Planning Statement

Property / Land at: Stamford High School Sports Pitch and Pavilion, Kettering Road, Stamford

Application Proposal: Demolition of existing pavilion, erection of new sports centre, change of use of agricultural land to sports pitch, installation of 2 replacement sports pitches and floodlights, and alteration to access

On Behalf Of: Stamford Endowed Schools

Our Reference: 20-003/KW/jh

Agent: Kate Wood BA(HONS) MRTPI

Contents

1 Introduction ...... 3 2 The Site: Location and Context ...... 5 3 Planning History and Background to the Proposal ...... 6 4 Relevant Planning Policies and Constraints...... 8 5 Assessment and Justification of the Application ...... 12 6 Conclusion ...... 18 Appendix 1 SKDC Relevant Planning Policies ...... 19 Appendix 2 Emerging Stamford Neighbourhood Plan Policies ...... 27 Appendix 3 Flood Risk Map (Environment Agency) ...... 29

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 2 Kettering Road, Stamford

1 Introduction

This Planning Statement is submitted on behalf of Stamford Endowed Schools in support of the application proposal, in order to give additional detailed information to officers and consultees assessing the application and to inform the general public, neighbours and others with an interest in the proposal about the development.

The application site crosses the boundary between and . For this reason, duplicate applications are required to be submitted to each Authority. Most of the site is within South Kesteven, including the existing and proposed pavilion and most of the existing pitch. The area to the south of the pitch, into which the proposed new pitches will be extended, falls within Peterborough City Council area.

For this reason, this Planning Statement assesses the application mainly in relation to SKDC policies. However, as PCC will also be considering the application, reference is also made to compliance with PCC policies. We also make reference to the emerging Stamford Neighbourhood Plan, given that it has reached submission stage.

Given that most of the site falls within South Kesteven, SKDC officers have taken the lead in pre-application discussions, with PCC being kept up to date and consulted on matters such as the viewpoints for the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA).

SKDC has not adopted the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), so the application is not accompanied by CIL forms. No new building is to take place within PCC area, so CIL is not applicable to the part of the site that falls within Peterborough.

The application is comprised of the following plans and documents:

• Application Forms • This Planning Statement • Design & Access Statement • Statement of Community Involvement • Heritage Statement • Geophysical Survey (archaeology) • Geo-environmental Assessment • Topographical Survey • Utilities Survey • Location Plan • Block Plan • Existing Site Plan • Existing Site Plan – Demolitions • Proposed Site Plan • Proposed Elevations • Proposed Floor Plan • Proposed Roof Plan • Proposed Building Sections • Cut and Fill Formation Plan • Pitch Technical Information • Existing Floodlighting Scheme • Proposed Floodlighting Scheme • Lighting Datasheets • Pitch Layout Plan • Drainage Plan • Pitch Fencing and Lighting Elevations

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 3 Kettering Road, Stamford

• Illustrated Masterplan • Proposed Site Sections • Landscape Proposals – General Arrangement Plan • Landscape Proposals – Vegetation Retention and Removals • Tree Survey • Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Method Statement • Ecological Impact Assessment • Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment • Noise Assessment • Flood Risk Assessment • Highways and Transport Note (including existing access arrangements plan and proposed access improvements and vehicle tracking plan)

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 4 Kettering Road, Stamford

2 The Site: Location and Context

The application site, outlined in red on the location plan, lies to the south of Kettering Road on the southwestern edge of Stamford. The building is known as the Millennium Pavilion having been constructed in 2000.

The site comprises part of the wider site, the nearest part of which (the Junior School) lies to the north of Kettering Road and beyond that to the north of the railway line via a footbridge access.

To the east is a new development of 5 houses, currently under construction. To the west, across Kettering Road, are sports fields associated with the school. To the south are fields, beyond which lies the village of Wothorpe.

A public footpath leads across the field from Wothorpe towards the south east corner of the site, before running northwards to join Kettering Road at a point to the west of the pavilion.

The application site includes part of the field to the south of the existing pitch, but does not affect the route of the public footpath.

Access to the pavilion is gained from Kettering Road for both vehicles and pedestrians. There is no car park on the site, with any associated vehicles being required to park across the road at the Junior School. This is intended to remain the case.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 5 Kettering Road, Stamford

3 Planning History and Background to the Proposal

Relevant planning history is as follows:

• S99/0373 New Sports Pavilion – approved 13 July 1999

• S05/0232 Synthetic Hockey Pitch with Fencing and Flood Lights and Hard Surfaced Tennis Courts – approved 7 April 2005

This application has arisen as a result of an increase in participation in sport by girls. There is a lack of facilities for girls at the school, yet there is increasing demand. This affects the quality of education that can be offered to the girls and represents a lack of equality.

The application proposals have therefore been designed to provide improved indoor sports facilities and an additional hockey pitch.

The existing pavilion is to be replaced with a new sports centre / pavilion providing modern changing facilities, staff facilities, small kitchen, social area, a gym and dance studios. The pavilion has been orientated so that the long elevation faces the hockey pitches, in order to facilitate a raised viewing area for parents and visitors to watch matches. Additionally, the windows will be recessed so that stone benches can be installed in the recesses to provide informal seating.

Cycle parking is to be provided close to the entrance along with a disability parking space and delivery parking space.

In order to facilitate the provision of a second hockey pitch, the site is to be extended southwards into the adjacent field. This will enable the existing pitch (which runs east- west) to be replaced by two new pitches, orientated north-south.

Both pitches will be flood-lit by 15m high columns. The slight changes in levels across the site (sloping downwards towards the north western corner) mean that there will be an element of ‘cut and fill’ of the land to achieve pitches that are level.

As a result of this excavation work around the southern boundary, there will be a bank along the southern boundary, which will be fenced and landscaped to provide a green buffer to the pitches when viewed from the south. The green buffer will comprise of a hedge and tree planting. It will mask the fence as it grows. The fence will prevent light spillage into the adjacent field, such that the new landscaping will be shaded from the lights and will be a useful foraging habitat for bats.

There will also be tree planting and understorey shrub planting to the east of the pavilion, in order to enhance the landscaped boundary zone to the development site to the east, and to provide enhanced ecological habitat.

The existing hedgerow along the Kettering Road boundary will be retained, as will the existing vegetation around the western boundary.

Drainage of the proposed pitches will be to a stone base beneath them, with an attenuation pond in the north west corner of the site.

The extension of the site southwards will require the moving of a Borough boundary marker from its current position in the southern hedgerow to a point further east, close to the public right of way. This location will still be on the line of the historic Borough boundary.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 6 Kettering Road, Stamford

The application has been the subject of pre-application discussions and attendance at SKDC’s Design PAD meeting. Feedback has helped to refine the scheme.

Sport England raised some queries at pre-application stage. The proposals comply with their “Exceptions” E2, in that the purpose of the proposed development is to support the principal use of the site as a playing field, and E5 where the new provision would outweigh the loss of the existing pitch by actually providing two pitches.

Early discussions have been held with hockey organisations with a view to facilitating wider use of the pitches.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 7 Kettering Road, Stamford

4 Relevant Planning Policies and Constraints

The site lies within Flood Zone 1. There are no Listed Buildings or Conservation Areas on or near the site, nor TPO trees.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2019

The NPPF sets out the Government’s vision for sustainable development, which it sets out in three overarching objectives: economic, social and environmental. These objectives are delivered through Local Plans and planning decisions. The NPPF applies a presumption in favour of sustainable development which, for decision-taking means “approving development proposals that accord with an up-to-date development plan without delay” (paragraph 11.c).

The relevant paragraphs of the NPPF to this application are as follows:

91. Planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places which:

c) enable and support healthy lifestyles, especially where this would address identified local health and well-being needs – for example through the provision of safe and accessible green infrastructure, sports facilities, local shops, access to healthier food, allotments and layouts that encourage walking and cycling.

94. It is important that a sufficient choice of school places is available to meet the needs of existing and new communities. Local planning authorities should take a proactive, positive and collaborative approach to meeting this requirement, and to development that will widen choice in education. They should:

a) give great weight to the need to create, expand or alter schools through the preparation of plans and decisions on applications;

96. Access to a network of high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important for the health and well-being of communities. Planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the need for open space, sport and recreation facilities (including quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses) and opportunities for new provision. Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sport and recreational provision is needed, which plans should then seek to accommodate.

South Kesteven District Council Local Plan 2011 – 2036

The following policies are relevant to the application and are contained in Appendix 1.

SD1: The Principles of Sustainable Development in South Kesteven

SP1; Spatial Strategy

SP4: Development on the Edge of Settlements

SP6: Community Services and Facilities

EN1: Landscape Character

EN2: Protecting Biodiversity and Geodiversity

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 8 Kettering Road, Stamford

EN5: Water Environment and Flood Risk Management

EN6: The Historic Environment

DE1: Promoting Good Quality Design

SB1: Sustainable Building

ID2: Transport and Strategic Transport Infrastructure

Stamford Neighbourhood Plan

A Neighbourhood Plan for Stamford was submitted to SKDC in July 2020 for final consultation prior to a referendum anticipated for May 2021. Until the Neighbourhood Plan has been Made, it does not form part of the Development Plan for the area.

Emerging policies of the Stamford Neighbourhood Plan, that are relevant to this application, are as follows. The full text of the policies is replicated at Appendix 1.

Policy 10: The Historic Environment Policy 12: Development Principles for New Development Policy 13: Sustainable Transport Policy 14: The provision of new educational facilities in Stamford

Peterborough Local Plan 2016 to 2036

Part of the site lies within the administrative boundary of Peterborough City Council. Summaries of policies of the Peterborough Local Plan relevant to this application are as follows:

Policy LP1: Sustainable Development, seeks “to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area, and in turn helps Peterborough create the UK's Environment Capital.”

Policy LP2: The Settlement Hierarchy and the Countryside, requires that development in the countryside is restricted to development including that which is “demonstrably essential to the effective operation of local agriculture, horticulture, forestry, outdoor recreation and access to natural greenspace, transport or utility services.” (Our emphasis).

Policy LP7: Health and Wellbeing, states that “Development proposals should promote, support and enhance both the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the community, contributing to reducing health inequalities and helping to deliver healthy, active lifestyles.” This will be achieved by measures including: “Development schemes facilitating participation in sport and physical activity, as far as is relevant to the specific proposal, through the internal and external layout, design and use of buildings, and overall site layout and design.”

Policy LP13: Transport, seeks to achieve the following (in relation to this application): • Reduce the need to travel, especially by car; • Prioritise bus use over car use across the network; • Make journeys on foot, cycle, public transport, car share or water the more attractive option over private car use, through the use of direct, legible and segregated routes; • Assist those with access and mobility difficulties;

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 9 Kettering Road, Stamford

• Deliver quality cycle facilities at workplaces including secured and covered cycle parking, showering and changing facilities; and • Seek to improve sustainable transport links to travel hubs from rural areas and improve walking and cycle links between villages. In terms of parking, “Non residential development outside of the city centre is encouraged to design schemes which share parking spaces with other developments where the location and pattern of uses of the spaces makes this possible. If there is a realistic prospect of sharing spaces, the council will be prepared to relax the requirements for provision accordingly.”

Policy LP16: Design and the Public Realm, states: All development proposals are expected to positively contribute to the character and local distinctiveness of the area and create a sense of place. As such, and where applicable, proposals will be required to demonstrate to a degree proportionate to the proposal, that they: a. Respect the context of the site and surrounding area and respond appropriately to: • the local patterns of development, including street plots and blocks, spaces between buildings and boundary treatments; • building form, including size, scale, massing, density, details and materials; • topography; • existing natural, historic and built assets and features that contribute positively to local character and distinctiveness; • existing landmarks and focal points; • existing views into, out of or through the site; b. Make effective and efficient use of land and buildings, through the arrangement of development plots and the design, layout and orientation of buildings on site; c. Are durable, flexible and adaptable over their planned lifespan, taking into account potential future social, economic, technological and environmental needs, through the structure, layout and design of buildings and places; d. Use appropriate, high quality materials which reinforce or enhance local distinctiveness, with consideration given to texture, colour, pattern and durability; e. Maximise permeability and legibility for pedestrians and cyclists, and avoid barriers to movement, through careful consideration of street layouts and access routes that are attractive, accessible and easily recognisable; f. Provide well designed boundary treatments, that reflect the function and character of the development and its surroundings; g. Provide well designed new public realm, with appropriate landscaping (hard and soft), street furniture, opportunities for public art and opportunities to enhance biodiversity; h. Are safe and designed to minimise crime and antisocial behaviour, taking into account secure by design principles; and i. Ensure public places and buildings are accessible to all.

Policy LP17: Amenity Provision Amenity of existing occupiers New development should not result in an unacceptable impact on the amenity of existing occupiers of any nearby properties. These impacts may include: a. loss of privacy for the occupiers of any nearby property; or b. loss of public green space and/or amenity space; or c. noise and/or vibration levels resulting in disturbance for the occupiers or users of any nearby property or land; or d. loss of light to and/or overshadowing of any nearby property; or e. overbearing impact on any nearby property; or f. adverse impact on air quality from odour, fumes, dust, smoke or other sources; or g. light pollution from artificial light or glare.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 10 Kettering Road, Stamford

Policy LP19: The Historic Environment, requires that “all new development must respect, and enhance or reinforce where appropriate, the local character and distinctiveness of the area in which it would be situated, particularly in areas of high heritage value.” There will be particular emphasis on matters including: c. the protection of designated heritage assets and their settings; d. the identification and protection of significant non-designated heritage assets and their settings; and e. the avoidance of harm to the character and setting of Burghley Park, Milton Park, Thorpe Park, and Peterborough Cathedral Precincts, and to the grounds and parkland associated with Bainton House, Ufford Hall, Walcot Hall and the Abbey Fields, Thorney.

All development proposals that would directly affect any heritage asset (whether designated or non-designated), including any contribution made by its setting, will need to be accompanied by a Heritage Statement.

• Policy LP28: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, requires all development to Conserve and enhance the network of habitats, species and sites (both statutory and non-statutory) of international, national and local importance commensurate with their status and give appropriate weight to their importance; • Avoid negative impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity; • Deliver a net gain in biodiversity, where possible, by creating, restoring and enhancing habitats and enhancing them for the benefit of species; • Where necessary, protect and enhance the aquatic environment within or adjoining the site, including water quality and habitat. For riverside development, this includes the need to consider options for riverbank naturalisation. In all cases regard should be had to the council’s Flood and Water Management SPD.

All development proposals should complete the council's biodiversity checklist to identify features of value on and adjoining the site and, for major development proposals, provide an audit of losses and gains in existing and proposed habitat. Where there is the potential for the presence of protected species and/or habitats, a relevant ecological survey(s) must be undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist. The development proposals must be informed by the results of both the checklist and survey. In all cases, regard should be had to the council’s Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity SPD.

Policy LP29: Trees and Woodland, requires applications to be accompanied by a tree survey and method statement. The council will expect the proposal to retain those trees that make a significant contribution to the landscape or biodiversity value of the area, provided this can be done without compromising the achievement of good design for the site. Compensatory tree planting is required to mitigate for the loss of trees and opportunities for new tree planting explored.

Policy LP31: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Development proposals will be considered more favourably if the scheme would make a positive and significant contribution towards reducing demand, resource efficiency, energy production and/or carbon off-setting.

Policy LP32: Flood and Water Management, requires applications to be accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment, and demonstrate protection of the water environment.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 11 Kettering Road, Stamford

5 Assessment and Justification of the Application

In terms of this application, the main issues to be addressed are the Principle of Development, Impact on the Character and Appearance of the Area, Sustainable design and construction, Amenity, Highway Safety and Parking, Landscape and Visual Impact, ecological and Arboricultural Impact, Flood Risk and Drainage, and Heritage Impact.

Principle of Development

The site lies on the edge of Stamford where SKDC policy SP4 supports development subject to certain criteria. These are as follows:-

a. Clear evidence of support from the local community. As set out in the Statement of Community Involvement which accompanies this application, there have been extensive pre-submission consultations with stakeholders. Unfortunately, the lockdown prevented a public community consultation exercise. However, a consultation was carried out by the provision of information electronically for comment. The positive results of this exercise are set out in the Statement of Community Involvement.

b. Well designed and appropriate in size/scale, layout and character to the setting and area. As can be seen from the proposed plans, the development has been designed by well-respected architects, landscape architects and pitch specialists. The proposed pavilion has been designed to provide the required functional elements, and has a double gabled roof in order to keep the height of the building down.

Whilst larger than the existing pavilion, this single storey form will have a low key impact on the western approach to the town. The design approach to the building has been set out in the Design and Access Statement which accompanies the application.

c. Be adjacent to the existing pattern of development for the area. The site is adjacent to existing development. The proposed pavilion will be closer to the road than the existing pavilion, but will be read against the backdrop of existing development.

d. Not extend obtrusively into the open countryside and be appropriate to the landscape, environmental and heritage characteristics of the area. The proposed pavilion will be closer to the road than the existing one. The proposed pitches will extend further into the countryside than the existing single pitch. However, the associated engineering works to level the site will result in the pitches being set down into the landscape such that they will not be prominent in views, especially from the south.

Whilst the associated flood lights will be visible, there overall impact will be similar to the existing flood lights. In particular the modern design and method of illumination of the proposed flood lights will result in a lesser impact visually. There will be no upward lighting from the flood lights, which will be directed into the pitches to avoid the spillage of light beyond the area of the pitches. Page 9 of the flood lighting design document demonstrates this lack of spillage outside the area of the pitches.

The consequential landscaping will help to accommodate the development into its surroundings and will improve biodiversity. The only heritage asset associated with the site is the former boundary post, which is to be moved to a more visible position where it will be better appreciated.

e. This relates to housing development and is therefore not relevant to this application.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 12 Kettering Road, Stamford

f. This relates to housing and employment growth and is therefore not relevant to this application.

g. to j. These relate to affordable housing and are therefore not relevant to this application.

The application therefore complies with policy SP4, and is therefore acceptable in principle.

In terms of PPC Local Plan, the development is acceptable development under policies LP2 and LP7 by providing and facilitating outdoor recreation.

Impact on the Character and Appearance of the Area

The proposed new pavilion and pitches will replace existing facilities. In that respect the character of the area as an educational sports field site will be maintained. In terms of appearance, the Design and Access Statement sets out how the proposed building contributes to the local distinctiveness of the area.

The building will be accommodated into a its wider context of other built development through its high quality design.

The lighting design for the proposed pitches will ensure that the amenities of nearby residents will not be adversely effected through light spillage.

The associated landscaping and the moving of the borough boundary post to a more visually accessible location, will ensure that important site features are retained and new landscape and biodiversity enhancement is incorporated.

The application therefore complies with policy DE1. It also complies with PCC policy LP16, particularly in terms of respecting the site’s context, making efficient use of the site by re- orientating the pitches to be side by side rather than reaching further into the field to the south, making efficient and flexible use of the building, and enhancing boundary landscaping and the public realm.

Sustainable Design and Construction

Section 4.8 of the Design And Access Statement sets out how the design of the building will need to target for CO2 emission rates.

The building will be efficient in terms of thermal, lighting, ventilation, energy and water management.

The application therefore complies with policy SB1, SP6g., and DE1.

It also complies with PCC Policy LP1 by improving the social and environmental conditions of the site, and Policy LP31 through its design having taken into account thermal and ventilation efficiency, and the use of PV and air source heat pump technologies.

Amenity (Noise and Lighting)

Residential properties are located to the west and east of the site. In terms of lighting, the existing artificial turf pitch is further away from properties in Wothorpe than the proposed new pitches. However, the proposed lighting will be more modern than the existing, using approximately 2/3rds of the wattage per light. There will also be less light spillage then from the existing pitch.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 13 Kettering Road, Stamford

The design of the lighting scheme will therefore protect residential amenity.

In terms of noise, the nearest properties are approximately 70m from the proposed pitches. Predicated noise levels are within World Health Organisation guidelines.

The noise report that has been submitted with the application concludes that whilst the proposed development would be noticeable, it would not be intrusive.

The application proposals therefore comply with policy DE1b. and SP6h. The application also complies with PCC policy LP17 through not resulting in an unacceptable impact on the amenities of nearby properties.

Highway Safety and Parking

Access to the site is currently located opposite the main Junior School access. This will remain the case. However, the gates to the access will be set back, so that vehicles needing to gain access to the site can park clear of the highway whilst the gates are opened and closed.

To the west of this vehicular access is a pedestrian access which leads directly off the pedestrian crossing of Kettering Road.

No changes are proposed to this crossing, which will be retained.

The interior of the site will be laid out to facilitate pedestrian movement separate from vehicle movement.

New stone walling will be provided around the vehicular entrance to prevent vegetation from growing into the visibility splays.

The layout of hard standing to the north of the proposed building facilitates parking and turning for a service vehicle and disability parking. There are also cycle stands provided. Vehicles can turn and leave the site in a forward gear.

Disability access is provided via step-free routes to the pitches, terrace and building. The building and pitches area accessible to wheelchair users. These overall improvements to vehicle and pedestrian access and the internal layout of the site comply with policy ID2, which requires the provision of a range of transport choices, minimising car use and ensuring accessibility for all.

Similarly, the application complies with policy SP6e and f which requires proposal for new community facilities to promote accessibility by alternative modes and be accessible to all members of society.

The application also complies with PCC policy LP13 by facilitating cycling and disability access and using the existing parking of the wider school site.

Landscape and Visual Impact

The wider visual impact of the application proposals is important due to the prominence of the site on this western gateway into Stamford.

The application is accompanied by a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment which considers the existing landscape, views associated with the development, the sensitivity those views to the application proposal and the consequential effects on landscape character.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 14 Kettering Road, Stamford

The effects of the development have been mitigated by ensuring that the proposed pavilion is in keeping with the scale of surrounding buildings. To this end the main part of the pavilion will be 8m high to the ridge. This will be lower than the surrounding residential properties despite being 1.8m higher than the existing pavilion.

The volume of the pavilion is broken up and the external elevations utilise local stone, timber and metal roofing in neutral tones. The pavilion is also set within existing and additional tree planting to soften its impact in the wider landscape.

A gap will still be retained between the pitches and the village of Wothorpe.

As a result, whilst the site itself would experience larger scale effects which are inevitable due to the development, the land outside the site would be negligibly affected due to a combination of lack of visibility and, or the lack of change to the existing landscape character, given that the site is already in use as a pavilion and pitch.

The LVIA notes that there would be medium scale effects in the field to the south of the site where the proposed fencing along the southern boundary could have an urbanising influence on the character of the field. However, this effect would be reduced once the tree and hedgerow planting matures.

Long terms effects on the landscape will therefore be minimal.

The application proposals therefore comply with policy EN1 which requires development to be appropriate to the character of the landscape within which it is situated and to ensure it is conserved and enhanced.

Biodiversity and Arboricultural Impact

The hedgerow along the southern boundary of the existing site (approximately 180m in length) is to be removed to facilitate the extension of the site into the adjacent field to the south.

Additionally, some hedgerow along the northern boundary at the access point will be removed to improve the access to the site.

Within the site, the pavilion will be located in the position of around 20 tress and associated groups of trees and scrub. However, in mitigation, the proposed development will provide a new 3m wide native hedgerow and trees along the new route of the southern boundary, existing hedgerows around the site will be retained and managed, and the land to the east of the new pavilion will be planted as a landscape margin, tying into the existing retained trees.

Additional trees will also be planted around the site’s northern western corner, along with other areas of grass land and meadow planting.

As a result, the application proposal complies with policy DE1d and e by providing well designed landscaping and retains existing trees and hedgerows where possible.

The Ecological Assessment submitted with the application notes that the existing pavilion has potentially as a bat roost. This lead to an additional bat survey. This concluded that the bat roost potential of the existing pavilion is low, as is the roosting potential of trees in the vicinity.

The Ecological Assessment notes that the existing flood lighting is outdated which causes extensive spillage of light into the adjacent landscape. Even though the pitches will increase in area, the proposed flood lighting design only results in a small increase in the areas subjected

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 15 Kettering Road, Stamford

to artificial illumination. This is mitigated by the provision of the southern boundary fence which will prevent light spillage to the new southern boundary hedgerow.

The Ecological Assessment concludes that a precautionary approach should be taken to the impact on various species during construction, for which we would anticipate planning conditions, along with conditions requiring ecological enhancement features and further surveys.

The application proposal therefore complies with policy EN2 in terms of not having an impact on irreplaceable habitat and in providing appropriate mitigation for the minor detrimental impacts identified.

The application also complies with PCC Policies LP28 and LP29 for the same reasons.

Flood Risk and Drainage

The application is accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment. The site lies within flood zone 1 (low risk).

Water runoff from the current pavilion is connected to a waste water sewer on the southern boundary of the site. The existing pitch is drainage via perimeter pipes into the existing Anglian Water surface water sewer which runs north west from the Kettering Road, beneath the railway lien to the .

The geology of the site is such that the proposed surface water management scheme relies on restricting the discharge rate to the existing surface water sewer. This is to be achieved by the provision of a porous stone subbase to the pitches, such that the subbase will become a storage blanket.

In addition, there will be attenuation crates below the terrace in front of the pavilion.

Finally, a grassed attenuation basin will be provided in the north western corner of the site, which is the low point of the site.

Flow control from this attenuation basin will restrict the final discharge of surface water into the surface water sewer, leading to an improvement in attenuation and offsite discharge.

The use of a stone attenuation blanket and the attenuation basin will also ensure that water is filtered before being discharged from the site.

The application will therefore comply with policy EN5 by locating development in the lowest area of flood risk, by providing a Flood Risk Assessment and preventing an increase in flood risk elsewhere, by not exceeding predevelopment run off rates. Similarly it complies with PCC policy LP32 in protecting the water environment and preventing off-site flooding.

Heritage Impact

The application is accompanied by a Heritage Statement. Whilst there are no designed heritage assets on the site, the site is part of the wider Burghley Estate and is also associated with Stamford Endowed Schools.

The alteration to the existing historic southern boundary to the field is considered to have a low adverse impact on the sites significance at a local level. However, the overall impact on the significance of the Millennium Pitches is considered to be negligible.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 16 Kettering Road, Stamford

The borough boundary marker is of local historic interest but not listed. Its relocation to the east of the current site will remain on the line of the borough boundary and will benefit local historic interest through its increased visibility from the public footpath.

The Heritage Statement notes that the proposed development will also have a negligible impact on the setting and views of nearby schedule monument and listed buildings, as well as the setting and views of the Stamford conservation area.

Overall it is concluded that there will be no harm to hesitate assets as a result of the proposals and the historic boundary marker will be better appreciated.

The application therefore complies with policy EN6 by enhancing the significance of the boundary marker as a heritage asset.

It also complies with PCC Policy LP19 for the same reasons, and by ensuring the protection of the setting of Burghley Park, as discussed in the Heritage Statement.

Stamford Neighbourhood Plan

Whilst the Neighbourhood Plan is not yet “Made”, it is at an advanced stage, having been submitted for Examination, and is therefore a material consideration.

The application proposals have taken account of the emerging policies relevant to this site and the proposed development, namely policies 10, 12, 13 and 14. As set out above, the application has been carefully designed to ensure that the development is accommodated successfully into the area in terms of character and appearance, and historic, environmental and social impacts.

Importantly, the site is not in a location designated as an important view or important open space within the Neighbourhood Plan.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 17 Kettering Road, Stamford

6 Conclusion

Planning law requires that decisions on planning applications are made in accordance with the development plan, unless Material Considerations indicate otherwise. This Statement sets out how the application complies with the relevant policies of the two Local Plans, such that approval of the application can be recommended.

The proposed development will provide a high quality and much needed additional sports facility for the school. The application takes the opportunity to enhance visual impact, biodiversity, heritage appreciation, surface water runoff, ecological habitat, highway safety and light spillage.

The application therefore represents sustainable development that supports equality in education, fitness and well-being. The pavilion and pitches will provide improved changing facilities, indoor activities, and additional pitch capacity.

The location of the development is well related to the school that it serves enabling ease of access in relation to the surrounding school development.

Stamford Endowed Schools Page 18 Kettering Road, Stamford

SKDC Relevant Planning Policies

SD1: The Principles of Sustainable Development in South Kesteven Development proposals in South Kesteven will be expected to minimise the impact on climate change and contribute towards creating a strong, stable and more diverse economy. Development proposals shall consider how they can proactively minimise: a. the effects of climate change and include measures to take account of future changes in the climate; b. the need to travel, and wherever possible be located where services and facilities can be accessed more easily through walking, cycling or public transport; c. the use of resources, and meet high environmental standards in terms of design and construction with particular regard to energy and water efficiency; and d. the production of waste both during construction and occupation Development proposals shall consider how they can proactively avoid: e. developing land at risk of flooding or where development would exacerbate the risk of flooding elsewhere. f. the pollution of air, land, water, noise and light Development proposals shall consider how they can proactively encourage, as appropriate: g. the use of previously developed land, conversions or the redevelopment of vacant or unutilised land or buildings within settlements; and h. the use of sustainable construction materials Development proposals shall consider how they can proactively support: i. strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing a supply of housing which meets the needs of present and future generations Development proposals shall consider how they can proactively enhance the District’s: j. character; k. natural environment, l. cultural and heritage assets; m. services and infrastructure, as needed to support development and growth proposals.

SP1: Spatial Strategy The Local Plan will deliver sustainable growth across the District and throughout the Plan Period (2011 – 2036). To achieve new growth the Local Plan includes allocations for both housing and employment land.

All allocations proposed in the plan are the most suitable and sustainable development options and provide for a variety of site types and sizes to ensure choice is offered to the market and delivery is achievable.

The Objectively Assessed Need for South Kesteven is 16,125 new dwellings. To ensure the Objectively Assessed Need is met in full, the minimum Local Plan requirement for South Kesteven is 16,125 dwellings across the period 2011 to 2036, this applies an uplift from 625 to 650 dwellings per annum from 2016 to take into account market signals.

The overall strategy of the Plan is to deliver sustainable growth, including new housing and job creation, in order to facilitate growth in the local economy and support local residents. The focus for the majority of growth is in and around the four market towns, with Grantham being a particular

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focal point. Larger Villages will provide a supporting role in meeting the development needs of the District. Development should create strong, sustainable, cohesive and inclusive communities, making the most effective use of appropriate previously developed land (where possible) and enabling a larger number of people to access jobs, services and facilities locally. Development should provide the scale and mix of housing types that will meet the identified need for South Kesteven (as informed by the Peterborough Sub Regional Housing Market Assessments) and a range of new job opportunities in order to secure balanced communities (as informed by the Employment Land Study).

Decisions on investment in services and facilities, and on the location and scale of new development, will be taken on the basis of the Settlement Hierarchy as set out in Policy SP2. Proposals should protect the best and most versatile agricultural land so as to protect opportunities for food production and the continuance of the agricultural economy. Development affecting the best and most versatile agricultural land will only be permitted if:

• There is insufficient lower grade land available at that settlement (unless development of such lower grade land would be inconsistent with other sustainability considerations); and

• Where feasible, once any development which is permitted has ceased its useful life the land will be restored to its former use, and will be of at least equal quality to that which existed prior to the development taken place (this requirement will be secured by planning condition where appropriate).

SP4: Development on the Edge of Settlements Proposals for development on the edge of a settlement, as defined in Policy SP2, which are in accordance all other relevant Local Plan policies, will be supported provided that the essential criteria a – f below are met. The proposal must: a. demonstrate clear evidence of substantial support from the local community* through an appropriate, thorough and proportionate pre-application community consultation exercise. Where this cannot be determined, support (or otherwise) should be sought from the Town or Parish Council or Neighbourhood Plan Group or Forum, based upon material planning considerations; b. be well designed and appropriate in size / scale, layout and character to the setting and area; c. be adjacent to the existing pattern of development for the area, or adjacent to developed site allocations as identified in the development plan; d. not extend obtrusively into the open countryside and be appropriate to the landscape, environmental and heritage characteristics of the area; e. in the case of housing development, meet a proven local need for housing and seeks to address a specific targeted need for local market housing; and f. enable the delivery of essential infrastructure to support growth proposals. As an exception to criterion a) above, a housing scheme which meets a demonstrable local need for affordable housing will be considered acceptable as a Rural Exception scheme (regardless of whether criterion a) above has been satisfied), provided that it is supported by clear up-to-date evidence that the proposal: g. is justified by evidence of local need and affordability, from an appropriate local housing needs survey; and

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h. meets the affordable housing needs of households who are currently resident, or have a local connection to the parish as defined in the Council’s published housing allocations policy; and i. the occupation of the dwellings will be secured in perpetuity to meet local need; and j. that no other more suitable site(s) is available within the settlement.

On Rural Exception sites the Council may consider market housing provision alongside affordable housing as a means of cross-subsidising the essential affordable housing provision. In such cases the total number of market dwellings must not exceed the number of affordable homes needed and should be supported by the submission of a robust viability assessment which demonstrates that the scheme only promotes the minimum number of market houses required to make the scheme viable (viability assessment will be independently verified and the applicant will be expected to meet the cost of this assessment)

* the term ‘demonstration of clear local community support’ means that at the point of submitting a planning application to the local planning authority, there should be clear evidence of local community support for the scheme, with such support generated via a thorough, but proportionate, pre-application consultation exercise, where demonstratable evidence of local community support or objection cannot be determined, then there will be a requirement for support from the applicable Parish or Town Council or Neighbourhood Plan Group. If an application is in doubt as to what would constitute a ‘thorough but proportionate’, preapplication consultation exercise, then the applicant should contact the applicable local planning authority.

SP6: Community Services and Facilities Applications for the change of use of all community facilities which would result in the loss of community use will be resisted unless it is clearly demonstrated that: a. there are alternative facilities available and active in the same area which would fulfil the role of the existing use/building; and b. the existing use is no longer viable (supported by documentary evidence), and there is no realistic prospect of the premises being re-used for alternative business or community facility use. The proposal must also demonstrate that consideration has been given to: c. the re-use of the premises for an alternative community business or facility and that effort has been made to try to secure such a re-use; and d. the potential impact closure may have on the area and its community, with regard to public use and support for both the existing and proposed use.

Proposals for new community facilities will be supported, and should wherever feasible: e. Prioritise and promote access by walking, cycling and public transport Community facilities may have a local or wider catchment area, and their accessibility should be considered proportionately relative to their purpose, scale and catchment area and; f. Be physically accessible to all members of society; g. Be designed so that they are adaptable and can be easily altered to respond to future demands if necessary; and h. Where applicable be operated without detriment to local residents.

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EN1: Landscape Character South Kesteven's Landscape Character Areas are identified on the map above (Figure 6).

Development must be appropriate to the character and significant natural, historic and cultural attributes and features of the landscape within which it is situated, and contribute to its conservation, enhancement or restoration.

In assessing the impact of proposed development on the Landscape, relevant Landscape Character Appraisals should be considered, including those produced to inform the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plans. Consideration should also be given to the Capacity and Limits to Growth Studies produced for Grantham and Stamford and the Points of the Compass Assessments prepared for the Larger Villages.

EN2: Protecting Biodiversity and Geodiversity The Council, working in partnership with all relevant stakeholders, will facilitate the conservation, enhancement and promotion of the District’s biodiversity and geological interest of the natural environment. This includes seeking to enhance ecological networks and seeking to deliver a net gain on all proposals, where possible.

Proposals that are likely to have a significant impact on sites designated internationally, nationally or locally for their biodiversity and geodiversity importance, species populations and habitats identified in the Biodiversity Action Plan, Geodiversity Strategy and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances:

• In the case of internationally designated sites (alone or in combination), where there is no alternative solution and there are overriding reasons of public interest for the development. • In the case of National Sites (alone or in combination) where the benefits of development in that location clearly outweigh both the impact on the site and any broader impacts on the wider network of National Sites. • In the case of Local Sites (e.g. Local Wildlife Sites) or sites which meet the designation criteria for Local Sites, the reasons for development must clearly outweigh the long term need to protect the site.

In exceptional circumstances where detrimental impacts of development cannot be avoided (through locating an alternative site) the Council will require appropriate mitigation to be undertaken by the developers or as a final resort compensation. Where none of these can be achieved then planning permission will be refused. Where any mitigation and compensation measures are required, they should be in place before development activities start that may disturb protected or important species.

Planning permission will be refused for development resulting in the loss, deterioration or fragmentation of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and aged or veteran trees, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss or harm.

Development proposals that are likely to result in a significant adverse effect, either alone or in

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combination, on any internationally designated site, must satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Regulations. Development requiring Appropriate Assessment will only be allowed where it can be determined, taking into account mitigation, that the proposal would not result in significant adverse effects on the site’s integrity.

EN5: Water Environment and Flood Risk Management

Development should be located in the lowest areas of flood risk, in accordance with the South Kesteven Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). Where this is not possible the sequential approach to development will be applied. Where the requirements of the sequential test are met, the exception test will be applied, where necessary.

A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) will be required for all development in Flood Zones 2 and 3 and for sites greater than 1 hectare in Flood Zone 1, and where a development site is located in an area known to have experienced flood problems from any flood source, including critical drainage.

All development must avoid increasing flood risk elsewhere. Runoff from the site post development must not exceed pre-development rates for all storm events up to and including the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP)* storm event with an allowance for climate change. The appropriate climate change allowances should be defined using relevant Environment Agency guidance.

Surface water should be managed effectively on site through the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) unless it is demonstrated to be technically unfeasible. All planning applications should be accompanied by a statement of how surface water is to be managed and in particular where it is to be discharged. Surface water connections to the public sewage network should only be made in exceptional circumstances. On-site attenuation and infiltration will be required as part of any new development wherever possible. Opportunities must be sought to achieve multiple benefits, for example through green infrastructure provision and biodiversity enhancements in addition to their drainage function. The long-term maintenance of structures such as swales and balancing ponds must be agreed in principle prior to permission being granted.

Development proposals should demonstrate that water is available to serve the development and adequate foul water treatment and disposal already exists or can be provided in time to serve the development. Foul and surface water flows should be separated where possible.

Suitable access should be maintained for water resource and drainage infrastructure.

Where development takes place in Flood Zones 2 and 3, opportunities should be sought to: a. Reduce flooding by considering the layout and form of the development and the appropriate application of sustainable drainage techniques; b. Relocate existing development to land in zones with a lower probability of flooding; and c. Create space for flooding to occur by restoring functional floodplains and flood flow pathways and by identifying, allocating and safeguarding open space for storage.

EN6: The Historic Environment The Council will seek to protect and enhance heritage assets and their settings in keeping with the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework.

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Development that is likely to cause harm to the significance of a heritage asset or its setting will only be granted permission where the public benefits of the proposal outweigh the potential harm.

Proposals which would conserve or enhance the significance of the asset shall be considered favourably. Substantial harm or total loss will be resisted.

Proposals will be expected to take Conservation Area Appraisals into account, where these have been adopted by the Council.

Where development affecting archaeological sites is acceptable in principle, the Council will seek to ensure mitigation of impact through preservation of the remains in situ as a preferred solution. When in situ preservation is not practical, the developer will be required to make adequate provision for excavation and recording before or during development.

DE1: Promoting Good Quality Design To ensure high quality design is achieved throughout the District, all development proposals will be expected to: a. Make a positive contribution to the local distinctiveness, vernacular and character of the area. Proposals should reinforce local identity and not have an adverse impact on the streetscene, settlement pattern or the landscape / townscape character of the surrounding area. Proposals should be of an appropriate scale, density, massing, height and material, given the context of the area; b. Ensure there is no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring users in terms of noise, light pollution, loss of privacy and loss of light and have regard to features that minimise crime and the fear of crime; and c. Provide sufficient private amenity space, suitable to the type and amount of development proposed.

Development proposals should seek to: d. Retain and incorporate important on site features, such as trees and hedgerows and incorporate, where possible, nature conservation and biodiversity enhancement into the development; e. Provide well designed hard and soft landscaping; and f. Effectively incorporate onsite infrastructure, such as flood mitigation systems or green infrastructure, as appropriate. All major development (as defined in the Glossary) must demonstrate compliance with: g. Neighbourhood Plan policies; h. Manual for Streets guidance and relevant Lincolnshire County Council guidance i. Village design statements, where approved by the Council. j. For new residential proposals, development should perform positively against Building for Life 12;

Planning permission for new residential development above a threshold of 10 or more dwellings will be granted subject to a target of at least 10% of new dwellings being developed as ‘Accessible and Adaptable’ in line with the optional standards set out in Part M4(2) of the Building Regulations.

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Residential development on sites of 400 or more dwellings must contribute towards innovative design, to encourage sustainable living and working across the District. This should be delivered through exemplary design, construction and community facilities within all strategic developments. Residential development on sites of 400 or more dwellings and other significant Developments (defined by the Council)* will undergo an independent Design Review, at an early stage as part of comprehensive masterplanning or through pre-application advice. The Council and the Applicant will be equally involved in the selection of a review panel. The cost associated with the Design Review will be covered, in full, by the Applicant.

*significant developments will be determined on a case by case basis, depending on the context of each individual site.

When selecting schemes to undergo Design Review from both allocated sites and subsequent proposals, the following criteria will act as guidance: i. Significant major planning proposals that include large buildings or groups of buildings such as large scale housing schemes, religious buildings, museums or art galleries, hospitals, shopping and leisure complexes, and office or commercial buildings; ii. Strategic or regeneration opportunity sites; iii. Infrastructure projects such as stations, and other transport interchanges; iv. Sites with special significance or local interest or proposals which are out of the ordinary in their context or setting because of their scale; v. Schemes that by their nature, setting or location are likely to be seen as unusual, particularly controversial or setting a precedence. This includes proposals which are likely to establish the planning, form or architectural quality for future large scale development or redevelopment; and vi. Schemes with a significant impact upon the public realm, such as major changes in the public realm or proposals to enhance public squares and civic open spaces; and vii. Where a masterplan or concept framework is needed to ensure the satisfactory development of a complex or multi-ownership site.

SB1: Sustainable Building All development proposals will be expected to mitigate against and adapt to climate change, to comply with national and contribute to local targets on reducing carbon emissions and energy use unless it can be demonstrated that compliance with the policy is not viable or feasible.

1. Energy consumption New development should demonstrate how carbon dioxide emissions have been minimised in accordance with the following energy hierarchy: a. Using less energy through energy efficient building design and construction, including thermal insulation, passive ventilation and cooling; b. Utilising energy efficient supplies – including connecting to available heat and power networks; and c. Maximising use of renewable and low carbon energy generation system

2. Water Resources New development should seek to achieve a ‘water neutral position’ and promote enhanced sustainability. To achieve this, the following standards will be expected from new development:

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d. New housing: is expected to be as water efficient as possible. Proposals which do not meet the Building Regulations optional requirement target of 110 l/h/d must demonstrate how and why this standard cannot be attained as part of the specific development scheme proposed. e. Non-domestic buildings: will be expected to reach ‘Good’ BREEAM status as a minimum. f. Major development schemes: will be expected to provide a programme of water efficiency promotion and consumer education, as part of the new development with the aim of behavioural change with regards to water use.

3. Contributing to Low-Carbon Travel All new development should demonstrate how they can support low-carbon travel, to achieve this: g. new residential development will be expected to provide electric car charging points h. new commercial developments shall make provision for electric car charging points. The number of charging points required will be determined on a case by case basis.

ID2: Transport and Strategic Transport Infrastructure South Kesteven District Council and its delivery partners will support and promote an efficient and safe transport network which offers a range of transport choices for the movement of people and goods reduces the need to travel by car and encourages use of alternatives, such as walking, cycling, and public transport.

New development will be required to contribute to transport improvements in line with appropriate evidence, including the Infrastructure Delivery Schedule, the Local Transport Plan and local transport strategies.

All new developments should demonstrate that they have applied the following principles: a. Are located where travel can be minimised and the use of sustainable transport modes maximised; b. Reduce additional travel demand through the use of measures such as travel planning, safe and convenient public transport, dedicated walking and cycling links and cycle storage/parking links and integration with existing infrastructure; c. Seek to generate or support the level of demand required to improve, introduce or maintain public transport services, such as rail and bus services; d. Do not severely impact on the safety and movement of traffic on the highway network or that any such impacts can be mitigated through appropriate improvements, including the provision of new or improved highway infrastructure; and e. Ensure that transport is accessible to all, including appropriate provision for vehicle, powered two wheeler and cycle parking is made for residents, visitors, employees, customers, deliveries and for people with impaired mobility.

Compliance with the criteria of this policy should be demonstrated through the provision of a transport Statement/Assessment and/or a travel plan as appropriate.

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Emerging Stamford Neighbourhood Plan Policies

Policy 10: The Historic Environment 1. Support will be given to development proposals or regeneration schemes that protect and enhance the historic environment and secure its long-term future. Support will also be given to proposals for the re-use of a heritage asset(s), where it will result in the enhancement of the asset(s). Such proposals must recognise the significance of heritage asset(s) as a central part of the development. They will be expected to be in line with the most recent characterisation studies and Conservation Area Appraisals.

Important Historic Views within the Conservation Areas 2. Proposals must conserve, and where possible, enhance any historically ‘’important’’ views, as identified within the relevant Conservation Area Appraisal.

Tall Buildings 3. Tall buildings will not be supported where they would have an adverse negative visual impact upon on the setting and visual amenity of the following buildings; St. Michael’s, St. John’s, St. Mary’s, St Martin’s and All Saints Churches.

Change of use affecting heritage assets 4. The change of use of heritage assets, including listed buildings and positive buildings in the Conservation Areas, will only be supported where the proposed use is compatible with the fabric, interior and setting of the building. New uses that adversely affect the fabric, character, appearance or setting of such assets will not be supported.

Historic Shopfronts 5. Proposals for replacement shop fronts or alterations to shopfronts, affecting heritage assets or on buildings that have an existing traditional shop frontage will be expected to ensure that traditional shopfronts are retained wherever possible irrespective of the use of the property. New shopfronts will be expected to utilise traditional materials such as timber and be designed to respect the special interest of the building and its setting.

Policy 12: Development Principles for New Development 1. Development, where possible, must achieve good design and contribute positively towards the built character and natural landscape of Stamford. In conjunction with the Stamford Character Study and other characterisation studies or design guidance such as Building for Life principles, SKDC Residential Design SPD and the Stamford Capacity Study, proposals will only be supported if they can demonstrate that they can meet all the following criteria: a) development should complement and be well integrated with neighbouring properties in the immediate locality in terms of scale, density, massing, separation, layout, materials and access; b) design should reflect high quality standards and, where possible, reflect positive local design references in both the natural and built environment and reflect and reinforce local distinctiveness; c) the height of new buildings should be in-keeping with the height of neighbouring properties and demonstrate how heights of the development will not be over-bearing or dominant in the existing street-scene;

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d) development should seek to retain existing mature hedging and established trees. Any existing mature trees or hedging that are unavoidably removed, should be replaced elsewhere on the site with native species; e) parking on all development sites should provide adequate off-street parking spaces to avoid clutter and unnecessary on-street parking. Where on-street parking forms part of a developments design, it should be appropriately designed into the street-scene by the provision of parking bays to avoid unnecessary on-street parking and traffic congestion; f) the proposal will not have any unreasonable negative impact on the existing highway network or highway safety; g) Development proposals should protect and where appropriate enhance the characteristic features of the landscape, namely important views, prominent buildings and structures, woodlands, mature trees and hedgerows.

Policy 13: Sustainable Transport 1. Developments proposals for 50 or more dwellings, or those that are proposed in areas not directly served by public transport, should demonstrate, in their design and access statement, how they have had regard to the following: a) give the highest priority to pedestrians, cyclists and other ‘active travel’ modes when developing or maintaining streets and roads; b) plan and provide a comprehensive network of routes for walking and cycling which offer convenient, safe and attractive access to employment, homes, schools and other public facilities; c) ensure the integration of public transport and active travel networks (i.e. walking and cycling with buses); d) promote ‘active travel’ for example ensuring new developments have adequate bicycle provision, including safe storage, or that new workplaces contain showers and clothes drying areas which will facilitate walking and cycling to work; e) ensure there is easy and clear connections to transport nodes, such as bus stops; f) identify and implement measures to reduce transport severance, noise levels and air pollution; and g) recognise the needs and responses of different social groups, particularly those experiencing health inequalities.

Policy 14: The provision of new educational facilities in Stamford 1. Proposals for new, or the extension of existing, educational facilities will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the proposal contributes towards the improvement of the town’s education facilities, improving access to courses and supports the local economy. Proposals for new educational facilities should consider all the following: a) the facility would be accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport; b) where appropriate, the site has a suitable vehicular access and an appropriate level of on-site visitor and staff parking spaces, including a ‘’drop-off’’ area for parents; and c) the development would not result in a significant loss of amenity to residents or other adjacent users.

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Flood Risk Map (Environment Agency)

The above plan is an extract from the Environment Agency flood plain maps reproduced from their website.

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