will be new. Others may be the Strategic Regional Sites identified by NWDA as being critical to the delivery of the RES, especially where they already have planning permission or are allocated in adopted plans. current average annual take up rate of approximately 313 hectares per annum across the region, this equates to a
6.6 6.7 W3 Policy Para.
34
- 5476 5475 6654 1179 6579 1103 North West Reason for change -3 5472 41 313 41 311 860 874 27% - -297 Additional text inserted to clarify the figures in Table 6.1 In relation to the table, changes have been made to correct arithmetical errors which occurred when calculating employment land requirements for 2005-2021. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Warrington -483 688 19 342 43 234 399 404 633 1171 33% -229 - 17.5% 6% 9.22% 6% 17.5% North West Regional
304
-329
280 294 20% 1349 1363 oyment Land 2005 – 2021 (hectares) Lancashire Cumbria Cheshire and Cheshire Lancashire Cumbria The Regional Planning Body Text
will develop more regionally-specific guidance on office (B1(a)) To ensure consistency with proposals for the 1136 67 476 494 20% 1701 1728 Halton Assembly Merseyside and
Table 6.1: Provision of Empl 1440
will facilitate this approach. Where possible, figures should be distributed in accordance with local 206 6% 18.5% 4.25% 6% 18.5% 119 90 71 112 76 68 16 893 536 917 20% 2261 1368 1234 1069 1368 1234 2285 Greater The portfolio must be kept under regular review to ensure that the region does not over- or under- allocate land in relation to the actual scale of economic growth. Local Authorities should review their employment land portfolio every three years. acknowledged that there is a degree of uncertainty in establishing employment land requirements. It is also recognised that there may, exceptionally, be a need to provide additional land to take account of special circumstances, such as the expansion requirements of a particular business or the realisation of significant inward investment potential. Accordingly, an allowance for flexibility has been factored into the table through the incorporation of a flexibility factor, which has the effect of adding between 20% and 33% to the employment land requirement for each sub-region. Assembly Table 6.1 quantifies the amount of the employment land needed in each sub region. However, it is The Regional Planning Body The provision of figures by sub-region will require Local Authorities and other partners to work together to agree the distribution of land within each sub-region. labour market areas, broadly indicated by Travel to Work areas identified in the 2001 Census. Further details regarding implementation of this policy will be set out in the RSS Implementation Framework. Manchester
1
1904
6.12 6.1 6.16
after 6.10 Additional paragraph
annum take up required required per annum
2005 Supply (incorporating (incorporating Projected inc in Extra allocation Extra allocation Flexibility factor flexibility factor) flexibility factor) Need 2005 – 21 Need 2005 – 21 Projected take up Policy Para. Current take up per
35 Reason for change To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Changes to provide greater clarity. Addition of reference to rural areas as SA recognises that a lack of access to jobs and services in rural areas may lead to economic exclusion. This reference adds emphasis to the promotion of the rural economy reform of regional governance as set out in the social and economic
to promote
Text W5: Retail Development , in particular the promotion of will develop more regionally specific guidance on leisure development W4: Release of Allocated Employment Land
. Regional Planning Body an appropriate supply of sites is available for employment uses. The de-allocation or re-allocation of a if required, there are replacement sites available, of equal or better quality, or that alternative means of site should not result in a deficient supply of employment land, in either quantitative or qualitative terms, matched against the demand and supply requirements of the local economy; incorporating employment land needs have been identified. This might mean considering mixed-use developments, greater intensity of land use or the availability of sites in adjacent authorities.
in town centres as part of a future review to address regionally specific issues for the wider range of Town Centre uses identified in PPS6. Policy W4 – Release of Allocated Employment Land Where sites are to be de-allocated in plans and strategies (following a comprehensive review of commitments outlined in Policy W3) consideration should be given to a range of alternative uses and determined as appropriate to the location and nature of each site. Alternative uses considered should include housing, and soft end uses, particularly where this will contribute to the delivery of Green Infrastructure networks (Policy EM3). Appropriate remediation may also be required to address issues of land contamination before sites can be effectively re-used (Policy EM2). In de-allocating sites Local Authorities should be mindful of the need to create and sustain mixed use communities where there is access to a wide range of services and facilities. Outside of a comprehensive review of commitments (Policy W3) when preparing plans and strategies and considering proposals and schemes there should be a presumption against the release of allocated employment sites for other uses. Sites should not be released where they provide, or have the potential to provide, an important contribution to the economy of the local area. If Local Authorities are minded to release sites they should be satisfied, before doing so, that: • • In both cases consideration should be given to the implications of releasing / retaining employment land in relation to the spatial principles in DP1-9 inclusion, sustainable travel choices and access to services, especially in Housing Market Renewal Areas and rural areas development in town Centres, as required by PPS6, as part of a future review. The NWRA
6.27 6.17 6.26
W4 Policy Para.
36 Reason for change consultation on the proposed changes. Text amended to reflect the different approaches to guide development in these areas and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. , Liverpool World Heritage Site Steering Group and the relevant
framework set out in
context of . 5 Text W6: Tourism and the Visitor Economy Management Plans
the regeneration of Blackpool as an International Tourism Destination, and the North West’s other the regional centres of Manchester, Liverpool (European Capital of Culture 2008), and Preston, where Chester as a heritage city of international renown where tourism is a significant component of the Carlisle, Bolton, Birkenhead, Lancaster and Kendal as destinations with emerging potential for heritage promoting business tourism through the development of high quality conference and exhibition opportunities for diversifying the rural economy and regenerating rural areas should align with Policy opportunities related to Regional Parks, Hadrian’s Wall and Liverpool World Heritage Sites. Tourism coastal resorts as priority locations for major footloose tourism development, where tourism is a critical component of the economy; tourism is a contributory component of the economy; economy; related tourism development, where tourism supports and compliments their status as historic towns and cities; facilities, particularly of European significance in Manchester and national significance in Liverpool and Blackpool; RDF2. Development should be of an appropriate scale and be located where the environment and infrastructure can accommodate the visitor impact. Coastal sites of international importance for nature conservation, The Lake District National Park and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are important tourist attractors in their own right. Sustainable tourism activity which will strengthen and diversify the economic base within these areas will be supported but the statutory purposes of these designations must not be adversely affected. Wherever possible, tourism development opportunities should be sought which take place in locations adjacent to the National Park and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, thus spreading the economic benefit of tourism; activity in these locations should be promoted within the Strategic Frameworks and
Policy W6 – Tourism and the Visitor Economy Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should seek to deliver improved economic growth and quality of life, through sustainable tourism activity in the North West. This should be in line with the principles outlined in Policy W7 and focused on: • • • • • • •
W6 Policy Para. Hadrian’s Wall Management Plan 2002 – 2007, Hadrian’s Wall Company; Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City Management Plan, 2003 5 Liverpool City Council. 37 Reason for change The word ‘further’ in the first bullet point has been deleted to provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text amendment to reflect that the Open Golf Championship will have finished by the time the RSS is published. No further regional casinos will be considered until a review of the social impacts has been undertaken of the 6 new small and 6 new large casinos and this will mean in effect not until 2014 at the very earliest. By this date a Single Regional Strategy should have been adopted and also the evidence on which the draft policy was based would be out of date by 2014. Consequently, existing policy W8 has been deleted. provides a framework 6
a significant amount of
attracted
al and Education Services Provision will attract ng communities, where people will want to live, now NO CHANGES ensuring that everyone can have a decent home, which Text W8: Regional Casinos POLICY DELETED L2: Understanding Housing Markets W7: Principles of Tourism Development at Royal Birkdale in 2008 and
will be on current knowledge of housing markets in the region, so as to deliver a better balance L1: Health, Sport, Recreation, Cultur 7 Living in the North West – Ensuring a Strong, Healthy and Just Society further
Improve the quality of the housing stock and its environment. Build Provide for additional housing, so as to meet changing needs, support economic development, address the requirement for affordable accommodation, and ensure a choice in housing types; between housing demand and supply;
in which the value of sporting, and other events, to the region’s economy can be developed. they can afford, in a secure environment, with reasonable access to health car, educational provision and recreational facilities. It specifically seeks to: • and in the future. It aims to deliver the objectives of The RSS seeks to promote cohesive, mixed and thrivi tourism to the region. The legacy of success left by the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002, provides the opportunity for further events in the region. The Major Events Strategy • Sport and recreation also have a key role to play. The British Open Golf Championship was hosted at Royal Liverpool in 2006 and •
7.1 6.32 6.31
W8 Policy Para. Major Event Strategy, Northwest Regional Development Agency, March 2004. 6 38 Reason for change New text added to reflect the current research position and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Addition of the words, “to achieve a better match between supply and need;” to the first bullet point to clarify the reason for exerting an influence on housing supply in this way and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
to achieve a better match between
ck and Housing Renewal ties and families with children, including single Text
L3: Existing housing Sto .
ts of gypsies and travellers, in order to inform a future review of both RSS and the Influence housing supply across all types, sizes, tenures and values Improve the quality of the Region’s housing stock; Support housing market restructuring and renewal; Overcome increasing issues of affordability; and Ensure the needs of the wider population are met, including disabled people, students, older people, supply and need; students, older people, black & minority ethnic communi headed households.
Understanding Housing Markets Local Authorities should develop an understanding of local and sub-regional housing markets by undertaking Strategic Housing Market Assessments, in order to adopt a concerted and comprehensive approach to: • • • • • this respect, the Assembly, in partnership with the Regional Housing Board, is undertaking research on the future requiremen Regional Housing Strategy this respect, the Regional Planning Body, in partnership with the Regional Housing Board has undertaken research on the future requirements of gypsies and travellers. This will inform a future review of both RSS and the Regional Housing Strategy. 7.10 There is also the requirement to assess the housing needs of gypsies and travellers in the Region. In 7.10 There is also the requirement to assess the housing needs of gypsies and travellers in the Region. In
7.10 L2 Policy Para.
39 “across the North West, “Housing Market to be consistent with the Reason for change in the first line of the policy to provide Addition of the words but” greater clarity that the policy applies across the Region and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Addition of the words Renewal Area” supporting text of RDF1 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
;
ssary, for comprehensive regeneration as part of a Text ng stock and its local environmental quality and increase particularly in: Housing Market Renewal Areas
across the North West, but New Heartlands (Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral); Manchester and Salford; Oldham and Rochdale; Elevate (Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale); - - - - Housing Market Renewal Initiative Pathfinder Areas: respond to any need to substantially restructure local housing markets; take account of and understand housing markets; manage the delivery of new build and its impacts on the existing housing stock; reduce vacancy rates to 3% in the existing dwelling stock, through the increased re-use of suitable where appropriate make the best use of the existing stock. vacant housing; and
involve and engage the local community in determining the future of its area; include a prior evaluation of the environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts of the way any incorporate a clear and comprehensive action plan for implementing proposals, linked to the availability a. proposed clearance and after-uses will affect the surrounding area and the local community; and of resources. b. West Cumbria and Furness c. Lancashire Coastal Towns of Blackpool / Fleetwood and Morecambe; d. Other urban areas in the Manchester & Liverpool City Regions in need of housing regeneration / market restructuring should: • • • • •
Existing Housing Stock and Housing Renewal Plans and strategies, Plans and strategies should designate areas, where nece broader course of action to regenerate local communities, reduce health inequalities, improve the sustainability and resource efficiency of the housi numbers of and access to local jobs and services. The approach to be adopted, whether clearance, or renewal and refurbishment, or a mix of these, will depend on local circumstances. Plans and strategies for comprehensive regeneration should: • • •
L3 Policy Para.
40 Reason for change Text updated to reflect that urban potential studies are no longer required by national planning guidance. Been replaced by requirement in PPS3 to carry out Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessments. Deletion of L6 from first bullet point and replacement with L5 to reflect policy renumbering following the deletion of proposed changes policy L5. To provide consistency with the rest of the plan. Particularly policy EM16 which has been amended in the light of PPS on climate change and recent policy statements to be a more high-level policy on contributing to national timetable for reducing emissions. , in line as part of their standards 8
hemes, to achieve the housing provision (net of g providers to address the housing requirements built to Code for Sustainable Homes
Text
are
L5; to be L6 L4: Regional Housing Provision ). In addition, the predicted changing climatic conditions68 mean . , to inform the allocation of and development control decisions upon specific new homes and EM18 7 all (see policy EM5)
and promote the use of the Lifetime Homes standard; and introducing empty property strategies to help bring them back into full use. The encourage
that olicy EM16, P
Work in partnership with developers and other housin use the results of up-to-date Strategic Housing Market Assessments and Strategic Housing Land ensure ensure that new housing development does not have an adverse cumulative impact on the existing ensure that new dwellings will be served by adequate water supply and sewage management facilities; Availability Assessments sites; with housing stock and market; (including local needs and affordable housing needs) of different groups, (for example disabled people students, older people, black & minority ethnic communities and families with children including single headed households) to ensure the construction of a mix of appropriate house types, sizes, tenures and prices, in line with policies L2, L3 and
that climate proofing of new and existing dwellings, using future climate change data will also be important to ensure that the provision of housing stock is fit for purpose. New housing development should incorporate sustainable drainage systems and water conservation and efficiency measures to the highest contemporary standard, and retrofitting of sustainable drainage systems and water efficiency within existing development should be encouraged urban potential studies Regional Housing Provision Local Authorities should monitor and mange the availability of land identified in plans and strategies and through development control decisions on proposals and sc clearance replacement) set out in Table 7.1 In doing so they should: • • • • • In addition to new build and conversion activity, the opportunity exists to make better use of existing housing stock. Local authorities are encouraged to take a positive, coordinated approach towards dealing with under used housing stock, for example by identifying vacant and underused properties domestic sector accounts for nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from energy use. If this is to be reduced, then high standards of energy efficiency in new and existing housing is crucial, and other measures, such as microgeneration of energy from renewable sources on residential property should be encouraged (see policy EM16
7.15
L4 Policy Para. Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessments: Practice Guidance, DCLG, 2007. "Proposals for Introducing a Code for Sustainable Homes - A Consultation Paper", ODPM, 2005. 7 8 41 Reason for change Deletion of Wyre and Warrington and replacement with Chorley and South Ribble to reflect the flood risk evidence found in the Regional Flood Risk Appraisal and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
and
Chorley, South Ribble
– support for potential economic , Warrington
Wyre een different parts of the North West (Table 7.1), districts and these priorities are not necessarily the r city areas, including those parts involved in the should appraise, manage and reduce risk, with early – provision of sufficient new residential development ves, regional development framework and sub regional Text
allow for clearance replacement to reflect local circumstances, as a mechanism for the recreation of introduce phasing policies which secure the orderly and managed release of housing land over the ensure that the transport networks (including public transport, pedestrian and cycle) can accommodate maximise the re-use of vacant and under-used brownfield land and buildings in line with Policy DP4 viable and sustainable neighbourhoods; period of the plan in line with the sequential approach set out in Policy DP4, taking into account the need for coordinated provision of necessary infrastructure and the overall availability of land for housing; additional demand generated by new housing; and and indicative targets set out in Table 7.1.
completion of Strategic Flood Risk Assessments a key objective to facilitate this. Lancaster. Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes • • • • For the purpose of producing Local Development Frameworks, local planning authorities should assume that the average annual requirement set out in Table 7.1 will continue for a limited period beyond 2021. The Regional Flood Risk Appraisal provides a broad overview of flood risk issues in the North West, identifying higher risk areas including Salford, Manchester, The recommended distribution of housing provision betw Government’s Housing Market Renewal Programme’s Pathfinder initiative (including replacement and renewal of housing stock), as priority areas for economic growth and regeneration. Outside the inner city areas, development should be complementary to the regeneration of the inner core, and be focused on regenerating existing housing areas which suffer from high levels of deprivation. (b) Pennine Manchester, Central East Lancashire and East Lancashire growth and regeneration, particularly in Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder areas; including replacement and renewal of housing stock and, where appropriate, the development of a wider range of housing types (including high quality market housing). This should be achieved while ensuring that local and affordable housing needs can be met elsewhere. reflects RSS and Regional Housing Strategy objecti policies within RSS and takes account of the various strategic priorities and functional linkages, described below, that should be focused upon, in each area72. Clearly, housing market characteristics and conditions cannot be precisely or uniformly pinpointed to particular only issues that apply in each area. (a) Manchester / Salford and Liverpool / Knowsley to support the role of the Regional Centres and inne 7.17 7.18 Policy Para.
42 Reason for change Text amended to ensure consistency with Policy MCR3. Addition of the word ‘market’ to e) South West Lancashire - to provide clarity of the type of housing required in South West Lancashire and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text removed due to addition of new text at paragraph 7.19 stating that consideration should be given to policies DP1-9 and RDF1 in the application of policy L4 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes and recommendations of HRA consultants.
and market
Due to its location adjoining areas of
ich are well served by public transport) should al linkages with both the rest of the Manchester City Text – except in that part of Trafford lying within or adjacent to
housing.
– support for regeneration (including replacement and renewal of housing stock) and – provision of sufficient new residential development in the eastern part of the district to support ration of the location of South West Lancashire – continued careful monitoring and management of housing provision, will be onside (c) Southern Manchester / North East Cheshire international importance for nature conservation, the requirements of DP7 will be of particular importance in c the Regional Centre, continued careful monitoring and management of housing provision will be necessary to ensure that new housing development does not result in an adverse cumulative impact on local and neighbouring housing markets. Provision should focus on meeting local and affordable housing needs, and any general market housing (in sustainable locations wh the inner areas as a priority for economic growth and regeneration, including via the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder scheme (including replacement and renewal of housing stock). Elsewhere in the Wirral provision should focus on meeting local and affordable housing needs, with careful monitoring and management of housing provision, to ensure that new housing development does not result in an adverse cumulative impact on local and neighbouring housing markets. affordable housing needs, especially in Ormskirk, Burscough and the northern part of Sefton; and on development in sustainable locations well served by public transport to support agreed local regeneration strategies in Skelmersdale. In the southern part of Sefton the focus will be on providing sufficient new residential development to support inner areas as a priority area for economic growth and regeneration and Housing Market Renewal Initiative Pathfinder activity. (f) Wirral (g) Fylde Peninsula the potential for economic growth in Blackpool and Fleetwood, while ensuring that local and affordable housing needs can be met elsewhere in the Fylde Peninsula. support agreed local regeneration strategies. Within Macclesfield and Congleton, this development should take place within the context of the economic and soci Region and also the Potteries and the North Staffordshire Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder. (d) Northern Manchester, Mid Mersey and Greater Preston – provision of sufficient new residential development to support the potential for economic growth and local regeneration strategies (including replacement and renewal of housing stock), a wider range of general and high quality market housing (in sustainable locations which are well served by public transport), while at the same time ensuring the ability to meet local needs and requirements for affordable housing. In Warrington the focus will be on housing provision which meets local and affordable housing needs, and development in support of agreed local regeneration strategies, with continued careful monitoring and management of housing provision, to ensure that new housing development does not result in an adverse cumulative impact on local and neighbouring housing markets. (e) necessary to ensure that new housing development does not result in an adverse cumulative impact on Housing provision should focus on meeting local local and neighbouring housing markets. Policy Para.
43
Reason for change Replacement text added to provide further clarity to the application of the policy, which is set in the context of the approach established . 9 ilable at www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk Manchester City
rest of
The requirement figures are average annual figures Text – provision of sufficient new residential development to support housing
– provision of housing to meet local and affordable needs, plus general market housing – provision of sufficient new residential development to support the economy of Chester – provision of sufficient new residential development to support the economic growth and The overall housing requirement figures for the period covered by this RSS from 2003 to 2021
West Cheshire (in sustainable locations which are well served by public transport) to support agreed local regeneration strategies, and the role of Crewe as a key regional town and gateway to the North West. All development should take place within the context of the economic and social links with the regeneration of Carlisle, while ensuring that the local and affordable housing needs of rural communities can be met elsewhere. (k) South Cheshire market restructuring and regeneration (including replacement and renewal of housing stock), while ensuring that local and affordable housing needs of rural communities can be met elsewhere in West Cumbria and Furness. (i) Lakes & Morecambe Bay – continued provision of housing to meet local and affordable housing needs of the area’s communities, by delivering a choice of properties to suit the local population and workforce. General market housing should be focused in support of regeneration priorities and meeting agreed community priorities, especially within Morecambe and the Furness Peninsula part of South Lakeland, in and around Ulverston. Housing in the Lake District National Park must be developed in keeping with the scale and type that has been identified as appropriate to the area’s strict requirements on meeting identified local and affordable needs of the locality. (j) North Cumbria (h) West Cumbria and Furness to be achieved during the overall period covered by this RSS, from 2003 to 2021 rather than an absolute annual target Local authorities should manage their allocation of land and granting of planning permissions to maintain a minimum five year supply of deliverable housing land, and use their housing trajectory to help monitor and manage the achievement of the figures shown in Table 7.1, and the extent to which this meets local need and demand for housing. The requirement figures are expressed as ‘net of clearance replacement’, that is to say they are net dwelling gains or the increase over and above the replacement of any dwellings lost through conversion to non residential use or demolition. Detailed advice on managing the supply of housing land is given in PPS3 and in subsequent CLG advice Region, West Cheshire, the Potteries and the North Staffordshire Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder scheme. (l) and regeneration of Ellesmere Port, while ensuring that local and affordable housing needs can still be met. All this development should take place within the context of the significant economic and social links that exist with North East Wales and the Liverpool City Region. In Vale Royal sufficient housing development to support key local regeneration priorities particularly in Northwich Town centre and to address affordable housing needs. 7.19 Policy Para. Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing (PPS3), DCLG, 2006; and Demonstrating a 5 Year Supply of Deliverable Sites, CLG advice ava
9 44 Reason for change in the Housing Green Paper and recent ONS population projections and National Housing & Planning Advisory Unit evidence on longer term trends. Text added to clarify that any decisions should be made in the context of the plan’s overarching principles and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Addition of words to provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Deletion of Policy L5 which was introduced in the proposed changes document, as the policy replicates guidance provided in PPS3 and is considered unnecessary. Also changed to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Some
high densities, as recent developments
ive communities through good design. elopment without environmental harm in line with e more. Local Planning Authorities should take the . A consistent approach across the sub region will . and may be exceeded where justified by evidence be less than 30 dwellingsper hectare (dpha) net. In Text L5: Residential Density Policy
gher, particularly in locations that are within walking distance of good public transport taking a joint approach where possible designed housing can be delivered at relatively - Policies DP1-9 and policy RDF1 should be considered in the application of this policy. EM5. phasing will be based on the Local Development Framework process; housing land supply should be actively managed in line with PPS3; new housing should be located so as to prioritise the re-use of brownfield land and buildings within existing urban areas that are accessible by a choice of transport methods in line with DP4 and W4; sites should not be released unless sufficient capacity including water supply and waste-water treatment exists or can be provided ahead of the dev
of need, demand, affordability and sustainability issues and fit with relevant local and sub-regional strategies. and the annual average figures are not absolute targets Residential Density Policy The density of new residential development should not areas it should be hi services, while meeting the need to providean appropriate mix of appropriate house types, sizes, tenures and prices, including the need to support inclusive and cohes 7.22 High quality, well Local authorities should be aware of the policy framework and potential provision of housing land that exists in adjoining areas The location of housing will be determined through the Local Development Framework process, using a sequential approach taken to development form in line with DP4. Land supply management should be developed in line with results of Strategic Housing Market Assessments, an assessment of existing housing provision and the potential of urban areas to accommodat following guiding principles into account when deciding how development should be phased: • • • areas will achieve lower levels in the early years, for example during major housing renewal, which will be It is important to ensure that a range of house types, sizes, tenures and prices, which compensated later. address the housing requirements (including local needs and affordable housing needs), of different groups in the community, whilst making the best use of available land. To achieve this it will be important to build housing at appropriate densities taking account of local circumstances. ensure that an early release of land in one district does not undermine urban renaissance in another.
7.20 L5 Policy Para.
45 Reason for change Not considered the policy added anything beyond national guidance now in PPS3. Deletion of L6 from the policy number and replacement with L5 to reflect the deletion of policy L5. Text added to reflect the growing affordability issues in low demand areas (indicated by North West Housing Market Trends) and provide greater clarity. Also changed to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. These policies
rly where commercial premises which are vacant or ing while providing a diverse range of housing, and Text using provision and the nature of the places within which L6: Affordable Housing the need to support inclusive and cohesive communities Local authorities should develop housing density policies to
including 74 developed
L5 , although affordability is an increasing concern in many parts of the region. L6 seeking a proportion of affordable housing on all development sites which are above the relevant allocating the development of sites solely (or primarily) for affordable housing use (i.e. up to 100% using local occupancy criteria to support provision for local housing need so long as this need can be actively promoting the rural exception site policy; for all sites containing housing in rural settlements with populations of under 3,000 promote onsite making the most of publicly owned land; making the most of existing housing stock; in line with Policy W4, permitting the conversion of buildings in sustainable locations to residential use thresholds; affordable in rural areas), where necessary; clearly demonstrated, to be implemented through the use of planning conditions and obligations; affordable housing provision and where on site affordable housing provision is not possible, seeking developer contributions towards affordable housing; (including as part of mixed use schemes), particula re efficient use is made of land available for hous : Affordable housing
across the North West have demonstrated. ensu meeting requirements for public and private open space and a high quality public realm. should have regard to the existing patterns of ho new housing is to be through good design. Policy L5 Plans and strategies should set out requirements for affordable housing. And the location, size and types of development to which these requirements apply. Evidence, including from Strategic Housing Market Assessments, should be used to support the setting of quotas and thresholds for affordable housing provision along with an indication of the type, size and tenure of affordable housing required. It is anticipated that the greatest need will be in areas of high demand where affordability issues are unbalancing local communities due to high prices and low wages and/or the adverse effects of second homes Plans and strategies should set out a range of delivery mechanisms to secure the provision of affordable housing. Local authorities should consider all or some of the following where appropriate: • • • • • • • •
L6 L5 Policy Para.
46 Reason for change The addition of the text referencing early consultation with the Highways Agency has been added to reflect the requirement to consult with the HA in relation to any proposals that may affect the operation the motorway road network and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Deletion of this sentence and revision of wording provides greater certainty. This approach supports the findings of the SA and HRA and reflects representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text deleted to provide the flexibility considered necessary for all potential developments and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
In particular, efforts should be good access to public transport
there is Early consultation with the Highways Agency
t: Connecting People and Places NO CHANGES NO CHANGES Text RT2: Managing Travel Demand RT1: Integrated Transport Network , local authorities, and other highway and transport authorities should
Assembly
8 Transport in the North Wes , backed by effective provision for pedestrians and cyclists to minimise the need to travel Public transport improvements may be part of a comprehensive approach to discourage Measures to discourage car use should consider improvements to and promotion of public
encouraging employers to provide housing for their key workers; ensuring that wherever possible (and subject to continuing evidence), that property remains affordable ensure that major new developments are located where seek to reduce private car use through the introduction of ‘smarter choices’ (see examples in consider the effective reallocation of road space in favour of public transport, pedestrians and cyclists underused and offer no long term potential or viable contribution to the local economy; already exists by private car. paragraph 8.6) and other incentives to change travel behaviour which should be developed alongside public transport, cycling and pedestrian network and service improvements; alongside parking charges, enforcement and provision and other fiscal measures, including road user charging; and available in perpetuity.
• • Managing Travel Demand The Regional Planning Body develop a coordinated approach to managing travel demand. will be required for any proposal that may affect the trunk road network. aimed at reducing the proportion of car-borne commuting and education trips made during peak hours and tackling the most congested parts of the motorway network including M6, M56, M60 and M62. In rural areas, the focus should be on major tourist areas where visitor pressure is threatening the local environment and quality of life. car use. transport, walking and cycling. Plans and strategies will need to be specific to the nature and scale of the problems identified, set clear objectives and specify what is being proposed, why it is necessary and what the impacts will be. They should: • • •
RT2 Policy Para.
47 Reason for change Addition of the word ‘to’ to clarify the plan and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
Text added to add greater detail for decision makers and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text deleted and new text added to provide greater certainty in relation to the application of ‘urban standards’ and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
The Highways Agency currently be an important factor in influencing to Local Development Frameworks should
travel plans, safer routes to school, travel
and two-wheel motorised vehicles are the only re effectively. Fiscal measures such as charging
avel behaviour and will complement enhancement of ng, car sharing schemes, car clubs and park and ride Text ton and in the towns / cities listed in RDF1. “Regional” standards RT3: Public Transport Framework
” standards will apply throughout the administrative areas of Greater Manchester, featuring significant seating then they should be considered as a conventional restaurant. appropriate. required for any parking related to residential facilities. establishment rather than full-time equivalent number. “Urban For predominantly drive-through/take-away establishments. For ‘Drive-through’ restaurants To be backed up with a more detailed justification including ‘Travel Plans’ proposals. Additional facilities, such as leisure and conference facilities should be considered separately if Parking for students should be included within this figure. Separate consideration would be The standard for students relates to the total number of students attending an educational Merseyside, Halton and Warring will apply elsewhere, including in Key Service Centres identify the areas where ‘urban’ and ‘regional’ standards will apply. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. make greater use of on-street parking controls and enforcement; incorporate maximum parking standards that are in line with, or more restrictive than, Table 8.1, and define standards for additional land use categories and areas where more restrictive standards should be applied. Parking for disabled people and for cycles situations where minimum standards will be applicable.
the number of people prepared to switch from private cars to public transport, and funds raised could be re- invested in public transport, pedestrian and cycle networks. • • updates Stress Maps on an annual basis. These should serve to inform strategic decision making and monitoring of developments on the strategic road network. Public Transport Framework Strategies need to be developed to manage the demand for travel in the most sustainable way, and a co- ordinated approach across local authority boundaries should help to prevent inefficient competition between different locations. A thorough understanding of relevant problems and issues will be essential if local authorities are to ensure that specific proposals are the most appropriate solutions to achieving desired outcomes, and are politically, socially and environmentally acceptable. ‘Smarter choices’, including company, school and personal Notes: awareness campaigns such as TravelWise, car pooli schemes, the availability of real time travel information and integrated ticketing and the increasing popularity of home working can contribute towards changing tr the public transport, pedestrian and cycling networks (Policies RT3 and RT9) and the exploitation of new technology to manage existing transport infrastructure mo for travel on congested roads or for workplace parking are also likely
8.5 8.6 8.1 Table RT3 Policy Para.
48 Reason for change Text added to provide a more appropriate assessment of the current available funding opportunities and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text deleted and new text added to provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text added to encourage local authorities to work with Network Rail where appropriate and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. New text added to provide consistency and reflect the current polices in the plan and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Regional Appendix
As a result, the policy
Plans and strategies should seek to reduce
es to enhance services in corridors identified in formation provision, marketing and integrated in RDF1. In rural areas, priority should be given to serve the regional centres of Manchester/Salford and Text astructure, and the limited funding available for local bus The Public Transport Framework set out in Appendix RT (a) defines the .
However, Authorities should be encouraged to explore alternative funding
c Transport Framework set out in Appendix RT (a) defines the main public transport corridors as The Publi show at Diagram 1 of Appendix RT North West’s main public transport corridors. These are also shown in Diagram 1 of Appendix RT. RT (b) defines a hierarchy of gateways and interchanges in the North West. Similar frameworks should be developed by local authorities for sub-regional and local networks and set out in Local Transport Plans. Plans and strategies should seek to reduce overcrowding where this occurs or is forecast to occur on routes in the public transport corridors identified in Appendix RT (a). existing or forecast overcrowding along the main public transport corridors by improvements to transport infrastructure in partnership with operators and delivery partners including Network Rail where appropriate. Local authorities and station operators should consider making additional provision for car parking at railway stations, so as to promote maximum use of the rail network. Local authorities should introduce measures to enhance the accessibility by public transport, cycling and walking of regional centres and towns / cities identified providing access from rural hinterlands to key service centres. Local authorities should work in partnership with public transport providers to improve the quality and provision of public transport services. Proposals and schem Appendix RT (a) should include priority measures to improve journey time reliability. Interchange and service improvements should be supported by better in ticketing. Local authorities should identify in Local Transport Plans where existing public transport provision is insufficient and where public, community and demand responsive transport networks should be developed which link employment, education and training opportunities with areas of need. Regional public transport priorities for investment and management ate included in policy RT10. public transport priorities for investment and management should be identified in line with Policy RT10 and set out in the Implementation Plan. opportunities, for example through partnership with private funding streams. Opportunities for the physical expansion of public transport, especially with regards to heavy and light rail, are restricted by the high cost of providing new infr services. Furthermore, the significant improvements in public transport provision necessary to support the Regional Spatial Strategy will not be fully achieved unless the critical issues of regulation and revenue support are addressed. concentrates on making best use of existing resources to ensure that corridors which connect city regions and those that provide links within them continue to function effectively and are improved in such a way as to make public transport a viable and attractive alternative to the private car. As overcrowding is already an issue on a number of the rail and bus routes that Liverpool, local transport authorities should work with operators to ensure that passenger capacity is 8.10 Policy Para.
49 Reason for change Proposed changes text deleted and new text added to provide greater clarity in terms of the approach to be taken and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To provide a more balanced approach, reflecting the King Review (HM Treasury, 2007) and aspects of the Eddington Report and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the Proposed Changes by the Regional Development Agency. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the Proposed Changes.
k in partnership with
and forecast traffic congestion is a constraint
If operators choose not to wor mental context. The harmonisation of speed limits luding suitable secure facilities for cycles and two- . ghway Network. Local authorities should extend the If partnership working does not prove to be possible, on improving road safety, reducing traffic growth and
and rail interchanges, introducing measures such as e North West, providing the means to transport goods Text guidance for all routes in the Regional Highway Network. RT4: Management of the Highway Network is not due to the restrictions of competition legislation, the local authority Regional Planning Body
increased where required. the local authority, provided this lack of engagement is provided the lack of engagement Policy RT4: Management of the Highway Network The regions road network is vital to the economy of th and people within and outside the region. However, existing on economic growth and needs to be addressed if the North West is to reduce the productivity gap. The Functional Road Hierarchy set out in Appendix RT(c) and shown on Diagram 2 of Appendix RT identifies those routes which comprise the Regional Hi concept of functional hierarchies to sub-regional and local highway networks. The Highways Agency and Local Highway authorities should prepare Route Management Plans in accordance with NWRA Plans should make best use of existing infrastructure and proposals for major highway improvements should only be included following an examination of all practical alternative solutions to a particular problem Plans and strategies for managing traffic should focus maintaining a high quality environment through mitigating the impacts of road traffic on air quality, noise and health, with traffic encouraged to use the most appropriate routes wherever possible. In rural areas, particular emphasis should be given to maintaining the tranquillity of the countryside. Where safety is not compromised, highway engineering measures should reflect local character, including landscape and conservation. Where a route is the responsibility of more than one highway authority, the relevant authorities should adopt a consistent approach to maintenance and management, including the adoption of appropriate speed limits by reference to the road’s function, standard and environ Effective interchange both within and between modes is essential, and can be achieved through improvements to the quality and attractiveness of bus through-ticketing and providing better information to make journeys easier to plan. Local authorities should work in partnership with operators to deliver improvements to the public transport network including addressing issues of personal safety and security, and, where practicable, the promotion of solutions to reduce the impact of public transport on the environment should seek to introduce bus quality contracts. Local authorities and other stakeholders should engage with government and the rail industry to deliver the greatest benefit to passengers through the rail refranchising process. Targeted marketing initiatives should also be used to attract people to public transport, especially once improvements have been made. With regard to accessing public transport services, adequate consideration needs to be given to parking provision (inc wheel motorised vehicles).
8.12 RT4 Policy Para.
50 Reason for change Text added to provide a more balanced approach and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text amendment to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
in providing
to provide
he lack of a systematic approach to
to avoid congestion on strategic routes (for example, coaches to take statutory breaks, creating a need for the wider countryside. Road transport has a significant RT5: Airports Text
. Where a particular route is the responsibility of more than one highway
Regional Planning Body
NWRA authority, a single Route Management Plan should be developed and a consistent approach to management and maintenance agreed. across highway authority boundaries should be considered to achieve consistency on routes of similar function and standard. Maximum use should be made of secondary and recycled aggregates in road construction and maintenance schemes in line with policies EM9 and DP4. Local authorities should work with freight, coach and parking operators to develop plans and strategies to identify sites for the provision of driver rest and parking facilities. economic prosperity and quality of life for millions of people. However, t Policy RT5: Airports generated and sustained by the Region’s airports, Plans and strategies should support the economic activity in particular, the importance of Manchester Airport as a key economic driver for the North of England and Liverpool John Lennon Airport for the Liverpool City Region. Airport operators, in partnership with Route Management Plans should be prepared in accordance with separate guidance to be developed by the The King Review (HM Treasury, 2007) indicates that road transport has dramatically enhanced the mobility, EU legislation obliges drivers of freight vehicles and appropriate short stay and for lorries, in particular, overnight parking facilities. Local Authorities should work with freight, coach and parking operators to develop a comprehensive approach highway management in the past has contributed in part to a multitude of different problems, including through traffic using residential streets in urban areas to avoid congestion at junctions on main roads and an increasing use of unsuitable local roads in rural areas the M6 corridor through Cheshire). On the other hand, the effective operation of some sections of motorway in the Manchester City Region is undermined through extensive use by local traffic making short distance trips, particularly during peak periods (for example, the M62/M60 between Junctions 12 and 18). In addition to the problem of congestion and its impact on journey time reliability, inappropriate use of the highway network has significant health and safety implications, including road safety and the environmental and social consequences of traffic in towns, villages and impact on the natural, built and historic environment. Across the North West there is growing concern that local communities in both urban and rural areas are now suffering from the negative effects of traffic, including problems of road safety, poor air quality, noise, severance and visual intrusion. In rural areas, where traffic growth is increasing at a faster rate than elsewhere, the loss or fragmentation of tranquil areas and light pollution are also issues of concern. these facilities, as increased pressure to develop land in urban areas has led to goods vehicles being forced to park in unsuitable locations. In tourist and other areas that attract large numbers of coaches, local authorities should identify short stay drop-off and pick-up points close to amenities along with nearby, secure long stay parking areas.
8.15 8.16 8.18 RT5 Policy Para.
51 Reason for change Text amended to encourage a range of transport options. Text amended to encourage a range of transport options and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text amended and added to clarify the intentions of the policy.
ments of an airport should not be permitted within Text ;
for both passengers and employees across the site is continually enhanced to reduce the scope for intensification and rationalisation of activities and facilities within the existing boundary; the scope for relocating existing activities or facilities off-site; the scope for developing proposed activities or facilities off-site. the extent to which surface access and car parking arrangements encourage the use of public the effect of the proposed development on noise and atmospheric pollution, and the extent to which the effect of development on sites of national and international nature conservation importance. the effect of the proposed development on the health and wellbeing of local communities; and the adverse effects on sites of national and international nature conservation importance to ensure that transport, walking and cycling this can be mitigated; these effects are avoided, mitigated or compensated as appropriate.
stakeholders, should implement surface transport initiatives which ensure that access by public transport, walking and cycling car dependency and ensure that all local environmental standards are met. For Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon and Blackpool Airports, the future operational and infrastructure requirements, surface access demands and environmental impacts for each airport should be identified and measures to address and monitor them included in Airport Master Plans and other relevant plans and strategies, based on the strategic framework for the development of airport capacity set out in the White Paper ‘Future of Air Transport’. For Carlisle Airport, proposals for development should be considered through the local planning process. If proposals exceed 20,000 air transport movements annually by 2030 the airport should consider developing an Airport Masterplan. Airport boundaries, as existing or as proposed, should be shown in local development documents. Development that would impede the operational require this boundary. In determining requirements for the expansion of an airport beyond its existing boundary, plans and strategies should take account of: • • • Plans and strategies for airports and adjacent areas should include measures to regulate the availability of car parking space for passengers and employees across the site. In considering applications for development at airports, account will be taken of: • • • • • In formulating plans and strategies, account should be taken of the contribution general aviation makes to the regional and local economies, and the role smaller airfields have in providing for both business and Policy Para.
52 Reason for change Text amended to provide greater clarity and flexibility in terms of the sites identified and any other future sites that may be designated in the future. Minor text change to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text amendment to reflect the organisation of the Port of Liverpool and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text amended to reflect the aspirations for partnership working and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text amendments.
with work . Port recent , Heysham and John Lennon Airport sites of international
, and at Carlisle Airport
Liverpool experienced considerable recently
on’s major ports and waterways, in particular, the , the Manchester Ship Canal, Port of effect on the areas listed above would be subject to ays assets, for trade and leisure, whilst at the same Mersey Estuary SPA/Ramsar for around 300,000 passengers per year, supporting
heir biodiversity. Plans and strategies should support
Accordingly, proposals and plans related to airport Text catering RT6: Port and Waterways Upper Solway Flats and Marshes SPA/Ramsar, sites of
, Birkenhead Local Authorities and operators should work in partnership
Liverpool and now caters
leisure. importance found within the wider Liverpool Bay area international importance for nature conservation. Policy RT6: Ports and Waterways The region will optimise the use of its ports and waterw time protecting the environment and the integrity of t the economic activity generated and sustained by the Regi Port of Liverpool, as the North West’s key international sea port, and the Manchester Ship Canal operators in partnership with stakeholders should develop land-side surface access plans to accommodate existing and projected freight and passenger traffic. There should be a presumption in favour of making best use of existing infrastructure where possible, and opportunities to secure the transfer of port-related freight from road to rail or water should be explored. It is recommended that for Port of Fleetwood, the future operational and infrastructure requirements, surface access demands and environmental impacts for each port should be identified and measures to address and monitor them included in Port Masterplans and relevant plans and strategies. For navigations and waterways, should be undertaken in partnership appropriate navigation authorities to investigate and identify bottlenecks and develop solutions. This policy should be read in conjunction with RDF 4 (Green Belt) and DP7 (Promote Environmental Quality) which are particularly relevant given the location of some of the regions airports. Development at Liverpool John Lennon Airport could lead to impacts upon the integrity of the Airports generate employment, attract businesses to the area, open up markets and encourage tourism and visitors. The Future of Air Transport recognises that building of local supply chain and capacity for the aviation industry could bring important benefits to the economies of regions and promotes the establishment of Centres of Excellence outside the South East of England. However, regionally significant business development that is not required for the operation of an airport should be located in accordance with the criteria set out in Policy W2 above. Manchester Airport is by far the largest in the UK outside of the South East of England, serving some 21 million passengers each year and offering a broad range of flights including long-haul scheduled services. More intensive use of the two runways could see the Airport increase the number of passengers it caters for up to 50 million per annum. on the sites associated with the Solway. is the North West’s second airport and has seen rapid recent growth in recent years with passenger numbers exceeding 4 million annually. Blackpool Airport has assessment, under the Habitats Regulations. development which would be likely to have a significant growth in scheduled routes the resort’s tourism-led regeneration and serving the Central Lancashire City Region.
8.19 8.20 RT6 Policy Para.
53 Reason for change Text added to provide greater clarity to the policy and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text change to provide certainty and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text change to provide certainty and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text amended to clarify the intentions of the policy and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text amended to provide greater clarity and flexibility in terms of the sites identified and any other future sites that may be designated
car will need
and international
sites of national
sites of international importance found /Ramsar, Mersey Narrows and North Wirral , passengers and employees across the site.
where there is a likelihood of such re-use in the unsustainable use of ports in other UK regions; freight Quality). The proximity of potential port developments Text unnecessary and pSPA, Mersey Estuary SPA
area
Liverpool Bay
the scope for intensification and rationalisation of activities and facilities within the existing boundary; the scope for relocating existing activities or facilities off-site; the scope for developing proposed activities or facilities off-site. the extent to which land-side surface access can assist the transfer of port traffic from road to rail the extent to which it reduces the the effect of the proposed development on local communities and the effect of the proposed development on the health and wellbeing of local communities; and the adverse effects on sites of national and international nature conservation importance to ensure that and/or water; nature conservation importance and the extent to which this can be mitigated. these effects are avoided, mitigated or compensated as appropriate.
Port boundaries, as existing or as proposed, should be shown in Local Development Documents. Development that would impede the operational requirements of a port should not be permitted within this boundary. There should be a strong presumption in favour of safeguarding land close to ports for logistics, transport and port related development where there is at least a reasonable likelihood of restitution to significant operational use within fifteen years and where the alternative use in contemplation is one, such as residential development, which will be difficult to reverse. Land with wharfside frontages should also be protected for future uses that require a water connection short term. In determining requirements for the expansion of a port beyond its existing boundary, plans and strategies should take account of: • • • Plans and strategies for ports and adjacent areas should include measures to regulate the availability of parking spaces to accommodate existing and projected In considering applications for development at ports, account will be taken of: • • • • • within the wider Foreshore pSPA/pRamsar, Dee Estuary SPA/Ramsar and Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA/Ramsar This policy should be read in conjunction with policies RDF3 (The Coast) and EM6 (Managing the North West’s Coastline) and DP7 (Promote Environmental at Liverpool, Birkenhead and the Manchester Ship Canal and the ‘in-combination’ impacts of such development on the integrity and conservation objectives of the 8.23
Policy Para.
54 Reason for change in the future. Minor text changes to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Addition of text to reflect the growth potential of Seaforth Container Terminal and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes by the North West Environment Agency.
and
which are of major
, SAC/SPA/Ramsar
and Seaforth Container Terminal 47.5 million tonnes of cargo was moved Morecambe Bay
,
ent for Transport in that they handle at least one sub-regional highway networks defined in Local assessment and mitigation may be necessary at Text RT7: Freight Transport 984,000 passengers (2005 based figures) used the roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) . ,
. The impacts from development include (but are not limited to) construction and pSPA the sites of International Importance associated with the potential for significant further development. Ports in the North West also have a role to play in
has ferry services which operate from Liverpool, Birkenhead, Heysham and Fleetwood shipping related disturbance and pollution and land take leading to a potential risk of “coastal squeeze”. “Coastal squeeze” occurs when rises in sea levels along with coastal development reduce the available coastal strip between the land and sea. Liverpool Bay to assessed and mitigated against. Similarly such Heysham and Fleetwood, where there may also be ‘in combination’ disturbance impacts of development on the integrity of have Policy RT7: Freight Transport Plans and strategies should take account of the aims and objectives of the Regional Freight Strategy. Local authorities should develop sub-regional freight strategies, including the establishment of Freight Quality Partnerships to promote constructive solutions to local distribution problems and issues. The Regional Highway Network, as detailed in Appendix RT(c), forms the North West’s strategic network for the movement of freight by road, supplemented by Transport Plans. Heavy Goods Vehicles should not be restricted from any routes in these networks. Local authorities should work with distribution companies and their customers to develop a consistent approach to lorry management, including access restrictions and curfews. Signing strategies should be developed and introduced for key freight routes and local destinations. importance to the economies of Northern Ireland and Eire. There are also opportunities to develop cruise liner facilities, particularly at the Port of Liverpool. The North West Ports Economic Trends and Land Use Study has informed policy development. National policy is set out in ‘Modern Ports: A UK Policy’ which is being reviewed. In the North West, Liverpool, Manchester (Manchester Ship Canal), Heysham and Fleetwood are categorised as major ports by the Departm million tonnes of cargo per annum. Other ports are located at Barrow-in-Furness, Silloth and Workington in Cumbria, Glasson Dock near Lancaster and Garston Dock on the River Mersey. through the region’s ports. In addition to handling freight, the ports provide major leisure and tourism opportunities for the region The North West ports and waterways are important gateways for trade and travel and provide opportunities to promote the cultural diversity and history of the region. In 2005 Liverpool is by far the most dominant port in the Region and in 2005 handled 33.7 million tonnes of cargo, an all time record. It operates the UK’s largest Freeport zone with extensive facilities on both sides of the River Mersey, acting as a hub connecting world-wide deep-sea services with an extensive network of Continental, UK and Irish Sea short-sea services. Birkenhead in particular supporting EC initiatives to encourage the transfer of freight from land to water transport (see Policy RT7 and RT8). 8.24 8.25
RT7 Policy Para.
55 Reason for change Minor text change Text added to highlight the importance of rail to transport freight and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text added to highlight the aim of the policy and provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text amendment to accurately reflect the name of the rail route and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text amended to clarify and reflect the importance of the rail network.
the rail route); the freight and
This will encourage a as listed in Appendix Chat Moss
Network Rail, Pennine - ble in the North West for increasing Trans rail and water. This in turn requires land to
The Ship Canal also has the capability to play a and Regional Rail Network Text ght and network and capacity utilisation and the Regional RT8: Inter-Modal Freight Terminals , port and inland waterway operators, to capitalise on the opportunities availa
and business Manchester (Manchester Ship Canal) in particular. South West Greater Manchester (with access to rail and the Manchester Ship Canal); Widnes (with access to the West Coast Main Line (Liverpool Branch)); Newton-le-Willows (with access to the West Coast Main Line and Birkenhead Waterfront and Eastham Docks (Wirral Waterfront SIA). be accessible from the Regional Highway Network conform with rail industry strategies for frei RT(c) and consistent with its operation and management; of
Local authorities should work with rail transport industry the proportion of freight moved by shortsea, coastal shipping and inland waterways. shift from road based transport. Local authorities should work with airport operators to facilitate the development of air freight at the region’s airports, in line with the White Paper ‘The Future of Air Transport’, having particular regard to the need to minimise and mitigate environmental impacts (including night noise). Policy RT8 – Inter-Modal Freight Terminals Plans and strategies should facilitate the transfer of freight from road to rail and/or water by the identification of sites for inter-modal freight terminals, and by encouraging greater use of existing terminals and private sidings. Consideration should be given to the allocation of land for inter-modal freight terminals in the following broad locations: • • • • Proposals for inter-modal freight terminals should satisfy the following criteria: • • The growth in container volumes, combined with the trend for container lines to use feeder services to distribute containers from hub ports by sea offers significant potential for the River Mersey ports and greater role in the internal transportation of freight as, to a lesser degree, do small waterways such as the Weaver Navigation and navigable rivers. However, this cannot be achieved without the necessary wharves, warehousing and facilities to enable interchange between road, be identified, allocated and safeguarded in Local Development Frameworks for such developments. The Government’s Sustainable Distribution Fund89 can provide useful financial contributions towards the capital investment associated with the transfer of freight from road to water. Port 8.31
RT8 Policy Para.
56 Reason for change Text added as a consequence of HRA comments and to provide consistency with amended policies RT5 and RT6. Text added to clarify the intention of the policy and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text change to highlight that this approach may result in reductions in carbon emissions and road congestion and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text deleted and replacement text added that provides greater clarity of the current situation and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Local freight
potentially yield could
Attempts to increase the
would
that significant capital investment is required before the rail industry is able to offer competitive market is the primary purpose of the development. ill, however, be through the private sector, and the fact Text modal facilities close to the major origins and destinations of - al means that investment is unlikely unless there is clear evidence of Attempts to increase the volume of freight moved by rail or water in the region
an appropriate road and / or rail layout; facilities for water-borne freight; provision for the development of activities that add value; and scope for further growth;
- - - - propositions.
be compatible with the local environment and adjacent land uses; be capable of accommodating, as required, develop a site Travel Plan prior to approval that sets out measures for providing genuine access to the address potential community, health, and quality of life impacts, including air and light pollution, visual the effect of the proposed development on the health and wellbeing of local communities; and Planning Assessment; site for potential employees other than by private car; intrusion and noise; these effects are avoided, mitigated or compensated as appropriate. the adverse effects on sites of national and international nature conservation importance to ensure that
• • • • • • Sites should be allocated and planning permission granted only where the local planning authority is satisfied that interchange between transport modes authorities should satisfy themselves that the prime purpose is to facilitate the movement of freight by rail and/or water and that rail access and associated facilities are available before the site is occupied. A review of the Green Belt boundary in the local development framework would be justified in order to accommodate an inter-modal freight terminal in accordance with this policy. If land is removed from the Green Belt in accordance with this policy, the relevant development plan document should include a presumption against its development for purposes other than an inter-modal freight terminal. volume of freight moved by rail or water in the region could be constrained by a shortage of freight terminals and, in particular, the lack of major inter movements in the North West, with good access to the motorway network and rail and/or water. Delivery will, however, be through the private sector, and the fact such facilities become operation increasing market interest in moving freight by rail and and service could be constrained by a shortage of inter-modal freight terminals close to the major origins and destinations of freight in the North West. Delivery w The transfer of movement of freight from the highway network to rail or water substantial benefits in reducing carbon emissions, and easing road congestion. 8.32
Policy Para.
57 Reason for change
Text added to incorporate a wider ranger of priorities and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. The Sustainability Appraisal recognises that these text additions will strengthen policy wording. The Sustainability Appraisal recognises that these text additions will strengthen policy wording. Text added to highlight the range of policies and policy documents considered when determining the priorities for transport investment and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Change due to the inclusion of South Cheshire in Manchester City Region. Text amended to provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
Schemes for which ). 14 13
osed for investigation, are listed in Routes should connect with those in nearby
t Management and Investment ility and capitalise on their potential environmental, term, as will incremental capacity enhancements routes wherever possible.
Text provision, including crossings, signage, lane markings, objectives, spatial principles (DP1 – 9), and the regional and RT9: Walking and Cycling schools, hospitals and other community services. Although financial constraints make any significant improvement to
RSS transport
The region’s principles for investment are set out in the Implementation Plan. The
RT10: Priorities for Transpor
transport interchanges,
that significant capital investment is required before such facilities become operational means that investment is only likely when there is a clear market opportunity and the rail network operator is able to provide the necessary train paths. Policy RT9: Walking and Cycling Local Authorities should work with partners to develop integrated networks of continuous, attractive and safe routes for walking and cycling to widen accessib social and health benefits. A high priority should be given to routes linking residential areas with employment areas, Local authorities should ensure that proposals and schemes for new developments incorporate high quality pedestrian and cycle facilities, including secure cycle parking. developments, and provision of all facilities should take into consideration integration with likely future development. When considering improvements to the region’s transport networks, scheme promoters should take the opportunity to enhance walking and cycling allocation or re-allocation of road space, and off-road Policy RT10: Priorities for Transport Management and Investment The general priorities for transport investment and management will be determined in accordance with the Regional Economic Strategy, sub-regional spatial frameworks in RDF1 and sub regional policies (chapters 10- funding has been allocated, and those that are under investigation or prop the implementation plan. Plan includes schemes for which funding has been provisionally allocated, subject to Department for Transport approval, and those under development. The region’s transport networks are a valuable resource, but scope for their improvement is limited by financial, physical, environmental or social constraints. It is therefore imperative that these assets are loading gauge a long term aspiration, advances in wagon technology offer potential for development of the inter-modal freight business in the short to medium through small-scale measures such as improvements to terminal and port infrastructure and access. Existing terminals and private sidings across the region also have a role to play, and greater use could be made of these to encourage modal shift. 8.36
RT9 RT10 Policy Para.
58 Reason for change Reference to “protecting” added to provide consistency with EM1
To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text amended to provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text amendment and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Text change made to reflect the consideration of the Stern Report and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Wording removed for conciseness and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
currently under
osed for investigation during depend on the availability of resources
and broad interventions
2014 may be influenced and informed by the new or improved roads and public transport
however development to water resources, flood risk and will programme receive funding from other sources such beyond
by JMP Consulting. It includes those schemes which Text . The intended framework will comprise a strategy document reports
which are either under investigation or prop 9 Environment, Minerals, Waste and Energy and Stern Regional Planning Body
includes tables setting out those schemes
enhancing the Region’s historic, built and natural environmental assets, and unique NWRA breaks the link between economic growth and the environmental impact of waste; increases recycling rates in the Region; . Delivery of any of these before 2021
- - promote a more integrated approach to delivering a better environment through land and water management, including better relationship of new adaptation to the impacts of climate change; create multi-functional networks of green spaces; produce a concise waste strategy that: lists those schemes
The RSS is committed to using our natural and man-made resources actively, prudently and efficiently, as well as protecting and It seeks to: • • • culture and heritage. adequately maintained and in particular, deterioration in the condition of local roads halted. There is, however, still the need for further targeted investment in development for delivery by 2021 the period to 2021 The implementation plan includes the region’s priorities for major transport investment, based on work undertaken for the Decisions about transport investment priorities after within the relevant funding mechanism. The progress of schemes will be kept under review as part of the RSS Implementation, Monitoring and Review process. and output specification covering all modes. Government’s strategic transport planning framework which it will be seeking to produce in 2012 in line with its response to the Eddington have been given full approval by the Department for Transport and for which funding has been allocated. It also sets out the investment programme up to 2015/16, depending on the availability of resources, which emerged from the Regional Funding Allocation (RFA) work. Contingency schemes should additional funding become available or if schemes within the investment as the Transport Innovation Fund are also included. Given that all schemes are subject to detailed appraisal and relevant statutory processes, it is possible that delivery of some schemes within the programme may be deferred or withdrawn. The region may need to revisit the list of RFA priorities if requested to do so by Government, if scheme costs increase or the overall funding envelope reduces. The implementation plan also infrastructure if the Vision for the North West is to be achieved. 9.2 9.3 8.37 8.38
Policy Para.
59 Reason for change To ensure that the policy is fully comprehensive. To strengthen alignment and consistency with key principles of PPS9 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the Proposed Changes by a considerable number of organisations, including RSPB, Natural England, Environment Agency, CPRE and Forestry Commission. .
compensate for loss or te
avoid loss of or damage to the seek to where appropria y, distinctiveness, significance and sensitivity
eas, sites, features and species of international, sub-regional environmental frameworks. Special scape, natural or historic environment or woodland Text from renewable sources supplied and consumed within the Region. with a foundation of no net loss in resources as a minimum requirement
mitigate any unavoidable damage and provides a framework in which communities take responsibility for their own waste; delivers a pattern of facilities of national regional and sub-regional importance including supporting policies.
- - seek to EM1: Integrated Enhancement and Protection of the Region’s Environmental Assets reduce energy demand and break the link between energy demand and economic growth; promote and exploit low carbon and renewable energy technologies and increase the amount of electricity and energy for heating
• • EM1: Integrated Enhancement and Protection of the Region’s Environmental Assets The Region’s environmental assets should be identified, protected, enhanced and managed. Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should deliver an integrated approach to conserving and enhancing the landscape, natural environment, historic environment and woodlands of the region. Plans and strategies should define spatial objectives and priorities for conservation, restoration and enhancement as appropriate, and provide area-based guidelines to direct decisions and target resources. These will be founded on a sound understanding of the diversit of the region’s environmental assets, and informed by consideration will be given to the impacts of climate change and adaptation measures. Priority should be given to conserving and enhancing ar national, regional and local landscape, natural environment and historic environment importance. Where proposals and schemes affect the region’s land assets, prospective developers and/or local authorities should first assets, then damage through offsetting actions With regard to specific elements of this integrated approach, the following should be taken into account: Policy EM1 (A): Landscape Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should identify, protect, maintain and enhance natural, historic and other distinctive features that contribute to the character of landscapes and places within the North West.
EM1 Policy Para.
60 Reason for change To reflect a recommendation of the Health/Inequalities Assessment and has been amalgamated into EM3 to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To strengthen the Policy and ensure consistency with PPS9 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Wording updated in line with the review of national biodiversity targets. Deletion of text to reflect that cross-boundary issues include those which affect sites outside of the region and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes including those made by Countryside Council for Wales. Reference to the Lune Estuary incorporated to provide recognition that this is also an area where active arrangements are needed to within areas such as
; and
region a ‘step-change’ increase in the the River Dee Estuary and the secure . These will be used to identify priority , restoring and expanding habitats and
10 within the
pansion and re-connection. Active arrangements the Lune Estuary, address habitat fragmentation and species isolation, biodiversity resources, including statutory and local seek to deliver Text
http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/jca-mm/jca-map-nw.htm he characteristics and setting of World Heritage Sites;
Detailed landscape character assessments and strategies, which local authorities should produce, set The special qualities of the environment associated with the nationally designated areas of the Lake Maximising the health benefits of engagement with the environment particularly by disadvantaged Develop a more detailed representation of this spatial information for use in their Local Development Develop functional ecological frameworks that will in the context of the North West Joint Character Area Map areas for the maintenance, enhancement and/or restoration of that character and will under-pin and act as key components of criteria-based policies in LDFs; District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Peak District National Park, the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, the North Pennines AONB and Solway Coast AONB and their settings; communities. Frameworks; and identifying and targeting opportunities for habitat ex will be needed to address ecological cross-boundary issues the Pennines, Solway Firth, the Mersey Estuary, Cheshire Meres and Mosses, as well as including biodiversity policies in any developing Marine Spatial T They should be informed by and recognise the importance of: • • • • Policy EM1 (B): Natural Environment Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should region’s biodiversity resources by contributing to the delivery of national, regional and local biodiversity objectives and targets for maintaining extent, achieving condition species populations. This should be done through protecting, enhancing, expanding and linking areas for wildlife within and between the locations of highest wildlife sites, and encouraging the conservation and expansion of the ecological fabric elsewhere. Broad locations where there are greatest opportunities for delivering the biodiversity targets are shown on the Indicative Biodiversity Resource and Opportunity Diagram (see Diagram 9.1). More specific locations will be informed by sub-regional biodiversity maps and frameworks of statutory and local wildlife sites. Local authorities should: • • Policy Para. See North West Joint Character Area map at 10 61
Reason for change address ecological cross boundary issues between Central Lancashire City Region and Cumbria and North Lancashire Sub Region To ensure consistency with PPS9 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
.
and veteran trees NO CHANGES Text EM3: Green Infrastructure EM2: Remediating Contaminated Land
The maritime heritage of the North West coast including docks and waterspaces, and coastal resorts The Pennine textile mill-town heritage that exists in East Lancashire and Greater Manchester; and the Victorian and Edwardian commercial developments in Liverpool and Manchester city centres; The traditional architecture of rural villages and market towns of Cumbria, Cheshire and Lancashire; The historic Cities of Carlisle, Chester and Lancaster; and The Lake District Cultural Landscape. Support the aims and priorities of the North West Regional Forestry Framework and sub-regional Encourage a steady targeted expansion of tree and woodland cover and promote sustainable Support the continued role of community forestry; Identify and protect ancient semi-natural woodland Planning System in the Irish Sea. and piers; textile mill-town heritage of East Cheshire; forestry strategies; management of existing woodland resources to enable the delivery of multiple benefits to society;
Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should protect and enhance the region’s geological and geomorphological resources including statutory and local sites by contributing to the delivery of national, regional and local geodiversity objectives and targets. Policy EM1 (C): Historic Environment Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should protect, conserve and enhance the historic environment supporting conservation-led regeneration in areas rich in historic interest, and in particular exploiting the regeneration potential of: • • • • • • Policy EM1 (D): Trees, Woodlands and Forests Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should: • • • • EM3: Green Infrastructure
EM3 Policy Para.
62 Reason for change To reflect Sustainability Appraisal recommendations and reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To reflect HRA recommendation to include sites of national importance and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Recognised that the historic environment plays an important role in planning for Green Infrastructure. To reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes and recommendations of Health and Inequalities Assessment.
intensive , not just more
. including the historic environment;
first to make use of existing delivery mechanisms and accessibility
Text international importance anagement of new areas of open space. This should be connectivity
and , national and
Promote physical and mental health benefits through access to and usage of open
Conserving and managing existing green infrastructure; Creating new green infrastructure; Enhancing its functionality, quality Identify partnerships at an appropriate scale to take forward green infrastructure planning, in the Ensure that a key aim of green infrastructure is the maintenance and improvement of biodiversity; Protect the integrity of sites of Use existing strategies and frameworks to develop consensus on green infrastructure priorities and Consider how to improve access to and usage of open spaces by disadvantaged groups and Set out the significant green infrastructure needs across the spectrum of economic, environmental and Identify and secure opportunities for delivery and put in place implementation plans; Integrate proposals to improve green infrastructure in the delivery of new developments, particularly Maximize the role of green infrastructure in mitigating and adapting to climate change; Provide new areas of appropriate greenspace where development would otherwise cause context of relevant environmental and socio-economic objectives. Green infrastructure should include the identification, development and m complemented by the retention, enhancement and adaptation of existing sites; use of existing areas of open space; associated data needs; communities; spaces by disadvantaged groups and communities; social objectives; through area based regeneration initiatives and major proposals and schemes; unacceptable recreational pressure on sites of international ecological importance, for example where new housing is proposed close to such sites.
Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should aim to deliver wider spatial outcomes that incorporate environmental and socio-economic benefits by: • • • Local authorities should work with partners to: • • • • • • • • • • Local Delivery of Green Infrastructure Plans should seek supplemented by bespoke delivery mechanisms where necessary. A Green Infrastructure Guide for the North West has been produced which provides more detailed guidance Policy Para.
63 Reason for change Focusing on disturbance by dog walkers not considered to be appropriate considering the spatial scale of the RSS and reflects representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and To replace definition of Green Infrastructure with the one used in the North West Green Infrastructure Guide for consistency and as per Panel Report paragraph 8.30 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the Proposed Changes.
functional green spaces and
- The location and type of alternative Green infrastructure can contribute to a high
are particularly sensitive to dogs, and many dog unities for physical activity, while at the same time ill be complementary to this policy, incorporating managed to meet the environmental, social and astructure. There is a need for the planning system attract recreational users away from sensitive sites, amework for walking and cycling applicable to green
e, rather than small piecemeal provision of open space Text ure, countryside and environmental management in order EM4: Regional Parks as ‘a planned network of multi will work with partners to prepare a Strategic Framework for each area Green infrastructure is the region’s life support system – the network of
Regional Planning Body
Some species for which sites have been designated The North West Coast; The Mersey Basin; and East Lancashire. NWRA
Green infrastructure is described Provision of alternative recreational space can help to particularly those of international significance for nature conservation, and reduce additional pressure on them. and will assist the way this policy is put into practice. interconnecting links that is designed, developed and economic needs of communities. green and blue spaces that lies within and between the North West’s cities, towns and villages which provides multiple social, economic and environmental benefits. walkers may be happy to be diverted to other, less sensitive sites. EM4: Regional Parks Three Areas of Search for Regional Parks have been identified as shown on Diagram 9.2 and within Table 9.1. • • • The of search. The Strategic Framework will provide the context for the delivery of regional parks in the area of search by setting out: space must be carefully designed to be effective. A strategic approach to the provision of alternative recreational space is likely to be particularly effectiv in association with individual developments. contributing to the delivery of regional biodiversity targets. Other benefits of green infrastructure include the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. Local authorities should adopt a cross disciplinary approach to the identification, management and creation of green infr quality natural and built environment and can enhance that quality of life for present and future residents and visitors and delivers “liveability” for sustainable communities. The green infrastructure approach calls for networks of green space to be managed in an integrated way that allows for the provision of wider socio- economic and public health benefits e.g. increased opport to work in tandem with bodies responsible for leis infrastructure. to deliver wider benefits. LDF policy should identify and protect existing green infrastructure and seek to deliver improvements where possible. Regional Parks w several elements of green infrastructure provision (see Policy EM4). This policy should be read in conjunction with RT9 which promotes a regional fr
9.7 9.8 EM4 Policy Para.
64 Reason for change To provide recognition that consideration should be given to the impact on European sites outside the region, particularly in Wales as a significant proportion of the North West’s water is supplied from Wales and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
European sites
odiversity should form guiding principles for the access for recreation will not result in adverse e to ensure effective monitoring of and appropriate NO CHANGES ling and public transport should be promoted, and car
Text EM7: Minerals Extraction EM5: Integrated Water Management EM6: Managing the North West’s Coastline sites of international importance for nature conservation.
an assessment of assets, opportunities, functions and potential to meet overall objectives of regional a broad vision and objectives; and guiding principles for projects being promoted within its area of search. identify the locations and boundaries; secure successful delivery and management arrangements; ensure that access provision is only delivered where as part of this process, systems should be in plac access to the Regional Parks by walking, cyc parks set out in Figure 9.1, including target populations; impact on the integrity of any site of international nature conservation importance. Where this cannot be ensured, access restrictions must be put in place to prevent the occurrence of any adverse effect; response to any impact of recreational pressure on sites of international nature conservation importance that lie within or close to Regional Parks; transport to the Regional Parks should be managed in order to ensure that air pollution at sensitive European sites is not affected by the development of Regional Parks.
In its bid to achieve integrated water management, growth and development, the North West must respect the capacity of the water and wetland environments to cope with changes in land use, particularly as it can take between 5 and 25 years to plan and develop new water resource and waste water disposal schemes, and avoid adverse impacts on • • • The protection of European sites and the enhancement of bi Strategic Frameworks. In particular, Strategic Frameworks should include an assessment of potential impacts on sites of international nature conservation importance. Plans and strategies should have regard to the Strategic Frameworks and for each specific regional park should: • • • • • development on coastal and inland waters in Wales. Consideration of the effects of development on sites of international importance for nature conservation should also include, where relevant, those sites located outside of the Region, in particular the impact of 9.11 Policy Para.
65 Reason for change To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. ‘reused’ added to reflect the National Waste
They should
will work together with RAWP to
the Regional Aggregates Working Parties (RAWP) target of 20% of construction aggregates to be from r the necessary level of aggregate supplies between NO CHANGES ng reducing impacts on climate change), improving the Text Regional Planning Body
recycled or composted by 2010; 45% by 2015; and 55% by EM8: Land-won Aggregates NWRA will work with the Regional Aggregates Working Party, mineral and EM9: Secondary and Recycled Aggregates EM10: A Regional Approach to Waste Management
Regional Planning Body
Where practicable, they should seek to achieve the following regional waste targets:
working with the construction industry to achieve a encouraging local authorities and developers to incorporate temporary materials-recycling facilities on plans and strategies identifying, sites or criteria for the provision of permanent recycling plants for growth in municipal waste to be reduced to zero by 2014; 40% of household waste to be reused, secondary or recycled sources by 2010 and 25% by 2021; the sites of major demolition or construction projects; and construction and demolition waste in appropriate locations. NWRA
EM9: Secondary and Recycled Aggregates The waste planning authorities, and others to maximise the role played by secondary and recycled sources of aggregates in meeting the Region’s requirements by: • • • EM10: A Regional Approach to Waste Management Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should promote and require the provision of sustainable new waste management infrastructure, facilities and systems that contribute to the development of the North West by reducing harm to the environment (includi efficiency of resources, stimulating investment and maximising economic opportunities. Plans and strategies should reflect the principles set out in the Waste Strategy for England 2007 and PPS10. seek to achieve the following regional waste targets, and to exceed them where practicable: • • identify the level of aggregates that should be provided for the period until 2021 based on the advice of the ODPM. As a large-scale user of aggregates, the North West relies heavily on imports from other regions. MPG6 sets out the current government advice on planning fo 2001 and 2016, which is based on technical advice from and studies into long-term demand. This amounts to 55 million tonnes of sand and gravel and 167 million tonnes of crushed rock from primary land won sources in the North West and an additional 155 million tonnes from elsewhere, including imports from outside the region, marine-dredged sources and the use of secondary or recycled materials . The
9.20 EM9 EM10 Policy Para.
66 Reason for change Amended to reflect that it is the movement of treatment methods rather than waste that is moving upwards and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Strategy objectives and National Indicator 192 To ensure consistency with the Government’s waste hierarchy and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
of waste up the waste hierarchy
management
ed “kerbside” collections, “bring” banks, civic rgets for individual local authority will vary with liance on landfill by providing alternative facilities for ng sequence of initiatives should be followed, and Text movement
; then EM11: Waste Management Principles use - and re
value to be recovered from 53% of municipal solid waste by 2010 (including recycling/composting); and zero future growth in commercial and industrial wastes; recycle 35% of all commercial and industrial wastes by 2020; value to be recovered from at least 70% of commercial and industrial wastes by 2020 (including first, waste minimisation maximise the re-use of waste for the same or a different purpose; then composting or recycling (for instance through stream intermediate treatment of wastes that cannot readily be composted or recycled (through anaerobic treatment to deal with hazardous materials; then production of refuse derived fuels from waste; then recovery of energy from residual waste and refuse derived fuels (by a range of thermal treatments); 2020; 67% by 2015 and 75% by 2020; amenity sites, and centralised recycling facilities); then digestion or mechanical biological treatment (MBT)); or and finally recycling/composting).
European legislation, government targets, increasing waste generation, the need for improved environmental protection and rising public expectations drive the need for rapid changes in our approach to managing waste. In particular, we need to reduce our re reprocessing, treatment and disposal. The regional strategy for waste sets out targets for waste minimisation, recycling and recovery (energy) from both commercial and industrial waste and municipal waste. The targets have been set to promote the • • • • EM11: Waste Management Principles Every effort should be made to minimise waste, maximise re-use, and maximise opportunities for the use of recycled material. Such residual waste as does arise should be managed at the highest practicable level in the Government’s waste hierarchy. The followi appropriate facilities provided: • • • • • • • and to follow the government’s policy of decoupling waste growth from economic growth. The nature of waste management and geographic variation is such that ta locally determined circumstances. The Regional Waste Annual Monitoring Report will include update performance assessments on a regional basis.
9.22 EM11 Policy Para.
67 Reason for change To correct a minor error in the proposed changes document and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor rewording to provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the
and cant Waste Management
waste management facilities impact on the environment, the
that will deliver the capacity to deal cumulative
(including additional landfill capacity) the ability of encouraged to exploit significant opportunities that nd Sub-Regionally Signifi and Sub-Regionally Significant Waste gion / sub region should be fully explored. Wherever source recovery parks, to support the provision of e development of waste management facilities satisfy ng these sites, account should be taken of the scope for Text EM12: Locational Principles , bring forward and safeguard sites for
NO CHANGES
construction and demolition waste. disposal of residual wastes by land-filling (or land-raising), including the recovery of energy from landfill gas where practicable.
EM13: Provision of Nationally, Regionally a are likely to exist to increase the extent of on-site recovery of commercial and industrial wastes Commercial and industrial planning proposals should be • EM13: Provision of Nationally, Regionally Management Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should provide for an appropriate type, size and mix of development opportunities to support and bring forward and safeguard sites for waste management facilities with the indicative volumes of non-hazardous commercial and industrial waste, hazardous waste and municipal waste in each sub-region, as set out in Tables 9.3, 9.4 and 9.5 respectively. Plans and Strategies should identify locations for waste management facilities and allocate suitable sites for the provision of facilities up to 2020. When identifyi co-location of complementary activities, such as re adequate reprocessing and re-manufacturing capacity. In considering proposals for waste management facilities existing established sites to meet the needs of the re possible, such sites should be used in preference to other sites where waste management activities have not previously been located, provided proposals for th general planning and licensing conditions, including the likely landscape, cultural heritage, groundwater, the amenity and health of the neighbourhood and residents, the traffic impact; available transport links; the prevention and control of pollution and any specific technical issues. For both the municipal, and the commercial and industrial waste streams, primary reception, treatment and transfer facilities should be located near to the sources of arisings. Secondary treatment and disposal facilities may be located on a sub-regional strategic basis, to serve a wider catchment area. Regionally significant facilities may be needed to serve the Mersey Belt, which includes the Manchester and Liverpool conurbations. The provision of nationally significant waste management facilities may be appropriate where the region offers a particular waste management advantage on a national scale. including
9.25 EM13 Policy Para.
68
82 96 330 224 485 649 763 346 223 788 2,905 1,228 1,021 3,333 Reason for change Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To correct an omission in the Proposed Changes RSS and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Minor text amendment to reflect representations made during the consultation Landfill Requirement (000’s Tonnes)
and other stakeholders.
731 166 689 625 900 403 297 677 134 NWRA 1,158 5,132 1,763 1,583 3,998 th all relevant interests. This should incorporate rth West as a centre of national and international schemes (including refurbishment) lead by example Text ion, reprocessing, radioactive waste management and EM14: Radioactive Waste Composting / Recycling / Treatment / Thermal Regional Planning Body Indicative total waste treatment capacity (000’s Tonnes)
EM15: A Framework for Sustainable Energy in the North West Table 9.3: Indicative Annual Capacity of Non-Hazardous Commercial and Industrial Waste Arisings to 2020 Where it is appropriate at the sub-regional level, waste planning, disposal and collection authorities should work together to produce joint waste management strategies in partnership with the Environment Agency, the waste management industry, the EM14: Radioactive Waste Plans and strategies should continue to support the No expertise in the fields of nuclear fuel fabricat decommissioning. National and regional partners should work together to promote an agreed solution to the safe long-term management of radioactive waste, based on consultation wi a long-term commitment to the reduction of radioactive discharges and to radioactive waste minimisation, management and safe storage techniques. EM15: A Framework for Sustainable Energy in the North West Plans and strategies should promote sustainable energy production and consumption in accordance with the principles of the Energy Hierarchy set out in Figure 9.4 and within the Sustainable Energy Strategy. In line with the North West Sustainable Energy Strategy, the North West aims to double its installed Combined Heat and Power (CHP) capacity by 2010 from 866 MWe to 1.5 GW, if economic conditions are feasible. All public authorities should in their own proposals and Cumbria Cheshire Warrington
North West Total Sub Regional Area Greater Manchester Merseyside and Halton EM14 EM15 Policy Para. Lancashire (including Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool)
69
Reason for change To ensure consistency with Climate Change PPS (supplement to PPS1) To ensure consistency with Climate Change PPS (supplement to PPS1) on the proposed changes. Minor text amendment To ensure consistency with Climate Change PPS (supplement to PPS1) which enables planning authorities to go further and faster than the national timetable only where local circumstances allow and for identified opportunities (i.e. not an across the piece policy). To reflect recent government policy statements and announcements. To ensure consistency with Climate Change
currently - ower. the potential for ;
there will be situations where it and Local Planning Authorities
11
promote: buildings to be zero carbon from 2019 with
fficiency of design, layout, location and use of fficiency of design, layout, location and use of e in all aspects of local planning, development ings to ‘very good’ (or where possible, in urban known opportunities. Local planning authorities known opportunities. t higher levels of building sustainability than the support the delivery of the national timetable for
ener Future, a policy statement outlining a timetable Text
ng the annual consumption of energy and EM16: Energy Conservation and Efficiency when it is anticipated that it will becomes a mandatory requirement to meet - l 4 by 2013, and Level 6 ‘zero carbon’ by 2016 (up until the date ensure that their approach to energy is based on minimising consumption and
should
must erials and natural resources in new buildings and refurbishment schemes; in 2010, and 44% in 2013, before reaching zero carbon in 2016. The Government also announced
Minimum energy efficiency standards for new homes equivalent to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Minimum energy efficiency standards for all other build Implementation of energy conservation measures and e The wider adoption of energy efficiency measures in existing buildings. Homes by 2010, Leve expected to be April 2008 the Code ratings); areas, ‘excellent’) of the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM); mat
to emphasise their commitment to reduci sustainable energy generation, and facilitate the adoption of good practice by the widest range of local stakeholders. EM16: Energy Conservation and Efficiency Local authorities, energy suppliers, construction companies, developers, transport providers and other organisations demand, promoting maximum efficiency and minimum wast and energy consumption. To support this, Distribution Network Operators should make effective provision for required energy network upgrades in terms of distribution connections and substations. Plans and Strategies should actively facilitate reductions in energy requirements and improvements in energy efficiency by incorporating robust policies which reducing emissions from domestic and non-domestic buildings. • • • • for tightening national Building Regulations to achieve a 25% reduction in carbon emissions from new homes in the Budget 2008 an ambition for all new non-domestic consultation on the timeline and its feasibility. to expec local planning authorities could be appropriate for Local requirements should be brought prevailing standards set nationally through building regulations. development plan documents and focus on forward through are expected to demonstrate clearly the local circumstances that warrant and allow the local requirement. In July 2007, the Government published Building a Gre The Planning and Climate Change PPS (PPS1 Supplement) confirms that When proposing any local requirements for sustainable buildings, local planning authorities should, in line
9.51 9.52 9.53
EM16 Policy Para. There are currently 2 licensed Distribution Network Operators for the North West – United Utilities Electricity and Scottish P 11
70 Reason for change PPS (supplement to PPS1) To take account of the Supplement to PPS1 on Climate Change, PPS22 and representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. The policy retains the focus on DPDs as being the mechanism to set targets for decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy in new development, but recognises that RSS can provide an interim target for certain types and sizes of development in to ensure that this issue is addressed during the period until locally derived targets are in place in the region. HRA text that was erroneously inserted in paragraph 9.48 incorporated into paragraph 9.51 and reflects representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. For consistency with revised EM16 text Policy relates to energy efficiency not renewable energy schemes. Therefore HRA text would be more appropriate in supporting paragraphs to EM17. This reflects representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. . 12 08. ovember 2006.
their predicted
will propose national 14
, the mechanism through which the 13 location for marine schemes.
on is likely to inform choice of location for marine Text
EM17: Renewable Energy The international importance of much of the coastline and all of
EM18: Decentralised Energy Supply new non residential developments above a threshold of 1,000m² and
rently no regional agreement on the evidence base to inform the setting of such from decentralised and renewable or low-carbon sources, unless it can be
The Climate Change Action Plan for England’s Northwest targets for the energy to be used in new development to come from decentralised and renewable or the type and size of development to which the target will be applied. low-carbon energy sources, based on appropriate evidence and viability assessments; and
North West Sustainable Energy Strategy will be implemented, initiated research to develop a regional inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and consider targets for emissions reductions and generation of renewable heat. It is also anticipated that the forthcoming Climate Change Bill with the PPS on climate change, focus on development area or site-specific opportunities. They should fulfil the tests set out in paragraph 33 of the supplement including ensuring that any requirements are evidence- based and viable, and consistent with securing the expected supply and pace of housing development should be specified in terms of the achievement of nationally described sustainable Any local requirements buildings standards, for example, in the case of housing, by expecting identified proposals to be delivered at a specific level of the Code for Sustainable Homes. savings, but there is cur targets. of the Region for nature conservation is likely to inform choice of the major estuaries of the Region for nature conservati schemes. EM18: Decentralised Energy Supply the use of decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy in Plans and strategies should encourage new development in order to contribute to the achievement of the targets set out in Table 9.6 and 9.7a-c. In particular, local authorities should, in their Development Plan Documents, set out: • • In advance of local targets being set, all residential developments comprising 10 or more units should secure at least 10% of energy requirements demonstrated by the applicant, having regard to the type of development involved and its design, that this is emissions targets. Therefore, work to develop targets for reduced energy consumption will be considered in a future review of RSS. The international importance of much of the coastline and all of the major estuaries It may be appropriate for regional energy efficiency targets in future to be expressed in terms of carbon Each renewable technology has its own locational characteristics and requirements and different areas will be better suited to different technologies.
9.54 9.57 9.48 9.51
EM18 Policy Para. Rising to the Challenge, A Climate Change Action Plan for England’s Northwest 2007-09, Northwest Climate Change Partnership, N Planning Policy Statement 12 – Local Spatial Planning. Paragraph 4.52. Department of Communities and Local Government, June 20 Climate Change Bill March 2007, Defra, CM7040. 12 13 14 71 Reason for change To reflect government reorganisation. Definition of decentralised energy and renewable and low carbon sources moved to the glossary. Aligns more closely with the approach recommended in the Panel Report, however does not include lower threshold recommended as Panel Report indicated a lack of evidence to support this lower threshold. To align with RDF1. Targets .ensure
chieve consistent to provide a waste. -
g new development from - as set out in RDF1 and
planning authorities will need lic transport links, which will enable the inner
the local feasibility and potential for renewable East Cheshire (formerly Local Authorities of te and can be located on site or near the site.
. n expects local
Text 10 Manchester City Region
c. - indicates that t for development areas or at site level. Targets should be of supply include energy from natural sources including solar, wind, MCR1: Manchester City Region Priorities should not be overly prescriptive and should be based upon the available
which accord with the spatial principles policies (DP1-9) and the criteria in policies
carbon sources - Congleton, Macclesfield, and Warringto rbon energy sources, based on appropriate evidence and viability assessments; ca - support interventions necessary to achieve a significant improvement in the sub-region’s economic secure improvements, including the enhancement of pub performance by encouraging investment and sustainable development in the Regional Centre, surrounding inner areas, the towns/cities and accessible suburban centres other key locations W2 and W3 in order to contribute to the growth opportunities identified in policy W1; set out targets for the energy to be used in new development to come from decentralised and renewable set out the type and size of development to which the target will be applied; encourage the use of smaller scale community and on site renewable energy projects in order to a
not feasible or viable. Plans and strategies should: • or low • • the targets set out in Table 9.6 and 9.7a framework that promotes and encourages renewable and low carbon energy development. Local planning authorities should have an evidence-based understanding of and low-carbon technologies, including microgeneration, to supply new development in their area that they prepare an evidence base looking at the potential and feasibility of supplyin from decentralised and renewable and low carbon technologies. Decentralised sources of supply are small scale supplies which locally serve a development or si Renewable and low hydro, wave, biomass, ground source heating, combined heat and power and energy low-carbon energy sources should be set out and tested in Development Plan Documents to ensure they are evidence-based, viable and evidence and viability and can be se Macclesfield, Congleton and Crewe and Nantwich) and Warrington. Policy MCR1: Manchester City Region Priorities Plans and Strategies in the Manchester City Region should: • • The Manchester City Region has a wide area of influence stretching into High Peak and it has strong economic and transport links with the city regions of Central Lancashire, Liverpool, and Leeds. For the purposes of articulating RSS policy the sub region is defined as the ten Greater Manchester local authorities, PPS1 supplement on Climate Change for the percentage of energy to be use in new development to come from decentralised and renewable or with ensuring housing and affordable housing supply is not inhibited.
9.53 9.59 10.1 MCR1 Policy Para.
72 Reason for change
Not changed in Proposed Changes in error. Crewe included in Manchester City Region to reflect Local Government reorganisation and representations by the new East Cheshire Local Authorities at Proposed Changes consultation. To provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes by North West ,
gh with
Areas of Manchester City Region
as regional public transport gateways in line Centre by public transport to support economic the Universities and Central Manchester hospitals . A high level of residential development will be Text Diagram
Opportunity Warrington and Crewe of economic growth and
MCR2: Regional Centre and Inner Accommodate housing development in locations that are accessible by public transport to areas provide high quality housing to replace obsolete stock and where appropriate refurbish existing improve the City Region’s internal and external transport links in line with the priorities for transport maintain the role of Manchester Airport as the North of England’s key international gateway in line with develop the role of Manchester as a national public transport gateway to the region in line with Policy Develop the roles of Wigan, Focus environmental improvements where they are most needed and will have the greatest benefit to Proposals and schemes will be directed primarily towards locations where they can contribute to these areas and the northern part of the City Region to capture growing levels of investment and reduce sub-regional disparities. Particular attention should be given to assisting with programmes to address worklessness; strong economic prospects encouraged in the inner areas to secure a significant increase in the population of these areas; properties, to meet the needs of existing residents, and attract and retain new population in order to support economic growth; investment and management set out in Policy RT10; Policy RT5; RT3 and enhance the accessibility of the Regional growth and enable the benefits of its wide range of economic, cultural and other opportunities to be shared. Investment should support Policies MCR2 and MCR4 in particular and align with priorities in RT10; with Policy RT3; facilitate the sustainable development of the Regional Centre and Inner Areas. This includes integrated flood management works, the remediation of contaminated land, and provision of hi quality green infrastructure as part of comprehensive regeneration schemes; priorities.
• • • • • • • • Policy MCR2: Regional Centre and Inner Areas of Manchester City Region Plans and Strategies should ensure that the Regional Centre of the Manchester City Region continues to develop as the primary economic driver, providing the main focus for business, retail, leisure, cultural and tourism development in the City Region. The expansion of the knowledge economy throughout the Regional Centre, and particularly related to the Arc of will be a particular priority; Manchester City Region and South Cheshire
MCR2 Policy Para.
73 Reason for change Included based on evidence of inequalities maps. Arc of opportunity deleted to align with reps of RDA and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. Development Agency. Sub-heading added to provide greater clarity. To reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To improve cross-referencing and to reflect representations made during the consultation made on the Proposed Changes by Environment Agency. y y , in policies
expansion of the
and deprivation and
in Policies W2 and W3 and MCR1 stretches from University of Salford in the
(such as worklessness)
the Regional Centre will be acceptable where that comprise a good range of housing sizes, types, and the criteria Text
MCR3: Southern Part of the Manchester City Region
MCR1
proposals and schemes for residential development in residential development should be focussed in the inner areas adjacent to the Regional Centre in Plans and strategies should provide for employment within the inner areas in accordance with they are part of mixed use employment schemes tenures and affordability and where they contribute to the vitality and viability of the Regional Centre; order to secure a significant increase in their population, to support major regeneration activit including the Manchester-Salford Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, and to secure the improvement of community facilities and the creation of sustainable communities. The emphasis will be on providing a good range of quality housing, in terms of size, type, tenure and affordability, with a high quality environment and accessible local facilities and employment opportunities; W2 and W3 and focusing employment development in the towns as set out in RDF 1 and on brownfield sites which accord with the spatial principles (policies DP1-9) order to support the overall economic growth of the City Region, to meet local needs and regeneration requirements and to address worklessness. Sites should be of an appropriate scale, and accessible by public transport, walking and cycling;
• In the inner areas: • • knowledge based economy will be a priority in the area which Policy MCR3: Southern Part of the Manchester City Region Plans and Strategies in the southern part of the City Region should sustain and promote economic prosperity consistent with the environmental character of the area and the creation of attractive and sustainable communities by: • provide a clear alternative to further decentralisation and the unsustainable commuting patterns associated with it. The Regional Centre of Manchester City Region comprises Manchester City Centre and Central Park to the East, the higher Education Precinct and Central Manchester Hospitals to the south, and Salford University, Salford Quays, Trafford Wharfside and Pomona Docks to the West. The Inner Areas surrounding the Regional Centre comprise of North Manchester, East Manchester and Central Manchester regeneration areas, Trafford Park, North Trafford and Central Salford. The Arc of Opportunity The Inner Areas have enormous potential, which, if left untapped, will limit the ability of the Regional Centre to secure investment and generate further growth. Development within the Inner Areas will boost overall economic growth in the City Region, reduce local inequalities West to Piccadilly Station in the east, via the Higher Education Precinct and the Central Manchester Hospitals campus. Detailed boundary definitions for these areas will need to be set out in Local Development Frameworks and will necessitate close cross authority working
10.6 10.9 MCR3 Policy Para.
74 Reason for change To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To reflect amendments to RDF1 and to reflect representations made during the consultation made on the Proposed Changes by Environment Agency. To reflect movement of South Cheshire into Manchester City Region by virtue of Local Government reorganisation and the change of the individual districts into East Cheshire from April 2009.
the the . There will work
RPB
Manchester City of Crewe and NWRA
comprises
economic links with both which is between the
support sustainable economic growth in e Manchester City Region
and has certain
South Cheshire is within the Manchester City Region, . accord with RDF1, the Spatial Principles ( policies DP1- Text
MCR4: South Cheshire
Borough and Vale Royal and Chester in Liverpool City Region. sustainable economic growth Nantwich
Congleton MCR5: Northern Part of th
and focus development on sites which
South Cheshire Northern Part of the Manchester City Region harness Crewe’s potential for Promote the role of Crewe as a regional public transport gateway/interchange to the region; Provide for regeneration to improve the environment, economy and image of Crewe; Continue the protection and enhancement of the historic environment of Nantwich and its contribution support and diversify the rural economy and improve access to services in the rural areas focusing secure improvements which enable the area to compete more effectively for economic investment Crewe 9), the criteria in W2 and W3 and MCR1; to the sub-region’s economy, tourism, quality of life and regeneration; development in locations which accord with RDF2. allowing residential development to support local regeneration strategies and to meet identified local Support and diversify the rural economy and improve access to services in the rural areas focusing needs (particularly for affordable housing), in sustainable locations which are well served by public transport; development in locations which accord with RDF2. lies on its periphery and has certain economic links with both
with its East Midlands counterpart to develop a consistent policy for the parts of the borough that are considered to lie within the Manchester City Region. • • surrounding rural area, including other parts of East Cheshire MCR4: Plans and strategies should: • • • • • MCR5: Plans and strategies for the northern part of the City Region should support the transformation of the local economy, regenerate communities, and enhance the environment. They should: • The southern area of the city region has a strong inter relationship with parts of the local authority area of High Peak, which is part of the wider Manchester City Region (see City Region Diagram). High Peak falls within the East Midlands Region and is not covered by North West RSS, however the The area of South Cheshire primarily relates to development in the town Region and the North Staffordshire/ Potteries urban area are particular opportunities to build upon existing linkages with the Manchester City Region in particular but
11.1 10.13 10.12 MCR4 MCR5 Policy Para.
75
Reason for change To improve cross-referencing and to reflect representations made during the consultation made on the Proposed Changes by Environment Agency. To align with RDF1. To reflect Panel Recommendation in relation to open land, provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
,
VE BEEN RENUMBERED ACCORDINGLY. policies W2 and W3 and Warrington’s potential for
Policies W2 and W3 and MCR1 harness
and the criteria in
size, type, tenure and affordability) in line with employment for an area including Warrington,
and the criteria in ,
Text 11 South Cheshire 11 Liverpool City Region as a source of
h and MCR6: Strategic Framework for Warrington
Strategic Framework for Warrington
; MCR6: focus employment development in the town/cities as set out in RDF1 and at other locations which expand the quality and choice of housing (in terms of use the HMR Pathfinder in Oldham and Rochdale as an opportunity for wide ranging change in the Support and diversify the rural economy and improve access to services in the rural areas focusing support sustainable economic growth in Warrington and its role focus development on sites which are accessible by public transport, walking and cycling and accord support regeneration and restructuring of the older urban areas; support Warrington’s role as a regional transport gateway/interchange; support and diversify the rural economy and improve access to services in the rural areas focusing now and in the future, helping to achieve significant improvements in productivity and creating the conditions for sustainable growth. This will require significant interventions to improve skill levels within the labour market, to deliver appropriate development sites, and to secure necessary infrastructure improvements; accord with the spatial principles (policies DP1-9) to support the overall economic growth of the sub region, to encourage the ‘spin-off’ of functions linked to the Regional Centre and to address worklessness; the approach set out in Policy L4; economic and housing role of these areas, the renewal of communities and investment in new infrastructure; sustainable economic growt Knowsley, Halton, St Helens and Wigan; with policy RDF1, the spatial principles (policies DP1-9) MCR1, focusing particularly on brownfield sites to ensure no further significant expansion onto open land development in locations which accord with RDF2. development in locations which accord with RDF2.
• • • • Policy In Warrington plans and strategies should: • • • • •
SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAPTER MOVED TO MCR4. ALL FOLLOWING CHAPTERS HA
MCR6 Policy Para.
76 Reason for change To align with RDF1. To address issue highlighted by inequalities map. To provide greater clarity and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
, including address worklessness,
to meet the objectives of the Housing Market pool as the only Port of national significance for Text LCR1: Liverpool City Region Priorities . Detailed boundary definitions will be set out in Local Development which accord with the spatial principles policies (DP1-9) and the criteria which accord with the spatial principles policies (DP1-9) and the criteria
; Support interventions necessary to achieve a significant improvement in the sub-region’s economic Focus sustained and co-ordinated programmes to maximise economic potential and promote urban Focus a sufficient proportion of new housing development and renewal (and related social and Enhance the accessibility by public transport of the New Heartlands Housing Market Renewal In the outer part in the Liverpool City Region, promote economic development, Maximise the employment potential of the Strategic Investment Areas (SIAs) and Economic Promote the sustainable growth, local regeneration initiatives and development opportunities in West Improve the City Region’s internal and external transport links in line with the priorities for transport Support and develop the roles of Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the Merseyside Ports, in line with performance by encouraging investment and sustainable development in the Regional Centre, surrounding inner areas, the towns/cities as set out in RDF1 and other key locations accessible suburban centres in policies W2 and W3 in order to contribute to the growth opportunities identified in policy W1; renaissance and social inclusion within the Regional Centre and its surrounding Inner Area (the New Heartlands Housing Market Renewal Area); environmental infrastructure) within the inner areas Renewal Initiative and, consistent with this, make provision for an increase in the supply of affordable and market housing required to address demographic needs and to support economic growth and regeneration; Pathfinder Area and improve transport links between this (and other disadvantaged areas) and key employment, education and healthcare locations. Particular attention should be given to assisting with programmes to address worklessness; urban renaissance and social inclusion, complementary to the programmes within Liverpool City Centre and the Inner Areas; Development Zones (EDZs) Frameworks Cheshire/North East Wales sub-region and in Vale Royal. Maintain the role of the sub area and Chester in particular as an important component of the LCR economy and promote joint working between Authorities and Agencies for its strategic planning and management; investment and management set out in Policy RT10; Policies RT5 and RT6, especially the Port of Liver deep-sea trade in the North of England;
Policy LCR1: Liverpool City Region Priorities Plans and strategies in the Liverpool City Region should: • • • • • • • • •
LCR1 Policy Para.
77 Reason for change To clarify areas included in West Cheshire. To reflect that potential impacts on sites of international importance for nature conservation outside the region in Wales were identified as part of the HRA of the submitted Draft RSS and to reflect representations made during the consultation on Proposed Changes by Countryside Council for Wales. To ensure that housing market renewal activity in the HMRIP areas located within the regional centre is not prejudiced by this policy particularly given the prioritisation of regeneration and housing market restructuring
on will be and Vale Royal
The protection of environmental proposals and schemes for residential
e part of mixed use employment schemes that re, main employment location and primary economic side the region, such as coastal and inland waters in of the Liverpool City Region and plans and strategies Text (Ellesmere Port & Neston, Vale Royal and Chester)
LCR2: The Regional Centre and Inner Areas of Liverpool City Regi
outside areas of housing market renewal, providing for
Develop the role of Liverpool as a national/ regional public transport gateway/ interchange to the Focus environmental improvements where they are most needed and will have the greatest benefit to Region in line with Policy RT3 and enhance the accessibility of the Regional Centre, particularly by public transport walking and cycling to support its role as the main economic focus for the City Region; facilitate the sustainable development of the Regional Centre and Inner Areas. This includes the remediation of contaminated land and provision of high quality green infrastructure as part of comprehensive regeneration schemes. Protect existing environmental assets in line with DP7 and EM1, in particular sites of international importance for nature conservation such as the Mersey Estuary. Focusing appropriate commercial, retail, leisure, cultural and tourism development within the Regional Providing Centre developing its role as the primary retail cent driver of the City Region; development in the Regional Centre where they ar comprise a good range of housing sizes, types tenures and affordability and where they contribute to
• • Proposals and schemes should be directed primarily towards locations where they can contribute to these priorities. assets will include the assessment, avoidance and mitigation of the potential effects of development on sites Wales. Policy LCR2: The Regional Centre and Inner Areas of Liverpool City Region The Regional Centre is the primary economic driver should support and enhance this role by: • • RSS policy for the Liverpool City Region is intended to secure a high level of growth and address regeneration needs. Significant levels of development should be focussed within the Regional Centre and Inner Areas in order to ensure investment and regeneration resources are directed to those areas most in need. In the outer parts of the City Region there is a clear need for development to be focused on addressing regeneration, worklessness and housing market restructuring. The Regional Centre, Inner Areas and Outer Areas cover most of the Merseyside authorities and include the town of Skelmersdale. Development in West Cheshire Improving environmental performance is also recognized as a key part of delivering sustainable communities and underpins the Liverpool City Region policies. Well-managed green space and a high quality local environment play an important part in the quality of life experienced by people within all of the City Regions’ neighbourhoods including those which are most deprived. of international importance for nature conservation out focused on harnessing opportunities for sustainable growth and local regeneration, complementary to the City Regions spatial development priorities.
11.5 11.6 12.5 12.6
LCR2 Policy Para.
78 Reason for change To explain second bullet of the policy. To update text. set out in policy RDF1. To reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To improve cross-referencing and to reflect representations made during the consultation made on the Proposed Changes by Environment Agency. .
W2 and W3 and LCR1
and accessible local facilities and employment tegic hub in terms of its transport infrastructure; its assist with regeneration and restructuring of housing need to be addressed as part of Local Development Text Liverpool’s status as European Capital of Culture 2008, has brought significant
Liverpool has been awarded European Capital of Culture 2008, which will significantly The fortunes of the surrounding inner area are crucial to the delivery of sustainable
There are areas of Housing Market Renewal and established residential areas within the
The Inner Areas comprise the New Heartlands Housing market Renewal area. The detailed Expanding the knowledge economy within the regional centre particularly by maximising the research Maintaining and enhancing the roles of Birkenhead and Bootle to provide community facilities, services The development of the New Heartlands Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder to revitalise housing in Supporting the development of the Mersey Ports and the maritime economy; Sustaining investment in the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park; and Providing for employment within the inner areas in accordance with the vitality and viability of the Regional Centre; and development roles of the Universities and delivering knowledge nuclei sites and the expansion of professional services. and employment; Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral through comprehensive area based regeneration schemes; nomic growth.
boundaries of the Regional Centre in particular will Frameworks. • They should focus residential development in the Inner Areas adjacent to the Regional Centre in order to secure a significant increase in population and to support major regeneration activity. This will entail: • • • • • The emphasis will be on providing a good range of quality housing in the inner areas in terms of size, type, tenure and affordability with a high quality environment opportunities. Regional Centre. In these areas the emphasis should be particularly on improvement of the quality and mix of housing including affordable housing, in order to markets. boosts to tourism as well as providing a lasting legacy in terms of investor confidence and sustained economic growth. boost its tourism industry as well as providing a lasting legacy in terms of investor confidence and sustained eco economic and social benefits in the City Region. This area is one of significant challenges and opportunities for both housing and economic development, particularly in relation to the Mersey Ports and the New Heartlands Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder scheme. It is also home to part of the Mersey Waterfront The Regional Centre of Liverpool City Region comprises the whole of the area within the City Centre Strategic Investment Area and the Liverpool Vision Urban Regeneration Company Area, including the University Edge Knowledge Nuclei site. The Regional Centre includes the primary retail area but is more extensive than it. Liverpool’s Regional Centre is fundamental to the economic growth of the Liverpool City Region. It is the major centre for the metropolitan area and forms the stra educational establishments; its cultural, retail, business, leisure and tourism assets; and its financial and professional services.
11.7 11.8 12.7 12.8
Policy Para.
79 Reason for change To provide emphasis for issues highlighted in inequalities maps. To improve cross-referencing and to reflect representations made during the consultation made on the Proposed Changes by Environment Agency. To reflect inequalities maps. To align with RDF1 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To align with RDF1. The number 12.8 was duplicated in the RSS Proposed Changes. Following paragraphs have been renumbered accordingly. To reflect that Ellesmere Port has similar characteristics as Outer Liverpool City Region as evidenced by statistics on unemployment GVA per head and qualifications levels. There Particular .
and LCR1
Ellesmere Port for the purposes of Policies W2 and W3
key service centres and local centres within the t out in RDF1 and at other locations which accord
; Text and the criteria in
suburban/urban centres, LCR3: Outer Part of the Liverpool City region LCR4: The Remaining Rural Parts of Liverpool City Region
Focus economic development in the town/cities as se Support significant intervention in areas where housing market restructuring is required in line with the Expand the quality and choice of housing in line with the approach set out in Policy L4; Maintain and enhance the roles of the regional towns, key service centres and local centres in Identify, define and maintain the role of suburban centres in accordance with RDF1 and spatial with the spatial principles (policies DP1-9), attention should be given to addressing worklessness approach set out in Policies L3 and L4; accordance with Policy RDF2; principles DP1-9.
Regional Park, which provides valuable green infrastructure at the heart of the City Region. Policy LCR3: Outer part of the Liverpool City Region In the outer part of the City Region Plans and strategies should: • • • • • articulating policy is included in West Cheshire. However, it is clear that Ellesmere Port shares many of the characteristics and has strong links with the Outer area of the Liverpool City Region. are also issues of worklessness and the need to reduce health and skills inequalities these issues are illustrated in the inequalities maps 2.2-2.6. The outer part of Liverpool comprises those parts of Liverpool and Sefton which are outside the Regional Centre and Inner Areas, the eastern area of Wirral (to the east of the M53), the districts of Knowsley, St Helens, Halton and the town of Skelmersdale in West Lancashire. It is important that the roles of There are other locations across the City Region, particularly in the outer parts, which experience problems similar to that found in the New Heartlands Pathfinder area, such as vacancies, poor environment, poor housing stock condition and a lack of quality community facilities, although not to the same level of severity. These areas are identified in individual districts’ housing strategies as being in need of regeneration. Various methods are being implemented to address these issues of low demand for example, demolitions and rebuild and stock transfer. In terms of new house building, these areas should also be a priority location, together with the provision of associated community facilities in order to secure renaissance. outer part of the City Region are recognised in relation to their regeneration needs and opportunities in terms of retail, access to local amenities, jobs and services. These centres should be supported to continue their regeneration and improvement providing a complementary function to Liverpool City Centre and the Inner Areas, reflecting their individual character and location and meeting local needs.
11.9 12.8 12.9 12.11 11.10 11.12
LCR3 Policy Para.
80 Reason for change For clarification. West Cheshire defined in para 11.5 To improve cross-referencing and to reflect representations made during the consultation made on the Proposed Changes by Environment Agency. To reflect the Panel Recommendation R12.4 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the Proposed Changes by English Heritage. To reflect local government reorganisation.
focus
;
local needs. due regard to on meeting local
and LCR1 having
and Vale Royal and focus meet identified to
Policies W2 and W3
of need, including those regeneration areas opment and investment, with emphasis on West Cheshire – North East Wales sub-region and Vale Royal Text ensure development is compatible with LCR5: West Cheshire – North East Wales
Wrexham – Bidston – Liverpool rail corridor; Wrexham - Chester;
- - the spatial principles (policies DP1-9), and the criteria in development in locations which accord with RDF2; support and diversify the rural economy and improve access to services in the rural areas focusing be consistent with other regeneration programmes and policies; ensure the provision of housing to address barriers to affordability and focus development in the town/cities as set out in RDF1 and at other locations which accord with harness the potential of Chester for sustainable growth, as a key sub-regional centre for employment, support the sustainable economic growth and regeneration opportunities of Ellesmere Port through support sustainable economic growth, investment and regeneration opportunities in Northwich improve the internal and external transport links, in particular with North East Wales , in line with the develop the role of Chester as a regional public transport gateway in line with Policy RT3; enhance links between areas of opportunity and areas LCR1, shopping, leisure, culture and tourism, the conservation and enhancement of the historic City and its setting and the need to improve quality of life and promote regeneration in West Chester; sustained and co-ordinated programmes for devel developing Ellesmere Ports reputation for ‘high tech’ manufacturing, through the diversification of the economy and the improvement of the image, quality of life and perception of Ellesmere Port; development on supporting local regeneration priorities in Vale Royal needs; priorities for transport investment set out in Policy RT10; served by the following transport corridors:
• • • • • • • • • • LCR4 The remaining rural parts of Liverpool City Region In the remaining rural parts of the Liverpool City Region plans and strategies should: Policy LCR5: West Cheshire – North East Wales Plans and strategies within Vale Royal and those parts of covered by RSS for the NW of England should:
LCR4 LCR5 Policy Para.
81 Reason for change To provide clarification that Ellesmere Port shares characteristics with Outer Liverpool City Region.
and
not imply the provision of additional not imply the provision of additional which comprises Denbighshire, The Wirral, s
sub-region’s economy, housing market, transport CLCR1 Text comprises the boroughs of Ellesmere Port and Neston 12 Central Lancashire City Region and Vale Royal links to a wider reference area a
Route leading to the Flintshire Coastal Corridor; and Other corridors radiating out from Chester, in particular links to Ellesmere Port and tourism and housing-led regeneration in Blackpool; knowledge-based development (including advanced manufacturing and aerospace) in regeneration and restructuring of the East Lancashire economy (including actions taken enhanced educational opportunities which will improve the skill-base of the resident developing new employment opportunities in accordance with Policies W1 to W3 and Broughton. The enhancement of road links does capacity; Preston and Blackburn; under the Elevate Transformational Agenda); population; addressing localised problems of worklessness;
------ensure the strategic planning and management of the ensure the provision of housing to meet local needs and address barriers to affordability; further develop the skills base of the labour force and promote access to employment; and support and diversify the rural economy in line with policy RDF2 and improve access to services in the focus investment and sustainable development in the city of Preston and 3 towns of Blackburn, Burnley provide for a range of good quality housing, accessible to local facilities; network and environmental and cultural assets through joint working with Authorities and Agencies across the sub-region; rural areas. and Blackpool , raising economic performance, particularly through:
• • • • shares many of the issues and characteristics of these areas. It is likely it will work closely with Outer Liverpool City Region local authorities and develop similar approaches to addressing the common challenges it faces. Policy CLCR1: Central Lancashire City Region Priorities Plans and strategies for the Central Lancashire City region should: • • Warrington and Halton. Ellesmere Port has close links with the outer areas of the Liverpool City Region West Cheshire/North East Wales and Chester and Vale Royal and is part of a sub region which extends into Wales (Flintshire and Wrexham).The sub region has
12.13 11.14
Policy Para. CLCR1
82 Reason for change
To align with RDF1. To align with RDF1. To align with Panel Report. Not changed at Proposed Changes in error. To align with deletion of W8.
in policies sites in and harness its
. Local Development aims to redress this 15 the criteria
as expressed in the Preston translated into DP1-9 and
a the three authorities.
for the centre and inner areas and
here reflects their existing key roles within the , chiefly through Regional Casino development
. sustainable transport modes, with priority given to which will be
; Text which accord with RDF1,
s and local economic strategies produced by a move that is likely to involve significant physical change in the resort – Work is ongoing on a joint core strategy,
CLCR2: Focus for Development and Investment in Central Lancashire Region
improve the City Region’s internal and external transport links, in line with the transport investment and develop the role of Blackpool Airport, in line with Policy RT5; develop the role of Preston as a regional transport gateway in line with Policy RT3 improve the accessibility of employment locations by support and diversify the rural economy and improve access to services in the rural areas focusing management priorities set out in Policy RT10; potential for economic growth in sustainable ways the Elevate Housing Renewal Pathfinder area; development in locations which accord with RDF2.
situation by strengthening Blackpool’s tourism economy • • • • • Proposals and schemes will be directed primarily towards locations where they can contribute to these priorities. City Vision. (see Policy W8) Policy CLCR2: Focus for Development and Investment in Central Lancashire City Region Development in the Central Lancashire City Region will be located primarily in the city of Preston and the three towns of Blackburn, Blackpool and Burnley, giving priority to and around their centres and at other locations W2 and W3. Development should be pursued in a manner that addresses worklessness, enhances urban quality, and contributes to the enhancement of the natural setting of the city/towns. Outside the City and towns identified above, development in the Central Lancashire City Region will be largely confined to Key Service Centres and Local Service Centres, in line with Policy RDF2. The Greater Preston “core area” of the City Region, based on the administrative areas of Preston, South Ribble and Chorley, provides a significant economic focus for the sub-region Blackpool is a resort of national repute, but as many of its communities do not benefit from the tourist economy, it is also home to large pockets of deprivation. The Blackpool Masterplan Preston, Blackburn, Blackpool and Burnley all have strong, functional links with smaller towns, including some in neighbouring districts. Focusing new development Central Lancashire City Region and consolidates their ability to serve their hinterlands, promoting enhanced economic growth and a better quality of life. Blackpool is the centre of a wider Fylde coast including Fleetwood, Thornton, Cleveleys and Lytham St Annes. Burnley is the principal town in an area that stretches from Padiham, through Brierfield and Nelson to Colne. Preston is strongly linked to suburbs to the Framework document
12.6 12.8 12.9 13.6 13.8 13.9
Policy Para. CLCR2 “Blackpool Master Plan – Executive Summary”, Blackpool Borough Council 2003. 15 “Blackpool Master Plan – Update Brochure”, Blackpool Borough Council 2005. 83 Reason for change To provide greater clarity. To align with W5 and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To be factually correct. To provide greater clarity. and legal justice
Hospital; and
,
The policy boundaries of the . Queen’s Park
Royal Blackburn Text higher order retailing and services
;
focal point at the intersection of north-south and east-west transport corridors; centre for culture, leisure and quality city living; established advanced engineering and aerospace industries; centre of public administration, justice and financial services; University of Central Lancashire, with links to knowledge-based business; specialist medical services centred on Royal Preston Hospital; regional public transport gateway and interchange; retail and service centre airport with potential for increased use. public transport hub for the Fylde Peninsula; high value manufacturing; centre for retailing, services, public administration and further education; focal point for economic restructuring; specialist medical services centred on Blackpool Victoria Hospital; focal point for coastal housing market renewal; need for economic growth to underpin urban restructuring; major tourist centre with potential for casino and conference development; specialist medical services centred on retail and service centre. focal point for Elevate Housing Market Renewal Initiative; transport hub; established advanced engineering and aerospace industries; services focal point for economic growth and restructuring in East Lancashire; centre of higher and further education, public administration
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • PRESTON BURNLEY Lostock Hall, Walton-le-Dale, Bamber Bridge, Clayton south of the River Ribble consisting of Penwortham, Lostock Brook and Whittle-le-Woods. Blackburn includes Whitebirk and Wilpshire. towns and the definition of surrounding key and local service centres should be set out in Local Development Frameworks. Policy CLCR2 builds on the identified strengths and opportunities of each centre, which are as follows: BLACKPOOL BLACKBURN Policy Para.
84 Reason for change To address issues identified in inequalities maps in relation to Preston area. To align with RDF4 To provide improved cross-referencing, greater clarity and align with EM4.
of green wedges extending into the countryside Text
CLCR3: Green City
14 Cumbria and North Lancashire CNL1: Overall Spatial Policy for Cumbria ; extent of the Green Belt in accordance with Policy RDF4; Such areas could offer significant opportunities for cycling and walking ( RT9) and
general improving access to open space networks, enhancing the urban fringe, reclaiming promoting the conservation, protection and enhancement of the physical and natural the inclusion of appropriate policies and projects, and the delineation of Regional Park derelict land, enhancing recreational and educational facilities, and providing public art; environment, and supporting biodiversity; and boundaries in Local Development Frameworks in line with strategic frameworks as set out in EM4 centre of public administration. retail and service centre for Pennine Lancashire; public transport hub; further education centre; specialist medical services centred on Burnley General Hospital; heritage-based regeneration along canal corridor and in Weaver’s Triangle; local point for Elevate Housing Market Renewal Initiative;
- - -
• • • • • • • maintaining the protecting the Forest of Bowland AONB, in accordance with Policy EM1; the further development of the City Region’s three Regional Parks (East Lancashire, Ribble Estuary and Morecambe Bay) in accordance with Policy EM4, through: reclamation of derelict land for ‘soft’ end uses; the utilisation of open space adjacent to waterways, such as the Leeds-Liverpool Canal; and the creation from urban areas and in line with policy EM3. the greening of urban areas, through measures including the renovation of existing parks; the
Policy CLCR3: Green City The unique ‘green’ character of the Central Lancashire City Region, and the advantages it offers for recreation and for attracting people and investment, will be protected and further enhanced by: • • • could assist in addressing health inequalities. Policy CNL1: Overall Spatial Policy for Cumbria One of the strengths of Central Lancashire’s polycentric growth is the potential to maximise the benefits offered by the close proximity of high quality countryside and environmental assets to a large proportion of the population – the ‘Green City’ concept. The Green Belt, the Forest of Bowland AONB and the Regional Parks will form important elements in the City Region’s green infrastructure together with improved green spaces in urban areas. •
13.11 12.11
CNL1 Policy Para. CLCR3
85 Reason for change To align with other regional sections and to provide cross reference to main overarching policies. To improve cross-referencing. To be consistent with the approach taken by the Panel on the historic city of Chester and to reflect representations made during the consultation on Proposed Changes by English Due regard
focus on:
;
accord with CNL1 and ll enhance its role as the sub-regional centre for Text Building on Carlisle city’s significant potential to attract public transport gateway to the region in line with Policy RT1
CNL2: Sub-area Development Priorities for Cumbria
Ensure development is compatible with the conservation and enhancement focus major developments within Barrow in Furness and Whitehaven, and Workington, and in the City provide for development in the key service centres and local service centres in line with RDF2; provide a portfolio of employment sites in accordance with RDF1 and the criteria in Policies W2 and support the restructuring of housing markets in West Cumbria and Furness; improve Cumbria’s internal and external transport links in line with the priorities for transport investment develop the role of Carlisle as a regional ensure that network management measures are utilised to make best and most appropriate use of give priority to improving access to employment, services and education/training facilities on foot and support the development of sustainable tourism in Cumbria; and support the development of higher value knowledge based and specialist industry based employment supporting sustainable growth in Carlisle. of Carlisle in line with policy RDF1 and spatial principles DP1-9 W3; and management set out in Policy RT10; and harness its potential for economic growth in sustainable ways; available highway infrastructure and to improve road safety and journey time reliability, with priority given to improving the operation of routes linking Furness and West Cumbria to the M6; by cycle, and by public transport, in Carlisle, Workington/ Whitehaven and Barrow-in Furness, and in Key Service Centres, especially Kendal; opportunities. sustainable development into Cumbria. The city wi business, shopping, leisure, culture and tourism, serving Cumbria and the adjoining parts of Scotland and North East England. It will also develop its higher education function through the establishment of the new University of Cumbria, which should help attract investment in the knowledge – based economy.
Plans and strategies in Cumbria should: • • • • • • • • • • Proposals and schemes will be directed primarily towards locations where they can contribute to these priorities. Within the sub-areas of Cumbria, plans and strategies should •
CNL2 Policy Para.
86 Reason for change To reflect policy renumbering. Heritage. For consistency with policy W1. To reflect policy renumbering. , to , to in Furness . Opportunities L5 L6
ic realm and effective traffic management in ledge-based economy. The potential of the area for of its economic base; Text of the historic city centre; CNL3: Spatial Policy for the Lake District and development ; L5 L6
enhancing the Regeneration Priority Area of West Cumbria, particularly through developing the roles of concentrating development within the Furness Regeneration Priority Area in Barrow ensuring that the needs of local people in South & East Cumbria are met with a focus on securing promote further diversification redress housing imbalances through the provision of affordable and local needs housing in accordance develop programmes for improvements to the publ manage recreational and sustainable tourist activities, in suitable locations; ensure that public transport services are improved and better integrated, and that the proportion of should be paid to the conservation the existing centres of Whitehaven, Workington, and also in Cleator Moor and Maryport in a complementary manner. Efforts should be made to exploit the potential offered by a local workforce with expertise in the field of nuclear research, development and decommissioning; and the presence of the National Nuclear Laboratory. The location of part of the University of Cumbria in this area could increase its potential for the development of a know tourism-based development should also be explored; facilitate diversification of the local economy, and enable opportunities for development and regeneration to be brought forward in the wider Furness Peninsula. Efforts should be made to exploit specialist marine engineering skills and opportunities, and to develop the area’s potential for tourism; inward investment and improving service provision within Kendal and Penrith. High priority should be placed on the further provision of affordable housing within the sub-area. with Policies L4 and Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick, to enhance the urban fabric and support their recreational and tourism roles; travel to and within the National Park by sustainable modes is increased; and
• • • Policy CNL3: Spatial Policy for the Lake District Plans and strategies should give priority to the protection of the landscape and cultural heritage of the Lake District National Park. In addition they should: • • • • • A high priority in South and East Cumbria will be given to meeting local affordable housing needs, in perpetuity. A range of options to meet affordable housing needs are set out in policy will be taken to secure inward investment, new businesses and services to the key service centres of Kendal and Penrith.
13.9 14.9
CNL3 Policy Para.
87 Reason for change To align with RDF1, to improve cross- referencing and to reflect representations made during the consultation made on the Proposed Changes by Environment Agency. To be consistent with the approach taken by the Panel on the historic city of Chester and to reflect representations made during the consultation on Proposed Changes by English Heritage. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
and the criteria
Text IM1: Implementation in line with RDF1, the spatial principles DP1-9 along with other partners will ensure the RSS Implementation CNL4: Spatial Policy for North Lancashire 14 Implementation, Monitoring and Review , ensuring development is compatible with the conservation of the historic city;
Regional Planning Body W2 and W3 and CNL1 address the relationship of the National Park with its wider area, and develop a suitable framework for secure the regeneration of Morecambe through the development of tourism and the restructuring of the Support sustainable growth in Lancaster harness opportunities for sustainable growth in Lancaster having due regard to the historic character of build on the strengths and opportunities offered by Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria; ensure an increase in the supply of affordable housing; support the role of the Port of Heysham in line with Policy RT6; and develop proposals for the safe and effective management of traffic in Lancaster and Morecambe to meeting locally generated needs. housing market ; in the city; enhance the public realm and support their leisure and tourism roles. they are having the desired impact/outcome;
• Policy CNL4: Spatial Policy for North Lancashire Plans and strategies will: • • • • • • • Policy IM 1: Implementation Implementation In addition to the statutory requirement for Environmental Impact Analysis, economic, health, transport and other impact assessments should be carried out in appropriate cases. The NWRA Framework is reviewed and developed. Plan-Monitor-Manage Plans and policies should be sufficiently flexible to respond to robust monitoring information which will reveal whether: •
IM1 CNL4 Policy Para.
88 Reason for change To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration To provide updated information.
In In March Regional Planning Body
the North West Development NWRA
ctiveness of RSS against its main objectives. In this way partnership organisations will have a structural reforms including the introduction of a structural reforms including the introduction of d Communities Strategies and now also through the Text Regional Planning Body,
NWRA will need to work closely with a wide range of other organisations to will work with local authorities and other partners to secure, as far as
NWRA
Local Authorities and the the Regional Planning Body
they are being implemented as intended; circumstances have changed and there should be appropriate mechanisms to trigger a review of policy, if necessary. • • The Regional Planning Body possible, a common evidence base, targets and indicators, avoid duplication and improve the efficiency of monitoring activity. They will keep the RSS monitoring framework under constant review and annually prepare a Monitoring Manual and Monitoring report. July 2008 CLG published a new set of core indicators. Therefore the RPB and LPAs will need to ensure that systems are established to monitor these and ensure that this is taken in account in future reviews. 2005 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published a set of core national indicators that all Regional Planning Bodies are required to monitor on an annual basis, and is soon to release a revised good practice delivery of Local and Multi Area Agreements. Whilst this will continue to be the case, Local Authorities and NWRA Traditionally the greatest responsibility for delivery of RSS has fallen upon Local Authorities through the preparation and delivery of Local Development Plans an Along with the PPS11 emphasises the need to regularly monitor the effe ensure the more spatial nature of RSS is reflected in, and delivered by, the plans and strategies of a wide range of organisations. The Implementation Plan will be useful in clearly identifying the organisations which will have the potential to deliver RSS, in addition to Local Authorities. The single regional strategy in each region. This will bring together the Regional Spatial Strategy and the bring This will strategy in each region. single regional Regional Economic Strategy and will set out the economic, social and environmental objectives for each region. Agency (NWDA) is also a significant agent of change in the region. The need for the Regional Economic and Spatial Strategies to be complementary and aligned has been a clear priority of RSS. The July 2007 publication, the Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration - which has become known as the sub-national review - set out a number of will need to work with potential delivery partners to raise awareness of RSS and the relevance of its objectives to their own organisations aims and objectives. clearer shared interest in delivering RSS, in order to meet their own targets and objectives. Many organisations need early involvement in RSS policy preparation in order that funding to deliver RSS objectives can be identified in their own longer term plans and strategies. Consultation has taken place with a wide range of organisations throughout the preparation of RSS, but the contacts made should be maintained and strengthened through the regular updating of the Implementation Framework and the establishment of delivery groups. It is important that awareness raising and annual feedback of key implementation themes and monitoring information continue to improve to encourage wider participation in the delivery of RSS. It will also be important to ensure that targets and indicators included in the Implementation Framework align with those in RES.
14.6 15.3 14.3 15.5 14.5 15.6
Policy Para.
89 Reason for change To provide comprehensive list and to be factually correct. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To ensure consistency with proposals for the reform of regional governance as set out in the Government’s Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes. To reflect updated position. in Regional
NWRA
will produce an Annual Monitoring , or when there is a need to address
representatives from local authorities; the three W, NWDA, and with attendees from other regional Housing Green Paper, with its clear emphasis on the for a prompt review of RSS has been given further early basis to demonstrate the overall progress made Text Regional Planning Body
eflect current household projections. In addition, the publication of
Both of these documents have been taken into account during the preparation of
ring RSS. However, there will be the need to instigate an immediate review of certain aspects RSS
will work with local authorities to ensure, where possible, the development of a common Assess the impact over time of RSS against its main objectives; Consider whether RSS is being carried out correctly, in line with its main objectives; Offer explanations where policies are not being put into practice; Outline the measures to be taken where RSS policies are not being put into practice; Provide information on net and gross additions to the housing stock. further indicators measured on a yearly or three y towards specific RSS policies. a small number of “headline indicators” relating to the central principals of this RSS, which will be analysed on an annual basis to provide an early indication of any emerging trends that may need to be addressed; contextual indicators relating to areas where RSS has only indirect influence. These provide information on the wider social, economic, environmental, physical and demographic background against which RSS is being implemented;
• county councils and two former county councils; GON bodies such as the Environment Agency, Natural England and the ONS regional presence. evidence base so as to avoid duplication and achieve greater efficiency in the monitoring of both. A regional monitoring group has been established, made up of • Report (AMR) on RSS, the main purposes of which will be to: • • • • • guide on monito Planning Body specific deficiencies. In particular, the Housing Green Paper indicated the need to undertake partial reviews of RSS to reflect Government targets to address housing affordability and other changes such as Housing Growth Points. order to address specific deficiencies. The necessity urgency by the publication of documents such as the delivery of increased levels of housing to r the Sub National Review has identified that a single regional strategy is likely replace RES and RSS in the this strategy. By the end of February each year, the NWRA The AMR will comprise: • The success of RSS monitoring will depend upon extensive cooperation from, and coordination with a wide range of organisations in the region. The role of local planning authorities in regularly collecting data on housing, land use change and other information will be particularly important. There are clear links between the monitoring of RSS and local planning authorities’ own LDF monitoring practices. The The need to review RSS can be identified as part of the monitoring process when policies are not being delivered or are having undesirable or unintended consequences
14.7 15.8 14.8 15.7 15.12 15.11 14.11 14.12
Policy Para.
90
Reason for change To reflect updated position. To improve clarity. To improve clarity. To reflect recent advice and response to NHPAU report. To improve clarity. Minor text changes to provide greater clarity.
; on This . . Cumbria t immediate
the Spring of Join The
commencement of
in 14.13 above on ent of a future single
Local Authorities in the , whichever is later, unless
The three Structure Plans in
However, the consulted upon in Modifications (September 2005) RSS Review –
was Saved Structure Plan Policies in the North West of England Plan However, a review will include the
will be informed by additional research. ies y for interim
e North West of England Plan and ,which will ion to the Single Regional Strategy which will December 2005). Potentially cture plan polices not covered by the RSS can be review of these issues forward, taking account of the upply of suitable land, the housing needs in each priority: Government Office North West’s (GONW) opinion
Adopted Text (Adopted April 2006) adoption of the Structure Plan the a should help to inform the developm
as
partial review of RSS will be
single regional strateg a , or formal 2001-2016 Replaced and ‘saved’ for a period of up to three years from the future a
were are replaced by the policies contained an interim or
Following each of the tables there is a list of structure plan policies which have . Structure Plan can be
immediate review of RSS
of RSS and Joint he
Assessment of the following issues identified The initial stage of the review is in progress with 15 2008. Housing – the revision of district housing figures in line with the Housing Green Paper challenges, taking account of environmental capacity, the s housing market area and the likely impact of supply on affordability; Renewable energy – the identification of broad areas suitable for renewable energy development; nterim reviews I Waste – the identification of the number and type of facilities required and their broad location. i
near future and t regional strategy. consideration of current housing market conditions, the National Housing and Planning Unit's advice, proposals for new housing growth points, and the need to manage the transit replace the RES and RSS in the near future. replaced by an RSS or the SofS directs to extend the 3 year period under Schedule 8 to the Act mechanism has been incorporated to avoid any potential policy void occurring. plan and accordingly the Secretary of State directed that all Joint Lancashire Structure Plan policies be extended. In relation to Cheshire and Joint Cumbria and Lake District Structure Plan, the 3 year ‘saved’ period from adoption had not yet concluded. been extended because they have not been replaced by Th Implementation, Monitoring and Review, review of this RSS is being progressed. and the Cheshire Structure Plan 2016 – Alteration ( • • • the Act or for three years from the time Through the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 a mechanism was incorporated whereby Structure Plan policies The 3 year ‘saved’ period for the Joint Lancashire Structure Plan concluded before the publication of this The tables below set out those extended and saved region are encouraged to consider whether those stru priorities for future research will relate to the priorities identified The scope and timetable of Consideration is to be given to the best way to take the An Ongoing research includes sub regional cross border studies for South Cheshire and North Staffordshire, and the Manchester City Region and High Peak, the revision of Parking Standards, provision for gypsies and travellers and assessment of definitions of housing market areas. early which structure plan policies Regional Spatial Strategy continue to be saved until they are replaced by a future RSS revision. As set out in the Chapter on and Lake District the North West Region are the Joint Lancashire Structure Plan (Adopted March 2005); the
4 15.1 15.3 16.1 15.2 16.2 14.14 15.1 15.13 14.13 14.15
Policy Para.
91 Reason for change Following consultation on Proposed Changes discussions took place between the major stakeholders and further recommendations for saved policies with justifications were put to GONW by the Regional Planning Body. Full copies of these tables can be made available. In coming to a decision about which policies should be saved, consideration has been given to the representations of the both the County Structure Plan Authorities and the Regional Planning Body in the light of any further changes proposed as part of published RSS.
Rail Express Coach Charter Coach Rail Express Coach Rail Local Bus Express Coach Airlines Rail Local Bus Airlines Rail Express Coach Local Bus
Key Market(s) Principal Provider(s) Commuter Business Leisure Commuter Business Leisure Business Leisure Business Leisure Commuter Business Leisure
Appendix RT Text
National Public Transport Corridor London & the South East/Birmingham/South Wales/South West – Manchester City Region/Liverpool City Region/Crewe – Chester – North Wales/Central Lancashire City Region /Cumbria/Scotland Newcastle City Region/Tees Valley City Region/Leeds City Region/Sheffield City Region – Manchester City Region/Liverpool City Region/Chester – North Wales Links to/from Manchester Airport Regional Public Transport Corridor Links to/from Liverpool Airport Manchester City Region - Central Lancashire City Region - Cumbria
expressed within the appropriate Local Authorities Local Development Framework.
Lists Policy RT (a) Policy Para. Appendix
92 Reason for change Addition of the word ‘coach’ to reflect the existence of a bus service between West Cumbria - Carlisle - Newcastle City Region and to reflect representations made during the consultation on the proposed changes.
Express Coach Local Bus Rail Rail Coach
Rail Commuter Business Leisure Business Commuter Leisure
Text
Liverpool City Region – Central Lancashire City Region Central Lancashire City Region – Leeds City Region West Cumbria – Carlisle – Newcastle City Region
Policy Para.