Waste Core Strategy Submission

Final Sustainability Appraisal Report

December 2009

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Contents Chapter 1: Summary and Outcomes...... 4 Non-technical Summary...... 4 Statement on the likely significant effects of the Waste Core Strategy ...... 17 Difference the process has made ...... 17 Chapter 2: Background...... 18 Purpose of the SA and the SA Report ...... 18 Plan objectives and outline of contents...... 18 Compliance with the SEA Directive/Regulations...... 20 Approach adopted to the SA...... 22 Who was consulted and when ...... 23 Chapter 3: Sustainability Objectives, Baseline and Context ...... 24 Links to other policies, plans and programmes...... 24 Description of the baseline characteristics and main issues identified...... 24 Limitations on information ...... 35 The SA Framework, including objectives, targets and indicators...... 35 Chapter 4: Appraisal Methodology ...... 38 Compatibility testing of Strategic Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives.38 Predicting the effects of Policy Options and the proposed Strategic Sites against the SA Objectives ...... 38 Cumulative and Synergistic effects of Policies and proposed Strategic Sites versus SA Objectives...... 39 Who carried out the SA...... 39 Difficulties encountered...... 39 Chapter 5: Social, Economic and Environmental Effects and Summary Details...... 40 Sustainability Appraisal of Strategic Plan Objectives...... 40 Sites and their social, environmental and economic effects...... 40 Chapter 6: Cumulative Effects...... 78 Cumulative and Synergistic Effects of Policies versus SA objectives and vice versa...... 78 How problems were considered and proposed mitigation measures...... 90 The need for an Appropriate Assessment (AA) under Article 6 (3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) ...... 90 Proposals for monitoring...... 90 Chapter 7: Post-Consultation Changes...... 96

2 Appendices Appendix 1: Compatibility testing of Absolute and Comparative assessment criteria against SA Objectives...... 98 Appendix 2: Compatibility testing of draft Strategic Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives ...... 101 Appendix 3: Links to other policies, plans and programmes...... 105 Appendix 4: Sustainability Appraisal of the Final Core Policies...... 111 Appendix 5: Sustainability Appraisal of Identified Sites ...... 140 Appendix 6: Glossary of Terms ...... 156 Appendix 7: Sustainability Issues identified...... 165

Tables

Table 1: Compliance with EU SEA Directive………………………………………………... 21 Table 2: Stages of Sustainability Appraisal as set out by the ODPM November 2005… 22 Table 3: Summary of CO2 emissions at county level (2004)……………………………… 28 Table 4: SA Objectives, associated questions & indicators……………………………….. 35 Table 5: Appraisal Summary of Strategic Sites…………………………………………..… 75 Table 6: Synergistic and Cumulative effects of SA objectives on Core Policies………... 79 Table 7: Synergistic and Cumulative effects of Core Policies on SA objectives…………82 Table 8: Synergistic and Cumulative effects of SA Objectives on Strategic Sites……... 86 Table 9: Synergistic and Cumulative effects of Strategic Sites on SA objectives………. 88 Table 10: The SA Monitoring Framework…………………………………………………….. 92

3 Chapter 1: Summary and Outcomes

Non-technical Summary

1.1 This report is the fifth stage of the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) process of the Waste Core Strategy (comprising the Spatial Strategy, Core Policies and the Strategic Sites), and follows on from the Scoping Report published in October 2007 and Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options (Part I) Sustainability Appraisal Report published in July 2008, Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options (Part II) Strategic Sites Sustainability Appraisal published in December 2008 and Waste Core Strategy (Final Consultation) document published in July 2009 and accompanying SA Report.

1.2 SA incorporating the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive is a requirement of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The SA of Suffolk County Council’s Waste Core Strategy Submission document assesses its significant environmental, social and economic effects. The SA should inform and influence the development of plans early in the process with the aim of making them more sustainable. This document will form part of the Minerals & Waste Development Framework - a suite of documents which sets out the Council’s approach to determining planning applications for minerals and waste management development.

1.3 This report is the SA Report for Suffolk County Council’s Waste Core Strategy Submission document. It is issued along with the Submission document for public participation and it presents information on the likely effects of the plan. The process of appraisal has been carried out in accordance with Office of the Deputy Prime Minister guidance, namely – Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents – November 2005.

1.4 The Waste Core strategy will provide the framework for sustainable waste management, and will contain a spatial vision for managing waste in Suffolk over the next 10-15 years and covers different types of controlled waste: Municipal Solid Waste; Commercial and Industrial Waste; Inert and Hazardous Wastes.

1.5 The Submission document contains objectives which forms the basis for preparing policies and a framework for identifying sites for waste management facilities. The SA compatibility matrix analysis of these against SA objectives indicates no major conflicts (see Appendix 2).The following is a list of the Submission Options followed by sustainability summary of these options against the SA objectives. The full SA appraisal of options is presented in Appendix 4.

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Policy WCS1: The Spatial Waste Management Strategy for Suffolk

Preference will be given to proposals for waste management facilities in accordance with the Key Diagram where individual sites are well related to the Suffolk Lorry Route Network, centres of population and sources of waste and do not have adverse impacts upon features of environmental importance or endanger human health.

SA Appraisal: The policy’s effect is largely neutral (based on the sustainability appraisal results), although there are positive impacts relating to maintaining/improving biodiversity and geodiversity, minimising effects of HGV traffic on the environment and promoting economic sustainability. Making appropriate provision through identifying sites in a DPD can provide a degree of certainty for developers and communities who will contribute to sustainable investment and economic growth in the County. Adhering to the apportionment identified in the East of England Plan ensures that enough capacity is made available throughout the life of this plan.

Policy WCS2: Management of Sub-regional Apportionment (thousand tonnes Provision will be made to manage those volumes of Municipal Solid Waste, Commercial & Industrial Waste and London Waste identified in the East of England Plan as being apportioned to Suffolk during the plan period. This apportionment may be subject to change as a result of revision of regional guidance. The latest adopted sub- regional apportionment will be applied in calculating the provision to be made for waste management facilities. Until a revised apportionment is adopted to cover the period until 2026 the figures set out below will be used. Proposals for new waste management development or an extension of existing waste development will only be permitted where there is a demonstrated need in compliance with Table 6. When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling, composting, recovery and disposal facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application. Permission may be granted for waste development involving importation of waste from outside the Plan area where this is demonstrated to maximise recycling, composting and recovery of waste materials and be the most sustainable option, taking into account regional self sufficiency and the Regional Spatial Strategy, proximity to point of waste arising and the waste hierarchy. 2010/11 2015/16 2020/21 2025/26

Municipal Solid 501 519 538 538 Waste Commercial & 1,149 1,320 1,538 1,538 Industrial London Waste 220 107 106 106

SA Appraisal: This policy has neutral effect overall, but scored positively against objective 14 (To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County).

Policy WCS3: Provision for the Recycling and Composting of Waste

The County Council will plan for a quantity of waste recycling and composting of at least 1,476,300 tonnes per annum, in compliance with Table 6. Relevant planning applications will be determined by reference to the appropriate criteria based policies. When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling and composting facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application. SA Appraisal: This policy has mainly neutral effect on the environmental SA objectives. It scored positively against SA objectives 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) and 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment). Also it could potentially have positive effects long term, on objective 13 (To maintain/improve health of the population overall) and 14 (To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live) after mitigation measures and further environmental improvements take place.

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Policy WCS4: Proposed sites for Strategic Residual Waste Treatment Facilities The County Council will plan for a quantity of Residual Waste Treatment capacity of up to 599,700 tonnes of waste per annum, in compliance with Table 6. Favourable consideration will be given to proposals for Strategic Residual Waste Treatment Facilities (annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes or more) within the following locations: a) Specific Site 29, Suffolk County Council Highways Depot, Lodge Lane, Great Blakenham; b) Area of Search Site 2, Former Sugar Refinery, Sproughton Road, Sproughton; c) Area of Search Site 27, Eye Airfield Industrial Estate, Eye and Yaxley, and; d) Area of Search Site 28, Masons Quarry, Great Blakenham.

When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling, composting and recovery facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application. The treatment of waste that could practicably be recycled or composted will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only residual source-separated or pre-sorted waste is treated. Facilities that burn waste must provide for the recovery of energy and the use of combined heat and power will be encouraged. SA Appraisal: This policy should have neutral effects on most of the environmental SA objectives, providing that the waste management facilities are designed and operated properly. There are potentially positive effects on SA objectives 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) as policy wording suggests potential for energy production and 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment) as new facilities will provide new opportunities for employment. Also this option scored positively against objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County) due to distribution of sufficient waste management facilities in close proximity to the sources of waste.

Policy WCS5: Specific sites for Non-hazardous Landfill

The County Council will plan for a quantity of Non-Hazardous Landfill capacity of up to 1,114,766 tonnes, in compliance with Table 6. Favourable consideration will be given to the following proposals for Non-Hazardous Landfill: a) extension of time and broadening of accepted waste categories to include Municipal Solid Waste residues at Site W7, Layham Landfill Site, Layham; b) establishment of new Non-hazardous Landfill at Site 67, Thorington; c) extension to existing Non-hazardous Landfill at Site W17, Foxhall Landfill Site, Foxhall, and; d) re-contouring of existing Non-hazardous Landfill at Site W11, Masons Landfill Site, Great Blakenham.

When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling, composting, recovery and landfill facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application. The landfilling of waste that could practicably be recycled, composted or recovered will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only residual source-separated or pre-sorted waste is landfilled. Proposals for landfill gas energy recovery will be required. SA Appraisal: This option has mainly neutral effects, providing that appropriate controls and mitigation measures are applied.

6 Policy WCS6: Safeguarding of waste management sites

The Waste Planning Authority will seek to safeguard existing sites and sites proposed for the re-use, recycling and composting, transfer, treatment, recovery or disposal of waste as shown in Appendix 1 of the Waste Core Strategy and on the Proposals and Inset Maps and will object to development proposals that would prevent or prejudice the use such sites for those purposes unless suitable alternative provision is made.

The Waste Planning Authority will seek to safeguard Areas of Search identified in policy WCS4 and shown on the Proposal and Inset Maps and will object to development proposals that would prevent or prejudice the potential for a strategic residual waste treatment facility. This safeguarding is not intended to preclude other forms of development within the Area of Search which do not prejudice or would not be prejudiced by a strategic residual waste treatment facility.

Development proposals in close proximity to existing sites, Specific Sites or Areas of Search should demonstrate that they would not prejudice or be prejudiced by a waste management facility. The safeguarding policy will also apply to any site where planning permission has already been granted. SA Appraisal: The SA results revealed that this policy scored neutrally on the majority of the SA objectives. It scored positively on objective 14 (To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). It is also likely to have positive effects on objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment).

Policy WCS7: General considerations relevant to all waste management facilities

In general waste management development will be acceptable so long as the proposals adequately address, where appropriate, the following: a) Potential for adverse impact upon the integrity of Natura 2000 sites; b) Potential flood risk; c) Proposed vehicle movements and access; d) Potential impact upon landscape; e) Potential impact upon biodiversity; f) Potential impact upon archaeological or cultural heritage; g) Requirements of PPG13 including the use of rail freight shipping; h) Compatibility with neighbouring landuse; i) Potential impact upon agricultural land; j) Potential impact from noise and vibration; k) Potential impact upon air quality including odour; l) Potential visual impact; m) Potential impact upon the local water environment; n) Land instability; o) Site management issues including litter, vermin and birds.

SA Appraisal: This policy scored positively on most of the environmental SA objectives. New developments have potential to maximise the efficient use of water. This policy also has positive effects on minimising the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live.

7 Policy WCS8: Approval of sites for disposal of inert waste by landfilling or landraise

Additional voidspace or areas of landraise for the deposit of inert waste will be acceptable where: a) There is an identified need for inert waste to be disposed of in this manner. When considering the need for the disposal of inert waste by landfill or landraise the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing inert waste recycling and landfill facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application; b) There is no acceptable alternative form of waste management that can be made available to meet the need. The landfilling of inert waste that could practicably be recycled will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only pre-sorted wastes are landfilled; c) The proposals comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7. SA Appraisal: This option scored neutrally overall providing that appropriate controls and mitigation measures are applied. It has positive effects on SA objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment). Additional Landfill sites can provide additional employment.

Policy WCS9: Approval of sites for disposal of non-hazardous waste by landfilling or landraise.

Additional voidspace or areas of landraise not specifically identified in the Waste Core Strategy for the deposit of non- hazardous wastes will be approved where: a) There is an identified need for waste apportioned to Suffolk by the East of England Plan to be disposed of in this manner, with reference to Table 6. When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling, composting, recovery and landfill facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application or are identified within the Waste Core Strategy, and; b) No acceptable alternative form of waste management can be made available to meet the need. The landfilling of waste that could practicably be recycled, composted or recovered will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only residual source-separated or pre-sorted waste is landfilled, and; c) The site meets the specific criteria set out in Appendix 4 and Policy WCS7. Proposals for landfill gas energy recovery will be required. SA Appraisal: This option scored neutrally overall providing that appropriate controls and mitigation measures are applied. It has positive effects on SA objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment). Additional Landfill sites can provide additional employment.

8 Policy WCS10: General Waste Management Facilities

General waste management facilities (other than strategic residual waste management facilities and landfill sites) are considered, in principle, unless otherwise stated, to be suitable for location within the following areas: a) Land in existing waste management use; b) Land in existing General Industrial use (B2 Use Class) or in existing Storage or Distribution use (B8 Use Class) (excluding open air composting); c) Land allocated for B2 and B8 purposes in a Local Plan or Development Plan Document (excluding open air composting); d) Redundant Agricultural and Forestry Buildings; e) Agricultural and Forestry Land (open air composting only); f) Brownfield land (excluding open air composting); g) Unallocated Former Airfields (open air composting only); h) Waste Water Treatment Facilities (enclosed composting and anaerobic digestion only); i) Current and former mineral workings (open air composting and construction, demolition and excavation waste recycling only). Proposals must also comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7. When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account, where applicable, if there is an identified need for waste apportioned to Suffolk by the East of England Plan to be disposed of in this manner, with reference to Table 6. as well as the capacity of existing recycling, composting, recovery and disposal facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application.

SA Appraisal: According to the SA results this policy scored mainly neutrally against environmental SA objectives. It will attract significant inward investment in waste management facilities therefore there will be positive effects on SA objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). This policy also has positive effects on objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment) as it would provide new opportunities for employment.

Policy WCS11: Residual Waste Treatment facilities with a capacity of less than 100,000 tonnes annual throughput

Residual Waste Treatment facilities with a capacity of less than 100,000 tonnes annual throughput will be acceptable where the proposed facility is on land: a) Within the uses set out in Policy WCS 10, and; b) The site meets the specific criteria set out in Appendix 3 and Policy WCS7.

The treatment of waste that could practicably be recycled or composted will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only residual source-separated or pre-sorted waste is treated. Facilities that burn waste must provide for the recovery of energy and the use of combined heat and power will be encouraged. SA Appraisal: The results of the SA suggest that this policy scored neutrally on all environmental SA objectives, providing that RWT facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly. There are positive effects on SA objective 11 (to move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) as this policy encourages energy recovery and also potentially will provide some construction, operation and maintenance opportunities. There is a positive effect on objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County) as sufficient waste management facilities in close proximity to centres of population should prove to be beneficial.

Policy WCS12: Waste Transfer Stations, Materials Recycling Facilities, End of Life vehicle Facilities and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recovery Facilities

Waste Transfer Stations, Material Recycling Facilities, End of Life Vehicle Facilities and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recovery Facilities will be acceptable within purpose designed or suitably adapted facilities on land within the uses identified within Policy WCS10. Proposals for such facilities at landfill sites will be considered acceptable on a temporary basis whilst landfilling and restoration activity is taking place on site. Any temporary planning permissions will be linked to the time limits relating to the landfill activities on site. The proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7. SA Appraisal: The SA results revealed that this option scored mainly neutrally against environmental SA objectives if site was managed in accordance with planning permission. There are positive effects on objective 10 (To minimise contributions to global warming) due to increased local management of waste that would potentially reduce lorry movements. This policy will also contribute to the movement of treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy as products made from or uses for waste material may be found. It will also attract significant inward investment in waste management facilities and will allow for synergies with existing transport infrastructure.

9 Policy WCS13: Household Waste Recycling Centres

Household Waste Recycling Centres will be acceptable within purpose designed or suitably adapted facilities on land within the land uses identified within Policy WCS10. Proposals for such facilities at landfill sites will be considered acceptable on a temporary basis whilst landfilling and restoration activity is taking place on site. Any temporary planning permissions will be linked to the time limits relating to the landfill activities on site Where it can be demonstrated that no suitable sites consistent with Policy WCS10 are available within the area to be served by the Household Waste Recycling Centre, Household Waste Recycling Centres will be acceptable on other sites provided these are consistent with Policy WCS7 and are accessible to the public. SA Appraisal: According to the SA this policy has neutral effects on environmental objectives overall. This policy has a positive effect on objective 10 (To minimise contributions to global warming) as increased local management of waste potentially reduces lorry movements. This policy also directly promotes objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) and has positive effects on objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment) as it would provide new opportunities for employment.

Policy WCS14: Enclosed Composting Facilities

Enclosed composting facilities will be acceptable on land within the uses identified within Policy WCS10 Proposals for enclosed composting will not be approved unless they are accompanied by a site-specific risk assessment which shows that the bioaerosol levels can be maintained at appropriate levels at dwelling or workspaces within 250m of a facility. Appropriate schemes for the management of odours and dust will also be required. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7. SA Appraisal: The results of the SA suggests that this policy has neutral effects on environmental objectives overall if enclosed composting facilities are to be constructed and operated properly. The wording of the policy aims that these facilities should at least maintain air quality so is likely to have a positive effect on objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements)). This policy has a positive effect on objective 10 (To minimise contributions to global warming) as increased local management of waste potentially reduces lorry movements. This policy also directly promotes objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) and has positive effects on objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment) as it would provide new opportunities for employment.

Policy WCS15: Open Air Composting

Open air composting facilities will be acceptable on land within the uses identified within Policy WCS10. At landfill sites, open air composting proposals that will extend the life of landfill operations will be acceptable if the continued operations do not: a) Result in unacceptable environmental damage, or; b) Perpetuate recycling activity poorly related in relation to sources of waste, or; c) Lead to unreasonable delay in restoration. Proposals for open air composting will not be approved unless they are accompanied by a site-specific risk assessment based on clear independent evidence which shows that the bio-aerosol levels can be maintained, throughout the life of the operations, at appropriate levels at dwellings or workspaces within 250m of a facility. Appropriate schemes for the management of odours and dust will also be required. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7. SA Appraisal: Overall a suitably managed development would score mainly neutrally overall. If properly designed, sited and operated open air composting facilities should have no negative effects on environmental SA objectives. This policy minimises contributions to global warming by diverting waste from landfill. There will be opportunities for new businesses and new facilities will create jobs.

10 Policy WCS16: Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion facilities will be acceptable on land: a) Within the uses identified within Policy WCS10; or b) Integrated with Waste Water Treatment Plants. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

SA Appraisal: This policy has positive effects on objective 1 (to maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements)) and objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment) as on site management of waste potentially reduces lorry movements. This policy will have very positive effects on objectives 10 (To minimise contributions to global warming) and 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy). It will also provide new opportunities for employment and contribute to the promotion of sustainable investment and economic growth in the County.

Policy WCS17: Proposals for recycling or transfer of inert and construction, demolition and excavation waste

Proposals for recycling or transfer of inert and construction, demolition and excavation waste will be acceptable on land within the uses identified within Policy WCS10. At mineral sites, planning permission will be limited to the life of the mineral operation. At landfill sites, proposals that will extend the life of landfill operations will only be acceptable if the continued operations do not; a) Result in unacceptable environmental damage, or b) Perpetuate recycling activity poorly related in relation to sources of waste; or; c) Lead to unreasonable delay in restoration. On land suitable for General Industrial or Storage & Distribution uses, activities shall take place within purpose- designed facilities. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

SA Appraisal: The SA results shows that this option scored mainly neutrally against environmental SA objectives, although has a positive effects on objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements)) as network of facilities would reduce waste being landfilled. This policy also encourages recycling, reuse and recovery and reduces waste to landfill so will have a positive effect on objective 10 (To minimise contributions to global warming). Very good positive effects are apparent for objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) and objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment), as network of waste management facilities would provide significant employment opportunities.

Policy WCS18: Waste Water Treatment Plants

New or extended Waste Water Treatment facilities will be acceptable where such proposals aim to improve the quality of discharged water or reduce the environmental impact of operation. The developer will be required to demonstrate that the proposal can be located without giving rise to unacceptable environmental impacts.

Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7. SA Appraisal: This policy has very positive effects on objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality) as it directly promotes it. It also has positive effects on objective 6 (To maximise the efficient use of water). It is likely to bring forward new jobs and promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County.

11 Policy WCS19: Treatment, storage and disposal of Low and Very Low Level radioactive waste at Sizewell nuclear power stations

Facilities for the treatment, storage or disposal of LLW or VLLW generated at Sizewell nuclear power stations will be acceptable within the Nuclear Licensed Areas at Sizewell where: a) This is consistent with the national strategy for managing Low Level and Very Low Level radioactive wastes and discharges and/or the decommissioning plans for the Sizewell stations, and; b) The outcome of economic and environmental assessments justify it being dealt with on site, and; c) Facilities are located and designed in order to minimise adverse impacts on the environment; Only Low Level or Very Low Level radioactive waste generated at Sizewell shall be treated, stored or disposed of in such facilities. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7. SA Appraisal: This policy has positive effects on objective 1 (to maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements)) and objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment) as on site management of waste potentially reduces lorry movements.

Policy WCS20: Treatment and storage of Intermediate Level radioactive waste and spent fuel generated at Sizewell nuclear power stations

Facilities for the treatment or storage of Intermediate Level radioactive waste and spent fuel generated at Sizewell will be acceptable only within the Nuclear Licensed areas where: a) This is consistent with the national strategy for managing Intermediate Level radioactive waste and spent fuel and discharges, and; b) The outcome of economic and environmental assessments justify it being dealt with on site, and; c) Facilities are located and designed in order to minimise adverse impacts on the environment. Only Intermediate Level radioactive waste or spent fuel generated within a Nuclear Licensed area at Sizewell shall be treated or stored in such facilities. There shall be no disposal of Intermediate Level radioactive waste or Spent Fuel. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

SA Appraisal: The results of the SA revealed that on site management of waste potentially reduces lorry movements hence scored positively on objectives 1 (to maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements)) and objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment). This policy has neutral effects overall on environmental SA objectives as construction will take place within boundary of existing power station. It has positive effects on all social and economical SA objectives.

Policy WCS21: Transfer, storage, processing & treatment of hazardous waste

Facilities for the transfer, storage, processing and treatment (including incineration) of hazardous waste will be acceptable where they meet a demonstrable regional need of which a significant proportion arises from Suffolk, and are on land: a) In existing General Industrial use (B2), in Storage and Distribution use (B8) or identified for these uses in a Local Plan or Development Plan Document or; b) Integrated within an establishment producing much of the waste that will be dealt with. Facilities for the transfer and short-term storage of hazardous waste will also be acceptable on existing waste management sites identified as having potential for non-hazardous waste transfer where hazardous waste will only represent a small proportion of waste managed on site. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7. SA Appraisal: This policy has neutral effects mainly on environmental SA objectives providing that site is managed in accordance with planning permission. Overall a suitably managed development would score positively because of investment in hazardous waste facilities. This policy scores more positively in terms of transport related impacts because of the potential use of land identified as being suitable for non-hazardous waste transfer facilities, where the hazardous waste would only represent a small proportion of the waste managed at that site.

12 Policy WCS22: Sustainable construction and demolition

New development, including waste management facilities, should facilitate the efficient use of resources by addressing the principles of sustainable construction and demolition outlined in regional policy. Proposals for new development should incorporate the following: a) Construction and demolition methods that minimise waste generation and re-use/recycle materials, as far as practicable on site. b) Design principles and construction methods that minimise the use of primary aggregates and encourage the use of high quality building materials made from recycled and secondary sources. c) Design and layout principles that reduce the amount of waste produced and allow for the effective sorting, recycling and composting of waste where appropriate.

SA Appraisal: The SA results suggest that this policy has very positive effects on the majority of the SA objectives long term as sustainable design of new waste management facilities would improve their performance in terms of reduction of waste produced, effective sorting, recycling and composting of waste. This option has also positive effect on SA objective 7 (To minimise flood risk) as sustainable design and layout of new waste management facilities will address the issues of flooding – minimise flood risk. Co-location of waste activities should provide additional employment opportunities, but with time the effect becomes uncertain due to the waste minimisation and consequently possible reduction of additional employment.

Policy WCS23: Climate Change mitigation and adaptation

New waste management facilities should through their construction and operation minimise their potential contribution to climate change through reducing carbon emissions, incorporate energy and water efficient design strategies and be adaptable to future climatic conditions. Proposals for new waste facilities should incorporate the following: a) Take account of landform, layout, building orientation, massing and landscaping to minimise energy consumption, including maximising cooling and avoiding solar gain in the summer. b) Be planned so as to minimise carbon dioxide emissions, and support opportunities for decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy supply. c) Give priority to the use of sustainable drainage systems, paying attention to the potential contribution to be gained to water harvesting from impermeable surfaces and encourage layouts that accommodate waste water recycling. d) Take account of potential changes in climate. e) Incorporate proposals for sustainable travel including travel plans where appropriate SA Appraisal: This policy overall has many positive effects as it directly promotes most of the environmental SA objectives. The purpose and the wording of the policy addresses the importance of landscapes, carbon dioxide emissions minimisation and the efficient use of water so consequently has positive effects on objectives 4, 6 and 10. Modern design of new facilities should maintain soil quality and support opportunities for decentralised and renewable or low- carbon energy supply. This policy should have generally positive effects on SA objective 14 (To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). Overall policy ahs positive effects on 3 major SA objectives 8, 11 and 14.

Policy WCS24: Design of waste management facilities

Waste management facilities will be considered favourably where they incorporate: a) Designs of an appropriate scale, density, massing, height and materials. b) Safe and convenient access for all potential users, c) Schemes for the retention of existing and provision of new landscape features, d) Measures which will protect, preserve and where practicable enhance the natural, historic and built environment. SA Appraisal: The SA results show that this policy could have positive effects on SA objective 3 (To maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity) as modern design of the facilities should maintain biodiversity. Policy scores highly on the SA objective 4 (To maintain/improve the quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes/townscapes) due to the possible provision of new landscape features. It also has very positive effects on SA objectives 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County) and 16 (To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible)). The wording of this policy directly reflects these SA objectives.

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1.6 The Waste Core Strategy Submission document identifies the following 4 sites as suitable for the siting of Strategic Residual Waste Treatment Facilities (RWTF) and 4 sites for non-hazardous landfill. Strategic sites are defined as sites capable of handling more than 0.1 million tonnes of waste. It should be noted that the area for proposed RWTF is approximately 5 Ha.

List of Strategic Sites

Site Name Area 2 Former Sproughton Sugar Factory 34.4 Ha SA Appraisal: The site is close to areas which generate waste and would be part of a network of waste management facilities throughout the County which would encourage the movement of waste up the hierarchy. It has a potential for large capital investment. The SA results show that this site scored very positively against objectives 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment), objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). The results also indicate that this site has a limited effect against objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality). Site is well located to sources of waste and non landfill option would benefit the effects of climate change.

Site Name Area

27 Eye Airfield Industrial Estate, Eye and 81..35 ha Yaxley SA Appraisal: The SA results revealed that site has positive effects on SA objective 3 (To maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity), objective 7 (To minimise flood risk) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). Non landfill option would benefit the effects of climate change, but the site is less favourably located in relation to sources of waste. The biodiversity of the site has low ecological value, hence new development could offer new high value ecological areas. Site is not in an area susceptible to flooding. It has a potential to attract large capital investment.

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Site Name Area 28 Masons Quarry, Great Blakenham 15.75 ha SA Appraisal: The SA results showed that this site has very positive effects on objectives 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy), short term objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). The site is close to areas which generate waste and will be part of a network of waste management facilities which will encourage the movement of waste up the hierarchy. It will also attract large capital investment and will provide job opportunities during the construction phase of the development. There is potential for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) to service proposed development nearby. Presence of Great Crested Newts is identified which would need to be adequately safeguarded.

The site is not susceptible to flooding and scored neutrally mainly against environmental SA objectives. It has positive effect on objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment). Site is very well located to maximise tonnes per mile.

Site Name Area Suffolk County Council Highways 3.8 ha 29 Depot, Lodge Lane, Great Blakenham SA Appraisal: The site is not susceptible to flooding and scored neutrally mainly against environmental SA objectives. It has very positive effect on objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment). Site is very well located to maximise tonnes per mile. This site is well located in relation to the Strategic Lorry Route Network, with access onto the A14 via the B1113. It has positive effect on objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) and there is potential for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) to supply the proposed development nearby. It is likely to attract large capital investment and create short term jobs.

Site Name Area W7 Layham Landfill Site 23.19 ha SA Appraisal: The results of the SA indicate that this site has mainly neutral effects overall as it is already existing site. The site overlies a major aquifer and is located over a Source Protection Zone III. Despite this fact it scored neutrally on SA objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality) as new planning application will include a risk based assessment containing suitable proposals to safeguard the aquifer as agreed with the Environment Agency.

The site does not have national landscape designations but lies within Special Landscape Area. In the long term this site will benefit from additional landscaping to the existing buffer zones as mitigation measures. It scored positively on objective 16 (To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible)) as it has good access onto A1071 which is a part of the Suffolk Lorry Route Network.

There could be some additional traffic and mitigation measures should include an assessment of the safety and likely traffic implications.

15 Site Name Area 67 Thorington 26.22 ha SA Appraisal: The results of the SA revealed that this site mainly has neutral effects overall as it is a former mineral site. It is likely to have neutral effects on SA objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements)).It is very well located in relation to a Strategic Lorry Route and has good access to the purposely designed junction directly connecting to the A12.

Site scored neutrally on SA objective 3 (To maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity) short term and positively in the long term. Site already has existing planning permission for mineral working with the condition for restoration and additional habitat creation. Presence of crested newts is identified on the site and licence from Natural England is necessary for their translocation and their habitat improvement. There will be a need for an Appropriate Assessment due to Natura 2000 sites nearby at Minsmere and Walberswick Heaths and Marshes.

The site scored neutrally on SA objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality) as new planning application will include a risk based assessment containing suitable proposals to safeguard the aquifer as agreed with the Environment Agency.

Site Name Area W17 Foxhall Landfill Site 30.57ha SA Appraisal: According to the SA this site scored neutrally on SA objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements)) as it is well-established landfill site and is unlikely to cause additional volume of traffic. It should have neutral effects on SA objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality) providing appropriate controls measures are in place.

This site scored neutrally short term and positively long term on SA objective 3 (To maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity) providing there are safeguards to ensure there are no impacts on the Mill River County Wildlife Site, Ipswich Heaths SSSI and Newbourne Springs SSSI. The site should be restored to heathland and acid grassland for biodiversity gains.

It is a very screened and established site therefore there will be long term positive effects due to additional landscaping in the proposals for a strategic facility. The site has neutral effects on SA objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment) as this site is an existing landfill site. Site is close to the Strategic Lorry Route with good access to the A12.

Site Name Area W11 Masons Landfill Site 73.93 ha SA Appraisal: The results of the SA showed that this site scored mainly neutrally against SA objectives. It has neutral effects on SA objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements) however an assessment on the likely impact on the A14 J52 should be undertaken due to increased stress on this junction.

Within the quarry there is a geological SSSI which would be preserved. Presence of Great Crested Newts is identified which would need to be adequately safeguarded, and CWS for which suitable mitigation would be required. It is a very well screened and established site. In the long term there could be positive effects due to additional landscaping in the proposals for a strategic facility. There are positive effects on SA objective 16 (To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible)) as the site is well located in relation to the Strategic Lorry Route Network, with access onto the A14 via the B1113.

16

1.7 Compatibility testing of Absolute and Comparative assessment criteria and SA Objectives took place in the previous version of Sustainability Appraisal and is presented in Appendix 1.

Statement on the likely significant effects of the Waste Core Strategy

1.8 The main role of the Waste Core Strategy is to provide a framework for sustainable waste management in Suffolk over the plan period. It will define objectives based on government guidance and principles of sustainability which will form the basis for preparing policies and a framework for identifying sites for waste management facilities. It is not always possible to prevent and minimise waste, and consequently it is essential that the waste produced by the society is managed effectively.

1.9 Identifying how sustainability is incorporated into the plan-making process has been difficult, particularly given the changes in the planning system and in local government generally. Uncertainties over the environmental consequences of new waste technologies make the identification of the effects of the Waste Core Strategy more difficult. Hence, future revisions to the Waste Core Strategy will need to reflect emerging expertise and best practice.

Difference the process has made

1.10 The Sustainability Appraisal process is an integral part of the development of the Core Policy and has encouraged communication between experts and colleagues throughout. The role of the SA is to assist with the identification of the appropriate options, by highlighting the sustainability implications of each, and by putting forward recommendations for improvement. As part of Strategic Sites assessment process it has been used to highlight constraints with individual sites and to propose mitigation measures for these sites.

17 Chapter 2: Background

Purpose of the SA and the SA Report

2.1 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a new development plan process to England. Under the new system, there are two tiers: the Regional Spatial Strategy (The East of England Plan) and Local Development Frameworks (the successor documents to Local Plans). Suffolk County Council has retained strategic planning responsibility for minerals and waste matters and is therefore required to produce a Minerals and Waste Development Framework (M&WDF).

2.2 In addition European Directive 2001/42/EC was incorporated into UK law in July 2004 requiring Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) on the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment. Current government guidance requires that for spatial plans, the process of SEA is incorporated into Sustainability Appraisal (SA); SA incorporates a wider consideration of social and economic considerations than SEA alone.

2.3 The SA Scoping Report produced in October 2007, has informed this SA report by providing an analysis of a range of sustainability issues relevant to waste planning in Suffolk and development of an SA Framework. It also included SA objective and broad indicators, for the appraisal of the Core Strategy at each stage of preparation.

Plan objectives and outline of contents

2.4 The Plan objectives (known as the Vision, Aims and Objectives below) set out the strategic overview of the Waste Core Strategy and are listed below. The Waste Core strategy will contain objectives which will form the basis for preparing policies and a framework for identifying sites for waste management facilities.

2.5 The purpose of this SA Report is to assess the Submission Verstion of the Waste Core Strategy, outline the negative and positive impacts that they may have with regards to waste management facilities, propose any mitigation measures and monitor the implementation of the Waste Core Strategy once it has been adopted.

2.6 The Vision for the Waste Core Strategy ensures that the Council can fulfil its responsibility for providing waste management facilities within the county whilst at the same time respecting social, economic and environmental considerations.

18 VISION:

Our Vision for Waste Planning

“By 2026, the landfilling of untreated municipal, commercial & industrial wastes will have ceased and residual waste management processes will be fully operational, recovering value from wastes that cannot practicably be recycled or composted.

Waste management activities in Suffolk will be located sensitively and appropriately, and operated to high standards, so that they do not harm the environment or endanger human health or impact disproportionately on local amenity and tranquillity. Former temporary waste management activities, such as landfill sites, will have been restored to a quality and to a state conducive to appropriate after-uses such as agriculture and improving the habitats for biodiversity; in particular habitats and species identified in the Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plans, and where appropriate geodiversity”.

In developing the Vision, we have identified 6 aims for the Waste Core Strategy and 11 objectives. These are set out below.

Aim 1: To manage that volume of waste identified in the East of England Plan as being apportioned to Suffolk.

Objective 1: To provide policies and identify locations for the management of the quantities of waste apportioned to Suffolk through the East of England Plan.

Aim 2: To promote and encourage sustainable practices in the transportation and management of wastes.

Objective 2: To facilitate sustainable waste management by minimising waste as a priority and encouraging communities to take responsibility for the waste they produce through better education via public consultation.

Objective 3: To facilitate the efficient transportation of waste throughout Suffolk.

Objective 4: To facilitate the provision of sufficient suitable sites for waste, recycling, composting and transfer.

19 Aim 3: To contribute to social and economic well-being.

Objective 5: To facilitate equality of public access to Household Waste Recycling Centres.

Aim 4: To protect against adverse impacts on human well-being and to ensure waste management facilities do not endanger human health.

Objective 6: To encourage waste management facilities and practices that do not endanger human health and to ensure that any adverse impacts on residential amenity and the quality of life can be prevented or suitably mitigated.

Objective 7: To minimise adverse impacts on air quality.

Aim 5: To protect and enhance the built and natural environment.

Objective 8: To minimise adverse impacts on landscape quality and the built environment.

Objective 9: To minimise adverse ecological and geological/geomorphological impacts, and to encourage opportunities for restoration, creation and enhancement of wildlife habitats.

Objective 10: To minimise adverse impacts on water quality.

Aim 6: To assist in reducing the impacts of climate change upon the environment.

Objective 11: To facilitate proposals and encourage waste management practices that reduce the effects of the emissions of greenhouse gases and deliver renewable energy production where feasible and appropriate.

Compliance with the SEA Directive/Regulations

2.7 The Sustainability Appraisal (SA) report has been compiled in order to inform the public, Statutory Environmental Bodies (SEBs) and other interest groups of the outcome of the assessment of the Waste Core Strategy Submission version. The Core Strategy is part of the Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF) which is a suite of documents relating to Minerals and Waste Planning in Suffolk. At the time of writing, the Framework documents and its supporting documents contains the following :

• Minerals and Waste Development Scheme • Statement of Community Involvement • Adopted Minerals Core Strategy (including Development Control policies) • Adopted Mineral Site Specific Allocations Submission • Minerals SA Scoping Report • Minerals draft (and final) SA Report • Waste Scoping Report

20 • Waste Issues Report • Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options (Part I) Report • Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options (Part I) SA Report • Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options (Part II) Report • Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options (Part II) SA Report • Waste Core Strategy Final Consultation Report • Waste Core Strategy Final Consultation SA Report

2.8 This report is fully compliant with both the EU SEA Directive (2001/42/EC), the UK SEA legislation (Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004) and Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Table 1 demonstrates which parts of the EU SEA directive that the SA Report complies with.

Table 1: Compliance with EU SEA Directive

Section of the Information requirement of the SEA Directive (defined by Annex II) Environmental Report An outline of the contents and main objectives of the plan or programme, and its relationship with other relevant plans and programmes Part 2

The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment Part 3

The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected Part 3.25

Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme, in particular, those relating to areas designated at the European level for Part 3.25 importance to wildlife (SPAs, SACs)

The environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into Part 3 account during its preparation.

The likely significant effects on the environment, including short, medium and long-term effects, permanent and temporary effects, positive and negative effects, and secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects, on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, Part 5 cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationships between these issues.

The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or Part 5, Table 5 programme.

An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack or know-how) encountered in compiling the required Part 4.7 information.

A description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring Part 6.15 of this report A non technical summary of the information provided Part 1 of this report

21 Approach adopted to the SA

2.9 The table below from Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Guidance Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents (2005) details the various SA stages and tasks.

This initial SA Report mainly contributes to the stages B and C of the SA process, highlighted in the Table 2.

Table 2: Stages of Sustainability Appraisal as set out by the ODPM November 2005

Development Plan Document Stage Progress Stage A: Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope A1: Identifying other relevant policies, plans and programmes, and Complete sustainability objectives. A2: Collecting baseline information. Complete/ongoing A3: Identifying sustainability issues and problems. Complete A4: Developing the SA framework. Complete A5: Consulting on the scope of the SA. Complete Stage B: Developing and refining options and assessing effects B1: Testing the Development Plan Document objectives against the SA Complete for Issues and framework. Options B2: Developing the Development Plan Document options. Complete for Issues and Options B3: Predicting the effects of the Development Plan Document. Complete for Issues and Options B4: Evaluating the effects of the Development Plan Document. Complete for Issues and Options B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising Complete for Issues and beneficial effects. Options B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing Complete for Issues and the Development Plan Document. Options Stage C: Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report C1: Preparing the SA Report Complete for Issues and Options Stage D: Consulting on the preferred options of the Development Plan Document and SA Report D1: Public participation on the preferred options of the Development Plan Complete/ongoing Document and the SA Report. D2 (i): Appraising significant changes. Complete/ongoing D2 (ii): Appraising significant changes resulting from representations. Complete/ongoing D3: Making decisions and providing information. Complete/ongoing Stage E: Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the Development Plan Document E1: Finalising aims and methods for monitoring. Forthcoming E2: Responding to adverse effects. Forthcoming

22 2.10 Stage A of the SA process was addressed in the SA Scoping report for Waste Development Plan Documents which was consulted in October 2007. The SA Scoping Report has informed this Initial SA report by providing: an analysis of a range of sustainability topics relevant to waste planning in Suffolk; identification of key sustainability issues and problems; and development of an SA Framework (including SA objectives and broad indicators) for the appraisal of the Core Strategy at each stage of preparation.

Who was consulted and when

2.11 Consultation on all aspects of the Waste DPD and accompanying Sustainability Appraisal has been undertaken in accordance with the criteria set out in the Statement of Community Involvement adopted in February 2006.

2.12 The original four Statutory Environmental Bodies (now three with the establishment of Natural England) (SEBs) and District Councils were consulted on the Waste Scoping Report in October 2007. Consultation on the Waste Issues Report ended on 24/12/2007.

2.13 Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options (Part I) document was accompanied by a Sustainability Appraisal document and both documents were out for consultation in October 2008.

2.14 Next consultation was carried out in December 2008 for the next version of Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options (Part II) Strategic Sites document accompanied by a Sustainability Appraisal document.

2.15 Waste Cores Strategy Final Consultation document was accompanied by a Sustainability Appraisal document and both document were out for consultation in July 2009.

23 Chapter 3: Sustainability Objectives, Baseline and Context

3.1 Suffolk is situated in the East of England, and covers an area of 3802 km2. It contains seven District and Borough Councils, two of which (Waveney and Suffolk Coastal) have North Sea coastlines. It borders Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. In the north of the County, parts of the Waveney Valley is within the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, which has a similar status to a National Park.

3.2 Suffolk County Council maintains a significant database of information about the principal physical, economic, social and environmental characteristics of the county. This data forms a key part of the evidence base and provides a resource for the development of new planning documents. The County Council places a high priority on the continued collection and management of data which allows the accurate description of environmental, social and economic issues in the county. The evidence base for the Core Strategy includes:

• Relevant national planning policy guidance and planning policy statements; • Relevant plans and strategies prepared by the Council and other agencies, including the East of England Plan and Community Strategies; • Baseline data taken from the preparation of the Waste Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report (October 2007); • Data from monitoring Structure Plan, Minerals Local Plan and Waste Local Plan policies and from minerals and waste development control decisions, including the 2005/6 Annual Monitoring Report; • Suffolk’s regional monitoring returns; • Census and other environmental and socio-economic data held by the County Council; • The views of stakeholders which have been received during community engagement on the Waste Issues paper;

Suffolk Observatory website (www.suffolkobservatory.com); Environment Agency and Natural England data.

Links to other policies, plans and programmes

3.3 Links to other policies, plans and programmes were assessed as part of the Scoping Report by Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Sustainability Appraisal Group (SSAG). Appendix 3 lists the documents scoped as of February 2008.

Description of the baseline characteristics and main issues identified

SOCIAL ISSUES Population

3.4 In 2008 Suffolk had an estimated population of 716,000 (ONS, 2008 Mid Year Estimate). Around one-third of the total population lives in the county’s three major towns (Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds), another third lives in smaller market towns, and the remaining third lives in rural areas. The average

24 population density is relatively low at 181 people per square kilometre (compared to the average for England of 387 per square kilometre).

3.5 It is predicted that the population of Suffolk will grow by 23,000 (5%) by 2021 (RSS, 2006). (However the ONS 2004 based projections, which include revised information about in migration, suggests the County’s population could increase by 81,000 (11.5% to 782,900 by 2021.)

3.6 The population growth will not be evenly spread throughout the county; Forest Heath and Ipswich are predicted to be the fastest growing regions, while the populations of Babergh and Waveney will change the least. The age structure of the population is also predicted to change. There is likely to be a reduction in the number of children in the county by around 8% (see Table 4), and will be particularly pronounced in Suffolk Coastal and Waveney. In contrast, Forest Heath and Ipswich are the only two districts expected to see an increase in the number of children. The number of working age people will increase only slightly (1.4%), again concentrated in Forest Heath and Ipswich. Other areas are likely to see a significant increase in the number of people aged 65 or over (43% in Suffolk as a whole); increases of at least two-thirds are expected in Mid Suffolk and Babergh, and over 50% in St Edmundsbury and Suffolk Coastal.

Housing

3.7 In April 2006, Suffolk had a total housing stock of 311,000, with an average annual increase in recent years of about 2700 (although the 2005/6 increase was 3392, the highest such figure in the past 15 years). However, the Proposed Changes to the East of England Plan proposes that Suffolk make provision for a minimum of an additional 48,070 dwellings by 2021, an annual average increase of 3200.

3.8 House prices in Suffolk have risen steeply in recent years with the average property costing £193,000 in the first quarter of 2007 (although the figures remain below the regional and national average). Affordability is an increasing problem, with the average house price to income ratio reaching 7.7 at the same time. This ratio is the highest in the East of England and is also above the national figure of 7.11.

3.9 In 2009 it generally cost 6.5 times the average Suffolk income to buy a dwelling in the county, down from 7.79 in 2008 and higher than the regional average of 6.6. Since 2001 the ratio of house price to income increased making the opportunity for first time buyers entering the housing market very difficult. This was a national problem, which has been improved slightly through house price reductions due to the economic recession. Ratios are still some way from ideal affordability thresholds however.

3.10 New housing developments place pressures on existing schools, road networks and other services such as supermarkets and healthcare. It naturally follows that such developments will also have an impact on waste collection and disposal services which in turn will impact on the need for additional sites to meet demand.

25 Health

3.11 Suffolk’s women have a life expectancy of 82 and Suffolk’s men 78 (2004 figures), both slightly above the national average.

3.12 Life expectancy throughout Suffolk is equal to, or greater than the average for the East of England region. The number of deaths as a result of road traffic accidents, heart disease and self-harm have decreased or remained stable in recent years. However, deaths from respiratory disease show an increasing trend, and cancer deaths have also increased in the most recently available figures. It should be noted, however, that annual figures fluctuate, so it is necessary to use longer time periods to determine meaningful trends from mortality data.

3.13 Data is limited for indicators relating to healthy lifestyles, but it is anticipated that this will improve in the future (for example as a result of district level Open Space Assessments and monitoring for the Suffolk Community Strategy).

3.14 There can often be concerns over perceived negative health impacts of waste facilities, particularly landfills and incinerator plants. 3.15 All waste developments and their emissions are licensed and monitored by the Environment Agency under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations.

Education

3.16 According to 2008 data, 21.5% of Suffolk’s working age population have no qualifications. This is higher than the East of England average (11.8%), as well as the national average. (12.4%)

In 2008 50.3% of students continued into A levels after their GCSEs, whilst another 33.1% went on to other forms of education. NEETs accounted for 5.5% of the school year group. After A-levels, 51.4% went onto university and 3.89% on gap years. The proportion of NEETs was lower than after GCSEs at 4.87%.

In terms of attainment in 2008, A level students scored an average of 712.7 points, above the regional average of 634.9, but below the national average of 739.8. At GCSE level, 66.2% of students achieved 5 or more GCSEs at A*-C, higher than both the regional (67.5%) and national (65.3%) averages. However, the county’s performance at Key Stage 2 (age 11) was lower than regional and national averages; only 80.5% of children reached at least level four, compared to 83.5% regionally and 82.6% nationally.

Crime

3.16 Suffolk is a relatively safe county, with a crime rate of 77.9 per thousand population in 2005-6. In 2007-8 this figure went down to 68.8 per thousand population. Suffolk Police also has one of the highest success rates for solving crime in the country.

26 ECONOMIC ISSUES

Employment

3.17 Prosperity and economic growth indicators show that the number of businesses in Suffolk has increased, although the business formation rate is lower than average for England and the East of England.

3.18 2005 figures show that the largest employment sectors in the county are health and social work (11.3%), retail trade (10.2%) and education (7.8%).

3.19 In May 2007, the unemployment rate in Suffolk was just 1.9%, which is similar to the regional average, but below the national average (2.4%).

3.20 2005 employment figures show that, while the Suffolk part of the Haven Gateway is growing strongly, with nearly 9000 new jobs since 2000, Waveney, Forest Heath and St Edmundsbury districts have seen much slower growth, with just 2000 new jobs generated between them. This figure is well below the target of 5750 new jobs in the Proposed Changes to the East of England Plan.

3.21 The UK waste management sector employs 141,000 people, of which approximately 110,000 work in England. 13,500 work in the sector in the East of England. (Data from the Labour Market Investigation of the Waste Management Sector for the Energy & Utility Skills, part of the Sector Skills Councils).

3.22 Based on these figures and using the total number of households in each county, it is estimated that approximately 1,100 people work in the waste industry sector in Suffolk.

3.23 Recent figures suggest that the unemployment rate in Suffolk increased to 3.2% which almost doubled the unemployment rate for the previous year.

3.24 In May 2007 the claimant count rate in Suffolk at 2.08% was slightly higher than the regional average (2.00%), and is the second highest amongst the shire counties after Norfolk. As of March 2006, the proportion of people working as managers, in professional occupations and administrative/secretarial occupations in Suffolk (50.2%) is significantly below the regional (55.3%) and national (55.1%) averages. Conversely, the proportion working as plant and machine operatives and in elementary occupations (22.8%) was higher than the averages for the East of England and the whole of England (18.5% for both). As a result, average wages are lower than both the regional and national average, and are in fact the lowest in the region at just £465 a week compared to £528 regionally and £539 nationally.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Climatic Factors

3.25 There is an overwhelming body of scientific evidence highlighting the serious and urgent nature of climate change. Based on this evidence and predicted

27 climate scenarios published by the by the UK Climate Impact Programme (http://www.ukcip.org.uk/) along with work published by the Tyndall Centre (http://www.tyndall.ac.uk/), there is a need to recognise that the County is in a particularly vulnerable position.

3.26 Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of a basket of so-called greenhouse gases linked to climate change and is viewed as the principal gas because it is generated by human activity, in particular the burning of fossil fuels, in by far the greatest quantities. Other Greenhouse Gases are important, including nitrous oxide and methane, which are produced in lesser quantities but have more potential to cause global warming.

3.27 The baseline data for measuring Suffolk emissions is being taken as 2004 because this is the first data set that is robust and publicly available.

Table 3: Summary of CO2 emissions at county level (2004)

Subject Value

Total CO2 Emissions (tonnes) 4,826,501 CO2 per head of population (tonnes) 7.06 Total CO2 Emissions from Transport (tonnes) 1753,543 Transport as % of Total 36.33 Total Domestic CO2 Emissions (tonnes) 1,225,770 Domestic as % of Total 29.95 Total Industrial and Commercial CO2 Emissions (tonnes) 1,574,460 Industrial and Commercial as % of Total 32.62 Total CO2 Emissions from Landfill (tonnes)* 52,728 Waste (Landfill) as % of Total 1.09

*Comprising Municipal Solid Waste

Table 3 (Extracted from Carbon Footprint Report, 2007),

Air quality

3.28 Air quality is generally good in Suffolk. However, four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) have recently (2007) been designated in the county. Three of the sites are in Ipswich (Crown Street; Star Lane/Waterfront gyratory; Norwich Road/Chevallier Street) and the fourth is in Woodbridge (The Thoroughfare/Melton Hill). These localised air quality problems are due mainly to vehicle congestion hot-spots in the county (see below under traffic).

3.29 As previously mentioned, the Environment Agency regulates all larger waste sites in the county, such as incinerators and landfill sites. Assuming the correct application of the requirements of the Waste Incineration Directive and the Landfill Directive through the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations, no air quality impacts should be apparent in relation to such waste management facilities.

28

Water quality and resources

3.30 Water quality is generally high in Suffolk, particularly the coastal waters. All of the county’s bathing beaches consistently pass mandatory standards for water quality and frequently meet recommended guidelines, while almost all estuarine waters are Grade A quality. However, there remain some sites where water quality is poor and needs improving, and the most recent available results (for 2005) showed an overall decline in the chemical water quality in Suffolk’s rivers. The north east of Suffolk falls within the ‘Broadland Rivers’ catchment, a management unit identified by the Environment Agency for delivery of the Water Framework Directive.

3.31 Investigations have shown that figures for water consumption and supply are difficult to obtain at the county level, so data is limited in this area. Environment Agency Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) may provide some data in future years, but none have yet been completed in Suffolk. The East Suffolk CAMS consultation document was published in September 2007. Its Technical Document contained a description of the catchment, its hydrology, hydrometry and hydrogeology, licensed abstractions and water quality and other assessments and assisted in informing about Suffolk’s water quality.

3.32 Water and coastal management are likely to be the most serious climate change issues in Suffolk. The combination of low lying land and coast, current pressures on water resources, levels of expected housing growth and the degree of predicted climate change mean that Suffolk is particularly susceptible. Suffolk is one of the driest parts of the country and according to the Environment Agency many of the water resources available are already overstretched (Suffolk Climate Action Plan, 2007).

Soil and agriculture

3.33 Suffolk is rich in agricultural farmland. About 1% of the county’s soils are Grade 1, with grades 2 and 3a each at about 20%; in total, about 45% of the county’s soils are classed as “best and most versatile”.

3.34 According to the Suffolk Climate Action Plan (2007) the greenhouse gas emissions for agriculture are markedly different from other industries, in that methane and nitrous oxide are the significant gases rather than carbon dioxide. There are opportunities for more efficient and improvement in the industry, and example being the harnessing of methane as fuel source. The use of anaerobic digesters to process organic municipal waste and livestock manure to produce methane as a fuel and a compost to replace peat is where the real societal advantage lies (Suffolk Climate Action Plan, 2007).

Waste

3.35 Around 385,000 tonnes of household waste was produced in Suffolk during 2006/7. Waste production is likely to continue to increase if the projected levels of population and employment growth take place, although the latest projections

29 used by Suffolk’s waste planners anticipate that waste growth will be at 1.35% from 2005/06 until 2009/10. After this, then growth is expected to be tied to the housing growth at 0.9%.

3.36 Composting and recycling rates increased during 2006/7 compared to 2005/6, and now stand at 42.9% in Suffolk. During 2008/2009 the proportion of ‘dry’ recyclables and ‘green’ wastes collected rose from 46% in Suffolk. The biggest increase was by Suffolk Coastal rising from 43% last year to 48%. Waveney had the highest figures, with 55% of its collected waste recycled and composted.

3.37 Approximately 571,000 tonnes of commercial/industrial and other waste was disposed of to landfill in Suffolk in 2005/06.

3.38 The county of Suffolk has 18 household waste recycling centres, 7 composting sites (or compost processing sites), 18 landfill sites, 26 waste transfer facilities, 25 metal recycling facilities, 2 materials recovery facilities and 8 incinerators (which together deal principally with municipal and commercial and industrial waste). Sites are located evenly throughout the county, along major transport routes. Waste transfer facilities are concentrated along the A14 and near the County’s borders with Essex and Norfolk.

3.39 Waste going to landfill is a major contributor to climate change accounting for about 3% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. As the waste decays it produces methane, which is a highly potent greenhouse gas (one tonne of methane emissions has the same impact on global warming as 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions) (Suffolk Climate Change Action Plan, 2007). By cutting the amount of waste sent to landfill through waste reduction, reuse, recycling can contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

3.40 As Suffolk only has landfill capacity till 2016, added to the increasing level of the Landfill Tax and of the impending threat of LATS penalties it is imperative that the County Council explores alternatives to using landfill. To this end, the County Council’s Waste Procurement Programme is investigating the two principal options for managing residual waste through residual waste treatment plant(s) - principally energy-from-waste (incineration) or mechanical biological treatment (MBT). These technologies have been assessed for sustainability impacts through the Waste Procurement Programme and are likely to be revisited within the Waste Core Strategy and Specific Site Allocations.

3.41 Suffolk County Council’s Annual Monitoring Report (AMR), submitted to Government in December every year, details the amount of waste that arises in Suffolk and what is recycled and disposed of. The most up-to-date AMR (2007/08) can be found on http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/Environment/MineralsAndWastePlanning/AnnualMonit oringReports.htm.

30 Traffic and transport

3.42 Traffic levels at monitored locations in Suffolk have increased annually since 1999. This has had impacts on, amongst other factors, air quality and pollution, congestion, road safety, tranquillity and greenhouse gas emissions.

3.43 In 2001, 61% of Suffolk residents drove to work, 10% worked at home and 21% used a sustainable means of transport (public transport, cycling or on foot). In 2006, 66.8% of schoolchildren travelled to school by sustainable means, above the 65% target.

3.44 The dispersed nature of Suffolk’s rural population combined with a lack of services and regular scheduled public transport in rural areas is unlikely to lead to decreased demand for private travel in the near future.

3.45 The Port of Felixstowe, the largest container port in the country, contributes significantly to HGV traffic in Suffolk, particularly on the A14. The approved port expansion there, along with the approved port at Bathside Bay in Harwich, Essex, will lead to an increase in HGV traffic in the future.

3.46 According to the 2001 Census, 21% of Suffolk residents travelled to work by sustainable modes of transport, which was below both national and regional averages. A 2004 survey showed that 35% of schoolchildren were taken to school by car, whilst the remaining 65% used sustainable modes. Census results also showed that the proportion of people walking and cycling to work in Suffolk was greater than in the Eastern region or the nation as a whole.

3.47 Almost all waste within Suffolk is transported by road (except for some nuclear waste transported by rail from Sizewell).

Energy

3.48 In 2005, 3,673 GWh of gas was sold to domestic customers and 2,702 GWh sold to commercial/industrial customers in Suffolk, bringing the total to 6,376 GWh. For electricity, 1,619 GWh was sold to domestic customers and 2,406 GWh sold to commercial/industrial customers, bringing the total to 4,025 GWh. Both domestic and commercial/industrial electricity increased from 2004 to 2005 although there was a decrease in gas sales during the same period.

3.49 The renewable energy and waste industry sector consumed 65.5 Gwh in 2003 and 47.7 Gwh in 2004. No more recent data are currently available from Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formerly DTI).

3.50 The generation of renewable energy in Suffolk increased with the opening of the county’s first commercial wind turbine (“Guliver”) at Ness Point, Lowestoft. Planning permission for a windfarm at Parham, in Suffolk Coastal district, was granted in July 2006. A number of other potential onshore and offshore wind schemes are in the pipeline.

31 3.51 In 2004, 37% of carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere in the UK was from energy industries, including burning fossil fuels in power stations. Suffolk was responsible in 2004 for the consumption of approximately 10.5 GWh of energy through domestic and industrial energy use. This resulted in the release of around 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Flood Risk

3.52 Environment Agency information suggests that around 12,000 properties in Suffolk are at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea1 (figure excludes Forest Heath).

3.53 In total, just three planning applications were approved by Suffolk LPAs against sustained Environment Agency objections during 2005/6, indicating that the Agency’s objections are successfully overcome in the vast majority of cases. However, this figure rose to 11 applications approved during 2007/2008.

3.54 Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk, identifies waste treatment facilities as “less vulnerable” development. This means that sites within flood zones 1, 2 and 3a may be considered for waste management development. Landfill and hazardous waste facilities are considered to be “more vulnerable” development, and therefore suitable only in flood zones 1 & 2. Flood Zone 3a may only be considered for more vulnerable development if it passes the Exception Test. 3.55 (NB: Flood zone 1 is land at less than 0.1% annual probability of flooding (1-in- 1000 year return period); flood zone 2 is land between 1% (0.5% for coastal flooding) and 0.1% probability; flood zone 3a is land at greater than 1% annual probability of flooding (0.5% for coastal flooding).)

3.56 Climate scenarios from the UK Climate Impacts Programme are that by the 2080. temperatures in Suffolk will be 2-5C higher, summer rainfall will decrease by up to 60% but winter rainfall is predicted to increase, and sea-level will rise by up to 82 cm. the Draft East of England Plan (RSS14) states that an extra 58,600 new homes will be built in Suffolk by 2021 compared with 2001. A key challenge therefore will be to ensure that new developments are as water efficient as possible and that building in current floodplains, or area that will become floodplains as the climate changes, is avoided.

Biodiversity and geodiversity

3.57 Suffolk contains a range of sites with ecological designations, including six Ramsar sites, seven Special Protection Areas, eight Special Areas of Conservation, 283 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (of which 36 are geological) and 25 Local Nature Reserves. The number of County Wildlife Sites currently stands at about 850 (2007) and the county has seven Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) and 105 candidate RIGS. In addition, a number of Biodiversity Action Plans and Habitat Action Plans are in place, with the aim of conserving and increasing nationally and locally important habitats and species in the county. The boundary of the Broads

32 Biodivrsity Action Plan encompasses areas up to 1 km away from the Broads Authority Executive area or further where there are peat soils present. Action Plan provides an overview of issues that could impact negatively on biodiversity or water quality within the Broads arising from potential development in north east Suffolk. Through Suffolk County Council’s mapping program, further constraints can be added to an existing baseline map such as County Wildlife Sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

3.58 In terms of waste developments impacting on designated sites, national guidance such as PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation and PPS10: Planning for Sustainable Waste Management will help to protect such sites from inappropriate development.

Archaeology & historic environment

3.59 The County’s Historic Environment Record (HER) currently (2006) has 24,484 records relating to 16,814 archaeological sites. Of these, 328 are designated as Scheduled Monuments of national importance. The county also contains many buildings of historical or architectural interest, with 16,650 listed buildings and 170 Conservation Areas recorded in 2004/5. The numbers of recorded archaeological sites, listed buildings and conservation areas have all increased in recent years, giving increased protection to Suffolk’s heritage. The area of designated historic parkland has also increased in the last five years.

3.60 Suffolk’s historic landscape makes an outstanding contribution to the County’s character and local distinctiveness. A high percentage of the county is deemed to be ‘ancient countryside’ where the pattern of fields and roads is of medieval or earlier origin. Historic features are a finite resource and cannot be fully replicated. The Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) produced by the County’s Archaeological Service in conjunction with English Heritage is a key resource for the understanding of the historic landscape.

3.61 The location of waste management development near to urban centres could impact on the visual amenity of the townscape and its cultural heritage. Any such development activities therefore need to be designed sensitively.

3.62 Archaeological evaluations of sites put forward through the Waste Specific Sites Allocations document will need to be carried out, where appropriate, given that Suffolk has a history of very rich archaeological finds.

Landscapes and townscapes

3.63 Around 12% of Suffolk’s landscape is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Suffolk’s two AONBs are the Suffolk Coast & Heaths and the Dedham Vale.

3.64 Planning policy requires protection of the highest quality landscapes, such as the AONBs, but recognises that some development in AONBs can be justified for reasons of economic vitality and viability, and the provision of important services. Any proposals for waste management development in the AONBs

33 would therefore need rigorous justification and very sensitive design. Neighbouring Broads in Norfolk are equivalent to National Park Status.

3.65 Reports produced by the Campaign to Protect Rural England indicates that light pollution increased in the county between 1993 and 2000. Overall levels of pollution are below the national average, however, and Suffolk does contain proportionally lower areas in the darkest category than for England as a whole.

Rights of Way

3.66 The Rights of Way network in Suffolk totals 5,400 km, of which 66% were judged “easy to use” in the 2005/06 Best Value indicator survey. This figure is an increase from 59% in 2004.

Minerals

3.67 The solid geology of Suffolk consists mostly of Cretaceous Chalk deposits, with London Clay, Reading Beds, Thanet Sand and Crag present in the east of the County. The solid geology is largely covered by glacial drift deposits of Boulder Clay, Sand and Gravel. Within the river valleys, reworked Glacial Sand and Gravel forms River Terrace deposits. In the west of the County are found Wind Blown deposits of Sand.

3.68 As Mineral Planning Authority, Suffolk County Council has published an AMR on the sales and reserves of minerals in the county for the last 17 years. This has informed the Regional Aggregates Working Party Annual Monitoring Report.

3.69 The MPA’s Annual Monitoring Reports have included information on applications for planning permission, numbers of active quarries and recycling operations and, more recently, the monitoring of the Minerals Local Plan, which was adopted in 1999.

3.70 Historically, some exhausted mineral quarries have been used as landfill sites, accepting either inert or municipal/commercial & industrial waste. However, the Environment Agency has indicated that there are widespread constraints upon new non-inert landfill space within the County due to much of Suffolk being overlain by Groundwater Source Protection Zones. This means that in future mineral sites may only be used to landfill municipal/C&I wastes provided they are located within a less vulnerable area and they have been subject to a satisfactory quantitative risk assessment to describe the presence of a natural geological boundary.

Recycled aggregate

3.71 The Suffolk Minerals Local Plan seeks to supply 4.17mt of recycled aggregate between 1994 –2006. This was based on the forecast contained in MPG6 and is interpreted as 0.35 million tonnes per annum.

34 3.72 Recycled aggregate sales increased from 213,800 tonnes in 1998 to 554,700 tonnes in 2002, but in 2003 this dropped to 480,000 tonnes. Recycled aggregate sales during 2006/7 are thought to be about 500,000 tonnes.

3.73 With the continuing focus on re-developing brownfield sites, production and sales of recycled aggregate is likely to remain high over the coming years and there is, therefore, a continuing demand for recycled aggregate sites in the county.

Limitations on information

3.74 Figures on investment within Suffolk have been difficult to obtain. The main limitations have been issues relating to quality of living, health and issues relating to water quality. However, the Community Strategies which are currently being prepared/reviewed in the District Councils and the County Council will include indicators for this to be monitored. Water quality figures will be made available through the Environment Agency’s work with Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies but none have yet been completed for Suffolk.

3.75 Some uncertainties exist around the precise impacts of climate change on Suffolk and that evidence base is incomplete.

The SA Framework, including objectives, targets and indicators

3.76 The objectives set out in Table 5 below have been used for the purpose of the Sustainability Appraisal. The overall purpose of Sustainability Appraisal is to promote sustainable development through the integration of social, environmental and economic considerations into the preparation of development Plan Documents. To reflect these considerations the objectives have been developed by the Suffolk Sustainability Appraisal Group as a common SA framework for the County but have then been adapted to suit the purposes of the Waste DPDs.

Table 4: SA Objectives, associated questions & indicators

SA objective Questions Related Data/ Indicators Environmental • Will it affect levels of the 7 National Objective • Consultants’ reports. Air Quality 1. To maintain/ improve air quality pollutants for local air quality (SO2, NO2, Assessment Chapter 13. (including HGV movements) in line PM10, benzene, 1,3-butadene, CO, Pb) • Concentration of air pollutants with national standards limits • Will it exceed national standards limits? • AQMAs • Estuary/ inland water quality data • Coastal water quality data 2. To maintain or improve water • Potential effect on groundwater • Will it impact on water quality? quality source protection zones • Condition of water bodies (Water Framework Directive) • Consultants’ reports. Biodiversity Assessment Chapter 12. • Will it affect statutory/non-statutory • Change in number and area of 3. To maintain/ improve biodiversity designated sites? designated and geodiversity • Will it affect local BAP species and BAP ecological/geodiversity sites • Reported condition of ecological habitats? and geodiversity SSSIs • Will it impact on characteristic habitats and • Habitat Action Plan targets

35 species? (progress towards achievement) • Will there be enhancement opportunities as • Species Action Plan ((progress a result of development? towards achievement) • Will there be improvement of the wider • Development proposals affecting environment (i.e. non-designated sites)? BAP habitats and geodiversity sites outside protected areas • The number of agri-environment Stewardship Schemes potentially affected (Environmental Stewardship, Environmentally Sensitive Areas & Countryside Stewardship)

• Will it affect the landscape in AONBs and • Consultants’ reports. Landscape SLAs? Assessment Chapter 10. • Will it affect characteristic landscape • Changes in landscape features as specified through the Landscape (Landscape Character 4. To maintain/ improve the quality Character Assessment? Assessment) and local distinctiveness of • Will it affect with the existing townscape • Area of designated landscape landscapes/ townscapes character? (SLAs & AONBs and The Broads) • Will it provide opportunities for the creation • Number of TPOs affected of accessible greenspace at waste sites • Number of field boundaries where restoration is planned? affected

• No. of waste management sites • Will it affect the amount of contaminated on greenfield land 5. To maintain/improve soil land? • Waste management quality/resources • Will it affect quality of soils? sites/development on best agricultural land • Map/data showing soil quality • Will it affect rates of abstraction/water use? • Using recirculated water in 6. To maximise the efficient use of • Will it affect grey water recycling? processing of waste water • Will it promote the wise use of water, taking account of climate change? • SFRA results • Extent of flood risk zones 1-3 and • Will it be in a flood risk zones 2 and 3? 7. To minimise flood risk functional floodplain • Will it affect flood risk elsewhere? • Incidence of flood watches and warnings • Consultants’ reports. Traffic Movements Assessment Chapter • Will it affect the number of HGV 8. 8. To minimise effects of HGV traffic movements? • Location to maximize tonnes on the environment • Will it affect movements on Strategic Lorry per miles Route Network? • Traffic volumes in key locations • Location of Strategic Lorry Routes

• Number of SAMs damaged as a 9. To maintain/ improve historical result of development buildings/sites, archaeological sites • Will it affect designated areas- nationally, • No of listed buildings and and other culturally regionally and locally? buildings at risk important buildings • Area of historic parks & gardens • Size and number of Conservation Areas

• Consumption of energy • Use of low carbon technologies • Will it affect CO2 levels? Location to maximize tonnes 10. To minimise contributions to • Will it affect methane levels? per miles global warming •

• Opportunities for utilizing renewable or low-carbon energy supply systems

11. To move treatment of waste up • Will it affect recycling/reuse measures? • Tonnage recycled, composted and landfilled the waste hierarchy • Will it affect amount of waste to landfill? • Will it affect energy recovery from waste? Social

12. To maximise opportunities for • Will it to affect direct employment/ancillary • Average earnings in waste new/ additional employment employment in/to the waste industry? industry • Employment figures for waste

36 industry

• Consultants’ reports: Air Quality Assessment Chapter 13. • % of footpaths open to public • HPA position statement on • Will it impact on the quality and quantity of Municipal Solid Waste footpaths? 13. To maintain/ improve health of Incineration • Will it affect human health? the population overall • Enviros Report: Review of • Will any composting facilities be sited within Environmental and Health Effects 250m of residential properties? of Waste Management: Municipal Solid Waste and Similar Wastes • Healthy Sustainable Communities- what works? • Number of human receptors • Will it cause a statutory nuisance, in terms of • Compliance with noise/dust odour? control conditions • Have noise control planning conditions been • Complaints relating to noise, dust 14. To minimise the impacts arising set? and odour (Districts Env Health from the provision of waste facilities • Will it affect the EPA1990 in terms of noise? officers and SCC) developments on where people live • Have dust control planning conditions been • Fly tipping statistics (SCC) set? • Light pollution maps • Will it affect the EPA1990, in terms of dust? • Will it affect fly tipping in the County? Economic

• Will it impact on long-term investment in 15. To promote sustainable • Employment land availability waste management infrastructure? investment and economic growth in • Amount of waste exported • Will it impact on an appropriate/adequate the County • Amount of waste treated within supply of land? county

• No of developments where a 16. To promote efficient movement • Will it impact on road dependency? patterns within the county (rail or • Will it affect alternative modes of transport green travel plan is water where possible) of waste? submitted/condition of development

37 Chapter 4: Appraisal Methodology

Compatibility testing of Strategic Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives

4.1 Appendix 2 of this report shows a test of the aims and objectives of the Waste Core Strategy against the SA Objectives. The three SA Objectives are in red colour in the compatibility table to highlight their likely critical value. This can lead to assumptions used in making judgements on the identifying the likely significance of the effects of the plan later on. At the same time it is important to note that significance has to be determined individually in each case. Criteria should be used as guidance only.

Key Compatible Neutral Incompatible

4.2 The assessments in Appendix 2 are based on a symbol based system which indicates the degree of compatibility between SA Objectives and objectives of the plan.

Predicting the effects of Policy Options and the proposed Strategic Sites against the SA Objectives

4.3 Testing the policy options and the proposed Strategic Sites against the 16 SA Objectives is presented in Appendix 4 and 5. It uses symbol based scoring system and provides a brief commentary explaining and expanding on the scoring. Effects are examined in terms of the short, medium and long-term. 4.4 It is useful to determine the importance of the SA objectives to highlight those which are judged to be particularly important to help focus the later stages of the SA. It was decided by the members of Suffolk Minerals and Waste Planning Policy Team that three SA objectives would be more critical than the others and would be highlighted in red colour in the tables throughout the appraisal. The assessments are based on a symbol based system which indicates the degree of compatibility of the SA Objectives.

Key

++ Very positive effect + Positive effect 0 Neutral effect - Negative effect -- Very negative effect ? Uncertain

38 Cumulative and Synergistic effects of Policies and proposed Strategic Sites versus SA Objectives

4.5 Testing of cumulative and synergistic effects of Policies and proposed Strategic Sites versus SA Objectives is presented in Tables 7 and 9. Table 8 analyses any synergistic and cumulative effects of the SA Objectives on each site as a whole, whereas Table 9 analyses any effects of the sites on each SA objective. Comments, where appropriate, have been made alongside each objective/site.

Key

++ Very positive effect + Positive effect 0 Neutral effect - Negative effect -- Very negative effect ? Uncertain

Who carried out the SA

4.6 Members of the Suffolk Sustainability Appraisal Group worked together during the initial stages of the Sustainability Appraisal process, identifying and scoping strategies and plans, collecting baseline data, and creating a common Sustainability Appraisal framework. The Waste Planning Authority (WPA) has refined this work, developing appropriate sustainability objectives in order to assess the policies and sites in the Waste Core Strategy. Suffolk County Council has already completed the Waste Scoping Report which was the first stage of the SA process, and Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options Parts I and II.

Difficulties encountered

4.7 There were some difficulties in carrying out the appraisal. The main problem was the data on Commercial and Industrial waste, which appeared to be complex and less comprehensive than the Municipal Waste data.

39 Chapter 5: Social, Economic and Environmental Effects and Summary Details

Sustainability Appraisal of Strategic Plan Objectives

5.1 The compatibility analysis in Appendix 2 shows no conflicts between SA objectives and objectives of the Plan.

5.2 Some difficulties for assessment relate to how environmental protection objectives could restrain the allocation of waste management facilities and, therefore, economic growth. Although there can be some tension between environmental protection and economic development goals, the aim of sustainable development is to balance environmental, economic and social aims objectives.

5.3 Objective 11 of the plan (To facilitate proposals and encourage waste management practices that reduce the effects of the emissions of greenhouse gases and deliver renewable energy production where feasible and appropriate) is compatible with the SA objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy). Moving elements of the waste stream up the hierarchy will reduce the amount of energy that may be recovered during disposal. In particular, removal of combustible materials will reduce calorific value of waste for incineration. But it should be noted however that re-use and recycling tends to save large amounts of energy through reducing the need to generate products from virgin sources.

5.4 Objective 7 of the Plan (To minimise adverse impacts on air quality) scored neutral against the SA objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy). Moving the disposal of waste from landfill sites should have a positive effect on air quality due to the reduction of the methane gas emissions.

5.5 Due to no conflict between the two sets of objectives, the WPA is content that there is no need to refine the Plan objectives on this basis.

Sites and their social, environmental and economic effects

5.6 A number of Strategic Sites are proposed in this Submission Waste Core Strategy and are outlined in the tables below. An initial sustainability appraisal was undertaken on each of these Strategic Sites to inform the Waste Core Strategy Submission document, and is set out in full in Appendix 5. The summary of that appraisal follows each table within this chapter and has been included to clearly indicate the process that the WPA has undertaken.

5.7 The tables below are used as guidelines only. It is important to refer to Appendix 5 for the full explanation of the significance of the effects of the submitted sites in each case.

5.8 It is important to note that it is not the role of the SA to determine which sites should be chosen as potential allocations. The SA should, however, help in

40 identifying the most sustainable sites of those proposed in order to meet the requirements for waste management provision set out in the Core Strategy.

5.9 The technology has not been identified for the sites and therefore, the SA process only considers the physical characteristics of the sites. Judgements and broad assumptions about the type of built waste facility likely to be developed on that site, were informed by site information collected by the County Council, the existing knowledge of officers, and supplemented by ongoing consultation with stakeholders for individual sites.

Sustainability Appraisal of Strategic Sites

Key

++ Very positive effect + Positive effect 0 Neutral effect - Negative effect -- Very negative effect ? Uncertain

5.10 The following four sites have been taken forward and assessed, and summary tables follow. The full assessment is outlined in Appendix 5. Further assessments to determine the compatibility between these sites and objectives are outlined in the next chapter.

Specific Sites identified for Strategic Residual Waste Treatment Facilities: Site 2 – Former Sproughton Sugar Factory Site 27 – Eye Airfield Industrial Estate Site 28 – Masons Quarry, Great Blakenham Site 29 – SCC Highways Depot, Lodge Lane, Great Blakenham

Specific Sites identified for Non Hazardous Landfill by Industry: Site W7 – Layham Landfill Site Site 67 – Thorington Site W17 – Foxhall Landfill Site Site W11 – Masons Landfill Site

41 Key

42

Site 2: Former Sproughton Sugar Factory, Ipswich

SA Summary Table

Impact Site 2: Former Sproughton Sugar Factory S M L ++ 2 3 3 + 5 4 4 0 8 8 8 - 1 1 1 -- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – Medium-term, L – long-term.

The SA results show that this site scored very positively against objectives 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment), objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). The results also indicate that this site has a limited effect against objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality). Site is well located to sources of waste and non landfill option would potentially benefit the effects of climate change. The site is close to areas which generate waste and will be part of network of waste management facilities throughout the County which will encourage the movement of waste up the hierarchy. It has a potential for large capital investment. The site has neutral impact against SA objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality). Applicant would need to demonstrate that development will not impact on water quality and it is recommended that the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) would be very beneficial as a mitigation measure. However, potentially this site scored negatively against SA objective 3 (To maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity) due to presence of some important ecological receptors that could be affected if EfW were employed. (Stour and Orwell Estuaries). There is also a neutral effect against SA objective 7 (To minimise flood risk). Despite the fact that this site lies within a floodplain, the Environment Agency has confirmed that it is effectively protected by the existing flood defences and current ground levels.

43 Site 2: Former Sproughton Sugar Beet factory, Ipswich

44

Site 27: Eye Airfield Industrial Estate, Eye and Yaxley

SA Summary Table

Impact Site 27: Eye Airfield Industrial Estate, Eye and Brome S M L ++ 2 2 2 + 5 4 4 0 9 10 10 - 0 0 0 -- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – medium-term, L – long-term.

The SA results revealed that site has neutral effects on SA objectives 1 (To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements). It has positive effects on objective 3(To maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity), objective 7 (To minimise flood risk) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). Non landfill option would potentially benefit the effects of climate change, but the site is less favourably located in relation to sources of waste. The biodiversity of the site has low ecological value, hence new development could offer new high value ecological areas. Site is not in an area susceptible to flooding. It has a potential to attract large capital investment. The site has neutral effect on objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality). The site lies within Groundwater protection Zones 2 and 3. Applicant would need to demonstrate that development will not impact on water quality. Mitigation measures can include the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). Site is less favourably located to maximise tonnes per miles than other sites, hence has neutral effect against SA objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment). Site has positive effects on objective 14 (To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live). There are less properties in close proximity to the site than for the other sites proposed.

45 Site 27: Eye Airfield Industrial Estate, Eye and Yaxley

46

Site 28: Masons Quarry, Great Blakenham

SA Summary Table

Impact Site 28: Masons Quarry, Great Blakenham S M L ++ 1 3 3 + 7 5 5 0 8 8 8 - 0 0 0 -- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – medium-term, L – long-term.

The SA results showed that this site has very positive effects on objectives 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy), short term objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). The site is close to areas which generate waste and will be part of a network of waste management facilities which will encourage the movement of waste up the hierarchy. It will also attract large capital investment and will provide job opportunities during the construction phase of the development. In the long term potential additional landscaping can increase the biodiversity value of the site. Existing geological SSSI and CWS would need to be adequately safeguarded. Any detailed proposal would need to submit suitable mitigation measures for safeguarding of Great Crested Newts on this site. The site is not susceptible to flooding and scored neutrally mainly against environmental SA objectives. It has positive effect on objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment). Site is very well located to maximise tonnes per miles. It is close to and has a good connection with the A14via the B1113. The site scored neutrally on the objective 14 (To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live). It is less favourably located in comparison with other sites in relation to the volume of potential human receptors for air quality. However, predicted environmental concentrations will not exceed the assessment levels and the potential effects may be reduced through further emissions abatement.

47 Site 28: Masons Quarry, Great Blakenham

48

Site 29: Suffolk County Council Highways Depot, Lodge Lane, Great Blakenham

SA Summary Table

Impact Site 29: Suffolk County Council Highways Depot, Lodge Lane, Great Blakenham S M L ++ 1 2 2 + 6 5 5 0 9 9 9 - 0 0 0 -- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – Medium-term, L – long-term.

The SA results showed that this site has very positive effects on objectives 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy), short term objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). The site is close to areas which generate waste and will be part of a network of waste management facilities which will encourage the movement of waste up the hierarchy. It will also attract large capital investment and will provide job opportunities during the construction phase of the development. The site is not susceptible to flooding and scored neutrally mainly against environmental SA objectives. It has positive effect on objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment). Site is very well located to maximise tonnes per miles. This site is well located in relation to the Strategic Lorry Route Network, with access onto the A14 via the B1113. The site has neutral effects on the objective 14 (To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live). It is less favourably located in comparison with other sites in relation to the volume of potential human receptors for air quality.

49 Site 29: Suffolk County Council Highways Depot, Lodge Lane, Great Blakenham

50

Site W7: Layham Landfill Site

SA Summary Table

Impact Site 1: Layham Landfill Site S M L ++ 0 0 0 + 1 1 2 0 15 15 14 - 0 0 0 -- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – Medium-term, L – long-term.

The results of the SA indicate that this site has mainly neutral effects overall as it is already existing site. The site overlies a major aquifer and is located over a Source Protection Zone III. Despite this fact it scored neutrally on SA objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality) as any new planning application will include a risk based assessment containing suitable proposals to safeguard the aquifer and to be agreed with the Environment Agency.

The site is located next to Layham Pit Woodland and Meadow CWS and Valley Farm Woodland CWS is close by. In the long term this site is likely to score positively on SA objective 3 (To maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity) as possible restoration to woodland would deliver a significant biodiversity gain.

The site does not have national landscape designations but lies within Special Landscape Area. In the long term this site will benefit from addition landscaping to the existing buffer zones as mitigation measures. It scored positively on objective 16 (To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible)) as it has good access onto A1071 which is part of the Suffolk Lorry Route Network.

There could be some additional traffic and mitigation measures should include an assessment of the safety and likely traffic implications on the A12 J31. :

51 Site W7: Layham Landfill Site

52

Site 67: Thorington

SA Summary Table

Impact Site 67: Thorington Landfill Site S M L ++ 0 0 0 + 1 1 2 0 15 15 14 - 0 0 0 -- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – Medium-term, L – long-term.

The results of the SA revealed that this site mainly has neutral effects overall as it is a former mineral site. It is likely to have neutral effects on SA objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements)).It is very well located in relation to strategic Lorry Route and has a good access with the purposely designed junction directly connecting to the A12.

Site scored neutrally on SA objective 3 (To maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity) short term and positively in the long term. Site already has existing planning permission for mineral working with the condition for restoration and additional habitat creation. Presence of crested newts is identified on the site and licence from Natural England is necessary for their translocation and their habitat improvement. There will be a need for an Appropriate Assessment due to Natura 2000 sites nearby Minsmere and Walberswick Heaths and Marshes.

The site scored neutrally on SA objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality) as new planning application will include a risk based assessment containing suitable proposals to safeguard the aquifer and be agreed with the Environment Agency.

It is a very well screened and established site. In the long term positive effects are due to additional landscaping in the proposals for a strategic facility. It has a positive effect on SA objective 16 (To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible)) as it has a good access onto the A12 which is a Strategic Lorry Route.

53 Site 67: Thorington

54

Site W17: Foxhall Landfill Site

SA Summary Table

Impact Site W17: Foxhall Landfill Site S M L ++ 0 0 0 + 1 1 2 0 15 15 14 - 0 0 0 -- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – Medium-term, L – long-term.

According to the SA this site scored neutrally on SA objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements)) as it is well-established landfill site and is unlikely to cause additional volume of traffic. It should have neutral effects on SA objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality) providing appropriate controls measures are in place.

This site scored neutrally short term and positively long term on SA objective 3 (To maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity) providing there are safeguards to ensure there are no impacts on the Mill River County Wildlife Site, Ipswich Heaths SSSI and Newbourne Springs SSSI. The site should be restored to heathland and acid grassland for biodiversity gains.

It is a very screened and established site therefore there will be long term positive effects due to additional landscaping in the proposals for a strategic facility. The site has neutral effects on SA objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment) as this site has already an existing landfill site. Site is close to the Strategic Lorry Route with good access to the A12.

It also scored neutrally on objective 14 (To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live) as it is in existing, well established screened site so is likely to have neutral effects.

55 Site W17: Foxhall Landfill Site

56

Site W11: Masons Landfill Site

SA Summary Table

Impact Site W11: Masons Landfill Site S M L ++ 0 0 0 + 1 1 2 0 15 15 14 - 0 0 0 -- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – Medium-term, L – long-term.

The results of the SA showed that this site scored mainly neutrally against SA objectives. It has neutral effects on SA objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements) however an assessment on the likely impact on the A14 J52 should be undertaken due to increased stress on this junction.

This site should have neutral effects on SA objective 2 (To maintain or improve water quality). It overlies a major aquifer, is close to nearby groundwater abstractions and is within Groundwater Source Protection Zone 3. The site is also located within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. Precautions therefore must be taken to prevent contamination.

Within the quarry there is a geological SSSI which would be preserved and CWS for which suitable mitigation would be required. Any detailed proposal would need to submit suitable mitigation measures for safeguarding of Great Crested Newts on this site. It is very screened and established site. In the long term there could be positive effects due to additional landscaping in the proposals for a strategic facility. There are positive effects on SA objective 16 (To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible)) as the site is well located in relation to the Strategic Lorry Route Network, with access onto the A14 via the B1113.

57 Site W11: Masons Landfill Site

58

Policies taken forward to the Submission stage

5.11 Each of the policies has been assessed against the 16 Sustainability Appraisal objectives. This helped to ensure that the final policy options chosen were those that led to the greatest sustainability ‘gains’ (i.e. the biggest net improvements from the current situation).

5.12 A number of policies with alternatives were suggested in the previous Issues and Options (Part I) and (Part II) papers. An initial sustainability appraisal was undertaken on each of these options. This informed this Submission document resulting in policy options that are most sustainable. This is set out in full in Appendix 4.

Policy WCS1: The Spatial Waste Management Strategy for Suffolk Preference will be given to proposals for waste management facilities in accordance with the Key Diagram where individual sites are well related to the Suffolk Lorry Route Network, centres of population and sources of waste and do not have adverse impacts upon features of environmental importance or endanger human health.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term. Impact Option 1 The policy’s effect is largely neutral (based on the S M L sustainability appraisal results), although there are ++ 0 0 0 positive impacts relating to maintaining/improving + 4 4 4 biodiversity and geodiversity, minimising effects of HGV traffic on the environment and promoting 0 11 11 11 economic sustainability. Making appropriate - 0 0 0 provision through identifying sites in a DPD can -- 0 0 0 provide a degree of certainty for developers and communities who will contribute to sustainable ? 1 1 1 investment and economic growth in the County. Adhering to the apportionment identified in the East of England Plan ensures that enough capacity is made available throughout the life of this plan.

Policy WCS2: Management of Sub-regional Apportionment (thousand tonnes) Provision will be made to manage those volumes of Municipal Solid Waste, Commercial & Industrial Waste and London Waste identified in the East of England Plan as being apportioned to Suffolk during the plan period. This apportionment may be subject to change as a result of revision of regional guidance. The latest adopted sub-regional apportionment will be applied in calculating the provision to be made for waste management facilities. Until a revised apportionment is adopted to cover the period until 2026 the figures set out below will be used. Proposals for new waste management development or an extension of existing waste development will only be permitted where there is a demonstrated need in compliance with Table 6. When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling, composting, recovery and disposal facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application. Permission may be granted for waste development involving importation of waste from outside the Plan area where this is demonstrated to maximise recycling, composting and recovery of waste

59 materials and be the most sustainable option, taking into account regional self sufficiency and the Regional Spatial Strategy, proximity to point of waste arising and the waste hierarchy. 2010/11 2015/16 2020/21 2025/26 Municipal Solid 501 519 538 538 Waste

Commercial & 1,149 1,320 1,538 1,538 Industrial London Waste 220 107 106 106

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This policy has neutral effect overall, but scored S M L positively against objective 14 (To minimise the ++ 0 0 0 impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities + 4 4 4 developments on where people live) and objective 0 12 12 12 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). - 0 0 0

-- 0 0 0

? 0 0 0

Policy WCS3: Provision for the Recycling and Composting of Waste The County Council will plan for a quantity of waste recycling and composting of at least 1,476,300 tonnes per annum, in compliance with Table 6. Relevant planning applications will be determined by reference to the appropriate criteria based policies. When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling and composting facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This policy has mainly neutral effect on the S M L environmental SA objectives. It scored positively ++ 0 0 0 against SA objectives 11 (To move treatment of + 2 2 4 waste up the waste hierarchy) and 12 (To maximise 0 14 14 12 opportunities for new/additional employment). Also it could potentially have positive effects long term, on - 0 0 0 objective 13 (To maintain/improve health of the -- 0 0 0 population overall) and 14 (To minimise the impacts ? 0 0 0 arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live) after mitigation measures and further environmental improvements take place.

60 Policy WCS4: Proposed sites for Strategic Residual Waste Treatment Facilities

The County Council will plan for a quantity of Residual Waste Treatment capacity of up to 599,700 tonnes of waste per annum, in compliance with Table 6. Favourable consideration will be given to proposals for Strategic Residual Waste Treatment Facilities (annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes or more) within the following locations: e) Specific Site 29, Suffolk County Council Highways Depot, Lodge Lane, Great Blakenham; f) Area of Search Site 2, Former Sugar Refinery, Sproughton Road, Sproughton; g) Area of Search Site 27, Eye Airfield Industrial Estate, Eye and Yaxley, and; h) Area of Search Site 28, Masons Quarry, Great Blakenham.

When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling, composting and recovery facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application. The treatment of waste that could practicably be recycled or composted will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only residual source-separated or pre-sorted waste is treated. Facilities that burn waste must provide for the recovery of energy and the use of combined heat and power will be encouraged.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This policy should have neutral effects on most of S M L the environmental SA objectives, providing that the ++ 0 0 0 waste management facilities are designed and + 3 3 3 operated properly. There are potentially positive 0 13 13 13 effects on SA objectives 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) as policy wording - 0 0 0 suggests potential for energy production and 12 (To -- 0 0 0 maximise opportunities for new/additional ? 0 0 0 employment) as new facilities will provide new opportunities for employment. Also this option scored positively against objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County) due to distribution of sufficient waste management facilities in close proximity to the sources of waste.

61 Policy WCS5: Specific sites for Non-hazardous Landfill The County Council will plan for a quantity of Non-Hazardous Landfill capacity of up to 1,114,766 tonnes, in compliance with Table 6. Favourable consideration will be given to the following proposals for Non-Hazardous Landfill: e) extension of time and broadening of accepted waste categories to include Municipal Solid Waste residues at Site W7, Layham Landfill Site, Layham; f) establishment of new Non-hazardous Landfill at Site 67, Thorington; g) extension to existing Non-hazardous Landfill at Site W17, Foxhall Landfill Site, Foxhall, and; h) re-contouring of existing Non-hazardous Landfill at Site W11, Masons Landfill Site, Great Blakenham.

When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling, composting, recovery and landfill facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application. The landfilling of waste that could practicably be recycled, composted or recovered will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only residual source- separated or pre-sorted waste is landfilled. Proposals for landfill gas energy recovery will be required.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This option has mainly neutral effects, providing that S M L appropriate controls and mitigation measures are ++ 0 0 0 applied. + 0 0 0 0 16 16 16

- 0 0 0

-- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

62 Policy WCS6: Safeguarding of waste management sites The Waste Planning Authority will seek to safeguard existing sites and sites proposed for the re-use, recycling and composting, transfer, treatment, recovery or disposal of waste as shown in Appendix 1 of the Waste Core Strategy and on the Proposals and Inset Maps and will object to development proposals that would prevent or prejudice the use such sites for those purposes unless suitable alternative provision is made.

The Waste Planning Authority will seek to safeguard Areas of Search identified in policy WCS4 and shown on the Proposal and Inset Maps and will object to development proposals that would prevent or prejudice the potential for a strategic residual waste treatment facility. This safeguarding is not intended to preclude other forms of development within the Area of Search which do not prejudice or would not be prejudiced by a strategic residual waste treatment facility.

Development proposals in close proximity to existing sites, Specific Sites or Areas of Search should demonstrate that they would not prejudice or be prejudiced by a waste management facility. The safeguarding policy will also apply to any site where planning permission has already been granted.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 The SA results revealed that this policy scored S M L neutrally on the majority of the SA objectives. It ++ 0 0 0 scored positively on objective 14 (To minimise the + 3 3 3 impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities 0 13 13 13 developments on where people live) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and - 0 0 0 economic growth in the County). It is also likely to -- 0 0 0 have positive effects on objective 12 (To maximise ? 0 0 0 opportunities for new/additional employment).

Policy WCS7: General considerations relevant to all waste management facilities In general waste management development will be acceptable so long as the proposals adequately address, where appropriate, the following: a) Potential for adverse impact upon the integrity of Natura 2000 sites; b) Potential flood risk; c) Proposed vehicle movements and access; d) Potential impact upon landscape; e) Potential impact upon biodiversity; f) Potential impact upon archaeological or cultural heritage; g) Requirements of PPG13 including the use of rail freight shipping; h) Compatibility with neighbouring landuse; i) Potential impact upon agricultural land; j) Potential impact from noise and vibration; k) Potential impact upon air quality including odour; l) Potential visual impact; m) Potential impact upon the local water environment; n) Land instability; o) Site management issues including litter, vermin and birds.

63 There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This policy scored positively on most of S M L environmental SA objectives. New developments ++ 0 0 0 have potential to maximise the efficient use of water. + 4 8 8 This policy also has positive effects on minimising 0 11 7 7 the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live. - 0 0 0

-- 0 0 0 ? 1 1 1

Policy WCS8: Approval of sites for disposal of inert waste by landfilling or landraise. Additional voidspace or areas of landraise for the deposit of inert waste will be acceptable where: a) There is an identified need for inert waste to be disposed of in this manner. When considering the need for the disposal of inert waste by landfill or landraise the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing inert waste recycling and landfill facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application; b) There is no acceptable alternative form of waste management that can be made available to meet the need. The landfilling of inert waste that could practicably be recycled will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only pre-sorted wastes are landfilled; c) The proposals comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This option scored neutrally overall providing that S M L appropriate controls and mitigation measures are ++ 0 0 0 applied. It has positive effects on SA objective 12 + 2 2 2 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional 0 14 14 14 employment). Additional Landfill sites can provide additional employment. - 0 0 0

-- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

Policy WCS9: Approval of sites for disposal of non-hazardous waste by landfilling or landraise Additional voidspace or areas of landraise not specifically identified in the Waste Core Strategy for the deposit of non-hazardous wastes will be approved where: a) There is an identified need for waste apportioned to Suffolk by the East of England Plan to be disposed of in this manner, with reference to Table 6. When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account the capacity of existing recycling, composting, recovery and landfill facilities and proposed facilities that have planning

64 permission or are the subject of a current planning application or are identified within the Waste Core Strategy, and; b) No acceptable alternative form of waste management can be made available to meet the need. The landfilling of waste that could practicably be recycled, composted or recovered will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only residual source-separated or pre-sorted waste is landfilled, and; c) The site meets the specific criteria set out in Appendix 4 and Policy WCS7. Proposals for landfill gas energy recovery will be required.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This option scored neutrally overall providing that S M L appropriate controls and mitigation measures are ++ 0 0 0 applied. It has positive effects on SA objective 12 + 1 1 1 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional 0 15 15 15 employment). Additional Landfill sites can provide additional employment. - 0 0 0

-- 0 0 0

? 0 0 0

Policy WCS10: General Waste Management Facilities General waste management facilities (other than strategic residual waste management facilities and landfill sites) are considered, in principle, unless otherwise stated, to be suitable for location within the following areas: a) Land in existing waste management use; b) Land in existing General Industrial use (B2 Use Class) or in existing Storage or Distribution use (B8 Use Class) (excluding open air composting); c) Land allocated for B2 and B8 purposes in a Local Plan or Development Plan Document (excluding open air composting); d) Redundant Agricultural and Forestry Buildings; e) Agricultural and Forestry Land (open air composting only); f) Brownfield land (excluding open air composting); g) Unallocated Former Airfields (open air composting only); h) Waste Water Treatment Facilities (enclosed composting and anaerobic digestion only); i) Current and former mineral workings (open air composting and construction, demolition and excavation waste recycling only).

Proposals must also comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7. When considering the need for such facilities the County Council will take into account, where applicable, if there is an identified need for waste apportioned to Suffolk by the East of England Plan to be disposed of in this manner, with reference to Table 6. as well as the capacity of existing recycling, composting, recovery and disposal facilities and proposed facilities that have planning permission or are the subject of a current planning application.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

65 Impact Option 1 According to the SA results this policy scored mainly S M L neutrally against environmental SA objectives. It will ++ 0 0 0 attract significant inward investment in waste + 2 2 2 management facilities therefore there will be positive 0 14 14 14 effects on SA objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). - 0 0 0 This policy also has positive effects on objective 12 -- 0 0 0 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional ? 0 0 0 employment) as it would provide new opportunities for employment.

Policy WCS11: Residual Waste Treatment facilities with a capacity of less than 100,000 tonnes annual throughput Residual Waste Treatment facilities with a capacity of less than 100,000 tonnes annual throughput will be acceptable where the proposed facility is on land: c) Within the uses set out in Policy WCS 10, and; d) The site meets the specific criteria set out in Appendix 3 and Policy WCS7.

The treatment of waste that could practicably be recycled or composted will not be acceptable. Conditions will be placed on planning permissions to ensure that only residual source-separated or pre-sorted waste is treated. Facilities that burn waste must provide for the recovery of energy and the use of combined heat and power will be encouraged.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 The results of the SA suggest that this policy scored S M L neutrally on all environmental SA objectives, ++ 0 0 0 providing that RWT facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly. There are positive + 3 3 3 effects on SA objective 11 (to move treatment of 0 13 13 13 waste up the waste hierarchy) as this policy - 0 0 0 encourages energy recovery and also potentially will -- 0 0 0 provide some construction, operation and ? 0 0 0 maintenance opportunities. There is a positive effect on objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County) as sufficient waste management facilities in close proximity to centres of population should prove to be beneficial.

Policy WCS12: Waste Transfer Stations, Materials Recycling Facilities, End of Life Vehicle Facilities and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recovery Facilities Waste Transfer Stations, Material Recycling Facilities, End of Life Vehicle Facilities and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recovery Facilities will be acceptable within purpose designed or suitably adapted facilities on land within the uses identified within Policy WCS10. Proposals for such facilities at landfill sites will be considered acceptable on a temporary basis whilst landfilling and restoration activity is taking place on site. Any temporary planning permissions will be linked to the time limits relating to the landfill activities on site.

66 The proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 S M L The SA results revealed that this option scored ++ 0 0 0 mainly neutrally against environmental SA objectives + 6 6 6 if site was managed in accordance with planning 0 10 10 10 permission. There are positive effects on objective 10 (To minimise contributions to global warming) - 0 0 0 due to increased local management of waste that -- 0 0 0 would potentially reduce lorry movements. This ? 0 0 0 policy will also contribute to the movement of treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy as products made from or uses for waste material may be found. It will also attract significant inward investment in waste management facilities and will allow for synergies with existing transport infrastructure.

Policy WCS13: Household Waste Recycling Centres Household Waste Recycling Centres will be acceptable within purpose designed or suitably adapted facilities on land within the land uses identified within Policy WCS10. Proposals for such facilities at landfill sites will be considered acceptable on a temporary basis whilst landfilling and restoration activity is taking place on site. Any temporary planning permissions will be linked to the time limits relating to the landfill activities on site Where it can be demonstrated that no suitable sites consistent with Policy WCS10 are available within the area to be served by the Household Waste Recycling Centre, Household Waste Recycling Centres will be acceptable on other sites provided these are consistent with Policy WCS7 and are accessible to the public.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 According to the SA this policy has neutral effects on S M L environmental objectives overall. This policy has a ++ 0 0 0 positive effect on objective 10 (To minimise + 6 6 6 contributions to global warming) as increased local 0 10 10 10 management of waste potentially reduces lorry movements. This policy also directly promotes - 0 0 0 objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the -- 0 0 0 waste hierarchy) and has positive effects on ? 0 0 0 objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment) as it would provide new opportunities for employment.

67 Policy WCS14: Enclosed Composting Facilities Enclosed composting facilities will be acceptable on land within the uses identified within Policy WCS10 Proposals for enclosed composting will not be approved unless they are accompanied by a site- specific risk assessment which shows that the bioaerosol levels can be maintained at appropriate levels at dwelling or workspaces within 250m of a facility. Appropriate schemes for the management of odours and dust will also be required. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 The results of the SA suggests that this policy has S M L neutral effects on environmental objectives overall if ++ 2 2 2 enclosed composting facilities are to be constructed + 4 4 4 and operated properly. The wording of the policy 0 10 10 10 aims that these facilities should at least maintain air quality so is likely to have a positive effect on - 0 0 0 objective 1 (To maintain/improve air quality -- 0 0 0 (including HGV movements)). This policy has a ? 0 0 0 positive effect on objective 10 (To minimise contributions to global warming) as increased local management of waste potentially reduces lorry movements. This policy also directly promotes objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) and has positive effects on objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment) as it would provide new opportunities for employment.

Policy WCS15: Open Air Composting Open air composting facilities will be acceptable on land within the uses identified within Policy WCS10. At landfill sites, open air composting proposals that will extend the life of landfill operations will be acceptable if the continued operations do not: a) Result in unacceptable environmental damage, or; b) Perpetuate recycling activity poorly related in relation to sources of waste, or; c) Lead to unreasonable delay in restoration. Proposals for open air composting will not be approved unless they are accompanied by a site- specific risk assessment based on clear independent evidence which shows that the bio-aerosol levels can be maintained, throughout the life of the operations, at appropriate levels at dwellings or workspaces within 250m of a facility. Appropriate schemes for the management of odours and dust will also be required. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

68 Impact Option 1 Overall a suitably managed development would S M L score mainly neutrally overall. If properly designed, ++ 2 2 2 sited and operated open air composting facilities + 3 3 3 should have no negative effects on environmental 0 10 10 10 SA objectives. This policy minimises contributions to global warming by diverting waste from landfill. - 0 0 0 There will be opportunities for new businesses and -- 0 0 0 new facilities will create jobs. ? 1 1 1

Policy WCS16: Anaerobic Digestion Anaerobic digestion facilities will be acceptable on land: a) Within the uses identified within Policy WCS10; or b) Integrated with Waste Water Treatment Plants. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This policy has positive effects on objective 1 (to S M L maintain/improve air quality (including HGV ++ 2 2 2 movements)) and objective 8 (To minimise effects of + 4 4 4 HGV traffic on the environment) as on site 0 9 9 9 management of waste potentially reduces lorry movements. This policy will have very positive - 0 0 0 effects on objectives 10 (To minimise contributions -- 0 0 0 to global warming) and 11 (To move treatment of ? 1 1 1 waste up the waste hierarchy). It will also provide new opportunities for employment and contribute to the promotion of sustainable investment and economic growth in the County.

Policy WCS17: Proposals for recycling or transfer of inert and construction, demolition and excavation waste Proposals for recycling or transfer of inert and construction, demolition and excavation waste will be acceptable on land within the uses identified within Policy WCS10. At mineral sites, planning permission will be limited to the life of the mineral operation. At landfill sites, proposals that will extend the life of landfill operations will only be acceptable if the continued operations do not; d) Result in unacceptable environmental damage, or e) Perpetuate recycling activity poorly related in relation to sources of waste; or; f) Lead to unreasonable delay in restoration. On land suitable for General Industrial or Storage & Distribution uses, activities shall take place within purpose-designed facilities. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

69 Impact Option 1 The SA results shows that this option scored mainly S M L neutrally against environmental SA objectives, ++ 2 2 2 although has a positive effects on objective 1 (To + 5 5 5 maintain/improve air quality (including HGV 0 9 9 9 movements)) as network of facilities would reduce waste being landfilled. This policy also encourages - 0 0 0 recycling, reuse and recovery and reduces waste to -- 0 0 0 landfill so will have a positive effect on objective 10 ? 0 0 0 (To minimise contributions to global warming). Very good positive effects are apparent for objective 11 (To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy) and objective 12 (To maximise opportunities for new/additional employment), as network of waste management facilities would provide significant employment opportunities.

Policy WCS18: Waste Water Treatment Plants

New or extended Waste Water Treatment facilities will be acceptable where such proposals aim to improve the quality of discharged water or reduce the environmental impact of operation. The developer will be required to demonstrate that the proposal can be located without giving rise to unacceptable environmental impacts.

Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This policy has very positive effects on objective 2 S M L (To maintain or improve water quality) as it directly ++ 1 1 1 promotes it. It also has positive effects on objective + 5 5 5 6 (To maximise the efficient use of water). It is likely 0 10 10 10 to bring forward new jobs and promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County. - 0 0 0

-- 0 0 0

? 0 0 0

Policy WCS19: Treatment, storage and disposal of Low and Very Low Level radioactive waste at Sizewell nuclear power stations. Facilities for the treatment, storage or disposal of LLW or VLLW generated at Sizewell nuclear power stations will be acceptable within the Nuclear Licensed Areas at Sizewell where: a) This is consistent with the national strategy for managing Low Level and Very Low Level radioactive wastes and discharges and/or the decommissioning plans for the Sizewell stations, and; b) The outcome of economic and environmental assessments justify it being dealt with on site, and; c) Facilities are located and designed in order to minimise adverse impacts on the environment; Only Low Level or Very Low Level radioactive waste generated at Sizewell shall be treated, stored or disposed of in such facilities.

70 Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This policy has positive effects on objective 1 (to S M L maintain/improve air quality (including HGV ++ 0 0 0 movements)) and objective 8 (To minimise effects of + 9 9 9 HGV traffic on the environment) as on site 0 7 7 7 management of waste potentially reduces lorry movements. - 0 0 0

-- 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0

Policy WCS20: Treatment and storage of Intermediate Level radioactive waste and spent fuel generated at Sizewell nuclear power stations Facilities for the treatment or storage of Intermediate Level radioactive waste and spent fuel generated at Sizewell will be acceptable only within the Nuclear Licensed areas where: a) This is consistent with the national strategy for managing Intermediate Level radioactive waste and spent fuel and discharges, and; b) The outcome of economic and environmental assessments justify it being dealt with on site, and; c) Facilities are located and designed in order to minimise adverse impacts on the environment. Only Intermediate Level radioactive waste or spent fuel generated within a Nuclear Licensed area at Sizewell shall be treated or stored in such facilities. There shall be no disposal of Intermediate Level radioactive waste or Spent Fuel. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 The results of the SA revealed that on site S M L management of waste potentially reduces lorry ++ 0 0 0 movements hence scored positively on objectives 1 + 9 9 9 (to maintain/improve air quality (including HGV 0 7 7 7 movements)) and objective 8 (To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment). This policy has - 0 0 0 neutral effects overall on environmental SA -- 0 0 0 objectives as construction will take place within ? 0 0 0 boundary of existing power station. It has positive effects on all social and economical SA objectives.

Policy WCS21: Transfer, storage, processing & treatment of hazardous waste

Facilities for the transfer, storage, processing and treatment (including incineration) of hazardous waste will be acceptable where they meet a demonstrable regional need of which a significant proportion arises from Suffolk, and are on land: a) In existing General Industrial use (B2), in Storage and Distribution use (B8) or identified for these uses in a Local Plan or Development Plan Document or; b) Integrated within an establishment producing much of the waste that will be dealt with. Facilities for the transfer and short-term storage of hazardous waste will also be acceptable on

71 existing waste management sites identified as having potential for non-hazardous waste transfer where hazardous waste will only represent a small proportion of waste managed on site. Proposals shall comply with the general considerations set out in Policy WCS7.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 This policy has neutral effects mainly on S M L environmental SA objectives providing that site is ++ 0 0 0 managed in accordance with planning permission. + 9 9 9 Overall a suitably managed development would 0 7 7 7 score positively because of investment in hazardous waste facilities. This policy scores more positively in - 0 0 0 terms of transport related impacts because of the -- 0 0 0 potential use of land identified as being suitable for ? 0 0 0 non-hazardous waste transfer facilities, where the hazardous waste would only represent a small proportion of the waste managed at that site.

Policy WCS22: Sustainable construction and demolition

New development, including waste management facilities, should facilitate the efficient use of resources by addressing the principles of sustainable construction and demolition outlined in regional policy. Proposals for new development should incorporate the following: a) Construction and demolition methods that minimise waste generation and re-use/recycle materials, as far as practicable on site. b) Design principles and construction methods that minimise the use of primary aggregates and encourage the use of high quality building materials made from recycled and secondary sources. c) Design and layout principles that reduce the amount of waste produced and allow for the effective sorting, recycling and composting of waste where appropriate.

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 The SA results suggest that this policy has very S M L positive effects on the majority of the SA objectives ++ 1 1 12 long term as sustainable design of new waste + 13 13 1 management facilities would improve their 0 2 2 2 performance in terms of reduction of waste produced, effective sorting, recycling and - 0 0 0 composting of waste. This option has also positive -- 0 0 0 effect on SA objective 7 (To minimise flood risk) as ? 0 0 1` sustainable design and layout of new waste management facilities will address the issues of flooding – minimise flood risk. Co-location of waste activities should provide additional employment opportunities, but with time the effect becomes uncertain due to the waste minimisation and consequently possible reduction of additional employment.

72 Policy WCS23: Climate Change mitigation and adaptation

New waste management facilities should through their construction and operation minimise their potential contribution to climate change through reducing carbon emissions, incorporate energy and water efficient design strategies and be adaptable to future climatic conditions. Proposals for new waste facilities should incorporate the following: a) Take account of landform, layout, building orientation, massing and landscaping to minimise energy consumption, including maximising cooling and avoiding solar gain in the summer. b) Be planned so as to minimise carbon dioxide emissions, and support opportunities for decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy supply. c) Give priority to the use of sustainable drainage systems, paying attention to the potential contribution to be gained to water harvesting from impermeable surfaces and encourage layouts that accommodate waste water recycling. d) Take account of potential changes in climate. e) Incorporate proposals for sustainable travel including travel plans where appropriate

There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term. Impact Option 1 This policy overall has many positive effects as it S M L directly promotes most of the environmental SA ++ 0 4 7 objectives. The purpose and the wording of the + 13 9 6 policy addresses the importance of landscapes, 0 3 3 3 carbon dioxide emissions minimisation and the efficient use of water so consequently has positive - 0 0 0 effects on objectives 4, 6 and 10. Modern design of -- 0 0 0 new facilities should maintain soil quality and ? 0 0 0 support opportunities for decentralised and renewable or low-carbon energy supply. This policy should have generally positive effects on SA objective 14 (To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live) and objective 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County). Overall policy ahs positive effects on 3 major SA objectives 8, 11 and 14.

Policy WCS24: Design of waste management facilities

Waste management facilities will be considered favourably where they incorporate: a) Designs of an appropriate scale, density, massing, height and materials. b) Safe and convenient access for all potential users, c) Schemes for the retention of existing and provision of new landscape features, d) Measures which will protect, preserve and where practicable enhance the natural, historic and built environment.

73 There are 16 SA objectives in total Key: S – short-term, M – long-term, L – long-term.

Impact Option 1 The SA results show that this policy could have S M L positive effects on SA objective 3 (To ++ 0 0 3 maintain/improve biodiversity and geodiversity) as + 9 9 6 modern design of the facilities should maintain 0 7 7 7 biodiversity. Policy scores highly on the SA objective 4 (To maintain/improve the quality and local - 0 0 0 distinctiveness of landscapes/townscapes) due to -- 0 0 0 the possible provision of new landscape features. It ? 0 0 0 also has very positive effects on SA objectives 15 (To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County) and 16 (To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible)). The wording of this policy directly reflects these SA objectives.

74 Table 5: Appraisal Summary of Strategic Sites

Site Overall Second Short term Medium term Long term Comment/ Mitigation Impact ary Impact Site no. 2 Former Sproughton 3 ++ 2 ++ 3 ++ 3 ++ As mitigation measure emissions would be monitored. Applicant would Sugar need to demonstrate that development will not impact on water quality. Factory, 4 + 5 + 4 + 4 + Use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) recommended as mitigation. Appropriate design and screening should be applied. Ipswich 9 0 9 0 9 0 9 0 1 The efficient use of water could be maximised by the design of the 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - facility. Further archaeological evaluation will be required. Appropriate protection measures should be incorporated into the design of the 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- facility to minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live. 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 27 Eye Airfield Industrial 2 ++ 2 ++ 2 ++ 2 ++ Emissions would be within the national standards and would be Estate, Eye monitored as a mitigation measure throughout. The design of the and Yaxley 4 + 5 + 4 + 4 + proposed facility must safeguard designated areas. Applicant would need to demonstrate that the development will not impact on water 10 0 9 0 10 0 10 0 1 quality. Mitigation measures can include the use of Sustainable Urban 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - Drainage Systems. Appropriate protection measures should be incorporated into the design of the facility to minimise the impacts 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where people live. 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? Masons Emissions would be within the national standards and would be 28 2 ++ 1 ++ 2 ++ 2 ++ Quarry, monitored as a mitigation measure throughout. The design of the Great 6 + 7 + 6 + 6 + proposed facility must safeguard designated areas. Applicant would Blakenham need to demonstrate that the development will not impact on water 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 quality. Mitigation measures can include the use of Sustainable Urban 1 Drainage Systems. Appropriate protection measures should be 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- incorporated into the design of the facility to minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where 0 0 0 0 ------people live. 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 0 ?

75 29 Suffolk County 2 ++ 1 ++ 2 ++ 2 ++ Council Emissions would be within the national standards and would be Highways 5 + 6 + 5 + 5 + monitored as a mitigation measure throughout. The design of the Depot, proposed facility must safeguard designated areas. Applicant would Lodge need to demonstrate that the development will not impact on water 9 0 9 0 9 0 9 0 quality. Mitigation measures can include the use of Sustainable Urban Lane, Great 1 Blakenham Drainage Systems. Appropriate protection measures should be 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - incorporated into the design of the facility to minimise the impacts arising from the provision of waste facilities developments on where 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- people live.

0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? W7 Layham Landfill Site 0 ++ 0 ++ 0 ++ 0 ++ This site has mainly neutral effects overall as it is already an existing site. At planning application stage a risk based assessment will be 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + required containing suitable proposals to safeguard the aquifer as agreed with the Environment Agency. A possible restoration to woodland would deliver a significant biodiversity gain. This site has a 15 0 15 0 15 0 14 0 good access onto A1071 which is part of the Suffolk Lorry Route Network. There could be some additional traffic and mitigation 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - measures should include an assessment of the safety and likely traffic implications on the A12 J31.

0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 --

0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 0 ?

Thorington 67 0 0 0 0 ++ ++ ++ ++ This site scored mainly neutral as it is a former mineral site. It is very 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + well located in relation to Strategic Lorry route and has good access with the purposely designed junction directly connecting to the A12. 15 0 15 0 15 0 14 0 Site already has existing planning permission for mineral working with the condition for restoration and additional habitat creation. Presence 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - of great crested newts is identified on the site and licence from Natural England is necessary for their translocation and their habitat 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- improvement. There will be a need for an Appropriate Assessment due to Natura 2000 sites nearby Minsmere and Walberswick Heaths and 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? Marches.

76 W17 Foxhall Landfill Site 0 ++ 0 ++ 0 ++ 0 ++ This site has a neutral effect on air quality as it is well-established landfill site and is unlikely to cause additional volume of traffic. Site scored neutrally short term and positively long term on biodiversity 1 1 2 1 + + + + providing there are safeguards to ensure there are no impacts on the Mill River County Wildlife Site, Ipswich Heaths SSSI and Newbourne Springs SSSI. The site should be restored to heathland and acid 15 0 15 0 15 0 14 0 grassland for biodiversity gains. It is an existing, well established screened site so is likely to have neutral effects on people living 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - nearby.

0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 --

0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 0 ?

W11 Masons Landfill Site 0 ++ 0 ++ 0 ++ 0 ++ This site scored potentially neutral on air quality, however an assessment on the likely traffic impact on the A14 J52 should be 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + undertaken. Precautions must be taken to prevent contamination as this site overlies a major aquifer and located

15 0 15 15 14 0 0 0 within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. It is a very well screened and established site. In the long term there could be positive effects due to additional landscaping in the proposals for a strategic facility. 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 -

0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 --

0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? Key ++ Very positive effect + Positive effect 0 Neutral effect - Negative effect -- Very negative effect ? Uncertain

77 Chapter 6: Cumulative Effects

Cumulative and Synergistic Effects of Policies versus SA objectives and vice versa

6.1 The assessment of cumulative effects assists in the identification of the total direct and indirect effect on receptors. Often, effects may result from the accumulation of multiple small and often indirect effects rather than few large obvious ones.

6.2 Cumulative effects resulting from implementation of the Core Strategy DPD policies were assessed against the individual SA objectives.

6.3 Table 6 analyses any synergistic effects of the SA objectives on the policy as a whole, whereas Table 7 analyses any effects of the policies on each SA objective. Comments, where appropriate, have been made alongside each objective/policy.

6.4 Table 6 assesses how well the policies work together in order to deliver the SA objectives. The policies work well together to achieve either a positive or neutral impact on the objectives overall. Objectives work well with the Policy 2 and beneficial impact may be seen in relation to sustainable investment and economic growth in the County and maximises opportunity for additional employment. A beneficial impact may be seen in relation to minimisation of contributions to global warming. Policy 23 Climate Change mitigation and adaptation has positive effect overall. The objectives work very well to deliver this policy. It is very beneficial for moving of waste treatment up the waste hierarchy. The policy benefits the efficient use of water and minimization of the HGV effects on the environment.

6.5 Table 7 highlights the cumulative impact of the policies on the SA objectives. It has been used as a cross-reference tool in the context to ensure that no impacts have been missed through the appraisal methodology. The policies have either a positive or neutral impact on the objectives, assuring that the policies and SA objectives complement each other well.

78 Table 6 – Synergistic and cumulative effects of SA objectives on Core Policies

Synergistic Effects SA Headline Objectives

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Core r new/additional employment ing from the provision of lity and local distinctiveness lity and local distinctiveness Overall Impact Policies Policy No. ons to global warming To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements) in line with national standards limits To maintain or improve water quality and geodiversity To maintain/improve biodiversity To maintain/improve the qua of landscapes/townscapes maintain/improve soil quality/resources To To maximise the efficient use of water To minimise flood risk To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment sites archaeological buildings/sites historical To maintain/improve buildings important culturally and other To minimise contributi To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy To maximise opportunities fo To maintain/improve health of the population overall To minimise the impacts aris people live on where waste facilities developments To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible)

The Spatial Waste No significant effects foreseen on the objective, although this WCS1 Management 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 ? 0 0 + + 0 policy benefits sustainable investment and economic growth in Strategy for Suffolk the County. Management of No significant effects foreseen on the objective, although this Sub-regional policy benefits sustainable investment and economic growth in WCS2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + 0 + + 0 Apportionment 0 the County, and maximises opportunities for additional (thousand tonnes) employment. Provision for the Objectives work well with the policy and beneficial impact may Recycling and be seen in relation to moving treatment of waste up the waste WCS3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 0 Composting of 0 hierarchy and maximizing opportunities for additional Waste employment. Proposed sites for This policy will promote the movement of treatment of waste Strategic Residual up the waste hierarchy and encourages the promotion of WCS4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + 0 0 + 0 Waste Treatment 0 sustainable investment and economic growth in the County. Facilities Proposed sites for This policy works well with the objectives affected and is WCS5 Non-hazardous 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 beneficial to new/additional employment. Landfill

79 No significant effects foreseen on the objective, although this Safeguarding of policy benefits sustainable investment and economic growth in WCS6 waste management 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + 0 0 the County, and maximises opportunities for additional sites employment. General considerations Policy wording address a range of environmental SA WCS7 relevant to all waste + + + + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + 0 + + objectives. The policy works well with the objective affected. management facilities Approval of sites for No significant cumulative effects identified. The policy works disposal of inert WCS8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 0 well with the objective affected. Policy is maximizing waste by landfilling 0 opportunities for additional employment. or landraise Approval of sites for disposal of non- No significant cumulative effects identified. The policy works WCS9 hazardous waste by 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 well with the objective affected. Policy is maximizing landfilling or opportunities for additional employment. landraise No significant cumulative effects identified. The policy works General waste well with the objective affected. Policy is maximizing WCS10 Management 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 opportunities for additional employment. Policy benefits Facilities sustainable investment and economic growth in the County. Residual Waste Treatment facilities This policy will help to promote the movement of treatment of with a capacity of waste up the hierarchy and maximizing opportunities for WCS11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + 0 0 + 0 less than 100,000 0 additional employment. The objectives work well to deliver the tonnes annual policy. throughput Waste trenadfer stations, Materials Recycling Facilities, This policy will have a beneficial impact on movement of End of Life Vehicle waste up the waste hierarchy and creation of additional WCS12 Facilities and Waste 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + + 0 + + 0 employment. Will encourage to maintain health of the Electrical and population overall. Electronic Equipment Recovery facilities Beneficial impact could be seen in relation to global warming Household Waste WCS13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + + 0 + + reduction and moving treatment of waste up the waste Recycling Centres 0 hierarchy.

Enclosed The objectives work well to deliver the policy especially in WCS14 Composting + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ++ ++ + 0 + + ? 0 relation to maintaining air quality and moving the treatment of Facilities waste up the hierarchy.

Beneficial impact could be seen in relation to global warming Open Air WCS15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ++ ++ + 0 0 + ? reduction and moving treatment of waste up the waste Composting 0 hierarchy.

80 This policy will help to promote the movement of treatment of waste up the hierarchy, maintaining air quality and reduction of WCS16 Anaerobic Digestion + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 ++ ++ + 0 0 + ? + global warming contributions. The objectives work well to deliver the policy. Proposals for recycling or transfer This policy will help to promote the movement of treatment of of inert and waste up the hierarchy, maintaining air quality and reduction WCS17 + + 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + ++ ++ 0 0 + 0 construction, + of global warming contributions. The objectives work well to demolition and deliver the policy. excavation waste

Waste Water WCS18 0 ++ 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 0 + + 0 + 0 This policy will encourage the efficient use of water and will treatment Plants 0 promote the maintaining and improvement of water quality. Treatment, storage and disposal of Low This policy will help to promote the movement of treatment of and Very Low Level waste up the hierarchy, maintaining air quality and reduction WCS19 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + + + + + + radioactive waste at + of global warming contributions. The objective work well to Sizewell nuclear deliver the policy. power stations. Treatment and storage of Intermediate Level This policy will help to promote the movement of treatment of radioactive waste waste up the hierarchy, maintaining air quality and reduction WCS20 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + + + + + + and spent fuel + of global warming contributions. The objective work well to generated at deliver the policy. Sizewell nuclear power stations Transfer, storage, This policy will help to promote the movement of treatment of processing & waste up the hierarchy, maintaining air quality and reduction WCS21 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + + + + + + treatment of + of global warming contributions. The objective work well to hazardous waste deliver the policy. Sustainable The objectives work very well to deliver this policy. Very WCS22 construction and + + + + + + + + 0 + ++ + + 0 + + + beneficial for moving of waste treatment up the waste demolition hierarchy. The objectives work very well to deliver this policy. Very Climate Change beneficial for moving of waste treatment up the waste WCS23 mitigation and + + + + + ++ + ++ 0 ++ ++ 0 0 + + + + hierarchy. The policy benefits the efficient use of water and adaptation minimization of the HGV effects on the environment. Design of waste The objectives work well to deliver this policy. The policy will WCS24 management 0 0 + + + + + 0 + 0 0 0 0 + + + + help to facilitate the provision of new landscape features and facilities help to maintain biodiversity.

81 Table 7: Synergistic and Cumulative effects of Core Polices on SA objectives

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Core Polices

Overall Impact SA Headline nd of Life Vehicle …

Objectives r disposal of inert SA Objective NO. Enclosed Composting Facilities Enclosed Composting Facilities Open Air Composting Anaerobic Digestion Proposals for recycling or transfer of inert and construction, demolition and …… Waste Waster Treatment Plants Treatment, storage and disposal of Low and Very Low Level radioactive waste at .. Treatment and storage of Intermediate Level radioactive waste and spent fuel … Transfer, storage, processing & treatment of hazardous waste Sustainable construction and demolition Climate Change and adaptation mitigation Design of waste facilitiesmanagement The Spatial Waste Management Strategy Management 0f Sub-regional Apportionment Provision for the Recycling and composting of Waste Proposed sites for Strategic Residual Facilities Waste Treatment Proposed sites for Non-hazardous landfill Safeguarding of waste management sites General considerations relevant to all waste management facilities Approval of sites fo or landraise waste by landfilling Approval of sites for disposal of non- hazardous waste by landfilling or l…. General Waste Management Facilities Residual Waste Treatment with facilities a capacity of less than 100,000 tonnes Waste Transfer Stations, Materials E Recycling Facilities, Household Waste Recycling Centres

To maintain/improve Proposed Policies air quality (including would have neutral 1 HGV movements) in 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + 0 + + + + + 0 0 effects on line with national maintaining air standards limits quality.

To maintain or Neutral effect 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + ++ 0 0 0 + + 0 0 improve water quality overall.

To maintain/improve The policies work 3 biodiversity and + 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + 0 well in protecting geodiversity biodiversity.

To maintain/improve Screening and the quality and local buffering zones will 4 distinctiveness of 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + 0 maintain/improve landscapes/townscape the quality of s landscapes.

To maintain/improve 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + 0 Neutral effects soil quality/resources overall.

82 Climate Change, Sustainable Design To maximise the 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 + ++ + 0 and Waste Water efficient use of water Treatment Plants policies – positive effects Most sites are in the areas not 7 To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 + + + 0 susceptible to flooding.

To minimise effects of 8 HGV traffic on the + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + 0 + + + + ++ 0 + Positive impact environment overall.

To maintain/improve historical buildings/sites, 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 archaeological sites 0 Neutral effects. and other culturally important buildings

Non landfill waste To minimise treatment will 10 contributions to global 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + ++ ++ ++ + 0 + + + + ++ 0 + produce less warming greenhouse gas. The development To move treatment of will encourage the 11 waste up the waste 0 + + + 0 0 0 + 0 0 + + + ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 + + + ++ ++ 0 + diversion of waste hierarchy from landfill. To maximise opportunities for Policies work well to 12 ? + + + 0 + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + 0 0 new/additional + achieve this employment objective.

To maintain/improve

13 health of the 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 0 + + + + + 0 0 0 Overall neutral. population overall

To minimise the impacts arising from 14 the provision of waste 0 + 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 + + + 0 + + + Positive effects on facilities developments this objective. on where people live

To promote

sustainable The development 15 investment and + + 0 + 0 + 0 0 0 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + will encourage large economic growth in capital investment. the County

83 To promote efficient movement patterns

16 within the county (rail + 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 + + ? ? ? 0 0 + + + + + + + Overall positive. or water where possible)

84 Cumulative and Synergistic Effects of Strategic Sites versus SA objectives and vice versa

6.6 Table 8 highlights the mitigation measures that are proposed alongside each site and these measures would need serious consideration by the proposer of each site. Mitigation measures include screening, bunding, archaeological evaluations, measures to protect groundwater such as use of Sustainable Urban Drainage systems (SUDs) and monitoring of the emissions. Also, the safety of other road users and the impact of noise, dust and emissions on residents need to be considered. The control of these would be a matter for conditions at the application stage. 6.7 Table 9 analyses the overall impacts that the sites would have on each SA objective. Mitigation measures include screening, planning conditions relating to limits on noise, emissions and dust. It is worth noting that while the sites, due to the nature of waste management development, may not score positively in respect of all objectives, sites need to be allocated as additional capacity is needed to deal with waste arisings throughout the lifespan of the Core Strategy (to 2026). 6.8 Specific uses have not yet been identified for the sites. Therefore, the SA can only consider the physical characteristics of the sites. Judgements about the type of built waste facility likely to be developed on that site, were informed by site information collected by the County Council, external consultants, knowledge of officers, and supplemented by ongoing consultation with stakeholders for individual sites. 6.9 More detailed and precise effects of waste development of any of the proposed sites will be known in more detail at the application stage when more information about a proposed facility is known by means of site-specific Environmental Impact Assessment.

85 Table 8 - Synergistic and cumulative effects of SA objectives on Strategic Sites

Synergistic Effects SA Headline Objectives

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Overall Impact buildings/sites archaeological buildings/sites archaeological ng from the provision of waste Site Name r new/additional employment Site No. ons to global warming To maintain/improve air quality (including HGV movements) To maintain or improve water quality and geodiversity To maintain/improve biodiversity of To maintain/improve the quality and local distinctiveness landscapes/townscapes maintain/improve soil quality/resources To To maximise the efficient use of water To minimise flood risk To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment To maintain/improve historical sites and other culturally important buildings To minimise contributi To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy To maximise opportunities fo To maintain/improve health of the population overall To minimise the impacts arisi on where people live developments facilities To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible) Former A large site on the fringes of Ipswich that is also well Sproughton Sugar related to the Strategic Highway Network. Sensitive surrounding land-uses could be adequately screened 2 Beet factory, 0 0 - + 0 + 0 ++ 0 + ++ 0 0 0 ++ + 0 by augmenting existing bunding and trees. Air quality Sproughton Road, could be maintained above guidelines. Ipswich A large site well related to Strategic Highway Network, Eye Airfield but is less favourably located in relation to sources of 27 0 0 + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 ++ 0 0 + ++ 0 0 waste. Emissions would be within the national Industrial Estate standards. Site is not in an area susceptible to flooding and could be adequately screened. A large site on the fringes of Ipswich that is also well related to the Strategic Highway Network. Sensitive surrounding land-uses could be adequately screened 28 Masons Quarry 0 0 0 + 0 + + + + + ++ 0 0 0 ++ 0 + by augmenting existing bunding and trees. Emissions would be within the national standards. Site is not in an area susceptible to flooding.

86 A small site on the fringes of Ipswich that is also well related to the Strategic Highway Network. Sensitive Suffolk County surrounding land-uses could be adequately screened 29 Highways Depot, 0 0 0 + 0 + + + 0 + ++ 0 0 0 ++ 0 + by augmenting existing bunding and trees. Emissions Lodge Lane would be within the national standards. Site is not in an area susceptible to flooding.

Layham Landfill A well screened and established site that potentially 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 could cater for a range of wastes. Additional Site landscaping could also be incorporated into proposals if required. There are already considerable buffer zones between the existing landfill and sensitive surrounding land- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 67 Thorington 0 uses. A well established site that potentially could provide a strategic non-hazardous landfill site.

Foxhall Landfill A well-established site that potentially could provide 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 additional strategic non-hazardous landfill capacity. Site Additional landscaping could also be incorporated into proposals if required. There are already considerable buffer zones between Masons Landfill the existing landfill and sensitive surrounding land- 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + Site 0 uses. A well established site that potentially could provide a strategic non-hazardous landfill site.

87 Table 9: Synergistic and Cumulative effects of Strategic Sites on SA objectives

2 27 28 29 1 67 17 11

SA Headline Objectives

Overall Impact Factory Factory Thorington Thorington Masons Quarry SA Objective NO. Foxhall Landfill Site Masons Landfill Site Layham Landfill Site Former Sproughton Sugar Sugar Sproughton Former Eye Airfield Industrial Estate Estate Eye Airfield Industrial Suffolk County Highways Depot, Lane Lodge

To maintain/improve air quality (including 1 HGV movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposed sites would have limited standards limits effects on maintaining air quality.

2 To maintain or improve water quality 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Neutral effect overall.

There is an opportunity for creation To maintain/improve biodiversity and 3 geodiversity - + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 additional ecological areas of high conservation value.

Screening and buffering zones will To maintain/improve the quality and local 4 distinctiveness of landscapes/townscapes + 0 + + 0 0 0 0 0 help to maintain/improve the quality of landscapes.

Mitigation measures should 5 To maintain/improve soil quality/resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 prevent contamination.

88

Positive effects overall. 6 To maximise the efficient use of water + + + + 0 0 0 0 +

Most sites are in the areas not To minimise flood risk 7 0 + + + 0 0 0 0 + susceptible to flooding.

To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the Neutral impact overall. 8 environment ++ 0 + + 0 0 0 0 0

To maintain/improve historical Neutral effects. 9 buildings/sites, archaeological sites and 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 other culturally important buildings

To minimise contributions to global Non landfill waste treatment will 10 warming + 0 + + 0 0 0 0 0 produce less greenhouse gas.

To move treatment of waste up the waste The development will encourage the 11 hierarchy ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 0 0 0 + diversion of waste from landfill.

To maximise opportunities for Overall neutral. 12 new/additional employment 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

To maintain/improve health of the Overall neutral. 13 population overall 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

To minimise the impacts arising from the Overall neutral. 14 provision of waste facilities developments 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 on where people live

To promote sustainable investment and The development will encourage large 15 economic growth in the County ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 0 0 0 + capital investment.

To promote efficient movement patterns Overall positive. 16 within the county (rail or water where + 0 0 0 + + + + + possible)

89

How problems were considered and proposed mitigation measures

6.10 Waste Management Facilities could have certain impacts including dust, light pollution and HGV movement on the public highway.

6.11 Mitigation measures, where negative impacts occur against each policy, are outlined in the tables above. It is envisaged that mitigation will be sufficiently provided for through the application of the other policies within the Development Plan Document. Overall, the Waste Core Strategy policies work well together to deliver the Vision set out by the Waste Planning Authority (WPA). The Sustainability Appraisal process has enabled the WPA to consider the issues faced by the authority when dealing with waste planning in the County. Its primary concern is to ensure that the County can meet its regional waste apportionment, but in doing so, ensure that sites identified are appropriate to the major growth locations and that the sites facilitate the enhancement of Suffolk’s biodiversity and contribute to Suffolk’s local landscape character.

The need for an Appropriate Assessment (AA) under Article 6 (3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)

6.12 Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive requires the undertaking of an Appropriate Assessment (AA) for the potential effects of a plan upon a Special Protection Area or Special Area of Conservation to determine whether there is adverse effect on the integrity of such sites.

6.13 AA is complimentary to SEA and SA and is specifically designed to protect European sites.

6.14 The AA requirements are integrated into the process of developing and refining options, to ensure that emerging options avoid adverse effects on the integrity of European sites. The policies and sites were screened for AA to identify significant effects on the European site, alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Expert ecological advice was sought in reaching the conclusions together with Natural England and wildlife Non Governmental Organisations.

Proposals for monitoring

6.15 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires every local planning authority to make an annual report to the Secretary of State containing monitoring information on relevant and existing operational Local Plan policies and the subsequent Development Plan Documents. The AMR is based on the period 1st April to 31st March and provides the means for assessing plan preparation, policies and performance. A Waste Core Strategy Monitoring Framework will be developed for monitoring and to ensure that the Submission Sites come forward throughout the period of the plan. In terms of ensuring compliance with planning conditions relating to permitted sites, it is the responsibility of the WPA to ensure that these are sufficiently monitored and enforced where necessary.

90 6.16 The Suffolk Sustainability Appraisal Group (SSAG), a group comprised of the seven district councils and the County Council, monitors a wide range of environmental, social and economic indicators. At present 40 core output and contextual indicators are monitored and reported on annually via the Suffolk’s Environment report, and with monitoring results dating back to 1996, there is a lengthy dataset of information to draw from. Indicators monitored include housing completions, property prices, employment land availability and uptake, designated landscape and ecological areas, listed buildings, archaeological sites affected by development, town centre retail health, air quality, renewable energy production, waste recycling, and applications affected by flooding.

6.17 Monitoring of the indicators will continue in future years, and the County Council’s AMRs will include contextual indicator results that relate to policy monitoring. Copies of Suffolk’s Environment reports are available at http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/PlanningAndBuilding/PlanningPolicy/SuffolksEnvironmen tReport20062007.htm.

6.18 Table 10 on the following pages gives an indication of what baseline data is currently available against each SA objective and where data will be collected from in order to monitor the evolution and application of the Core Strategy and hence also the Specific Site Allocations.

91

Table 10: The SA Monitoring Framework

Waste Plan Policy used Source of data/ Sustainability Sustainability Appraisal Sub- (Core Where to be Performance Indicator frequency of Targets Appraisal Objective Objective Strategy, DC reported monitoring & national policy) • To take into account • Air quality results proposed development from districts impacts within any AQMAs • Air quality monitoring 1. To maintain/ improve (annual) and their relevant Action • Monitoring within Policy 7, 8, 10, air quality (including HGV • Districts’ • Districts’ Plans AQMAs where these 11, 12 13,14, movements) in line with Monitoring of AMR • To account for locations are related to existing/ 15, 16, 17 national standards limits AQMAs declared where air pollution levels are proposed sites in their area approaching the National (annual) Objectives thresholds • Environment • Potential effect on Agency (EA) Groundwater source • To take into account the unresolved protection zones Water Framework Directive objections against 2. To maintain or • Proportion of • AMR and proposed development Policy 7,18, 23 planning 0% improve water quality applications approved impacts applications despite of water (annual) pollution • Development

Control (annual) • Avoid damage to wildlife • Proportion of sites, protected species and applications approved 0% habitats, especially where permission despite of there is a designation of adverse impact on • Suffolk Biological international, national, BAP habitat/species or Policy 7, 8, 3. To maintain/improve Records Centre regional or local importance geological sites 10, 11, 12 biodiversity and • DC/ Enforcement • AMR • Maintain and improve • Proportion of 13,14, 15, 16, geodiversity monitoring reports biodiversity/geodiversity, applications achieving 17 (annual) avoiding irreversible losses required biodiversity/ 100% • Restore full range of geodiversity objectives characteristic habitats and at end of aftercare species to viable levels period

92

• AONB boundary 4. To maintain/improve • Protect and enhance the • Proportion of Policy 7, 8, 10, review (3 yearly) the quality and local landscape everywhere and applications approved 11, 12 13,14, • DC Monitoring • AMR distinctiveness of particularly in designated permission despite of 15, 16, 17 (annual) 0% landscapes/townscapes areas adverse impact on

landscape character • Proportion of applications approved 0% on grounds of loss of • Minimise risk of soil Best & Most Versatile • SCC Planning Policy 7, 8, 10, 5. To maintain/improve contamination, land Permissions 11, 12 13,14, • AMR soil quality/resources • Safeguard soil and protect • Area of Best & Most refused on such 15, 16, 17 quality and quantity Versatile land lost grounds (annual) 0% following completion of restoration and aftercare • Promote sustainable use of water through the local and • Proportion of • Environment

6. To maximise the regional Catchment proposals using Agency (CAMS) PPS1, Policy • AMR 100% efficient use of water Abstraction Management recirculated water in Development 23 • Strategies (CAMS) processing of waste Control (annual)

• Environment • Ensure waste developments Agency objections • Proportion of not at risk of flooding sustained (annual) developments refused PPS25 • AMR 100% 7. To minimise flood risk • Ensure no increased risk of • Planning because of flood risk applications flooding elsewhere refused (annual)

• Changes in traffic • Local • SCC traffic volumes and vehicle Transport monitoring 8. To minimise effects of composition in key Policy 7, 8, 10, Plan; • Minimise traffic volume surveys HGV traffic on the locations 11, 12 13,14, Highways • Highways Agency environment • Proportion of 15, 16, 17 Agency traffic monitoring applications requiring website (annual) travel plans • AMR 100%

93 • Proportion of • SSAG 9. To maintain/improve • To protect designated areas- applications approved Policy 7, 8, Monitoring/ historical buildings/sites, nationally, regionally and despite of risk to 0% 10, 11, 12 Development archaeological sites and locally archaeology, historic • AMR 13,14, 15, Control/ SCC other culturally important • To protect areas of high buildings/sites and 16, 17 Archaeology buildings archaeological potential historic parks and Service gardens • Proportion of applications 100% demonstrating energy efficient practices in • Development 10. To minimise • Encourage on-site energy processing of waste PPS1, Control (DC) contributions to global • AMR improvements Usage of low carbon Policy 23 (annual) warming • technologies and utilizing renewable or low-carbon energy supply systems.

• SCC Waste • Proportion of survey to industry 100% • Increase recycling/reuse applications 11. To move treatment of • Planning measures demonstrating increased Policy 22, waste up the waste Permissions • AMR recycling/reuse 23 hierarchy • Reduce waste to landfill conditions measures • Encourage energy recovery monitoring (annual) 12. To maximise opportunities for • To promote an increase in • ONS • Unemployment rate • ONS (annual) new/additional employment website employment • Proportion of 100% applications providing for • Best Value diversion of existing 178 • To promote healthy lifestyles RoW • SCC Rights of Indicator 13. To maintain/improve • Improve quality and quantity • No. of applications Way work plans • Ease of 100% health of the population of publicly accessible open providing for permissive • Community Use of the overall space, cultural heritage and RoW and extending Policy 7 Strategies Public landscape existing RoW network (annual) Rights of • No. of applications Way proposing an Network. extinguishment of RoW 100%

94 • To ensure that a Statutory nuisance is not caused under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, in terms of dust • To ensure that a Statutory 14. To minimise the • Proportion of nuisance is not caused under • DC Planning impacts arising from the applications approved the Environmental protection permissions provision of waste despite of detrimental Policy 7 • AMR 0% Act 1990 by reference to (annual) facilities developments impact on residential BS4142 "Method for Rating on where people live amenity industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial sources". • To provide mitigation measures • Amount of waste treated • ONS 15. To promote • To encourage an increase in within county website; sustainable investment • ONS and Suffolk long-term investment in the • Number/percentage Suffolk and economic growth in Observatory waste industry employed by industry Observator the County type y website • Proportion of • To encourage a decrease in applications approved 0% because of poor 16. To promote efficient road dependency • Planning proximity to the Strategic movement patterns • To promote alternative Permission Lorry Route Network. within the county (rail or modes of transport of Policy 7 conditions • AMR • Proportion of water where possible) material (annual) developments where a • To encourage easy access to the Strategic Lorry Route travel plan is 100% Network submitted/condition of development.

95 Chapter 7: Post-Consultation Changes

7.1 As a result of consultation, changes were made to the Core Strategy and the Sustainability Appraisal Report. Some policies have been amalgamated as a result of consultation feedback. Rewording of other policies was carried out to better reflect the purpose of the policy in question. The policies were all reassessed to ensure that the SAs remain relevant.

7.2 Following the consultation responses some amendments have been made to the SA report. Appendix 1 ‘Compatibility testing of Absolute and Comparative assessment criteria against SA Objectives’ published in the Waste Core Strategy Issues and Options (Part II) Strategic Sites document was amended by adding text into the table to reflect the assessment results. Appendix 2 ‘Compatibility testing of draft Strategic Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives’ was re-assessed again and comments were included for better understanding of the appraisal results.

7.3 Some changes have been made in Appendix 5 and the sites were assessed again against SA objectives.

7.4 The SA Framework reviewed and some new indicators were included to reflect the relevance of data to certain SA objectives. All options were re-assessed again in the light of the amendments to the SA Framework.

7.5 Comments from the Broads Authority have been taken into account and the text of the document was amended accordingly.

7.6 Certain corrections took place in the Glossary section of the document and some new definitions were included inline with the consultation responses.

7.7 Extra information was provided in Appendix 5. Sustainability Appraisal of Identified Sites - comments were made more consistent to support the assessment carried out. In particular, presence of Great Crested Newts on sites 28, 67, W11 was emphasized throughout the document to add objectivity to the assessment. Amendments have been made to Table 10: The SA Monitoring Framework by including an additional column ‘Targets’.

96 Appendices

97 Appendix 1: Compatibility testing of Absolute and Comparative assessment criteria against SA Objectives

Absolute Comparative SA Objectives

Key Compatible Neutral

use

Incompatible Size Noise

impact national national Flooding Potential Shipping Air quality Landscape importance Rail Freight biodiversity Local Water Biodiversity Transfer Environment Visual impact

Urban Centres archaeological Route Network Strategic Lorry Archaeological Relationship to Land allocation Current use land Impact of sites of Impact on sites of Compatibility with Impact on sides of of sides on Impact Neighbouring land land Neighbouring Traffic Movements national landscape Access for Bulk Environmental Objective 1: To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV movements) in line with national Minimised traffic movements Minimised traffic movements Directly this promotes objective standards limits Promotes sustainable transportation

Objective 2: To maintain or improve water quality Promotes Promotes this objective

Objective 3: To maintain/ improve use biodiversity and geodiversity Directly Directly this promotes objective Land in Land in existing industrial Directly this promotes objective

Objective 4: To maintain/ improve the use quality and local distinctiveness of landscapes/ Directly Directly this promotes objective Directly this promotes objective townscape Land in existing industrial Directly this promotes objective

Objective 5:To maintain/improve soil quality/resources

98 Absolute Comparative

SA Objectives

Size Noise impact national Flooding Potential Air quality Landscape importance importance Local Water Biodiversity Transfer Environment Visual impact Urban Centres archaeological Route Network Strategic Lorry Archaeological Relationship to Land allocation Current use land Impact of sites of Impact on sites of Impact on sides of of sides on Impact Traffic Movements national landscape Access for Bulk national biodiversity Rail Freight Shipping Compatibility with land Neighbouring use

Objective 6: To maximise the efficient use of water

Objective 7: To minimise flood risk

Directly Directly this promotes objective

Objective 8: To minimise effects of HGV traffic on the environment Directly promotes this Directly promotes this objective Directly promotes this Promotes sustainable transportatio Reduce waste mileage Objective 9: To maintain/ improve

historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other culturally objective Directly promotes this objective important buildings Land in existing industrial use Directly promotes this

n

Objective 10: To minimise contributions to global warming Promotes sustainable transportatio Directly promotes this objective Promotes sustainable transportatio Reduce waste mileage

Objective 11: To move treatment of waste up the waste hierarchy

99

Absolute Comparative

SA Objectives e

s u Size Noise impact national national Flooding Potential Shipping Air quality Landscape importance Rail Freight biodiversity Local Water Biodiversity Transfer Environment Visual impact Urban Centres archaeological Route Network Strategic Lorry Archaeological Relationship to Land allocation Current use land Impact of sites of Impact on sites of Compatibility with Impact on sides of of sides on Impact Neighbouring land land Neighbouring Traffic Movements national landscape Access for Bulk Social

Objective 12: To maximise opportunities for new/ additional employment Contribute to to Contribute objective this

Objective 13: To maintain/ improve health of the population overall Directly Directly this promotes objective Directly this promotes objective

Objective 14: To minimise the impacts s thi

arising from the to provision of waste t facilities developments Minimised will traffic benefi Directly this promotes objective Directly this promotes objective on where people live to Contribute objective this Land in existing use industrial Promotes sustainable transportation Economic Objective 15: To promote sustainable investment and economic growth in the County

Objective 16: To promote efficient movement patterns within the county (rail or water where possible) Promotes efficient efficient Promotes movement patterns efficient Promotes movement patterns promotes Directly objective this

100 Appendix 2: Compatibility testing of draft Strategic Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives

Waste Core Strategy Objectives Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 To provide To facilitate To To facilitate To To To To minimise To minimise To minimise To facilitate policies sustainable facilitate the facilitate encourage minimise adverse adverse adverse proposals and and waste the provision of equality of waste adverse impacts on ecological and impacts on encourage waste identify management efficient sufficient public management impacts on landscape geological/geom water quality. management locations by minimising transportat suitable access to facilities and air quality. quality and the orphological practices that for the waste as a ion of sites for Household practices built impacts, and to reduce the effects SA Objectives managem priority and waste waste waste that do not environment. encourage of the emissions of ent of the encouraging throughout reuse, Recycling endanger opportunities for greenhouse gases quantities communities Suffolk. recycling, Centres. human restoration, and deliver of waste to take composting health and to creation and... renewable energy apportione responsibility and ensure that production where d to for the waste transfer. any feasible and Suffolk they produce adverse… appropriate. through through... the East of England Plan. Environmental Objective 1: To maintain/ Directly This Plan Directly Directly promotes promotes this objective promotes this SA objective improve air quality (including SA objective complements this SA HGV movements) in line SA objective 1 objective with national standards limits Directly promotes this Objective 2: To maintain SA objective or improve water quality

Impacts on Directly promotes Water quality is air quality this SA objective essential for Objective 3: To maintain/ will have an maintaining improve biodiversity and effect on biodiversity geodiversity biodiversity

101 Waste Core Strategy Objectives

Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 To provide To facilitate To To facilitate Equality of To To To minimise To minimise To minimise To facilitate policies and sustainable facilitate the provision public encourage minimise adverse adverse adverse proposals and identify waste the of sufficient access to waste adverse impacts on ecological and impacts on encourage waste locations for management efficient suitable Household managemen impacts on landscape geological/geom water management SA Objectives the by minimising transportat sites for Waste t facilities air quality. quality and the orphological quality. practices that management waste as a ion of waste reuse, Recycling and built impacts, and to reduce the effects of the priority and waste recycling, centres practices environment. encourage of the emissions of quantities of encouraging throughout composting will be that do not opportunities for greenhouse gases waste communities Suffolk. and transfer. encourage endanger restoration, and deliver apportioned to take d. human creation and... renewable energy to Suffolk responsibility health and production where through the for the waste to ensure feasible and East of they produce that any appropriate. England through... adverse… Plan. Will help to Directly Will help to Objective 4: To maintain/ promote this promotes this promote this SA improve the quality and local SA objective SA objective objective distinctiveness of landscapes/ townscape

Objective 5: To maintain/improve soil quality/resources

Directly promotes this Objective 6: To maximise SA objective the efficient use of water

Objective 7: To minimise flood risk

102 Waste Core Strategy Objectives

Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 To provide To facilitate To To facilitate Equality of To To To minimise To minimise To minimise To facilitate policies and sustainable facilitate the provision public encourage minimise adverse adverse adverse proposals and identify waste the of sufficient access to waste adverse impacts on ecological and impacts on encourage waste locations for management efficient suitable sites Household managemen impacts landscape geological/geom water management SA Objectives the by minimising transporta for waste Waste t facilities on air quality and the orphological quality. practices that management waste as a tion of reuse, Recycling and quality. built impacts, and to reduce the effects of the priority and waste recycling, centres practices environment. encourage of the emissions of quantities of encouraging throughou composting will be that do not opportunities for greenhouse gases waste communities t Suffolk. and transfer. encourage endanger restoration, and deliver apportioned to take d. human creation and... renewable energy to Suffolk responsibility health and production where through the for the waste to ensure feasible and East of they produce that any appropriate. England through... adverse… Plan. Directly Reduces Directly Directly Directly promotes Objective 8: To minimise promotes this traffic promotes this promotes this SA objective effects of HGV traffic on the SA objective movements SA objective this SA environment objective

Objective 9: To maintain/ Promotes this Promotes this improve historical SA objective SA objective buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other culturally important buildings Reduction of Diversion Diversion from Reduce car Minimising Directly promotes waste travel will from landfill fossil fuel use movements emissions this SA objective Objective 10: To minimise reduce CO2 reduce CO2 promotes CO2 and and emissions emissions reduction promotes diverting contributions to global CO2 waste from warming reduction landfill reduces impact Directly Directly Promotes promotes promotes this this SA Objective 11: To move this SA SA objective objective treatment of waste up the objective waste hierarchy

103 Waste Core Strategy Objectives SA Objectives Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective Objective 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Social Gives Reduce Objective 12: To maximise opportunities transportati opportunities for new/ for new on of waste additional employment employment

Waste Complements Directly Directly Directly Objective 13: To maintain/ locations will this SA objective promotes this promotes promotes this improve health of the maintain SA objective this SA SA objective population overall health of the objective population Objective 14: To minimise Waste Directly Directly Directly Directly Directly promotes Directly the impacts arising from the locations will promotes this promotes this promotes promotes this this SA objective promotes this provision of waste facilities promote this SA objective SA objective this SA SA objective SA objective SA objective objective developments on where people live Economic Objective 15: To promote Directly Directly Directly sustainable investment and promotes this promotes promotes this SA objective this SA SA objective economic growth in the objective County Objective 16: To promote Directly efficient movement patterns promotes this within the county (rail or SA objective water where possible)

Key Compatible Neutral Incompatible

104 Appendix 3: Links to other policies, plans and programmes

International/European Context The Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development – Commitments arising from summit. Sept 2002 The UN Millennium Declaration and Millennium Development Goals – Sept 2000 Kyoto Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – May 1992 Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats – 1979 Ramsar convention on Wetlands of international importance especially as waterfowl habitat – 1971 Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (1979) European Spatial Development Perspective (May 1999) European Directives Air Quality Air Quality Framework Directive – 96/62/EC - The first Daughter Directive – 1999/30/EC - The second Daughter Directive – 2000/69/EC - The third Daughter Directive relating to Ozone – 2002/69/EC Climate Change Directive to promote electricity from renewable energy – 2001/77/EC Directive for the encouragement of bio-fuels for transport – 2003/30/EC

Water Water Framework Directive – 2000/60/EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive – 91/271/EEC Water pollution caused by Nitrates from agricultural sources: Nitrates Directive – 91/676/EEC Bathing Water Quality Directive – 76/160/EEC Drinking Water Directive – 98/83/EC Nature and Biodiversity Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora Waste Management Waste Framework Directive 75/442/EEC, as amended Landfill Directive- 99/31/EC implemented July 2001 Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive – 94/62/EC Incineration of Waste- 2000/76/EC implemented December 2002 End of Life Vehicles Directive- 2000/53/EC implemented April 2002 Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive- 96/61/EC implemented 2000 Sewage Sludge Directive- 86/278/EC Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment Directive- 02/96/EC Others A New Partnership for Cohesion – Third Report on Economic and Social Cohesion (Feb 04) and Draft New Regulations for Renewed Structural Funds (July 2004) Aarhus Convention EU Sixth Environmental Action Plan

105

National, Regional and Local Context (Generic) Planning Policy Guidance and Planning Policy Statements PPS1 – Creating Sustainable Communities (Feb 04) PPS1 Supplement – Planning & Climate Change (Dec 07) PPS3 – Housing (November 2006) PPG4 – Industrial and Commercial Development and Small Firms (Nov 92) PPG5 – Simplified Planning Zones (Nov 92) PPS6 – Planning for Town Centres (March 2005) PPS7 – Sustainable Development in Rural Areas (Aug 2004) PPG8- Telecommunications (August 2001) PPS9 – Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (September 2004) PPS10 – Planning for Sustainable Waste Management (July 2005) PPG11 – Regional Planning (Sept 04) PPS11 – Regional Spatial Strategies (Sept 04) PPS12 – Local Development Frameworks (June 2008) PPG13 – Transport (March 94) PPG14 - Development on Unstable Land (April 90) PPG15 – Planning and the Historic Environment (Sept 94) PPG16 – Archaeology and Planning (Nov 90) PPG17 – Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation (July 02) (RSS) PPG20 – Coastal Planning (Sept 92) Review of PPS21: Tourism (March 2003) PPG21 – Tourism (Nov 92) PPS22 – Renewable Energy (Aug 04) PPS23 – Planning and Pollution Control (2004) PPG24 – Planning and Noise (Sept 94) PPS25 – Development and Flood Risk (Dec 06) MPS1- Planning & Minerals (November 2006) MPS2 - Controlling and Mitigating the Environmental Effects of Minerals Extraction in England (March 2005) National, Regional and Local Context – cross-cutting topics East of England Plan – RSS (Proposed Changes published 2006) Energy White Paper Planning White Paper Urban Urban White Paper Towns and Cities Strategy and Action Plan, Urban Renaissance in the East of England Rural Government Rural White Paper: Our Countryside – the future – a fair deal for rural England, DETR (2000) Rural Strategy (2004) The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Sustainable Communities A Better Quality of Life: a Strategy for Sustainable Development in the UK (1999), Taking it on: Developing UK Sustainable Development Strategy Together (Consultation: 2004) The UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy - Securing the Future (March 2005) Sustainable Communities Plan: Building for the Future (2003) A Sustainable Development Framework for the East of England, October 2001 Sustainable Communities in the East of England (2003) Creating Sustainable Communities – In the East of England (Jan 2005) Regional Spatial Strategy RSS14 for the East of England SEA Scoping Report (17 September 2004)

106 Other Regional Strategies An Integrated Regional Strategy for the East of England (Feb 2005) East of England European Strategy 2003 – 2004, June 2003 Towards Sustainable Construction – A Strategy for the East of England, Draft 2003 Transport The Future of Air Transport- White Paper (Dec 2003) Civil Aviation Act (Nov 2006) The Future of Rail - White Paper (2004) The Future of Transport : a network for 2030 - White Paper (2004) Government/DfT 10 Year Transport Plan 2000 (RSS) East of England Regional Transport Strategy (April 2003) (Incorporated as a chapter in RPG14) Suffolk County Council, Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 Local Transport Action Plan (Lowestoft, Beccles, Felixstowe and the Trimleys, Sudbury and Great Cornard, Saxmundham, etc) Suffolk Bus Strategy 2006-2011, March 2006 Community Strategies and Community Development Strategies Altogether a better Suffolk – Suffolk’s Community Strategy 2004 Suffolk Structure Plan Suffolk Structure Plan – 2001 Neighbouring Authority Plans and National Park Plans Public Service Agreements (County and local) Local Area Agreement: Suffolk 2005-2008 Suffolk County Council Policy and Performance Plan 2004 Local Plans (adopted) Waveney Local Plan (Nov 1996) Waveney Interim Local Plan (May 2004) Suffolk Coastal Local Plan (1994); 1st alteration (2001); 2nd alteration (2006) Babergh Local Plan Alteration No. 2 (2006) Mid Suffolk Local Plan 1st alteration (2006) Forest Heath Local Plan (1995) Ipswich Borough Local Plan (Adopted 1997 & draft 2001) St Edmundsbury Replacement Local Plan (June 2006) East Cambridgeshire Local Plan (2000) Great Yarmouth Borough-Wide Local Plan (2001) South Norfolk Local Plan (2003) Breckland District Local Plan (1999) King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Local Plan (1998) Tendring District Local Plan (1998) Colchester Borough Local Plan (2004) Braintree District Local Plan Review (2005) Local Development Frameworks (emerging) Waveney LDF Suffolk Coastal LDF Babergh LDF Forest Heath LDF Ipswich Borough LDF St Edmundsbury LDF South Norfolk LDF East Cambridgeshire LDF Great Yarmouth LDF

107 Breckland LDF King’s Lynn & West Norfolk LDF Tendring District LDF Colchester Borough LDF Braintree District LDF Mid Suffolk LDF Social – National, Regional and Local Context Social Inclusion Regional Social Strategy for the East of England (May 2004 but RSS scoped March 2004 version) Suffolk County Council Equalities Policy, April 2003 Health Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier (Nov 2004) Social Care Annual Plan 2003-4 Healthy Sustainable Communities- what works? (Milton Keynes South Midlands Health & Social Care Group/NHS 2004) Healthy Futures: A Regional Health Strategy for the East of England 2005-2010, May 2006 Health Protection Agency’s position statement on Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (2005) Culture Culture: a catalyst for change. A Strategy for Cultural Development for the East of England, Living East (June 2004) A Cultural Strategy for Suffolk, March 2002 Education Suffolk’s Strategy for Learning 2004-9: The Single Plan (March 2004) Schools Plan / College Plan Local School Organisation Plan 2005-2010 August 2005 Housing The East of England Regional Housing Strategy 2003-2006, Regional Housing Forum (April 04) Regional Housing Strategy for the East of England 2005-2010 (July 2005) Affordable Housing Study: The Provision of Affordable Housing in the East of England 1996- 2021, 2003 East of England Affordable Housing Study Stage 2: Provision for Key Workers and Unmet Housing Need Suffolk Supporting People Five-Year Strategy 2005-2010 (August 2005) ODPM Circular January 2006: Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites Community Safety Suffolk Community Safety Strategy, 2001 Environmental – National, Regional and Local Context Environmental Strategies Environment, Our future: Regional Environment Strategy for the East of England, East of England Regional Assembly and East of England Environment Forum, July 2003 (RSS) Soil Farming and Food Strategy, Facing the Future, DEFRA, (Dec 2002) The First Soil Action Plan for England: 2004-2006 (2004) Climate Climate Change – UK Programme, DETR, November 2000 (RSS) Living with Climate Change in the East of England – summary Report supported by technical report (2003) (RSS) Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change Air Quality National Air Quality Strategy for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (Jan 2000)

108 Water Environment Agency River Basin Management Plans (or Catchment Flood Management Plans) The Broadland Rivers Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (March 2006) East Suffolk Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (consultation document due Sept 2007) Flood and Coastal Defence Strategies Deben Estuary Strategy Alde and Ore Estuary Strategy Blyth Estuary Strategy, Preferred option consultation, September 2005 Strategic Flood Risk Assessments Waveney and Suffolk Coastal SFRA (due to be published soon) Shoreline Management Plans Suffolk Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan (2002) Water resources for the future: A Strategy for Anglian Region Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Working with the Grain of Nature: A Biodiversity Strategy for England (2002) Biodiversity – The UK Action Plan (1994) Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended) Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) Geodiversity and Nature Conservation Earth Science Conservation in Great Britain- A Strategy (1990) Geodiversity and the Minerals Industry- Conserving our Geological Heritage (2003) Local Geodiversity Action Plans- Setting the Context for Geological Conservation (2005) UK RIGS Development Strategy 2006- 2010 (2006) Regional/Local Biodiversity/Geodiversity Action Plans Butterfly Conservation – Regional Action Plan for Anglia (2000) Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan, Updated December 2004 State of Nature – Lowlands – future landscapes for wildlife (2004) The Suffolk Geodiversity Action Plan- draft (March 2006) Countryside Management Dedham Vale AONB Management Plan Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB Management Plan Suffolk Rights of Way Improvement Plan (2006) Suffolk- Creating the Greenest County (Statement of Intent) The Broads Plan Woodland Woodland for Life: The Regional Woodland Strategy for the East of England (Nov 2003) Minerals and Waste Suffolk Minerals Local Plan Adopted May 1999 Minerals Core Strategy Adopted (2008) Regional Waste Management Strategy (2002) Suffolk Waste Local Plan (Adopted version), February 2006 Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Suffolk – Oct 2003 (Review commenced in 2007) Cambridgeshire Aggregates (Minerals) Local Plan (1991) Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Local Plan (2003) Cambridgeshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework (emerging) Norfolk Minerals Local Plan (2004) Norfolk Waste Local Plan Norfolk Minerals and Waste Development Framework (emerging) Essex Minerals Local Plan Essex & Southend Waste Local Plan (2001) Essex Minerals and Waste Development Framework (emerging)

109 Economic – National, Regional and Local Context Economic and Employment strategies A Shared Vision – The Regional Economic Strategy for the East of England (Nov 2004) Prioritisation in the East of England, June 2003 Regional Emphasis Document SR2004, December 2003 Framework for Regional Employment and Skills Action (FRESA) (2003) International Business Strategy, Consultation Draft, December 2003 Expanding Suffolk’s Horizons: 2004-7 – A New Economic Strategy for Suffolk Suffolk Rural Action Plan, March 2006 Tourism Regional Tourism Strategy 2000-2010 Tomorrows Tourism Today (August 04) Sustainable Tourism Strategy for the East of England (March 2004) Good Practice Guide on Planning for Tourism (DCLG May 2005) Suffolk Tourism Partnership The Sunrise Coast, Tourism Strategy 2006

110 Appendix 4: Sustainability Appraisal of the Final Core Policies

Policy WCS1: The Spatial Waste Management Strategy for Suffolk

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. movements) in line with national standards limits 2. To maintain or improve water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. quality

3. To maintain/ improve Policy wording suggests direct positive + + + + biodiversity and geodiversity effect on this objective. 4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of landscapes/ townscapes 5. To maintain/improve soil 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. quality/resources

6. To maximise the efficient use 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of water

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Policy wording suggests direct positive + + + + traffic on the environment effect on this objective. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. archaeological sites and other culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. global warming

11. To move treatment of waste 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities This option has uncertain effects ? ? ? ? for new/ additional employment against this objective.

13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 Likely to have positive effects. waste facilities developments on where people live

111 Making appropriate provision through identifying sites in a DPD can provide a 15. To promote sustainable degree of certainty for developers and investment and economic + + + + growth in the County communities which will contribute to sustainable investment and economic growth in the County. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the + + + + Policy wording promotes this objective. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS2: Management of Sub-regional Apportionment

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. standards limits

2. To maintain or improve water quality 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

3. To maintain/ improve biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of landscapes/ townscapes

5. To maintain/improve soil quality/resources 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. traffic on the environment 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. global warming

11. To move treatment of waste + + + + Likely to have positive effects. up the waste hierarchy

112 12. To maximise opportunities + + + + Likely will have positive effects. for new/ additional employment

13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of + + + + Generally positive effects. waste facilities developments on where people live 15. To promote sustainable This option will have a positive effect on investment and economic + + + + promoting sustainable investment and growth in the County economic growth in the county. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS3: Provision for the Recycling and Composting of Waste

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air Should have neutral effects short and quality (including HGV medium term, but has potential to movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 promote this objective after appropriate standards limits environmental improvements take place. Should have neutral effects short and 2. To maintain or improve water medium term, but has potential to quality 0 0 0 0 promote this objective after appropriate environmental improvements take place. Could have negative impacts short 3. To maintain/ improve term, but appropriate environmental biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 improvements will potentially have positive effect on biodiversity and geodiversity in the long term. Could have negative impacts short 4. To maintain/ improve the term, but appropriate environmental quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 improvements will potentially have of landscapes/ townscapes positive effects on local distinctiveness of landscapes/townscapes. 5. To maintain/improve soil quality/resources 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

113 Waste management facilities identification will go through a very 8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 rigorous process using different sets of traffic on the environment criteria, taking into account traffic considerations. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. global warming

11. To move treatment of waste + + + + Likely to have positive effects. up the waste hierarchy Waste management facilities will 12. To maximise opportunities + + + + provide an opportunity for additional for new/ additional employment employment. 13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 + 0 Could have positive effect long term. of the population overall

14. To minimise the impacts Could have positive effect long term, arising from the provision of after mitigation measures and further 0 0 + 0 waste facilities developments on environmental improvements take where people live place. 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS4: Proposed sites for Strategic Residual Waste Treatment Facilities

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Should have neutral effects, providing movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities standards limits are designed and operated properly.

2. To maintain or improve water Should have neutral effects, providing quality 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities are designed and operated properly. 3. To maintain/ improve Should have neutral effects, providing biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities are designed and operated properly. 4. To maintain/ improve the Should have neutral effects, providing quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities of landscapes/ townscapes are designed and operated properly.

114 5. To maintain/improve soil Should have neutral effects, providing quality/resources 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities are designed and operated properly. 6. To maximise the efficient use Should have neutral effects, providing of water 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities are designed and operated properly.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Likely to have neutral effects.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Should have neutral effects. Sites will 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment be located with good access 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Likely to have neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. global warming

11. To move treatment of waste Policy wording suggests potential for + + + + up the waste hierarchy energy production.

12. To maximise opportunities New facilities will provide new + + + + for new/ additional employment opportunities for employment.

13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of the population overall

14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. waste facilities developments on where people live Sufficient waste management facilities 15. To promote sustainable in close proximity to centres of investment and economic + + + + growth in the County population should prove to be beneficial. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Will have neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS5: Specific sites for Non-hazardous Landfill

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Can have positive effects. Minimising movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 standards limits waste miles can be achieved.

115 2. To maintain or improve water Should have neutral effects providing quality 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities are designed and operated correctly. 3. To maintain/ improve Should have neutral effects providing biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities are designed and operated correctly. 4. To maintain/ improve the Should have neutral effects providing quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities of landscapes/ townscapes are designed and operated correctly. 5. To maintain/improve soil Should have neutral effects providing quality/resources 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities are designed and operated correctly. 6. To maximise the efficient use Should have neutral effects providing of water 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities are designed and operated correctly.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. traffic on the environment 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Should have neutral effects, providing archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities culturally are designed and operated correctly. important buildings Multiple sites tend to use bigger amount of smaller lorries for 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 transportation which works out to be global warming less efficient than for one big single site. 11. To move treatment of waste 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. for new/ additional employment Should have neutral effects, providing 13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities of the population overall are designed and operated correctly. 14. To minimise the impacts Should have neutral effects, providing arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 that the waste management facilities waste facilities developments on where people live are designed and operated correctly. 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic 0 0 0 0 Positive effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

116

Policy WCS6: Safeguarding of waste management sites

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Should have no negative effects, movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 providing appropriate controls are standards limits applied.

2. To maintain or improve water Appropriate controls would need to be quality 0 0 0 0 applied through planning application process. 3. To maintain/ improve Should have neutral effect providing biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 that appropriate mitigation measure applied. 4. To maintain/ improve the Should have neutral effect providing quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 that appropriate mitigation measure of landscapes/ townscapes applied. 5. To maintain/improve soil Appropriate controls should be taking quality/resources 0 0 0 0 place to minimise the impact. 6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

Neutral effects. Appropriate controls 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 would be needed as part of the planning application process. 8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. traffic on the environment 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings Methane emitted from landfill sites 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 potentially harmful and contributes to global warming global warming. 11. To move treatment of waste Additional landfill sites contradict to the 0 0 0 0 up the waste hierarchy promotion of this objective.

12. To maximise opportunities + + + + Likely will have positive effects. for new/ additional employment

13. To maintain/ improve health Should have neutral effects, providing 0 0 0 0 of the population overall appropriate controls are taking place. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of + + + + Generally positive effects. waste facilities developments on where people live

117 15. To promote sustainable This option will have a positive effect on investment and economic + + + + promoting sustainable investment and growth in the County economic growth in the county. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS7: General considerations relevant to all waste management facilities

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air Should have neutral effects short and quality (including HGV medium term but has potential to movements) in line with national 0 + + + promote this objective after appropriate standards limits environmental improvements take place. Should have neutral effects short and 2. To maintain or improve water medium term but has potential to quality 0 + + + promote this objective after appropriate environmental improvements take place. Could have negative impact short term, 3. To maintain/ improve but appropriate environmental biodiversity and geodiversity 0 + + + improvements will potentially have positive effect on biodiversity and geodiversity in the log term. Could have negative impacts short 4. To maintain/ improve the term, but appropriate environmental quality and local distinctiveness 0 + + + improvements will potentially have of landscapes/ townscapes positive effects on local distinctiveness of landscapes/townscapes. 5. To maintain/improve soil quality/resources 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

6. To maximise the efficient use The design of new facilities is likely to of water + + + + maximise the efficient use of water. Neutral effects. Appropriate controls 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 would be needed as part of the planning application process. 8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. traffic on the environment 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings

118 Due to the lack of information at this 10. To minimise contributions to ? ? ? ? stage about the technology the effect is global warming unclear. 11. To move treatment of waste 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities Additional waste sites can provide + + + + for new/ additional employment additional employment.

13. To maintain/ improve health Should have neutral effects, providing 0 0 0 0 of the population overall appropriate controls are taking place. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Policy wording suggests promotion of + + + + waste facilities developments on this objective. where people live 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the Policy wording suggests promotion of + + + + county (rail or water where this objective. possible)

Policy WCS8: Approval of sites for disposal of inert waste by landfilling or landraise

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. standards limits

2. To maintain or improve water quality 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

3. To maintain/ improve biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of landscapes/ townscapes

5. To maintain/improve soil quality/resources 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

119 Sites identification will go through a 8. To minimise effects of HGV rigorous criteria based selection 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment process taking into account the traffic considerations. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings Provision of the sites well-related to the Strategic Lorry Route network and near 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 the main Urban areas will reduce the global warming waste mileage and minimise contributions to global warming. 11. To move treatment of waste + + + + Positive effects. up the waste hierarchy Provision of new landfill facilities will 12. To maximise opportunities + + + + have potential to create additional for new/ additional employment employment. 13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Positive effects. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. waste facilities developments on where people live 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic 0 0 0 0 Positive effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

WCS9: Approval of sites for disposal of non-hazardous waste by landfilling or landraise

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Site managed in accordance with movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 standards limits planning permission.

2. To maintain or improve water Waste managed in accordance with site quality 0 0 0 0 licence. 3. To maintain/ improve Providing site managed in accordance biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 with planning permissions.

120 4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness Providing site managed in accordance 0 0 0 0 of landscapes/ townscapes with planning permission.

5. To maintain/improve soil Providing site managed in accordance quality/resources 0 0 0 0 with planning permission. 6. To maximise the efficient use Waste managed in accordance with site of water 0 0 0 0 licence. Site managed in accordance with 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 planning permission.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Site managed in accordance with 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment planning permission. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Site managed in accordance with archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 culturally planning permission. important buildings Should have neutral effects, providing 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 appropriate control measures are in global warming place. 11. To move treatment of waste Neutral effects. Policy encourages 0 0 0 0 up the waste hierarchy landfill gas energy recovery.

12. To maximise opportunities Construction, operation and + + + + for new/ additional employment maintenance opportunities.

13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Neutral effect. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Site managed in accordance with 0 0 0 0 waste facilities developments on waste management licence. where people live 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS10: General Waste Management Facilities

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Neutral effects, providing that the movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and standards limits operated correctly.

121 2. To maintain or improve water Neutral effects, providing that the quality 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly. 3. To maintain/ improve Neutral effects, providing that the biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly. 4. To maintain/ improve the Neutral effects, providing that the quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and of landscapes/ townscapes operated correctly. 5. To maintain/improve soil Neutral effects, providing that the quality/resources 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly. 6. To maximise the efficient use Neutral effects, providing that the of water 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

Sites identification will go through a 8. To minimise effects of HGV rigorous criteria based selection 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment process taking into account the traffic considerations. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to Increased local management of waste 0 0 0 0 global warming potentially reduces lorry movements.

11. To move treatment of waste 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities Construction, operation and + + + + for new/ additional employment maintenance opportunities.

13. To maintain/ improve health Purposes built facilities enhance waste 0 0 0 0 of the population overall management. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Site managed in accordance with 0 0 0 0 waste facilities developments on waste management licence. where people live 15. To promote sustainable Significant inward investment in waste investment and economic + + + + growth in the County management facilities. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

122

Policy WCS11: Residual Waste Treatment facilities with a capacity of less than 100,000 tonnes annual throughput

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Neutral effects, providing that the RWT movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and standards limits operated correctly.

2. To maintain or improve water Neutral effects, providing that the RWT quality 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly. 3. To maintain/ improve Neutral effects, providing that the RWT biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly. 4. To maintain/ improve the Neutral effects, providing that the RWT quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and of landscapes/ townscapes operated correctly. 5. To maintain/improve soil Neutral effects, providing that the RWT quality/resources 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly. 6. To maximise the efficient use Neutral effects, providing that the RWT of water 0 0 0 0 facilities are sustainably designed and operated correctly.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

Sites identification will go through a 8. To minimise effects of HGV rigorous criteria based selection 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment process taking into account the traffic considerations. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to Increased local management of waste 0 0 0 0 global warming potentially reduces lorry movements.

11. To move treatment of waste Positive effects. Policy encourages + + + + up the waste hierarchy energy recovery.

12. To maximise opportunities Construction, operation and + + + + for new/ additional employment maintenance opportunities.

13. To maintain/ improve health Purposes built facilities enhance waste 0 0 0 0 of the population overall management. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Site managed in accordance with 0 0 0 0 waste facilities developments on waste management licence. where people live

123 Sufficient waste management facilities 15. To promote sustainable in close proximity to centres of investment and economic + + + + growth in the County population should prove to be beneficial. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS12: Waste Transfer Stations, Materials Recycling Facilities End of Life Vehicle Facilities and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recovery Facilities

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Site managed in accordance with movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 standards limits planning permission.

2. To maintain or improve water Waste managed in accordance with site quality 0 0 0 0 licence. 3. To maintain/ improve Providing site managed in accordance biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 with planning permission. 4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness Providing site managed in accordance 0 0 0 0 of landscapes/ townscapes with planning permission.

5. To maintain/improve soil Providing site managed in accordance quality/resources 0 0 0 0 with planning permission. 6. To maximise the efficient use Waste managed in accordance with site of water 0 0 0 0 licence. Site managed in accordance with 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 planning permission.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Site managed in accordance with 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment planning permission. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Site managed in accordance with archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 culturally planning permission. important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to Increased local management of waste + + + + global warming potentially reduces lorry movements.

11. To move treatment of waste Products made from or uses for waste + + + + up the waste hierarchy material may be found.

124 12. To maximise opportunities Construction, operation and + + + + for new/ additional employment maintenance opportunities.

13. To maintain/ improve health Purposes built facilities enhance waste + + + + of the population overall management. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Site managed in accordance with 0 0 0 0 waste facilities developments on waste management licence. where people live 15. To promote sustainable Significant inward investment in waste investment and economic + + + + growth in the County management facilities. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the Allows for synergies with existing + + + + county (rail or water where transport infrastructure. possible)

Policy WCS13: Household Waste Recycling Centres

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Site managed in accordance with movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 standards limits planning permission.

2. To maintain or improve water Waste managed in accordance with site quality 0 0 0 0 licence. 3. To maintain/ improve Providing site managed in accordance biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 with planning permission. 4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness Providing site managed in accordance 0 0 0 0 of landscapes/ townscapes with planning permission.

5. To maintain/improve soil Providing site managed in accordance quality/resources 0 0 0 0 with planning permission. 6. To maximise the efficient use Waste managed in accordance with site of water 0 0 0 0 licence. Site managed in accordance with 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 planning permission.

8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. traffic on the environment

125 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Site managed in accordance with archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 culturally planning permission. important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to Increased local management of waste + + + + global warming potentially reduces lorry movements.

11. To move treatment of waste Products made from or uses for waste + + + + up the waste hierarchy material may be found.

12. To maximise opportunities Construction, operation and + + + + for new/ additional employment maintenance opportunities.

13. To maintain/ improve health Purposes built facilities enhance waste + + + + of the population overall management. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Site managed in accordance with 0 0 0 0 waste facilities developments on waste management licence. where people live 15. To promote sustainable Significant inward investment in waste investment and economic + + + + growth in the County management facilities. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the Allows for synergies with existing + + + + county (rail or water where transport infrastructure. possible)

Policy WCS14: Enclosed Composting Facilities

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air Provided the facilities are properly quality (including HGV designed, constructed and operated. movements) in line with national + + + + standards limits Policy wording aims to at least maintain air quality. 2. To maintain or improve water Should have neutral effect if quality 0 0 0 0 constructed correctly. 3. To maintain/ improve biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

4. To maintain/ improve the If correctly located and designed the quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 impacts on landscape should be of landscapes/ townscapes neutral. 5. To maintain/improve soil Policies neutral but output of quality/resources 0 0 0 0 composting facilities could be negative. 6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

126 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

Should have neutral effects, as proposed location would be on sites 8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 where HGV access is considered traffic on the environment accessible with properly designed and laid out access to highway. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to Positive effects. Divert waste from ++ ++ ++ ++ global warming landfill.

11. To move treatment of waste This option has a direct positive impact ++ ++ ++ ++ up the waste hierarchy on this objective.

12. To maximise opportunities + + + + Significant employment opportunities. for new/ additional employment

13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Locations contained in policy should + + + + waste facilities developments on ensure impacts are minimised. where people live 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic + + + + Positive effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the ? ? ? ? Depends on location. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS15: Open Air Composting

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 No impact of sited properly. standards limits

2. To maintain or improve water If properly designed and operated there quality 0 0 0 0 should be no impact. 3. To maintain/ improve biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 No impact if sited properly.

127 4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness Could have negative landscape impact 0 0 0 0 of landscapes/ townscapes if poorly sited.

5. To maintain/improve soil quality/resources 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

Could be positive or negative 8. To minimise effects of HGV ? ? ? ? depending on siting and source of traffic on the environment waste. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to Positive effects. Divert waste from ++ ++ ++ ++ global warming landfill.

11. To move treatment of waste This option has a direct positive impact ++ ++ ++ ++ up the waste hierarchy on this objective.

12. To maximise opportunities New investment brings forward new + + + + for new/ additional employment jobs.

13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Positive effects. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Locations contained in policy should + + + + waste facilities developments on ensure impacts are minimised. where people live 15. To promote sustainable This option promotes sustainable investment and economic + + + + investment and economic growth in the growth in the County County. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

128

Policy WCS16: Anaerobic Digestion

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air Provided the Facilities are properly quality (including HGV designed, constructed and operated. movements) in line with national + + + + standards limits Enclosed composting facilities should at least maintain air quality. 2. To maintain or improve water Should have neutral effect if quality 0 0 0 0 constructed correctly. 3. To maintain/ improve biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 Should not affect either way.

4. To maintain/ improve the If correctly located the impacts on quality and local distinctiveness landscape should be neutral. But if 0 0 0 0 of landscapes/ townscapes poorly designed or located impacts could be negative. 5. To maintain/improve soil Policies neutral but output of quality/resources 0 0 0 0 composting facilities could be negative.

6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

Sites in accordance with policy would 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 have been sited to reduce/avoid any flood risk. Proposed location would be on sites 8. To minimise effects of HGV where HGV access is considered + + + + traffic on the environment accessible with properly designed and laid out access to highway. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Should have no effect. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to ++ ++ ++ ++ Positive effects. global warming

11. To move treatment of waste ++ ++ ++ ++ Positive effects. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities Construction, operation and + + + + for new/ additional employment maintenance opportunities.

13. To maintain/ improve health Well run and well located facilities 0 0 0 0 of the population overall should not affect human health. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Locations contained in policy should 0 0 0 0 waste facilities developments on ensure impacts are minimised. where people live

129 15. To promote sustainable Significant inward investment in waste investment and economic + + + + growth in the County management facilities. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the Will depend on location, how waste is ? ? ? ? county (rail or water where brought to sites. possible)

Policy WCS17: Proposals for recycling or transfer of inert and construction, demolition and excavation waste

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Network of facilities would reduce waste movements) in line with national + + + + standards limits being landfilled.

2. To maintain or improve water Ensures wastes are handled in properly quality + + + + designed facilities. 3. To maintain/ improve biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness Land identified should ensure no 0 0 0 0 of landscapes/ townscapes adverse impacts.

5. To maintain/improve soil quality/resources 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Sites located in places where HGV + + + + traffic on the environment access is acceptable. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to Encourages recycling, reuse and + + + + global warming recovery and reduces waste to landfill.

11. To move treatment of waste ++ ++ ++ ++ Direct positive impact on this objective. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities Network of waste management facilities ++ ++ ++ ++ for new/ additional employment - significant employment opportunities.

130 13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 Provided properly located. waste facilities developments on where people live 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic + + + + Positive effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Depends on location. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS18: Waste Water Treatment Plants

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. standards limits

2. To maintain or improve water The option directly promotes the quality ++ ++ ++ ++ improvement of water quality. 3. To maintain/ improve biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 If properly located and landscaped. of landscapes/ townscapes

5. To maintain/improve soil quality/resources 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

6. To maximise the efficient use This option directly promotes this of water + + + + objective to maximise the efficient use of water.

7. To minimise flood risk + + + + Likely to have positive effects.

8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. traffic on the environment 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. global warming

131 11. To move treatment of waste 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities New investment brings forward new + + + + for new/ additional employment jobs.

13. To maintain/ improve health + + + + Positive effects. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. waste facilities developments on where people live 15. To promote sustainable This option promotes sustainable investment and economic + + + + investment and economic growth in the growth in the County County. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS19: Treatment, storage and disposal of Low and Very Low Level radioactive waste at Sizewell nuclear power stations

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV On site management of waste movements) in line with national + + + + standards limits potentially reduces lorry movements.

2. To maintain or improve water quality 0 0 0 0 Dry storage with no discharges.

3. To maintain/ improve Construction within boundary of existing biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 power station. 4. To maintain/ improve the Construction within boundary of quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 existing power station. of landscapes/ townscapes

5. To maintain/improve soil Construction within boundary of quality/resources 0 0 0 0 existing power station.

6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Dry storage with no discharges.

Construction within boundary of existing 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 power station.

8. To minimise effects of HGV On site management of waste + + + + traffic on the environment potentially reduces lorry movements.

132 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Construction within boundary of existing archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 culturally power station. important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to On site management of waste + + + + global warming potentially reduces lorry movements.

11. To move treatment of waste Stored waste may be sent elsewhere + + + + up the waste hierarchy for reprocessing.

12. To maximise opportunities Construction, operation and + + + + for new/ additional employment maintenance opportunities.

13. To maintain/ improve health Purposes built facilities enhance waste + + + + of the population overall management. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of On site management of waste + + + + waste facilities developments on potentially reduces lorry movements. where people live 15. To promote sustainable Significant inward investment in waste investment and economic + + + + growth in the County management facilities. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the + + + + Existing rail link available. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS20: Treatment and storage of Intermediate Level radioactive waste and spent fuel generated at Sizewell nuclear power stations

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV On site management of waste movements) in line with national + + + + standards limits potentially reduces lorry movements.

2. To maintain or improve water quality 0 0 0 0 Dry storage with no discharges.

3. To maintain/ improve Construction within boundary of existing biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 power station. 4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness Construction within boundary of existing 0 0 0 0 of landscapes/ townscapes power station.

5. To maintain/improve soil Modern design of the facilities should quality/resources 0 0 0 0 maintain soil qualities.

133 6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Dry storage with no discharges.

Construction within boundary of existing 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 power station.

8. To minimise effects of HGV On site management of waste + + + + traffic on the environment potentially reduces lorry movements. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Construction within boundary of existing archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 culturally power station. important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to On site management of waste + + + + global warming potentially reduces lorry movements.

11. To move treatment of waste Stored waste may be sent elsewhere + + + + up the waste hierarchy for reprocessing.

12. To maximise opportunities Construction, operation and + + + + for new/ additional employment maintenance opportunities.

13. To maintain/ improve health Purposes built facilities enhance waste + + + + of the population overall management. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of On site management of waste + + + + waste facilities developments on potentially reduces lorry movements. where people live 15. To promote sustainable Significant inward investment in waste investment and economic + + + + growth in the County management facilities. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the + + + + Existing rail link available. county (rail or water where possible)

Policy WCS21: Transfer, storage, processing & treatment of hazardous waste

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Local management of waste potentially movements) in line with national + + + + standards limits reduces lorry movements.

2. To maintain or improve water Providing waste managed in quality 0 0 0 0 accordance with site licence. 3. To maintain/ improve Site managed in accordance with biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 0 0 planning permission.

134 4. To maintain/ improve the quality and local distinctiveness Site managed in accordance with 0 0 0 0 of landscapes/ townscapes planning permission.

5. To maintain/improve soil Site managed in accordance with quality/resources 0 0 0 0 planning permission. 6. To maximise the efficient use Waste managed in accordance with site of water 0 0 0 0 licence. Site managed in accordance with 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 planning permission.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Local management of waste potentially + + + + traffic on the environment reduces lorry movements. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Site managed in accordance with archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 culturally planning permission. important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to Local management of waste potentially + + + + global warming reduces lorry movements.

11. To move treatment of waste Products made from or uses for waste + + + + up the waste hierarchy materials may be found.

12. To maximise opportunities Construction, operation and + + + + for new/ additional employment maintenance opportunities.

13. To maintain/ improve health Purposes built facilities enhance waste + + + + of the population overall management. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of On site management of waste + + + + waste facilities developments on potentially reduces lorry movements. where people live 15. To promote sustainable Significant inward investment in waste investment and economic + + + + growth in the County management facilities. 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the Makes best use of existing transport + + + + county (rail or water where infrastructure. possible)

Policy WCS22: Sustainable construction and demolition

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Sustainable design of waste facilities movements) in line with national + + ++ + will promote improvement of air quality, standards limits especially long term.

135 2. To maintain or improve water Sustainable design of waste facilities quality + + ++ + will improve water quality. Sustainable design and layout of new 3. To maintain/ improve waste management facilities will have a biodiversity and geodiversity + + ++ + positive effect on biodiversity and geodiversity, especially long term. Design and layout of new waste 4. To maintain/ improve the management facilities will help to quality and local distinctiveness + + ++ + maintain/improve the quality and local of landscapes/ townscapes distinctiveness of landscapes/townscapes. 5. To maintain/improve soil quality/resources + + ++ + Generally positive effects.

New waste management facilities will 6. To maximise the efficient use facilitate the efficient use of water of water + + ++ + addressing the principles of sustainable design. Sustainable design and layout of new waste management facilities will 7. To minimise flood risk + + ++ + address the issues of flooding – minimise flood risk. 8. To minimise effects of HGV Likely to have positive effects in + + + + traffic on the environment accordance with WCS 7. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings Sustainable design of new waste management facilities will contribute to 10. To minimise contributions to the re-use and recycling of construction + + ++ + global warming and demolition wastes, increase the waste minimisation – minimise contributions to global warming. Design and layout principles that reduce the amount of waste produced 11. To move treatment of waste ++ ++ ++ ++ and allow for the effective sorting, up the waste hierarchy recycling and composting of waste where appropriate. Co-location of waste activities should provide additional employment 12. To maximise opportunities opportunities, but with time the effect + + ? + for new/ additional employment becomes uncertain due to the waste minimisation and consequently possible reduction of additional employment. 13. To maintain/ improve health + + ++ + Overall positive effects. of the population overall

14. To minimise the impacts This option could have some effects on arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 people nearby but will depend on waste facilities developments on where people live location and pollution controls applied. 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic + + ++ + Generally positive effects. growth in the County

136 16. To promote efficient Design and layout principles will movement patterns within the + + ++ + facilitate efficient movement patterns county (rail or water where possible) within the county.

Policy WCS23: Climate Change mitigation and adaptation

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV movements) in line with national + + + + Likely to have positive effects. standards limits

2. To maintain or improve water Modern design of the facilities should quality + + + + help to maintain waste quality. 3. To maintain/ improve Modern design of the facilities should biodiversity and geodiversity + + + + maintain biodiversity. 4. To maintain/ improve the The policy directly contributes to this quality and local distinctiveness + + + + objective. It offers the provision of new of landscapes/ townscapes landscape features. 5. To maintain/improve soil Modern design of the facilities should quality/resources + + + + maintain soil qualities. Modern design of the facilities should 6. To maximise the efficient use maintain water quality. Use of of water + ++ ++ ++ Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) will maximise the efficient use of waste and water harvesting.

7. To minimise flood risk + + + + Likely to have positive effects.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Incorporation of travel plans will + ++ ++ ++ traffic on the environment contribute to this SA objective. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. culturally important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to New facilities will be planned so as to + ++ ++ ++ global warming minimise carbon dioxide emissions. New facilities support opportunities for 11. To move treatment of waste + ++ ++ ++ decentralised and renewable or low- up the waste hierarchy carbon energy supply. 12. To maximise opportunities 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. for new/ additional employment

137 13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of + + + + Should have positive effects. waste facilities developments on where people live 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic + + ++ + Generally positive effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient Design and layout principles will movement patterns within the + + ++ + facilitate efficient movement patterns county (rail or water where possible) within the county.

Policy WCS24: Design of waste management facilities

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 Likely to have neutral effects. standards limits

2. To maintain or improve water quality 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

3. To maintain/ improve Modern design of the facilities should biodiversity and geodiversity + + + + maintain biodiversity. 4. To maintain/ improve the The policy directly contributes to this quality and local distinctiveness + + ++ + objective. It offers the provision of new of landscapes/ townscapes landscape features. 5. To maintain/improve soil Modern design of the facilities should quality/resources + + + + maintain soil qualities. 6. To maximise the efficient use Modern design of the facilities should of water + + + + maintain water quality.

7. To minimise flood risk + + + + Likely to have positive effects.

8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. traffic on the environment 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Policy wording directly promotes this archaeological sites and other + + + + SA objective and likely to have positive culturally effects. important buildings 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. global warming

138 11. To move treatment of waste 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. for new/ additional employment

13. To maintain/ improve health 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. of the population overall 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of + + + + Should have positive effects. waste facilities developments on where people live 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic + + ++ + Generally positive effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient Design and layout principles will movement patterns within the + + ++ + facilitate efficient movement patterns county (rail or water where possible) within the county.

139 Appendix 5: Sustainability Appraisal of Identified Sites

Site 2: Former Sproughton Sugar Factory, Ipswich

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

Limited effect. Emissions would be within the national standards and would be monitored as a mitigation 1. To maintain/ improve air measure throughout. The site and quality (including HGV proposed use will provide new facility movements) in line with national 0 0 0 9 0 standards limits for processing waste in the county and will reduce the distance waste is transported by road. Subject to stringent pollution control & monitoring.

The site lies within Groundwater Protection Zone 1, 2 and 3. Applicant would need to demonstrate that development will not impact on water quality. Mitigation measures can include 2. To maintain or improve water the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage quality 0 0 0 0 Systems (SUDS). A RWTF will be regulated by the Environment Agency which would require a drainage condition that prevents the possibility of contaminated surface water infiltrating the aquifer and giving rise to pollution of drinking water. Biodiversity of the site has low ecological value but there are Natura 2000 sites that could be affected by this 3. To maintain/ improve development (Stour and Orwell biodiversity and geodiversity - - - - Estuaries). Mitigation measures may be required to ensure they are safeguarded against emissions produced by an Energy from Waste facility. Special Landscape Area nearby. Could have significant effect on the 4. To maintain/ improve the landscape. But due to the nature of the quality and local distinctiveness 0 + + + current use of the site, there is a scope of landscapes/ townscapes to improve through proposed development. Appropriate design and screening as mitigation.

140

New facility could have landscaped 5. To maintain/improve soil surroundings. Existing land quality/resources 0 0 0 0 contamination could be remediated. Subject to planning and pollution control.

6. To maximise the efficient use The design of the facility could of water + + + + maximise the efficient use of water.

Site is within a floodplain, but EA comments confirmed that is effectively 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 protected.

Site very well located to maximise 8. To minimise effects of HGV tonnes per miles. ++ ++ ++ ++ traffic on the environment

9. To maintain/ improve Land already disturbed and hence historical buildings/sites, potential archaeological value archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 diminished. Site in close proximity to culturally existing Palaeolithic and Mesolithic important buildings sites. Site is very well located to maximise tonnes per miles – carbon reduction. Non landfill waste treatment will 10. To minimise contributions to + + + + produce less greenhouse gas. Energy global warming from Waste would replace the energy from fossil fuel burning.

Diversion of waste from landfill. Potential for energy production. The site is close to areas which generate waste and will be part of a network of 11. To move treatment of waste + ++ ++ ++ waste management facilities up the waste hierarchy throughout the County which will encourage the movement of waste up the hierarchy.

The development of the site is likely in the longer term to have a neutral effect as a replacement for landfill facility. 12. To maximise opportunities ++ 0 0 0 Construction will create short term for new/ additional employment jobs.

Low Noise Sensitivity. Mitigation 13. To maintain/ improve health measures should include control and 0 0 0 0 of the population overall monitoring of emissions.

141 The site scores neutrally against this objective but is less favourably located in comparison with other sites in relation to the volume of potential human receptors for air quality. However, Predicted Environmental 14. To minimise the impacts concentrations will not exceed the arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 assessment levels and the potential waste facilities developments on where people live effects may be reduced through further emissions abatement. Large site with good transport links will allow for suitable mitigation. Appropriate protection measures should be incorporated into the design.

15. To promote sustainable investment and economic + ++ ++ ++ Large capital investment. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient Well located next to strategic highways movement patterns within the + + + + network with potential to establish rail – county (rail or water where possible) link.

Site 27: Eye Airfield Industrial Estate, Eye and Yaxley

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

Limited effects. Emissions would be 1. To maintain/ improve air within the national standards and would quality (including HGV be monitored as a mitigation measure 0 0 0 0 movements) in line with national 9 throughout. Subject to stringent standards limits pollution control and monitoring.

The site lies within Groundwater Protection Zone 2 and 3. There are groundwater abstractions nearby. Applicant would need to demonstrate that development will not impact on water quality. Mitigation measures can 2. To maintain or improve water include the use of Sustainable Urban 0 0 0 0 quality Drainage Systems (SUDS). A RWTF will be regulated by the Environment Agency which would require a drainage condition that prevents the possibility of contaminated surface water infiltrating the aquifer and giving rise to pollution of drinking water. Agricultural land has little ecological value and due to the size of the site 3. To maintain/ improve + + + + biodiversity and geodiversity new facility could have new high value ecological areas included.

142 A large Special Landscape Area is located 1km to the East of the site. Location within an existing industrial area serves to reduce the potential 4. To maintain/ improve the impact of new development on the quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 0 0 of landscapes/ townscapes surrounding area. Landscaping would however be beneficial in softening the appearance of the development particularly to the more open southern aspect.

New facility could have landscaped 5. To maintain/improve soil surroundings. Existing land 0 0 0 0 quality/resources contamination could be remediated. Subject to planning and pollution control. 6. To maximise the efficient use The design of the facility could + + + + of water maximise the efficient use of water.

Site is not in an area susceptible to 7. To minimise flood risk + + + + flooding.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Site is less favourably located to 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment maximise tonnes per miles. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Evaluation still required. culturally important buildings Site is less favourably located to maximise tonnes per miles. Landfill waste treatment will produce less 10. To minimise contributions to 0 0 0 0 greenhouse gas. Energy from Waste global warming would replace the energy from fossil fuel burning

11. To move treatment of waste Diversion of waste from landfill. ++ ++ ++ ++ up the waste hierarchy Potential for energy production. The development of the site is likely in the longer term to have a neutral effect 12. To maximise opportunities ++ 0 0 0 as a replacement for landfill facility. for new/ additional employment Construction will create short term jobs.

Neutral effects overall. Mitigation 13. To maintain/ improve health measures should include control and 0 0 0 0 of the population overall monitoring of emissions.

The volume of human receptors is more favourable than for other sites. 14. To minimise the impacts Large site with good transport links will arising from the provision of + + + + allow for suitable mitigation. waste facilities developments on where people live Appropriate protection measures should be incorporated into the design.

143 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic + ++ ++ ++ Large capital investment. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. county (rail or water where possible)

Site 28: Masons Quarry, Great Blakenham

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

Emissions would be within the national standards and would be monitored as a mitigation measure throughout. The site and proposed use will provide new a facility for processing waste in the county and will reduce the distance 1. To maintain/ improve air waste is transported by road. There quality (including HGV 0 0 0 0 are possible cumulative effects on this movements) in line with national 9 standards limits site due to landfill and proposed new Snoasis development. However new RWTF would offset the traffic from landfill operations. Air quality should be subject to stringent pollution control & monitoring.

The site lies within Groundwater Protection Zone 2 and 3. There are nearby groundwater abstractions. Applicant would need to demonstrate that development will not impact on water quality. Mitigation measures can 2. To maintain or improve water include the use of Sustainable Urban 0 0 0 0 quality Drainage Systems (SUDS). A RWTF will be regulated by the Environment Agency which would require a drainage condition that prevents the possibility of contaminated surface water infiltrating the aquifer and giving rise to pollution of drinking water.

144 Development of site may cause significant impacts on adjacent SSSI site. Potential for direct impact upon Regionally important sites. Within the quarry there is a geological SSSI which 3. To maintain/ improve would be preserved and a CWS for 0 0 0 0 biodiversity and geodiversity which suitable mitigation/protection would be required. Presence of Great Crested Newts is identified which would need to be adequately safeguarded.

Could have significant effect on the landscape. But due to the nature of the 4. To maintain/ improve the current use of the site, there is a scope quality and local distinctiveness 0 + + + of landscapes/ townscapes to improve through proposed development. Appropriate design and screening as mitigation.

5. To maintain/improve soil New facility could have landscaped 0 0 0 0 quality/resources surroundings. Subject to planning and pollution control.

6. To maximise the efficient use The design of the facility could + + + + of water maximise the efficient use of water.

Site is not susceptible to flooding. 7. To minimise flood risk + + + +

Site is very well located to maximise tonnes per miles. The overall impact 8. To minimise effects of HGV + + + + will be less at this site because of traffic on the environment offsetting the existing landfill operation.

9. To maintain/ improve Land already disturbed and hence historical buildings/sites, potential archaeological value archaeological sites and other + + + + culturally diminished. Low Archaeological important buildings Potential. Site is very well located to maximise tonnes per miles – Non landfill waste 10. To minimise contributions to treatment will produce less greenhouse + ++ ++ ++ global warming gas. Opportunities for utilizing renewable or low-carbon energy supply systems.

145 Diversion of waste from landfill. Potential for energy production. The site is close to areas which generate waste and will be part of a network of waste management facilities 11. To move treatment of waste throughout the County which will + ++ ++ ++ up the waste hierarchy encourage the movement of waste up the hierarchy. There is a potential for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) to potentially supply the proposed developments nearby.

The development of the site is likely in the longer term to have a neutral effect as a replacement for landfill facility. 12. To maximise opportunities ++ 0 0 0 Construction will create short term for new/ additional employment jobs.

13. To maintain/ improve health Mitigation measures should include 0 0 0 0 of the population overall control and monitoring of emissions

The site scores neutrally against this objective but is less favourably located in comparison with other sites in relation to the volume of potential human receptors for air quality. However, Predicted Environmental concentrations will not exceed the assessment levels and the potential 14. To minimise the impacts effects may be reduced through further arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 emissions abatement. Large site with waste facilities developments on where people live good transport links will allow for suitable mitigation. Appropriate protection measures should be incorporated into the design. Sensitive surrounding land-uses are already screened by existing planting but cold be augmented by further planting and subtle bunding if required.

15. To promote sustainable investment and economic + ++ ++ ++ Large capital investment. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the Neutral effects. Nearest rail line in 0 0 0 0 county (rail or water where excess of 1km from site. possible)

146

Site 29: Suffolk County Council Highways Depot, Lodge Lane, Great Blakenham

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

Site is well located to sources of waste and non landfill option would potentially benefit the effects of climate change. Emissions would be within the national standards and would be monitored as a mitigation measure throughout. The site and proposed use 1. To maintain/ improve air will provide new a facility for quality (including HGV 0 0 0 0 processing waste in the county and will movements) in line with national 9 standards limits reduce the distance waste is transported by road. There are possible cumulative effects on this site due to landfill and proposed new Snoasis development. Air quality should be subject to stringent pollution control & monitoring.

The site lies within Groundwater Protection Zone 2 and 3. There are nearby groundwater abstractions. Applicant would need to demonstrate that development will not impact on water quality. Mitigation measures can 2. To maintain or improve water include the use of Sustainable Urban 0 0 0 0 quality Drainage Systems (SUDS). A RWTF will be regulated by the Environment Agency which would require a drainage condition that prevents the possibility of contaminated surface water infiltrating the aquifer and giving rise to pollution of drinking water. There are various County Wildlife Sites 3. To maintain/ improve 0 0 0 0 nearby. Appropriate mitigation biodiversity and geodiversity measures should be in place. Could have significant effect on the landscape. But due to the nature of the 4. To maintain/ improve the current use of the site, there is a scope quality and local distinctiveness 0 + + + of landscapes/ townscapes to improve through proposed development. Appropriate design and screening as mitigation.

New facility could have landscaped 5. To maintain/improve soil surroundings. Existing land 0 0 0 0 quality/resources contamination could be remediated. Subject to planning and pollution control.

147

6. To maximise the efficient use The design of the facility could + + + + of water maximise the efficient use of water.

Site is not susceptible to flooding. 7. To minimise flood risk + + + +

Site very well located to maximise tonnes per miles. The site is well located in relation to the Strategic 8. To minimise effects of HGV Lorry Route Network, with access onto + + + + traffic on the environment the A14 via the B1113. The overall impact will be less at this site because of offsetting the existing landfill operation. 9. To maintain/ improve There is a medium potential for historical buildings/sites, archaeology to survive within the site. archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 Site is in close proximity to existing culturally Bronze Age barrows and finds of Saxon important buildings Material. Site is very well located to maximise tonnes per miles – Non landfill waste treatment will produce less 10. To minimise contributions to + + + + greenhouse gas. Energy from waste global warming would also minimise contributions to global warming.

Diversion of waste from landfill. Potential for energy production. The site is close to areas which generate waste and will be part of a network of waste management facilities 11. To move treatment of waste throughout the County which will + ++ ++ ++ up the waste hierarchy encourage the movement of waste up the hierarchy. There is a potential for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) to potentially supply the proposed developments nearby.

The development of the site is likely in the longer term to have a neutral effect as a replacement for landfill facility. 12. To maximise opportunities ++ 0 0 0 Construction will create short term for new/ additional employment jobs.

Neutral effects overall. 13. To maintain/ improve health Mitigation measures should include 0 0 0 0 of the population overall control and monitoring of emissions.

148 The site scores neutrally against this objective but is less favourably located in comparison with other sites in 14. To minimise the impacts relation to the properties located in arising from the provision of close proximity to the site. Sensitive 0 0 0 0 waste facilities developments on surrounding land-uses are already where people live screened by existing planting but cold be augmented by further planting and subtle bunding if required.

15. To promote sustainable investment and economic + ++ ++ ++ Large capital investment. growth in the County The Great Eastern Railway forms the 16. To promote efficient sites eastern boundary. However, movement patterns within the 0 0 0 0 housing development on the site of the county (rail or water where possible) former cement works can reduce the potential for a rail link at the site.

149

Site 1: Layham Landfill Site

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Neutral effects. Effect is similar to movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 standards limits existing operations.

The site overlies a major aquifer and is located over a Source Protection Zone III. Should have 2. To maintain or improve water neutral effects, providing a planning quality 0 0 0 0 application includes a risk based assessment containing suitable proposals to safeguard the aquifer as agreed with the Environment Agency. The site is located next to Layham 3. To maintain/ improve Pit Woodland and Meadow CWS biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 + 0 and Valley Farm Woodland CWS is close by. No national landscape designations 4. To maintain/ improve the directly affected but site lies within quality and local distinctiveness Special Landscape Area. Mitigation 0 0 + 0 of landscapes/ townscapes measures should include additional landscaping to the existing buffer zones. 5. To maintain/improve soil Should have neutral effects, quality/resources 0 0 0 0 providing appropriate control measures are in place. 6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Not within flood risk zone.

Due to the site has existing 8. To minimise effects of HGV 0 0 0 0 permission, it is likely to have traffic on the environment neutral effects. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Due to the site has existing archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 permission, it is likely to have culturally neutral effects. important buildings Potential destination for RWTF 10. To minimise contributions to residues therefore contributes to 0 0 0 0 global warming the minimisation of contributions to global warming.

150 11. To move treatment of waste 0 0 0 0 Potentially facilitates the RWTF. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. for new/ additional employment

13. To maintain/ improve health Neutral, providing appropriate 0 0 0 0 of the population overall controls in place. 14. To minimise the impacts In existing, well established arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 screened site so is likely to have waste facilities developments on where people live neutral effects. 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient movement patterns within the Access onto A1070 which is a Zone + + 0 + county (rail or water where Distributor Lorry Route. possible)

Site 67: Thorington

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air Existing site. Very well located in quality (including HGV relation to Strategic Lorry Route movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 Network with the purposely standards limits designed junction directly connecting to the A12. The site overlies a major aquifer and planning application would 2. To maintain or improve water need to include a risk based quality 0 0 0 0 assessment to safeguard the aquifer as agreed with the Environment Agency. Site already has existing planning permission with the condition for restoration and additional habitat creation. Presence of crested newts is identified on the site and licence 3. To maintain/ improve from Natural England is necessary biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 + 0 for their translocation and their habitat improvement. Need for Appropriate Assessment due to Natura 2000 sites nearby Minsmere and Walberswick Heaths and Marshes.

151 4. To maintain/ improve the Very screened and established site. quality and local distinctiveness In the long term positive effects due 0 0 + 0 of landscapes/ townscapes to additional landscaping in the proposals for a strategic facility. 5. To maintain/improve soil Should have neutral effects, quality/resources 0 0 0 0 providing appropriate control measures are in place. 6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Not within flood risk zone.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Site has existing permission; it is 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment likely to have neutral effects. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Site has existing permission; it is archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 culturally likely to have neutral effects. important buildings Potential destination for RWTF 10. To minimise contributions to residues therefore contributes to 0 0 0 0 global warming the minimisation of contributions to global warming. 11. To move treatment of waste 0 0 0 0 Facilitates the work of RWTF. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. for new/ additional employment

13. To maintain/ improve health Neutral effects, providing 0 0 0 0 of the population overall appropriate controls in place. 14. To minimise the impacts In existing, well established arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 screened site so is likely to have waste facilities developments on where people live neutral effects. 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient Access onto the A12 which is a movement patterns within the + + 0 + Strategic Lorry Route. Positive county (rail or water where possible) effects.

152

Site W17: Foxhall Landfill Site

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV A well-established landfill site and movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 is unlikely to cause additional standards limits volume of traffic.

Existing landfill permit area. 2. To maintain or improve water Neutral effects, providing quality 0 0 0 0 appropriate controls measures are in place. Safeguards need to ensure there are no impacts on the Mill River 3. To maintain/ improve County Wildlife Site, Ipswich biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 + 0 Heaths SSSI and Newbourne Springs SSSI. The site should be restored to heathland and acid grassland for biodiversity gains. Well screened and established 4. To maintain/ improve the site. In the long term positive quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 + 0 effects due to additional of landscapes/ townscapes landscaping in the proposals for a strategic facility. 5. To maintain/improve soil Should have neutral effects, quality/resources 0 0 0 0 providing appropriate control measures are in place. 6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Not within flood risk zone.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Site has existing permission; it is 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment likely to have neutral effects. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Site has existing permission; it is archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 culturally likely to have neutral effects. important buildings Destination for RWTF residues 10. To minimise contributions to therefore contributes to the 0 0 0 0 global warming minimisation of contributions to global warming. 11. To move treatment of waste 0 0 0 0 Facilitate the work of the RWTF. up the waste hierarchy

12. To maximise opportunities 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. for new/ additional employment

153 13. To maintain/ improve health Neutral, providing appropriate 0 0 0 0 of the population overall controls in place. 14. To minimise the impacts In existing, well established arising from the provision of 0 0 0 0 screened site so is likely to have waste facilities developments on where people live neutral effects. 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient Access is well related to the A12 movement patterns within the + + 0 + Trunk Road and local road county (rail or water where possible) network.

Site W11: Masons Landfill Site

SA Objectives Comments Secondary Long- term Long- Short- term Medium- term Medium- Overall impact

1. To maintain/ improve air quality (including HGV Should be neutral. An assessment movements) in line with national 0 0 0 0 on the likely impact on the A14 standards limits J52 should be undertaken.

The site overlies a major aquifer, is close to nearby groundwater abstractions and is within 2. To maintain or improve water Groundwater Source Protection quality 0 0 0 0 Zone 3. The site is also located within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. Precautions therefore must be taken to prevent contamination. Within the quarry there is a geological SSSI which would be preserved and CWS for which 3. To maintain/ improve suitable mitigation would be biodiversity and geodiversity 0 0 + 0 required. Presence of Great Crested Newts is identified which would need to e adequately safeguarded. Well screened and established 4. To maintain/ improve the site. In the long term positive quality and local distinctiveness 0 0 + 0 effects due to additional of landscapes/ townscapes landscaping in the proposals for a strategic facility. 5. To maintain/improve soil Should have neutral effects, quality/resources 0 0 0 0 providing appropriate control measures are in place. 6. To maximise the efficient use of water 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects.

154 7. To minimise flood risk 0 0 0 0 Not within flood risk zone.

8. To minimise effects of HGV Site has existing permission; it is 0 0 0 0 traffic on the environment likely to have neutral effects. 9. To maintain/ improve historical buildings/sites, Site has existing permission; it is archaeological sites and other 0 0 0 0 culturally likely to have neutral effects. important buildings Potential for RWTF residues 10. To minimise contributions to therefore contributes to the 0 0 0 0 global warming minimisation of contributions to global warming. 11. To move treatment of waste Potentially might facilitate the 0 0 0 0 up the waste hierarchy RWTF.

12. To maximise opportunities 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. for new/ additional employment

13. To maintain/ improve health Neutral effects, providing 0 0 0 0 of the population overall appropriate controls are in place. 14. To minimise the impacts arising from the provision of Well established screened site so 0 0 0 0 waste facilities developments on is likely to have neutral effects. where people live 15. To promote sustainable investment and economic 0 0 0 0 Neutral effects. growth in the County 16. To promote efficient The site is well located in relation movement patterns within the to the Strategic Lorry Route + + 0 + county (rail or water where Network, with access onto the A14 possible) via the B1113.

155 Appendix 6: Glossary of Terms

AMR Annual Monitoring Report AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty CHP Combined Heat and Power CWS County Wildlife Sites DEFRA Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DPD Development Plan Document EEDA East of England Development Agency EERA East of England Regional Assembly EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIP Examination in Public GO-East Government Office for the East of England M&WDF Minerals & Waste Development Framework M&WDS Minerals and Waste Development Scheme MPA Mineral Planning Authority (Suffolk County Council) MPG Mineral Planning Guidance MPS Mineral Planning Statement NLUD National Land Use Database PPG Planning Policy Guidance PPS Planning Policy Statement RSS Regional Spatial Strategy RWAP Regional Aggregates Working Party SA Sustainability Appraisal SCI Statement of Community Involvement SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SAC Special Area for Conservation SPA Special Protection Area SSAG Suffolk Sustainability Appraisal Group SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest SUDS Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

Annual Monitoring Report – it is a requirement of the Planning Act for local planning authorities to monitor and review progress towards the delivery of the local development documents. Progress is set down in an Annual Monitoring Report which has to be prepared by the December following the end of the previous financial year.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – Environmentally sensitive land designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 for its special landscape value. The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB was confirmed in 1970 by the Countryside Commission to protect the high landscape quality of the area for future generations. Suffolk Coast and Heaths is one of the 41 AONBs which cover 15% of England and Wales.

156 Becquerel (Bq) - The standard international unit of radioactivity equal to one radioactive transformation per second.

(The) Broads – nationally designated area of equivalent statue to national park. It lies partly in Norfolk and partly in Suffolk, and therefore part of the Broads is within the area covered by this Waste DPD. The broads Authority is the local planning authority for the Broads, and also has the statutory purposes of conserving its wildlife, natural beauty and cultural heritage; promoting its understanding and enjoyment by the public; and protecting its navigation.

Brownfield Land – See previously developed land.

Community Strategy – This is a requirement of the Local Government Act 2000. The Strategy aims to improve the economic, environmental and social well-being of the area. Through the preparation of the Community Strategy the local authority is expected to co-ordinate the activities of other public, private and voluntary and community bodies. Responsibility for the preparation of the Strategy may be passed to the Local Strategic Partnership. This group consists of a partnership of service providers, the private sector and voluntary and community groups. The intention is that local needs will be met in a co-ordinated and “joined up” way.

Core Strategy – This LDD sets out the key elements of the planning framework for the area. It comprises: a spatial vision and strategic objectives for the area; a spatial strategy; core policies; and a monitoring and implementation framework.

County Wildlife Site – Areas of county-wide wildlife interest as defined using the following criteria: • ‘Woodland sites are selected using a number of criteria; ancient status, well developed structure and diverse ground flora; • Grasslands are selected on the basis of unimproved status, floral diversity and presence of rarities; • Other habitats which are regionally or nationally scarce, e.g. heathland, vegetable shingle or open water are also represented; • Any sites which support a population of one or more species listed in schedule 5 or 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act or the Red Data book are included.’

Taken from ‘A Register of County Wildlife Sites in Suffolk’ (1991 and updates), compiled by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Suffolk County Council.

Development – Defined in Section 55 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act1990 as ‘the carrying out of building, engineering, mining and other operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings or land’.

157 Development Plan Documents (DPDs) – Core Strategy Specific Site Allocations and Proposals Map.

East of England Regional Assembly – The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) consists of a partnership of elected representatives from 54 local authorities in the East of England and appointed representatives from social, economic and environmental interests (Community Stakeholders). It exists to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of the region. EERA is preparing the East of England Plan.

Development Management policies – These are likely to be criteria based policies which will be applied to ensure that all development meets the overall vision and strategic policies set out in the Core Strategy. To a greater or lesser extent these polices will need to be taken into account in the determination of the majority of planning applications. The development managment policies form part of the Development Plan.

Geodiversity - the variety of rocks, fossils, minerals, landforms and soils along with the natural processes that shape the landscape.

Greenfield – Land which has not been previously developed i.e. fields, woods, meadows, or land that has no recent history of development.

Heritage (built and architectural) – A term used to refer to the historical, architectural and archaeological features, buildings and monuments that are of local, regional or national interest.

High Level Waste (HLW) - Radioactive wastes in which the temperature may rise significantly as a result of their radioactivity, so this factor has to be taken into account in the design of storage or disposal facilities.

Household Waste – This includes waste from household collection rounds, waste fro services such as street sweeping, bulky waste collection, litter collection, hazardous household waste collection and separate garden waste collection, waste from household waste recycling centres and wastes separately collected for recycling or composting through bring or drop off schemes.

Household Waste Recycling Centres – Sites provided by waste disposal authorities where residents can deposit household waste free of charge. (Formerly known as civic amenity sites).

Incineration - The controlled burning of waste, either to reduce its volume, or its toxicity. Energy recovery from incineration can be achieved by utilising the calorific value of paper, plastic, etc to produce heat or power.

Inert Waste – Waste which, when deposited into a waste disposal site, does not undergo any significant physical, chemical or biological

158 transformations and which complies with the criteria set out in Annex 111 of the EC Directive on the Landfill of Waste.

Intermediate level waste (ILW) - Radioactive wastes exceeding the upper activity boundaries for LLW but which do not need heat to be taken into account in the design of storage or disposal facilities.

Landfill – The deposit of waste onto and into land in such a way that pollution or harm to the environment is prevented and, through restoration, to provide land which may be used for another purpose.

Landraise – Where land is raised by the deposit of waste material above existing or original ground level.

Listed Building – A building or structure designated by the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport as being of special architectural or historical interest.

Local Development Documents – The collective term used in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 for Development Plan documents, Supplementary Planning Documents and the Statement of Community Involvement, Local Development Scheme.

Local Nature Reserve – An area of particular wildlife interest declared by a local authority under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, and usually managed by them.

Materials Recovery/Recycling Facility – A site where recyclable waste, usually collected via kerbside collections or from Household Recycling Centres, is mechanically or manually separated, baled and stored prior to reprocessing.

Methane – A colourless, odourless gas formed during the anaerobic decomposition of putrescible waste. It is the major constituent of landfill gas.

Minerals & Waste (Local) Development Framework – The name for the portfolio of documents making up the Framework, which will provide the spatial planning strategy for a local authority area. It consists of the Development Plan Documents, a Statement of Community Involvement, the Local Development Scheme, and Annual Monitoring Reports.

Minerals & Waste (Local) Development Scheme – This sets out a programme for the preparation of Local Development Documents. It is a project management document which identifies which documents are to be prepared, the stages that have to be achieved and a detailed timetable.

159 Municipal Waste – Household waste (see above) plus any commercial waste collected by Waste Collection Authorities and waste resulting from the clearance of fly-tipped materials.

National Nature Reserve – A nationally important area of special nature conservation interest, designated by English Nature under Section 16 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Local Plans – these were documents which set out local planning policy regime for the local authority area. They included the allocation of land for specific purposes as well as policies to control development. They formed part of the development plan alongside the Structure Plan, but have now been superseded.

Low Level Waste (LLW) - Includes metals, soil, building rubble and organic materials, which arise principally as lightly contaminated miscellaneous scrap. Metals are mostly in the form of redundant equipment. Organic materials are mainly in the form of paper towels, clothing and laboratory equipment that have been used in areas where radioactive materials are used – such as hospitals, research establishments and industry. LLW contains radioactive materials other than those acceptable for disposal with municipal and general commercial or industrial waste. It is now defined as “radioactive waste having a radioactive content not exceeding four gigabecquerels per tonne (GBq/te) of alpha or 12 GBq/te of beta/gamma radioactivity”.

Pyrolysis – A technology related to incineration where waste is heated in the absence of air to produce gas and liquid fuel plus solid waste.

Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) – National policy guidelines issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on a range of subjects affecting the use and development of land.

Planning Policy Statements (PPS) – The successor documents to PPGs, they are statements of the Government’s national policies on a range of topics.

PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development – This sets out the Government’s overarching planning policies on the delivery of sustainable development through the planning system.

Proposals Maps – Ordnance Survey maps which identify the areas to which policies and proposals in the development plan documents relate.

RAMSAR Site – Internationally important wetland identified for conservation under the Ramsar convention (1971).

160 Recovery – The process of extracting a product of value from waste material, including recycling, composting and energy recovery.

Recycling – Involves the reprocessing of wastes, either into the same product or a different one. Many non-hazardous industrial wastes such as paper, glass, cardboard, plastics and scrap metal can be recycled. Hazardous wastes such as solvents can also be recycled by specialist companies, or by in-house equipment.

Reduction – Achieving as much waste reduction as possible is a priority action. Reduction can be accomplished within a manufacturing process involving the review of production processes to optimise utilisation of raw (and secondary) materials and recirculation processes. It can be cost effective, both in terms of lower disposal costs, reduced demand from raw material and energy costs.

Regional Spatial Strategies – These set out the region’s policies in relation to the development and use of land. It forms part of the statutory development plan. “Spatial planning” here means taking a broader remit than land use planning. It includes taking into account the environmental, social and economic implications of land use. It requires for example the need to have regard to the strategies and plans of a wide range of different bodies and agencies. EERA has prepared the East of England Plan, the RSS for the East of England region.

Residual Waste Treatment Facility (RWTF) – Facilities for dealing with waste which has not been re-used, recycled or composted.

Residual Waste – Waste left after reuse, recycling and composting and which can either be treated in a residual waste treatment facility or be disposed off to landfill.

Re-use – The reuse of materials in their original form, without any processing other than cleaning. Can be practiced by the commercial sector with the use of products designed to be used a number of times, such as re- useable packaging. Householders can purchase products that use refillable containers, or re-use plastic bags. The processes contribute to sustainable development and can save raw materials, energy and transport costs.

Site of Special Scientific Interest - Site notified by English Nature under Section 25 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as having special wildlife or geological features worthy of protection.

Special Area for Conservation - Areas of open water or land of international wildlife importance designated by the UK Government to comply with the requirements of the EC Habitats & Species Directive. To conserve natural habitats and wild fauna and flora, which are considered

161 rare or endangered and are recognised as being under a particular threat. Nationally implemented under the Habitat Regulations, 1994

Special Protection Area - An area designated by the UK Government to comply with the requirements of the EC Directive of 1979 on the Conservation of Wild Birds. Member states are required to take special conservation measures concerning the habitat of species of wild birds listed in Annex 1 of the Directive (certain rare and vulnerable species) and of regularly occurring migratory species where particular attention needs to be paid of wetlands, especially those of international importance. These measures include classifying the most suitable localities as SPAs and taking appropriate steps to avoid pollution or deterioration of the habitat or disturbance affecting the birds. Nationally implemented under the Habitat Regulations, 1994.

Statement of Community Involvement – This sets out the methods Suffolk Country Council will use to involve local communities in the preparation of Local Development Documents and development control decisions. The Statement is not part of the Development Plan but it was subject to independent examination.

Strategic Environmental Assessment – Local Planning Authorities must comply with European Union Directive 2001/42/EC which requires a high level, strategic assessment of local development documents (DPDs and, where appropriate SPDs) and other programmes that are likely to have significant effects of the environment.

Sustainability Appraisal – A tool for appraising policies to ensure that they reflect sustainable development objectives. An Appraisal is required in the legislation for all development plan documents. The Government has defined wide ranging objectives for sustainable development as including: social progress that meets the needs of everyone, effective protection of the environment, prudent use of natural resources and the maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment. Thus we can see that sustainable development includes economic and social influences. The Sustainable Appraisal process takes into account the Strategic Environmental Assessment required by the EU.

Sustainable Development – Development which is sustainable in that which meets the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Tests of Soundness – Statutory Local Development Documents are subject to an Examination in Public by an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. The purpose of the Examination is to assess whether the document is ‘sound’. This means that those who wish to make a representation seeking a change to the document will need to show how that document is unsound and what needs to be done to make it sound. In

162 order to assess this, the Inspector will assess the document against certain ‘Tests of Soundness’. The purpose is to ensure that the whole plan is ‘sound’ in relation to all the legal and policy criteria it has to meet.

Town and Country Planning Regulations 2004 – These are the Regulations which govern the preparation of the Local Development Framework Documents.

Very low level waste (VLLW) - Covers waste with very low concentrations of radioactivity. It arises from a variety of sources, including hospitals and the wider non-nuclear industry. Because VLLW contains little total radioactivity, it has been safely treated by various means, such as disposal with municipal and general commercial and industrial waste directly at landfill sites or indirectly after incineration. Its formal definition is: (a) in the case of low volumes (‘dustbin loads’) of VLLW “Radioactive waste which can be safely disposed of to an unspecified destination with municipal, commercial or industrial waste (“dustbin” disposal), each 0.1m3 of waste containing less than 400 kilobecquerels (kBq) of total activity or single items containing less than 40 kBq of total activity.

For wastes containing carbon-14 or hydrogen-3 (tritium):

• in each 0.1m3, the activity limit is 4,000 kBq for carbon-14 and hydrogen-3 (tritium) taken together; and • for any single item, the activity limit is 400 kBq for carbon-14 and hydrogen-3 (tritium) taken together.

Controls on disposal of this material, after removal from the premises where the wastes arose, are not necessary.”

Or (b) in the case of high volumes of VLLW “Radioactive waste with maximum concentrations of four megabecquerels per tonne (MBq/te) of total activity which can be disposed of to specified landfill sites. For waste containing hydrogen-3 (tritium), the concentration limit for tritium is 40MBq/te. Controls on disposal of this material, after removal from the premises where the wastes arose, will be necessary in a manner specified by the environmental regulators”.

Waste – Is the wide ranging term encompassing most unwanted materials and is defined by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Waste includes any scrap metal, effluent or unwanted surplus substance or article that requires to be disposed of because it is broken, worn out, contaminated or otherwise spoiled. Explosives and radioactive wastes are excluded.

Waste Arising – The amount of waste generated in a given locality over a given period of time.

163 Waste Hierarchy – Suggests that: the most effective environmental solution may often be to reduce the amount of waste generated – reduction. Where further reduction is not practicable, products and materials can sometimes be used again, either for the same of a different purpose – re-use. Failing that, value should be recovered from waste, through recycling, composting or energy recovery from waste. Only if none of the above offer an appropriate solution should waste be disposed.

Waste Minimisation – Reducing the volume of waste that is produced. This is at the top of the Waste Hierarchy.

164 Appendix 7: Sustainability Issues identified

Environmental Implications for Suffolk Source Issues Air quality Air quality is generally good in Suffolk. District Councils However, four sites in the county have recently (2006) been designated as AQMAs - three in Ipswich and one in Woodbridge.

Water quality and Water quality in the Stour estuary Environment Agency Catchment resources worsened between 2000 and 2005, with Abstraction Management Strategies 2km being downgraded to Grade B, (future source as none have yet whilst 4km of the Orwell estuary is also been completed for Suffolk.) classed as Grade B. Although chemical Water Framework Directive water quality is improving, the percentage of rivers where biological water quality was classed as very good reduced slightly between 2004 and 2005.

Soil Although more houses are being built on District Councils previously developed land, 39% of houses built in 2006/7 were on Greenfield land. In addition, at the end of 2006/7, 37.5% of housing commitments were on Greenfield sites. Water and mineral Mineral extraction in Suffolk primarily SCC annual surveys to minerals resources involves sand and gravel, of which there industry are adequate supplies. Trend data shows that production of recycled aggregates has increased significantly in the last few years compared to pre-1998 levels, and proportion of total mineral sales that they represent continues to rise. Investigations have shown that figures for water consumption and supply are difficult to obtain at county level, so data is limited in this area. Environment Agency Catchment Area Management Plans may provide some data in future years, but none have yet been produced for Suffolk. Waste Around 385,000 tonnes of household District Councils waste was produced in Suffolk during SCC annual surveys to waste 2006/7. Recycling rates increased in all industry districts during 2006/7, and 42.9% is now recycled in the county.

Traffic Traffic levels at monitored locations in SCC Traffic Monitoring surveys Suffolk have increased steadily since 1999. This has implications for many environmental aspects, including air quality and pollution, congestion, road safety, tranquillity and climate change. This is more recently stabilised, but is still likely to increase in localised areas depending on the location of new housing

165 development. The dispersed nature of Suffolk’s rural population, combined with a lack of services, regular scheduled public transport and a growing population, could lead to increased demand for private travel. The Port of Felixstowe, the largest container port in the country, has a large impact on HGV traffic in Suffolk, particularly on the A14. Proposed port expansion would lead to an increase in HGV traffic in the future. According to the 2001 census, 21% of Suffolk residents travelled to work by sustainable modes, below the regional and national averages. Travel to work surveys carried out on public sector employees in Suffolk show that fewer people are travelling to work sustainably in more than half of the local authorities. Just over one third of children are taken to school by car whilst only 17% travel by bus. Air quality hotspots can be identified as being of most concern in areas such as Felixstowe, Ipswich, Woodbridge, Mildenhall, Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury.

Landscapes and Around 12% of Suffolk's landscape is Suffolk Coast & Heaths and Dedham townscapes designated as an Area of Outstanding Vale AONB project teams Natural Beauty (AONB). CPRE studies into light pollution The Broads Plan Light pollution increased in the county between 1993 and 2000. Overall levels of pollution are below the national average, and Suffolk does contain proportionally lower areas in the darkest category than for England as a whole.

166 Contributions to Cars are a major source of carbon SCC Traffic monitoring climate change dioxide emissions, and the increase in Energy data from District Councils’ and vulnerability to traffic noted above will have implications Home Energy survey and DTi climatic events for climate change (though this may be Environment Agency flood risk data offset to some extent by advances in vehicle technology and fuel efficiency).

In 2005, 3,673 GWh of gas was sold to domestic customers and 2,702 GWh sold to commercial/industrial customers in Suffolk, bringing the total to 6,376 GWh. For electricity, 1,619 GWh was sold to domestic customers and 2,406 GWh sold to commercial/industrial customers, bringing the total to 4,025 GWh. Both domestic and commercial/industrial electricity increased from 2004 to 2005 although there was a decrease in gas sales during the same period.

Around 12,000 properties in Suffolk are at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea2 (figure excludes Forest Heath). Biodiversity and Suffolk contains a range of sites with Biodiversity Action Plans and Habitat geodiversity ecological designations, including six Plans (Suffolk Biodiversity Ramsar sites, seven Special Protection Partnership) Areas, 8 Special Areas of Conservation, Suffolk’s Environment (annual) 283 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (of Natural England which 36 are geological designations) Suffolk Biological Records Centre and 25 Local Nature Reserves. The (SBRC) number of County Wildlife Sites currently stands at about 850 in the county (2007). The county has 7 Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS). Historical and The county contains many buildings of SCC Archaeology service archaeological historical or architectural interest, with importance 16,446 listed buildings and 170 Conservation Areas recorded in 2004/5. Both have increased in recent years, giving increased protection to Suffolk's heritage. The area of designated historic parkland has also increased. Social Issues Implications for Suffolk Health In some areas of Suffolk access to Open Space Assessments and healthcare facilities may be limited for monitoring through Community those without access to a car. Data show Strategies within Suffolk (future that if travelling by scheduled public sources) transport, 23% of the population are more Census data (carried out every 10 than 30 minutes from a hospital, and 15% years) are more than 30 minutes from a GP surgery.

Life expectancy throughout Suffolk is equal to, or greater than the average for the East of England region.

According to the 2001 Census, the

2 In the event of a fluvial flood with a 1% annual probability (1 in 100-year event), or tidal flood with 0.5% annual probability (1 in 200-year event).

167 proportion of people walking and cycling to work in Suffolk was greater than in the Eastern region or the nation as a whole. Education and Educational attainment in schools is Suffolk County Council (SCC) skills generally good in Suffolk, with GCSE and National Census A-level performance showing recent improvements.

Qualifications in the adult population, however, appear lower than average, with 21% of working age residents qualified to NVQ level 4 or above, compared to 23% in the Eastern region and 25% in England as a whole. Crime and anti- Crime (including burglary and violent Suffolk Constabulary social activity crime) shows an increasing trend in Suffolk but remains low. Poverty and social Levels of deprivation are relatively low for Census exclusion the county as a whole, but pockets of Index of Deprivation high deprivation exist mainly in towns. Areas of Ipswich and Lowestoft rank amongst the most deprived 10% in the country. Access to services Trend data is limited in this area, but Suffolk’s Environment indicators; access to services is an issue in some district council information rural parts of Suffolk. Employment 2005 figures show that the largest Suffolk Observatory employment sectors in the county are Regional AMR health and social work (11.3%), retail trade (10.2%) and education (7.8%).

In May 2007, the unemployment rate in Suffolk was just 1.9%, which is similar to the regional average, but below the national average (2.4%). Housing Homelessness in Suffolk is a growing District Councils’ AMR problem, with a 25% increase in cases Suffolk’s Environment between 2002 and 2004.

The average property price to income ratio is rising, yet the proportion of affordable housing completions remains stable at around 11% of total completions. This suggests that affordability of housing is an increasing problem. Quality of living Data (especially trend data) is currently Future monitoring for Community environment and limited for indicators in this area. A recent Strategies in Suffolk community survey showed that 83% of Suffolk participation residents are happy with their neighbourhood as a place to live. Economic Issues Implications for Suffolk Prosperity and Indicators show that the number of Suffolk Observatory economic growth businesses in Suffolk has increased, Suffolk’s Environment although the business formation rate is Regional AMR lower than average for England and the Eastern region.

The largest employment sectors are public administration, education and

168 health (25%) and distribution, hotels and restaurants (19%). Town centres Figures for the county as a whole indicate Suffolk’s Environment healthy town centres: the percentage of units with retail (A1) uses is above the national average and the percentage of vacant units is low and decreasing. Patterns of According to the 2001 Census, the Census movement average resident of Suffolk travels 15km to work. This is further than the national average of 13.4km, but around average for the Eastern region. The majority of working residents (77%) remain in the county for work. Investment Baseline data on investment is currently District Councils very limited, making it difficult to identify issues.

169