Roads and Access to AONB

Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment

Figure 2.12 - Roads and Access to AONB

There is strong anecdotal evidence that traffic in the countryside can be both a deterrent and a hazard to recreational users, especially for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Those who are inexperienced or less confident can easily be discouraged from using the highway network. The provision of designated Quiet Roads in consultation with highway authorities could overcome this problem and help to maintain the rural charm and character of the area.

The increase in roads signs on the edge of the highway has been a recent issue, and partnership activity will continue to assess and seek to rationalise any unnecessary signage. The Traditional Road signs in Lincolnshire project has been instrumental since 2004 in replacing and restoring almost 70 traditional road signs across the AONB. Many are more than 60 years old, and typically comprise concrete post, usually painted black and white, supporting wooden directional arms

with raised cast iron lettering. The project has been very well received locally and has been promoted nationally as an example of good practice.

2.19 Access to Services Accessibility is central to the safeguarding of sustainable communities, in particular people’s ability to reach services by available, affordable and accessible public and community transport. In rural areas of Lincolnshire, access to facilities and services is limited and has been compounded by the gradual loss or centralisation of services. Improvement to the transport system has a key role in improving access to services across the County.

Many parts of Lincolnshire suffer some degree of deprivation. In the deeply rural parts of the county, social exclusion remains a problem, particularly access to important services such as health facilities, shopping and employment opportunities. This has been compounded in the recent past by the gradual loss or centralisation of many of these facilities (e.g. village shops, post offices, health facilities). As Figure 2.13 shows the problem is most acute within East Lindsey with it ranking among the top 100 most deprived district authorities in England.

Figure 2.13 - Access to Supermarkets and Service Centres West – Lindsay District Council carried out an Accessibility Audit 2007 the results highlighted the continuing problem of a lack of access to the regular scheduled bus services for many of the small rural settlements across the District. Although this more detailed study does highlight that there are other frequent and flexible services available to residents across much of the District. There were instances however of settlements not having access to any form of public transport or taxi service.

The main points to come out of the 2007 Study were:

• 64% of Settlements has access to a scheduled Stagecoach service;

• Of the 36% that didn’t have access to a scheduled Stagecoach service, however of these 36%, 71% had an alternative bus service, i.e. Call Connect or Interconnect Service available;

• 3% of settlements had no access to any public transport of any description or taxi service and had to rely on walking or cycling to access other settlements;

• Saxilby was the only settlement that had a rail service (although other Settlements could access Gainsborough and Saxilby rail services by walking, cycling or bus;

• 15% of settlements were not in walking distance of another.

2.20 Air 2.20.1 Air Quality Management Air quality across Lincolnshire County is generally considered to be good. However vehicle emissions are a primary source of air pollutants at some locations, particularly in areas that suffer from congestion (e.g. Lincoln and other town centres), as well as within settlements situated along the county’s strategic road network. This has adverse environmental implications in terms of the effects on human health and the natural and built environment.

As part of the National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS), all local authorities are under obligation to establish air quality levels in their area. These air quality levels must meet national air quality objectives which are set by concentrations of airborne pollutants considered to be acceptable for health and the environment. If an area does not meet these objectives, Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) are declared. The authority must then draw up an Air Quality Action Plan to set objectives for improving air quality in problem areas.

There are no AQMA in either West Lindsey or East Lindsey District Councils. North East Lincolnshire Council has declared one AQMA within the town of Immingham

relating to particulate matter (PM10 ). This is to the north of and outside of the ANOB boundary.

2.21 Tourism Tourism is an important industry in Lincolnshire, particularly along the coast, in and around the Lincolnshire Wolds and in the historic settlements. Attractions include:

• Magic World of Fantasy Island (East Lindsey); • Skegness Water Leisure Paradise (East Lindsey); • Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve (East Lindsey); • All Saints Steam Brewery Museum (South Kesteven). In addition, Lincolnshire hosts the Lincolnshire Show, Burghley horse trials, RAF Waddington air show, Lincoln Christmas Market and Market Rasen Racecourse.

In 2003, Lincolnshire hosted 3,058,800 staying tourism trips, of which 5% were from overseas visitors. In total, 11 million tourist nights were spent in the county and the average trip length was 3.61 days. Holidays accounted for approximately 68% of trips, social visits for 21% and business trips for 10%. In addition to staying trips, there were almost 19 million day tripsxix

Tourism is a very significant source of employment and revenue in Lincolnshire, particularly in East Lindsey (EMRA, 2009). The total visitor spend was estimated at over £961 million, of which tourists staying overnight spent £412 million and day trippers spent £550 million (Geoff Broom Associates, 2005). The number of Full Time Equivalent jobs is estimated at 15,576, although jobs tend to be seasonal, with just under a third of tourist trips are during the summer months.

The Wolds AONB has an extensive network of public rights of way including the long distance footpath the Viking Way, Sustrans Cycle Route and other promoted trails. These provide residents and visitors with some of the best opportunities to discover its hidden delights. However, many of the footpaths, bridleways and country lanes appear to be seldom visited and this sense of rural isolation is arguably one of the Wolds biggest appeals.

Access to the wider Wolds is fairly restricted as, unlike other chalk upland areas in the country, much of the area is cultivated and in private ownership. Red Hill Nature Reserve, Hubbards Hills, Snipe Dales Country Park and Willingham Woods are the exceptions.

The Open Access mapping process has helped increase increased access, initiated by the CRoW Act. The establishment of the northern Local (Countryside) Access Forum and development of the Public Rights of Way Improvement Plans will enable further consultation to raise awareness of both landowner and public interests including those of various user groups e.g. walkers, horse riders, cyclists, mountain bikers and recreational vehicle users.

Shooting, hunting and fishing, often associated with the larger estates in the Wolds, provides important local and visitor recreation opportunities and helps boost the rural economy. The large country shows like Brocklesby, local fairs such as the Tathwell Art Fair and other unique curiosities like the Tetford Scarecrow Festival also prove popular.

Limited research has been undertaken on the number and profile of people currently visiting the AONB for leisure purposes, although the Lincolnshire Tourism Model 1999 survey provided some insights into the recreation and tourism opportunities of the wider Wolds. The study identifies total visitor numbers (where known) for the wider Wolds as 281,291 and includes the market town attractions on the edge of the Wolds. The survey estimated that 156,000 tourist trips were taken to the Wolds area in 1999, providing an estimated 600,000 overnight stays.

Tourism is a very significant source of employment and revenue in Lincolnshire, particularly in East Lindsey (EMRA, 2009). The total visitor spend was estimated at over £961 million, of which tourists staying overnight spent £412 million and day trippers spent £550 million (Geoff Broom Associates, 2005). The number of Full Time Equivalent jobs is estimated at 15,576, although jobs tend to be seasonal. Just under a third of tourist trips are during the summer months.

In 2003, Lincolnshire County hosted 3,058,800 staying tourism trips, of which 5% were from overseas visitors. In total, 11 million tourist nights were spent in the county and the average trip length was 3.61 days. Holidays accounted for approximately 68% of trips, social visits for 21% and business trips for 10%. In addition to staying trips, there were almost 19 million day trips. xxiv

2.21.1 Staying visitors A survey was undertaken in 2005 by Geoff Broom Associates on tourism in the Woldsxx. An overview of the information from this report has been presented in Table 2-13 below.

Table 2-13 – Overview of Tourism in the Wolds (2006)

UK Tourists Overseas Total Average Total Total Average Total People trip Spend (UK People trip Spend (UK (persons) length Sterling) (persons) length Sterling) (days) (days) Hotels 10,630 2.30 £1,760,000 1,140 2.68 £2,066,000 Paying 1,930 2.21 £300,000 80 4.00 £320,000 Guests Self 6,020 5.10 £1,359,000 30 16.00 £1,390,000 Catering Touring 100 4.80 £13,000 0 0.00 £13,000 Caravan & Tent Group 4,700 2.25 £267,000 660 25,14 £907,000 Other 5,320 2.73 £951,000 560 1.95 £980,000 Staying 27,720 2.91 £1,771,000 2,290 9.11 £2,492,000 with Friends and Relatives Total 56,420 2.94 £6,421,000 4,760 9.02 £8,168,000

The overall attractiveness of any area depends on the quality and uniqueness of the urban and rural environment. Visitor attractions and events are also important in drawing visitors to the area and adding to their enjoyment of the visit. A popular festival within the Wolds is the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival, run over a

period of 16 days from May to June. Highlighted in Table 2-14 below is the total number of attendees since 2005xxi.

Table 2-14 - Total attendance Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festivals 2005 - 2010

Year Total No. of Attendees 2005 1,200 2006 1,530 2007 1,900 2008 2,280 2009 3,517 2010 4,905

The main attractions found by Geoff Broom Associates (2006) within the Wolds were found to be the following:

• Alford Five Sailed Windmill; • Alford Manor House; • Cadwell Park; • Louth Museum; • Gunby Hall; • Stockwith Mill; • Market Rasen Racecourse; • Willingham Woods; It was estimated that 61,180 tourism trips were made in 2003, of which 56,420 were domestic and 4,760 were from overseas. Of this total approximately 49% were staying with friends and relatives with the remaining 51% mixed between different forms of tourist accommodation, including; hotels, self catering, touring caravan and tents and other.

The average trip length for tourists in the Wolds was 3.5 days. Over seas visitors on average spent longer within the Wolds with and average of 9 days, compared to domestic tourists which spent on average only 3 days. The total tourist spend for 2003 in the Wolds was £8.1 million, with hotels, staying with friends and self catering taking a majority of the money. The average spent per night was £39.15.

Of the total trips taken, holiday trips accounted for over half (51%), with social/personal visits to friends and relatives accounting for over a quarter (28%). Business trips amounted to 20% of the total trips to The Wolds.

2.21.2 Day visitors The total number of leisure day trips in the Area is estimated at approximately 2.7 million, with associated spending of around £24.7 million. The bulk of these trips and spend will be by local residents. The average spend per trip is estimated at approximately £8.93, with town trips having a higher spend figure of £16.80 and countryside trips also higher at £9.14.

Using this definition, it is estimated that there were 1.0 million tourism day trips with associated spending of some £29.8 million in 2003. Town trips outnumbered countryside trips by three to one. Spending was divided roughly six to one between town and countryside trips. The majority of tourism day trips are likely to originate outside the area (and county).

Average spend per trip is estimated at £28.32, with tourism town trips spending on average £38.29 and tourism countryside trips around £26.32.

2.21.3 Seasonality The seasonal pattern of tourism in the Wolds has been estimated; 36% off all trips are taken in the summer months peaking in August, The peak of visits to The Wolds was in August with 397,809 visitors this equates to 12,833 visitors per day. The total number of visitors per month for long and short term visits can be seen in Table 2-15 below.

Table 2-15 – Visitor Statistics within the Wolds

Staying Tourists Tourism All % Day Visits Visitor Month UK Overseas All Staying % Days Tourists Tourists Tourist Trips January 6,568 3,114 9,692 4 195,679 205,361 6

February 9,890 2,513 12,403 5 124,240 136,643 4

March 9,548 2,963 12,511 6 295,888 308,400 9

April 17,314 3,186 20,499 10 186,262 206,761 6

May 13,337 3,168 16,505 8 210,031 226,536 7

June 10,583 4,200 14,783 7 400,124 414,907 13

July 18,327 4,498 22,825 11 363,950 386,775 12

August 32,105 4,807 36,912 18 360,897 397,809 12

September 16,123 3,789 19,912 10 269,975 289,887 9

Staying Tourists Tourism All % Day Visits Visitor Month UK Overseas All Staying % Days Tourists Tourists Tourist Trips October 11,893 3,771 15,665 8 162,492 178,157 5

November 6,871 3,495 10,366 5 123,266 133,631 4

December 13,044 3,4446 16,490 8 359,080 375,570 12

2.21.4 Economic Impacts The total spend for tourism in the Wolds in 2005 was estimated to be over £38 million. From this figure £8.1 million was from long term tourists and £30 million from day visits. This expenditure falls into five main categories as shown in Table 2-16 – Total Tourism Spend below.

Table 2-16 –Total Tourism Spend Accommodation Retailing Catering Attractions/ Travel Entertainm ent

UK £1,859,186 £1,182.038 £1,629,413 £646,202 £1,104,16 Tourists 0

Overseas £587,950 £437,223 £387,800 £158,117 £175,910 Tourists

Day £0 £5,291,657 £14,506,549 £3,101,368 £6,949,67 Visitors 8

Total £2,447,136 £6,910,918 £16,523,762 £3,905,687 £8,229,74 8

% 6 18 43 10 23

A recent press release in August 2010 from visit Lincolnshirexxii showed the value of tourism within Lincolnshire to have a value of approximately £971 million. This figure was an increase of £13 million (1.3%) from 2008, which contributes. 14% of the counties overall economy. More than 17,000 jobs rely on this tourist industry where the largest areas of income generated are shopping (22%) and food and drink (18%)xxiii.

2.21.5 Lincolnshire Local Economic Assessment From April 2010, all unitary authorities and county councils have a statutory duty to carry out an assessment of the economic conditions of their area through a Local Economic Assessment (LEA). This will provide local authorities and other stakeholders with a robust analysis of the local economy which will inform their economic policies and interventions.

Lincolnshire is one of the largest and most sparsely populated areas of England and presents a distinctive range of challenges for organisations concerned with the socio-economic well-being of a low wage area experiencing sustained population growth. This section outlines the characteristics, which frame regeneration activities in Lincolnshire.

Slow and low economic growth: Gross Value Added (GVA) is a very broad barometer of economic vitality and is used locally, regionally and internationally to make comparisons between areas. The consequences of a low-wage economy are a low GVA. Lincolnshire has one of the lowest GVAs in the country despite the local economy growing by 1% pa in recent years.xxiv

2.21.6 Employment The population structure of Lincolnshire shows that it has a higher than the national average of persons of retirement age. The percentage of persons of working age in Lincolnshire is only 58.5% of the total population. The economic activity rate of those of working age is 80.8 % which is higher than the national average of 78.9%. The employment rate of those of working age is 77%; also higher than the national average of 74.2%.

2.21.7 Benefit Claimants The total number of claimants in Lincolnshire as at November 2009 stood at 61700. The total claimant figures for the districts and boroughs are derived from the DWP statistics of February 2009. East Lindsey had the highest population of claimants of all districts and boroughs in Lincolnshire in 2009 with 15,080.

In August of 2010 there were 5,760 people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in North East Lincolnshire, 2,210 in East Lindsey and 1,660 in West Lindsey. In addition, 21% of people in North East Lincolnshire, 19% of people in East Lindsey and 14% of people in West Lindsey claimed a key benefit in August of 2009.

2.22 Agriculture Farming is a major industry in Lincolnshire, with a farmed area of 500,994ha, a total of 7,191 holdings and a labour force of 15,286 in 2009xxv.Some of the highest grade agricultural land in the country is found in the south and east of the county, with 44% of the agricultural land in Lincolnshire being Grade 1 or Grade 2. Within North and North East Lincolnshire farming occupies 75,702ha with a total of 1,129 holdings and a labour force of 1,944 in 2009. Within the 558 km² (216 miles²) of the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB 82% of the land was classed as farmland (13% in permanent pasture). 4% woodland, other uses occupying the remaining 14% xxvi.

Farming land use within the AONB occupies 49,857ha, spread across a total of 411 holdings supported by a labour force of 806 xxvii

As of September 2009 - 294 Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) agri-environment Scheme agreements where in place. These stewardship schemes included:

• Countryside Stewardship Scheme; • Entry Level Stewardship; • Organic Entry Level Stewardship; • Entry Level plus Higher Level Stewardship; and, • Organic Entry Level plus Higher Level Stewardship. This amounts to 40,644ha of agricultural land within the AONB falling within one of the above schemesxxviii Table 2-16xxix below shows the agricultural land quality across the ANOB and surrounding areas.

Figure 2.14 - Agricultural Land Quality Across the AONB Table 2-17 and Table 2-18 include information on the different agricultural holding land size and land use for 2007 and 2008. The majority of farms in 2007 and 2008 were cereal. The majority of agricultural holdings were under 5ha or over 100ha

Table 2-17 – Agricultural Land Usage Total Land Sizexxx

Farming Type Number of Number of farms (2007) farms (2008) Cereals 135 136 General 53 46 Cropping Horticulture 5 - Specialist Pigs - - Specialist 22 25 Poultry Dairy - - Grazing 0 0 Livestock (LFA) Grazig Livestock 39 46 (Lowland) Mixed 14 13 Other 129 136

Table 2-18 – Size of Farm Holdings in the AONB Wolds Farm Size ha Number of Number of Farms (2007) Farms (2008)

<5 142 155

5<20 57 60

20<50 35 35

50<100 29 29

>100 140 132

Lincolnshire contributes over 10% of total national wheat production and over 50% to regional production. North and North East Lincolnshire contribute 12% to the regional wheat production which is less than 2% nationally. The split in produce on Lincolnshire’s and North and North East Lincolnshire’s farms is shown in Table 2-19 and 7-12. xxxi

Table 2-19 - Farming Produce in Lincolnshire

Type Area / Number Includes Arable 383,729 ha Cereals 232,848ha; potatoes 13650ha; sugar beet 19,971ha; field beans 19,826ha, peas 5,290ha, oilseed rape 62,412ha, linseed 3,695ha, root crops 1,375ha Horticulture 32,480ha Peas and beans 11,329ha; other veg and salad 19,067ha; fruit 152ha; bulbs and flowers 1,620ha Livestock 13,358,169 No. Cattle 87,814; pigs 174,722; sheep 144,789; goats 1,024; horses 4,760; poultry 12,945,060

Table 2-20 Farming produce in North and North East Lincolnshire

Type Area / Number Includes Arable 60,668ha Cereals 38,232ha; potatoes 1,531ha; sugar beet 2,781ha; field beans 2,081ha, peas 760ha, oilseed rape 9,711ha, linseed 245ha, root crops 153ha Horticulture 2,860ha Peas and beans 2,312ha; other veg and salad 498ha; fruit 23ha Livestock 5,271,396 No. Cattle 6,649; pigs 71,374; sheep 11,040; goats 158; horses 1,025; poultry 5,181,150

Table 2-21 Farming produce in Lincolnshire Wolds AONB

Type Area / Number Includes Arable 37,414ha Cereals 24950ha; potatoes 424ha; sugar beet 632ha; Horticulture 1,080ha field beans 1728ha, peas 111ha, oilseed rape 7824ha, linseed n/a, root crops 148ha; veg and salad 1246.7ha Livestock 344,661No. Cattle 7723; pigs 5068; sheep 12633; goats n/a; horses 437; poultry 318,800

As these statistics illustrate, arable farmland plays an important part in the area and this includes within the AONB. This land use has a strategic influence and impact on wildlife in the area. Unfortunately intensive farming has had a negative impact on the local wildlife often limiting the variety of flowers, birds, insects and mammals traditionally associated with such land. Many traditional farmland birds once common in the Wolds including corn bunting, lapwing and yellow hammer have declined in numbers.

In accordance with the EC Nitrates Directive, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) have been identified across the UK. These are areas where the threat of water pollution

from nitrates is most acute. Almost two-thirds of nitrates pollution is caused by agricultural run off. All of the ANOB is within a NVZ (see 2.15.2 for full details).

2.23 Material Assets 2.23.1 Lincolnshire Waste Lincolnshire disposes of a range of waste streams: municipal waste; waste generated by industry, commerce and business; waste from construction and demolition activities; and other more specific waste types such as hazardous waste, agricultural waste, waste water and sewage sludge. Over 4 million tonnes of waste is produced each year and a large percentage of this ends up in landfill. x

In 2003, Lincolnshire accounted for 16% of the East Midlands waste arisings, with a total of 4,184,539 tonnes of waste produced. This comprised 35.4% construction and demolition waste, 35.2% agricultural waste, 21% commercial and industrial waste, 8% municipal solid waste (MSW) and 0.5% hazardous waste. x

The amount of waste produced has been increasing over the last 10 years in line with regional trends. By 2006-2007, 365,537 tonnes of MSW was generated and was disposed of in the following ways Landfill: 219,361 t (60%); Recycled 87,587 t (24%); Composted 58,589 t (16%). x

More recent data shows that in 2008/2009, Lincolnshire waste arisings were as follows: landfill 175,139 t (49%); incineration with energy from waste 4,763 t (1%); recycled or composted 179,590 t (50%); dealt with elsewhere 306 t (<1%).

Local authority municipal and household waste statistics showed that the two district authorities within the AONB Management Area sent the following amounts of waste for recycling, composting or reuse: East Lindsey 36,463 t and West Lindsey 26,054 t.xxxii

Lincolnshire is in the process of producing its Minerals and Waste Development Framework, which is a new set of documents to replace the existing Mineral and Waste plans which will address future waste activities in the County. A Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy has also been developed by the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership (Lincolnshire County Council, the seven local authorities and the Environment Agency) to provide a structure that will enable the municipal waste produced in the County to be effectively managed. The purpose of the partnership is to continuously improve the quality of service provided to the Community, establish best value waste management for the public across Lincolnshire and meet landfill diversion targets. As Lincolnshire moves away from reliance on landfill, the strategy will help to determine the need for new types of facilities. The partnership has set itself a target of 55% overall recycling by 2015.

As well as increasing the percentage of recycling in Lincolnshire, planning permission has been granted for an energy from waste plant which is expected to deal with 150,000 tonnes of MSW. It has been sized to accommodate 37% of the MSW. x

Waste collection and disposal results in a substantial number of lorry movements into and out of the County to transport waste to recycling facilities, energy from waste facilities or landfill sites. Regular collections are required from households and with the number of households increasing and the amount of waste increasing there will inevitably be an impact on traffic and highways infrastructure.

2.23.2 North East Lincolnshire Waste North East Lincolnshire Council is responsible for the collection, recycling and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) in North East Lincolnshire. This consists mainly of waste generated by households.

Based on data provided by the Environment Agency3, North East Lincolnshire generated an estimated 540,000 tonnes of controlled waste in 2006/07. This represented less than 0.3% of the total controlled waste in England. Municipal waste (94,000 tonnes) represented about 17% of total controlled waste arisings in North East Lincolnshire.

The arisings of household waste in North East Lincolnshire in 2006/07 were 87,500 tonnes. This figure is lower than the MSW arising of 94,000 tonnes because it excludes waste streams such as trade waste collected by North East Lincolnshire Council and rubble collected at the Community Recycling Centres.

The main source of household waste in North East Lincolnshire is that collected from households (this includes material collected by the kerbside recycling schemes). This currently represents about 80% of total household arisings. Waste taken to the Community Recycling Centres (CRC) represents 15% of household waste and the other sources of household waste, such as litter, street sweepings and bulky household waste collections represents about 5%.xxxiii

The total amount of household waste has increased from 79,900 tonnes in 2000/01 to 87,500 tonnes in 2006/07. This is an average increase of 2% per year over the last five years, and is over twice the average growth rate of less than 1% for year for household waste arising in England.

A combined heat and power (CHP) facility started operating in April 2004 and treats approximately 48,000 tonnes per year of household waste. 17,000 tonnes of household waste was land filled in 2006/07.

Although it is not in the remit of the AONB Management Plan to deal with waste, it is necessary to consider if future waste arising, collections and disposal may impact the AONB. The promotion of tourist to the area may result in further waste arisings

3 Yorkshire and Humberside Strategic Waste Management Information 2003

and the AONB Management Plan needs to consider the promotion of the waste hierarchy where appropriate.

2.23.3 Minerals Lincolnshire County Council is a Mineral Planning Authority and is responsible for all mineral planning matters under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The most significant minerals produced in Lincolnshire are sand and gravel, limestone (crushed rock) and chalk. Oil and gas are also produced. Additionally, there are reserves of ironstone, silica sand, coal and clay, although these reserves are not currently exploited. x

North East Lincolnshire is a Mineral Planning Authority and is responsible for all mineral planning matters under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. However there are no active or dormant mineral sites with valid planning permissions in the Borough and there are no areas where mineral exploitation have been identified. The Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Aggregates Working Party apportions no planned extraction quantities for North East Lincolnshire. xxxiv

Sand and gravel production in Lincolnshire represents a significant portion of the total output from the East Midlands, and in 2008, accounted for 80% of the output. The county is the second highest producer of sand and gravel after Nottinghamshire.

Lincolnshire only produced 4% of the region’s limestone (crushed rock) in 2008, reflecting its poor quality and the limitations upon its use.

The East Midlands Regional Plan set out the level of annual regional apportionment targets for sand and gravel and crushed rock which Lincolnshire needs to obtain between 2001-2016. These are shown in Table 2-22. Since then, the Revised Draft East Midlands Regional Plan (Partial Review) has modified this apportionment for the period between 2005-2020 as shown in Table 2-22

Table 2-22 Regional Apportionment for Sand and Gravel and Crushed Rock

Mineral Apportionment Apportionment Existing Reserves 2001-2016 * 2005-2020** (2008) *** Sand and Gravel 49 mt 52.48 mt 21.115 mt Crushed rock 27.2 mt 18.0 mt 56.77 mt * - Obtained from the East Midlands Regional Plan (EMRA, 2009) ** - Obtained from the Revised Draft East Midlands Regional Plan (Partial Review (EMRA, 2010) *** - Obtained from the draft Minerals and Waste Development Framework Consultation Document (LCC, 2010b).

Future mineral extraction within the Lincolnshire will be based on the principles of sustainable development. The core strategy of the emerging Minerals and Waste

Development Framework will strive to ensure that minerals are available at the right time and in the right locations to support levels of growth. Mineral extraction operations within the county will result in substantial lorry movements to transport materials with implications for traffic and highways infrastructure requirements.

2.23.4 Mineral Sites within or adjacent to the AONB Boundary 2.23.4.1 West Lindsey

Site Location Purpose Size Tonnage/Output Messingham Land nr Scallow Silica Sand 43.4ha (14.2ha 1.2mt (385,000 Grove Farm, extraction Lincs) Lincs) Messingham North Kelsey North Kelsey Sand extraction 21.3ha 935,000 tonnes Road Road, Caistor, Market Rasen LN7 6SF Kettleby Quarry Bigby Road, Sand and 73ha 2mt Brigg DN20 Gravel 8HN extraction

2.23.4.2 East Lindsey

Site Location Purpose Size Tonnage/Output Highfield Quarry Highfield Farm, Chalk Approx. 5.8ha 3mt Welton Le Extraction Marsh

3 Scoping Report Consultation Responses

The following responses where received during consultation of SEA scoping report: December 2008.

Table 3-1 – Scoping Report Consultation Responses December 2008

Organisation Comment Response

West Lindsey Page 31 (Table 1) – On page 51 you refer to See table 2.2 p18 District Council measuring the extent of flood risk in the AONB, in which case it is wondered whether reference should be made to PPS25 (Development and Flood Risk) in Table 1. Page 35 (Table 1) – Reference should also be No Longer made to the emerging East Midlands Regional applicable Plan (RSS8) which is now close to adoption and therefore carries considerable weight. The latest published document is the East Midlands Regional Plan (Proposed Changes), October 2008. The Plan is currently expected to be adopted in March 2009 and would cover the plan period to 2026. Page 37 (Table 1) – Reference is made to the Table 2.3 p25 Sustainable Community Strategy for Lincolnshire 2006-2016. Reference should also be made to the Sustainable Community Strategies for each of the district councils. The latest published version for West Lindsey is the ‘West Lindsey Sustainable Community Strategy 2006-2016’, May 2006.

Lincolnshire Wolds The Lincolnshire Wolds is very distinctive Discussed in Countryside Service because it has been managed, on the whole, for section 2.22 p103 Manager intensive arable production with the only areas laid to grass being those which, by their nature, have been inappropriate for arable production. It is this arable cultivation which has maintained the distinctive character of the Lincolnshire Wolds. The CLA very much welcomes the recognition Tourism has been within the second bullet point which discussed in demonstrates the importance that the section 2.21 p95 Lincolnshire Wolds AONB places on the role of Socioeconomics agriculture and forestry and also the rural is discussed in industries contribution to the economic and social Section 2.2 p27 needs of the local communities. There needs to be recognition of the need for social and economic development within the Wolds area. Because of the natural nature of the Wolds it is completely rural in character and also suffers from some remoteness of location. However, the businesses and communities within the Wolds must be able to grow organically and there is a

Organisation Comment Response

need for services within the area as well as businesses and housing which all interlink to produce dynamic communities. The Kyoto Protocol Table 2.1 p4 Whilst it is important for the AONB Management Plan to consider the impact of climate change, they must not forget the contribution that cropping and agricultural businesses, including forestry management, can have on climate change. There are also wider issues of transport and development planning.

Ancient Monuments and Archaelogical Areas To be addressed through the Whilst there are many within the AONB it is management plan important for the Management Plan to be realistic about the funding available to maintain these, taking account of the current use that is being made of the land. Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Discussed in section 2.9 p63 The Management Plan should support the renewable energy but, at the same time, be realistic about the economy and also the material source for biomass for example. Countryside and Rights of Way Act Table 2.2 p10 The CLA is concerned that the Countryside and Rights of Way Act is referred to as providing new rights of access to the coast. Whilst this could have been a route for the Government to increase access to the coast, this was not taken forward by the Government. Proposals for coastal access are likely to be pursued by the Government under the Marine Bill which is expected to be introduced to Parliament within the Queen’s Speech on the 3rd December. The draft Marine Bill, as it currently is, looked at facilitating the new right of coastal access by modifying the CRoW Act and also the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act itself did not deliver any increased access to the coast unless the area was defined as mountain, moor, heath and down or common land. The Management Plan must include details for a fully diversified rural economy. Over many years the number of people being involved directly within agriculture has been reducing and it is therefore necessary to consider employment outside agriculture. In any event, the numbers

Organisation Comment Response

employed directly in agriculture are misleading because many are employed on haulage, packaging and other services to the agricultural industry which are dependent on agriculture but not directly employed within it. Secure and Sustainable Buildings Act Table 2.2 p7 It is important to identify and promote local supply where it is possible but, at the same time, recognising that in some instances, economically, supplies have to come from outside the immediate vicinity. Sustainable Energies Act If one is considering sustainable energy in the Lincolnshire Wolds it is necessary not only to consider energies that have less of an impact on the landscape but also consider other renewable energy sources for example wind which may have a greater environmental impact and whether these can be accommodated or should be discounted on grounds of landscape impact. The Housing Act Socioeconomics have been When looking at housing it is also necessary to discussed in consider economic growth within the rural areas, Section 2.12 p 68 the need for tourism accommodation, and 2.21 p95 conversions of agricultural buildings into permanent residencies as well as the need for affordable and full market priced housing within

any area. The issue of housing cannot be divorced from either the economy or the social need within an area. It is important not to look at each settlement in isolation but to look at the network of settlements that come together within a rural area to form a defined community. The needs of each community must be addressed and a decision taken to ensure that communities remain dynamic containing a range of ages, household sizes and supporting different businesses rather than leading to an aging, stagnating rural population and the inherent difficulties in managing the needs of that population. Transport Act When considering public transport provision in any area it is important to consider the evidence of demand within that area. But this needs to be balanced against a realisation of the fact that the private car will always be important within a rural area.

Organisation Comment Response

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act Table 2.3 p8 The Management Plan is particularly important and needs to link together the policies within the different local authorities who will all be producing Local Development Frameworks which have their own character. The Management Plan is the only document that is effectively going to drive forward the vision of the AONB and it is important therefore that the AONB ensures that its vision is delivered by the local authorities rather than the Management Plan being overwritten by local development frameworks which may run to a different agenda.

Wildlife and Countryside Act Discussed in 2.6.1 p 35 Whilst identifying the number of SSSIs within the Lincolnshire Wolds, the key is to recognise the importance of these sites individually and also to provide funding for their enhancement. Protection itself will not necessarily deliver improvement on the status quo. Common Agricultural Policy Reforms Table 2.3 p7 It should be recognised that the UK Government carried forward reforms of common agricultural policy in 2003 which were delivered as part of the Single Payment Scheme in 2005. However, within the period of the next Management Plan there will be another substantial change to funding for rural areas which will be delivered after 2012. Whilst the scope of this change is not yet known it is likely to be substantially different, in delivery terms, from what we know, are used to and the levels of funding are likely to be less which will have an impact on all rural areas. Local food will continue to be important not only for consumption within the Wolds but also to further help define the character of the area, both to visitors and also wider consumers within the UK. The Energy White Paper Table 2.1 p6 When considering climate change it is important to consider the impact on alternative sources of energy on the landscape and also their impact on the flora and fauna of the area.

Heritage Counts Discussed in section 2.8 p54 It should be noted that Heritage Counts 2008 has now been published.

Organisation Comment Response

Our Countryside It is important that there is a clear link between housing, employment, schooling and other facilities and the key to achieving this is in having a working countryside that provides employment for those within the area rather than creating employment in distant centres which encourages commuting. The Countryside in and around Towns Will considered as part of the It is important that the Plan addresses the needs SEA Appraisal of rural areas to have links into market towns and Process also cities further away, whilst at the same time recognising the important links between individual, smaller settlements which make up the rural community. Planning Policy Statement 1 Will considered as part of the It is important here to look at the link between the SEA Appraisal rural areas and market towns and also between Process individual settlements and those living and working within them. The network of smaller settlements that come together to form a community resource is also key in this area as it is in any remote rural location. Planning Policy Statement 7 Will considered as part of the The protection of landscape should not mean SEA Appraisal that there will be no development but it should Process guide where development is most likely to fit into the landscape. There is still a need for dynamic communities and organic growth in settlements within the Wolds area, as well as the need for housing, new businesses as well as agricultural development to ensure that agriculture can stay competitive in world markets Planning Policy Guidance 8 Will considered as part of the When considering mobile phone masts, there is SEA Appraisal often scope for these to be disguised either by Process placing them on existing structures or locating them close to trees, or noval structures or poles rather than lattice towers. Planning Policy Statement 12 Will considered as part of the It is important for there to be links between the SEA Appraisal Management Plan, local planning authorities, Process EMDA and also Natural England to address cross-cutting issues and develop a positive vision for the future of the Wolds. Planning Policy Guidance 16 Will considered as part of the It is important that landowners are involved in the SEA Appraisal production of any additional strategy on

Organisation Comment Response

archaeological assets to ensure that the changes Process proposed are deliverable. Minerals and Policy Statement 2 Will considered as part of the If mineral extraction is lost from the Wolds then SEA Appraisal alternative employment will be required to Process address this loss. Often with mineral extraction it is not the direct loss of employment within that particular quarry but also the ancillary loss of employment elsewhere, and this should be considered at the same time as setting out any policy to reduce mineral extraction. Lincolnshire Countryside Access and Rights of Comment for Way Improvement Plan AONB Management It may be necessary to carry out a survey of the Plan to consider value of public rights of way within the Lincolnshire Wolds area. This could drive the need for maintenance but also identify areas of greater or lesser need, and therefore set priorities for the rights of way improvement plan. The CLA is concerned that there is so much The baseline has within this Table which is not quantified, even been reviewed though some of the information should be easily and updated accessible. Under the heading ‘Cultural and through-out – Heritage Assets’ there should also be the Appendix A recognition of telephone boxes being an important environmental feature, as much work is being done between local planning authorities and BT to ensure the retention of red telephone boxes. Under ‘Access’ the condition of public footpaths is as important as whether they are open or not. It is also good to see proper recognition of permissive routes in the assessment and also the importance of promoted circular routes. Within all of Table 2, it is important not only to consider the areas and number of employees but also the income generated and also the other industries that are reliant on that business. The strategic environmental appraisal objectives Will considered must support and promote sustainable farming as part of the practice, however it is more questionable as SEA Appraisal whether it should maintain and enhance an Process area’s rural charm and tranquillity. Whilst the Lincolnshire Wolds is a quiet, rural and not highly populated area which suffers issues related to its periphery, tranquillity can all too easily be used as an excuse to prevent development of new businesses. In addition there is no definition of “charm”.

Organisation Comment Response

Natural England 2. Draft SEA Objectives SEA Objectives have been We are supportive of the list of objectives but reviewed would suggest that “countryside recreation” is added to objective 9 which deal with enhancing quality of life. 3. Relevant Plans, Policies and Programmes Table 2.3, p7 We are pleased to note that our own document “The Countryside in an around Towns” has been included. We would also suggest that another of own documents “A New Vernacular for the Countryside” is included within this table as it addresses broad sustainable design and construction principles. Natural England promotes sustainable design and construction including energy efficiency in homes. We note that Planning Policy Statement 7: Table 2.3, p7 Sustainable Development in Rural Areas, has been included which we welcome. However we would like the key objectives of this document to include the point that a Landscape Character approach to landscape protection is actively encouraged.

Planning Policy Statement 12 has been rightfully Table 2.3, p16 included but this document has now been updated in June 2008 and is now known as “Local Spatial Planning”.

Organisation Comment Response

East Lindsey District In paragraph 3.4 you refer to the fact that, under A HRA Screening current UK regulations the Management Plan Report has been does not require an Appropriate Assessment as completed – See there are no European site within or adjacent to HRA Screening the Wolds AONB. My understanding of the Report of the Regulations is that the wider effects of the Plans Draft AONB or Programmes should be assessed and this can Management involve considering if there are any likely effects Plan July 2011 on designated sites some considerable distance from the project area. Whilst I agree that the Management Plan is unlikely to have an effect on any such designated sites and therefore not require a full Appropriate Assessment, for the sake of comprehensiveness and clarity, I think it would pay (when the draft Management Plan is assessed) to carry out (in brief) the first stage of the Appropriate Assessment Process, which is screening. This will determine whether or not the plan is likely, alone or in combination with other plans and programmes, to have a significant effect on European sites and will determine whether or not a full Appropriate Assessment is needed. Clearly, the screening process can only take place once the content of the draft plan is known. Paragraph 5.2 I think deals well with the obvious Limitations of difficulties of access to data. It can be all too data will be easy to gloss over these gaps but I think it is included in the good to acknowledge it. SEA report Paragraph 5.3 refers to environmental measures. Removed Personally I found the term initially confusing as I was considering it in terms of a measure being a course of action rather than measurement.

3.1 Comments received during the SEA Preparation

The following responses where received during the SEA preparation 2011

Table 3-2 Consultation comments received during SEA preparation

Organisation Comment Response Natural England Repetition has been In the ‘National’ section there is an unnecessary repetition of the Government removed. White Paper DETR (2000). It appears on page 19 with relevant topics listed as “Population and Human Health” and then later on page 32 where all four of the topics are listed as being relevant.

Organisation Comment Response Natural England Currently the Planning Policy Statements Re-ordered. Appendix (PPS) appear to be in a random order. It A Section 1 would be clearer if the relevant PPS were put together in the table in numerical order. Natural England We would suggest that the aims and Documents further objectives of some of the documents could summarised. be summarised more succinctly. For Appendix A Section 2 instance the aims and objectives of PPS1, PPS9 both run to several pages in length and could be shortened without losing the overall meaning. Natural England Lincolnshire BAP still Within the “County‟ section we agree with the comment made that the Lincolnshire in production. Biodiversity Action Plan should be included in this section and should be one of the fundamental references for the SEA. Natural England There appears to be no mention of the West Lindsey LDF Landscape Character Assessments (LCA) description modified. that have been carried out within the Wolds

area at a District level (e.g. West Lindsey and East Lindsey). This is a serious West Lindsey and East omission as LCAs can provide a Lindsey LCA’s added. comprehensive landscape evidence base to underpin planning and management decisions and identify valued or distinctive Regional LCA added. characteristics and pressures for change Appendix A - Section 2 which the Plan might then address. However the description of the West Lindsey Local Development Framework (LDF) appears to describe a LCA stating that it “sets out assessment of the character, distinctiveness and qualities of the landscape”, this is misleading as a LDF is obviously a much broader document than one just describing landscape issues.

A regional landscape character assessment has recently been undertaken by Natural England and is available to view via our website at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/regions/ea st_midlands/ourwork/characterassessment. aspx Natural England 2.3 Identifying Environmental Issues and Draft SEA Report July Problems 2011 This section is confusing as it states that a number of sections have identified environmental issues and problems. However the following sections in the document contain only baseline information and do not identify any particular issues. This section also says that a list of SEA

Organisation Comment Response objectives has been defined but they do not appear to have been included at present. Natural England 2.6.1 Sites of Special Scientific Interest SSSI’ outside of the AONB boundary have Whilst the information contained in this been removed from the section is comprehensive it appears that list. some of the SSSI‟s described are outside of the AONB boundary. If the SEA is anticipating or allowing for environmental consequences for land outside the AONB this should be explained within the document. Natural England Bardney Woods SSSI and NNR Removed This SSSI is not within the boundary of the AONB as it is situated a few miles further to the west beyond Wragby. Sotby Meadow SSSI is also not within the AONB boundary as it is also situated a few miles to the west. Natural England There is however an additional SSSI which Added. Appendix A - has not been mentioned - Willoughby Section 2 Meadows SSSI. This SSSI is representative of the series of ancient woodlands found on the middle Marsh Boulder Clay on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. It is predominantly oak-ash and hazel, managed as coppice with standards. It supports a characteristic and rich ground flora. The site is notable for its breeding birds including heron, woodcock, tawny owl and greater spotted woodpecker. (Further details of the SSSI description can be viewed on the website www.natureonthemap.org.uk). Natural England 2.6.2 National Nature Reserves Clarified and additional NNRs added. It should be clarified that none of the NNR Appendix A - Section 2 are actually within the boundary of the AONB. We would suggest that if the Saltfleet-by- Theddlethorpe, Donna Nook and Wash NNRs are included in this section then it should also include the Humber and Gibraltar Point NNRs as these are within in a similar distance away from the AONB boundary as those described. We would suggest that there needs to be a defined cut-off area or „zone of influence‟ so that the report only includes information which is directly relevant to the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB. It is important that the information selected is consistent to avoid missing out some sites and including unnecessary ones.

Organisation Comment Response Natural England The Wash also has the following Added. Appendix A - designations: Section 2 The Wash and North Norfolk Coast SAC Gibraltar Point SPA and NNR The Wash SPA North Norfolk SPA Ramsar - Gibraltar Point, The Wash, North Norfolk Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest - Gibraltar Point, The Wash, North Norfolk Coast. Natural England Although Saltfleet- by- Theddlethorpe NNR More information is mentioned in the text no other details of it provided. Appendix A - are actually given in the report. Section 2 Natural England 2.20 Climate Change Implications for the N/A AONB This section is welcome as it uses the information gathered to identify potential problems and issues that may impact on the AONB itself. We would suggest however that the issue of climate change adaptation (particularly in relation to biodiversity) is covered in this section. By encouraging greater connectivity of natural areas previously isolated sites with nature conservation interest can be linked which can help to aid the dispersal or re- colonisation of species that may need to move as climate change renders their existing habitat unsuitable. Natural England 2.21 Tourism Hartsholme Park, Lincoln Castle and Tourist attractions mentioned on page 125 Belton House have do not seem relevant to the Lincolnshire been removed. Wolds for example Hartsholme Park, Lincoln Castle and Belton House are all some distance away. It is considered that the inclusion of this information is not relevant to examining the environmental impact of the Lincolnshire Wolds Management Plan. Natural England 2.22 Agricultural Land Classification Difficult to locate a map where the It is suggested that the map showing classification is limited agricultural land classification, figure 2.14 to the AONB. on page 133, should only include the section that is actually in the AONB and not the whole of Lincolnshire. It is very hard to distinguish the different classifications within the Wolds at this scale. Natural England 2.23.2 Waste Sites The detailed information on Caenby To a large extent the text describes waste

Organisation Comment Response management across the whole of the Corner and County. It needs to focus on waste issues Gainsborough has which are particularly relevant to the AONB been removed. only. It does not seem necessary to include detailed information and maps on the wastes sites in West and East Lindsey when these are situated some distance from the AONB e.g. Caenby Corner and Gainsborough as they are some distance away from the Wolds. Natural England 2.23.5 Minerals Sites not adjacent or within the AONB have Again this section should only cover sites been removed. which are within or immediately adjacent to the AONB boundary. Natural England General Comments Appendix A - Section 2 has been reviewed Whilst in general this document has collected a comprehensive set of data we are concerned that it has a tendency to describe information which is relevant to the whole of Lincolnshire and therefore not necessarily relevant to the Wolds AONB. The SEA is looking at the effects of the AONB Management Plan which could, in some cases, actually include effects outside the area for example by displacing certain types of development outside of the AONB designation or it could result in positive benefits to habitats and landscape views/character beyond the immediate boundaries. Therefore the information that is included needs to be justified by a definite link with the AONB itself. The environmental context is also important to understand the environmental and habitat function and value of the AONB. In Appendix 3 of the guidance document “A Appendix A - Section 2 Practical Guide to the SEA Directive” a has been reviewed section is included on deciding what information to collect for a SEA. It says that the information collected must be relevant and appropriate to the spatial scale of the plan or programme and that it is focused on those aspects of the environmental character of the plan area which will enable the identification of the key environmental issues. We would therefore suggest that the document is reviewed with the purpose of focusing only on information that is particularly relevant to the AONB resulting in a more succinct document and avoiding a generalised “State of the Environment” report.

References

i East Midlands Biodiversity Forum & East Midlands Regional Assembly (2006) Putting Wildlife Back on the Map – A Biodiversity Strategy for the East Midlands, May 2006. ii Lincolnshire County Council, Countryside Access http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countryside/section.asp?docId=59626, accessed: 19/11/2010 iii http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/snipe/habitats_species.php accessed: 18/11/2010 iv Lincolnshire County Council, Countryside Access http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countryside/section.asp?docId=59626, accessed: 19/11/2010 v English Heritage 2010 vi Compiled by Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service based upon information supplied via: Jan Allen (Environmental Officer), Alexandra Thornton (Historic Environment Assistant - Records) and Sarah Grundy (Historic Environment Officer) Lincolnshire County Council, Hugh Winfield (Archaeologist) North East Lincolnshire Council and Tim Allen (Assistant Inspector) English Heritage. vii English Heritage 2010 viii Sites and Monuments Record 2010 ix ReSTATs, 2010 x Lincolnshire County Council 2009 xi Department for Energy and Climate Change 2009 xii East Midlands Regional Climate Change Partnership 2000 xiii Whitehead 1993 xiv Improvement and Development Agency xv http://www.apho.org.uk/resource/view.aspx?RID=50215&SEARCH=west%20lindsey&SPEAR = xvi http://www.research-lincs.org.uk/lro/toolkits/imd2004/swf/imd2004-toolkit.asp Accessed October 2010

http://www.research-lincs.org.uk/lro/toolkits/imd2004/swf/imd2004-toolkit.asp xvii North East Lincolnshire Council – CSA Annual Update 2007-2008 xviii http://www.research-lincs.org.uk/lro/toolkits/imd2004/swf/imd2004-toolkit.asp xixhttp://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/755/economic%5Fdevelopment% 5Fstrategy%5F20082010.pdf xx THE WOLDS SUMMARY REPORT Heart of England Tourism Geoff Broom Associates March 2006 xxi Total attendance Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festivals 2005 – 2010 (Lincolnshier County Council) xxii Visit Lincolnshire (August 2010) Press release: Value of tourism in Lincolnshire reaches £971 million – 14% of the overall economy. xxiii Visit Lincolnshire, Press Release. Value of tourism in Lincolnshire reaches £971 million – 14% of the overall economy xxivhttp://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/755/economic%5Fdevelopment% 5Fstrategy%5F20082010.pdf xxv Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (2009). ‘Regional and County Level Crop Areas / Livestock Numbers / Labour Force’. Website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/evidence/statistics/foodfarm/landuselivestock/junesurvey/results.htm; Accessed in June and October 2010. xxvi Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service - Facts & Figures – LWCS Annual Review 2009-10 xxvii Defra Lincolnshire Wolds AONB - Agricultural and Horticultural Survey 2008 xxviii RDPE Agri-environment Countryside Stewardship Scheme Summary for Lincolnshire Wolds AONB - Sept 2009 xxix MAGIC, 2010 xxx DEFRA 2007/2008 Farming Statistics – Lincolnshire WOLDS AONB. June Agricultural and Horticultural Survey xxxi Defra 2009 xxxii wastedataflow, 2010

xxxiii Municipal Waste Management Strategy North East Lincolnshire Council 2008 xxxiv North East Lincolnshire Annual Monitoring Report 2010