Between Autumn 2011 and Spring 2012 Vale of White Horse District

SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL REPORT

PLAN

PREFERRED OPTIONS 2

STAGE FOUR OF THE PROCESS

MARCH 2017

South Oxfordshire District Council 135 Eastern Avenue Milton Park Milton OX14 4SB [email protected] www.southoxon.gov.uk/newlocalplan 01235 422600

Contents

Contents ...... 2 The Local Plan 2033: What have we done so far...... 10

The Second Preferred Options Document ...... 11

What does the Preferred Options document do? ...... 11

Sustainability Appraisal Consultation ...... 12

SEA Directive ...... 12

Sustainability Appraisal Methodology ...... 17

Stage B: Developing and refining alternatives and assessing effects ...... 31 Vision and Objectives ...... 32

Our Vision for 2033 ...... 32

Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Plan Strategic Objectives ...... 34

Local Plan Distribution Strategy ...... 38

Meeting our housing and employment needs ...... 51

How Many New Homes Alternative Options ...... 52

Wider Housing Market Area ...... 60

Science Vale & Didcot ...... 70

Didcot Garden Town ...... 71

Option 1 Chalgrove Airfield ...... 104

Option 2 Harrington Junction 7 M40 ...... 112

Option 3 Grenoble Road ...... 119

Option 4 Wick Farm ...... 127

Option 5 Thornhill ...... 136

Option 6 Lower Elsfield ...... 143

Option 7 Culham ...... 152

Land at Berinsfield ...... 172

Land at Wheatley Campus ...... 184

Henley-on-Thames ...... 197

Larger Villages ...... 209 Nettlebed ...... 209

Crowmarsh Gifford ...... 219

Employment ...... 233

4. Sustainability Appraisal Part Two Preferred Options ...... 240 Introduction ...... 240

Approach to the Appraisal ...... 240

Strengthening the heart of South Oxfordshire ...... 242

The Preferred Strategy ...... 242

Meeting our Housing and Employment Needs Preferred Options ...... 247

Wider Housing Market Area Preferred Option ...... 251

Didcot and Science Vale ...... 255

Strengthening the Heart of the District ...... 257 Culham ...... 260

Berinsfield ...... 276

Land at Chalgrove ...... 284

Land at Wheatley Campus ...... 295

Henley-on-Thames ...... 304

Thame ...... 309

Wallingford ...... 311

5. DELIVERING NEW HOMES ...... 314 Policy H4ii – Didcot Gateway ...... 327

Policy H4iii – Hadden Hill (Didcot) ...... 330

Housing Allocations at Nettlebed ...... 335

Housing Allocations at Crowmarsh Gifford ...... 343

6. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY ...... 350

SA of the Local Plan Polices ...... 352

Cumulative effects ...... 382 Cumulative effects linked to traffic growth ...... 382

Cumulative effects landscape and visual impacts ...... 385

Habitats Regulation Assessment ...... 386 Recommendations that have been integrated in the plan development ...... 387

MONITORING...... 390

What happens next? ...... 392

LIST OF ACRONYMS ...... 393

Table 1 SEA Regulations, where requirements are met in this SA Report ...... 13 Table 2 South Oxfordshire’s sustainability challenges ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 3 Sustainability Appraisal Objectives ...... 25

Table 4 Links between the SA Objectives and the SEA Directive issues ...... 30

Table 5 Local Plan distribution strategy alternative options reasons for inclusion . 38

Table 6 Distribution Strategy Comparison of Options A - H ...... 41

Table 7 SA Summary of Key findings housing distribution options: A - H ...... 41

Table 8 Reason for Selection of the Preferred Strategy ...... 48

Table 9 housing figures reason for inclusion ...... 52

Table 10 Comparison of SA Scoring of Housing Figures Assessed ...... 53 Table 11 SA Summary of Key findings for SA Summary of Key findings for potential Additional Housing figures ...... 54

Table 12 Housing figures reason for rejection, reason for selection ...... 58

Table 13 Wider housing market area reason for inclusion of alternative options ... 61

Table 14 Unmet need comparison of options assessed ...... 62

Table 15 SA Summary of the options for Oxford Cities, unmet housing need ...... 62 Table 16 Reason for Rejection and Selection of the Option for the Wider Housing Market ...... 69

Table 17 Reason for Inclusion of Alternative Options for Didcot ...... 71

Table 18 Didcot comparison of the options for further housing growth ...... 71

Table 19 Didcot further growth at Didcot summary ...... 72

Table 20 Didcot alternative options reason for rejection, reason for selection ...... 79

Table 21 Didcot Hadden Hill SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 81

Table 22 Didcot A SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 87

Table 23 Gateway SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 93 Table 24 Didcot reasons for inclusion and selection of preferred options ...... 99

Table 25 Reason for inclusion of strategic allocations assessed ...... 100

Table 26 Strategic alternative options 1 - 6 SA scoring ...... 103

Table 27 Strategic alternative options Culham C1 - C4 SA scoring ...... 103

Table 28 Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 105

Table 29 Harrington (Junction 7 /M40) SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 113

Table 30 Option 3 Grenoble Road ...... 120

Table 31 Wick Farm SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 129

Table 32 Thornhill SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 137

Table 33 Lower Elsfield SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 143

Table 34 Culham x 4 options summary of key issues ...... 153 Table 35 Reason for the selection of the preferred options and rejection of other alternative options...... 168

Table 36 Berinsfield reason for selection of alternative options assessed ...... 173

Table 37 Comparison of SA scoring for Berinsfield alternative option assessed . 173

Table 38 Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 174 Table 39 Berinsfield reason for rejection and selection of alternative options assessed ...... 182

Table 40 Oxford Brookes University Campus SA Summary of Key Issues ...... 185

Table 41 Henley reason for inclusion of alternative options assessed ...... 199

Table 42 Henley comparison of SA scoring of alternative options assessed ...... 200

Table 43 Henley summary of key issues ...... 201 Table 44 Henley reason for rejection and reason for selection of the alternative options assessed ...... 207

Table 45 Nettlebed reason for inclusion of alternative options assessed ...... 211

Table 46 Comparison of SA Scoring of Nettlebed Alternative Options ...... 211

Table 47 Nettlebed SA Summary of Key findings ...... 212 Table 48 Nettlebed reason for rejection and selection of alternative options assessed...... 217 Table 49 Crowmarsh Gifford reason for inclusion of alternative options assessed...... 220 Table 50 Crowmarsh Gifford comparison of the SA scoring for all alternative options ...... 221 Table 51 Crowmarsh Gifford Village SA Summary of Key findings ...... 222 Table 52 Crowmarsh Gifford reason for rejection and selection of alternative options assessed ...... 232 Table 53 Employment allocations, reasons for inclusion, reason for rejection and reason for selection ...... 234

Table 54 Howberry Park Crowmarsh Gifford SA Summary of Key findings ...... 235

Table 55 STRAT1: The Overall Strategy SA Summary ...... 244 Table 56 STRAT2 -The need for new development in South Oxfordshire SA summary ...... 248 Table 57 STRAT3 - The unmet housing requirements from Oxford City SA summary ...... 252

Table 58 STRAT4 Didcot Garden Town SA summary ...... 256

Table 59 STRAT5 Strategic allocations SA summary ...... 258

Table 60 STRAT6 Culham Science Centre SA Summary ...... 261

Table 61 STRAT 7 Land adjacent Culham Science Centre SA summary ...... 265 Table 62 Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan ...... 268

Table 63 STRAT8 Land at Berinsfield SA summary ...... 278

Table 64 Berinsfield Mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan ...... 279

Table 65 STRAT9 Land at Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary ...... 286

Table 66 Chalgrove Airfield Mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan ... 289 Table 67 STRAT10 Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University SA Summary ...... 297

Table 68 Wheatley Campus Mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan .. 299

Table 69 HEN1 - The Strategy for Henley SA Summary ...... 305

Table 70 Henley Mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan ...... 306

Table 71 TH1 - The Strategy for Thame SA Summary ...... 310

Table 72 WAL1-The Strategy for Wallingford SA summary ...... 312

Table 73 SA of Housing Policies in Local Plan...... 314

Table 74 Didcot A mitigation and how addressed within the Local Plan ...... 324

Table 75 Didcot Gateway mitigation and how addressed within the Local Plan .. 327 Table 76 Didcot Hadden Hill mitigation and how addressed within the Local Plan ...... 330 Table 77 Nettlebed Land West of Priest Hill (NET1) mitigation recommendations and where addressed in the Local Plan ...... 336 Table 78 Nettlebed Allocations Joyce Grove (NET 5) mitigation recommendations and where addressed in the Local Plan ...... 340 Table 79 Land to the east of Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford (part of CRO2) mitigation and where addressed in the local Plan ...... 344 Table 80 Crowmarsh Gifford Land to the south of Newnham Manor, (CRO6 and CRO7) mjitigation and how addressed in the Local Plan...... 347 Table 81 Howberry Park and Howberry Park Centre employment allocations mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan ...... 350

Table 82 Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies ...... 352 Table 83 South Oxfordshire Network Performance- % Difference with ‘do minimum scenario’: AM Peak Hour 2031 ...... 383 Table 84 South Oxfordshire Network Performance- % Difference with ‘do minimum scenario’: PM Peak Hour 2031 ...... 384

Table 85 Monitoring ...... 390

Figure 1 Sustainability Appraisal Process ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 2 SA of the Local Plan vision ...... 33

Figure 3 SA objectives assessed against the Local Plan objectives ...... 36

Figure 4 Chalgrove Airfield ...... 104

Figure 5 Harrington Junction 7/M40 ...... 113

Figure 6 Grenoble Rd ...... 120

Figure 7 Wick Farm ...... 128

Figure 8 Thornhill ...... 136

Figure 9 Lower Elsfield ...... 143

Figure 10 Culham Alternatives Sites Assessed ...... 153

Figure 11 Wheatley Campus ...... 184

Figure 12 Nettlebed Alternative Options ...... 210

Figure 13 Crowmarsh Gifford Alternative Options...... 220

Figure 14 Howberry Park Crowmarsh Gifford Employment ...... 235

Figure 15 STRAT1 - The overall Strategy ...... 242 Figure 16 STRAT2 - The need for new developments in South Oxfordshire ...... 247

Figure 17 STRAT3 - The unmet housing needs requirement for Oxford City ...... 251

Figure 18 Didcot Garden Town ...... 255

Figure 19 STRAT 5 Strategic Allocations ...... 257

Figure 20 STRAT6 Culham Science Centre SA Summary ...... 260

Figure 21 STRAT7 Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre SA summary ...... 263

Figure 22 STRAT8 Land at Berinsfield ...... 276

Figure 23 STRAT 9 Land at Chalgrove Airfield ...... 284

Figure 24 Land at Wheatley Campus ...... 295

Figure 25 Policy HEN1 The Strategy for Henley ...... 304

Figure 26 Policy TH1 The Strategy for Thame ...... 309

Figure 27 Policy WAL1 - The Strategy for Wallingford ...... 311

Figure 28 Didcot new site allocations ...... 323

Figure 29 Preferred Housing Allocations at Nettlebed ...... 335

Figure 32 Housing Allocations Crowmarsh Gifford ...... 343

1. Introduction

Strategic Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal

1.1 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) introduced a requirement to carry out Sustainability Appraisal (SA) as an integral part of preparing the Local Plan. We are also required to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of Local Plans in accordance with the requirements of European Directive 2001/42/EC (SEA Directive). Government advice is that both Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) can be carried out in a single appraisal process and this has been followed in the production of this appraisal.

1.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that ‘a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) which meets the requirements of the European Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) should be an integral part of the plan preparation process, and should consider all the likely significant effects on environmental, economic and social factors1.

The structure of this SA Report

1.3 Part 1 is structured as follows:

 The Local Plan: What have we done so far

 The Second Preferred Options Document

 Sustainability Appraisal Consultation

 SEA Directive

 Sustainability Appraisal Methodology

 Stage B: Developing and refining alternatives and assessing effects

1.4 Part 2 is structured as follows:

 Part Two of this SA Report discusses the likely significant effects associated with the preferred approach to growth and development in South Oxfordshire.

 The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects of implementing the draft plan approach

 Equalities Impact Assessment Summary

1 National Planning Policy Framework, Department for Communities and Local Government, March 2012  Habitats Regulations Assessment Summary

 An appraisal of each of the policies summarising the issues raised, proposed mitigation measures and where effects are addressed within the Local Plan.

 Cumulative Effects

 Monitoring

 Next steps

The Local Plan 2033: What have we done so far

1.5 The process started in June 2014, when we held a Local Plan Issues and Scope consultation, which was the first public stage of preparing the new Local Plan. It asked a number of questions about how we could approach planning for additional housing, where business and job growth could be located, and how we can improve transport, infrastructure, shopping and community facilities. You can see the consultation document on the council’s website at www.southoxon.gov.uk/issuesandscope

1.6 We received nearly 4,000 comments from the Issues and Scope consultation, from almost 800 individuals and organisations. Our Issues and Scope Consultation Report is available at www.southoxon.gov.uk/issuesandscope and this provides a detailed summary of the main themes arising from the responses.

1.7 The comments received informed the more detailed Refined Options consultation, which was held between 19 February and 2 April 2015. This was effectively a part two of the Issues and Scope work, which helped us refine the wide range of issues in the previous consultation before moving to this more formal Preferred Options stage. The consultation document can be seen on the website at (http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning- policy/local-plan-2032/local-plan-2032-consultati).

1.8 Over 3,200 responses were received from 750 individuals and organisations. The Refined Options Consultation Report provides a detailed summary of the main themes, and can be found at (http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2015%2006%2001%20FINAL%20LP 2031%20Refined%20Options%20Consultation%20Report%20+%20cover_0.pdf) The responses received from this second consultation have informed the first Preferred Option document.

1.9 The third stage in the process was a Preferred Options version of the Local Plan. Consultation on this document was undertaken between June and August 2016. This stage of the Local Plan preparation set out our preferred approach in respect of a number of issues. The first Preferred Option version of the Local Plan did not include any development management policies. The consultation document can be seen on the website at the following location.

(http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/sites/default/files/SODC%20LP2032%20preferred%20 options%20low-res.pdf).

1.10 7,893 comments were received in response to this consultation stage from 1,331 individuals and organisations. The Preferred Options consultation report provides a summary of these issues and our response to them.

1.11 The preparation of this second Preferred Options Report has been informed by the previous consultation stages and from the development of the evidence base to support and justify the policies and allocations contained within this document.

1.12 Public consultations are, however, only one method by which we collect evidence and information to help us prepare our new Local Plan. We have also carried out or commissioned a range of other studies to provide us with a comprehensive picture of the opportunities and constraints in the district. Completed studies are available on the evidence page of our website www.southoxon.gov.uk/evidence

The Second Preferred Options Document

1.13 The second preferred options document shows the preferred options to be included in the Local Plan. This is, however, a consultation document and asks for your comments on our proposals and for your ideas for further shaping the Local Plan.

1.14 This second Preferred Options document is not the submission draft Local Plan, required under regulation 19, but it does provide a full draft of the Local Plan at this stage with the exception of a detailed Policies Map or full appendices. We will consult on the submission draft Local Plan issued in autumn 2017.

What does the Preferred Options document do?

1.15 The second Preferred Options document builds on the first three consultation stages of the Local Plan process. It takes account of the comments and ideas received. It also takes account of the growing evidence base that the Council has produced which provides information on a wide range of background topics and issues. We have then used this wealth of information, evidence and comment to produce a more detailed set of proposals which indicate the Council’s preferred levels of growth, where this should broadly be located and the range of policies that will be required to guide and shape this development and protect our natural and built environment.

1.16 The Preferred Options document contains:

 A vision for South Oxfordshire in 2033;  Objectives and a strategy for showing how we will meet these;

 Distribution of sites for development where these are needed;

 Policies which will be used to assess planning proposals and applications.

Sustainability Appraisal Consultation

1.17 The Second Preferred Options document has been prepared alongside the ongoing Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Plan that has developed since previous consultations and is informed by comments received. The following documents have been produced alongside the Local Plan to inform the decision making process:

 South Oxfordshire Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report 2014

 South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031 Interim Sustainability Appraisal Refined Options February 2015

 Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Three of the Process June 2016 SEA Directive

1.18 Sustainability Appraisals (SA) must, where appropriate, incorporate the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (2001/42/EC) (SEA Directive). The SEA Directive requires that a formal assessment is undertaken of plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. This has been transposed into UK law through the SEA Regulations (July 2004). Table 1 outlines the SEA Directive Requirements and how these requirements have been addressed within this report at this stage of the Plan making process.

Table 1 SEA Regulations, where requirements are met in this SA Report

SEA Regulations Schedule 2 Where requirements are met in the requirements SA Report a) An outline of the contents and The relevant plans, programmes and main objectives of the plan or environmental protection objectives programme, and of its were consulted on in our Scoping relationship with other relevant Report (Appendix 1, June 2014). They plans and programmes. are re-produced in Appendix A Table 16 of this Report, and have been updated to reflect changes in Policy were necessary SEA Regulations Schedule 2 Where requirements are met in the requirements SA Report b) The relevant aspects of the Scoping Report April 2014 current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof Reviewed and updated where without implementation of the appropriate within the Sustainability plan or programme. Appraisal South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031 - Refined Options, February 2015.

c) The environmental Scoping Report April 2014 characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected. Reviewed and updated where appropriate within the Sustainability Appraisal South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031 Refined Options. February 2015.

d) Any existing environmental Scoping Report April 2014 and problems which are relevant to summarised in Task A3 Identifying the plan or programme including, sustainability challenges, Error! in particular, those relating to any Reference source not found. within areas of a particular this SA report. environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and the Habitats Directive. e) The environmental protection The relevant plans, programmes and objectives, established at environmental protection objectives international, Community or were consulted on in our Scoping Member State level, which are Report (Appendix 1, June 2014). They relevant to the plan or are re-produced in Appendix A Table 16 programme and the way those of this Report, and have been updated objectives and any environmental to reflect changes in Policy where considerations have been taken necessary. into account during its preparation. f) The likely significant effects on Appendix A of this SA Report provides the environment, including short, the full SA Matrices for all alternative medium and long-term effects, options considered throughout the permanent and temporary development of this, the Preferred effects, positive and negative Options for the Local Plan. The potential effects, and secondary, effects are discussed within Appendix A cumulative and synergistic and summaries of these effects are effects, on issues such as provided within the following tables: biodiversity; population; human Table 7 Table 11 Table 15 Table 19 Table health; fauna; flora; soil; water; 21 Table 22 Table 23 Table 28 Table 29 air; climatic factors; material SEA Regulations Schedule 2 Where requirements are met in the requirements SA Report assets; cultural heritage, Table 30 Table 31 Table 32 Table 33 Table including architectural and 34 Table 38 Table 40 Table 43 Table 47 archaeological heritage; Table 51 Table 54 Table 55 Table 58 Table landscape; and inter-relationships 59Table 60 Table 61 Table 63 Table 65 between the above issues. Table 69 Table 71 Table 72 g) The measures envisaged to Appendix A of this SA Report provides prevent, reduce and as fully as the full SA Matrices for all alternative possible offset any significant options considered through-out the adverse effects on the development of the Local Plan 2032. environment of implementing the Mitigation measures are recommended plan or programme. within the matrices located in Appendix A and summaries of are provided within the following tables: Table 7 Table 11 Table 15 Table 19 Table 21 Table 22 Table 23 Table 28 Table 29 Table 30 Table 31 Table 32 Table 33 Table 34 Table 38 Table 40 Table 43 Table 47 Table 51 Table 54 Table 55 Table 58 Table 59Table 60 Table 61 Table 63 Table 65 Table 69 Table 71 Table 72 Part 2 of this Report mitigation recommendations and where addressed in the Local Plan are discussed in the following tables: Table 62 Table 64 Table 66 Table 68 Table 70 Table 73 Table 74 Table 77 Table 78 Table 79 Table 80 Table 81 Table 82

h) An outline of the reasons for An outline of the reasons for selecting selecting the alternatives dealt the alternatives dealt with, reason for with, and a description of how the rejection and selection of alternative assessment was undertaken options are discussed in Part 1 of this including any difficulties (such as report in tables below: technical deficiencies or lack of Table 5 Table 8 Table 9 Table 12 Table 13 know-how) encountered in Table 16 Table 17 Table 20 Table 24 Table compiling the required 25 Table 35 Table 36 Table 39 Table 41 information. Table 44 Table 45Table 48 Table 49 Table 52 Table 53 i) A description of the measures Monitoring is under consideration and envisaged concerning monitoring will included within the next stage of the in accordance with regulation 17. SA and Plan making process, a list of potential indicators is provided in Table 85 SEA Regulations Schedule 2 Where requirements are met in the requirements SA Report j) A non-technical summary of the A non-technical summary will be information provided under produced to accompany the Pre- paragraphs 1 to 9. submission SA Report, this will outline in detail the SA Process and findings for the Pre-submission Local Plan. Consultation: The Scoping Report June 2014 and the Local Plan 2031 Refined Options SA  authorities with environmental February 2015 were consulted on with responsibility, when deciding on the following bodies to seek their views, the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in  The Environment Agency; the environmental report (Art. 5.4).  Natural England;  authorities with environmental  English Heritage (now Historic responsibility and the public shall England); be given an early and effective  neighbouring local authorities opportunity within appropriate under the Duty to Cooperate; time frames to express their opinion on the draft plan or  town and parish councils in South programme and the Oxfordshire; accompanying environmental  residents.. report before the adoption of the plan or programme (Art. 6.1, 6.2). This SA Report will be consulted with the same consultees above. Taking the environmental report and the The responses are documented in results of the consultations into account Appendix A Table 15 and state how the in decision-making (Art. 8). responses have been addressed Any further consultation responses will be documented and addressed within the next stage of the SA process. Provision of information on the decision: Adoption Stage When the plan or programme is adopted, the public and any countries consulted shall be informed and the following made available to those so informed:  the plan or programme as adopted;  a statement summarising how environmental considerations have been integrated into the plan or programme and how the environmental report pursuant to Article 5, the opinions expressed SEA Regulations Schedule 2 Where requirements are met in the requirements SA Report pursuant to Article 6 and the results of consultations entered into pursuant to Article 7 have been taken into account in accordance with Article 8, and the reasons for choosing the plan or programme as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with; and  the measures decided concerning monitoring (Art. 9 and 10 Monitoring of the significant Monitoring is under consideration and environmental effects of the plan’s or will included within the next stage of the programme’s B, E / Appendix 10 SA and Plan-making process implementation (Art. 10).

Sustainability Appraisal Methodology

1.19 The formal stages of the SA process are set out in Error! Reference source not found. below. Each stage A to E contains a series of sub-stages which need to be completed in order to assess the sustainability implications of the Local Plan.

Figure 1 Sustainability Appraisal Process

Task A1 Identifying relevant plans and programmes

1.20 As other plans or programmes may influence local plans, the guidance states that the council should identify these plans, policies and programmes and note any targets or specific requirements. This requirement to undertake a 'context review' of relevant plans, policies and programmes arises from the SEA Directive which states that the Environmental Report should include:

‘an outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes ‘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 account during its preparation’ Annex 1 (a) and (e), SEA Directive, 2001

1.21 The relevant plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives were consulted on in our Scoping Report (Appendix 1, June 2014). They are re-produced in Appendix A Table 16 of this Report, and have been updated to reflect changes in Policy were necessary.

Task A2 Collecting data to establish baseline

1.22 The National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) recommends that baseline information is collected for identified social, environmental, and economic objectives, with indicator data to support each objective. If indicators are monitored over time, then the resulting data can reveal trends and be used to assess whether an objective is being met or not. The performance of an indicator in one district can also be compared with performance in another district or wider geographical area, provided that comparable data is available and relevant. Where targets exist the council can also assess indicator performance against these. The SEA Directive requires that baseline information should include:

‘the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof with the implementation of the plan or programme ‘the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected’ Annex 1 (b) and (c), SEA Directive, 2001’.

1.23 The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report June 20142 set out the baseline data for the district. The following section outlines the sustainability challenges that need to be considered.

Task A3 Identifying sustainability challenges

1.24 The identification of sustainability challenges is required by the SEA Directive which states that an Environmental Report should include:

‘any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC (the Birds Directive) and 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive)’

1.25 The identification of sustainability challenges facing South Oxfordshire in the Scoping Report June 2014 are derived from a combination of the review of relevant plans, policies, and programmes and through reviewing the relevant data.

1.26 The sustainability challenges for South Oxfordshire are set out in Error! Reference source not found. and includes those where the planning system may be able to contribute towards their solution or amelioration. The numbering of the challenges is for reference purposes only and does not indicate any order of priority. These remain unchanged from the 2014 scoping report of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy. The review of the evidence shows South Oxfordshire continues to face these challenges.

Table 2 South Oxfordshire’s sustainability challenges

South Oxfordshire’s sustainability challenges

2 South Oxfordshire SA Scoping Report Consultation Version April 2014 South Oxfordshire’s sustainability challenges Sustainability Evidence of the problem challenge Environmental challenges 1 Landscape  In some areas of South Oxfordshire the condition of deterioration the landscape has deteriorated and is in need of repair, restoration or reconstruction (South Oxfordshire Landscape Character Assessment: SODC, 2003).  Large-scale development on the edge of settlements is potentially inappropriate within the rural and unspoilt landscape of South Oxfordshire (South Oxfordshire Landscape Character Assessment 2003). 2 Loss of biodiversity  Challenges to Oxfordshire’s habitats and species that are leading to continuing biodiversity loss include increasing fragmentation of habitats, a changing climate, and the many demands on our land (biodiversity, food, energy, recreation, and housing) (Oxfordshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan, hosted by ONCF) 3 Road traffic  Oxfordshire County Council’s 10 year traffic growth congestion (2005 to 2015) showed an overall increase in the traffic on the county’s B-roads of 8%. Although this increase is quite low, this may have been much higher without an economic recession. 4 Flood risk  There are approximately 21,000 properties at risk from river flooding in Oxfordshire, with around 8,500 at significant risk. Oxfordshire has 12% of its land within the floodplain (The Environment in Oxfordshire, The Environment Agency, 2009) 5 Risk of drought  The South East is one of the driest areas of the country. South Oxfordshire receives an average rainfall of 612 millimetres a year (Benson), compared to 850 millimetres a year across England (Met Office 2016). 6 Climate change  Climate change is a significant problem. We need to act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home, at work, and when travelling (Securing the Future: Delivering UK sustainable development strategy, DEFRA, 2005).

 Little progress is being made in reducing CO2 emissions. There is also slow progress in the development of diverse renewable energy resources (Appendix 2).  Oxfordshire’s main areas of climate-related vulnerability are increasingly intense downpours and higher temperatures (Oxfordshire Sustainable South Oxfordshire’s sustainability challenges Community Strategy, Briefing Paper 6: Environment 2007).  The South East is particularly vulnerable to climate change with low lying coastal areas and low average levels of rainfall. The South East has already recently experienced ten of the hottest summers on record and also some of the heaviest rainfall events (State of the Environment - South East England, February 2010).  Predicted changes in climate in Oxfordshire suggest an annual increase in temperature of between 0.5 0C and 1.5 0C by 2020 (South Oxfordshire’s Sustainable Community Strategy 2009-2026)

7 Energy  Domestic energy consumption and CO2 emissions in consumption and South Oxfordshire are higher than the Oxfordshire carbon emissions average (Local authority carbon dioxide emissions, DECC, July 2013). 8 Aston Rowant  The SAC is close to the M40 motorway and the Special Area of B4009. High levels of development in the district (or Conservation elsewhere) could lead to an increase of vehicular traffic on these roads with a subsequent decrease in air quality around the SAC. 9 Chiltern  The SAC is close to the M40 motorway and the Beechwoods B4009. High levels of development in the district (or Special Area of elsewhere) could lead to an increase of vehicular Conservation traffic on these roads with a subsequent decrease in air quality around the SAC.  The site is also close to Chinnor, a village that has previously been identified for housing allocations. Development at Chinnor may have an indirect impact on the biodiversity of the SAC. 10 Little Wittenham  The site is nearby the A4074 and the A4130. High Special Area of levels of development in the district (or elsewhere) Conservation could lead to an increase of vehicular traffic on these roads with a subsequent decrease in air quality around the SAC.  Increased development could lead to an increase in recreational pressure on the site. 11 Harlstock Wood  The site is also close to Goring, a village that has Special Area of previously been identified for housing allocations. Conservation Development at Goring may have an indirect impact on the biodiversity of the SAC. Social challenges 12 Shortage of  Housing need in the district is very high. The affordable housing objectively assessed need for South Oxfordshire is and the cost of identified in the Oxfordshire SHMA at between 725 South Oxfordshire’s sustainability challenges general market and 825 dwellings per annum. The Preferred Options housing are based on the midpoint of 775 homes per annum. 13 Lack of appropriate  The main shortfall in both the affordable and general size of housing market housing sectors is for two bedroom accommodation (South Oxfordshire Housing Needs Assessment, DCA, 2011). 14 An ageing  South Oxfordshire’s population is predicted to have a population growing proportion of older people and fewer younger people (Appendix 2). 15 Social exclusion  In a rural district such as South Oxfordshire access to due to the remote services can be difficult or people who rely on public location of some transport (South Oxfordshire’s Sustainable residential Communities Strategy 2009-2026). development and services 16 Lack of indoor and  Based on identified future need, the indicative total outdoor community capital investment required in the district is £22.9m. sports facilities This includes the replacement of the Didcot Wave leisure facility (Leisure and Sports Facility Strategy, SODC, March 2011). 17 Fear of crime and  Despite relatively low levels of crime, community anti-social safety has consistently been a priority for local people behaviour and anti-social behaviour remains a major concern (South and Vale Community Safety Partnership rolling annual plan 2016-2017). Economic challenges 18 Pockets of  South Oxfordshire is one of the least deprived local deprivation authorities in the UK, ranking 307 out of 354 authorities where rank 1 is the most deprived (Index of Deprivation 2010).  The most deprived super output areas are Berinsfield and Didcot (Northbourne and Park). Low income levels are a significant component of deprivation in these areas (Appendix 2). 19 Ageing resident  The ageing population will result in a fall in the size of population the local workforce that will impact adversely on structure recruitment by businesses. 20 Workforce skills  Skills shortages are an obstacle to business success, however the number of residents with A-Level equivalent education is higher than the county and national averages. (Our Place, Our Future, South Oxfordshire Sustainable Communities Strategy 2009- 2026). 21 Road traffic  There are over 4,000 kilometres of road in congestion Oxfordshire. The majority of these operate South Oxfordshire’s sustainability challenges satisfactorily but there are a number of locations where the network is under stress. Figures 10 and 11 show the AM and PM peak congestion spots in the county, (Connecting Oxfordshire: Local Transport Plan 2015-2031 Vol 1, Oxfordshire County Council 2015). 22 The availability and  South Oxfordshire’s average house price is 14% affordability of above the Oxfordshire average, and 30% above the housing average for the South East. This has led to severe affordability problems (Oxfordshire Local Area Agreement 2005, and Appendix 2).  There is a shortage of market and affordable housing (appendix 2) 23 Investment in  The NPPF highlights the importance of infrastructure Infrastructure delivery. It is identified as part of the economic dimension to sustainable development. Paragraph 21 of the NPPF states that planning policies should recognise and seek to address barriers to investment include infrastructure. 24 Threats to the  The vitality and viability of town and village centres in vitality and viability South Oxfordshire is being challenged. The threats to of town and village these centres include changing patterns of consumer centres spending and travel, increasing competition from larger town centres and relocation of business to out- of-centre locations. The rise of internet shopping is also a threat to comparison retail units. (South Oxfordshire District Council Retail and Leisure Needs Assessment, 2010) (Our Place, Our Future, South Oxfordshire Sustainable Communities Strategy 2009- 2026). 25 There is a shortage  The council is committed to supporting business of suitable growth in appropriate locations across the district business premises (South Oxfordshire Corporate Plan 2016-2020) in appropriate locations

Task A4 Developing the SA Framework

1.27 The SA Framework provides a method for describing, analysing and comparing the sustainability effects of plans and policies. The Sustainability Objectives that form the SA Framework were developed from tasks A1, A2 and A3 in the SA process, and consulted on as part of the SA Scoping process.

1.28 The 17 objectives can be found in Table 3. The numbers of objectives on social, economic, and environmental matters reflect the key issues in the district and are not evenly matched for this reason.

1.29 The SA has tested each of the alternative options within the Local Plan on the extent to which it assists achievement of the sustainability objectives outlined below.

Table 3 Sustainability Appraisal Objectives

Sustainability Appraisal Objective Appraisal questions asked to determine the effects of options & alternatives…… 1 To help to provide existing and future Will the option/alternative: residents with the opportunity to live in a decent home and in a decent environment  Providing housing? supported by appropriate levels of  Of appropriate types, including infrastructure. affordable housing?  In appropriate locations?  Supported by appropriate levels of infrastructure?

2 To help to create safe places for people to Will the option/alternative use and for businesses to operate, to reduce anti-social behaviour and reduce  Assist with creating safe places? crime and the fear of crime.  Reduce opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour, and fear of crime? 3 To improve accessibility for everyone to Will the option/alternative improve health, education, recreation, cultural, and accessibility for everyone to: community facilities and services.  health, (access to GP’s, dentist, hospitals)  education, (location of schools, colleges, universities, etc)  recreation, (open space, allotments, green, infrastructure, cycle routes)  cultural, and community facilities and services? (Churches, community centres, youth organisations etc) 4 To maintain and improve people’s health, Does the option/alternative provide: well-being, and community cohesion and support voluntary, community, and faith  Opportunity to increase social groups. cohesion?  Promote regeneration of deprived Sustainability Appraisal Objective Appraisal questions asked to determine the effects of options & alternatives…… areas?  Opportunity to access and support voluntary, community, and faith groups?  Access to local, healthy food? 5 To reduce harm to the environment by Does the option/alternative: seeking to minimise pollution of all kinds especially water, air, soil and noise  Minimise and reduce the pollution. potential for exposure of people to noise, air and light pollution?  Minimise development on high quality agricultural land?  Enhance water quality and help to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive?  Protect groundwater resources?  Minimise and reduce the potential for exposure of people to contamination land?  Protect geodiversity and mineral resources? 6 To improve travel choice and accessibility, Does the option/alternative: reduce the need to travel by car and shorten the length and duration of  Reduce the need to travel journeys. through more sustainable patterns of land use and development?  Encourage modal shift to more sustainable forms of travel?  Enable key transport infrastructure improvements? 7 To conserve and enhance biodiversity Does the option/alternative:  Protect the integrity of European sites and other designated nature conservation sites?  Protect and enhance natural habitats, wildlife, biodiversity and geodiversity?  Encourage the creation of new habitats and features for wildlife?  Prevent isolation/fragmentation Sustainability Appraisal Objective Appraisal questions asked to determine the effects of options & alternatives…… and re-connect / de-fragment habitats? 8 To improve efficiency in land use and to Does the option/alternative: conserve and enhance the district’s open spaces and countryside in particular,  Conserve and enhance areas of those areas designated for their landscape sensitive landscape including importance, minerals, biodiversity and soil AONB and Green Belt? quality.  Conserve and enhance the district’s open spaces and countryside?  Improve access to, and enjoyment, understanding and use of cultural assets and PRoW?  Protect and enhance biodiversity?  Minimise development on high quality agricultural land?  Protect mineral resources? 9 To conserve and enhance the district’s Does the option/alternative: historic environment including archaeological resources and to ensure  Protect and enhance that new development is of a high quality archaeology and heritage design and reinforces local assets? distinctiveness.  Protect high quality design and reinforces local distinctiveness? 10 To seek to address the causes and effects Does the option/alternative: of climate change by:  Reduce greenhouse gas a) securing sustainable building emissions? practices which conserve energy, water resources and materials;  Promote development on previously developed land? b) protecting, enhancing and improving our water supply where  Encourage sustainable, low possible carbon building practices and design? c) maximizing the proportion of energy generated from renewable  Reduce energy use? sources; and  Promote renewable energy d) ensuring that the design and generation? location of new development is resilient to the effects of climate  Reduce water use? change.  Provide adequate infrastructure to ensure the sustainable supply of water and disposal of Sustainability Appraisal Objective Appraisal questions asked to determine the effects of options & alternatives…… sewerage?  Respond to the likelihood of future warmer summers, wetter winters, and more extreme weather events? 11 To reduce the risk of, and damage from, Does the option/alternative: flooding.  Minimise and reduce flood risk to people and property?  Respond to the likelihood of future warmer summers, wetter winters, and more extreme weather events? 12 To seek to minimise waste generation and Does the option/alternative: encourage the reuse of waste through recycling, compost, or energy recovery.  Maximise opportunities for reuse, recycling and minimising waste? 13 To assist in the development of: Does the option/alternative: a) high and stable levels of  Promote economic growth and a employment and facilitating inward diverse and resilient economy investment;  Provide opportunities for all b) a strong, innovative and employers to access: a) different knowledge-based economy that types and sizes of deliver high-value-added, accommodation; b) flexible sustainable, low-impact activities; employment space; c) high quality communications c) small firms, particularly those that infrastructure. maintain and enhance the rural economy; and  Build on the knowledge-based and high tech economy in d) thriving economies in our towns Oxfordshire and villages.  Promote and support a strong network of towns and villages and the rural economy 14 To support the development of Science Does the option/alternative: Vale as an internationally recognised innovation and enterprise zone by:  Support the development of Science Vale UK and the a) attracting new high value associated infrastructure? businesses;  Attract new high value b) supporting innovation and businesses? enterprise;  Support innovation and c) delivering new jobs; enterprise? d) supporting and accelerating the Sustainability Appraisal Objective Appraisal questions asked to determine the effects of options & alternatives…… delivery of new homes; and  The delivering new jobs? e) developing and improving  Support the delivery of new infrastructure across the Science homes? Vale area. 15 To assist in the development of a skilled Does the option/alternative: workforce to support the long term competitiveness of the district by raising  Improve opportunities and education achievement levels and facilities for all types of learning? encouraging the development of the skills Encourage an available and skilled needed for everyone to find and remain in workforce which: work.  Meets the needs of existing and future employers?  Reduces skills inequalities?  Helps address skills shortages? 16 To encourage the development of a Does the option/alternative: buoyant, sustainable tourism sector.  Promote sustainable tourism sector? 17 Support community involvement in Does the option/alternative: decisions affecting them and enable communities to provide local services and  Support community involvement in solutions. decision making?

1.30 Table 4 below indicates how these 17 objectives in the South Oxfordshire SA Framework relate to the environmental issues listed in Annex 1 of the SEA Directive.

Table 4 Links between the SA Objectives and the SEA Directive issues

Links between the SA Objectives and the SEA Directive issues

SEA Directive issue SA objectives

Biodiversity, fauna, and flora 6, 7

Population 1,2,3,4,13,15,17

Human health 1,2,3,4

Soil 5,7,13

Water 5,8,11

Air 5,10 Climatic factors 5,6,8,10

Material assets 8,9,12

Cultural heritage 9

Landscape 8

A5 – Consulting on the scope of SA

1.31 The Regulations require that ‘when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information that must be included in the [SA] Report, the responsible authority shall consult the consultation bodies [who] by reason of their specific environmental responsibilities, [they] are likely to be concerned by the environmental effects of implementing plans’. The Scoping Report June 2014 was issued to the following bodies to seek their views:

 The Environment Agency;

 Natural England; and

 English Heritage (now Historic England).

1.32 The following other groups and bodies that have social, environmental, and economic interests and expertise where also consulted,

 neighbouring local planning authorities under the Duty to Cooperate;

 town and parish councils in South Oxfordshire;

 residents;

 development industry and landowners.

1.33 In addition, the document was placed on the District Council's web site and comments were also invited from all those included on the District Council's local development framework consultation database which includes all specific consultees set out in the regulations.

1.34 Comments made on the Refined Options Sustainability Appraisal 2015 are documented in Appendix A Table 15 of this Report.

Stage B: Developing and refining alternatives and assessing effects

Issues and Scope

1.35 During June and July 2014 a public consultation was held on the Local Plan Issues & Scope stage, which was the first stage of preparing the new Local Plan. A number of questions were asked about how we could approach planning for additional housing (in particular, we presented eight options representing different approaches to housing growth), where business and job growth could be located, and how we can improve transport, infrastructure, shopping and community facilities.

B1 – Testing the plan or programme objectives against the SA objectives

Vision and Objectives

1.36 South Oxfordshire is a beautiful and prosperous place with many strengths: its natural environment, picturesque towns and villages, and a buoyant and successful economy. There are challenges in ensuring that we plan for development in a way that protects and enhances all that is special about our district. In our vision for 2033 we set out how we see the district evolving whilst building on our strengths.

1.37 A set of strategic objectives define what the Local Plan 2033 will focus on to deliver our stated vision. Our strategy is an evolution of that developed for the Core Strategy 2012, as we believe it is still appropriate and sustainable, and it reflects valued input from the community. The SA has assessed the vision, see Figure 2 below.

Our Vision for 2033

South Oxfordshire will remain a beautiful and prosperous place to live. It will be an attractive place for people to work and spend their leisure time. By meeting our housing and employment need and the creation of new, sustainable and vibrant places, we will have provided enough homes and jobs for those wishing to live and work here. By planning for housing in our four towns of Didcot, Henley-on-Thames, Thame and Wallingford and in our villages, we will have ensured that all our communities thrive and that everyone has access to services within a short distance. New development meets the highest standards of design with necessary associated infrastructure. We will continue direct development to the towns and larger villages. We will also strengthen the heart of the district by allocating new development at three strategic locations. This growth will support employment opportunities and deliver regeneration and infrastructure. Science Vale will have continued to grow as a world-renowned science, research and innovation led hub that attracts business and creates job opportunities, and delivers housing growth. Didcot will be a flourishing Garden Town, being both the gateway to and the heart of Science Vale. Roads and rail links will have been improved and pedestrian and cycle networks will have made it easier for people to get around, in particular to major employment sites. Through careful management of the Oxford Green Belt we will have protected the important setting of Oxford whilst also making appropriate provision for housing, business growth and urban and rural regeneration. The North Wessex Downs and Chilterns Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be protected and enhanced, whilst also allowing for appropriate and sustainable growth in places. Our rich and varied history is celebrated, protected and enhanced for the benefit of residents and visitors. We will plan for new development at three strategic locations; Chalgrove, Culham and Berinsfield. We will exceed people's high expectations in terms of healthy living, sustainable travel and the design of buildings, homes and public spaces. Everyone will have access to high quality leisure, retail and cultural facilities which will also attract visitors. South Oxfordshire will be a top tourist destination, helping our towns and villages to remain vibrant and prosperous. Communities will thrive, and through Neighbourhood Planning and community engagement, they will have their say on how their local area is shaped.

Figure 2 SA of the Local Plan vision

Summary 1.38 The overall vision for South Oxfordshire is considered to have no significant negative effects towards any of the SA objectives, the effects identified are considered to provide overall significant positive effects.

1.39 The Local Plan seeks to provide housing and employment needs for the district whilst protecting and enhancing the environment and ensuring regeneration occurs in those areas of need and that all communities both urban and rural will have access to service and facilities. The protection of the natural and historic environment will be positive to tourism and through Neighbourhood Planning and community engagement, all communities will have their say on how their local area is shaped.

1.40 Section 8 of the Scoping Report April 2014 provided detailed testing of the plan objectives against the SA objectives, however since this stage the Local Plan Objectives have been updated, therefore the assessment has been reviewed and is shown in Table Figure 3 below.

Sustainability Appraisal of the Local Plan Strategic Objectives

1.41 The Strategic Objectives are underpinned by the three strands of the National Planning Policy Framework: 1.42  Social  Economic  Environmental

Objective 1 - Settlements

OBJ 1.1 Support the settlement hierarchy, the growth and development of Didcot Garden Town, the delivery of new development in the heart of the district, the growth of our market towns and the vitality of our villages.

OBJ 1,2 Support rural communities and ‘their way of life’, recognising that this is what attracts people to the district.

OBJ 1.3 Meet identified housing needs by delivering high-quality, sustainable, attractive places for people to live and work.

OBJ 1.4 Focus growth in Science Vale through delivering homes and jobs, retail and leisure facilities and enhanced transport infrastructure.

Objective 2 – Housing OBJ 2.1 Deliver a wide range of housing options to cater for the housing needs of our community (self-build, older person’s accommodation).

OBJ 2.2 Support the regeneration of housing and facilities to strengthen communities, and address identified poverty and social exclusion.

OBJ 2.3 Support meeting the economic and housing needs of the county as a whole, reflecting the special character of South Oxfordshire.

Objective 3 – Economy OBJ 3.1 Improve employment opportunities and employment land provision, high quality local jobs to help retain more of its skilled residents in the local workforce.

OBJ 3.2 Support business growth, especially in locations close to existing business areas, transport connections and broadband provision and which provide the opportunity to reduce commuting distances. OBJ 3.3 Ensure economic and housing growth are balanced, to support sustainable journeys to work.

OBJ 3.4 Support the retail and service sectors as well as low and high-tech industries.

OBJ 3.5 Create the conditions whereby world-renowned and cutting edge industries choose to locate and grow their businesses here, contributing to a strong and successful economy, in line with the Strategic Economic Plan for Oxfordshire.

OBJ 3.6 Inspire the next generation of workers by planning for high quality education facilities.

OBJ 3.7 Encourage tourism by protecting our built and natural assets, such as the Thames, and providing services and facilities for visitors.

Objective 4 - Infrastructure OBJ 4.1 Ensure that essential infrastructure is delivered to support our existing residents and services as well as growth.

OBJ 4.2 Make sustainable transport an attractive and viable choice for people, whilst recognising that car travel and parking provision will continue to be important in this rural district.

Objective 5 – Design OBJ 5.1 Deliver high quality, innovative, well designed and locally distinctive developments in sustainable locations.

OBJ 5.2 Support development that respects the scale and character of our towns and villages, enhancing the special character of our historic settlements and the surrounding countryside.

Objective 6 – Community OBJ 6.1 Champion neighbourhood planning, empowering local communities to direct development within their area and provide support to ensure neighbourhood plans are deliverable, achievable and sustainable.

OBJ 6.2 Provide access to high quality leisure, recreation, cultural, community and health facilities.

OBJ 6.3 Ensure all communities have access to the services and facilities they value, supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone.

Objective 7 - Natural and Built environment OBJ 7.1 Protect and enhance the natural environment, including biodiversity, the landscape, Green Infrastructure and our waterways, placing particular importance on the value of the Oxford Green Belt, our two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the River Thames.

OBJ 7.2 Conserve and enhance our rich and varied historic assets and their settings, celebrating these as some of our strongest attributes. Objective 8 - Climate change OBJ 8.2 Minimise carbon emissions and other pollution such as water, air, noise and light, and increase our resilience to the likely impact of climate change, especially flooding.

Figure 3 SA objectives assessed against the Local Plan objectives

1.43 The 17 sustainability objectives that are used in the SA framework reflect the key issues in the district and the assessment raises a number of positive effects, negative effects and uncertain effects. The significant negative effects identified in the above table are in relation to potential impacts of development on the environment and resource use, the Local Plan objectives also offer mitigation some because they seek to protect the environment and to provide development in appropriate locations. 1.44 These negative and uncertain effects have become clearer through Stage B of the SA process where strategic and spatial alternatives have been assessed and mitigation measures to reduce negative effects have been proposed.

2. Sustainability Appraisal of the Alternative Options

B2 – Developing strategic alternatives

2.1 The SEA Directive says that ‘… an environmental report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated’ (Article 5.1). Information to be provided in the Environmental Report includes ‘an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with’ (Annex I (h)).

Local Plan Distribution Strategy

2.2 Historically growth in South Oxfordshire has been focussed upon Didcot and the market towns of Thames, Wallingford and Henley on Thames. Other than Wallingford, these towns are located towards the boundary of our district and the continued focus on the periphery of the district has led to a reduction in development to support the investment in services and infrastructure within the heart of South Oxfordshire.

2.3 The issues and options version of the Local Plan presented a series of potential options for the distribution of development within the District.

2.4 To keep the big issues clear, the alternatives considered at this early stage need not be elaborated in too much detail. Only the main differences between the alternatives need to be considered and documented. Table 5 below provides a reason for inclusion of each alternative option.

Table 5 Local Plan distribution strategy alternative options reasons for inclusion

Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion

Option A: Continue to use the Core Strategy The intention has always been for the distribution strategy housing allocations made in the Core Strategy for the towns and larger villages to be rolled forward in accordance with their anticipated delivery timescale.

Option B: Science Vale focus plus This option strongly supports the vision we ‘sustainable settlements’ have set out. It is an evolution of ‘Option A’ which extends the housing focus of Science Vale beyond Didcot. It also makes clear that we are committed to protecting the most Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion

important natural and historic environments in South Oxfordshire; for example in the AONB’s, the Green Belt and conservation areas.

Option C: All in Science Vale It is one of the most successful science clusters in the UK. This activity is concentrated around the three centres for science at Harwell Campus, Culham Science Centre, and Milton Park, but is supported by a number of important settlements including Didcot, Wantage and Grove. Therefore consideration to all development in Science Vale was a reasonable alternative compared to all other options identified.

Option D: All growth in a single new It was necessary to review the Spatial settlement Strategy at this stage and therefore all additional growth in one settlement was a reasonable alternative compared to all other options identified.

Option E: Dispersal. The potential impacts of allowing dispersal of development was a reasonable alternative compared to all other options identified.

Option F: Next to neighbouring major urban Development Neighbouring to major urban areas areas would have the benefit of having more infrastructure in place and was a reasonable alternative compared to all other options identified.

Option G: Raising densities (from 25dph) Only the main differences between the alternatives need to be considered and documented. Raising densities can often reduce further land use therefore this was considered a reasonable alternative compared to all other options identified.

Option H: locating development in Locating development in settlements where settlements where it could help fund it could help fund projects could potentially projects assist with providing necessary infrastructure therefore this was considered a reasonable alternative compared to all other options identified.

2.5 The following alternative options have been tested against the SA Framework, the full appraisal matrices can be found in Appendix A Table 1 of this SA Report. Table 6 compares the scoring against of each alternative tested against the SA Objectives, Table 7 below summarises the key issues identified through the SA process for each of these options.

2.6 The Preferred Options are discussed in part 2 of this SA Report each of these options have been consulted upon and tested through the Sustainability appraisal work. The reason for selection of the preferred option is outlined in Table 8 below.

2.7  Option A: Continue to use the Core Strategy distribution strategy

 Option B: Science Vale focus plus ‘sustainable settlements’

 Option C: All in Science Vale

 Option D: All growth in a single new settlement

 Option E: Dispersal.

 Option F: Next to neighbouring major urban areas

 Option G: Raising densities (from 25dph)

 Option H: Locating development in particular settlements where it could help fund projects

 Business as Usual – This Option is the Core Strategy Preferred Option assessed through the Sustainability Appraisal 2012, due to further evidence produced through the SHMA, it is no longer a realistic option, hence the production of a new Local Plan for South Oxfordshire.

Key

✓✓ ✓ x x x 0 ?

Major Minor Major Minor No direct Uncertain positive positive negative negative impact effect

Table 6 Distribution Strategy Comparison of Options A - H

A B C D E F G H 1 ✓ x ✓ x x ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ x 2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ x ✓ x x 3 ✓ x ✓ x x x xx ✓ x x x 4 ✓ x ✓ x x x xx ✓ x x ✓ x A B C D E F G H 5 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x xx ✓ x ✓ x x ? 6 ✓✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x x 7 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x x 8 x ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ x xx ✓ x x 9 x x x ? x ? x x 10 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ ✓ x ✓✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 11 ✓ ✓ ✓ x ✓ ✓ x ✓ ✓ ✓ x 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 ✓✓ ✓ ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 14 ✓ ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x x 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

Table 7 SA Summary of Key findings housing distribution options: A - H

S A SA Summary of Key findings housing Mitigating adverse effects / Objectives distribution options: A - H maximising beneficial effects 1 Options A and B would help provide Further site allocations work residents with the opportunity to live may be required to ensure that in a decent home in a choice of appropriate sites are available locations. However in the long term, and appropriate. this could create housing market Ensure affordable housing is saturation in Didcot (that in turn could provided. lead to 5 year supply problems in Didcot and housing not being built as quickly as we would like). Some of the smaller settlements might miss out on some desired growth for local affordable housing. Minor positive effects and minor negative effects were identified. 1 Option C minor negative effects There is little scope to improve were identified: possible saturation of this option. Science Vale, and there is a risk that

relying on a few larger sites with high infrastructure requirements would not S A SA Summary of Key findings housing Mitigating adverse effects / Objectives distribution options: A - H maximising beneficial effects deliver homes fast enough to maintain the five year land supply.

1 Option D both minor positive This option would require effects and minor negative effects significant infrastructure were identified. A new settlement development. could create the opportunity to live in

a decent home but it is unlikely to meet delivery targets because there Work with service providers. would be a substantial lead in time to provide the necessary infrastructure 1 Option E minor positive effects This option would require and minor negative effects were significant improvement to identified. Dispersing all additional public transport in rural areas. housing to all settlements would

provide some residents with the opportunity to live in a decent home Carry out a transport but dispersal would make it more assessment to inform the difficult to provide easy access to a decision making process. good range of services particularly for those with limited access to public transport. 1 Option F minor positive effects The positive effect of providing were identified. Concentrating new homes could be development next to neighbouring enhanced by ensuring that major urban areas would provide new homes are built to high people with a decent home to live in. standards of sustainable design and supported by

appropriate levels of infrastructure. (Applies to all options) 1 Option H locating development only There is little scope to improve in settlements where it could help this option. fund projects would require

significant amounts of housing to achieve the benefits sought. Unlikely to provide the infrastructure required. Some of the smaller settlements might miss out on some desired growth; minor negative effects were identified. S A SA Summary of Key findings housing Mitigating adverse effects / Objectives distribution options: A - H maximising beneficial effects 2 Minor positive effects were Ensure that development is identified for All Options: Greater designed to reduce crime and concentration of development may the fear of crime. Phasing of help create safer places through development needs to be greater pedestrian flows; however, carefully implemented. the positive impact may be hindered by growth pressure in places where housing is already allocated. In the short term whilst development is taking place and infrastructure is being developed it may result in a negative impact. 3, 4, 6 Major negative effects were Choose locations showing identified for Option E: Dispersal to spare capacity in service all settlements would place provision and/or ensure development in some settlements improvements to services where no or few services exist. This commensurate to population would increase the need to travel growth and may lead to a reduction in services because the critical mass may not be sufficient to maintain them. Conversely spreading development around the district may help to support existing services in these communities so helping to ensure that whole communities remain more sustainable. 3, 6 Option D: It is unlikely that a new Mitigation of this effect could settlement would deliver sufficient be achieved in the longer term development for self-containment if the community is large within a short period of time. In the enough to support a good short to medium term journeys to the range of services. main towns will be required to access facilities, thus increasing the need to travel and increasing vehicle emissions. Major negative effects were identified 5 Option G: Increasing densities may Do not increase densities in lead to an increase in environmental areas with high population pollution, for example air and noise; densities. Ensure that however, land take will be reduced. appropriate pollution Minor negative effects were prevention control is S A SA Summary of Key findings housing Mitigating adverse effects / Objectives distribution options: A - H maximising beneficial effects identified implemented

3, 6 Public transport and reducing the Ensure that a range of need to travel: no one option transport modes are available, performed better overall. A number to include: public rights of way, of minor negative effects and cycle lanes, public transport minor positive effects were and community transport identified, with the exception of schemes, to reduce the need Option G, where only minor for these journeys to be made negative effects were identified: this by private car. option would require significant Ensure the new settlement amounts of housing to achieve the can be linked by appropriate benefits sought. Unlikely to provide infrastructure, including public benefits to all areas in need. rights of way and cycle lanes. 7 With regard to biodiversity no one Ensure biodiversity option performed better overall. A enhancement schemes are number of minor negative effects implemented alongside and minor positive effects were additional housing identified, with the exception of development. Option G, where only minor

negative effects were identified, this option would require significant amounts of housing to achieve the benefits sought. Unlikely to provide benefits to all areas in need. The conservation target areas within the district comprise the most important areas to implement improvements for wildlife conservation, additional development in these areas could assist with funding for biodiversity enhancement for example: green infrastructure, wildlife areas, buffer zones etc. 7 The following European Sites need Ensure the Habitats to be considered when identifying Regulation Assessment is areas for additional housing used to identify appropriate development. areas for additional housing. Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern S A SA Summary of Key findings housing Mitigating adverse effects / Objectives distribution options: A - H maximising beneficial effects Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC, Oxford Meadows SAC Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. 8 Major negative effects were A Landscape Capacity identified for Option F. This option Assessment should be would result in a major incursion into carried out to inform the site the Oxford Green Belt. selection process 8 Major positive effects were A Landscape Capacity identified for Options B, C and D, Assessment should be carried these options do take account of out to inform the site selection existing policy designations such as process Green Belt and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Options A, E and H do not automatically take account of designations such as Green Belt and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, therefore minor negative effects were identified. Option G may not reflect the character of existing settlements; however it may reduce the use of greenfield land and open countryside. 9 All Options identified have The historic and potential to have a minor negative archaeological environment effect with regard to the district’s constraints should be historic environment including identified during the site archaeological resources, and local selection process. distinctiveness. 10, 11 All Options: Development will take New development to meet place only on flood zone 1 land and prescribed standards of good SuDS will be incorporated into all design. A Strategic Flood Risk new developments, this will be Assessment has been beneficial to climate change produced and should be used S A SA Summary of Key findings housing Mitigating adverse effects / Objectives distribution options: A - H maximising beneficial effects adaptation - minor positive effects to determine site allocations identified. Increasing population size via the sequential test may result in putting further pressure approach. on resources for example, water

capacity and sewage capacity; generally this may result in minor negative effects. However if the impacts are more serious they have the potential to become major negative impacts. Option C: Focusing all additional housing within the Science Vale area it may not be possible to mitigate flood risk, minor negative effects. Option E: There is less certainty through this approach that development in flood zones can be avoided, therefore minor negative effects. Option H: This option may limit the opportunities for developing outside of a flood zone. 12 The development of new housing, The Site Waste Management will lead to construction and Plans Regulations (2008) demolition waste being produced. were repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a Minor negative effects identified for regulatory requirement in all options. England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13 Appraisal of Option D and F New development to meet identified potential major positive prescribed standards of good effects design. Option D: Although a new A Strategic Flood Risk settlement will require the use of Assessment has been greenfield land; it would provide produced and should be used opportunities to secure innovative to determine site allocations sustainable building practices and via the sequential test maximise the proportion of energy approach. from decentralised and renewable sources. Minor negative effects. S A SA Summary of Key findings housing Mitigating adverse effects / Objectives distribution options: A - H maximising beneficial effects Option F: Concentration of development near to major urban areas will create opportunities for innovative sustainable design and construction methods to be used maximise the proportion of energy from decentralised and renewable sources, due to the population size. Minor negative effects. 13 Major positive effects were N/A identified for Option A: Allocating development in the towns and larger villages will help promote existing and new small firms and in turn enhance the rural economy. This option performed well compared to the other options. 14 Options A, B and C identified a Continue to monitor future number of minor positive impacts housing numbers. with regard to supporting the

development of Science Vale as an internationally recognised innovation Ensure adequate and enterprise zone. infrastructure provision is available through other Minor negative effects only were sources. identified for Option D and H, unlikely to add overall significant benefit to Science Vale area. 15, 16 No Direct Impact 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community and the Parish process council.

Conclusion

2.8 Following the SA process summarised above, no one alternative option performed with overall significant positive effects in isolation therefore the preferred option for the council is a blend of some of these options rather than favouring any one scenario in isolation.

2.9 The strategy draws together the Core Strategy approach with development at Science Vale. It is also complemented by the identification of new settlements and the location of development to fund regeneration. Drawing on a combined approach to the distribution of new housing development enables a series of benefits to be delivered through the Local Plan. Table 8 below outlines the reason for selection of the preferred strategy. 2.10 2.11 2.12 Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

Strengthening the heart of South Oxfordshire

2.13 The Preferred Strategy is discussed in more detail in part 2 of this report.

Table 8 Reason for Selection of the Preferred Strategy

Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection

Option A: Continue to use N/A There are elements of the the Core Strategy core Strategy distribution distribution strategy that we think are appropriate to retain, such as the identification of the roles and character of different places: Didcot growth point, the market towns, Larger villages, smaller villages and other villages.

Option B: Science Vale N/A The preferred option for the focus plus ‘sustainable Council is a blend of some settlements’ of these options rather than favouring any one scenario in isolation. The strategy draws together the Core Strategy approach with development at Science Vale. It is also complemented by the identification of new settlements and the location of development to fund regeneration. Drawing on a combined approach to the distribution of new housing development enables a series of benefits to be delivered through the Local Plan.

Option C: All in Science We are already committed The preferred option for the Vale to high levels of growth in Council is a blend of some and around Didcot and we of these options rather than need to be sure that favouring any one scenario whatever we additionally in isolation. The strategy plan will be sustainable and draws together the Core

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Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection

deliverable. Strategy approach with development at Science There are also other places Vale. It is also within South Oxfordshire complemented by the which could benefit from identification of new taking some of the additional settlements and the location housing growth (for of development to fund example, in terms of viability regeneration. Drawing on a of shops and services), so combined approach to the we would not wish to restrict distribution of new housing it to one part of the district. development enables a series of benefits to be delivered through the Local Plan.

Option D: All growth in a This is unlikely to be the The preferred option for the single new settlement most appropriate way to Council is a blend of some deliver the identified need of these options rather than for housing in South favouring any one scenario Oxfordshire or the best way in isolation. The strategy to support communities draws together the Core across the district. However, Strategy approach with a new settlement could be a development at Science reasonable alternative to Vale. It is also consider to plan for the complemented by the unmet housing need from identification of new Oxford city. settlements and the location of development to fund regeneration. Drawing on a combined approach to the distribution of new housing development enables a series of benefits to be delivered through the Local Plan.

Option E: Dispersal. This will not form a major Allowing some housing in part of the distribution of smaller settlements would new homes, because help to meet local need and spreading development too could support local services thinly would not deliver new – these would be treated as infrastructure as effectively windfall developments. as the other options.

Option F: Next to As with ‘Option D’, this is not The preferred option for the neighbouring major urban likely to be the most Council is a blend of some areas appropriate way deliver the of these options rather than

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Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection

new homes required for favouring any one scenario South Oxfordshire. in isolation. The strategy However, it could help draws together the Core accommodate unmet need Strategy approach with from Oxford. development at Science Vale. It is also complemented by the identification of new settlements and the location of development to fund regeneration. Drawing on a combined approach to the distribution of new housing development enables a series of benefits to be delivered through the Local Plan.

Option G: Raising densities On its own this option is We will always seek to make (from 25dph) unlikely to deliver the the most efficient use of number of additional homes land. Some sites’ character that we are planning for. or location will make them more suited to higher density development.

Option H: locating This option would not meet We will continue to work development in settlements our housing need on its with communities, especially where it could help fund own. through neighbourhood projects planning, to identify places where housing growth could help to deliver local infrastructure projects.

Meeting our housing and employment needs

2.14 National Planning Policy is clear that local planning authorities should ensure that they meet the full, objectively assessed needs for market and affordable housing in the housing market area. The Housing Market Area is defined as the County of Oxfordshire.

2.15 In 2014, together with the other Oxfordshire authorities, and using Government guidance, we prepared a Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) to understand how many new homes we need to provide. The SHMA looked at both

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

the expected growth in population, the anticipated economic growth between 2011 and 2031 and the need to support affordable housing provision.

2.16 The SHMA identifies a total need for between 14,500 and 16,500 homes for South Oxfordshire over the twenty-year period 2011-2031. This would equate to an annual provision of between 725-825 new homes.

2.17 At least 15,000 homes are required to support planned economic growth – this is primarily to meet the needs of our existing businesses wishing to expand and to allow for new business formation at similar rates to the past. A proportion of this provision will also meet the need for affordable housing in the district.

2.18 We have already made provision for around 11,400 homes through allocations in our adopted Core Strategy and more recent planning permissions and commitments.3 Based on the SHMA evidence, to meet our own housing need we will therefore need to plan for between 3,100 and 5,100 additional new homes over the 2011—2031 period.

2.19 The housing already planned in the Core Strategy for the towns and larger villages will carry on as planned. We now have the opportunity to consider how to distribute the additional housing we need to plan for. Government guidance indicates that we should plan for our Objectively Assessed Need (OAN) for housing; for South Oxfordshire this means identifying an appropriate point within the SHMA range.

2.20 To inform the decision making process the following alternative options have been tested against the SA Framework, the full appraisal matrices can be found in Appendix A Table 3 of this SA Report. Table 10 below shows the comparison SA scoring of housing figures assessed.

2.21 2.22 Table 11 below summarises the key issues identified. Part 2 of this SA Report discusses the preferred option, mitigation and cumulative effects. Table 5 below provides a reason for inclusion of each alternative option.

How Many New Homes Alternative Options

a) 3100 - 725 homes/annum - Lower end of OAN 14500 b) 3600 - 750 homes/annum - Committed economic growth OAN

3 This includes provision in residential care homes (‘C2 uses’) and permitted development changes from employment ‘B uses’ and retail ‘A uses’ to housing. 52

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c) 4950- 775 homes/annum - Mid-point of SHMA d) 5100 - 825 homes/annum - Upper end of OAN e) 6500 - 965 homes/annum - Full affordable need

Table 9 housing figures reason for inclusion

Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion A. 725 A range of alternative options have been subject to the SA homes/annum process, to assist with the decision making, therefore the following has been assessed:

To meet lower end of SHMA. B. 750 A range of alternative options have been subject to the SA homes/annum process, to assist with the decision making, therefore the following has been assessed:

To meet SHMA – identified need arising from planned economic growth C. 775 A range of alternative options have been subject to the SA homes/annum process, to assist with the decision making.

To meet Mid-point of SHMA D. 825 A range of alternative options have been subject to the SA homes/annum process, to assist with the decision making, therefore the following has been assessed: To meet additional SHMA - identified affordable housing need E. 965 A range of alternative options have been subject to the SA homes/annum process, to assist with the decision making, therefore the following has been assessed:

To meet additional SHMA -Full affordable need

Table 10 Comparison of SA Scoring of Housing Figures Assessed

A B C D E ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x xx ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ xx ? x ? x ? x ? x x ? x ? x ? x ? xx xx ? x ? x ? x ? x ? xx ? x ? x ? x ? x xx ? x ? x ? x ? x ? xx ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ? ✓ 0 0 0 0 0

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

A B C D E x x x x x ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

Table 11 SA Summary of Key findings for SA Summary of Key findings for potential Additional Housing figures

SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives Additional Housing figures effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 All options would result in significant Ensure infrastructure is positive effects in terms of providing a phased alongside new housing target above that in the Local Plan housing development. 2011. If delivered, Option D & E may result in further positive effects, due to a higher number Ensure affordable housing of proposed housing; however positive effects is provided. may be reduced if not supported by appropriate infrastructure. Minor positive effects overall 2 New development may help create safer Ensure that development places through greater pedestrian flows and is designed to reduce provide funding through development to crime and the fear of ensure secure design principles. Minor crime positive effects for all options. 3 The location of housing is relevant to Ensure housing is located accessibility to services/facilities. Additional with good access to housing development may result in demand for amenities. additional services. Funding may be available for additional services from CIL. Minor Ensure funding for positive effects are identified for Options A, additional services is B, C & D, however for Option E: Providing for provided. the full affordable need may not be economically viable and could result in funding for necessary infrastructure being reduced, resulting in significant negative effects. 4 The location of housing is relevant to these Ensure housing is located options, however ensuring sufficient housing with good access to and affordable housing will have a positive amenities and supports 54

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SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives Additional Housing figures effects/maximising beneficial effects effect on health, well-being, and community social cohesion. cohesion Minor positive effects are identified for Options A, B, C & D, however for Option E: Providing for the full affordable need may not be economically viable and could result in funding for necessary infrastructure being reduced, resulting in significant negative effects. 5 Minor negative effects identified for Options Ensure phasing of A, B,C & D development occurs to reduce noise impacts. Providing less housing is likely to result in less impact on the environment. Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and Therefore Options C & D is likely to lead to SuDS. further negative effects.

Option E: Providing for the full affordable need may result in a larger reduction in greenfield Consider sustainable land and may result in pollution from surface transport accessibility run-off, therefore significant negative effects when deciding locations are possible. for new housing. In the short term noise pollution may increase during the construction phase. There is likely to be an increase in car borne traffic locally. Any reduction in greenfield land may result in pollution from surface run-off. 5, 6 The location of housing is relevant for these Ensure good urban options, any increase in population may result design principles are in additional vehicle use; additional journeys implemented to create may be required to access secondary schools, good access to towns and sports facilities and other services. villages. Option C, D & E are for the highest amount of Work with infrastructure housing and therefore the negative effects will providers to identify were be greater on the environment. an increase in sustainable modes of transport is Minor negative effects are identified for required. This should Options A, B & C Options D & E identities include, cycle ways, potential significant negative effects. linking to green infrastructure. New housing should be located in accessible locations.

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SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives Additional Housing figures effects/maximising beneficial effects Funding from additional homes could be provided for sustainable/ green transport networks to be improved. 7 It is the distribution and location of new Incorporate green housing that will determine the impact upon infrastructure into the biodiversity. Minor negative effects identified design and biodiversity for Option A and Option B enhancement schemes. Option C, D& E are for the highest amount of Carry out a BAP phase 1 additional housing and therefore the negative survey effects will be greater. All Options Additional development could assist with funding for biodiversity enhancement for example: green infrastructure, wildlife areas, buffer zones etc. 7 The following European Sites need to be Ensure further HRA considered when identifying areas for Appropriate Assessment additional housing development. is carried out and all recommendations are Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods included in the Local Plan. SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. 8 The building of new homes will inevitably result Seek to make the most in the loss of some existing greenfield land. effective use of any greenfield land. It is the distribution and location of new housing that will determine the impact upon Ensure a high quality of areas designated for their landscape design to minimise impact importance, minerals, and biodiversity and soil on the landscape. quality. Avoid development in Minor negative effects identified for Options locations that will impact A, B, C& D. the AONB. Option D provides housing to meet the full affordable need, therefore the loss of greenfield land is inevitable, due to the numbers of new housing with this option development within the AONB may be necessary it there are no other suitable sites available. This option may result in significant 56

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SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives Additional Housing figures effects/maximising beneficial effects negative effects.

9 It is the distribution and location of new Ensure no impact on the housing that will determine the impact upon conservation area and the district’s historic environment including avoid loss of local archaeological resources. distinctiveness. A predetermination Minor negative effects identified for Options archaeological desk- A, B, C & D. based assessment and Option D provides housing to meet the full evaluation should be affordable need, therefore the impacts on the undertaken to establish a district’s historic environment including suitable and appropriate archaeological resources could result in level of mitigation. significant negative effects, and it may not be possible to locate housing in appropriate locations. 10 New development offers the opportunity to Encourage green implement sustainable design principles. infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement Additional dwellings will put pressure on schemes; these are resource use including: energy, water capacity beneficial to flood and sewage capacity, it is assumed that prevention and resilience sustainable design principles will be to climate change. implemented.

Option D raises a number of uncertainties, housing may need to be located is less Continue to work with suitable locations and it may not be Thames water to ensure economically viable to design new water and sewage development to be resilient to the effects of capacity is maintained. climate change. Include SuDS in all designs. Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, water resources and materials. 11 No direct effects identified for all options. Identification of development sites should There are a number of flood zones through-out include constraints with the district, although land is available outside regard to all types of of the flood zones. flooding. Encourage green Development will take place only on flood zone infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement 57

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives Additional Housing figures effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 land and SUDS will be incorporated into all schemes; these are new developments, this will be beneficial to beneficial to flood climate change adaptation. prevention and resilience to climate change.

Include SuDS in all designs 12 The development of new housing, will lead to The Site Waste construction and demolition waste being Management Plans produced. Regulations (2008) were repealed on 1 December Minor negative effects identified for all 2013. Although no longer options. a regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13 Availability of more housing (including Ensure affordable housing affordable housing) could attract workers to the is available. district, as well as helping with staff retention for existing employers. Ensure new housing is located in areas Minor positive effects identified for all accessibly to employment options. sites. 14 All options would help support the delivery of Work with infrastructure new homes and could help to fund providers to ensure infrastructure. delivery. Minor positive effects identified for all options. 15, 16 No direct impact 17 Major positive effects. The Council has Continue to work with the involved the community in the decision making local community and the process. Parish council.

Conclusion

Table 12 Housing figures reason for rejection, reason for selection

Options / Reason for rejection Reason for selection alternatives 725 Within the SHMA recommended N/A homes/annum range, this represents the lower end of the figures. Development

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Options / Reason for rejection Reason for selection alternatives at this level is a significant uplift beyond the demographic base and shortfall and would provide towards affordable housing needs and towards economic growth. The midpoint is considered to be the reasonable option for housing growth as the other figures are simply an expression of the lower and upper end of the OAN identified. 750 In South Oxfordshire, the N/A homes/annum evidence considers that the provision of 748 dwellings a year would support economic growth. (This has been rounded to 750 for the purposes of our previous Local Plan consultation and is referred to in this way) The midpoint is considered to be the reasonable option for housing growth as the other figures are simply an expression of the lower and upper end of the OAN identified. 775 The 2014 SHMA considers the homes/annum demographic, economic and affordable housing scenarios for each of the Districts in Oxfordshire and then puts forward a midpoint of Objectively Assessed Need for each of the Oxfordshire authorities. In the case of South Oxfordshire this is 775 homes a year. The recommendations provide a range which represents -/+ 50 homes either side of this midpoint. However, whilst the SHMA forms an important part of the Local Plan evidence base, it does not set the Local Plan housing target. It is an ‘unconstrained’ assessment of housing need that takes no account of market capacity and deliverability, infrastructure, land availability or environmental constraints. It is the role of the Local Plan to determine an appropriate housing target having regard to the SHMA but also taking

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

Options / Reason for rejection Reason for selection alternatives account of other relevant considerations. As such the critical aspect of delivery is one which needs to be balanced against the other factors in arriving at the OAN. It should be noted that the supply figure proposed within the emerging Local Plan far exceeds the need figure, to allow for flexibility and choice, but also to ensure that delivery can be managed across the plan period. In South Oxfordshire, the evidence considers that the provision of 775 dwellings a year would support economic growth and provide towards affordable housing need. 825 Within the SHMA recommended N/A homes/annum range, this represents the higher end of the figures. Development at this level represents far exceeds the demographic base and shortfall and would provide towards affordable housing needs and towards economic growth. The midpoint is considered to be the reasonable option for housing growth as the other figures are simply an expression of the lower and upper end of the OAN identified. 965 This figure is not within the N/A homes/annum SHMA recommended range, but has been tested as the number of homes to meet all affordable housing needs. South Oxfordshire has issues of affordability The affordable housing evidence provides some basis for considering higher housing provision. Drawing the evidence together we consider that housing need would fall between 725 – 825 homes per annum. The higher end of this range would support enhanced affordable housing delivery.

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

Options / Reason for rejection Reason for selection alternatives The midpoint is considered to be the reasonable option for housing growth as the other figures are simply an expression of the lower and upper end of the OAN identified.

Wider Housing Market Area

2.23 Oxford City have identified that they will have difficulty in meeting their own identified housing needs and the city council have asked the other Oxfordshire authorities to assist in the provision of housing. South Oxfordshire District Council has worked closely with all the authorities in Oxfordshire under the Duty to Cooperate to identify the scale of unmet need and how Oxford’s housing requirement should be distributed across the county.

2.24 The preparation of the Oxford City Local Plan is at a relatively early stage and adoption is not anticipated until 2019. At this point in time, it is not possible to accurately identify the precise extent of Oxford City’s unmet need. The SHMA recommends a range of it 24,000 – 32,000 new homes for Oxford City. The unmet housing need for the City is estimated to be approximately 15,000 new homes.

2.25 The SA has assessed the following four ‘alternatives in regard to Oxford City’s unmet housing need. The full matrices of these alternatives is available in Appendix A Table 4 a comparison of the options is provided below Table 14, a summary is provided below Table 15.

2.26 Part 2 of this SA Report discusses the preferred option. Table 13 below shows why the alternative options were included. Table 16 below outlines the reason for selection of preferred option for meeting the wider housing market need and this is discussed in more detail in part 2 of this report.

1. Do Nothing

2. 3,750 new dwellings

3. 5, 000

4. 15,000 new dwellings

Table 13 Wider housing market area reason for inclusion of alternative options

Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion 61

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Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion 1. Do Nothing The unmet housing need for the City is estimated to be approximately 15,000 new homes. The Sustainability Appraisal Process considers the ‘do nothing’ option can assist with decision making as it allows the baseline situation to be assessed.

2. 3,750 new dwellings The working figure for unmet housing need for the City is estimated at 15,000 new homes. This number represents a quarter share of the four districts.

3. 5, 000 The Growth Board considered a series of site based options to help meet Oxford City’s unmet housing need. In the case of South Oxfordshire these sites amounted to 4,900 homes. The figure has been rounded to 5,000.

4. 15,000 new dwellings The working figure for unmet housing need for the City is estimated at 15,000 new homes.

Table 14 Unmet need comparison of options assessed

SA Option Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 OBJ 1 1 x ✓ ? ✓ ? xx

2 0 ✓ ✓ xx 3 0 ✓ ? ✓ ? xx 4 0 ? x ? x xx 5 0 ? x ? x xx 6 0 ? x ? x xx 7 0 ? x ? x xx 8 0 ? x ? x xx 9 0 ? x ? x xx

10 0 ✓ ✓ xx ?

11 0 0 0 xx ? 12 0 x x x 13 x ✓ ✓ xx 14 0 ✓ ✓ xx 62

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

SA Option Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 OBJ 1 15 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 17 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

Table 15 SA Summary of the options for Oxford Cities, unmet housing need

SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives unmet housing need effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 Option 1 This option would result in negative Ensure infrastructure is effects, provision of housing for future phased alongside new residents would not be met within the County. housing development. Options 2 and 3, have similar effects, South Ensure affordable housing Oxfordshire D.C would be assisting with is provided. Oxford City Council’s unmet housing need, providing homes for future residents, resulting Option 4: Consider an in positive effects. The location of new homes alternative option would need to be determined to ensure that appropriate infrastructure is in place, to reduce any uncertainties. The provision of 15,000 new dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s determined housing need would result in significant negative effects. The District would be unable to support this number of dwellings and the associated infrastructure. 2 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Ensure that development impact. is designed to reduce crime and the fear of Option 2 will have the similar effects as crime Option 3, development may help create safer places through greater pedestrian flows and provide funding through development to ensure secure design principles. Minor Option 4: Consider an positive effects identified. alternative option Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s determined housing need would result in significant negative effects. Developments would need to be high density developments and it is unlikely that the District would be able to support this number of dwellings and ensure safe places, anti-social behaviour may increase.

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives unmet housing need effects/maximising beneficial effects 3 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Ensure housing is located impact. with good access to amenities. Option 2 will have the similar effects as Option 3 The location of housing is relevant to Ensure funding for this option. Additional housing development additional services is may result in demand for additional services. provided. Funding may be available for additional services from CIL. Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new Option 4: Consider an dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s alternative option determined housing need would result in significant negative effects. Developments would need to be high density developments and it is unlikely that the District would be able to support this number of dwellings. Capacity of services would be stretched therefore accessibility to services would deteriorate. 4 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Ensure housing is located impact. with good access to amenities and supports Option 2 will have the similar effects as social cohesion. Option 3. The location of housing is relevant to this option, however ensuring sufficient housing and affordable housing will have a positive effect, depending on the location of Option 4: Consider an new dwellings. alternative option Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s determined housing need would result in significant negative effects. Developments would need to be high density developments and it is unlikely that the District would be able to support this number of dwellings therefore community cohesion and health and wellbeing are likely to deteriorate. 5 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Ensure phasing of impact. development occurs to reduce noise impacts. Option 2 will have the similar effects as Option 3. Any additional housing on top of the Encourage the use of Local Plan 2011 may have a negative effect, permeable surfaces and without mitigation. Providing less housing is SuDS. likely to result in less impact. In the short term noise pollution may increase during the 64

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SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives unmet housing need effects/maximising beneficial effects construction phase. There is likely to be an increase in car borne traffic locally. Any reduction in greenfield land may result in Consider sustainable pollution from surface run-off. The results are transport accessibility uncertain because the location of new houses when deciding locations will determine the effects. for new housing. Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s Option 4: Consider an determined housing need would result in alternative option significant negative effects. This scale of housing development within the District is likely to be detrimental to the environment, the carrying capacity of the district would be reached, air pollution is likely to deteriorate, and new dwellings may have to be constructed in the areas that are unsuitable in terms of land stability and flood risk. 6 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Ensure good urban impact. design principles are implemented to create Option 2. The location of housing is good access to towns and relevant to this option, however any villages. increase in population may result in additional vehicle use; additional Work with infrastructure journeys may be required to access providers to identify were secondary schools, sports facilities and an increase in sustainable other services. Resulting in potential modes of transport is negative effects without mitigation. required. This should include, cycle ways, Funding from additional homes could be linking to green provided for sustainable/ green transport infrastructure. networks to be improved. New housing should be Option 3: The effects of this option will located in accessible have a greater negative effect that locations. Option 2, because the population will be higher. Funding from additional homes could be provided Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new for sustainable/ green dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s transport networks to be determined housing need would result in improved. significant negative effects. This scale of housing development within the Option 4: Consider an District will lead to increased personal alternative option vehicle use, public transport is unlikely to be able to provide for this scale of development, especially in the short 65

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SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives unmet housing need effects/maximising beneficial effects term. 7 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Incorporate green impact. infrastructure into the design and biodiversity Option 2 will have the similar effects as enhancement schemes. Option 3. It is the distribution and location of new housing that will determine the impact Carry out a BAP phase 1 upon biodiversity, however, providing less survey housing is likely to result in less impact. Therefore both negative and uncertain effects Ensure the Habitats have been identified. Regulation Assessment Screening is undertaken. Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s determined housing need would result in Option 4: Consider an significant negative effects. This scale of alternative option housing development within the District will lead to further development on greenfield land and it may not be possible to avoid impacts on biodiversity. 7 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Ensure further HRA impact. Appropriate Assessment is carried out and all recommendations are Options, 2, 3 and 4: The following European included in the Local Plan. Sites need to be considered when identifying areas for additional housing development. Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. Uncertain effects are identified at this stage.

8 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Seek to make the most impact. effective use of any greenfield land. Option 2 and 3: The building of new homes will inevitably result in the loss of some existing Ensure a high quality of greenfield land. design to minimise impact It is the distribution and location of new on the landscape. housing that will determine the impact upon this objective, however less additional housing Avoid development in will have less impact on designated sites, locations that will impact biodiversity and soil quality, therefore the the AONB. impacts are likely to be more negative for 66

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SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives unmet housing need effects/maximising beneficial effects option 3. Option 4: Consider an alternative option The provision of 15,000 new dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s determined housing need would result in significant negative effects. This scale of housing development within the District will have a detrimental effect on the countryside and those areas designated for their landscape importance, minerals, biodiversity and soil quality. 9 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Ensure no impact on the impact. conservation area and avoid loss of local Option 2 will have the similar effects as distinctiveness. A Option 3. The location of housing is predetermination relevant to this option, however ensuring archaeological desk- sufficient housing and affordable based assessment and housing will have a positive effect, evaluation should be depending on the location of new undertaken to establish a dwellings. Potential negative effect suitable and appropriate and uncertain effects are identified. level of mitigation. Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s determined housing need would result in Option 4: Consider an significant negative effects. This scale of alternative option housing development within the District may have a detrimental effect on the historic environment including archaeological resources. 10 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Encourage green impact. infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement Option 2 and 3 New development offers the schemes; these are opportunity to implement sustainable design beneficial to flood principles. So potential positive effects are prevention and resilience identified. to climate change. Additional dwellings will put pressure on resource use including: energy, water capacity and sewage capacity, it is assumed that Continue to work with sustainable design principles will be Thames water to ensure implemented. water and sewage capacity is maintained. Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s Include SuDS in all determined housing need would result in designs. significant negative effects. Promote sustainable 67

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SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives unmet housing need effects/maximising beneficial effects This scale of housing development within the building practices which District will have a detrimental effect on conserve energy, water resource use and exceed the carrying capacity resources and materials. specifically with regard to sewage capacity. Option 4: Consider an alternative option 11 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Identification of impact. development sites should include constraints with Options 2 and 3 .There are a number of flood regard to all types of zones through-out the district, although land is flooding. available outside of the flood zones. Encourage green Development will take place only on flood zone infrastructure and 1 land and resilience to flooding and the biodiversity enhancement potential impacts of climate change will be schemes; these are incorporated into all new developments, beneficial to flood therefore no direct impacts are identified. prevention and resilience Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new to climate change. dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s Include SuDS in all determined housing need may result in designs significant negative effects. Option 4: Consider an Although it is specified that development will alternative option take place only on flood zone 1 land and SuDS will be incorporated into all new developments, the scale of development within one District is likely to be detriment towards flooding and mitigation may not possibly.

12 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct The Site Waste impact. Management Plans Regulations (2008) were Option 2, 3 and 4: The development of new repealed on 1 December housing, will lead to construction and 2013. Although no longer demolition waste being produced. More a regulatory requirement development will increase the amount of waste in England, SWMPs are produced. still considered to be good practice. 13, 14 Option 1 do nothing, will have no direct Ensure affordable housing impact. is available. Option 2 and 3: Availability of more housing Ensure new housing is (including affordable housing) could attract located in areas workers to the district, as well as helping with accessibly to employment staff retention for existing employers resulting sites. in positive effects. 68

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SA SA Summary of Key findings for potential Mitigating adverse Objectives unmet housing need effects/maximising beneficial effects Option 4: Consider an Option 4: The provision of 15,000 new alternative option dwellings on top of South Oxfordshire’s determined housing need may result in significant negative effects due to saturation of services, leading to an unsustainable economy.

15, 16 All options: direct impact 17 The Council has involved the community in the Continue to work with the decision making process. local community.

2.27 The assessment of the above options is very high level and does not include locations of the potential new housing, the assessment shows that Option 4 is likely to result in significant negative effects compared to the other options. Option 1 would potentially be more sustainable at District level, however this this is not compliant with the ‘Duty to Cooperate’ and at County level the positive effects would be reduced, this option has been rejected. Table 16 below outlines the reason for selection of preferred Option 3 for meeting the wider housing market need and this is discussed in more detail in part 2 of this report.

Table 16 Reason for Rejection and Selection of the Option for the Wider Housing Market

Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection

Do Nothing Non-compliant with the’ Duty to Cooperate.’

3,750 new dwellings The working figure for unmet housing need for the City is estimated at 15,000 new homes. This is shared equally between the remaining four districts, a quarter share of this unmet need would equate to 3,750 new homes which we plan for. Through the South Oxfordshire Local Plan it is proposed to make provision

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Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection for additional homes to help meet Oxford’s needs. We propose to make Duty to Cooperate contributions towards Oxford City from the point of adoption of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan, rather than delay to 2021. We will continue to work with the other districts in the Housing Market Area to support and plan for unmet housing needs and other strategic matters, recognising the different stages of plan making which have been reached

5, 000 The working figure for unmet housing need for the City is estimated at 15,000 new homes. The Growth Board considered a series of site based options to help meet Oxford City’s unmet housing need. In the case of South Oxfordshire these sites amounted to 4,900 homes. The figure has been rounded to 5,000.

15,000 new dwellings The working figure for unmet housing need for the City is estimated at 15,000 new homes. This figures represents the full extent of that working assumption.

Science Vale & Didcot

2.28 Science Vale is already an international location for science and technology. From this strong starting point, we need to capitalise on Science Vale’s opportunity to provide an even better environment for business to flourish. Science Vale is one of the most successful science clusters in the UK. This activity is concentrated around 70

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the three centres for science at Harwell Campus, Culham Science Centre and Milton Park, but is supported by a number of important settlements. Didcot is at the heart of Science Vale – it makes the first and leaves the last impression on anyone travelling to Science Vale from elsewhere in the UK or from across the globe and it provides the ideal opportunity to act both as a gateway and a hub.

2.29 Didcot is the gateway to Science Vale. It connects Science Vale with the rest of the UK through direct train services to Oxford, London, and Bristol. Yet the economic and social links between Didcot and the rest of Science Vale remain weak. An important part of our strategy for Science Vale is to improve and strengthen its relationship with Didcot, and realise Didcot’s full potential as a thriving and attractive location to live, work and visit. We will do this by providing the homes, jobs, skills, and infrastructure needed to turn Didcot into a successful and sustainable town in its own right, and a vital part of a thriving Science Vale.

Didcot Garden Town

2.30 In December 2015, the Government announced that Didcot would become a Garden Town delivering 15,050 homes and 20,000 high-tech jobs in the greater Didcot area. Garden Towns are locally-led and ambitious proposals for new communities that work as self-sustaining places and should have high quality and good design embedded from the outset.

2.31 The designation of Didcot as a Garden Town is an exciting opportunity. Both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils are working closely together and in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and other key stakeholders to develop a joined up vision and delivery strategy for the area.

2.32 The following two Options have been subject to the SA process to inform the decision making process of the Local Plan, the full matrices are located in Appendix A table 5 a comparison of the options is provided below in Table 18 and summarised below in Table 19. Part 2 of this SA Report discusses the preferred options for Didcot. Table 17 below shows why the alternative options were included.

Table 17 Reason for Inclusion of Alternative Options for Didcot

Options / alternatives Reason for Inclusion

1) allocate further allocations at Didcot This alternative was assessed to show a on top of allocations from the Core comparison against the ‘do nothing’ option. Strategy 2012 The results are useful to inform the decision making going forward for future planning in Didcot. 2) allocate no further allocations at The ‘do nothing’ option is considered useful Didcot 71

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in terms of determining the existing baseline and how this will develop over time without any further planning proposals.

1) allocate further allocations at Didcot on top of allocations from the Core Strategy 2012

2) allocate no further allocations at Didcot

Table 18 Didcot comparison of the options for further housing growth

SA Option 1 Option 2 Objectives

1 x ? ✓✓

2 x ? ✓✓

3 x ? ✓✓

4 x ✓✓

5 x ? ✓✓

6 x ✓✓ ✓✓

7 x ✓✓

8 x ? ✓✓

9 x ? ✓✓

10 x ✓ ✓✓

11 0 ✓✓

12 x ✓✓

13 ✓✓ ✓✓

14 ✓✓ ✓✓

15 ✓✓ ✓✓

16 0 0

17 ✓✓ ✓✓

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Table 19 Didcot further growth at Didcot summary

SA Dicot further growth options Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 Option 1: Uncertain and potential negative Ensure infrastructure is in effects are identified. Potential negative place commensurate with effects are noted, due to the cumulative the scale of growth. effects of the existing allocations within the C.S Affordable homes should 2012, further housing allocations may lead to be provided within all housing saturation of the area and the required development settlements. infrastructure may not be in place to support further development. The allocation of further Ensure infrastructure is growth could complement existing allocations, phased through-out. however the location of further growth would determine the outcome of this option. Continue to monitor housing allocations as set Option 2: Allowing no further growth at Didcot out in the C.S. on top of the existing allocations; significant positive effects have been noted. Consider if there are areas that would befit Our Core Strategy provides for around 6,500 from further allocations. homes to be built at Didcot to 2027.

A number of growth and infrastructure projects are in place to accommodate the growth. No further growth will allow these projects to continue in a timely fashion.

2 Option 1: Potential negative effects are Ensure that development noted, due to the cumulative effects of the is designed to reduce existing allocations within the Core Strategy crime and the fear of 2012, further housing allocations may lead to crime. over capacity through-out the development Thames Valley police phrases whilst infrastructure is not in place have suggested that extra resulting in anti-social behaviour. New homes, may require extra development could provide the opportunity to policing. However, this is design a safe environment which could reduce not covered within the and prevent antisocial behaviour, resulting I remit of the Local Plan. potential positive effects.

Option 2: Allowing no further growth at Didcot on top of the existing allocations; significant positive effects have been noted. A number of growth and infrastructure projects are in place to accommodate the growth specified, creating safe places is a consideration of the existing framework and this will continue to be

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SA Dicot further growth options Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects implemented.

3, 4 Option 1: Potential negative effects are Ensure improvements to noted, due to the cumulative effects of the service provision existing allocations within the C.S 2012, further commensurate with any housing allocations may lead to over capacity increases in population through-out the development phrases whilst and improve access to infrastructure is not in place. Capacity of services. services would be stretched therefore Continue to work with accessibility to services could deteriorate service providers. without mitigation. Good phasing of Option 2: Allowing no further growth at Didcot development will be on top of the existing allocations; significant required. positive effects have been noted. A number of growth and infrastructure projects are in Work with the Masterplan place to accommodate the growth specified, developers and the local this includes access to services and community to ensure community facilities, no further growth will integration with existing allow these projects to continue in a timely residents and employees, fashion. and provide for facilities as required. Continue to monitor as set out in the C.S. 5 Option 1: Any additional housing on top of the Ensure any further growth existing allocations is likely to lead to further should mitigation potential pollution of various kinds, although mitigation effects. is in place to prevent harm to the environment Ensure phasing of In the short term noise pollution may increase development occurs to during the construction phase. reduce noise impacts. There is likely to be an increase in car borne Encourage the use of traffic locally. permeable surfaces and Any further reduction in greenfield land may SuDS. result in pollution from surface run-off. The Consider sustainable location of further allocations would impact the transport accessibility outcome of this objective. when deciding locations for new housing. There are currently no AQMA’s located within or around Didcot. There are however Air Continue to monitor air Quality ‘hot spots’ in Didcot along Station quality. Road. These areas experience high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and PM10 (Particulate Matter 10) which is primarily associated with car traffic

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SA Dicot further growth options Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects and construction work. Development will not be sustainable in the long term if the development is not resilient to flood risk and climate change. Pollution to water, air and land may occur without mitigation. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to prevent harm to the environment, through-out the development of the existing allocations. Therefore significant positive effects are noted.

6 Option 1: Potential negative effects are Ensure good urban noted, due to the cumulative effects of the design principles are existing allocations within the C.S 2012, further implemented to create housing allocations may lead to over capacity good access to towns and through-out the development phrases whilst villages. infrastructure is not in place, however Didcot is Work with infrastructure considered to have good sustainable transport providers to identify were accessibility so significant positive effects an increase in sustainable are also identified. modes of transport is required. This should Option 2: Allowing no further growth at Didcot include, cycle ways, on top of the existing allocations; significant linking to green positive effects have been noted. A number infrastructure. of growth and infrastructure projects are in place to accommodate the growth specified, New housing should be located in accessible no further growth will allow these projects to locations. continue in a timely fashion. Funding from additional homes could be provided for sustainable/ green transport networks to be improved. 7 Option 1: Potential negative effects are Incorporate green noted, due to the cumulative effects of the infrastructure into the existing allocations within the C.S 2012, design and biodiversity although mitigation is in place to conserve and enhancement schemes. enhance biodiversity, it would seem more Incorporate green appropriate to allow the existing allocations to infrastructure into the be implemented along with the biodiversity design and biodiversity mitigation and to continue to monitor progress. enhancement schemes. The location of further allocations would impact the outcome of this objective. Carry out a BAP phase 1

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SA Dicot further growth options Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects Option 2: Mitigation is in place to conserve survey. and enhance biodiversity, through-out the Continue to monitor development of the existing allocations. biodiversity as set out in Therefore significant positive effects are the C.S. noted.

7 Option 1: The following European Sites need Ensure further HRA to be considered when identifying areas for Appropriate Assessment additional housing development: Aston Rowant is carried out and all SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen recommendations are SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham included in the Local Plan. SAC Oxford Meadows SAC

Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. Current impact is uncertain until a Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening is undertaken.

Additional development in this areas could assist with funding for biodiversity enhancement for example: green infrastructure, wildlife areas, buffer zones etc. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to conserve and enhance biodiversity, through-out the development of the existing allocations. Therefore significant positive effects are noted.

8 Option 1: Potential negative effects are Seek to make the most noted, due to the cumulative effects of the effective use of any existing allocations within the C.S 2012, greenfield land. although mitigation is in place to conserve and Consider mitigation enhance the district’s open spaces and measures to reduce countryside in particular, those areas impact on tranquillity. designated for their landscape importance, minerals, biodiversity and soil quality; it would A full detailed landscape seem more appropriate to allow the existing and visual impact allocations to be implemented along with the assessment will be mitigation and to continue to monitor progress.. required to inform the final Development at Didcot has potential to impact capacity of the site. the AONB, therefore the location of further Ensure phasing of allocations would impact the outcome of this development occurs to objective, at this stage uncertain effects are reduce noise impacts.

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SA Dicot further growth options Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects also identified Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and Option 2: Mitigation is in place to conserve SUDS. and enhance the district’s open spaces and countryside in particular, those areas Continue to monitor the designated for their landscape importance, situation as set out in the minerals, biodiversity and soil quality. C.S. Therefore significant positive effects are noted.

9 Option 1: Potential negative effects are Ensure no impact on the noted, due to the cumulative effects of the conservation area and existing allocations within the C.S 2012, avoid loss of local although mitigation is in place to conserve and distinctiveness. enhance the district’s historic environment; it A predetermination would seem more appropriate to allow the archaeological desk- existing allocations to be implemented along based assessment and with the mitigation and to continue to monitor evaluation should be progress. There are 3 conservation areas in undertaken to establish a Didcot, and know archaeological resources, suitable and appropriate the location of further allocations would impact level of mitigation. the outcome of this objective, at this stage uncertain effects are also identified

Option 2: Mitigation is in place conserve and enhance the district’s historic environment including archaeological resources. Therefore significant positive effects are noted.

10 Option 1: Potential negative effects are Encourage green noted, due to the cumulative effects of the infrastructure and existing allocations within the C.S 2012, biodiversity enhancement although mitigation is in place to address the schemes; these are causes and effects of climate change; it would beneficial to flood seem more appropriate to allow the existing prevention and resilience to climate change. allocations to be implemented along with the mitigation and to continue to monitor progress. New development offers the opportunity to Continue to work with implement sustainable design principles. So Thames water to ensure potential positive effects are identified. water and sewage capacity is maintained. Additional dwellings will put pressure on resource use including: energy, water capacity Include SuDS in all and sewage capacity, it is assumed that designs. sustainable design principles will be Promote sustainable building practices which 77

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SA Dicot further growth options Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects implemented. conserve energy, water resources and materials. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to address the causes and effects of climate change. Continue to monitor the Therefore significant positive effects are situation as set out in the noted. C.S.

11 Option 1: The Local Plan will not allocated No development in flood sites within flood zone 2 and 3. Therefore no zone 2 and 3 should direct impacts have been identified. occur. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to reduce the Identification of risk of, and damage from, flooding. Therefore development sites should significant positive effects are noted. include constraints with regard to all types of flooding. Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change. Include SuDS in all designs Option 4: Consider an alternative option 12 Option 1: Further development will lead to The Site Waste further construction and demolition waste Management Plans being produced. Regulations (2008) were repealed on 1 December Option 2: The development of new housing, 2013. Although no longer will lead to construction and demolition waste a regulatory requirement being produced, mitigation is in place to in England, SWMPs are encourage the reuse & recycling of waste. still considered to be good Municipal waste is not covered within the remit practice. of the Local Plan.

13, 14, 15 Option 1 and 2: Housing growth and Encourage local work employment growth in the garden town will be force and on the job skill intimately linked with 20,000 new high-tech training through-out the jobs created over the next 15 years on the development of new Harwell, Milton Park and Didcot Growth housing. Accelerator Enterprise Zones and other 78

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SA Dicot further growth options Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects smaller sites. Therefore further allocation are Encourage green and eco expected to provide significant positive technologies, this will lead effects. to an increase in skills locally and assist in If the allocations included employment developing new allocations then there would be potential for a businesses. significant positive effect in terms of providing on the job skills training. Work with service providers to ensure a fast and reliable access to the internet and mobile phone communications is provided through-out 17 The Council has involved the community in the Continue to work with the decision making process. local community.

Table 20 Didcot alternative options reason for rejection, reason for selection

Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection

1) allocate further In December 2015, the housing at Didcot on Government announced that top of allocations Didcot would become a from the Core Garden Town delivering Strategy 2012 15,050 homes and 20,000 high-tech jobs in the greater Didcot area. Garden Towns are locally-led and ambitious proposals for new communities that work as self-sustaining places and should have high quality and good design embedded from the outset. The Garden Town initiative will help to shape growth already identified through the Local Plan for housing, employment and infrastructure. More detailed planning policy, including a masterplan, is currently 79

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Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection

being developed for the Didcot Garden Town area in line with the Garden Town Principles set out here. Garden Town policy will support the long-term achievement of the sustainable Garden Town vision and principles through: engaging with local people and businesses; forming part of a strategic and integrated investment plan; maximising social and environmental opportunities; and supporting long-term sustainability goals. Additional planning policy for the Garden Town will complement and support the Local Plan. Garden Town policy is likely to come forward as an additional planning document for the Garden Town Area: possibly as a Development Planning Document (such as an Area Action Plan) or as a Supplementary Planning Document. Because Didcot spans both the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Council areas, the Garden Town planning policy document will be developed in joint working and adopted by both Councils.

2) allocate no further The new allocations housing at Didcot included in the Local Plan, have planning permission as discussed below and therefore these sites have been included within the Local Plan. Residential 80

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Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection

development on these sites is supported and, in the event that this permission is not finalised or if it does not get implemented, then it is considered that these sites are still an appropriate location for housing in the plan period.

2.33 The SA has assessed the following three alternatives options for Didcot. The full matrices of these alternatives is available in Appendix A Table 6 a summary for each is provided below Table 21, Table 22 and Table 23 below.

 Hadden Hill  Didcot A  Gateway

2.34 Table 24 below outlines the reason for selection of preferred options and this is discussed in more detail in part 2 of this report.

Table 21 Didcot Hadden Hill SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Didcot Hadden Hill SA Summary of Mitigating adverse Objective Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 The site is located approximately 1.5 A full detailed landscape and visual miles east of Didcot Town centre. impact assessment will be required to The location of the site results in inform the final capacity of the site. positive effects. Ensure infrastructure is phased The site comprises of approximately alongside new housing development 2.7 hectares at a 74 new dwellings and is integrated with Didcot and/or might be accommodated on the site, GWP as appropriate. which will result in positive effects in terms of providing housing. Affordable homes should be provided within all development settlements. Potential negative effects are noted, due to the cumulative effects of the Work with service providers to ensure existing allocations within the C.S this is implemented in a timely 2012, further housing allocations may fashion. lead to housing saturation of the area A masterplan would need to be and the required infrastructure may developed to encompass all mitigation not be in place to support further recommendations. development.

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SA Didcot Hadden Hill SA Summary of Mitigating adverse Objective Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 2 South Oxfordshire has a lower crime Ensure good quality urban design is rate when compared to the UK, implemented and work with the local however Didcot, in particular the community and with Thames Valley Ladygrove ward suffers from higher police. crime rates within the South Oxfordshire District, an increase in population could result in crime rates increasing, therefore potential negative effects are identified. New development could provide the opportunity to design a safe environment which could reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour, resulting in potential positive effects. 3, 4 The site is in close proximity to the Ensure improvements to service town centre (2.2 km), and a Tesco provision commensurate with any supermarket. increases in population. The railway line is perceived to Any development on the site should restrict movement to these facilities, include a Green Travel plan or similar resulting in potential negative scheme to reduce car usage and effects. encourage a shift to more sustainable modes of transport. The site is in close proximity to Ladygrove Park /All Saints Primary Good phasing of development will be Schools, Oak Tree Health Centre required to ensure that social and Willow Brook Leisure Centre, cohesion is promoted. resulting in potential positive effects for new residents. Good urban design principles will be required that ensure accessibility is Ladygrove East is located adjacent to promoted throughout the development the East of site and has permission phases. for new housing development, allocated in the South Oxfordshire Ensure the PRoW are protected. Local Plan 2011. Work with the Masterplan developers Any additional housing development and the local community to ensure on top of the existing allocations, integration with existing residents and may impact service provision, which employees, and provide for facilities may result in negative effects. as required, this should include access to faith and community groups Development would have to provide for a range of ages within the local health, education, recreation, population where required. community etc facilities as part of the scheme through CiL requirements Any community land, open space and the IDP, which would reduce the and/or recreation land should be negative effects. replaced.

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

SA Didcot Hadden Hill SA Summary of Mitigating adverse Objective Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects A PRoW is adjacent to the east of the site.

5, 8, 11 The site is brownfield land. Ensure phasing of development occurs to reduce impacts. The site is not in a mineral consultation zone. Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and SUDS, to reduce Therefore positive effects are surface run off. identified. Improve sustainable transport and In the short term noise pollution may accessibility to reduce use of personal increase during the construction vehicle use. phase, resulting in potential negative effects. Ensure the ETI results inform the decision making process. There is likely to be an increase in car borne traffic locally, both during A full detailed landscape and visual the construction and operational impact assessment will be required to phase, resulting in potential negative inform the final capacity of the site effects. Consider mitigation measures to There are currently no AQMA’s reduce impact on tranquillity. located within or around Didcot. There are however Air Quality ‘hot spots’ in Didcot along Station Road. These areas experience high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and PM10 (Particulate Matter 10) which is primarily associated with car traffic and construction work. A LCA has been undertaken for the larger area which includes this site and recommends the following: Potential harm to the rural approach to Didcot from the east and the AONB landscape, however without a LCA for this specific site effects are uncertain. The site is not within a flood zone 6 The site is located within easy Ensure the ETI results inform the access of the Lady Grove Loop decision making process. project was completed in 2011, providing, which includes integrated A masterplan should be produced to walking, cycling and ﬁtness route, encompass all mitigation and to with two new outside exercise ensure good urban design principles stations. The route provides good are implemented that provide access to facilities via sustainable modes of 83

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SA Didcot Hadden Hill SA Summary of Mitigating adverse Objective Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects access to the railway station, transport. community centre and primary schools, resulting in significant Work with infrastructure providers to positive effects for any new identify were an increase in residents. sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include, cycle The site is 2.4km from the Didcot ways, linking to green infrastructure. railway station which should encourage the use of this facility, resulting in significant positive effects for any new residents. The site is in close proximity (6.2km) to the Milton Park employment site which should encourage cycling and the use of public transport to this site, resulting in positive effects. The site is 9.9 km from Harwell ISC. 7 No known biodiversity constraints are Incorporate green infrastructure into identified, however there is an the design and biodiversity opportunity to include green enhancement schemes. infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes. Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. There are mature trees and hedging TPO’s and areas of deciduous along A4130 to the North and railway woodland should be protected and to the South of site and a mixture of enhanced where appropriate. hedging and fencing to the East. Ensure further HRA Appropriate Adjacent to the site is arable land Assessment is carried out and all with small copses and game cover recommendations are included in the crops, the following red list species Local Plan 2032. have been recorded: Lapwing, Grey Partridge and Corn Bunting, development may impact these species resulting in negative effects. Opportunities for enhancements would involve the creation of meadows, small copses and ponds within and on the periphery of the site.

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SA Didcot Hadden Hill SA Summary of Mitigating adverse Objective Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 7 The following European Sites need to Ensure the Habitats Regulation be considered when identifying areas Assessment Screening is undertaken. for additional housing development: Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. Current impact is uncertain until a Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening is undertaken. Additional development in this areas could assist with funding for biodiversity enhancement for example: green infrastructure, wildlife areas, buffer zones etc.

9 There are known historic or A predetermination archaeological archaeological constraints within the desk-based assessment and site and adjacent to the site evaluation should be undertaken to boundary. establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation.

10 New development offers the Include SuDS in all designs. opportunity to implement sustainable design principles. Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, water resources and materials. South Oxfordshire is in an area of Consider implementing decentralised water stress. Additional dwellings will energy, for example CHP. put pressure on resource use including: energy, water capacity and Work with Thames water to ensure sewage capacity, it is however water and sewage capacity is assumed that sustainable design maintained. principles will be implemented.

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SA Didcot Hadden Hill SA Summary of Mitigating adverse Objective Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 12 The development of new housing, The Site Waste Management Plans will lead to construction and Regulations (2008) were repealed on demolition waste being produced, 1 December 2013. Although no therefore potential negative effects longer a regulatory requirement in are identified without mitigation. England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice.

13, 14, 15 Didcot is located within Science Vale Encourage local work force and on UK, an area that includes a nationally the job skill training through-out the important science, educational and development of new housing. high technology based cluster of industries. A key aim of the strategy Encourage green and eco for Science Vale UK is to build on its technologies, this will lead to an economic strengths. increase in skills locally and assist in developing new businesses. This substantial housing growth proposed provides the impetus to Work with service providers to ensure make improvements to the town a fast and reliable access to the centre. This is reflected in the internet and mobile phone existing Core Strategy vision which communications is provided through- states that Didcot is to become a out the district. major centre in southern Oxfordshire, playing a key role in the Science Vale UK area and providing new housing and better services. This has fed into Core Strategy Objective No. 1 which seeks to ‘transform Didcot into a thriving and lively town through regeneration of the central area and construction of greenfield neighbourhoods ensuring it meets the community’s aspirations for positive change’. The Housing and Planning minister, Brandon Lewis MP announced that Didcot is to become a Garden Town, which will help with the delivery of 15,000 houses and 20,000 high-tech jobs. Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire are also getting a second enterprise zone, which in itself will help the area attract significant government spending. It will also mean the district councils can retain business rates, all of which will lead to £120 million of funding towards 86

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SA Didcot Hadden Hill SA Summary of Mitigating adverse Objective Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects roads and infrastructure around Didcot. Housing growth and employment growth in the garden town will be intimately linked with 20,000 new high-tech jobs created over the next 15 years on the Harwell, Milton Park and Didcot Growth Accelerator Enterprise Zones and other smaller sites. Significant positive effects are identified. 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process.

Table 22 Didcot A SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Didcot A SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 Didcot A is part of a larger site A full detailed landscape and visual allocated by the Vale of White Horse impact assessment will be required to District Council (VWHDC) Local Plan inform the final capacity of the site. (Adopted December 2016) Which allocates Didcot A for a mix use Ensure infrastructure is phased development. The site is located 1 alongside new housing development mile from Didcot Town Centre, the and is integrated with Didcot. location of the site results in positive Affordable homes should be provided effects. within all development settlements. This section of the site is 9.5 hectares Work with service providers to ensure and is located in the south east this is implemented in a timely corner adjacent to the A4130, the fashion. addition of a further 270 dwellings within the mix use development, A masterplan would need to be which will result in major positive developed to encompass all effects in e in terms of providing mitigation recommendations. housing.

Potential negative effects are noted, due to the cumulative effects of the 87

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SA Didcot A SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects existing allocations within the C.S 2012 and VWHDC LP Dec 2016 allocations. Further housing allocations may lead to housing saturation of the area and the required infrastructure may not be in place to support further development. 2 South Oxfordshire has a lower crime Ensure good quality urban design is rate when compared to the UK, implemented and work with the local however Didcot, in particular the community and with Thames Valley Ladygrove ward suffers from higher police. crime rates within the South Oxfordshire District, an increase in population could result in crime rates increasing, therefore potential negative effects are identified. New development could provide the opportunity to design a safe environment which could reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour, resulting in potential positive effects.

3, 4, 5, 8 The Site is located 1 mile from Didcot Any development on the site should Town Centre and the new Western include a Green Travel plan or similar Park development, which provides scheme to reduce car usage and good access to new facilities, encourage a shift to more sustainable resulting in potential positive effects modes of transport. for new residents, including schools and GP’s. Good urban design Policies for this site should require principles would be needed provide developers to mitigate for all adverse good accessibility to these services. effects identified. Didcot A is part of a larger site Ensure improvements to service allocated by the Vale of White Horse provision commensurate with any District Council (VWHDC) Local Plan increases in population. (Adopted December 2016) Which Good phasing of development will be allocates Didcot A for a mix use required to ensure that social development. Core Policy 16: cohesion is promoted. Didcot A Power Station. Leisure and community uses are considered Good urban design principles will be within this policy, therefore positive required that ensure accessibility is effects are identified. promoted throughout the development phases. There is likely to be contaminated land issues at the site, which is a Ensure open space provision is former power station, therefore provided. 88

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SA Didcot A SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects development of the site may require Work with the Masterplan developers land remediation to prevent and the local community to ensure significant negative effects to terms integration with existing residents and of health impacts. employees, and provide for facilities as required, this should include Didcot B Power Station is located access to faith and community groups adjacent to the site and consists of an for a range of ages within the local active natural-gas power plant, population where required. potential impacts of this active power station on new residents would need Ensure remediation of contamination to be considered within the master issues are resolved. planning process to prevent significant negative effects to terms Continue to monitor air quality. of health impacts. Consider how noise impacts can be There are noise and/or air quality mitigated. issues along the A34, railway and A4130, which could result in negative effects for new residents. 5, 11 The site is brownfield land Ensure phasing of development occurs to reduce impacts. The site is not in a mineral consultation zone. Improve sustainable transport and accessibility to reduce use of The site does not fall within any personal vehicle use. ecological designations. Ensure the ETI results inform the The site does not fall within any decision making process. ecological designations.

Therefore positive effects are identified. In the short term noise pollution may increase during the construction phase, resulting in potential negative effects. There is likely to be an increase in car borne traffic locally, both during the construction and operational phase, resulting in potential negative effects. The site is not within a flood zone 6 Site is 1.2 miles from Didcot town Ensure the ETI results inform the centre and 1 mile from local shops decision making process. and is located along a bus route linking Didcot station to Milton Park. A masterplan should be produced to Site is well-positioned to link with encompass all mitigation and to 89

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SA Didcot A SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects existing and planned transport ensure good urban design principles infrastructure. are implemented that provide access to facilities via sustainable modes of The site is 1.2 m from the Didcot transport. railway station which should encourage the use of this facility, Work with infrastructure providers to resulting in significant positive identify were an increase in effects for any new residents. sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include, cycle The site is in close proximity (2 miles) ways, linking to green infrastructure. to the Milton Park and 2.3 miles from Harwell employment sites which should encourage cycling and the use of public transport to this site, resulting in significant positive effects 7 No known biodiversity constraints are Incorporate green infrastructure into identified, however there is an the design and biodiversity opportunity to include green enhancement schemes. infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes. 7 The following European Sites need to Ensure the Habitats Regulation be considered when identifying areas Assessment Screening is undertaken. for additional housing development: Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. Current impact is uncertain until a Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening is undertaken. 8 The site has no known land Determine if a full detailed landscape designation constraints. and visual impact assessment will be required to inform the final capacity of The site has outline planning the site. permission P15/S1880/O, landscape is considered within the supporting documentations. Therefore no direct impacts are

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

SA Didcot A SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects identified.

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

SA Didcot A SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects services. This has fed into Core Strategy Objective No. 1 which seeks to ‘transform Didcot into a thriving and lively town through regeneration of the central area and construction of greenfield neighbourhoods ensuring it meets the community’s aspirations for positive change’. The Housing and Planning minister, Brandon Lewis MP announced that Didcot is to become a Garden Town, which will help with the delivery of 15,000 houses and 20,000 high-tech jobs. Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire are also getting a second enterprise zone, which in itself will help the area attract significant government spending. It will also mean the district councils can retain business rates, all of which will lead to £120 million of funding towards roads and infrastructure around Didcot. Housing growth and employment growth in the garden town will be intimately linked with 20,000 new high-tech jobs created over the next 15 years on the Harwell, Milton Park and Didcot Growth Accelerator Enterprise Zones and other smaller sites. Significant positive effects are identified. There are significant levels of dissatisfaction and frustration with current broadband provision in South Oxfordshire. The lack of adequate broadband services has a direct impact on local businesses and the economy and hence there is a need for fast and reliable access to the internet and mobile phone communications.

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SA Didcot A SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process.

Table 23 Gateway SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Gateway SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 The site is located approximately 0.5 A full detailed landscape and visual miles east of Didcot Town centre. impact assessment will be required to The location of the site results in inform the final capacity of the site. positive effects. Ensure infrastructure is phased The site is adjacent to the Orchard alongside new housing development Centre and the Orchard Centre and is integrated with Didcot. Phase II, which has just commenced Affordable homes should be provided both are mixed use retail-led within all development settlements. developments Work with service providers to ensure The site is approximately 4 hectares this is implemented in a timely the provision of 300 new dwellings fashion. are proposed, which will result in major positive effects in terms of A masterplan would need to be providing housing. developed to encompass all mitigation recommendations. Potential negative effects are noted, due to the cumulative effects of the existing allocations within the C.S 2012 and VWHDC LP allocations. Further housing allocations may lead to housing saturation of the area and the required infrastructure may not be in place to support further development.

2 South Oxfordshire has a lower crime Ensure good quality urban design is rate when compared to the UK, implemented and work with the local however Didcot, in particular the community and with Thames Valley Ladygrove ward suffers from higher police. crime rates within the South Oxfordshire District, an increase in population could result in crime rates increasing, therefore potential negative effects are identified. 93

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SA Gateway SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects New development could provide the opportunity to design a safe environment which could reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour, resulting in potential positive effects.

3, 4 The site is located approximately 0.5 Any development on the site should miles east of Didcot Town centre. include a Green Travel plan or similar The site is adjacent to the Orchard scheme to reduce car usage and Centre and the Orchard Centre encourage a shift to more sustainable Phase II, which has just commenced modes of transport. both are mixed use developments, Policies for this site should require however they are retail led, so new developers to mitigate for all adverse residents will need to access existing effects identified. facilities within Didcot. Ensure improvements to service Orchard Centre Phase II, includes provision commensurate with any more retail units, restaurants, increases in population. parking, open space and a new gym, this will provide facilities to new Good phasing of development will be residents, resulting in potential required to ensure that social positive effects. cohesion is promoted. Any additional housing development Good urban design principles will be on top of the existing allocations, may required that ensure accessibility is impact service provision, which may promoted throughout the result in negative effects. development phases. Development would have to provide Ensure open space provision is health, education, recreation, provided. community etc facilities as part of the scheme through CiL requirements Work with the Masterplan developers and the IDP and the local community to ensure integration with existing residents and employees, and provide for facilities as required, this should include access to faith and community groups for a range of ages within the local population where required.

4, 5, 11 The site is brownfield land Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes; The site is not in a mineral these are beneficial to flood consultation zone. prevention and resilience to climate The site does not include any change.

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SA Gateway SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects heritage assets. Include SUDS in all designs. There are no known areas of Continue to monitor air quality. possible contamination. Ensure the ETI results inform the The site does not fall within any decision making process ecological designations. A masterplan should be produced to Therefore positive effects are encompass all mitigation and to identified. ensure good urban design principles are implemented that provide access In the short term noise pollution may to facilities via sustainable modes of increase during the construction transport. phase, resulting in potential negative effects. Mitigate impacts from noise. There is likely to be an increase in car borne traffic locally, both during

the construction and operational phase, resulting in potential negative effects. The site is not within a flood zone There are currently no AQMA’s located within or around Didcot. There are however Air Quality ‘hot spots’ in Didcot along Station Road. These areas experience high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide and PM10 (Particulate Matter 10) which is primarily associated with car traffic and construction work. There are noise and/or air quality issues along the A4130 the railway line which is across the road from the site, which could result in negative effects for new residents.

6 The site is located approximately 0.5 Ensure the ETI results inform the miles east of Didcot Town centre. decision making process. The site is adjacent to the Orchard A masterplan should be produced to Centre and the Orchard Centre encompass all mitigation and to Phase II, which has just commenced ensure good urban design principles both are mixed use developments, are implemented that provide access however they are retail led, so new to facilities via sustainable modes of residents will need to access existing

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SA Gateway SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects facilities within Didcot. transport. Orchard Centre Phase II, includes Work with infrastructure providers to more retail units, restaurants, identify were an increase in parking, open space and a new gym, sustainable modes of transport is this will provide facilities to new required. This should include, cycle residents, resulting in potential ways, linking to green infrastructure. positive effects.

The train station is across the road

from the site, resulting in significant positive effects

7 No known biodiversity constraints are Incorporate green infrastructure into identified, however there is an the design and biodiversity opportunity to include green enhancement schemes. infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes. 7 The following European Sites need to Ensure the Habitats Regulation be considered when identifying areas Assessment Screening is undertaken. for additional housing development:

Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. Current impact is uncertain until a Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening is undertaken.

8 The site has no known land Determine if a full detailed landscape designation constraints. and visual impact assessment will be required to inform the final capacity of The site has outline planning the site. permission P15/S2159/O, landscape is considered within the supporting documentations. Therefore no direct impacts are identified.

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SA Gateway SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 9 There are known archaeological A predetermination archaeological constraints on the western boundary desk-based assessment and of the site. evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation. 10 New development offers the Include SuDS in all designs. opportunity to implement sustainable Promote sustainable building design principles. practices which conserve energy, South Oxfordshire is in an area of water resources and materials. water stress. Additional dwellings will Consider implementing decentralised put pressure on resource use energy, for example CHP. including: energy, water capacity and sewage capacity, it is however Work with Thames water to ensure assumed that sustainable design water and sewage capacity is maintained. principles will be implemented.

12 The development of new housing, will The Site Waste Management Plans lead to construction and demolition Regulations (2008) were repealed on waste being produced, therefore 1 December 2013. Although no potential negative effects are longer a regulatory requirement in identified without mitigation England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13, 14, 15 Didcot is located within Science Vale Encourage local work force and on UK, an area that includes a nationally the job skill training through-out the important science, educational and development of new housing. high technology based cluster of Encourage green and eco industries. A key aim of the strategy technologies, this will lead to an for Science Vale UK is to build on its increase in skills locally and assist in economic strengths. developing new businesses. This substantial housing growth Work with service providers to ensure proposed provides the impetus to a fast and reliable access to the make improvements to the town internet and mobile phone centre. This is reflected in the communications is provided through- existing Core Strategy vision which out the district. states that Didcot is to become a major centre in southern Oxfordshire, playing a key role in the Science Vale UK area and providing new housing and better services. This has fed into Core Strategy Objective No. 1 which seeks to ‘transform Didcot into a thriving and lively town through regeneration of the central area and

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SA Gateway SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects construction of greenfield neighbourhoods ensuring it meets the community’s aspirations for positive change’. The Housing and Planning minister, Brandon Lewis MP announced that Didcot is to become a Garden Town, which will help with the delivery of 15,000 houses and 20,000 high-tech jobs. Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire are also getting a second enterprise zone, which in itself will help the area attract significant government spending. It will also mean the district councils can retain business rates, all of which will lead to £120 million of funding towards roads and infrastructure around Didcot. Housing growth and employment growth in the garden town will be intimately linked with 20,000 new high-tech jobs created over the next 15 years on the Harwell, Milton Park and Didcot Growth Accelerator Enterprise Zones and other smaller sites. Significant positive effects are identified.

17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process.

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Table 24 Didcot reasons for inclusion and selection of preferred options

Options / Reason for Reason Reason for selection alternatives inclusion for rejection

New: Didcot The site has a N/A These sites have a resolution to grant A resolution to grant planning permission, subject to the planning finalisation of the S106 agreement. permission, subject The principles of residential to the finalisation of development at this location is accepted the S106 and it is proposed that through the agreement. safeguarding of this site, that the New: The site has a N/A principle of development is maintained Gateway resolution to grant through the plan period to deliver planning housing towards meeting our overall permission, subject need. Residential development on this to the finalisation of site is supported and, in the event that the S106 this permission is not finalised or if it agreement does not get implemented, then it is considered that this site is still an appropriate location for housing in the plan period.

New: The site had a N/A The site now has full planning Haddon Hill resolution to grant permission. planning The principles of residential permission, subject development at this location is accepted to the finalisation of and it is proposed that through the the S106 safeguarding of this site, that the agreement principle of development is maintained through the plan period to deliver housing towards meeting our overall need. Residential development on this site is supported and, in the event that this permission does not get implemented, then it is considered that this site is still an appropriate location for housing in the plan period

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3. Strategic Allocations Alternative Options

3.1 The preferred housing distribution includes the provision of a ‘Strategic Allocation’ of at least 3,500 dwellings. We have considered three ways to provide this:

 an urban extension to Oxford, within the Oxford Green Belt  a new settlement or  extensions to existing settlements.

3.2 Seven possible locations for this strategic new community have been considered for their own merit, each alternative option has been assessed against the SA Framework, the summary of key issues identified are provided below. The reason for inclusion of these seven sites is outlined in Table 25

3.3 The full appraisal matrices provide further detail on potential effects and mitigation, these are available in Appendix A Table 8, Table 26 and Table 27 below shows a comparison of the SA scoring of the alternative sites assessed. The preferred option along with any proposed mitigation and cumulative effects are discussed in Part 2 of this SA Report.

1. Chalgrove Airfield (Table 28 below)

2. Harrington (Junction 7 / M40 Junction 7 M40) (Table 29)

3. Lower Elsfield (Table 33)

4. Wick Farm (Table 31 )

5. Thornhill (Table 32)

6. Grenoble Road (Table 30 )

7. Culham Science Village Options, C1, C2, C3, C4 (Table 34)

Table 25 Reason for inclusion of strategic allocations assessed

Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion

Option C1 Culham No 1 site Brownfield land adjacent to the Science Centre at the Culham no.1 employment site and other land around the nearby railway station was submitted as a potential site for housing during our call for sites.

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Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion

Option C2 Culham No 1 site + the additional Brownfield land adjacent to the Science area in the north (A) Centre at the Culham no.1 employment site and other land around the nearby railway station was submitted as a potential site for housing during our call for sites.

Option C3 Culham No 1 site, including the Brownfield land adjacent to the Science area to the north (A) and west of the railway Centre at the Culham no.1 employment site (B) and other land around the nearby railway station was submitted as a potential site for housing during our call for sites.

Option C4 Culham No 1 site, including the Brownfield land adjacent to the Science area to the north (A), west of the railway (B) Centre at the Culham no.1 employment site and extended area northwest of the railway and other land around the nearby railway (C ) station was submitted as a potential site for housing during our call for sites.

Chalgrove Airfield From the sites that had been submitted as part of our ‘call for sites’ process we identified seven that had the potential to deliver a major development of 1500 homes or more. Chalgrove Airfield and Harrington are the only two potential strategic allocation sites that are location outside of the Oxford Green Belt. They are also both located within the ‘area of search for a new settlement’ identified in our Issues and Scope consultation document.

Harrington (Junction 7 / M40 Junction 7 From the sites that had been submitted as M40) part of our ‘call for sites’ process we identified seven that had the potential to deliver a major development of 1500 homes or more. Chalgrove Airfield and Harrington are the only two potential strategic allocation sites that are location outside of the Oxford Green Belt. They are also both located within the ‘area of search for a new settlement’ identified in our Issues and Scope consultation document.

Lower Elsfield From the sites that had been submitted as part of our ‘call for sites’ process we identified seven that had the potential to 101

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Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion

deliver a major development of 1500 homes or more.

Wick Farm From the sites that had been submitted as part of our ‘call for sites’ process we identified seven that had the potential to deliver a major development of 1500 homes or more.

Thornhill From the sites that had been submitted as part of our ‘call for sites’ process we identified seven that had the potential to deliver a major development of 1500 homes or more.

Grenoble Road From the sites that had been submitted as part of our ‘call for sites’ process we identified seven that had the potential to deliver a major development of 1500 homes or more.

Key

✓✓ ✓ x x x 0 ? Major Minor Major Minor Neutral Uncertain positive positive negative negative effect effect

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Table 26 Strategic alternative options 1 - 6 SA scoring

SA Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Option 5 Option 6 Obj Chalgrove Junction 7 Grenoble Wick Farm Thornhill Lower Airfield M40 Road Elsfield 1 ✓✓ x x ✓✓ x x ✓✓ x x ✓✓ x x ✓✓ x x ✓✓ x x 2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 xx xx   x    4 xx xx xx x x x 5 x xx x x x xx 6 xx ✓ xx ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ xx 7 ? xx 0 ? ? xx ? xx ? xx 8 x x xx xx xx xx 9 ✓ xx ✓ xx ✓ x ✓ xx ✓ x ✓ xx 10 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 11 x xx 0 x x 0 x xx 12 x x x x x x 13 ✓ x ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 x x x x x x 17 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

Table 27 Strategic alternative options Culham C1 - C4 SA scoring

SA Option 7 C 1 Option 7 C 2 Option 7 C 3 Option 7 C 4 Obj Culham Culham Culham Culham 1 ✓✓ ✓✓✓✓ ✓✓✓✓ ✓✓✓✓ 2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 4 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 5 x x x x 6 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 7 x x x x 8 ✓✓ ? x xx xx 9 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 0 ? 10 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 11 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 12 x x x x 13 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x

14 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 15 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 17 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

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Option 1 Chalgrove Airfield

3.4 Chalgrove Airfield is a former Second World War airfield located directly north of the village of Chalgrove, north east of the B480, approximately 11 miles to the east of central Oxford and approximately 5 miles south of junction 7 of the M40 motorway. See Error! Reference source not found. below for map of Chalgrove Aifield.

3.5 The airfield opened in 1943 and was closed in July 1946 when it was leased to the Martin-Baker Company for development and testing of aircraft ejection seats. The site contains three runways and a perimeter track surrounded by security fencing, with managed grass across the rest of the site. Buildings, including the war-time T-2 hangers, are located to the east of the site. The site is currently used by Martin- Baker Ltd. Chalgrove Airfield has a CAA Ordinary Licence (Number P683) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the licensee (Martin-Baker (Engineering) Limited). The site of the Monument Industrial Estate to the southeast of the airfield was once part of the airfield.

Figure 4 Chalgrove Airfield

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Table 28 Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary Mitigating adverse Objective of Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 Chalgrove site comprises a former Ensure infrastructure is phased airfield which is a partially previously alongside new housing development developed site adjacent to the B480 and is integrated with the surrounding comprising 130 Ha. towns and villages were appropriate. At a nominal density of 30dph, 3,900 Affordable homes should be provided dwellings might be accommodated within all strategic developments. on the site, 3,000 dwellings are being considered within this Plan Significant infrastructure development period. will be required for any new settlement/urban extension it will be The site is in single ownership, essential to work with service providers Single ownership can provide a to ensure this is implemented in a greater certainty of delivery, which timely fashion. will result in significant positive effects in terms of providing Continued consultation with Oxford housing. City is essential to ensure that their unmet housing needs are incorporated Significant negative effects have into the Local Plan development. been identified due to the relative isolation of the site, the larger village A masterplan would need to be of Chalgrove is located north of the developed to encompass all mitigation B480, approx. 0.7 miles from the recommendations. site, however there is a lack of existing infrastructure and services due to isolated location, and the development would need to include provision of infrastructure and services to serve residents. 2 A new settlement / urban extension Ensure good quality urban design is would provide the opportunity to implemented and work with the local design a safe environment which community and Thames Valley police. could reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour, resulting in positive effects. 3, 4 Although Chalgrove is classified as Ensure improvements to service a larger village existing services provision commensurate with any would reach capacity with an increases in population. adjacent new settlement, due to the significant population increase. This Good phasing of development will be could put pressure on existing required. communities that could reduce Continue to work with the development community cohesion, resulting in agents to ensure a masterplan is significant negative effects. produced with all mitigation The site is relatively isolated and recommendations incorporated.

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SA Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary Mitigating adverse Objective of Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects does not have good accessibility to Ensure appropriate linkages to the the existing village of Chalgrove due existing village (including walking and to the site’s location on the east side cycling) through the masterplanning of the B480, resulting in significant process. negative effects towards access to services. Mix use development with a range of housing tenure is required, to improve A new settlement at Chalgrove the availability of larger dwellings. could be developed over time in line with infrastructure delivery. Development could provide the opportunity to improve services in Chalgrove, through the CiL requirements and the IDP. The site is a 2nd World war airfield and issues of contamination maybe present at the site, this could result in negative effects to new residents without mitigation. The site is also under the flight path of RAF Benson, Martin Bakers Meteor also occupies the site which requires some flights and carries out explosive tests as part of their business. Resulting in potential significant negative effects to new residents in terms of noise. There are AQMA’s in AQMA Wallingford (approx 9 miles from Chalgrove Airfield) and Watlington (3.7 miles from Chalgrove Airfield). Further information on air quality and congestion is addressed below in Objectives 5 & 6. 5 The site is an airfield and is partially Ensure phasing of development occurs previously developed land. to reduce impacts. The site is within a Nitrate Encourage the use of permeable Vulnerability Zone, there is low surfaces and SuDS, to reduce surface chance of surface water flooding; runoff. however the addition of hard surfaces can increase the risk of Improve sustainable transport and surface water runoff and pollution, accessibility to reduce use of personal resulting in potential negative vehicles use. effects. Ensure the ETI results inform the Due to the relative isolation of the 106

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SA Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary Mitigating adverse Objective of Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects site, it is likely that a car based decision making process. development will occur, resulting in potential negative effects if further Continue to monitor air quality in line development occurs here with regulation requirements. There are AQMA’s in AQMA . Wallingford (approx 9 miles from Policy on strategic sites should require Chalgrove Airfield) and Watlington any preferred option to be ‘air quality (3.7 miles from Chalgrove Airfield). neutral’ both during construction and Wallingford: operational phases. Air pollution here has also been monitored since 1998. An AQMA was declared in 2005 again as a result of NO2 levels exceeding the national objectives. Watlington: Air pollution monitoring in Watlington commenced in 2003 with an AQMA designated in 2009 due to NO2 exceedances’. The air pollution problem in Wallingford and Watlington are attributable to the traffic congestion along narrow streets lined with high sided buildings which leads to the creation of a ‘street canyon’ effect with pollutants unable to effectively disperse and are trapped at ground level. Both Watlington and Wallingford are within a 10 miles radius of Chalgrove Airfield, therefore potential significant negative effects may occur without mitigation if further development is allocated. 6 Chalgrove site comprises a former Produce an IDP to ensure that airfield which is a partially previously infrastructure is provided in a timely developed site, north of the B480, fashion. approximately 14.1 miles from Oxford, 19 miles from Reading and approximately 7 miles from Ensure the ETI results inform the junction 7 of the M40 motorway. decision making process. There is no train station at Chalgrove. Ensure good urban design principles are implemented within the new 107

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SA Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary Mitigating adverse Objective of Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects The road network to the site settlement and to create good access comprises the B480, a two lane to Chalgrove Village. carriageway running east-west to the south of the site, serving Continue to monitor air quality in line chalgrove village and connecting to with regulation requirements. the a329 via Stadhampton to the Access to other locations where west. The B480 continues service provision and employment westwards towards Oxford and east options exist, should be improved by towards Watlington. The site is working with infrastructure providers to relatively isolated and does not have identify where an increase in good accessibility to Chalgrove due sustainable modes of transport is to the sites location to the north of required. This should include, cycle the B480. ways, linking to green infrastructure. There are buses to Oxford every hour (with changes in the off peak), buses stop early evening and there is no Sunday services. Buses take approx. 1hr and stop at larger villages on route. There is no direct route to Reading. Buses to Didcot and Milton Park are not direct and provide limited access, compared to a car journey of 30 minutes. Monument Park, business park is located across the road on Warpsgrove Lane and provides 17 hectares of B1 and B2 employment uses this would provide employment opportunities for new residents, if employment provision was expanded. Due to the relative isolation of the site, it is likely that a car based development will occur. During the construction phase a large increase in vehicle movement will occur. Consideration should be given to the impact of the surrounding villages in terms of congestion and air quality, which could result in negative effects without mitigation. The site has limited access as 108

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SA Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary Mitigating adverse Objective of Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects discussed above, leading to potential significant negative effects if development occurs here, without mitigation. 7 No known biodiversity constraints Incorporate green infrastructure into are identified, resulting in no impact the design and biodiversity to biodiversity constraints. enhancement schemes. The following European Sites need Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. to be considered when identifying areas for additional housing Ensure further HRA Appropriate development: Aston Rowant SAC, Assessment is carried out and all Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill recommendations are included in the Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Local Plan 2032. Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC. A Habitats Regulations Assessment for South Oxfordshire District Council was prepared by LUC January 2015' and considered four potential growth options. Further HRA Appropriate Assessment would need to be carried out at the next stage of the Plan making process. Therefore current effects are uncertain. 8 The site is not in the Green Belt and Consider mitigation measures to is not in an AONB. reduce impact on tranquillity. The site is an airfield which is .LCA Recommendations: partially previously developed land. There are no landscape designation A full detailed landscape and visual constraints, the site is, however impact assessment will be required to within open countryside and is inform the final capacity of the site. relatively isolated. Restore the registered battlefield site Due to the relative isolation of the (brownfield land potential to be site, tranquillity is likely to be relocated elsewhere on the site) reduced, resulting in potential Create a substantive buffer to the more negative effects if development sensitive landscapes and listed were to take place. buildings to the west There is a risk of flooding from Create a substantive buffer to the more surface water, which can reduce soil sensitive landscapes to the north quality, resulting in potential negative effects if development Retain all good tree cover and were to take place. perimeter hedgerows Consultation response: The South Major linear tree belt planting to Oxfordshire Landscape Assessment integrate the development into the 109

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SA Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary Mitigating adverse Objective of Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects SPD (Atlantic Consultants) landscape and break up the built form concludes on LCA3 the Clay Vale/ Undulating Open Vale that: areas of Open space to be located to provide open landscape on elevated ground for interpretation of the battle site and and on the floor of the vale retain open setting to the Monument (including airfield sites) are visually Built form to be well structured with a exposed and new development high level of internal open space would be highly prominent unless closely associated with existing built Substantive irregular landscape buffers form or well-integrated within new to the rural edge to incorporate local landscape frameworks. on-site landscape features (watercourses, tree groups, The AONB can be affected hedgerows) to create gentle transition adversely by, for example, noise, air to the open countryside and water pollution, loss of tranquillity, light spill over previously The southern boundary landscape dark landscapes and skyscapes, treatment should be designed to water abstraction to serve integrate the development with the development, increased recreation adjacent Chalgrove village, create an pressures etc., without mitigation attractive frontage to the road and the potential negative effects are village and soften the built form by identified. breaking up the development mass Use of landscape masterplanning to carefully connect the village with the new settlement Preferred access to be well related to the existing settlement and located to minimise the impact of highway infrastructure on the adjacent open countryside. Ensure phasing of development occurs to reduce noise impacts. Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and SuDS. 9 Chalgrove Battlefield lies between A predetermination archaeological the hamlet of Warpsgrove and the desk-based assessment and village of Chalgrove; therefore, evaluation should be undertaken to significant heritage constraints exist establish a suitable and appropriate on the western edge of Chalgrove level of mitigation. Airfields, resulting in significant negative effects if development Historic England recommend the where to occur here without following: mitigation.  Oxfordshire Historic Landscape Characterisation should be used to inform the layout of any 110

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SA Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary Mitigating adverse Objective of Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects new settlement,

 This assessment may require more than a desk-based assessment and evaluation and should consider both above and below-ground features and remains.

Ensure the design manual is implemented. 10 New development offers the Include SuDS in all designs. opportunity to implement sustainable design principles, Promote sustainable building practices resulting potential positive effects. which conserve energy, water resources and materials. South Oxfordshire is in an area of water stress. Additional dwellings Consider implementing decentralised will put pressure on resource use energy. For example: CHP including: energy, water capacity Continue to work with Thames water to and sewage capacity, resulting in ensure water and sewage capacity is potential negative effects. It is maintained. however assumed that sustainable design principles will be implemented. 11 Site is not within a floodplain and is A SFRA level 1 will ensure that the previously developed land, however developable areas of any of these further development here is likely to strategic allocations are within flood increase hard surfaces, which can zone 1 only. result in surface water flooding. Encourage green infrastructure and Consultation comments received biodiversity enhancement schemes; raise the following concerns: The these are beneficial to flood prevention airfield being topographically higher and resilience to climate change. already contributes to flooding in Chalgrove. Include SuDS in all designs. 12 The development of new housing, The Site Waste Management Plans will lead to construction and Regulations (2008) were repealed on 1 demolition waste being produced. December 2013. Although no longer a regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13 Additional housing will increase the Encourage local work force and on the population and maintain and job skill training through-out the enhance the rural economy, by development of new housing. supporting and enhancing the larger Encourage green and eco 111

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SA Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary Mitigating adverse Objective of Key Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects villages especially Chalgrove, technologies, this will lead to an resulting in potential positive increase in skills locally and assist in effects. developing new businesses. Monument Park, business park is Work with service providers to ensure located across the road on a fast and reliable access to the Warpsgrove Lane would provide internet and mobile phone employment opportunities for new communications is provided through- residents, resulting in potential out the district. positive effects. Any loss of business as a result of Didcot and Milton Park provide housing development should be access to employment, however compensated elsewhere. access is limited. Buses run approx. half hourly from the adjacent B480, journey time is 1.5hrs; compared to a car journey of 30 minutes, resulting in potential negative effects. The airfield is primarily used by the Martin-Baker company for testing ejector seats, the company would need to be relocated. There are significant levels of dissatisfaction and frustration with current broadband provision in South Oxfordshire. The lack of adequate broadband services has a direct impact on local businesses and the economy and hence there is a need for fast and reliable access to the internet and mobile phone communications. 14, 15, 16 No Direct Impact N/A 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process and the community.

Option 2 Harrington Junction 7 M40

3.1 This greenfield site comprises 500 Ha, at a density 30dph 15,000, might be accommodated on the site, 3,000 dwellings are being considered within this Plan period; which will result in significant positive effects in terms of providing housing. 112

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The site is approximately. 13 miles from Oxford. The site is made up of four land ownerships. These owners are promoting their combined land for residential development. Framptons Town Planning Ltd is currently promoting approximately 500ha of land south-east and east of Junction 7 of the M40. See Figure 5 for map of site.

Figure 5 Harrington Junction 7/M40

Table 29 Harrington (Junction 7 /M40) SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Harrington (Junction 7 /M40) Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects 1 This greenfield site comprises 500 Ensure infrastructure is phased hectares, at a density of 30 dwellings alongside new housing development per hectare 15,000, might be and is integrated with the surrounding accommodated on the site. However towns and villages where at least 3,500 dwellings are being appropriate. considered within this Plan period, which will result in significant Affordable homes should be provided positive effects in terms of providing within all strategic developments. housing. Significant infrastructure development This development would create a will be required for any new ‘new settlement’ and would therefore settlement/urban extension it will be 113

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SA Harrington (Junction 7 /M40) Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects provide further housing in the long- essential to work with service term as infrastructure was developed providers to ensure this is as part of a long term plan. Current implemented in a timely fashion. infrastructure is limited, which reduces the positive effects and may Continued consultation with Oxford lead to significant negative effects City is essential to ensure that their due to the potential scale of unmet housing needs are development. incorporated into the Local Plan development. Proximity to motorway could compromise a good living A masterplan would need to be environment, resulting in negative developed to encompass all effects to new residents and would mitigation recommendations. require mitigation. Development sites adjacent to motorways require mitigation, buffer zones etc. 2 A new settlement / urban extension Ensure good quality urban design is would provide the opportunity to implemented and work with the local design a safe environment which community and with Thames Valley could reduce and prevent antisocial police. behaviour, resulting in positive effects. 3, 4 This development would need to be Any development would have to developed for a long term plan. provide health, education, recreation, community etc facilities as part of the A ‘new settlement’ could be scheme through CIL requirements developed over time in line with and the IDP. infrastructure delivery. An Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) Ensure improvements to service would be produced, to ensure that provision commensurate with any infrastructure would is provided in a increases in population. timely fashion. Good phasing of development will be There are a number of small villages required. and hamlets surrounding the site. A new settlement may provide Integration with the villages and additional facilities for these smaller towns nearby would be essential, villages, resulting in positive effects, however the identity of these places however without the provision of should be protected. services significant negative effects A masterplan would need to be would occur. This may result in a developed to encompass all breakdown of community and social mitigation recommendations. cohesion. Mix use development with a range of housing tenure is required, to improve the availability of larger dwellings.

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SA Harrington (Junction 7 /M40) Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects 4, 5 Potential significant negative Undertake a review of the existing effects have been identified as legal tenure relating to the existing discussed below: utilities infrastructure within the site boundary and any restrictions likely to There are a number of Hazardous be imposed. Installations within and surrounding this site. The site is subject to a Carry out an EMF survey to number of restrictions and constraints determine actual readings and advise owing to the presence of strategic on any refinement of standoff utility apparatus crossing the site and distances from the existing overhead a small area of floodplain. power lines. The existence of an overhead power Continue liaison with Scottish & line, a high pressure gas mains and Southern and National Grid to floodplain which will restrict discuss and agree no build development in part of the site. area/safety zones should their infrastructure remain in-situ. The Therefore, development could potential to divert their apparatus will propose a risk to human health and also be discussed. well-being both during construction and operational phases. An acoustic survey may be required to identify current and future noise The site is adjacent to the M40, noise levels of the M40. Noise barriers and and air quality could result in negative other mitigation measure may be health impacts. Any further required to be integrated into new development would increase noise housing. and reduce air quality. Ensure improvements to service provision commensurate with any increases in population. Good phasing of development will be required. A masterplan would need to be developed to encompass all mitigation recommendations from detailed site assessments. 5, 8 The site is greenfield land the addition Ensure phasing of development of hard surfaces can increase the risk occurs to reduce impacts. of surface water runoff and pollution and reduce soil quality, resulting in Encourage the use of permeable potential negative effects. surfaces and SUDS, to reduce surface run off. Due to the scale of development noise pollution will increase during the Improve sustainable transport and construction phase, which may accessibility to reduce use of continue for a number of years, personal vehicle use. resulting in potential negative effects Ensure the ETI results inform the if further development occurs here. decision making process.

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SA Harrington (Junction 7 /M40) Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects Due to the relative isolation of the Carry out further discussions with the site, it is likely that a car based Environment Agency with respect to development will occur, resulting in developing the masterplan. potential negative effects if further development occurs here. Policy on strategic sites should require any preferred option to be ‘Air quality neutral’ both during construction and operational phases. 6 A new settlement would create a ‘new The ‘Oxford Tube’ coach service to town’ in an area with few services at London could be re-routed here – the moment, including limited instead or additional to Lewknor sustainable transport options. There is currently an infrequent bus service. Development at this site could relate well to the strategic ambitions for The scale of development would linking the A34 to the M40 and however allow for sustainable forms beyond. of transport to be implemented. Ensure the ETI results inform the Access to the site would need to be decision making process. improved from the A329 and the M40. Work with infrastructure providers to It is unlikely that the full extent of identify were an increase in sustainable transport and strategic sustainable modes of transport is networks improvements could be required. This should include, cycle implemented prior to the ways, linking to green infrastructure. development, therefore there is likely to be a short fall as the developed Access to other locations were was phased. This would result in service provision and employment further vehicle use that could severely options exist, should be provided. impact the M40 and other road Continue to work with the site networks around Oxford which are promoter to ensure all mitigation is already near capacity. included in a masterplan. Due to the location of the site, it is likely that a car based development will occur. During the construction phase a large increase in vehicle movement will occur. The site has limited access as discussed above, leading to potential significant negative effects if development occurs here, without mitigation. 7, 8 The site is within an SSSI impact An ecological survey and mitigation zone. Spartum Fen SSSI is one of a recommendations for any group of important fen sites found in development needs to be undertaken 116

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SA Harrington (Junction 7 /M40) Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects Oxfordshire and lies to the alongside consultation with Natural southwestern boundary of the site. England to ensure protection of the Spartum Fen supports a rich water course and the SSSI is invertebrate fauna including over forty maintained. species of nationally uncommon and rare insects. Detention ponds, green roofs, swales and other infiltration techniques Changes in water supply and water should be integrated into the design quality have the potential to result in and included within the masterplan. harm to the SSSI. Incorporate green infrastructure into There could be the design and biodiversity Significant negative effects on the enhancement schemes. SSSI in the absence of mitigation. Ensure further HRA Appropriate The following European Sites need to Assessment is carried out and all be considered when identifying areas recommendations are included in the for additional housing development: Local Plan 2032. Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC. A Habitats Regulations Assessment for South Oxfordshire District Council was prepared by LUC January 2015' This HRA Report considered four potential growth options. Further HRA Appropriate Assessment will be carried out at the next stage of the Plan making process. Therefore current effects are uncertain. 8 The site is not within the Green Belt A full detailed landscape and visual or an AONB, it is greenfield land, and impact assessment will be required to any development of greenfield land inform the final capacity of the site. can reduce the quality of the soil from surface run-off. Consider mitigation measures to reduce impact on tranquillity. There are no landscape designation constraints. Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and SuDS. Tranquillity will be reduced for the surrounding villages with the development of a ‘new town’, the open gap of country-side between villages and the M40 will be closed, resulting in potential negative effects if development were to take place.

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SA Harrington (Junction 7 /M40) Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects 9 There are a number of historic A predetermination archaeological settlements nearby: Great Haseley, desk-based assessment and Little Hasley, Tetworth and Ardwell evaluation should be undertaken to are the closest. Bothy Great Haseley establish a suitable and appropriate and Little Hasley have conservation level of mitigation. areas and these are very close to the site. Historic England recommend the following: There are known archaeological constraints within the site and  Oxfordshire Historic adjacent to the site boundary, further Landscape Characterisation investigative works would need to be should be used to inform the carried out to prevent potential layout of any new settlement, significant negative effects.  This assessment may require Latchford House is a grade 2 listed more than a desk-based building, located within the site and assessment and evaluation there are a number of listed buildings, and should consider both which could be impacted by any above and below-ground development surrounding the site. features and remains. 10 New development offers the Include SuDS in all designs. opportunity to implement sustainable design principles, resulting potential Promote sustainable building positive effects. practices which conserve energy, water resources and materials. South Oxfordshire is in an area of water stress. Additional dwellings will Consider implementing decentralised put pressure on resource use energy, for example CHP. including: energy, water capacity and Work with Thames water to ensure sewage capacity, resulting in potential water and sewage capacity is negative effects. It is however maintained. assumed that sustainable design principles will be implemented. 8, 11 The site is greenfield land, any No development should take place removal of greenfield land will within the flood zones 2 & 3 on the increase hard surfaces, which can site. result in surface water flooding. A Sequential Test should be carried Potential significant negative out. effects have been identified due to the following: Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes; Part of the site is within flood zone 2 these are beneficial to flood & 3. Flood data obtained from the prevention and resilience to climate Environment Agency (EA) indicates change. that water levels associated with a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability Include SuDS in all designs. (AEP)* flood event will break banks Any proposed works that will impact 118

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SA Harrington (Junction 7 /M40) Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects and extend into land designated as on flood storage capacity must be functional floodplain. This minimised to ensure that the EA are subsequently forms a constraint to satisfied with the proposed developable areas and will require development. As the Environment consideration as the masterplan Agency usually require level for level develops. flood compensation. 12 The development of new housing, will The Site Waste Management Plans lead to construction and demolition Regulations (2008) were repealed on waste being produced, resulting in 1 December 2013. Although no potential negative effects longer a regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13 The north western part of the district Encourage local work force and on is an area where there is significant the job skill training through-out the economic investment and development of new housing. employment centred around Oxford. This site is located adjacent to the Encourage green and eco M40 and is 13 miles from Oxford, technologies, this will lead to an resulting in potential positive effects. increase in skills locally and assist in developing new businesses. This is a large sites comprising of 500 Hectares, there is opportunity to Work with service providers to ensure develop a mix use development with a fast and reliable access to the additional employment opportunities, internet and mobile phone resulting in potential positive effects. communications is provided through- out the district. 14, 15, 16 No Direct Impact N/A 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process and the community.

3.2 Mitigation: Any sites taken forward as a preferred options are discussed in Part 2 of this report, mitigation is also discussed and indicates how this mitigation has been addressed within the Local Plan Preferred Options.

Option 3 Grenoble Road

3.3 The site would form an urban extension to Oxford. It comprises 300 Ha, at a density 30dph 9000 dwellings might be accommodated on the site, 3,500 dwellings are being considered within this Plan period. The site is 4 miles direct along the A4144 to Oxford city centre by bus. The area falls within four different landownerships, it is

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considered available. See Figure 6 Error! Reference source not found. below for map of Grenoble Rd.

Figure 6 Grenoble Rd

Table 30 Option 3 Grenoble Road

SA Grenoble Road Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects 1 The site would form an urban Ensure infrastructure is phased extension to Oxford. It comprises 300 alongside new housing development hectares and, at a density 30 and is integrated with the dwellings per hectare, about 9000 surrounding towns and villages were dwellings might be accommodated on appropriate. the site. Approximately 3,500 dwellings are being considered within Affordable homes should be this Plan period; which will result in provided within all strategic significant positive effects in terms developments. of providing housing. Significant infrastructure The area falls within four different development will be required for any landownerships, it is considered new settlement/urban extension it available. will be essential to work with service providers to ensure this is Proximity to Oxford with existing 120

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SA Grenoble Road Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects infrastructure and services, resulting implemented in a timely fashion. in positive effects, however development of the site would need to Continued consultation with Oxford ensure it could be well connected to City is essential to ensure that their these existing services, without unmet housing needs are improvement significant negative incorporated into the Local Plan effects may occur in the long term. development. A masterplan would need to be developed to encompass all mitigation recommendations. Development sites adjacent to motorways require mitigation, buffer zones etc. 2 A new settlement / urban extension Ensure good quality urban design is would provide the opportunity to implemented and work with the local design a safe environment which community and Thames Valley could reduce and prevent antisocial police. behaviour, resulting in positive effects. 3, 4 An urban extension could be Ensure improvements to service developed over time in line with provision commensurate with any infrastructure delivery. An IDP would increases in population. be produced, to ensure that infrastructure is provided in a timely Good phasing of development will fashion. be required. The site is south of Littlemore, Oxford Integration with Littlemore and and is within the Oxford City Blackbird Leys would be essential. administrative area. Replace any loss of recreation South of Grenoble Road is located facilities and ensure that access to close to the established and well- green infrastructure is maintained or served settlements of Littlemore and replaced. Blackbird Leys, and as such benefits A masterplan would need to be from numerous community facilities developed to encompass all within these areas. The area is served mitigation recommendations. by several schools, healthcare facilities, and is located close to areas Good urban design principles should of future employment growth. This be implanted to ensure social includes Oxford Business park, cohesion occurs, access to Oxford Science Park and Harrow community and faith groups should Road Industrial Estate, as well as be integrated into the development, future expansion by BMW. Therefore, through the masterplan process. positive effects are identified, Consider appropriate uses for the Services and facilities are available, sites especially the sewage works there is a primary and secondary the site would need to be 121

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SA Grenoble Road Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects school, community centre and remediated this may involve allocated employment sites. The excavation and removal of capacity of existing schools would not contaminated land. be able to cope with an adjacent new settlement so new schools, as well as If the sewage works remains a other services, would need to be buffer zone would need to be provided as part of the development, implemented. to prevent negative effects. A good and informative method of Social cohesion is an important consultation should be undertaken aspect of any future residential with the residents of surrounding development within the area. areas. Additional development may put Mix use development with a range pressure on existing communities, of housing tenure is required, to reducing community cohesion improve the availability of larger resulting in negative effects. dwellings. The sites include a sewage works and a substation, a number of electricity pylons cross the site, residential development may lead to safety and health concerns. Resulting in significant negative effects. 5 The site is in the Oxford Green belt; A masterplan would need to be the majority of the land is greenfield developed to encompass all land, with the exception of the historic mitigation recommendations. landfill sites and the sewage works, which are brownfield land. Consider how development may be impacted by the existing historic There are 2 historic landfills within the landfill located on the site. north west of the site boundary. Work with Oxford City to ensure the The sites include a sewage works, air quality is monitored during both development may result in pollution to the construction and operational soil and water. The sewage works phases. release bad odours, resulting in potential negative effects for new Encourage the use of permeable residents if further development surfaces and SuDS, to reduce occurs here. surface run off. The sites are within a Nitrate Improve sustainable transport and Vulnerability Zone, there is a very accessibility to reduce use of high chance of surface water flooding, personal vehicle use. the addition of hard surfaces can Ensure the ETI results inform the increase the risk of surface water decision making process. runoff and pollution, resulting in potential negative effects if further Consider appropriate uses for the development occurs here. sites especially the sewage works the site would need to be Due to the scale of development 122

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SA Grenoble Road Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects noise pollution will increase during the remediated this may involve construction phase, which may excavation and removal of continue for a number of years, contaminated land. resulting in potential negative effects if further development occurs here. Policy on strategic sites should require any preferred option to be There is likely to be an increase in car ‘air quality neutral’ both during borne traffic locally, both during the construction and operational construction and operational phase. phases.

6 The site is an edge of Oxford site, Ensure the ETI results inform the south of the city, within the decision making process. administrative area of SODC. Work with infrastructure providers to South of Grenoble Road is located identify were an increase in close to the established and well- sustainable modes of transport is served settlements of Littlemore and required. This should include, cycle Blackbird Leys, and as such benefits ways, linking to green infrastructure. from numerous community facilities within these areas, resulting in The area will benefit from the positive effects. highway improvements carried out at the Kennington and Hinksey Hill The site is located close to areas of interchanges and the proposed re- future employment growth. This opening of the Cowley Line. includes Oxford Business park, Oxford Science Park and Harrow Access to other locations were Road Industrial Estate, as well as service provision and employment future expansion by BMW, resulting in options exist, should be provided. positive effects. Good urban design principles should The site lies 4 miles from Oxford, with be integrated into the design to bus links directly along the A4144.. improve accessibility. There are regular services, however the journey takes approx. 30-40 minutes to Oxford City Centre, resulting in positive effects. South of Grenoble Road is close to high frequency services operating in the Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys areas, and presents a significant opportunity if it is possible to extend some services through this area to the new development; however, these services are circular routes that may make this more problematic. Journey times to Oxford city centre are also 123

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SA Grenoble Road Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects significant because of the heavily trafficked nature of the Cowley Road and the number of passengers carried, resulting in potential negative effects. There are several cycle friendly routes to Oxford, approx. 20 minutes along flat routes, resulting in positive effects. During the construction phase a large increase in vehicle movement will occur, resulting in potential negative effects. 7 Sandford Brake electricity substation A phase 1 ecological survey should is located to the north of the site be undertaken. within an area of woodland. The woodland is a local wildlife site. Avoid any detrimental impact to the local wildlife site. No further biodiversity constraints have been identified, resulting in no Incorporate green infrastructure into impact to biodiversity constraints the design and biodiversity enhancement schemes. The following European Sites need to be considered when identifying areas Ensure further HRA Appropriate for additional housing development: Assessment is carried out and all Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern recommendations are included in Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, the Local Plan 2032. Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC. A Habitats Regulations Assessment for South Oxfordshire District Council was prepared by LUC in January 2015. The HRA Report considered four potential growth options. Further HRA Appropriate Assessment will be carried out at the next stage of the Plan making process. Therefore current effects are uncertain. 8 The site is within the Oxford Green Consider mitigation measures to Belt. reduce impact on tranquillity. Within the site boundary the majority The LCA recommends that a small of the land is greenfield land, with the part in the south-east of the site may exception of the historic landfill sites be suitable and subject to a review and the sewage works, which are of the site’s contribution to the

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SA Grenoble Road Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects brownfield land. Green Belt. A Green Belt review (Sept 2015) has Care should be taken that any been undertaken and suggests the Suggested development does not following: have an adverse impact on the open character of the adjacent Green The Sandford Sewage Works which Belt. lies within the site boundary, is suggested to be inset. This includes A full detailed landscape and visual the areas containing structures and impact assessment will be required hard paving, including the access, all to inform the final capacity of the within a largely well-defined and treed site. boundary. Ensure phasing of development Two potential areas to be taken out of occurs to reduce noise impacts. the Green Belt (Area 3 and 4) have been identified adjacent to the Encourage the use of permeable Southern edge of Oxford City and surfaces and SuDS. Sandford-on-Thames. Please see Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council Final Report Sept 2015 for further information. The LCA states: 1) Potential for harm to the Green Belt and the rural character south of Oxford. However, the site may have some potential for development subject to landscape and visual mitigation; 2) Value as green infrastructure; 3) Part of this area may have potential for housing subject to landscape and visual mitigation; 4) This area is an important part of the open landscape in retaining a rural approach to Oxford and maintain the rural setting of Oxford and nearby settlements but the most northerly area may have potential for housing subject to landscape and visual mitigation. Potential significant negative effects are identified.

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SA Grenoble Road Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects 9 The site is within the Oxford Green A predetermination archaeological Belt. The Green Belt is located within desk-based assessment and the setting of a large number of evaluation should be undertaken to designated heritage assets. Although establish a suitable and appropriate not within the district, the historic level of mitigation. setting of Oxford would need to be carefully considered. Historic England recommend the following: Any additional development would, however, be located in an area of  Oxfordshire Historic landscape that includes significant Landscape Characterisation 20th century residential development, should be used to inform the electricity pylons and other structures layout of any new settlement, and as such its contribution to the  This assessment may significance of these heritage assets require more than a desk- has been diminished. based assessment and Shakespeare’s Way National Trail is evaluation and should adjacent to the northern part of the consider both above and site. below-ground features and remains. The Toot Baldon Conservation Area is located to the south of the site, there are a number of archelogy constraints within and adjacent to the site. 10 New development offers the Include SuDS in all designs. opportunity to implement sustainable design principles, resulting potential Promote sustainable building positive effects. practices which conserve energy, water resources and materials. South Oxfordshire is in an area of water stress. Additional dwellings will Consider implementing put pressure on resource use decentralised energy, for example including: energy, water capacity and CHP. sewage capacity, resulting in potential Work with Thames water to ensure negative effects. It is however water and sewage capacity is assumed that sustainable design maintained. principles will be implemented. 11 Site is not within a floodplain, A Sequential Test should be carried however the site is greenfield land, out. any removal of greenfield land will increase hard surfaces, which can Encourage green infrastructure and result in surface water flooding. biodiversity enhancement schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change.

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SA Grenoble Road Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects Include SuDS in all designs.

12 The development of new housing, will The Site Waste Management Plans lead to construction and demolition Regulations (2008) were repealed waste being produced, resulting in on 1 December 2013. Although no potential negative effects longer a regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13 The site is located 4 miles from Encourage local work force and on Oxford. To the south of the site are a the job skill training through-out the number of villages that may benefit development of new housing. from development nearby, resulting in potential positive effects. Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an The site is located close to areas of increase in skills locally and assist in future employment growth. This developing new businesses. includes Oxford Business park, Oxford Science Park and Harrow Work with service providers to Road Industrial Estate, as well as ensure a fast and reliable access to future expansion by BMW, resulting in the internet and mobile phone potential positive effects. communications is provided through-out the district. This is a large site comprising of 300Ha, there is opportunity to develop a mix use development with additional employment opportunities, resulting in potential positive effects. 14, 15, 16 No Direct Impact N/A 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process and the community.

3.4 Mitigation: Any sites taken forward as a preferred options are discussed in Part 2 of this report, mitigation is also discussed and indicates how this mitigation has been addressed within the Local Plan Preferred Options.

Option 4 Wick Farm

3.5 The site would form an urban extension to Oxford. It comprises of 128ha. 1,400 dwellings might be accommodated on the site within this plan period, which will result in significant positive effects in terms of providing housing. 127

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3.6 The site is 3 miles direct along the A420 to Oxford city centre by bus or 6.8 miles along the eastern bypass, in a private vehicle.

3.7 The land ownership suggests development is likely to be deliverable. (1,400 dwellings are being considered within this Plan period). See Figure 7 below for map.

Figure 7 Wick Farm

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Table 31 Wick Farm SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Wick Farm Mitigating adverse effects/maximising Objective beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues 1 The site would form an urban A full detailed landscape and visual extension to Oxford and is 128 impact assessment would be required to hectares in size. Approximately inform the final capacity of the sites. 1400 dwellings might be accommodated on the site within Ensure infrastructure is phased this plan period, which will result in alongside new housing development significant positive effects in and is integrated with the surrounding terms of providing housing. towns and villages where appropriate. The site is 3 miles direct along the Affordable homes should be provided A420 to Oxford city centre by bus within all strategic developments. or 6.8 miles along the eastern Significant infrastructure development bypass, in a private vehicle. will be required for any new The land ownership suggests settlement/urban extension it will be development is likely to be essential to work with service providers deliverable. to ensure this is implemented in a timely fashion. Proximity to Oxford with existing infrastructure and services Continued consultation with Oxford City resulting in positive effects, is essential to ensure that their unmet however, development of the site housing needs are incorporated into the would need to ensure it could be Local Plan development. well connected to these existing A masterplan would need to be services to prevent significant developed to encompass all mitigation negative effects from occurring. recommendations. 2 A new settlement / urban Ensure good quality urban design is extension would provide the implemented and work with the local opportunity to design a safe community and Thames Valley police. environment which could reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour, resulting in positive effects. 3, 4 An urban extension could be Ensure improvements to service developed over time in line with provision commensurate with any infrastructure delivery. An IDP increases in population. would be produced, to ensure that infrastructure is provided in a Mixed- use development with a range of timely fashion. housing tenure is required, to improve the availability of larger dwellings. The proximity of Wick Farm to the established district centre of Good urban design principles should be Headington (directly opposite on implemented to ensure social cohesion the other side of the A40) provides occurs, access to community and faith a range of community facilities, groups should be integrated into the including retail, schools and development, through the masterplan 129

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SA Wick Farm Mitigating adverse effects/maximising Objective beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues medical facilities. process. Barton approx. 1 mile away from Good urban design principles will be the site has some local scale retail, required to ensure accessibility is a community centre and school. promoted throughout the development Barton Park is a planned 800+ phases. Pedestrian access should be residential development adjacent improved across the A40. to Wick Farm that will also provide health, education and community A good and informative method of services. Therefore, Positive consultation should be undertaken with effects are identified. the residents of both Barton and Headington. Barton: The ethnic and international diversity of Barton Ensure Wick Copse remains accessible. has increased very rapidly over the Ensure PRoW are protected. last decade. Barton has some areas of high deprivation and A masterplan would need to be development in this area would developed to encompass all mitigation provide opportunities to regenerate recommendations. the area and provide better Mix use development with a range of services. housing tenure is required, to improve There are a number of PRoW that the availability of larger dwellings. cross the sites.

The Site is adjacent to the A40,

therefore there are noise implications for new residents. Additional development may put pressure on existing communities, which may reduce community cohesion resulting in negative effects. Wick Copse is within the proposed development site and is an area of accessible countryside. There are a number of PRoW that cross the sites. 5, 8, 11 The site is greenfield land, within A masterplan would need to be the Oxford Green Belt. Any developed to encompass all mitigation reduction in greenfield land may recommendations. result in pollution from surface run- off. Consider how development may be impacted by the existing historic landfill The site is within a Groundwater located on the site. Vulnerability Zone (GVA) and Surface Water Safeguard Zone/ Work with Oxford City to ensure the air Nitrate Vulnerability Zone. There is quality is monitored during both the 130

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SA Wick Farm Mitigating adverse effects/maximising Objective beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues a risk of surface water flooding construction and operational phases. from the main rivers and brooks, within the proposed site, resulting Ensure phasing of development occurs in potential negative effects. to reduce noise impacts. There is likely to be an increase in Encourage the use of permeable car borne traffic locally, both surfaces and SuDS, to reduce surface during the construction and run off. operational phase. Improve sustainable transport and There are AQMA’s in Barton and accessibility to reduce use of personal Headington, which are within vehicle use. Oxford City’s administrative area, Ensure the ETI results inform the resulting in potential negative decision making process. effects if further development occurs here. An acoustic survey may be required to identify current and future noise levels of There is likely to be an increase in the adjacent roads. Noise barriers and car borne traffic locally, both other mitigation measure may be during the construction and required to be integrated into new operational phase, resulting in housing. potential negative effects if further development occurs here. Policy on strategic sites should require any preferred option to be ‘air quality There are two areas of historic neutral’ both during construction and landfill: Wick Copse and Wick operational phases. Farm.

Due to the potential scale of development noise pollution will increase during the construction phase, which may continue for a number of years, 6 The site is located to the north of Ensure the ETI results inform the the Northern Bypass, and is well decision making process. connected to Oxford and employment areas in Headington. Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase in sustainable The area offers good proximity to modes of transport is required. This the Headington area and to retail should include, cycle ways, linking to and leisure facilities, resulting in green infrastructure. positive effects. However, proximity to supermarkets and secondary schools needs to be improved. The wider Headington area also provides a range of employment opportunities linked to the area’s hospitals and Oxford Brookes

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SA Wick Farm Mitigating adverse effects/maximising Objective beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues University in particular, while Headington is also well-connected to the city centre, where significant job creation is expected, resulting in positive effects. Sustainable and safe forms of transport need to be improved through access routes for residents of Barton to prevent negative effects. The area has potential to offer good connections by public transport to the city centre and employment opportunities. There are currently regular bus services to Barton every 10 minutes, resulting in positive effects. During the construction phase a large increase in vehicle movement will occur, resulting in potential negative effects. 7, 8 The following bird species are An ecological survey and mitigation present in the area Grey Partridge, recommendations for any development Yellow Wagtail and Lapwing. All needs to be undertaken alongside are classified as Red List species. consultation with Natural England to ensure protection of the water course Sydlings Copse and Wicks copse and the SSSI is maintained. are located within the site. Boasting ancient broadleaved Detention ponds, green roofs, swales woodland, limestone grasslands, and other infiltration techniques should reedbed, fen, a stream and rare be integrated into the design and Oxfordshire heathland, the reserve included within the masterplan. supports over 400 plant species. The site is also teeming with birds Incorporate green infrastructure into the and insect life; butterflies include design and biodiversity enhancement the purple hairstreak, brown schemes. hairstreak, common blue and Ensure further HRA Appropriate marbled white. (BBOWT2015) Assessment is carried out and all Changes in water supply and recommendations are included in the water quality have the potential to Local Plan 2032. result in harm to the SSSI Any new development on this site may lead to negative effects on the SSSI.

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SA Wick Farm Mitigating adverse effects/maximising Objective beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues Any new development on this site may lead to significant negative effects on the SSSI. The following European Sites need to be considered when identifying areas for additional housing development: Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC. A Habitats Regulations Assessment for South Oxfordshire District Council was prepared by LUC January 2015' The HRA Report considered four potential growth options. Further HRA Appropriate Assessment will be carried out at the next stage of the Plan making process. Therefore current effects are uncertain. 8 The site is greenfield land within Consider mitigation measures to reduce the Oxford Green Belt. impact on tranquillity. The Green Belt function in this The LCA recommends that only a very area is the contribution of the open small part in the south-east of the site countryside character of the higher may be suitable and subject to a review ground to the green backdrop to of the site’s contribution to the Green Oxford. Belt. Care should be taken to ensure any suggested development does not A Green Belt review (Sept 2015) have an adverse impact on the open has been undertaken and character of the adjacent Green Belt. suggests the following: A full detailed landscape and visual The boundary could be revised in impact assessment would be required to three potential areas (Areas 15, 16 inform the final capacity of the site. and 17) north of the Bayswater Brook. Historic England recommend the Oxfordshire Historic Landscape Area 17 is within the assessment Characterisation should be used to boundary comprises 2 fields, with inform the layout of any new settlement. built form to the south and split by an access road to a caravan park which forms the north eastern edge. Hedgerows and tree belts form the other boundaries. The LCA states:

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SA Wick Farm Mitigating adverse effects/maximising Objective beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues Potential to harm the rural setting of Oxford and extensive area of open countryside on rising ground; Potential harm to northern approaches to the city; resulting in potential significant negative effects if development were to take place. Please see Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council Final Report Sept 2015 for further information. 9 This part of the Green Belt A predetermination archaeological desk- comprises agricultural land, which based assessment and evaluation forms part of the setting of a should be undertaken to establish a number of listed buildings. suitable and appropriate level of mitigation. The land to the west of Bayswater Road forms part of the historic Ensure the design guide is implemented. agricultural setting of Wick Farm. Historic England recommend the The land to the east of Bayswater following: Road makes less of a contribution although further work is needed to  Oxfordshire Historic Landscape determine the archaeological Characterisation should be used potential associated with the to inform the layout of any new probable location of the medieval settlement, settlement of Stowford and the  This assessment may require water management system more than a desk-based associated with Bayswater Mill. assessment and evaluation and There are a number of should consider both above and conservation areas surrounding below-ground features and the site: Elsfield, Stanton St John remains. and Beckley.

There are known archaeological constraints within the site boundary. Therefore, potential significant negative effects may occur. 10 New development offers the Include SuDS in all designs. opportunity to implement sustainable design principles, Promote sustainable building practices resulting potential positive which conserve energy, water resources effects. and materials. South Oxfordshire is in an area of Consider implementing decentralised 134

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SA Wick Farm Mitigating adverse effects/maximising Objective beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues water stress. Additional dwellings energy. For example: CHP will put pressure on resource use including: energy, water capacity Work with Thames water to ensure and sewage capacity, resulting in water and sewage capacity is potential negative effects. It is maintained. however assumed that sustainable design principles will be implemented. 11 Part of the site is within flood zone No development should take place 2 & 3 within the flood zones 2 & 3 on the site. A Sequential Test should be carried out. Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change. Include SuDS in all designs. 12 The development of new housing, The Site Waste Management Plans will lead to construction and Regulations (2008) were repealed on 1 demolition waste being produced, December 2013. Although no longer a resulting in potential negative regulatory requirement in England, effects SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13 The site is located 3 miles from Encourage local work force and on the Oxford. job skill training through-out the development of new housing. The wider Headington area also provides a range of employment Encourage green and eco technologies, opportunities linked to the area’s which will lead to an increase in skills hospitals and Oxford Brookes locally and assist in developing new University in particular, while businesses. Headington is also well-connected to the city centre, where significant Work with service providers to ensure a job creation is expected, resulting fast and reliable access to the internet in potential positive effects. and mobile phone communications is provided through-out the district. Any loss of business as a result of housing development should be compensated elsewhere. 14, 15, 16 No Direct Impact N/A 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process and the community.

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3.8 Mitigation: Any sites taken forward as a preferred options are discussed in Part 2 of this report, mitigation is also discussed and indicates how this mitigation has been addressed within the Local Plan Preferred Options.

Option 5 Thornhill

3.9 The site comprises of 40.5ha 1,000 dwellings are being considered within this Plan period which will result in significant positive effects in terms of providing housing.

3.10 The site would form an urban extension to Oxford and is located to the west of Risinghurst which is an outlying residential area of Oxford, just outside the Eastern Bypass Road which forms part of the Oxford ring road. It is about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of the centre of Headington and 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Oxford city centre. See Figure 8 for map of site.

3.11 The site is available from the land owner.

Figure 8 Thornhill

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Table 32 Thornhill SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Thornhill Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects 1 The site comprises of 40.5 hectares. Ensure infrastructure is phased Approximately 1,000 dwellings could alongside new housing development be delivered within this Plan period and is integrated with the which would result in significant surrounding towns and villages were positive effects in terms of providing appropriate. housing. Affordable homes will be provided The site would form an urban within all strategic developments. extension to Oxford and is located to Mixed- use development with a the west of Risinghurst which is an range of housing tenure is required. outlying residential area of Oxford, just outside the Eastern Bypass Road Significant infrastructure which forms part of the Oxford ring development will be required for any road. It is about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of new settlement/urban extension it the centre of Headington and 3 miles will be essential to work with service (4.8 km) east of Oxford city centre. providers to ensure this is implemented in a timely fashion. The site is available from the land owner. Continued consultation with Oxford City is essential to ensure that their Proximity to Oxford with existing unmet housing needs are infrastructure and services resulting in incorporated into the Local Plan positive effects, however, development. development of the site would need to ensure it could be well connected to A masterplan would need to be these existing services to prevent developed to encompass all significant negative effects from mitigation recommendations. occurring. 2 A new settlement / urban extension Ensure good quality urban design is would provide the opportunity to implemented and work with the local design a safe environment which could community and Thames Valley reduce and prevent antisocial police. behaviour, resulting in positive effects. 3, 4 An urban extension could be Ensure improvements to service developed over time in line with provision commensurate with any infrastructure delivery. An IDP would increases in population. be produced, to ensure that infrastructure is provided in a timely Good phasing of development will fashion. be required. The site is adjacent to Risinghurst, Good urban design principles will be which has limited services, however required that ensure accessibility is the proximity of Thornhill to the promoted throughout the established district centre of development phases, pedestrian Headington approx. 1 mile away to the access should be improved, to Headington and Shotover Country 137

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SA Thornhill Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects west provides a range of community Park. facilities, including retail, schools and medical facilities. Therefore positive Integration with Risinghurst is effects are identified. essential to avoid segregation. There is a ProW to the left of the site Protect access to PRoW. boundary. A masterplan would need to be The Site is adjacent to the A420, developed to encompass all therefore there might be noise mitigation recommendations. implications for new residents. Mix use development with a range of Shotover Country Park is located housing tenure is required, to south of the site and is an area of improve the availability of larger accessible country side. dwellings. There are AQMA within in Barton and Headington, which are within Oxford City’s administrative area. Additional development may put pressure on existing communities, reducing community cohesion resulting in negative effects. 5, 8 The site is greenfield land, within the Work with Oxford City to ensure the Oxford Green Belt. Any reduction in air quality is monitored during both greenfield land may result in pollution the construction and operational from surface run-off for neighbouring phases. areas. Ensure phasing of development The Site is within an area of occurs to reduce noise impacts. open/accessible countryside with relative tranquillity, any development Encourage the use of permeable here may reduce this quality, resulting surfaces and SuDS, to reduce in potential negative effects. surface run off. In the short term noise pollution may Improve sustainable transport and increase during the construction accessibility to reduce use of phase. personal vehicle use. There is likely to be an increase in car Ensure the ETI results inform the borne traffic locally, both during the decision making process. construction and operational phase. Consider how a level of tranquillity There are AQMA’s in Barton and can be maintained. Headington, which are within Oxford A masterplan would need to be City’s administrative area, resulting in developed to encompass all potential negative effects if further mitigation recommendations. development occurs here. Policy on strategic sites should require any preferred option to be 138

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SA Thornhill Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects ‘air quality neutral’ both during construction and operational phases.

6 The site is located close to the eastern Ensure the ETI results inform the bypass, and is well connected to decision making process. Oxford and employment areas in Headington. The area offers good Work with infrastructure providers to proximity to the Headington area and identify were an increase in to retail and leisure facilities, resulting sustainable modes of transport is in positive effects. However, required. This should include, cycle proximity to supermarkets and ways, linking to green infrastructure. secondary schools needs to be improved. The wider Headington area also provides a range of employment opportunities linked to the area’s hospitals and Oxford Brookes University in particular, while Headington is also well-connected to the city centre, where significant job creation is expected, resulting in positive effects. Headington offers good connections by public transport to the city centre and employment opportunities, with regular bus services every 10 minutes. Headington is approx. 20 minutes’ walk away from the site, resulting in positive effects. There is a P&R located adjacent to the north west of the site, buses leave every 12 minutes to Oxford, which is approx. 4 miles away, resulting in positive effects. The P&R is also a stop for the Oxford- London coach During the construction phase a large increase in vehicle movement will occur, resulting in potential negative effects.

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SA Thornhill Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects 7, 8 Shotover Country Park is located to An ecological survey and mitigation the south of the proposed site. The recommendations for any country park covers most of the 100ha development needs to be of land between Shotover Plain and undertaken alongside consultation the Eastern Bypass and falls into two with Natural England to ensure main parts, the southern slopes of protection of the watercourse and Shotover Hill and the flat the SSSI is maintained. predominantly wooded land near the bypass. Detention ponds, green roofs, swales and other infiltration Brasenose Woodland and Shotover techniques should be integrated into Hill within Shotover Country park are the design and included within the Sites of Special Scientific Interest masterplan. (SSSI). Incorporate green infrastructure into Any new development on this site may the design and biodiversity lead to significant negative effects enhancement schemes. on the SSSI. Ensure further HRA Appropriate The site is adjacent to a Nature Assessment is carried out and all Conservation Target Area. recommendations are included in the Local Plan 2032. The following European Sites need to be considered when identifying areas for additional housing development: Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, and Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC. A Habitats Regulations Assessment for South Oxfordshire District Council was prepared by LUC January 2015' and considered four potential growth options. Further HRA Appropriate Assessment would need to be carried out at the next stage of the Plan making process. Therefore current effects are uncertain. 8 The site is greenfield land within the Consider mitigation measures to Oxford Green Belt. A Green Belt reduce impact on tranquillity. review (Sept 2015) has been undertaken and suggests boundary Landscape mitigation to Thornhill changes which are within this Park and Ride is needed, boundary area. recommended by the LCA. An update to the LCA 2015 has been The LCA does not recommend that carried out which states ‘potential the area to be taken forward to LCA harm to the setting of the parkland at Phase 2 assessment. Shotover, the rural approach to Oxford Care should be taken that any 140

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SA Thornhill Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects and the integrity of the open landscape suggested development does not east of Oxford’. Therefore, have an adverse impact on the open development here is likely to result in character of the adjacent Green potential significant negative effects. Belt. Please see Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council Final Report Sept 2015 for further information. 9 Forest Hill Conservation Area lies to A predetermination archaeological the North of the site. desk-based assessment and evaluation should be undertaken to There are known archaeological establish a suitable and appropriate constraints within the site and adjacent level of mitigation. to the site boundary. Ensure the design guide is implemented. Historic England recommend the following:  Oxfordshire Historic Landscape Characterisation should be used to inform the layout of any new settlement,

 This assessment may require more than a desk- based assessment and evaluation and should consider both above and below-ground features and remains.

10 New development offers the Include SuDS in all designs. opportunity to implement sustainable design principles, resulting potential Promote sustainable building positive effects. practices which conserve energy, water resources and materials. South Oxfordshire is in an area of water stress. Additional dwellings will Consider implementing put pressure on resource use decentralised energy, for example, including: energy, water capacity and CHP. sewage capacity, resulting in potential Work with Thames water to ensure negative effects. It is however water and sewage capacity is assumed that sustainable design maintained. principles will be implemented.

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SA Thornhill Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial SA Summary of Key Issues effects 11 The site is not within a floodplain, Encourage green infrastructure and however the site is greenfield land, biodiversity enhancement schemes; any removal of greenfield land will these are beneficial to flood increase hard surfaces, which can prevention and resilience to climate result in surface water flooding. change. Include SuDS in all designs. 12 The development of new housing, will The Site Waste Management Plans lead to construction and demolition Regulations (2008) were repealed waste being produced, resulting in on 1 December 2013. Although no potential negative effects longer a regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13 The site is located 3miles from Oxford. Encourage local work force and on the job skill training through-out the The wider Headington area also development of new housing. provides a range of employment opportunities linked to the area’s Encourage green and eco hospitals and Oxford Brookes technologies, this will lead to an University in particular, while increase in skills locally and assist in Headington is also well-connected to developing new businesses. the city centre, where significant job creation is expected, resulting in Work with service providers to potential positive effects. ensure a fast and reliable access to the internet and mobile phone The site is well connected to Oxford communications is provided and has good road links to London. through-out the district. 14, 15, 16 No Direct Impact N/A 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process and the community.

3.12 Mitigation: Any sites taken forward as a preferred options are discussed in Part 2 of this report, mitigation is also discussed and indicates how this mitigation has been addressed within the Local Plan Preferred Options.

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Option 6 Lower Elsfield

3.13 The site comprises of 675ha 3,500 – 4,000 dwellings are being considered within this Plan period on the site, which will result in significant positive effects in terms of providing housing.

3.14 The site is extremely large, it encompasses the village of Elsfield, and the boundary is as far north as Woodeaton and south to the A40. See Figure 9 for map of site

Figure 9 Lower Elsfield

Table 33 Lower Elsfield SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Lower Elsfield Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues 1 The site comprises of 675ha. A full detailed landscape and visual Therefore, in total 11,000 dwellings impact assessment will be required to might be accommodated on this inform the final capacity of the sites. site. However, 3,500 – 4,000 dwellings are being considered Ensure infrastructure is phased within this Plan period on the site, alongside new housing development which will result in significant and is integrated with the surrounding positive effects in terms of towns and villages where appropriate. providing housing. Affordable homes should be provided The site is extremely large, it within all strategic developments. encompasses the village of Significant infrastructure development Elsfield, and the boundary is as far will be required for any new north as Woodeaton and south to settlement/urban extension it will be essential to work with service providers 143

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SA Lower Elsfield Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues the A40. to ensure this is implemented in a timely fashion. Elsfield itself is approx. 5 miles from Oxford, easy access along Continued consultation with Oxford City the northern bypass by car, is essential to ensure that their unmet however the accessibility to others housing needs are incorporated into the areas of the site depending which Local Plan development. section of the site was developed would need some extensive A masterplan would need to be infrastructure and accessibility developed to encompass all mitigation improvement. recommendations. The site is available from the land owner Proximity to Oxford with existing infrastructure and services resulting in positive effects, however, development of the site would need to ensure it could be well connected to these existing services to prevent significant negative effects from occurring. 2 A new settlement / urban extension Ensure good quality urban design is would provide the opportunity to implemented and work with the local design a safe environment which community and Thames Valley police. could reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour, resulting in positive effects. 3, 4 An urban extension could be Ensure improvements to service developed over time in line with provision commensurate with any infrastructure delivery. An IDP increases in population. would be produced, to ensure that infrastructure is provided in a Mixed-use development with a range of timely fashion. housing tenure is required, to improve the availability of larger dwellings. The proximity of Elsfield to the established district centre of Good urban design principles should be Headington (directly opposite on implanted to ensure social cohesion the other side of the A40) provides occurs, access to community and faith a range of community facilities, groups should be integrated into the including retail, schools and development, through the masterplan medical facilities. process. Barton is located approx. 3 miles Good urban design principles will be south east of Elsfield has some required that ensure accessibility is local scale retail, a community promoted throughout the development centre and school. Barton Park is a phases, pedestrian access should be planned 800+ residential improved across the A40. 144

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SA Lower Elsfield Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues development adjacent to Wick A good and informative method of Farm that will also provide health, consultation should be undertaken with education and community services. the residents of both Barton and Therefore positive effects are Headington. identified. Ensure Wick Copse remains accessible. Barton: The ethnic and international diversity of Barton Ensure PRoW are protected. changed very rapidly over the last A masterplan would need to be decade. Barton has some areas of developed to encompass all mitigation high deprivation and development recommendations. in this area would provide opportunities to regenerate the Mix use development with a range of area and provide better services. housing tenure is required, to improve the availability of larger dwellings. There are a number of public rights of way (PRoW) that cross the sites and the Oxford Green Belt way

borders the western boundary. The Site is adjacent to the A40, therefore there are noise implications for new residents. Additional development may put pressure on existing communities, reducing community cohesion resulting in negative effects. Wick Copse is within the proposed development site and is an area of accessible countryside. 5, 8, 11 The site is greenfield land, within A masterplan would need to be the Oxford Green Belt. Any developed to encompass all mitigation reduction in greenfield land may recommendations. result in pollution from surface run- off. Consider how development may be impacted by the existing historic landfill The site is within a Groundwater located on the site. Vulnerability Zone (GVA) and Surface Water Safeguard Zone/ Work with Oxford City to ensure the air Nitrate Vulnerability Zone. There is quality is monitored during both the a risk of surface water flooding construction and operational phases. from the main rivers and brooks, Ensure phasing of development occurs within the proposed site, resulting to reduce noise impacts. in potential negative effects. Encourage the use of permeable There is likely to be an increase in surfaces and SuDS, to reduce surface car borne traffic locally, both during run off. the construction and operational

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SA Lower Elsfield Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues phase. Improve sustainable transport and accessibility to reduce use of personal There are AQMA’s in Barton and vehicle use. Headington, which are within Oxford City’s administrative area, Ensure the ETI results inform the resulting in potential negative decision making process. effects if further development occurs here. An acoustic survey may be required to identify current and future noise levels There is likely to be an increase in of the adjacent roads. Noise barriers car borne traffic locally, both during and other mitigation measure may be the construction and operational required to be integrated into new phase, resulting in potential housing. negative effects if further development occurs here. Policy on strategic sites should require any preferred option to be ‘air quality There is one area of historic neutral’ both during construction and landfill: Wick Copse. operational phases. The north west boundary of the site is within a mineral consultation zone, resulting in potential negative effects if further development occurs here. Due to the potential scale of development noise pollution will increase during the construction phase, which may continue for a number of years, 6 Elsfield itself is approx. 5 miles Ensure the ETI results inform the from Oxford, easy access along decision making process. the northern bypass by car, however the accessibility to others Work with infrastructure providers to areas of the site depending which identify were an increase in sustainable section of the site was developed modes of transport is required. This would need some extensive should include, cycle ways, linking to infrastructure and accessibility green infrastructure. improvement, therefore significant negative effects are noted without mitigation. The site is located to the north of the Northern Bypass, and is well connected to Oxford and employment areas in Headington. The area offers good proximity to the Headington area and to retail and leisure facilities, resulting in positive effects. However, 146

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SA Lower Elsfield Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues proximity to supermarkets and secondary schools needs to be improved. The wider Headington area also provides a range of employment opportunities linked to the area’s hospitals and Oxford Brookes University in particular, while Headington is also well-connected to the city centre, where significant job creation is expected, resulting in positive effects. Sustainable and safe forms of transport need to be improved through access routes for residents of Barton to prevent negative effects. The area has potential to offer good connections by public transport to the city centre and employment opportunities. There are currently regular bus services to Barton every 10 minutes, resulting in positive effects, however access to bus stops would be determined by the location of housing on this large site. During the construction phase a large increase in vehicle movement will occur, resulting in potential negative effects. 7, 8 The following bird species are An ecological survey and mitigation present in the area Grey Partridge, recommendations for any development Yellow Wagtail and Lapwing. All needs to be undertaken alongside are classified as Red List species. consultation with Natural England to ensure protection of the water course Sydlings Copse and Wicks copse and the SSSI is maintained. are located next to the eastern boundary. Boasting ancient Detention ponds, green roofs, swales broadleaved woodland, limestone and other infiltration techniques should grasslands, reedbed, fen, a stream be integrated into the design and and rare Oxfordshire heathland, included within the masterplan. the reserve supports over 400 plant species. The site is also Incorporate green infrastructure into the teeming with birds and insect life; design and biodiversity enhancement 147

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SA Lower Elsfield Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues butterflies include the purple schemes. hairstreak, brown hairstreak, common blue and marbled white. Ensure further HRA Appropriate (BBOWT, 2015) Assessment is carried out and all recommendations are included in the Changes in water supply and water Local Plan 2032. quality have the potential to result in harm to the SSSI. There could be Significant negative effects on the SSSI in the absence of mitigation. Longwood and woodeaton woodland are within the site boundary and are local wildlife sites, therefore development may result in negative effects. The following European Sites need to be considered when identifying areas for additional housing development: Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC. A Habitats Regulations Assessment for South Oxfordshire District Council was prepared by LUC in January 2015. The HRA Report considered four potential growth options. Further HRA Appropriate Assessment will be carried out at the next stage of the Plan making process. Therefore current effects are uncertain. 8 The site is greenfield land within Consider mitigation measures to reduce the Oxford Green Belt. The Green impact on tranquillity. Belt function in this area is the contribution of the open The LCA recommends that only a very countryside character of the higher small part in the south-east of the site ground to the green backdrop to may be suitable subject to a review of Oxford. the site’s contribution to the Green Belt. Care should be taken that any A Green Belt review (Sept 2015) suggested development does not have has been undertaken and suggests an adverse impact on the open the following: character of the adjacent Green Belt.

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SA Lower Elsfield Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues Despite having views of the city, A Landscape Capacity Assessment the rural, and largely unsettled would need to be undertaken followed character of the parcel makes an by a full detailed landscape and visual important contribution to the impact assessment will be required to perception that Oxford has not inform the final capacity of the site. spilled over north of the A40. The area does not contribute to the Historic England recommend the separation of towns, however it following: contributes in a small way to the  Oxfordshire Historic Landscape separation of the small village of Characterisation should be used Elsfield with Oxford and the A40, to inform the layout of any new though indivisibility is limited. The settlement, Green Belt review (Sept 2015), does not suggest a change of  This assessment may require boundary for any parcels of land more than a desk-based within this boundary. Any assessment and evaluation and development here would result in should consider both above and potential significant negative below-ground features and effects. remains.

An LCA has not been undertaken for this specific site boundary, however the LCA undertaken for Wick Farm and the adjacent area to the west which is partly included within this site boundary states: Potential to harm the rural setting of Oxford and extensive area of open countryside on rising ground; Potential harm to northern approaches to the city; resulting in potential significant negative effects if development were to take place. Therefore, it is currently assumed at this time that the impact will be similar. Please see Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council Final Report Sept 2015 for further information. 9 This part of the Green Belt A predetermination archaeological desk- comprises agricultural land, which based assessment and evaluation forms part of the setting of a should be undertaken to establish a number of listed buildings. suitable and appropriate level of mitigation. The land to the west of Bayswater Road forms part of the historic Ensure the design guide is 149

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SA Lower Elsfield Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues agricultural setting of Wick Farm, implemented. which is adjacent to the site on the south east of the boundary. The land to the east of Bayswater Road makes less of a contribution although further work is needed to determine the archaeological potential associated with the probable location of the medieval settlement of Stowford and the water management system associated with Bayswater Mill. Elsfield conservation area is within the site boundary and there are a number of conservation areas surrounding the site, including Stanton St John and Beckley. Therefore, potential significant negative effects may occur. There are known archaeological constraints within the site boundary, therefore potential significant negative effects may occur. 10 New development offers the Include SuDS in all designs. opportunity to implement sustainable design principles, Promote sustainable building practices resulting potential positive effects. that conserve energy, water resources and materials. South Oxfordshire is in an area of water stress. Additional dwellings Consider implementing decentralised will put pressure on resource use energy for example: CHP including: energy, water capacity Continue to work with Thames water to and sewage capacity, resulting in ensure water and sewage capacity is potential negative effects. It is maintained. however assumed that sustainable design principles will be implemented. 11 A large section of the western No development should take place boundary is within flood zone 2 & within the flood zones 2 & 3 on the site. 3, resulting in significant negative effects if development A Sequential Test should be carried out. were to occur. Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention 150

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SA Lower Elsfield Mitigating adverse Objective effects/maximising beneficial effects SA Summary of Key Issues and resilience to climate change. Include SuDS in all designs. 12 The development of new housing, The Site Waste Management Plans will lead to construction and Regulations (2008) were repealed on 1 demolition waste being produced, December 2013. Although no longer a resulting in potential negative regulatory requirement in England, effects SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13 The site is located 5 miles from Encourage local work force and on the Oxford. job skill training through-out the development of new housing. The wider Headington area also provides a range of employment Encourage green and eco technologies, opportunities linked to the area’s this will lead to an increase in skills hospitals and Oxford Brookes locally and assist in developing new University in particular, while businesses. Headington is also well-connected to the city centre, where significant Work with service providers to ensure a job creation is expected, resulting fast and reliable access to the internet in potential positive effects. and mobile phone communications is provided through-out the district. This is a large site comprising of 625 Ha, there is opportunity to Any loss of business as a result of develop a mix use development housing development should be with additional employment compensated elsewhere. opportunities, resulting in potential positive effects. 14, 15, 16 No Direct Impact N/A 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process and the community.

3.15 Mitigation: Any sites taken forward as a preferred options are discussed in Part 2 of this report, mitigation is also discussed and indicates how this mitigation has been addressed within the Local Plan Preferred Options.

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Option 7 Culham

3.16 Culham Science Centre (CSC) is owned by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and is located within “Science Vale UK”. The site hosts the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy which includes the Joint European Torus (JET) project. It is the leading UK centre for fusion research and technology and is of international importance. The site also hosts a number of related businesses. The UKAEA aims to redevelop the CSC buildings within the next five years as the current stock is outdated. Although the European fusion project (ITER) is being moved to France, the JET facility will continue to operate for some time and it is possible that Culham may be selected for further facilities linked to fusion research.

3.17 The following Alternative Options have been subject to a Sustainability Appraisal. See Figure 10 below.

 Option C1 Culham No 1 site  Option C2 Culham No 1 site + the additional area in the north (A)  Option C3 Culham No 1 site, including the area to the north (A) and west of the railway (B)  Option C4 Culham No 1 site, including the area to the north (A), west of the railway (B) and extended area northwest of the railway (C)

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Figure 10 Culham Alternatives Sites Assessed

Table 34 Culham x 4 options summary of key issues

SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 The area is situated 2.5 miles away A full detailed landscape and visual from Culham Village and 1.4 miles impact assessment will be required from Clifton Hampden. to inform the final capacity of the site. Approximately 7.5 miles south of the edge of Oxford, 3.5 miles east of Ensure infrastructure is phased Abingdon-on-Thames and 6 miles alongside new housing development north of Didcot. Location of the site and is integrated with the village of results in significant positive effects. Culham and Clifton Hampden, were appropriate. Development of this area will result in major positive effects in terms of Affordable homes should be providing housing. Significant provided within all development positive effects are identified in terms settlements. of providing housing. Work with service providers to The sites have been promoted through ensure additional infrastructure 153

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects consultation although the Culham requirements are implemented in a number 1 site is currently in use. timely fashion. A masterplan would need to be developed to encompass all mitigation recommendations. 2 A new settlement / urban extension Ensure good quality urban design is would provide the opportunity to implemented and work with the local design a safe environment which could community and Thames Valley reduce and prevent antisocial police. behaviour, resulting in positive effects. 3, 4 All the sites assessed are located Ensure improvements to service adjacent to the Culham Science provision commensurate with any Centre (CSC) which is part of Science increases in population. Good Vale UK, CSC specialises in fusion phasing of development will be research and hosts related enterprises. required. There are currently around 2,000 jobs on the CSC site. Mix use development with a range of housing tenure is required, to The sites are situated 2.5 miles away improve the availability of larger from Culham Village and 1.4 miles dwellings. from Clifton Hampden, both villages are small with limited services. The sites are approximately 7.5 miles south of the edge of Oxford, 3.5 miles east of Abingdon and 6 miles north of Didcot. Oxford, Abingdon and Didcot are large towns with many facilities. Some positive effects have been identified due to location of the sites and access to nearby facilities, however there are limited services available within the immediate location for any additional residents. Due to the location of the CSC, many on-site facilities have been established in order to meet the demands of the resident workforce and visitors. The following amenities are available: • Staff Restaurant • 2 Site Shops • Children’s Day Nursery

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects • Conference Centre • Lecture Theatre • Sports Facilities • Coffee Shop • Cash Machine • Publications, printing and reprographic services The additional new homes will put pressure on existing services, with neighbouring villages and towns, resulting in negative effects. Development could provide the opportunity to improve services in through the CIL requirements and the IDP. Development solely of housing at the C1 site could result in loss of employment land and would not provide enough land sufficient for facilities required for new residents, resulting in significant negative effects. 5, 8, 11 C1 The site is previously development A FRA should be produced for all land within the Green Belt, compared strategic sites. the other options development here would not result in loss greenfield land. Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes; C2 Part of the site is brownfield land these are beneficial to flood and the northern section is greenfield prevention and resilience to climate land, both within the Green Belt. change. C3 This site includes C1 & C2 as well Include SuDS in all designs. as the area west of Culham station which includes greenfield land Work with Thames Water to discuss sewage capacity. C4 This site includes C1 & C2, C3 and the extended area to the northwest Work with electricity providers to (see map) which includes greenfield discuss implications of electric land. pylons on the site west of Culham station. C3 & C4: Electricity pylons cross the site to the west of Culham station. Consider noise barriers for the adjacent train line. Any development on greenfield land No development should occur in 155

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects would increase hard surfaces, which floodzone2 or 3. can increase the risk of surface water flooding, C4 includes more land use so Policy on strategic sites should will result in further negative effects require any preferred option to be compared to development if a smaller ‘air quality neutral’ both during area. construction and operational phases. There is a sewage works to the south of CSC, any increase in housing could lead to over capacity at the sewage works, the area is within in an area with high chance of flooding from surface water, the area also lies within a nitrate vulnerability zone and groundwater/water protection zone. Therefore potential negative effects have been identified. In the short term noise pollution may increase during the construction phase. C1, C2 & C3 are not within flood zone 2 or 3, However the northern edge of the extended area northwest of the railway (C) is within flood zone 3. The train line is adjacent to the sites and Culham station is adjacent there is a potential for noise pollution for new residents. Therefore potential negative effects have been identified. 6 All the sites assessed are located Ensure the ETI results inform the adjacent to the Culham Science decision making process. Centre (CSC) which is part of Science Vale UK, CSC specialises in fusion Ensure good urban design principles research and hosts related enterprises. are implemented within the new There are currently around 2,000 jobs settlement and to create good on the CSC site. access to nearby towns and villages. The sites are situated 2.5 miles away Work with infrastructure providers to from Culham Village and 1.4 miles identify were an increase in from Clifton Hampden. Approximately sustainable modes of transport is 7.5 miles south of the edge of Oxford, required. This should include, cycle 3.5 miles east of Abingdon and 6 miles ways, linking to green infrastructure. north of Didcot. Oxford, Abingdon and Didcot are large towns with many facilities. Didcot and Milton Park provide access 156

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects to employment, Milton Park is approx. 4 miles away, buses run every 30 minutes and taken approx. 40 minutes each way. Didcot is 5 miles away, direct trains take 7 minutes but the service is infrequent. Wallingford is large town, approx. 8 miles away offers a range of employment opportunities and links with the concentration of environmental science organisations at nearby Crowmarsh Gifford; and Hithercroft Industrial Estate, the town’s main employment area, resulting in potential positive effects. There regular trains to Reading and Oxford, resulting in significant positive effects due to access to sustainable transport. All sites are adjacent to Culham train station, there regular trains to Reading and Oxford, resulting in significant positive effects due to access to sustainable transport. 7, 8 All sites are within the conservation Incorporate green infrastructure into target area (CTA), and are within the design and biodiversity Culham Brake SSSI impact zone, enhancement schemes. therefore development may result in negative effects. Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. The land adjoining the Thames at Ensure further HRA Appropriate Culham is of significant ecological Assessment is carried out and all importance and is being carefully recommendations are included in managed under Natural England’s the Local Plan 2032. Stewardship Scheme. Therefore development may result in negative effects. Subject to seasonal flooding and water-logging, these water meadows provide a very specific habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Therefore development may result in negative effects. C1 There are pockets of broadleaf deciduous woodland. The north west corner of C2 & C3 is 157

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects within Culham Brake SSSI impact zone. C4 The coppice & Furze Brake are located to the north and there are pockets of broadleaf deciduous woodland to the south of CSC. A Habitats Regulations Assessment for South Oxfordshire District Council was prepared by LUC in January 2015 and considered four potential growth options. Further HRA Appropriate Assessment would need to be carried out at the next stage of the plan-making process. Therefore current effects are uncertain. 8 All sites are currently within the Green Boundary trees and hedgerows Belt. The local Green Belt Study Sept contribute to the wider Green Belt 2014 has been undertaken and and should be retained. provides the following information: Consider mitigation measures to CSC inclusive of the Culham No.1 Site reduce impact on tranquillity and It is is suggested to be inset. The inset important to avoid the perception of boundary has been drawn around the the settlements merging. most densely developed core, access road and lower density edges. The Carry out a Landscape Capacity boundaries are predominantly defined Assessment, followed by a full by roads and the edge of the railway detailed landscape and visual line with intermitted blocks of woodland impact assessment to inform the and tree belts adjacent, resulting in final capacity of the sites. significant positive effects. Please Ensure phasing of development see ‘Local Green Belt Study for South occurs to reduce noise impacts. Oxfordshire District Council Final Report Sept 2015’ for further Encourage the use of permeable information. surfaces and SuDS. The field to the west of the CSC Continue to consult with Oxfordshire beyond the railway line (included in C3 County Council with reference & C4) could provide a potential area safeguarded sites. for expansion.

However the area’s openness and

degraded field boundaries means it is vulnerable to the perception of encroachment into open countryside and would require reinforcement planting. Expansion into this field 158

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects would also result in a westwards expansion of built form towards Culham village. It is will be important to avoid the perception of the settlements merging. Without the implementation of mitigation potential negative effects may occur. The surrounding land contributes to the separation of nearby settlements particularly of Clifton Hampden, Burcot and the CSC (C4) - The semi- enclosed farmland of the valley is a particular feature of the countryside of the area and is vulnerable to encroachment. Resulting in significant negative effects. (C4) Without the implementation of mitigation, Culham Station There are sand and gravel resources in this area that may be covered by the mineral safeguarding policy in the emerging new Minerals and Waste Local Plan (Part 1 – Core Strategy policy M8). There is a waste transfer/recycling facility at Culham No. 1 site and a radioactive waste facility at the Culham JET site which are both proposed to be safeguarded for waste management use by the waste management site safeguarding policy in the emerging new Minerals and Waste Local Plan (Part 1 – Core Strategy policy W11). Landscape Capacity Assessment: C1 : Culham No 1 Site description: The site is a former MOD facility now in use as a business / light industrial park and located between the Culham Science Centre and the mainline railway. Much of the site is developed with office buildings and hangars, with parking and external storage areas in 159

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects between and managed grassland with some individual trees forming the landscape setting, particularly at the southern end, which has no buildings. The site is accessed from the Abingdon Road to the south. Potential capacity of site A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be required to inform the final capacity of the site.

C2 Land north of Culham No. 1 Site description: The site is a small area of scrub / grassland north of the former MOD facility now in use as a business / light industrial park with the Culham Science Centre to the east and the mainline railway forming the western boundary. The northern area of the site contains a number of pylons. The site has no direct road frontage but can be accessed via Culham No 1 site from the Abingdon Road to the south. Thame Lane defines the site’s eastern boundary. Key landscape planning factors: The site is within the Oxford Green Belt. The Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council (September 2015) recommended that Culham Science Park be inset. The inset boundary drawn around the ‘most densely developed core, access road and lower density edges’. The site was not included in this revised inset. The general area, including the open land to the west of the site, was felt to have some role in separating Culham Science Park and Culham village. In combination with other land parcels the general area is described as contributing to the historic open landscape setting south of Oxford. The 160

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects northern area of the site was included in a wider area described as being linked to the Nuneham Park parkland to the north and links to the Thames corridor to the north-west. A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be required to inform the final capacity of the site. Potential negative effects are identified as well as uncertain effects, the implementation of mitigation including a LVIA may reduce the negative effects and uncertain effects identified. The field to the west of the CSC beyond the railway line (included in C3 & C4) could provide a potential area for expansion. However the area’s openness and degraded field boundaries means it is vulnerable to the perception of encroachment into open countryside and would require reinforcement planting. Expansion into this field would also result in a westwards expansion of built form towards Culham village. It is will be important to avoid the perception of the settlements merging. Resulting in potential negative effects if development were to occur. The surrounding land contributes to the separation of nearby settlements particularly of Clifton Hampden Burcot and the CSC. (C4) The semi enclosed farmland of the valley is a particular feature of the countryside of the area and is vulnerable to encroachment. Resulting in significant negative effects. (C4) without the implementation of mitigation. Landscape Capacity Assessment: C1 : Culham No 1 Site description: The site is a former MOD facility now in use as a business / light industrial 161

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects park and located between the Culham Science Centre and the mainline railway. Much of the site is developed with office buildings and hangars, with parking and external storage areas in between and managed grassland with some individual trees forming the landscape setting, particularly at the southern end, which has no buildings. The site is accessed from the Abingdon Road to the south. Potential capacity of site A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be required to inform the final capacity of the site.

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects Science Park and Culham village. In combination with other land parcels the general area is described as contributing to the historic open landscape setting south of Oxford. The northern area of the site was included in a wider area described as being linked to the Nuneham Park parkland to the north and links to the Thames corridor to the north-west. A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be required to inform the final capacity of the site. Potential negative effects are identified as well as uncertain effects, the implementation of mitigation including a LVIA may reduce the negative effects and uncertain effects identified. The field to the west of the CSC beyond the railway line (included in C3 & C4) could provide a potential area for expansion. However the area’s openness and degraded field boundaries means it is vulnerable to the perception of encroachment into open countryside and would require reinforcement planting. Expansion into this field would also result in a westwards expansion of built form towards Culham village. It is will be important to avoid the perception of the settlements merging. Resulting in potential negative effects if development were to occur. The surrounding land contributes to the separation of nearby settlements particularly of Clifton Hampden Burcot and the CSC. (C4) The semi enclosed farmland of the valley is a particular feature of the countryside of the area and is vulnerable to encroachment. Resulting in significant negative effects. (C4) without the implementation of mitigation. Culham Area B & C Site 163

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects description: The site comprises a number of large to small arable fields divided by tracks/roads and hedgerows and an area of paddocks and grassland in the north east area. The fields are flat to gently undulating, rising to Culham Hill to the north-west. The eastern boundary is formed by the mainline railway with the former MOD facility (Culham No 1 - now in use as a business / light industrial park) beyond. To the north the land falls to the River Thames and to the east the site abuts a school and further arable fields and woodland. The site is accessed from the Abingdon Road to the south and Thame Lane to the west. Key landscape planning factors: The site is within the Oxford Green Belt. The Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council (September 2015) recommended that Culham Science Park be inset. The inset boundary was drawn around the ‘most densely developed core, access road and lower density edges’. The site was not included in this revised inset. The general area was felt to have some role in separating Culham Science Park and Culham village and the area to the west of the Culham Science Centre is noted as being particularly vulnerable to encroachment and already affected by the Culham Science Centre and the railway line. In combination with other land parcels the general area is described as contributing to the historic open landscape setting south of Oxford. The northern area of the site was included in a wider area described as being linked to the Nuneham Park parkland and links to the Thames corridor to the north-west.

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 9 Clifton Hampden and its open, rural A predetermination archaeological setting form part of a historic desk-based assessment and settlement pattern that contributes to evaluation should be undertaken to the character of the setting of historic establish a suitable and appropriate Oxford City. Resulting in potential level of mitigation. negative effects if development were to occur (C4), without the Ensure local distinctiveness is implementation of mitigation. preserved. Culham station and Culham station Ensure the South Oxfordshire over bridge are Grade 11 listed. Design Manual is implemented. Thame Lane Bridge at the north west Historic England recommend the corner of the site is Grade 11 listed. following: These would need to be protected to prevent negative effects. Historic England consultation comments: The Council will ensure that all new development complies with the South  The present site was Oxfordshire Design Manual, which will planned and built as a whole require high quality design and and the layout also materials, sensitive building heights successfully retained the and would consider the impact on the ghost of the wartime airfield. historic environment. We would prefer to see any redevelopment and There are known archaeological intensification at the CSC constraints. A predetermination essentially retain this layout archaeological desk-based and open character of the assessment and evaluation would airfield and later research reduce the uncertainties identified. centre.

 Oxfordshire Historic Landscape Characterisation should be used to inform the layout of any new settlement,

 This assessment may require more than a desk- based assessment and evaluation and should consider both above and below-ground features and remains.

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects put pressure on resource use decentralised energy for example, including: energy, water capacity and CHP. sewage capacity, resulting in potential negative effects. It is however Continue to work with Thames water assumed that sustainable design to ensure water and sewage principles will be implemented. capacity is maintained. 11 C1, C2 & C3 are not within flood zone Encourage green infrastructure and 2 or 3, However the northern edge of biodiversity enhancement schemes; the extended area northwest of the these are beneficial to flood railway (C) is within flood zone 3. prevention and resilience to climate Negative effects are identified if change. development takes place within the floodzone. Include SuDS in all designs. There is high chance of flooding from No development should occur in surface water, the sites lies within a floodzone 2 or 3. nitrate vulnerability zone and A FRA would be required for all groundwater /water protection zone. strategic development sites. C3 & C4 require more greenfield land for development, so the negative effects will be greater. 12 The development of new housing, will The Site Waste Management Plans lead to construction and demolition Regulations (2008) were repealed waste being produced, resulting in on 1 December 2013. Although no potential negative effects. longer a regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13,14 All the sites assessed are located Ensure any loss of employment land adjacent to the Culham Science is replaced or integrated within the Centre (CSC) which is part of Science residential development. Vale UK. Encourage local work force and on Additional housing will increase the the job skill training and ensure population and maintain and enhance access and infrastructure is the rural economy, by supporting and provided. enhancing the larger villages. The sites are situated 2.5 miles away from Encourage green and eco- Culham Village and 1.4 miles from technologies, this will lead to an Clifton Hampden. Approximately 7.5 increase in skills locally and assist in miles south of the edge of Oxford, 3.5 developing new businesses. miles east of Abingdon and 6 miles Work with service providers to north of Didcot. Oxford, Abingdon and ensure a fast and reliable access to Didcot are large towns with many the internet and mobile phone facilities. Location of the site results in communications is provided significant positive effects. throughout the district. All the sites assessed are located 166

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SA Culham x 4 options summary of key Mitigating adverse Objective issues effects/maximising beneficial effects adjacent to the Culham Science Mix use design should include Centre (CSC) which is part of Science employment allocations within the Vale UK, CSC specialises in fusion masterplan. research and hosts related enterprises. There are currently around 2,000 jobs on the CSC site. Location of the site results in significant positive effects. Didcot and Milton Park provide access to employment, Milton Park is approx. 4 miles away, buses run every 30 minutes and taken approx. 40 minutes each way. Didcot is 5 miles away, direct trains take 7 minutes but the service is infrequent. Wallingford is large town, approx. 8 miles away offers a range of employment opportunities and links with the concentration of environmental science organisations at nearby Crowmarsh Gifford; and Hithercroft Industrial Estate, the town’s main employment area, resulting in potential positive effects. There regular trains to Reading and Oxford, resulting in significant positive effects due to access to sustainable transport. 14, 15, 16 No Direct Impact N/A 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process and the community.

3.18 Mitigation: Any sites taken forward as a preferred options are discussed in Part 2 of this report, mitigation is also discussed and indicates how this mitigation has been addressed within the Local Plan Preferred Options. Table 35 below outlines the reason for selection of the preferred options and the reason for rejection of the other alternative options.

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Table 35 Reason for the selection of the preferred options and rejection of other alternative options.

Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection Option C1 Culham No 1 N/A Our Preferred Options site consultation document continued to support the Option C2 Culham No 1 allocation and redevelopment of site, the additional area in the Culham no.1 site for the north (A) housing. However, taking Option C3 Culham No 1 account of the benefits that site, including the area to would arise from delivering the north (A) and west of housing around Culham railway the railway (B) station there is the potential for a much larger strategic Option C4 Culham No 1 allocation that would further site, including the area to support the economic growth of the north (A), west of the Science Vale. railway (B) and extended area northwest of the Delivering housing at Culham railway (C ) No.1 site and the land around the Culham railway station supports our Spatial Strategy by:  Supporting economic growth in Science Vale (option B) Chalgrove Airfield N/A In our Preferred Options 1 consultation document we identified Chalgrove Airfield as our preferred Option. This is because it is centrally placed in the district and its proximity to the village of Chalgrove and Monument Business Park means that as the site is developed both existing and new facilities will be supported by both the existing residents of Chalgrove village and the new residents as they arrive. The existing residents of Chalgrove village will also benefit from the new facilities, open space and infrastructure to be provided, including necessary upgrades to the road network and improvements to the public transport network. The HCA are continuing to 168

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Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection collect and share evidence with us regarding potential site constraints. However, initial studies suggest that appropriate mitigation can be put in place. We also have confidence in the HCA’s ability to deliver the proposed housing in a timely manner. Delivering housing at land at Chalgrove Airfield supports our Spatial Strategy by:  Supporting the network of settlements (option A)  Creating a new settlement/extension to an existing settlement within the ‘area of search for a new settlement’ (option D) Harrington (Junction 7 / While the Harrington site M40 Junction 7 M40) has many benefits, including its proximity to Junction 7 of the M40, the site is more constrained. We consider its location in the settlement network, close to several smaller settlements, and adjacent to the M40 would create the possibility of a less sustainable commuter- based settlement. Lower Elsfield Five of the seven sites identified are within the Green Belt. Online Planning Practice Guidance issued by the Government in March 2014 made it clear that unmet housing need (including for traveller sites) is unlikely to outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and other harm to constitute the ‘very special circumstances’ justifying inappropriate 169

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Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection development on a site within the Green Belt. This was followed up with further changes to planning guidance issued in October 2014. The sites within the Green Belt were, therefore, removed from further consideration. Wick Farm Five of the seven sites identified are within the Green Belt. Online Planning Practice Guidance issued by the Government in March 2014 made it clear that unmet housing need (including for traveller sites) is unlikely to outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and other harm to constitute the ‘very special circumstances’ justifying inappropriate development on a site within the Green Belt. This was followed up with further changes to planning guidance issued in October 2014. The sites within the Green Belt were, therefore, removed from further consideration. Thornhill Five of the seven sites identified are within the Green Belt. Online Planning Practice Guidance issued by the Government in March 2014 made it clear that unmet housing need (including for traveller sites) is unlikely to outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and other harm to constitute the ‘very special circumstances’ justifying inappropriate development on a site 170

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Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection within the Green Belt. This was followed up with further changes to planning guidance issued in October 2014. The sites within the Green Belt were, therefore, removed from further consideration. Grenoble Road Five of the seven sites identified are within the Green Belt. Online Planning Practice Guidance issued by the Government in March 2014 made it clear that unmet housing need (including for traveller sites) is unlikely to outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and other harm to constitute the ‘very special circumstances’ justifying inappropriate development on a site within the Green Belt. This was followed up with further changes to planning guidance issued in October 2014. The sites within the Green Belt were, therefore, removed from further consideration.

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Land at Berinsfield

3.19 Berinsfield is a large village within South Oxfordshire District approximately. 8 miles from Oxford, within the Science Vale area.

3.20 Berinsfield has a relatively high score on the indices of multiple deprivation, despite South Oxfordshire as a whole being one of the least deprived parts of the country. Performance is particularly poor in the education, training and skills domain. A number of studies have been undertaken by the Council which indicate that Berinsfield would benefit from investment and regeneration. This is supported by further work commissioned by the Council to explore potential options for the regeneration of Berinsfield.

3.21 Key issues facing Berinsfield:

 Berinsfield sits entirely within the Green Belt, which is inhibiting the regeneration of parts of the village and is preventing future growth and employment opportunities,

 The existing housing stock is ageing and in some instances of poor quality,

 Employment sites are in need of regeneration,

 The village faces an aging population,

 A need for better cycle ways and buggy-friendly routes around and through the village,

 A need for greater skills training to help make people more employable locally,

 A need to update local health and support services,

 A need for more amenity space, leisure facilities and formal play areas for children,

 Lack of recycling facilities,

 Sewerage system over capacity,

 Areas of land within and around Berinsfield have the potential to be contaminated,

 Parts of Berinsfield are designated as flood zones 2 and 3, surface water flooding can be a problematic after heavy downpours,

 All the sites proposed for development around the village currently lie in Green Belt and some are rated as grade 2 agricultural land.

3.22 The following alternatives for Berinsfield have been assessed against the SA Framework: 172

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 Option 1 Do Nothing

 Option 2 Inset Berinsfield from the Green Belt

3.23 Table 37 shows the comparison of the alternatives assessed and Table 38 provides a summary of effects in terms of the SA Framework. The characteristics are discussed in terms of potential benefits and positive impacts and potential negative impacts or constraints; without the implementation of mitigation. Table 36 below provides a reason for inclusion of each alternative option assessed through the SA process.

Table 36 Berinsfield reason for selection of alternative options assessed

Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion

Do nothing The do nothing options allows an evaluation of the baseline, which predicts the significance of the effects without the implementation of further development.

Inset Berinsfield from the Green Belt It has been identified that Berinsfield could benefit from regeneration, therefore this option predicts the significance of the effects if Berinsfield is inset from the Green Belt.

Table 37 Comparison of SA scoring for Berinsfield alternative option assessed

Option 1 Option 2

1 0 x ✓✓

2 0 x ✓

3 x x ✓✓

4 0 x ✓✓

5 x ✓ ?

6 x x ✓

7 0 ✓ ? 8 0 ? 9 0 ?

10 x x ✓ 11 x ?

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Option 1 Option 2 12 0 x

13 x ✓✓

14 x ✓✓

125 x ✓✓

16 x ✓✓

17 x ✓✓ ✓✓

Table 38 Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects

1 Option 1: Housing and employment A full detailed Landscape and Visual sites will remain in a poor condition, Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be community facilities, walkways, required to inform the final capacity of cycle lanes and amenity space will the sites. remain the same; however over Ensure infrastructure is phased time these poor conditions will alongside new housing development deteriorate further which in the long and is integrated with the village. term will result in negative effects. Work with service providers to ensure Option 2: If Berinsfield is inset from this is implemented in a timely fashion. the Green Belt this will provide opportunities to improve housing Affordable housing and a variety of conditions and provide further house sizes should be provided. housing which will result in significant positive effects. The positive effect of providing new homes could be enhanced by ensuring that new homes are built to high standards of sustainable design and supported by appropriate levels of infrastructure.

Ensure affordable housing is provided.

A masterplan would need to be developed to encompass all mitigation recommendations.

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SA Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects

2 Option 1: The area does not suffer Ensure good quality urban design is from a high crime rate. There is implemented and work with the local potential for the crime rate to community and Thames Valley police. deteriorate in the long term which may result in negative effects.

Option 2: The area does not suffer from a high crime rate, new development could provide the opportunity to design a safe environment which could reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour. Resulting in positive effects.

3, 4 Option 1: If Berinsfield is not inset Produce a masterplan for regeneration. form the Green Belt, it is unlikely Ensure improvements to service that there will be an improvement to provision commensurate with any services through regeneration, increases in population. resulting in long term negative effects without mitigation. Good phasing of development will be required to ensure that social cohesion Accessibility to facilities and is promoted. services is unlikely to improve for existing residents with this option, Good urban design principles will be resulting in negative effects. required that ensure accessibility is promoted throughout the development Option 2: If Berinsfield is inset from phases. the Green Belt this will provide opportunity for regeneration and Ensure the PRoW are protected and may result in the addition of new enhanced where appropriate residents in Berinsfield, it will be therefore be necessary to improve Ensure that the identity of Drayton St. facilities at the library, health centre, Leonard is protected. school, community centre and Consider providing more allotments for village green, to prevent negative local use. effects. Consider expansion of the cemetery for Both the health centre and the future requirements. school have stated that, currently, they can cope with a modest increase in population. (Berinsfield NDP 2015). There is however an opportunity to regenerate Berinsfield and improve services, resulting in significant positive 175

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SA Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects

effects in the long term.

5, 8, 11 Option 1: Opportunities for Work with Oxford City to ensure the air sustainable transport may not be quality is monitored during both the improved with this option, thus car construction and operational phases. travel may increase leading to Encourage the use of permeable further congestion and reduction in surfaces and SuDS, to reduce surface air quality locally, resulting in run off. negative effects. The regeneration of Berinsfield has the potential to Ensure the ETI results inform the resolve the key issues noted above, decision making process. therefore if Berinsfield is not inset from the Green Belt then potential Consider how noise impacts could be negative effects are identified in mitigated. the long term of surface water Protect mineral consultation zones flooding, air quality and from development, lease with contaminated land. Oxfordshire County Council.

Option 2: If Berinsfield is inset from No development should take place the Green Belt this offers the within flood zones 2 & 3. opportunity to implement infrastructure to prevent surface water flooding for example SuDS and biodiversity enhancement schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change and will assist with preventing surface water flooding. Resulting in potential positive effects. A number of uncertain effects are identified because the location of any new facilities will determine the effects.

6 Option 1: Opportunities for Ensure the ETI results inform the sustainable transport may not be decision making process. improved with this option, thus car Ensure good urban design principles travel may increase leading to are implemented within the new further congestion and reduction in settlement and to create good access air quality locally, resulting in to surrounding villages and towns negative effects. where employment and other Accessibility to facilities and amenities are located. services is unlikely to improve for Work with infrastructure providers to 176

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SA Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects

existing residents with this option, identify where an increase in resulting in negative effects. sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include cycle Option 2: There are a number of ways, linking to green infrastructure. positive effects with insetting Berinsfield from the Green Belt in terms the location of the village and The addition of new bus stops may be also existing sustainable transport required, to ensure that bus stops are availability although improvements located near to new residential to the service is required to prevent development. further personal vehicle use and to

prevent negative effects as the population of the village increases.

7 Option 1: No further development Key landscape characteristics will have no direct impact on contributing to adjacent Green Belt: biodiversity. boundary tree lines, hedgerows in all cases contribute to the wider Green Option 2: Queensford Lake County Belt and should be retained, this is Wildlife site lies to the south of beneficial to biodiversity. Berinsfield, there are a number of known farmland and grassland bird Incorporate green infrastructure into species in the area surrounding the design and biodiversity Berinsfield including a nature enhancement schemes. conservation target area. The Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey, location of further development may mitigate were necessary. impact these areas, therefore the effects are uncertain; however, Protect Queensford Lake County additional development in Wildlife Site. Berinsfield could assist with funding for biodiversity enhancement for Ensure further HRA Appropriate example: green infrastructure, Assessment is carried out and all wildlife areas, buffer zones etc. This recommendations are included in the will result in positive effects. Local Plan 2032. Consult with Natural England on any future development proposals.

8 Option 1: No development will Consult Oxfordshire County Council have no direct impact. with regard to the mineral consultation zones. Option 2: There are mineral consultation zones surrounding Protect the grade 2 agricultural land. Berinsfield and some areas rated as Remediate any potential areas of grade 2 agricultural land, contamination within the village and 177

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SA Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects

There are potential areas of surrounding areas. contamination within the village and surrounding areas.

The location of development will influence the impact therefore uncertain effects are identified.

8 Option 1: No development will A full detailed landscape and visual result in no direct impact. impact assessment will be required to inform the final capacity of the sites. Option 2: Berinsfield A Any development would require Key landscape planning factors: substantial woodland planting would be The site is within the Oxford Green required to prevent intrusion. Belt. The Local Green Belt Study Consider mitigation measures to for South Oxfordshire District reduce impact on tranquillity. Council (September 2015) recommended that Berinsfield be No impact on the AONB should occur. inset but that the settlement Ensure phasing of development occurs boundary should not be extended to to reduce noise impacts. the north of the village. The reason given was that although the land directly to the north and north-west of Berinsfield ‘is not greatly important to the Green Belt functions, there are no recognisable and permanent boundary features which could form an inset boundary without extending almost 700m north of the village edge’.

Berinsfield B key landscape planning factors:

The site is within the Oxford Green Belt. The Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council (September 2015) recommended that Berinsfield be inset and that the settlement (and inset) boundary could be extended a short way to the east of the village to include land that is ‘less sensitive and less

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SA Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects

vulnerable to encroachment’ than further east.

Therefore positive effects are identified if Berinsfield is inset from the Green Belt, however mitigation would need to be implemented to prevent negative effects.

9 Option 1: No development will A predetermination archaeological result in no direct impact. desk-based assessment and evaluation should be undertaken to Option 2: The village is unusual in establish a suitable and appropriate being a new, relatively large, post- level of mitigation. war settlement in the open countryside. It has a heavy Ensure the South Oxfordshire Design concentration of ex-Council housing Guide is used. and all the hallmarks of a planned Historic England Consultation entity of its time – shops, services Responses SA Report June 2016: and community facilities positioned around a large green, a series of According to our records, there are no culs-de-sac served off a circular designated heritage assets in distributor road and separate Berinsfield. However, a brief review of industrial sites on the village edges. the Oxfordshire Historic Environment Most of the housing in Berinsfield Record indicates that Berinsfield lies was designed and built in the within an area of high archaeological 1960s, is not architecturally potential – the Thames gravels in the distinguished and lacks the locality is an unusually rich area for the character of other older villages preservation of sites of pre-historic, within the County. Roman and Anglo-Saxon archaeology. Previously-recorded remains include It is clear from the study of the course of the Dorchester to archaeological remains uncovered Bicester Roman road, evidence of during previous developments that Roman pottery manufacturing and Iron Berinsfield has had a long and Age and earlier Prehistoric remains varied history dating back to the including the surviving parts of the Bronze Age. Although there are no Dorchester cursus monument. listed buildings or structural sites of Accordingly, the proposed feasibility particular historic interest or study and masterplan for the importance, a number of sites within regeneration of Berinsfield should take the village boundary are of full and proper account of the potential significant archaeological interest, archaeological interest of the parish, and any future developments would some of which may be of national need to have due regard to possible importance. Reference should also be 179

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SA Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects

future discoveries elsewhere. made to the Oxfordshire Historic Landscape Characterisation, details of The sites have known which are available from Oxfordshire archaeological constraints, however County Council. a predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and evaluation should be undertaken to remove any uncertainties, and the location of development will influence the effects.

10 Option 1: The regeneration of Consider implementing decentralised Berinsfield offers the opportunity to energy for example, CHP. implement sustainable design Encourage green infrastructure and principles and address currently key biodiversity enhancement schemes; issues, therefore potential negative these are beneficial to flood prevention effects for this option as it reduces and resilience to climate change. the chances of improving current conditions. Continue to work with Thames water to ensure water and sewage capacity is Option 2: New development offers maintained. the opportunity to implement sustainable design principles, Include SuDS in all designs. resulting potential positive effects. Promote sustainable building practices South Oxfordshire is in an area of which conserve energy, water water stress. Additional dwellings resources and materials. will put pressure on resource use including: energy, water capacity and sewage capacity, resulting in potential negative effects. It is however assumed that sustainable design principles will be implemented.

12 Option 1: Option 1: No The Site Waste Management Plans development will result in no direct Regulations (2008) were repealed on 1 impact. December 2013. Although no longer a regulatory requirement in England, Option 2: The development of new SWMPs are still considered to be good housing, will lead to construction practice. and demolition waste being produced. Regeneration could result in more construction and demolition waste being reduced. 180

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SA Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects

Resulting in potential negative effects.

Berinsfield lack recycling facilities for the local community.

13, 14, Option 1: Without regeneration the Work with service providers to ensure a 15, 16, accessibility to employment for local fast and reliable access to the internet people may not improve, this could and mobile phone communications is have a negative effect for future provided through-out the district. generations. Consider tourism opportunities. Without regeneration the education Encourage local work force and on the and skill training for local people job skill training through-out the may not improve, this could have a development of new housing. negative effects for future generations. Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an Tourism and economic increase in skills locally and assist in opportunities for Berinsfield will developing new businesses. decline as the village deteriorates further. Therefore potential Work with service providers to ensure a negative effects have been fast and reliable access to the internet identified. and mobile phone communications is provided through-out the district. Option 2: If Berinsfield is inset from the Green Belt, this will result in Some further land may be needed significant positive effects, by, around Berinsfield to improve the mix maintaining and enhancing the rural of housing and to provide further environment. opportunities for employment and service provision and any loss of If Berinsfield is inset from the Green employment land should be replaced Belt, this will provide an opportunity locally. to provide further employment and on the job skill training resulting in significant positive effects.

If Berinsfield is inset from the Green Belt, will has opportunity to provide tourism and economic opportunities for Berinsfield significant positive effect

Berinsfield is within Science Vale UK, development here would support the vision for Science Vale 181

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SA Berinsfield SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects

17 Option 1: The Council has involved Continue to work with the local the community in the decision community. making process and the community. The community of Berinsfield have shown optimism and support for regeneration, therefore negative effects are identified if regeneration does not occur.

Option 2: The Council has involved the community in the decision making process and the community. The community of Berinsfield have shown optimism and support for regeneration, therefore significant positive effects are identified with this option.

3.24 The preferred option along with any proposed mitigation and cumulative effects are discussed in Part 2 of this SA Report Table 39. Table 45 below provides a reason for rejection and selection of each alternative option assessed through the SA process.

Table 39 Berinsfield reason for rejection and selection of alternative options assessed

Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection Do nothing Areas of Berinsfield need regeneration and the current Green Belt policy is inhibiting this South Oxfordshire District Council We consider that delivering both growth and regeneration together at Berinsfield promotes a sustainable pattern of development that cannot be achieved by developing elsewhere in the District. Inset Berinsfield from the We propose to inset Green Belt Berinsfield from the Green

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Options / alternatives Reason for rejection Reason for selection Belt as exceptional circumstances exist that justify this alteration to the Green Belt boundary. These are as follows:  areas of Berinsfield need regeneration and the current Green Belt policy is inhibiting this South Oxfordshire District Council  The mix of housing in Berinsfield is more unbalanced than in other parts of the District. Releasing land for development could help to rebalance the mix and provide further opportunities for employment and service provision; and Berinsfield is a local service centre and some further development would be consistent with the overall spatial strategy of this plan. We consider that delivering both growth and regeneration together at Berinsfield promotes a sustainable pattern of development that cannot be achieved by developing elsewhere in the District.

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Land at Wheatley Campus

3.25 Oxford Brookes University are in the process of a refurbishment project at their Headington Campus in Oxford City. As part of this refurbishment, it is intended to relocate the existing uses at the Wheatley Campus to the Headington Campus which would leave a previously developed site in the Green Belt. The surrounding uses are predominantly residential and there is some scope to develop part of the site for residential development.

3.26 Wheatley Campus is located approx. 8 miles from Oxford city centre in the north west of the district. The sites lies 0.7 miles from Wheatley which is one of the larger villages in South Oxfordshire, with a population of around 3,900 people and 0.9 miles (walking distance) from Holton, which is a small village within South Oxfordshire, with a population of around 640 people. See Figure 11 below for map of Whealtey Campus.

Figure 11 Wheatley Campus

3.27 The Table 40 below provides a summary of effects in terms of the SA Framework. The full appraisal matrices is located in Appendix A Table 9 The characteristics are discussed in terms of potential benefits and positive impacts and potential negative impacts or constraints; without the implementation of mitigation.

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Table 40 Oxford Brookes University Campus SA Summary of Key Issues

SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects 1 Wheatley Campus (former) has A full detailed Landscape and Visual been submitted to the Council’s Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be consideration as a site for new required to inform the final capacity of homes. Oxford Brookes University the sites. have indicated that they will soon vacate the campus north of Ensure infrastructure is phased Wheatley in Holton parish. The alongside new housing development surrounding uses are predominantly and is integrated with the village. residential and there is some scope Work with service providers to ensure to develop part of the site for this is implemented in a timely fashion. residential development. Affordable housing and a variety of The sites lies 0.7 miles from house sizes should be provided. Wheatley is one of the larger villages in South Oxfordshire, with a The positive effect of providing new population of around 3,900 people. homes could be enhanced by ensuring Located approx. 8 miles from Oxford that new homes are built to high city centre in the north west of the standards of sustainable design and district. supported by appropriate levels of infrastructure. There are around 1,700 homes in Wheatley. Three quarters of these Ensure affordable housing is provided. are owner occupied, with less than

10% of the village’s housing stock being leased through a Registered Social Landlord. This is lower than the district average. There is a higher proportion of one bedroom homes in Wheatley than the rest of South Oxfordshire. A significant number of new homes could be accommodated on the site, which will result in significant positive effect in terms of providing housing. The site lies 0.9 miles (walking distance) from Holton, which is a small village within South Oxfordshire, Holton is a small village in South Oxfordshire, with a population of around 640 people. Located approx. 8 miles from Oxford city centre. The Green Belt Study (Sept 2015)

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects suggests that the site could be inset from the green belt. Green Belt inset area: 22 hectares Developable area: 12 hectares Land within the developable area identified at Wheatley Campus, will be developed to deliver approximately 300 new homes. 2 A new settlement / urban extension Ensure good quality urban design is would provide the opportunity to implemented and work with the local design a safe environment which community and Thames Valley police. could reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour, resulting in positive effects. 3, 4 17.9% of the population are aged Ensure improvements to service between 0-15 years which is slightly provision commensurate with any lower than the Oxfordshire average increases in population. Good phasing of 19.5% of development will be required. Wheatley is one of the least deprived areas in the District, the population has a high level of education, a high standard of living and low employment compared to National statistics. Wheatley has a post office, a branch of Barclays bank, an Asda supermarket, a Co-Op pharmacy, several shops in the High Street, and numerous village societies, including the Wheatley Society and a Village Produce Association that holds an annual show and a number of public houses. There are a number of pre-school groups, a nursery school, a primary school, and a school for pupils with learning disabilities, and a secondary school. The County Council believes there is capacity of the primary school to accommodate new development. Wheatley offers a wide range of services with the ability to act as a local centre as part of the network of settlements in the north west of the 186

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects district, resulting in positive effects in terms of new housing development. The site lies 0.9 miles (walking distance) from Holton, which is a small village within South Oxfordshire, Holton is a small village in South Oxfordshire, with a population of around 640 people. Located approx. 8 miles from Oxford city centre. 12.7% of the population are aged between 0-15 yrs which is much lower than the Oxfordshire average of 19.5%. Holton is one of the least deprived areas in the District, the population has a high level of education, a high standard of living and low employment compared to National statistics. Holton has limited access to services, the nearest services are 1.4 miles away in Wheatley across the A40. Releasing some land from the Green Belt for housing and required services will support the villages in the long term, however further residential development would increase capacity of current services, resulting in negative effects without the implementation of mitigation. Social cohesion is an important aspect of any future residential development within the area. Development would have to provide health, education, recreation, community etc facilities as part of the scheme through CIL requirements and the IDP, to prevent negative effects.

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects 5, 8, 11 The site is part brownfield, part Work with Oxford City to ensure the air greenfield within the Green Belt, quality is monitored during both the currently owned by Oxford Brookes construction and operational phases. University. Any reduction in greenfield land may result in Encourage the use of permeable pollution from surface run-off, surfaces and SuDS, to reduce surface resulting in potential negative run off. effects. Ensure the ETI results inform the The site is adjacent to the A40, there decision making process. may be noise implications for future Consider how noise impacts could be residents, resulting in negative mitigated. effects. The sites lie within a nitrate vulnerability zone. The site is not within a mineral consultation zone. In the short term noise and dust pollution may also increase during the construction phase. There is likely to be an increase in car borne traffic locally, both during the construction and operational phase. The closest AQMA to the site is the Oxford City AQMA, declared by Oxford City Council, however this is located approximately 3.2km west of Wheatley; further development may lead to the increase in personal vehicles which will lead to negative effects. 6 The site is adjacent to Wheatley, Ensure the ETI results inform the which is one of the larger villages in decision making process. South Oxfordshire, with a population of around 3,900 people, are located Ensure good urban design principles approx. 8 miles from Oxford city are implemented within the new centre in the north west of the settlement and to create good access district. Wheatley is adjacent to the to surrounding villages and towns A40, which also links to the M40 where employment and other providing good road access to the amenities are located. north of the country. Work with infrastructure providers to The site lies 0.9 miles (walking identify where an increase in distance) from Holton, which is a sustainable modes of transport is 188

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects small village within South required. This should include cycle Oxfordshire, Holton is a small village ways, linking to green infrastructure. in South Oxfordshire, with a population of around 640 people. Buses to Oxford City buses run every 30 minutes, journey time approx. 40 minutes. There are services that run towards High Wycombe, Denton, Little Milton and Great Milton. These services are less frequent and do not run at weekends. Therefore positive effects are identified. Buses stop outside of the Oxford Brookes Campus. National Cycle Route 57 passes through Wheatley and utilises Church Road to the south of the site. The route links Oxford with Thame (and beyond). In the vicinity of Wheatley the route is mostly on- road, though a length of the route from Horspath towards Oxford is traffic free. A local traffic free cycle route also begins in the vicinity of Wheatley Park School and provides access into the north of Oxford following the route of the A40. The London Road Industrial Estate lies to the east of Wheatley, where there are employment opportunities,it may be possibly to intensify/improve opportunities. The positive effects have been identified above. There is no train station at Wheatley. 7, 8 The Oxford Brookes Wheatley Key landscape characteristics Campus has various mature trees contributing to adjacent Green Belt: and a number of TPO’s, grassland boundary tree lines, hedgerows in all areas and vegetation surrounding cases contribute to the wider Green and within the site. Belt and should be retained, this is beneficial to biodiversity. No identified statutory conservation designations are located within or Incorporate green infrastructure into 189

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects adjacent to the site. the design and biodiversity enhancement schemes. The site lies within the SSSI impact zone. The nearest statutory nature Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey, conservation designations to the site mitigate were necessary. are Littleworth Brick Pit Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Ensure further HRA Appropriate Lyehill Quarry SSSI, located Assessment is carried out and all approximately 0.85km south west recommendations are included in the and 0.95km north west of Wheatley, Local Plan 2032. respectively. Littleworth Brick Pit Consult with Natural England on any SSSI and Lyehill Quarry SSSI are future development proposals. both designated for geological interest. Safeguard and enhance the landscape character of the hedgerow network, Holton Wood SSSI, is located and tree-lined watercourses. approximately 1.5miles north west of the Wheatley. Holton Wood SSSI Ensure that all priority habitats are in comprises largely ancient and semi- favourable condition and natural woodland, along with a small management. area of ancient replanted woodland,

a number of woodland rides and a small stream. These habitats provide opportunities for breeding birds and a range of invertebrates. All sites lie within the SSSI impact zone. Development could result in negative effects. Corn Bunting inhabit the area. Its dramatic population decline in the UK makes it a Red List species, development could result in negative effects. Wheatley has a large Conservation Target Area to the west, any further development in these areas could assist with funding for biodiversity enhancement for example: green infrastructure, wildlife areas, buffer zones etc. Therefore development could result in positive effects. The following European Sites need to be considered when identifying areas for additional housing development. Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, 190

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects Little Wittenham SAC Oxford Meadows SAC. A Habitats Regulations Assessment for South Oxfordshire District Council was prepared by LUC in January 2015 and considered four potential growth options. Further HRA Appropriate Assessment would need to be carried out at the next stage of the Plan making process. Therefore current effects are uncertain. Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. 8 The site is a brownfield site within The Green Belt Study (Sept 2015) the Green Belt, currently owned by suggests that the Wheatley Campus Oxford Brookes University. The could be inset from the Green Belt and Green Belt Study (Sept 2015) that the boundary could be revised as suggests that the Wheatley Campus discussed above. Care should be could be inset form the Green Belt. taken that any suggested development does not have an adverse impact on Please see ‘Local Green Belt Study the open character of the adjacent for South Oxfordshire District Green Belt. Council Final Report Sept 2015’ for further information. A full detailed LVIA will be required to inform the final capacity of the sites. Landscape Capacity Assessment Any development would require March 2017 substantial woodland planting along Wheatley, Oxford Brookes the northern, western and eastern University, land between A40 and edge to contain the settlement edge. London Road Site description: The site is a predominantly greenfield site on the eastern edge of Wheatley, subdivided into compartments under different uses. The north-eastern area is occupied by a Christmas tree plantation. The second compartment appears to be under pasture and the third is used to site a farm shop and associated production. A public footpath 191

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects crosses west to east through the farm shop grounds and part of the plantation, emerging halfway up the eastern boundary before shortly reaching the edge of the River Thame. The western part comprises an enclosed field under agricultural use, possibly as hay meadow. Some of the southern part of the site is within the flood zone. The site is bounded to the north by the A40 and to the south by London Road and Old London Road. Key landscape planning factors: The site is within the Oxford Green Belt adjacent to Wheatley which is already designated as an inset village. The Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council (September 2015) identified that the general site area, and the western part of the site in particular, reflects few functions of the Green Belt. Towards the River Thame the landscape becomes more strongly linked to the river corridor and any realignment of the settlement boundary would need to ensure there is no wider harm. Wheatley, Oxford Brookes University, north of A40 Site description: The site is a predominantly brown field site on the northern edge of Wheatley, north of the A40, containing the campus of the Oxford Brookes University at Wheatley. The A40 forms the southern boundary, with Waterperry Road forming the short eastern edge, off of which is the vehicular entrance to the site. A small, enclosed field, which is not part of the campus, is located at the eastern end of the site. This field appears to contain 2 192

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects small buildings (possibly houses) within a field or rough grass. Large buildings (including a tower block) form the university facility concentrated in central / eastern part of site, with more scattered built form west of this. Sports pitches are set out along much of the southern edge, with woodland / scrub in the south-western corner. Sports pitches are also laid out in the north- western part of site, with a Scheduled Monument in the form of a circular moated island next to the pitches. To the west of the site are the grounds of the Wheatley Park School (Holton Manor House) and Park Sports Centre with a pedestrian footpath linking from the site to the sports centre. Beyond the northern boundary is open countryside. Key landscape planning factors: The site is within the Oxford Green Belt adjacent to Wheatley which is already designated as an inset village. The Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council (September 2015) identified that the developed part of the site area reflects few functions of the Green Belt and could be included within a revised inset boundary. The open playing ground at the west end of the site and the open field at the east end were not included in this revised inset. The general area, including the open land to the north of the site, was felt to have a role in separating Wheatley and Holton. Wheatley, Oxford Brookes University, land south of London Road Site description: The site is greenfield land near the eastern edge of Wheatley, located 193

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects between the residential edge of the settlement and the commercial plots located further to the east. A small area in the north west of the site is within the flood zone. The site is sub-divided into 3 fields either side of Roman Road (an unmade track). The southern part is surrounded by gappy vegetation on the north, east and south sides, with housing to the west, but lacks enclosure due to the rising ground to the south that overlooks it, curtailing views out in this direction. An electricity pylon occupies this area. The northern part of the site is also bounded by vegetation on the north and south sides, though the higher ground at the southern end affords glimpses of distant views out to the north and east over London Road and commercial plots respectively. The eastern part of site comprises a small field with vegetated boundaries providing some enclosure, whilst the partially vegetated boundary to the east adjoins commercial properties that prevent views out in this direction. To the west housing blocks views out and to the south higher ground does the same. The site is currently under rough grass and there is no public access across it, although an informal network of footpaths appears to cover its area. Key landscape planning factors: The site is within the Oxford Green Belt adjacent to Wheatley which is already designated as an inset village. The Local Green Belt Study for South Oxfordshire District Council (September 2015) identified that the site area reflects few functions of the Green Belt. Please see Landscape Character 194

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects Assessment March 2017 for further information. Development could lead to potential negative effects without mitigation. 9 A medieval moated site lies 580m A predetermination archaeological south west of Church Farm adjacent desk-based assessment and to the western boundary of Wheatley evaluation should be undertaken to Campus. establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation. Consideration will also need to be given the setting of the scheduled Ensure local distinctiveness is monument of the moated site of preserved. Holton House and its associated ice house, the grade II listed Holton Ensure the South Oxfordshire Design Park and six other listed structures, Manual is implemented. all just to the north-west of the Historic England consultation campus. The sites in question have response: Wheatley Campus contains no known archaeological a scheduled monument – the moated constraints, however further site 580m south west of Church Farm. investigation work may be required. Any redevelopment of the campus Prehistoric remains are known in the should therefore retain the scheduled wider study area, in the form of monument and respect its setting. isolated finds, therefore a predetermination archaeological Consideration will also need to be desk-based assessment and given the setting of the scheduled evaluation should be undertaken to monument of the moated site of Holton reduce the uncertainties identified. House and its associated ice house, the grade II listed Holton Park and six The Roman evidence within the area other listed structures, all just to the is more indicative of settlement north-west of the campus. activity during this period, than during the Prehistoric periods. If the site is taken forward, the policy relating to the site should highlight the Wheatley Conservation Area is need to retain the Scheduled located within the main street of Monument and respect its setting and Wheatley and contains at least 40 the other heritage features north west listed buildings. of the campus. There are a number of small villages separated from Wheatley by the Green Belt for example, Littlemore and Holton, development may result in loss of green infrastructure and lead to the merging of urban areas, and this will result in loss of local distinctiveness, resulting in negative effects. The Council will ensure that all new 195

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects development complies with the South Oxfordshire Design Manual that will require high quality design and materials, sensitive building heights and would consider the impact on the historic environment. 10 New development offers the Include SuDS in all designs. opportunity to implement sustainable design principles, resulting potential Promote sustainable building practices positive effects. that conserve energy, water resources and materials. South Oxfordshire is in an area of water stress. Additional dwellings Consider implementing decentralised will put pressure on resource use energy for example, CHP. including: energy, water capacity Continue to work with Thames water and sewage capacity, resulting in to ensure water and sewage capacity potential negative effects. It is is maintained. however assumed that sustainable design principles will be implemented. 11 The site is not in a flood zone. Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change. Include SuDS in all designs. 12 The development of new housing, The Site Waste Management Plans will lead to construction and Regulations (2008) were repealed on demolition waste being produced, 1 December 2013. Although no longer resulting in potential negative a regulatory requirement in England, effects SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. 13 Additional housing will increase the Encourage local work force and on the population and maintain and job skill training throughout the enhance the rural economy, by development of new housing. supporting and enhancing the larger villages, resulting in positive Encourage green and eco effects. technologies, this will lead to an increase in skills locally and assist in Wheatley Business Park is south of developing new businesses. the A40, and north of Wheatley Village. Work with service providers to ensure a fast and reliable access to the internet and mobile phone communications is provided throughout the district.

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SA Oxford Brookes University Mitigating adverse Objective Campus SA Summary of Key effects/maximising beneficial Issues effects Any re-development of Wheatley Campus should be mixed use. Consider if redevelopment of the site could include employment provision. 14, 15, 16 No Direct Impact N/A 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process and the community.

3.28 Mitigation: Preferred options are discussed in Part 2 of this report, mitigation is also discussed and indicates how this mitigation has been addressed within the Local Plan Preferred Options.

Henley-on-Thames

3.29 Henley Background

3.30 The 2011 Census established that there are 11,619 residents in Henley on Thames and 560 in Harpsden, totalling 12,179. The 16 to 29 year old age group is under represented in the area and residents in the 65 to 90 year age group are over represented.

3.31 Henley displays above average earnings, skill levels, employment in senior management positions and a lower than average level of deprivation as a whole.

3.32 Key issues

 The 2011 Census established that there are 5,457 households in the Henley and Harpsden area, of which 200 are in Harpsden. A relatively high 34% of all Henley and Harpsden dwellings have only a single occupier. A higher than average proportion of these are aged over 65 years.

 Henley is the most expensive area in the district to purchase accommodation across nearly all housing types, and is also the most expensive place to rent.

Transport, Movement and Air Quality

 There is no by-pass or ring road around Henley and therefore, through- traffic, which is estimated to account for about half of the overall traffic levels during peak hours, has to go through the town centre and one-way

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system (source: Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan 2012, Henley on Thames Area Strategy).

 There is limited cycling infrastructure across the town and in the northwest residential and employment areas in particular.

 Since 1997, Henley has had an Air Quality Management Area and results have shown it exceeds air quality standards in terms of nitrogen dioxide. The source of the problem is road traffic, primarily congestion building up along Duke Street, exacerbated by the canyon effect of a narrow road with tall buildings either side.

Character

 Henley Conservation Area is characterised by its medieval street plan, by the survival of its burgage plots, by the continuous terraces of listed buildings and its principal streets and attractive riverside setting and its many listed buildings.

 The range and quality of preserved listed and timber buildings provides an extremely attractive town centre setting.

 The quality of Henley's historic buildings makes the town an important national destination which is also an important catalyst for its success as a tourist destination.

 Harpsden is a predominantly rural parish lying to the south of Henley. The heart of the village is centred on the Village Hall with further residential clusters around Gillotts Lane, St. Margarets Church and Harpsden Bottom.

Environment and Landscape

 The quality of the landscape and environment is one of the key defining features of Henley and Harpsden.

 The area covers a number of historic assets and designated areas including the River Thames itself, the surrounding Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Sites of Special Scientifc Interest (SSSIs), Ancient Woodland and a scheduled ancient monument.

 The town is tightly constrained by the river and the AONB, The purpose of the Chilterns AONB is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area.

 SSSIs, of which there are three (Lambridge Wood, Highlands Farm Pit and Harpsden Wood), are designated for their particular national wildlife and/or geological value.

 There is also the Thames Path National Trail which is a nationally designated Long Distance Walking Route which runs along the river front.

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Flooding

 The proximity of the town to the River Thames means it is affected by Flood Zones 2 and 3 and experienced flooding during winter 2013.

3.33 The following alternatives for Henley have been assessed against the SA Framework:

 Option 1 Do Nothing, No Further Growth

 Option 2 Allow Further Growth

3.34 Table 41 below provides a reason for inclusion of each alternative option assessed through the SA process. Table 43 provides a summary of effects in terms of the SA Framework. Table 42 below shows a comparison of the SA scoring for all alternative options tested. 3.35 The characteristics are discussed in terms of potential benefits and positive impacts and potential negative impacts or constraints; without mitigation. Part 2 of this SA Report discusses the preferred options.

Table 41 Henley reason for inclusion of alternative options assessed

Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion

Do nothing The do nothing option allows an evaluation of the baseline, which predicts the significance of the effects without the implementation of further development.

Allow further growth Henley is one of the large market towns in the district and development at this location will help to strengthen the existing employment and services available. It also provides the opportunity to contribute towards meeting the housing needs of the district. Affordability is a key issue in the town and the provision of additional development will bring wider benefits.

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✓✓ ✓ x x x 0 ? Major Minor Major Minor Neutral Uncertain positive positive negative negative effect effect

Table 42 Henley comparison of SA scoring of alternative options assessed

SA Option 1 Option 2 Objectives

1 ✓ ? ✓ x

2 ✓ 0

3 ✓ x ✓ 0

4 ✓ x ✓ 0 5 x ? 0

6 x ✓ 0 7 ? 0

8 ? 0 9 ? 0

10 ✓ 0 11 0 0 12 x 0

13 ✓ x 14 0 0

15 ✓✓ x 16 0 0

17 ✓✓ ✓✓

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Table 43 Henley summary of key issues

SA Henley SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 Option 1: Henley is the most Ensure infrastructure is in place expensive area in the district to commensurate with the scale of purchase accommodation across growth. nearly all housing types, and is also the most expensive place to rent, A range of housing should be however it may not be possible to provided. provide needed infrastructure, Affordable housing should be Henley is constrained by the AONB provided. and the river Thames. Therefore positive and uncertain effects have Ensure infrastructure is phased been identified. through-out. Option 2: The Joint Henley and Monitor housing allocations as set out Harpsden Neighbourhood in the Joint Henley and Harpsden Development Plan (NDP) officially Neighbourhood Development Plan adopted 14 April 2016, allocated (NDP) officially adopted 14 April 2016. further growth. No further growth on

top of these allocations will allow these projects to continue in a timely fashion. Therefore potential significant effects are identified. Negative effects are also identified no further growth may have implications In providing a range of housing for future residents. 2 Option 1: Henley has a low crime Ensure good quality urban design is rate, so no direct impact is identified, implemented and work with the local however new development could community and with Thames Valley provide the opportunity to design a police. safe environment which could reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour, resulting I potential positive effects. Option 2: No direct impact 3, 4 Option 1: Henley has a an Ensure improvements to service established town centre and a wide provision commensurate with any range of services and facilities, increases in population. including schools, GP surgeries, therefore positive effects are Good phasing of development will be identified, however further required to ensure that social development may put pressure on cohesion is promoted. existing services resulting in negative effects. Good urban design principles will be required that ensure accessibility is 201

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SA Henley SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects Further growth could support a promoted throughout the development range of services and facilities. phases. Option 2: No direct impact has been identified with no further growth the Joint Henley and Harpsden NDP allocates further growth this includes access to services and community facilities, no further growth will allow these projects to continue in a timely fashion, which will result in positive effects. 4, 5, 11 Option 1: Any additional housing on Encourage green infrastructure and top of the existing allocations is likely biodiversity enhancement schemes; to lead to further pollution of various these are beneficial to flood kinds. There is likely to be an prevention and resilience to climate increase in car borne traffic locally. change. Therefore negative effects are identified. Include SUDS in all designs. Any further reduction in greenfield Continue to monitor air quality. land may result in pollution from surface run-off. The location of Ensure the ETI results inform the further allocations would impact the decision making process outcome of this objective. Uncertain effects are identified. The town is tightly constrained by the river, the proximity of the town to the River Thames means it is affected by Flood Zones 2 and 3. Any further reduction in greenfield land may result in pollution from surface run-off. The location of further allocations would impact the outcome of this objective. Uncertain effects are identified. Since 1997, Henley has had an Air Quality Management Area and results have shown it exceeds air quality standards in terms of nitrogen dioxide. The source of the problem is road traffic, primarily congestion building up along Duke Street, exacerbated by the canyon effect of a narrow road with tall buildings either side.

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SA Henley SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects Development will not be sustainable in the long term if the development is not resilient to flood risk and climate change. Pollution to water, air and land may occur without mitigation. The location of further allocations would impact the outcome of this objective. Uncertain effects are identified. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to prevent harm to the environment, through-out the development of the existing allocations. Therefore No direct impact is identified. 6 Option 1: The National Cycle Ensure good urban design principles Network’s ‘Chilterns Cycleway’ are implemented to create good circular through the Chilterns Area of access to Henley. Outstanding Natural Beauty passes through Henley. There is also the Work with infrastructure providers to Thames Path National Trail which is identify were an increase in a nationally designated Long sustainable modes of transport is Distance Walking Route which runs required. This should include, cycle along the river front. ways, linking to green infrastructure. Henley has good links with the Ensure the ETI results inform the surrounding area, with a frequent decision making process. half-hourly Monday to Saturday bus service to High Wycombe, Marlow, Shiplake and Reading, with a reduced hourly service on Sundays. Resulting in positive effects for any new residents. The railway station is located at the south eastern boundary of the town centre. Pedestrian routes between the town centre and the rail station are pleasant either walking via the river or Reading Road / Duke Street.

There is no by-pass or ring road around Henley and therefore, through-traffic, which is estimated to account for about half of the overall traffic levels during peak hours, has to go through the town centre and one-way system (source: Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan 203

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SA Henley SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects 2012, Henley on Thames Area Strategy). There is limited cycling infrastructure across the town and in the northwest residential and employment areas in particular. Therefore potential negative effects are identified, however further growth could support the provision of the required infrastructure, resulting in positive effects. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to prevent harm to the environment, through-out the development of the existing allocations. Therefore no direct impact is identified. 7 Option 1: There are three SSSIs, Incorporate green infrastructure into (Lambridge Wood, Highlands Farm the design and biodiversity Pit and Harpsden Wood), are enhancement schemes. designated for their particular national wildlife and/or geological Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. value. Ensure development has no negative Additional development in this areas effects on the SSSI’s. could assist with funding for biodiversity enhancement for example: green infrastructure, wildlife areas, buffer zones etc. The location of further allocations would impact the outcome of this objective. Therefore effects are uncertain. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to prevent harm to the environment, through-out the development of the existing allocations. Therefore no direct impact is identified.

7 Option 1: The following European Ensure the Habitats Regulation Sites need to be considered when Assessment is undertaken. identifying areas for additional housing development: Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC Oxford

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SA Henley SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects Meadows SAC Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. Current impact is uncertain until a Habitats Regulation Assessment undertaken. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to prevent harm to the environment, through-out the development of the existing allocations. Therefore no direct impact is identified. 8 Option 1: The town is tightly A full detailed landscape and visual constrained by the river Thames and impact assessment will be required to the AONB. The purpose of the inform the final capacity of any further Chilterns AONB is to conserve and allocations. Development should not enhance the natural beauty of the negatively affect the AONB or the area. Development could result in district character of Henley. significant effects, however it is the location of any further development that will determine the effect. So the results are overall uncertain. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to prevent harm to the environment, through-out the development of the existing allocations. Therefore no direct impact is identified. 9 Henley Conservation Area is A full detailed landscape and visual characterised by its medieval street impact assessment will be required to plan, by the survival of its burgage inform the final capacity of any further plots, by the continuous terraces of allocations. Development should not listed buildings and its principal negatively affect the AONB or the streets and attractive riverside district character of Henley. setting and its many listed buildings. In order to protect the historic environment, the Council will ensure The range and quality of preserved that all new development complies listed and timber buildings provides with the South Oxfordshire Design an extremely attractive town centre Guide. This will require high quality setting. design and materials, sensitive The quality of Henley's historic building heights and would have to buildings makes the town an preserve and enhance the historic important national destination which environment. is also an important catalyst for its 205

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SA Henley SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects success as a tourist destination. Development could result in significant effects, however it is the location of any further development that will determine the effect. So the results are overall uncertain. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to prevent harm to the environment, through-out the development of the existing allocations. Therefore no direct impact is identified. 10 Option 1: New development offers Encourage green infrastructure and the opportunity to implement biodiversity enhancement schemes; sustainable design principles. So these are beneficial to flood potential positive effects are prevention and resilience to climate identified. change. Additional dwellings will put pressure Continue to work with Thames water on resource use including: energy, to ensure water and sewage capacity water capacity and sewage capacity, is maintained. it is assumed that sustainable design principles will be implemented. Include SuDS in all designs. Option 2: Mitigation is in place to Promote sustainable building practices prevent harm to the environment, which conserve energy, water through-out the development of the resources and materials. existing allocations. Therefore no Consider implementing decentralised direct impact is identified. energy, for example CHP. 12 Option 1: Municipal waste is not The Site Waste Management Plans covered within the remit of the Local Regulations (2008) were repealed on Plan, however the development of 1 December 2013. Although no additional housing on top of the longer a regulatory requirement in existing allocations, will lead to England, SWMPs are still considered further construction and demolition to be good practice. waste being produced. Option 2: No direct impact

13, 15 Option 1: Further growth could have Encourage local work force and on the positive effects in terms of providing job skill training through-out the housing and employment for development of new housing. residents and future residents. New businesses could be supported Encourage green and eco especially for the younger generation technologies, this will lead to an thus encouraging a mixed age range increase in skills locally and assist in 206

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SA Henley SA Summary of Key Mitigating adverse Objective Issues effects/maximising beneficial effects of residents and supporting Henley developing new businesses. economically. Work with service providers to ensure If the allocations included a fast and reliable access to the employment allocations then there internet and mobile phone would be potential for a significant communications is provided through- positive effect in terms of out the district. developing a skilled work force through on the job training. Option 2: Restricting further growth could have negative effects on stable levels of employment and facilitating inward investment, this could be negative to the development of a skilled workforce. 15 Option 1 and 2: No direct impact 17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community. process.

3.36 Table 44 below provides a reason for rejection and selection of each alternative option assessed through the SA process. 3.37 The preferred option along with any proposed mitigation and cumulative effects are discussed in Part 2 of this SA Report. Part 2 of this report, indicates how this mitigation has been addressed within the Local Plan Preferred Options.

Table 44 Henley reason for rejection and reason for selection of the alternative options assessed

Reason for rejection Reason for selection

Do nothing In the continued absence of a five year housing land supply, Henley would continue to have speculative planning applications and as such the do nothing approach would mean that additional development would be unplanned and would not take place in a coordinated manner with

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Reason for rejection Reason for selection

necessary supporting infrastructure. To not plan for further development at Henley would be to not recognise the opportunities of additional development. The plan period is to 2033 and it is not considered that one of the key towns within the district should be left without the opportunity to grow.

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Larger Villages

3.38 We propose that where villages are in the process of preparing a neighbourhood plan, the delivery of the houses allocated to these villages should be delivered through the neighbourhood plan. This enables, allowing communities to have their say on where development in their area will go.

3.39 If a neighbourhood plan does not progress within a specified time frame, the council will, as the local planning authority, allocate sites for housing in those villages. To support this, the Council will use the published Strategic Land Availability Assessment to identify suitable, available and achievable sites. This would be done by working with the local community and parish council.

3.40 Where a village already has an adopted neighbourhood plan which does not provide for their level of allocated housing development, this will need to be reviewed within the specified timeframe.

3.41 For those villages not preparing a neighbourhood plan (Nettlebed and Crowmarsh Gifford) the council will allocate sites in these villages, and will continue to work with the local community and parish councils to achieve this.

3.42 There are currently 12 settlements classed as larger villages in the district. These are:

Benson Goring Berinsfield Nettlebed Chalgrove Sonning Common Cholsey Watlington Chinnor Wheatley Crowmarsh Gifford Woodcote

3.43 Nine of these are either in the process of preparing a neighbourhood plan, or already have a ‘made’ plan. Our proposed strategy for housing distribution in the larger villages is for each settlement to grow proportionally by around 15 percent.

3.44 There are two larger villages that are not preparing neighbourhood plans where the council will allocate sites for housing. These are Nettlebed and Crowmarsh Gifford. It is expected that the other nine larger villages will allocate housing sites through their neighbourhood plans. Nettlebed

3.45 Nettlebed, although the smallest of the Larger Villages, forms an important part of the network of settlements in the western area of the district along the A4130. It has a reasonable range of services including a primary school, doctor’s surgery, village 209

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hall, convenience shop and garage, post office and pub/restaurant. It is also on the bus route with an hourly service being halfway between Wallingford and Henley. The village has a small historic core centred on the High Street with more modern housing development to the north. Nettlebed is entirely within the AONB and much of the land to the north and east is common land.

3.46 The community have decided not to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan and subsequently the Local Plan is allocating sites on their behalf

3.47 The sites within Nettlebed which have been tested against the SA Framework are: NET 1, NET 2, NET 3, NET 4 and NET 5. See Figure 12 below.

Figure 12 Nettlebed Alternative Options

3.48 The sites above were consulted on at the Refined Options stage of the Local Plan process, Appendix A table 15 outlines the consultation comments received and states how these have been addressed. 3.49 The full appraisal matrices for these sites can be found in Appendix A Table 10 of this SA Report. Table 46 below shows a comparison of the SA scoring for all 210

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alternative options tested, Table 47 summarises and compares the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the sites considered for housing and considers ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects. 3.50 The preferred option along with any proposed mitigation and cumulative effects are discussed in Part 2 of this SA Report. Table 45 below provides a reason for inclusion of each alternative option assessed through the SA process. Table 45 Nettlebed reason for inclusion of alternative options assessed

Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion

NET 1 Identified in the SHLAA

NET 2 Identified in the SHLAA

NET 3 Identified in the SHLAA

NET 4 Identified in the SHLAA

NET 5 Identified in the SHLAA

Key:

✓✓ ✓ x x x 0 ? Major Minor Major Minor Neutral Uncertain positive positive negative negative effect effect

Table 46 Comparison of SA Scoring of Nettlebed Alternative Options

SA Obj NET 1 NET 2 NET 3 NET 4 NET 5 1 ✓ x ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ ✓ 5 x x x x ✓ 6 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 7 ? x ? x ? x ? x ? x 8 xx xx x xx ✓ x 9 xx xx x xx x 10- ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 11 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 12 x x x x ✓ 13 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 14 0 0 0 0 0

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SA Obj NET 1 NET 2 NET 3 NET 4 NET 5 15 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 17 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

Table 47 Nettlebed SA Summary of Key findings

SA SA Summary of Key findings Mitigating adverse Objectives Nettlebed Village effects/maximising beneficial effects

1 Housing development on NET 1, Ensure that development is designed NET 3, NET 4 and NET 5 will have to reduce crime and the fear of crime. a major positive effect to provide Ensure affordable housing is provided. the required housing need. NET 2 however may be impractical for housing, due to the topography of the site. Site is considered not suitable in principle and its availability is currently unknown, therefore Minor negative effects have been identified.

1, 2 20 new homes is unlikely to Ensure that development is designed provide opportunities to contribute to reduce crime and the fear of crime. to the existing infrastructure

significantly, however new development may help create safer Residents suggested that allotments places through greater pedestrian and play parks would be required to flows and provide funding through support population growth. development to ensure secure design principles, which will have a minor positive effect.

3 Further housing offers the Ensure improvements to service opportunity to support and provision commensurate with any enhance the village; however increases in population. growth pressure on existing

services in places where housing is already allocated may occur, Continue to work with Oxfordshire therefore minor positive effects County Council to ensure school and minor negative effects were facilities are provided locally. noted for all sites.

3, 4 As a larger village, there are a Continue to work with Oxfordshire good range of existing facilities County Council to ensure school

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Mitigating adverse Objectives Nettlebed Village effects/maximising beneficial effects

including a doctors surgery, facilities are provided locally. primary school, village hall, parks

and allotments within walking distance of the sites, however NET Ensure good urban design principles 1, NET 2, NET 3 and NET 4 are are implemented to create good located on the edge of the village access to Nettlebed Village. and therefore access to existing facilities and social cohesion are scored as minor negative effect. Ensure the allotments and PROW are NET 3 has a footpath to the village protected. and NET 5 located in the grounds of former Joyce Grove parkland estate, with good links to the village and therefore scores a minor positive effect.

4, 5 In the short term noise pollution Ensure phasing of development occurs may increase during the to reduce noise impacts. construction phase, leading to a

minor negative effect for all sites assessed.

6 The village enjoys good travel Ensure good urban design principles connections to Oxford and Reading are implemented to create good along the A4074. The village has access to Nettlebed Village. no train station; nearest train

station is Henley-on-Thames approx. 5 miles away, buses run hourly, therefore minor negative effects for all sites were identified.

6 Buses run hourly to Reading, Work with infrastructure providers to Oxford. Every half an hour to identify were an increase in Wallingford. Buses stops are 5 sustainable modes of transport is minutes from all sites. There are required. This should include, cycle secondary schools within a 5 mile ways, linking to green infrastructure. radius. Bus services are hourly.

Cycling would take approx. 30 minutes. The primary school is 3 minutes’ walk away from the site, the doctor’s surgery is 10 minutes’ walk away from the sites, and therefore minor positive effects 213

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Mitigating adverse Objectives Nettlebed Village effects/maximising beneficial effects

were noted for all sites.

5, 6 Any increase in population will Ensure the ETI results inform the result in additional vehicle use; decision making process. additional journeys will be required

to access secondary schools, sports facilities and other services which do not exists in the village, resulting in a minor negative effect.

7 Ecological constraints are unknown Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey for all sites, Nettlebed is located close to a Conservation Target Area; however the development of 20 houses is unlikely to provide significant funding for biodiversity enhancement.

7 NET 5 the open part of the site is a Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey combination of parkland and

designed gardens and there is a Local Wildlife Site in the northern Ensure the protection of the Parkland, part of site, therefore any future Designated Gardens and Local Wildlife development may result in minor Site. negative effects.

7 The following European Sites need Ensure the Habitats Regulation to be considered when identifying Assessment Screening is carried out. areas for additional housing development. Aston Rowant SAC, Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC, Oxford Meadows SAC. Additional development can lead to increased emissions from vehicle movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. Therefore the results are uncertain until a Habitats Regulation Assessment has been carried out to assess the impacts 214

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Mitigating adverse Objectives Nettlebed Village effects/maximising beneficial effects

on these.

8 NET 1, NET 2 and NET 4 lie within A full detailed landscape and visual the within the Chilterns AONB, any impact assessment will be required to development may result in harm to inform the final capacity of the sites. the AONB, resulting in major

negative effects. NET 3 lies within the AONB, the LCA states: There may be some potential for housing if further LVIA is carried out, therefore minor negative effects was identified.

9 NET 5 is part green field / part With regard to the historic environment: brownfield in the grounds of Joyce A predetermination archaeological Grove (Sue Ryder home), the desk-based assessment and hospice is a grade 2 listed building. evaluation should be undertaken to Any significant development within establish a suitable and appropriate the grounds could harm the setting level of mitigation. of the listed building and be In order to protect the historic inappropriate. Removal of environment, the Council will ensure greenfield land may not be that all new development complies with required if the existing buildings the South Oxfordshire Design Guide. were converted into new homes, This will require high quality design and the site is available, therefore materials, sensitive building heights minor positive effects identified. and would have to preserve and enhance the historic environment.

5, 8 NET 1, NET 2 NET 3 and NET 4 Encourage the use of permeable are greenfield land and in the long surfaces and SUDS. term, this may result in pollution

from surface run-off, leading to a minor negative effect.

9 NET 1, NET 2 and NET 4 are on Potential major effects may not prevent the edge of Nettlebed village development, it may be possible to Conservation Area, any mitigate effects. development has the potential to With regard to the historic environment: have a major negative effect. A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and appropriate 215

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level of mitigation.

In order to protect the historic environment, the Council will ensure that all new development complies with the South Oxfordshire Design Guide. This will require high quality design and materials, sensitive building heights and would have to preserve and enhance the historic environment.

9 NET 3 site is located adjacent to A full detailed landscape and visual Nettlebed Conservation Area, impact assessment will be required to however the LCA suggests that inform the final capacity of the sites. development may be possible if Encourage key management and further LVIA work is carried out and enhancement schemes to protect the mitigation is implemented, landscape character. therefore this site scores a minor negative effect, without mitigation. With regard to the historic environment: A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation.

10 Additional dwellings will put Promote sustainable building practices pressure on resource use which conserve energy, water including: energy, water capacity resources and materials. and sewage capacity, however it is Continue to work with Thames Water assumed that sustainable design to ensure water and sewage capacity principles will be implemented. is maintained. New development offers the opportunity to implement sustainable design principles which may result in minor positive effects.

11 No sites are within a floodplain, Encourage green infrastructure and proposed enhancement schemes biodiversity enhancement schemes; will result in minor positive these are also beneficial to flood effects. prevention and resilience to climate change.

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12 The development of new housing, The Site Waste Management Plans will lead to construction and Regulations (2008) were repealed on 1 demolition waste being produced, December 2013. Although no longer a this may result in minor negative regulatory requirement in England, effects. SWMPs are still considered to be good practice and could be considered.

13 Additional housing will increase the Encourage local work force and on the population and maintain and job skill training through-out the enhance the rural economy, which development of new housing. will result in minor positive Encourage green and eco effects technologies, this will lead to an increase in skills locally and assist in developing new businesses.

14, 15, 16 No direct impact

17 The Council has involved the Continue to work with the local community in the decision making community and the Parish council. process

3.51 The preferred option along with any proposed mitigation and cumulative effects are discussed in Part 2 of this SA Report. Table 5 Table 48 below provides a reason for rejection and selection of each alternative option assessed through the SA process. Table 48 Nettlebed reason for rejection and selection of alternative options assessed.

Options / Reason for rejection Reason for selection alternatives NET 1 Land to the west of Priests Close is a greenfield site on the edge of the village. The Landscape Capacity Assessment found that development on the land to the west of Priest Close had the potential to harm the landscape setting of the village and the AONB, as it would expand the settlement into the wider countryside. However, the site is not visually prominent and provides a more balanced development option in terms of integration with the existing community. We have increased the size of the site from that submitted to extend further to the north to allow adequate space, if needed, to provide an area of green space behind the 217

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Options / Reason for rejection Reason for selection alternatives existing houses in Priests Close. NET 2 Nettlebed is entirely within the AONB and much of the land to the north and east is common land. Development of this site is considered to have more impact on the AONB. NET 3 Nettlebed is entirely within the AONB and much of the land to the north and east is common land. Development of this site is considered to have more impact on the AONB. NET 4 Nettlebed is entirely within the AONB and much of the land to the north and east is common land. Development of this site is considered to have more impact on the AONB. NET 5 Joyce Grove comprises a substantial Grade II listed house and outbuildings within a parkland setting. Given this, it would not be suitable for new-build housing but it is considered that there is the potential to reuse and sympathetically convert existing buildings to provide some new homes. The site is currently occupied by Sue Ryder and operates as a hospice. It is a highly valued facility for southern Oxfordshire. We are aware that the building does not currently meets their needs and they have been exploring options to relocate. At this point in time an appropriate alternative site has yet to be identified and this will be monitored in association with this policy.

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Crowmarsh Gifford

3.52 Crowmarsh Gifford is also one of our smallest ‘larger villages’. It is located on the opposite bank of the River Thames from Wallingford, and it has its own separate village identity. It has a limited range of services and facilities (a shop, two pubs and a primary school) but benefits from being in easy reach of those in Wallingford. A notable feature is the collection of large employment sites along Benson Lane, consisting of the environmental science cluster in the grounds of the historic Howbery Park and along Benson Lane, and the council offices (recently damaged in a serious fire). The high frequency bus service between Oxford and Reading runs through Crowmarsh Gifford, providing opportunities for sustainable travel.

3.53 The sites within Crowmarsh Gifford Village which have been subject to the Sustainability Appraisal process and were consulted on at the Refined Options Stage are as follows: CRO 1, CRO 2, CRO 3, CRO 4, CRO 6, CRO 7 and CRO 10.

3.54 The sites above were consulted on at the Refined Options stage of the Local Plan process, Appendix A table 15 outlines the consultation comments received and states how these have been addressed

3.55 The HELAA Report was undertaken March 2017 and identified the following potential sites for development: CG1, CG2 and CG3, the SA has now assessed these sites, the summary of the assessment has been added to the Table 51 below. See Figure 13 for map of all alternative options.

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Figure 13 Crowmarsh Gifford Alternative Options

3.56 The full appraisal matrices for these sites can be found in Appendix A Table 11 of this SA Report. Table 50 below shows a comparison of the SA scoring for all alternative options tested. Table 51 summarises and compares the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the sites considered for housing and considers ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects.

3.57 Part 2 of this SA Report discusses the preferred option, mitigation and cumulative effects. Table 49 below provides a reason for inclusion of each alternative option.

Table 49 Crowmarsh Gifford reason for inclusion of alternative options assessed.

Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion CRO1 Identified in the SHLAA

CRO2 Identified in the SHLAA

CRO3 Identified in the SHLAA

CRO4 Identified in the SHLAA

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Options / alternatives Reason for inclusion CRO6 Identified in the SHLAA

CRO7 Identified in the SHLAA

CR10 Identified in the SHLAA

CG1 Identified in the HELAA Report

CG2 Identified in the HELAA Report

CG3 Identified in the HELAA Report

Key

✓✓ ✓ x x x 0 ? Major Minor Major Minor Neutral Uncertain positive positive negative negative effect effect

Table 50 Crowmarsh Gifford comparison of the SA scoring for all alternative options

CRO CRO 2 CRO 3 CRO 4 CRO 6 CRO CRO CG1 CG2 CG3 1 7 10 1 ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 3 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 4 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 5 x x ✓ x ✓ x x x x x x ✓ x 6 ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x x ✓ x x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x 7 ✓ ? ✓ x x ✓ x ✓ x ✓ x ? x ? ? 0 8 x xx xx x ✓ x xx x xx x ✓✓ 9 ? x xx xx x x x xx x 0 10 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ x ✓ ✓ ✓ 11 ✓ ✓ x x x ✓ ✓ ✓ xx xx ✓✓ 12 x x x x x x x x x x 13 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ x ✓ ✓ 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 x x 0 0 0 0 17 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

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Table 51 Crowmarsh Gifford Village SA Summary of Key findings

SA SA Summary of Key findings Crowmarsh Mitigating adverse Objectives Gifford Village effects/maximising

beneficial effects

1, 2 Housing development of any of the sites Ensure that development considered will have a major positive effect to is designed to reduce provide the required housing need. crime and the fear of crime. Any new development may help create safer places through greater pedestrian flows and Ensure improvements to provide funding through development to ensure service provision secure design principles, which will have a commensurate with any major positive effect. increases in population.

Ensure affordable housing is provided.

3 Further housing offers the opportunity to support Ensure improvements to and enhance the village; however growth service provision pressure on existing services in places where commensurate with any housing is already allocated may occur, increases in population. therefore minor positive effects and minor negative effects were noted for all sites.

3, 4 There are allotments in the village within easy Ensure good urban access of all sites, access to allotments can design principles are have minor positive effects on people’s health implemented to create and well-being, however minor negative good access to effects were also noted the village has no GP or Crowmarsh Gifford dentist, residents would need to travel approx. Village. 1.5 miles to access these services in Work with infrastructure Wallingford. 20 minutes’ walk. Cycling would providers to identify were take approx. 10 minutes. an increase in sustainable Part of the sites for CG1 & CG2 are used for modes of transport is recreation and leisure, loss of these facilities required. This should would result in negative effects. include cycle ways linking to green infrastructure.

Consider how loss of recreation and leisure facilities could be prevented or replaced.

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3, 4 CRO2 is a large site, the north end is well Ensure good urban beyond the village boundary. Minor negative design principles are effects identified due to possible lack of implemented to create community cohesion in the long term. good access to Crowmarsh Gifford CRO3 and CRO4 are located on a business Village. park to the north of the village boundary and development here may not promote social cohesion, the business park and has a poor relationship with Crowmarsh Gifford village, resulting in minor negative effects.

CRO7 is on the southern edge of Crowmarsh Gifford, with no footpath to the village minor negative effects noted.

CG1 & CG2 are located to the west of Crowmarsh Gifford, next to the River Thames and approx. 1 mile east of Wallingford. Wallingford is the smallest market town in the district, with a population of around 8,000, a good range of facilities in terms of schools, health and recreation a range of employment opportunities and links with the concentration of environmental science organisations at nearby Crowmarsh Gifford a number of independent shops and restaurants, access to Wallingford provides positive effects however the addition of new homes will increase the population size, therefore the existing services could be stretched resulting in negative effects.

3, 4 CRO1, CRO 6 and CRO 10 are located on the edge of the village boundary, easy walking distance to allotments and other village facilities including a community / village hall resulting in minor positive effects.

4 CRO 1 and CRO 2 sites are adjacent to the Mitigate noise impacts A4074 with associated road noise, resulting in from road. minor negative effects noted.

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4, 5, 6 In the short term noise pollution may increase Ensure phasing of during the construction phase, leading to a development occurs to minor negative effect for all sites assessed. reduce noise impacts.

The increase in population may reduce Ensure the ETI results tranquillity overall for all residents and an inform the decision increase in car borne traffic locally in the long making process. term, resulting in possible minor negative

effects.

5 CRO3 and CRO4 both sites are brownfield land, Encourage the use of resulting in minor positive effects over the use permeable surfaces and of greenfield land. CRO6 is part brownfield land. SUDS.

CG3 is also a brownfield site with some areas of open land.

6 There is no train station in the village; nearest Ensure good urban train station is Cholsey approx. 3.5 miles. design principles are Potential minor negative effects. implemented to create good access to

Crowmarsh Gifford Village.

Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase in sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include, cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure.

6 CRO1, CRO6, CRO 7, CRO 10 are approx. 7 minutes’ walk from the nearest primary school CRO4 is 10 minutes’ walk resulting in minor positive effects.

CG1 & CG2 are close to, but separate from, Wallingford by the River Thames, it is 20 mins to the town centre and local facilities in Wallingford.

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Oxfordshire County Council believes there is potential to increase the capacity of the primary school if new development would require this.

5, 6 CRO3 and CRO4 are a located approx. 10 Ensure good urban minutes’ walk from the nearest primary school, design principles are the distance may result in more local traffic implemented to create resulting in minor negative effects. good access to Crowmarsh Gifford Community consultation has indicated that the Village. junction at Cox’s Lane/A4074 needs improving. Work with infrastructure CG3 is 1.5 mile to access services in providers to identify were Wallingford, approx. 25 minutes’ walk. The an increase in sustainable distance may result in more local traffic resulting modes of transport is in minor negative effects. required. This should include, cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure.

7 CRO2, CRO4, CRO6, CRO7 have TPO’s within Ensure a buffer zone is the site/site boundary, any impact on these will provided to protect the result in minor negative effects. CRO1 has not TPO’S on the site. had a BAP Phase 1 survey, however TPO’s may Ensure a 25 metre buffer be present on the site boundary. zone is provided for CRO2 BAP Phase 1 survey recorded the Watery Lane on western following: Deciduous woodland across the road side of the site. to North West, Barn Owls & Adders on North of Carry out a BAP phase 1 site. Evidence of badgers. Disturbance may lead survey. to minor negative effects.

CRO3 Part of the site is within a parkland area with habitats suitable for a number of protected Ensure no impact to of protected species. Disturbance may lead to protected species minor negative effects. through-out all development phases. CRO4 BAP Phase 1 survey recorded the following: Osprey on West of site. Disturbance may lead to minor negative effects.

CRO6 Small area of woodland in centre of site, Potential bat activity within trees on site. BAP Phase 1 survey recorded the following: Borders 225

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deciduous woodland to East, Disturbance may lead to minor negative effects.

CRO7 BAP Phase 1 survey recorded the following: Deciduous woodland west. Potential bat activity within trees on site. Disturbance may lead to minor negative effects.

CRO10 No BAP Surveys carried out. Potential bat activity within trees on site. Disturbance may lead to minor negative effects.

CG1 & CG2 There are no known ecological constraints, however a BAP survey has not been carried out, therefore constraints are uncertain.

CG3 There are no known ecological constraints, site is previously developed. Therefore no direct impact has been identified.

7 The following European Sites need to be Ensure the Habitats considered when identifying areas for additional Regulation Assessment housing development. Aston Rowant SAC, Screening is undertaken Chiltern Beechwoods SAC, Cothill Fen SAC, to identify appropriate Hartslock Woods SAC, Little Wittenham SAC areas for additional Oxford Meadows SAC. Additional development housing. can lead to increased emissions from vehicle

movement and put strain on water resources, both can have detrimental effects on SAC’s. Therefore the results are uncertain until a Habitats Regulation Assessment has been carried out to assess the impacts on these.

7 Additional development in these areas could Encourage green assist with funding for biodiversity enhancement infrastructure and for example: green infrastructure, wildlife areas, biodiversity enhancement buffer zones etc, therefore minor positive schemes; these are also effects were identified for all sites. beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change.

8 The majority of CRO1 lies within the western A full detailed landscape edge of the Chilterns AONB. The North Wessex and visual impact Downs AONB lies some 1.2km to the north- assessment will be 226

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west. The LCA states: It is unlikely that required to inform the developing the site would harm the Chilterns final capacity of the sites. AONB as the site is visually and physically

separated from the wider AONB by the A4074 and the existing settlement, however until a full LVIA has been undertaken potential minor negative effects have been noted.

8 Site CRO2 lies adjacent to the western edge of A full detailed landscape the Chilterns AONB. The North Wessex Downs and visual impact AONB lies some 1.2km to the north-west. The assessment will be capacity of the site is constrained by the poor required to inform the relationship of the eastern section of site with final capacity of the sites, Crowmarsh Gifford and the strong links with the mitigation may not be wider countryside and the possible harm to the possible. Chilterns AONB, therefore major negative

effects are possible. Site CRO7 lies within the Chilterns AONB. The capacity of the site is constrained by the potential impact on the Chilterns AONB, and the links between the site and the wider countryside to the east. Therefore major negative effects are possible.

8 Site CRO3 lies within the setting of the North A full detailed landscape Wessex Downs AONB and the Chilterns AONB and visual impact lies some 1km to the south east. The assessment will be Wallingford Conservation Area appraisal states required to inform the that the green open spaces on the eastern bank final capacity of the sites, of the Thames are important in establishing a mitigation may not be direct connection between the Wallingford possible. Castle Meadows and the surrounding

countryside.

Site CRO4 lies within the setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB and the Chilterns AONB lies some 0.75km to the south. It is recommended that only part of this site is considered further on landscape and visual grounds minor negative effects noted.

Site CRO6 lies largely within the Chilterns AONB with just a small section in the north of the site that is not within the AONB boundary. 227

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The LCA recommended that all of this site is considered further.

Site CRO10 lies almost entirely within the Chilterns AONB. The capacity of the site is constrained by the potential impact on the Chilterns AONB, Ridgeway path, Thames Path and the Wallingford Conservation Area setting. The LCA recommends that part of the site could be developed, therefore the site scored a potential minor negative effect until further work is carried out.

8 Site CG1 lies within the Chilterns AONB. Carry out a LCA and a full Therefore overall potential significant negative detailed landscape and effects are identified without mitigation. visual impact assessment will be required to inform CG1 30 % of the site is used for agricultural, the final capacity of the Grades 1-3 agricultural land, loss of this will sites, mitigation may not result in potential negative effects. be possible.

Considers ways to CG2 is greenfield land, not within the AONB. mitigate the loss of good The site is used for recreation and is south of quality agriculture land. the riverside pools, loss of this open space will

result in potential negative effects. No LCA has been carried out for the site.

CG3 is brownfield land, there are no known landscape designations for this site. Use of brownfield land will result in efficient use of land, therefore significant positive effects are identified.

8 Sites (except, CG2 & CG3): Agricultural Land Considers ways to Classification: Grade 2, which are referred to as mitigate the loss of good 'Best and Most Versatile' land, minor negative quality agriculture land. effect

9 CRO1 No cultural or historical interest has been With regard to the historic identified No Impact, archaeological restraints environment: A are unknown. predetermination archaeological desk- 228

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Crowmarsh Mitigating adverse Objectives Gifford Village effects/maximising

beneficial effects

CG3 The site does not contain any heritage based assessment and assets and is not close to Wallingford evaluation should be Conservation Area, Therefore no direct impacts undertaken to establish a are identified. suitable and appropriate level of mitigation.

9 CRO2 Archaeological restraint has been With regard to the historic identified on the site. environment: A predetermination

archaeological desk- based assessment and evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation.

In order to protect the historic environment, the Council will ensure that all new development complies with the South Oxfordshire Design Guide. Which will require high quality design and materials, sensitive building heights and would have to preserve and enhance the historic environment.

9 CRO3 and CRO4 Wallingford Conservation In order to protect the Area is across the Thames to the west, therefore historic environment, the major negative effects are possible if Council will ensure that all development occurs on these sites. new development complies with the South CG1 Approximately 75% of the site is within an Oxfordshire Design area of known archaeological interest and Guide. Which will require Wallingford Conservation Area is across the high quality design and Thames to the west, therefore major negative materials, sensitive effects are possible if development occurs on building heights and these sites. would have to preserve

and enhance the historic

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Crowmarsh Mitigating adverse Objectives Gifford Village effects/maximising

beneficial effects

environment. It may not be possible to mitigate impacts.

9 Potential minor negative effects have been In order to protect the identified due to the location CG2, CRO6, CRO7 historic environment, the and CRO10 and the Wallingford Conservation Council will ensure that all Area and listed buildings. new development complies with the South

Oxfordshire Design Guide. Which will require high quality design and materials, sensitive building heights and would have to preserve and enhance the historic environment.

9 CG3 The site does not contain any heritage N/A assets and is not close to Wallingford Conservation Area, Therefore no direct impacts are identified.

10 Additional dwellings will put pressure on Promote sustainable resource use including: energy, water capacity building practices which and sewage capacity, however it is assumed conserve energy, water that sustainable design principles will be resources and materials. implemented. New development offers the Continue to work with opportunity to implement sustainable design Thames Water to ensure principles which may result in minor positive water and sewage effects. capacity is maintained.

10 Site contains a large photovoltaic array, loss Promote sustainable would be detrimental to maximising the building practices which proportion of energy from renewables resulting conserve energy, water in minor negative effects, resources and materials.

11 CRO1, CRO7, CRO10 and CG3 are not within a N/A floodplain, proposed enhancement schemes will result in minor positive effects.

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Crowmarsh Mitigating adverse Objectives Gifford Village effects/maximising

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11 Sections of CRO3, CRO4 are within flood zones Carry out a flood risk 2 and 3, resulting in minor negative effects, if assessment for the site to development occurs within these sections. inform decision making.

E.A consultation responses: we would not Incorporate climate support CR03 being allocated in the plan unless change mitigation and it was demonstrated that a Sequential Test had adaptation methods into been carried out and this site had passed. If it all designs. passed the Sequential Test then we would E.A. mitigation expect the policy wording to commit to there recommendations: being no built development in Flood Zones 2/3. Carry out a Sequential E.A consultation responses: we would not Test Policy wording support CR04 being allocated in the plan unless should commit to there it was demonstrated that a Sequential Test had being no built been carried out and this site had passed. If it development in Flood passed the Sequential Test then we would Zones 2/3 expect the policy wording to commit to there being no built development in Flood Zones 2/3

11 CG1 & CG2 100% of the site is within flood Development is not zones 2 & 3. Therefore potential significant recommended within negative effects are identified. flood zones 2 & 3.

12 The development of new housing, will lead to The Site Waste construction and demolition waste being Management Plans produced, this may result in minor negative Regulations (2008) were effects. repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer

a regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice and could be considered.

13 Additional housing will increase the population Encourage local work and maintain and enhance the rural economy, force and on the job skill which will result in minor positive effects. training through-out the development of new

housing.

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Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an increase in skills locally and assist in developing new businesses.

14, 15 No direct impact

16 CRO6 and CRO7 are partly used for pitches for Work with tourism sector touring caravans which will be lost with an and small business to impact on rural tourism and the local business, promote alternative sites resulting in a minor negative effect. for touring caravans.

CG1 & CG2 are partly used for recreational purposes, this may impact tourism.

All other sites no direct impact

17 The Council has involved the community in the Continue to work with the decision making process. local community and the Parish council. Consultation results show that site CRO 6 is the most favoured option and CRO 7 option is the second most favoured. Major positive effects.

3.58 The preferred option along with any proposed mitigation and cumulative effects are discussed in Part 2 of this SA Report. Table 52 below provides a reason for inclusion of each alternative option assessed through the SA process. Table 52 Crowmarsh Gifford reason for rejection and selection of alternative options assessed

Options / Reason for rejection Reason for selection alternatives CRO1 Potential impact on AONB CRO2 The capacity of the site is constrained Part of CRO2 considered suitable by the potential impact on the for housing Chilterns AONB, the poor relationship of the site with Crowmarsh Gifford and the links between the site and the wider countryside to the east. CRO3 Potential impact on AONB CRO4 Potential impact on AONB CRO6 CRO 6 partly brownfield land. 232

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Options / Reason for rejection Reason for selection alternatives CRO 6 & CRO7: These sites combined are preferred due to the location close to the village centre, they are considered to have less impact on the AONB and are not within flood zones 2 & 3. CRO7 CRO 6 & CRO7: These sites combined are preferred due to the location close to the village centre, they are considered to have less impact on the AONB and are not within flood zones 2 & 3. CR10 Potential impact on AONB CG1 100% of the site is within flood zones 2 & 3. Site CG1 lies within the Chilterns AONB CG2 100% of the site is within flood zones 2 & 3. CG3 Site located within a collection of employment sites and not considered suitable for housing compared to the alternatives tested.

Employment

3.59 The ELR 2015 makes recommendations for the potential locations and approximate amounts of employment land required.

3.60 We propose that where towns and villages are in the process of preparing or reviewing a Neighbourhood Plan, the employment requirement allocated to these settlements should be delivered through the Neighbourhood Plan.

3.61 For those settlements not preparing a Neighbourhood Plan the council will allocate employment sites in these settlements recommended through the ELR 2015 where appropriate, and will continue to work with the local community and parish councils to achieve this.

3.62 The only locations with recommendations made in the ELR 2015 that are not covered by a strategic allocation or a Neighbourhood Plan are Didcot and Crowmarsh Gifford.

3.63 The 2015 ELR recommended sites within the Crowmarsh Gifford cluster C7. Table 5-6 of the 2015 ELR identified 2.5ha of undeveloped land within the cluster at two

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plots of 1.9 ha and 0.6ha at Howbery Park. The two sites selected were put forward through the SHLAA and the HELAA within this cluster.

3.64 The 2015 ELR recommended sites within the Didcot cluster (C3) at Southmead Industrial Estate. Table 5-6 of the 2015 ELR identified 2.9ha of undeveloped land within the cluster at the existing policy designation of DID9. These two sites were therefore carried forward.

Table 53 Employment allocations, reasons for inclusion, reason for rejection and reason for selection

Reason for inclusion Reason for Reason for rejection selection Howberry Park Crowmarsh Gifford is not N/A The 2015 ELR North producing a NDP. recommended sites within the Howberry Park The two sites selected Crowmarsh Gifford Centre were identified in the cluster C7. 2015 ELR and put forward through the SHLAA and the HELAA within this cluster.

Didcot Southmead The two sites selected N/A N/A Industrial Estate were identified in the 2015 ELR. The ELR recommendations are met through carrying forward Core Strategy sites and the cross boundary use of 6.5ha within Vale of White Horse District Council, therefore no SA is required as these sites are allocated previously.

Employment at N/A N/A N/A Strategic Sites is considered through the SA of all strategic sites assessed within this SA Report.

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3.65 The following two Options have been subject to the SA process to inform the decision making process of the Local Plan, the full matrices are located in Appendix A Table 14 and summarised below in Table 54. Part 2 of this SA Report discusses the preferred Employment options.

Figure 14 Howberry Park Crowmarsh Gifford Employment

Table 54 Howberry Park Crowmarsh Gifford SA Summary of Key findings

SA SA Summary of Key findings Howberry Park Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects 1 Option 1 and 2: No Direct Impact 2 Option 1 and 2: New development could Ensure good quality provide the opportunity to design a safe urban design is environment which could reduce and prevent implemented and access antisocial behaviour, resulting in potential to services, locally. positive effects. 3 Option 1 and 2: Both sites are located 2 miles Community facilities could from Wallingford, I mile from Crowmarsh Gifford be provided through CiL and 3.5 miles from Benson. The site is within the requirements and the IDP collection of large employment sites along 235

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Howberry Park Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects Benson Lane, which is an extension of the built were appropriate. up area. Work with infrastructure Further employment allocated within this area providers to identify were will support further housing allocated in the an increase in sustainable Local Plan resulting in positive effects in terms modes of transport is of improving access to employment and facilities required. This should for the local resident’s; access to local include cycle ways linking employment will reduce out-commuting and can to green infrastructure. also increase access to facilities. Public realm is stated to be good ELR (2015) Consider how loss of recreation and leisure Community facilities could be provided through facilities could be CiL requirements and the IDP were appropriate. prevented or replaced. 4, 5 Options 1 and 2: Both sites lies within an Consider how noise airfield safeguarding zone. Aircraft noise in the implications could be area can be significant, this can have negative prevented. effects on people’s health and well-being without mitigation. Consider impacts on transport and use the ETI There are no known areas of possible results to inform decisions contamination. Site within 800m of an AQMA. 6 Options 1 and 2: Howberry Park is located 2 Ensure the ETI results miles from Wallingford, I mile from Crowmarsh inform the decision Gifford and 3.5 miles from Benson. The site is making process. within the collection of large employment sites along Benson Lane and is within walking Ensure good urban distance to bus stops. design principles are implemented to create The industrial estate is generally well good access to the site. functioning; housing a variety of business activities and access to the site to the strategic Ensure travel plans are road network, waterways/wharfs and railheads produced. is indirect, therefore negative effects are Work with infrastructure identified in terms of accessibility for providers to identify were employment uses, from the wider area an increase in sustainable Personal vehicle use and HGV movement may modes of transport is increase resulting in a negative effects required. There are good sustainable travel connections This should include, cycle to Oxford and Reading along the A4074, buses ways, linking to green run every 40 minutes to Reading, every 30 infrastructure. minutes to Oxford, Wallingford every 30 minutes, every 60 minutes to Cholsey train station, with direct trains to Reading, London

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Howberry Park Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects and Oxford. The high frequency bus service between Oxford and Reading runs through Crowmarsh Gifford, providing opportunities for sustainable travel. Therefore positive effects are identified. There are 3 buses an hour to Benson. There is no train station; nearest train station is Cholsey approx. 3.5 miles. Therefore negative effects have been identified. 7 Options 1 and 2: There are no known Ensure a buffer zone is ecological constraints, site is previously provided to protect the developed, the site is surrounded by a number TPO’S on the site. of tree preservation orders, and without mitigation negative effects could occur through the construction phase.

8 Options 1 and 2: The site is not in the greenbelt N/A and is not in an AONB.

The site is brownfield land, there are no known landscape designations for this site. Use of brownfield land will result in efficient use of land, therefore positive effects are identified. There are no known areas of possible contamination or ground stability issues. The site is not within a mineral consultation zone. 9 Options 1 and 2: There are four listed buildings Ensure no impact on the within Howberry Park to the east of the site. No listed buildings. further historic or archaeological constraints have been identified. In order to protect the historic environment, the Council should ensure that all new development complies with the South Oxfordshire Design Guide. Which will require high quality design and materials, sensitive building heights and would have to preserve and enhance the historic environment. It may not 237

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Howberry Park Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects be possible to mitigate impacts. 10 Options 1 and 2: Employment allocations offers Promote sustainable the opportunity to implement sustainable design building practices which principles, resulting in potential positive effects. conserve energy, water resources and materials. South Oxfordshire is in an area of water stress. Intensification may put pressure on resource Continue to work with use including: energy, water capacity and Thames Water to ensure sewage capacity, it is assumed that sustainable water and sewage design principles will be implemented. capacity is maintained. Include SUDS in all designs.

11 Option 1: The River Thames borders the Consultation with the E.A western edge of the site. The western boundary should be undertaken. is within flood zones 2 & 3. Further development here may result in negative effects without mitigation. Encourage green Employment allocations offers the opportunity to infrastructure and implement sustainable design principles, biodiversity enhancement resulting in potential positive effects. schemes; these are beneficial to flood Option 2: The site is not within a flood zone, a prevention and resilience small area north of the site is within flood zones to climate change. 2 & 3, and any future development here should consider implementing climate change Include SUDS in all adaptation into the design. designs. 13 Option 1 and 2: Further employment allocated Monitoring: The Council within this area will support further housing should monitor changes allocated in the Local Plan resulting in positive of employment land effects in terms of improving access to through planning employment and supporting and enhancing the permissions to ensure rural economy. that sufficient land is available for economic growth over the planned period. Encourage good maintenance of existing employment land to prevent degradation and loss of existing sites. Work with service 238

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SA SA Summary of Key findings Howberry Park Mitigating adverse Objectives effects/maximising beneficial effects providers to ensure a fast and reliable access to the internet and mobile phone communications is provided through-out the district. 12, 14, 15, No direct impact 16 17 The Council has involved the community in the Continue to work with the decision making process. local community and the Parish council.

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4. Sustainability Appraisal Part Two Preferred Options

Introduction

4. The aim of Part 2 is to present appraisal findings and recommendations in relation to the Local Plan.

4.1 Part 2 is structured as follows:

 Part Two of this SA Report discusses the likely significant effects associated with the preferred approach to growth and development in South Oxfordshire.

 The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects of implementing the draft plan approach

 Equalities Impact Assessment Summary

 Habitats Regulations Assessment Summary

 Provides an appraisal of each of the policies summarising the issues raised, proposed mitigation measures and where effects are addressed within the Local Plan.

 Local Plan amendments following recommendations from the Sustainability Appraisal

 Cumulative Effects

 Monitoring

 Next steps Approach to the Appraisal

4.2 The following sections identify the preferred options, and the mitigation which is recommended throughout the SA process this information is provided in the section below along with how the Local Plan has addressed the recommended mitigation.

4.3 Each policy has been subject to the SA Process see Table 73 (housing policies) and Table 82 (all other policies) This process has provided an opportunity to identify where issues not been addressed by policy in the Local Plan.

4.4 The policies cover a range of issues many of which have been identified through the SA process. The mitigation tables below for each of the preferred options either provide the policy number that is considered to prevent significant adverse effects

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through implementation of a specific policy, or makes reference to the policy sub- headings, see below for list of Local Plan policies.

4.5 Cumulative and in-combination effects are discussed within the following sections.

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Strengthening the heart of South Oxfordshire

The Preferred Strategy

Figure 15 STRAT1 - The overall Strategy

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4.6 The overall strategy Policy STRAT1 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 17 of this SA Report.

4.7 Table 55 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented in the table below.

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Table 55 STRAT1: The Overall Strategy SA Summary

SA Policy STRAT1: The Overall Strategy Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed Objectives within the Local Plan All The Local Plan identifies strategic levels of growth All allocations have been assessed through the at three locations connecting through the central SA Process these are provided in part one of this area of the district at Culham, Chalgrove and SA Report and the strategies for each are Berinsfield. assessed below.

1, 2, 3, 6, 9, The preferred strategy will delivery sufficient new N/A N/A 10, 13, 14, homes to meet the needs of the communities and 15, 16, 17, economy this will be supported by appropriate infrastructure, services and facilities. The strategy will maintain and enhance the built and natural environment and ensure good quality developments. Therefore a number of potential significant positive effects are identified. 4, 5 The proposals put forward by the Local Plan, in- The next stage of work will look at transport N/A combination with new housing and employment mitigation options that assist in improving forecast provision proposed in the wider Oxfordshire and transport impacts on the network. This will include surrounding counties, have the potential to lead to review of both highway and sustainable transport cumulative increases in traffic flows. This has the improvements, and involve close engagement with potential to have associated cumulative, the County Council and where relevant operators synergistic and indirect effects on air and noise of public transport services. quality, light pollution, landscape and townscape quality and greenhouse gas emissions in the areas affected, as well as the quality of life and health and wellbeing of residents. The South Oxfordshire Local Plan Evaluation of Transport

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SA Policy STRAT1: The Overall Strategy Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed Objectives within the Local Plan Impacts Report, March 2017 has been undertaken, further work is required to determine the effects. Therefore at this stage the significance of the effects are uncertain. 5, 8 A number of potential significant negative effects are identified in relation to loss of areas of the Green Belt, potential impacts on the AONB and loss of agricultural land Grade 1, 2 and 3a. 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 Further information will be required from SODC’s N/A has been undertaken of the Local Plan, the transport study to determine whether the Local conclusions is summarised below: Plan proposals will result in a degree of change in those locations that could have a significant effect. At this stage, with the information available, air If the screening criteria are exceeded in these pollution impacts have been assessed as locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required uncertain in relation to potential increases in at the next HRA stage. traffic on the following roads within 200 metres of sensitive European sites: M40: Aston Rowant SAC; A355: Burnham Beeches SAC; A404 & A4010: Chilterns Beechwoods SAC; and A332 & A329: Windsor Forest & Great Park SAC. 11 With regard to flood risk, no development will take Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity Environment policies place within flood zone 2 and 3, however loss of enhancement schemes; these are beneficial to in the Local Plan Greenfield land may result in surface water flood prevention and resilience to climate change. flooding as hard surfaces are increased which can increase the risk of surface water runoff and 245

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SA Policy STRAT1: The Overall Strategy Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed Objectives within the Local Plan pollution therefore minor negative effects are Include SUDS in all designs. identified although these are not considered significant, because mitigation can be applied to all new developments. 12 Any new development may result in construction The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations Construction and and demolition waste which may result in minor (2008) were repealed on 1 December 2013. demolition waste is negative effects, without mitigation. Although no longer a regulatory requirement in addressed in policy England, SWMPs are still considered to be good DES7 Efficient use of practice resources.

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Meeting our Housing and Employment Needs Preferred Options

Figure 16 STRAT2 - The need for new developments in South Oxfordshire

4.8 Policy STRAT2 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 17 of this SA Report.

4.9 Table 56 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented in the table below.

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Table 56 STRAT2 -The need for new development in South Oxfordshire SA summary

SA Objectives STRAT2 The need for new development in South Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within Oxfordshire the Local Plan All During the plan period, provision will be made to meet All allocations have been the need for at least 17,050 new homes and 30 assessed through the SA hectares of employment land. This is to be delivered in Process these are provided in accordance with the spatial strategy STRAT 1 which part one of this SA Report and seeks to strengthen the heart of South Oxfordshire. the strategies for each are Therefore significant positive effects are identified in assessed below. terms of meeting the needs of the communities and economy. The results of the assessment is determined by the location of further development, therefore the significance of the effects identified are the same as determined in STRAT1. 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, The preferred strategy will delivery sufficient new N/A N/A 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, homes to meet the needs of the communities and economy this will be supported by appropriate infrastructure, services and facilities. The strategy will maintain and enhance the built and natural environment and ensure good quality developments. Therefore a number of potential significant positive effects are identified. 4, 5 The proposals put forward by the Local Plan, in- The next stage of work will look N/A combination with new housing and employment at transport mitigation options provision proposed in the wider Oxfordshire and that assist in improving forecast surrounding counties, have the potential to lead to transport impacts on the cumulative increases in traffic flows. This has the network. This will include review potential to have associated cumulative, synergistic of both highway and sustainable and indirect effects on air and noise quality, light transport improvements, and

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SA Objectives STRAT2 The need for new development in South Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within Oxfordshire the Local Plan pollution, landscape and townscape quality and involve close engagement with greenhouse gas emissions in the areas affected, as the County Council and where well as the quality of life and health and wellbeing of relevant operators of public residents. The South Oxfordshire Local Plan transport services. Evaluation of Transport Impacts Report, March 2017 has been undertaken, further work is required to determine the effects. Therefore at this stage the significance of the effects are uncertain. 5, 8 A number of potential significant negative effects are identified in relation to loss of areas of the Green Belt, potential impacts on the AONB and loss of agricultural land Grade 1, 2 and 3a. 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has Further information will be N/A been undertaken of the Local Plan, the conclusions is required from SODC’s transport summarised below: study to determine whether the Local Plan proposals will result in At this stage, with the information available, air pollution a degree of change in those impacts have been assessed as uncertain in relation locations that could have a to potential increases in traffic on the following roads significant effect. If the screening within 200 metres of sensitive European sites: criteria are exceeded in these • M40: Aston Rowant SAC; locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at • A355: Burnham Beeches SAC; the next HRA stage. • A404 & A4010: Chilterns Beechwoods SAC; and • A332 & A329: Windsor Forest & Great Park SAC.

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SA Objectives STRAT2 The need for new development in South Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within Oxfordshire the Local Plan 11 With regard to flood risk, no development will take Encourage green infrastructure Environment policies in the place within flood zone 2 and 3, however loss of and biodiversity enhancement Local Plan Greenfield land may result in surface water flooding as schemes; these are beneficial to hard surfaces are increased which can increase the flood prevention and resilience to risk of surface water runoff and pollution therefore climate change. minor negative effects are identified although these are not considered significant, because mitigation can Include SUDS in all designs. be applied to all new developments. 12 Any new development may result in construction and The Site Waste Management Construction and demolition demolition waste which may result in minor negative Plans Regulations (2008) were waste is addressed in policy effects, without mitigation. repealed on 1 December 2013. DES7 Efficient use of Although no longer a regulatory resources. requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice

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Wider Housing Market Area Preferred Option

Figure 17 STRAT3 - The unmet housing needs requirement for Oxford City

4.10 Policy STRAT3 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 4 of this SA Report.

4.11 Table 57 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented in the table below.

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Table 57 STRAT3 - The unmet housing requirements from Oxford City SA summary

SA Objectives STRAT3 The unmet housing requirements from Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within Oxford city the Local Plan All Sufficient new homes will be provided which will assist with Oxford cities unmet housing need, this will result in significant positive effects in terms of meeting the needs of the communities and economy, however as with STRAT1 and STRAT2 the results of the assessment is determined by the location of further development, therefore the significance of the effects identified are the same as determined in STRAT1 above. 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, The preferred strategy will delivery sufficient new N/A N/A 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, homes to meet the needs of the communities and economy this will be supported by appropriate infrastructure, services and facilities. The strategy will maintain and enhance the built and natural environment and ensure good quality developments. Therefore a number of potential significant positive effects are identified. 4, 5 The proposals put forward by the Local Plan, in- The next stage of work will look N/A combination with new housing and employment at transport mitigation options provision proposed in the wider Oxfordshire and that assist in improving forecast surrounding counties, have the potential to lead to transport impacts on the cumulative increases in traffic flows. This has the network. This will include review potential to have associated cumulative, synergistic of both highway and sustainable and indirect effects on air and noise quality, light transport improvements, and pollution, landscape and townscape quality and involve close engagement with greenhouse gas emissions in the areas affected, as the County Council and where

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SA Objectives STRAT3 The unmet housing requirements from Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within Oxford city the Local Plan well as the quality of life and health and wellbeing of relevant operators of public residents. The South Oxfordshire Local Plan transport services. Evaluation of Transport Impacts Report, March 2017 has been undertaken, further work is required to determine the effects. Therefore at this stage the significance of the effects are uncertain. 5, 8 A number of potential significant negative effects are identified in relation to loss of areas of the Green Belt, potential impacts on the AONB and loss of agricultural land Grade 1, 2 and 3a. 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has Further information will be N/A been undertaken of the Local Plan, the conclusions is required from SODC’s transport summarised below: study to determine whether the Local Plan proposals will result in At this stage, with the information available, air pollution a degree of change in those impacts have been assessed as uncertain in relation locations that could have a to potential increases in traffic on the following roads significant effect. If the screening within 200 metres of sensitive European sites: criteria are exceeded in these • M40: Aston Rowant SAC; locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at • A355: Burnham Beeches SAC; the next HRA stage. • A404 & A4010: Chilterns Beechwoods SAC; and • A332 & A329: Windsor Forest & Great Park SAC. 11 With regard to flood risk, no development will take Encourage green infrastructure Environment policies in the place within flood zone 2 and 3, however loss of and biodiversity enhancement Local Plan Greenfield land may result in surface water flooding as schemes; these are beneficial to 253

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SA Objectives STRAT3 The unmet housing requirements from Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within Oxford city the Local Plan hard surfaces are increased which can increase the flood prevention and resilience to risk of surface water runoff and pollution therefore climate change. minor negative effects are identified although these are not considered significant, because mitigation can Include SUDS in all designs. be applied to all new developments. 12 Any new development may result in construction and The Site Waste Management Construction and demolition demolition waste which may result in minor negative Plans Regulations (2008) were waste is addressed in policy effects, without mitigation. repealed on 1 December 2013. DES7 Efficient use of Although no longer a regulatory resources. requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice

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Didcot and Science Vale

Figure 18 Didcot Garden Town

4.12 Policy STRAT4 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 17 of this SA Report.

4.13 Table 58 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented in the table below.

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Table 58 STRAT4 Didcot Garden Town SA summary

SA Objectives STRAT4 Didcot Garden Town Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan All To support the successful implementation of the More detailed planning policy, N/A Garden Town initiative, six high level principles have including a masterplan, is been developed to help shape development proposals currently being developed for the that come forward. Proposals for development within Didcot Garden Town area in line the Garden Town Masterplan area will be expected to with the Garden Town Principles, demonstrate how they comply with these principles in the Core Strategy 2012 sets out accordance with policy STRAT4. requirements for development until it is superseded by this The six principles provide expectations under the Local Plan, therefore in the short following headings: Design, Local Character Density term no significant negative and Tenure, Transport and Movement, Landscape and effects are identified. Green Infrastructure, Social and Community Benefits. Therefore in terms of sustainability significant positive effects are identified. The combination of this STAT4 and the policies being proposed within this Local Plan should prevent any significant negative effects.

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Strengthening the Heart of the District

Figure 19 STRAT 5 Strategic Allocations

4.14 Policy STRAT5 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 17 of this SA Report.

4.15 Table 59 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented in the table below.

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Table 59 STRAT5 Strategic allocations SA summary

SA Objectives STRAT5 Strategic allocations Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan All STRAT5 sets out the following requirements: N/A N/A Developers must ensure that the sites provide an appropriate scale and mix of uses, in suitable locations, to create sustainable developments that support and complement the role of existing settlements and communities. This requirement will result in significant positive effects. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 Proposals must be accompanied by a comprehensive N/A N/A masterplan for the entire Strategic Allocation. This should demonstrate how new development will integrate with and complement its surroundings in an appropriate manner. This requirement will result in significant positive effects towards the historic environment, landscape and both urban and rural areas. 1, 3, 4, 6 Proposals must ensure that infrastructure is provided. N/A N/A Developers must engage with relevant infrastructure providers to ensure the implementation of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. This requirement will result in significant positive effects towards the provision of services, facilities, transport and sustainable transport. 4, 5 Proposals for development at Strategic Allocations N/A N/A must be accompanied by a Health Impact Assessment. This requirement will result in significant positive effects in terms of ensuring that that health and 258

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SA Objectives STRAT5 Strategic allocations Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan wellbeing are properly considered in all strategic allocations.

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Culham

Figure 20 STRAT6 Culham Science Centre SA Summary

4.16 Policy STRAT6 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 17 of this SA Report.

4.17 Table 60 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented.

4.18 Culham Science Centre has been assessed against the SA Framework. The full appraisal matrices provide further detail on potential effects these are available in Appendix A Table 7 the key issues are summarised in Part One of this report Table 34.

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4.19 The proposed mitigation recommended through-out the SA process and where addressed in the Local Plan is within Error! Reference source not found.Table 61 below.

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Table 60 STRAT6 Culham Science Centre SA Summary

SA Objectives STRAT6 Culham Science centre Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan All The SA has assessed the no. 1 site, and provided See SA Report part 2, table Table 62which discusses mitigation recommended mitigation. and where addressed through policy in the Local Plan 6, 13, 14, 15, 17 Core Strategy Policy CSEM3 Culham Science Centre N/A N/A supported the redevelopment and intensification of Culham Science Centre for research and science based businesses. This strategy carries forward this policy at the adjacent “no. 1 site” and plans for a mixed use development including the retention of employment land but with improved premises, the site is next to the railway line. Therefore significant positive effects are identified in terms of supporting the economy and access to sustainable transport. 4, 5 As discussed in STRAT1. The South Oxfordshire Local The next stage of work will look Plan Evaluation of Transport Impacts Report, March at transport mitigation options 2017 has been undertaken, further work is required to that assist in improving forecast determine the effects. The next stage of work will look transport impacts on the at transport mitigation options that assist in improving network. This will include review forecast transport impacts on the network. This will of both highway and sustainable include review of both highway and sustainable transport improvements, and transport improvements, and involve close engagement involve close engagement with with the County Council and where relevant operators the County Council and where of public transport services. Therefore at this stage the relevant operators of public significance of the effects are uncertain in terms of the transport services. effects on air and noise quality. 262

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SA Objectives STRAT6 Culham Science centre Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment 2016 has been Further information will be undertaken of the Local Plan, as discussed in STRAT1 required from SODC’s transport above, air pollution impacts have been assessed as study to determine whether the uncertain in relation to potential increases in traffic. Local Plan proposals will result in Further information will be required from SODC’s a degree of change in those transport study to determine whether the Local Plan locations that could have a proposals will result in a degree of change in those significant effect. If the screening locations that could have a significant effect. criteria are exceeded in these locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at the next HRA stage 1, 3, 6, 13, 14, 15, The development and delivery of a new Thames road N/A N/A 17 crossing between Culham and Didcot Garden Town, is supported in Policy TRANS1. This crossing is required to support development proposed in the emerging South Oxfordshire Local Plan and allocated in the Local Plan for the Vale of White Horse and supported by the Local Transport Plan by 2031. Therefore significant positive effects are identified, access to employment, education, services and facilities will be provide for new residents.

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Figure 21 STRAT7 Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre SA summary

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4.20 Policy STRAT7 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 17 of this SA Report.

4.21 Table 61 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented.

4.22 Land adjacent Culham Science Centre has been assessed against the SA Framework. The full appraisal matrices provide further detail on potential effects these are available in Appendix A Table 7 the key issues are summarised in Table 34

4.23 The proposed mitigation recommended through-out the SA process and where addressed in the Local Plan is within Table 62 below.

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Table 61 STRAT 7 Land adjacent Culham Science Centre SA summary

SA Objectives STRAT 7 Land adjacent Culham Science Centre Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan All The SA has assessed Land adjacent Culham Science See SA Report part 2, table below which discusses mitigation Centre, and provided recommended mitigation, see SA and where addressed through policy in the Local Plan Report part 2, which discusses potential significant effects, mitigation and where addressed through policy in the Local Plan. 1, 13, 14, 15 The delivery of approximately 3,500 new homes will N/A N/A result in significant positive effects. The retention of 10 hectares of employment land with at least a further 2 hectares of employment land which will provide significant positive effects towards the economy and skill training, All Combined with STRAT5 significant positive effects N/A N/A are identified especially with regard to the requirement for a water management proposed in this strategy. 3, 4 12 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers and supporting N/A N/A services and facilities, will result in significant positive effects for the identified needs of this minority group. 1, 2, 3, 6, 13, 14, Sustainable transport and good urban design are N/A N/A 15, 17 required to include safe and attractive connections with nearby communities resulting in potential significant positive effects 1, 2, 3, 6, 13, 14, High quality public transport facilities and connections N/A N/A 15, 17 within and adjacent to the site are required resulting in

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SA Objectives STRAT 7 Land adjacent Culham Science Centre Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan potential significant positive effects 1, 10 The strategy states ‘Where feasible, opportunities for N/A N/A district heating and low carbon on site energy generation’, will be expected to be delivered. It is assumed that a feasibility study will be provided with any planning applications. Resulting in potential significant positive effects. 1, 3, 6, 13, 14, 15, STRAT 6 above supports the development and delivery N/A N/A 17 of a new Thames road crossing between Culham and Didcot Garden Town, as identified in Policy TRanS1. The number of homes to be built on the site in advance of the implementation of the Culham Bridge will not exceed 750. This should prevent any significant negative effects 8 Effects on landscape, encroachment on the open A full LVIA will be required to country-side remain uncertain, the area’s openness inform mitigation to prevent and degraded field boundaries means it is vulnerable to significant negative effects the perception of encroachment into open countryside. Expansion into this field would also result in a westwards expansion of built form towards Culham village. It is important to avoid the perception of the settlements merging. A full LVIA will be required to inform mitigation to prevent significant negative effects, and this may require reinforcement planting, in the short term significant negative effects are likely, however over time these effects will reduce as mitigation is implemented.

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SA Objectives STRAT 7 Land adjacent Culham Science Centre Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan 4, 5 As discussed in STRAT1. The South Oxfordshire Local The next stage of work will look Plan Evaluation of Transport Impacts Report, March at transport mitigation options 2017 has been undertaken, further work is required to that assist in improving forecast determine the effects. The next stage of work will look transport impacts on the at transport mitigation options that assist in improving network. This will include review forecast transport impacts on the network. This will of both highway and sustainable include review of both highway and sustainable transport improvements, and transport improvements, and involve close engagement involve close engagement with with the County Council and where relevant operators the County Council and where of public transport services. Therefore at this stage the relevant operators of public significance of the effects are uncertain in terms of the transport services. effects on air and noise quality. 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has Further information will be been undertaken of the Local Plan, as discussed in required from SODC’s transport STRAT1 above, air pollution impacts have been study to determine whether the assessed as uncertain in relation to potential Local Plan proposals will result in increases in traffic. Further information will be required a degree of change in those from SODC’s transport study to determine whether the locations that could have a Local Plan proposals will result in a degree of change significant effect. If the screening in those locations that could have a significant effect. criteria are exceeded in these locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at the next HRA stage.

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Table 62 Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan

Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Where addressed in the Local Plan Centre Mitigation A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre required to inform the final capacity of the site. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre STRAT5 Strategic Allocations ENV1 Landscape and countryside Ensure infrastructure is phased alongside new housing STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre development and is integrated with the village of Culham and Clifton Hampden, were appropriate. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre STRAT5 Strategic Allocations Infrastructure policies Design policies Affordable homes should be provided within all development H11 affordable Housing settlements. Ensure improvements to service provision commensurate with any STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre increases in population. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre Work with service providers to ensure this is implemented in a timely fashion. STRAT5 Strategic Allocations Infrastructure policies Design policies Community facilities policies

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Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Where addressed in the Local Plan Centre Mitigation A masterplan would need to be developed to encompass all STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre mitigation recommendations. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre Work with the Masterplan developers and the local community to ensure integration with existing residents and employees, and STRAT5 Strategic Allocations provide for facilities as required. Design policies Ensure good quality urban design is implemented and work with STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre the local community. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre STRAT5 Strategic Allocations Infrastructure policies Design policies Community facilities policies Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre Include SUDS in all designs. STRAT5 Strategic Allocations Environment policies Work with Thames Water to discuss sewage capacity. STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre SODC will continue to work with all stakeholders

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Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Where addressed in the Local Plan Centre Mitigation Work with electricity providers to discuss implications of electric STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre pylons on the site west of Culham station. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir INF5 Water Resources SODC will continue to work with all stakeholders Consider noise barriers for the adjacent train line. STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre STRAT5 Strategic Allocations Design policies Environment policies Ensure the ETI results inform the decision making process. See cumulative effects section of this report STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase in STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include, cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre Infrastructure policies Design policies 271

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Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Where addressed in the Local Plan Centre Mitigation Transport policies

The coppice & Furze Brake are located to the north and there are STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre pockets of broadleaf deciduous woodland to the south of CSC, these should be protected. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre

Incorporate green infrastructure into the design and biodiversity The Green Belt inset boundary includes an area for green infrastructure. enhancement schemes. STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre, Environment policies Design policies Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species

Ensure further HRA Appropriate Assessment is carried out and all See HRA summary in this report. recommendations are included in the Local Plan. Boundary trees and hedgerows contribute to the wider Green Belt STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre and should be retained. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre ENV1 Landscape and countryside Consider mitigation measures to reduce impact on tranquillity STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre

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Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Where addressed in the Local Plan Centre Mitigation Environment policies Design polices

Consult with Oxfordshire County Council, reference waste and EP3 Minerals Safeguarding areas minerals safeguarding policies. Historic England consultation comments: The present site was STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre planned and built as a whole and the layout also successfully retained the ghost of the wartime airfield. We would prefer to see ENV6 Historic Environment any redevelopment and intensification at the CSC essentially retain EnV10 archaeology this layout and open character of the airfield and later research centre ENV11 Historic Battlefields, Registered Parks and Gardens and Historic Landscapes Continue to consult Historic England to inform the masterplan development. A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation if required. ENV6 Historic Environment ENV10 Archaeology ENV11 Historic Battlefields, Registered Parks and Gardens and Historic Landscapes Consider implementing decentralised energy. For example: CHP STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre Environment policies

Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, Environment policies water resources and materials.

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Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Where addressed in the Local Plan Centre Mitigation

Continue to work with Thames water to ensure water and sewage STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre capacity is maintained. STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre Environment policies INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir INF5 Water Resources No development should occur in flood zone 2 or 3. Environment policies A FRA would be required for all strategic development sites. Areas of South Oxfordshire are at risk of flooding and the impact of climate change is important. The planning system has an important role to play in minimising flooding, the risk of flooding and increasing resilience. Only appropriate development should take place in areas at risk from flooding, and development should be directed away from areas of the highest risk. A sequential, risk-based approach to locating development, referred to as applying the Sequential Test, and if necessary, the Exception Test should be applied, taking into account climate change.

The council will uphold the sequential approach to ﬂood risk. The Environment agency provide standing advice where developments require a site-specific ﬂood risk assessment. Should mitigation be required, we will expect those measures to be in the application proposals and part of the development.

The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were Construction and demolition waste is addressed in policy DES7 Efficient repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a regulatory use of resources.

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Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Where addressed in the Local Plan Centre Mitigation requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice Encourage local work force and on the job skill training and ensure The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are considered access and infrastructure is provided. to provide a range of employment opportunities.

Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are considered increase in skills locally and assist in developing new businesses. to provide a range of employment opportunities. Work with service providers to ensure a fast and reliable access to INF2 Electronic communications the internet and mobile phone communications is provided through-out the district. INF3 Telecommunications Technology Development at Culham No.1 site: Ensure any loss of employment STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre land is replaced or integrated within the residential development. EMP3 Retention of Employment Land STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Ensure a mixed use development with further employment land STRAT6 - Culham Science Centre STRAT7 - Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre Policy EMP9 Employment at Culham Science Centre The redevelopment and intensification of Culham Science Centre for research and science based businesses will be supported. Proposals for redevelopment and the intensification of uses with the creation of about 1,000 new jobs (providing the equivalent of 5.3 hectares of new employment land) will be supported. We will work proactively with the site owners and existing businesses to develop an agreed masterplan that

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Culham Science Centre and Land adjacent to Culham Science Where addressed in the Local Plan Centre Mitigation facilitates this growth.

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Berinsfield

Figure 22 STRAT8 Land at Berinsfield

4.24 Policy STRAT8 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 12 of this SA Report.

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4.25 Table 63 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented.

4.26 Berinsfield has been assessed against the SA Framework. The full appraisal matrices provide further detail on potential effects these are available in Appendix A Table 12 the key issues are summarised in Part one of this Report Table 38.

4.27 The proposed mitigation recommended through-out the SA process and where addressed in the Local Plan is within below Table 64.

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Table 63 STRAT8 Land at Berinsfield SA summary

SA Objectives STRAT8 Land at Berinsfield Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan All The SA has assessed Berinsfield, and provided See SA Report part 2, table below which discusses mitigation recommended mitigation, see SA Report part 2, which and where addressed through policy in the Local Plan discusses potential significant effects, mitigation and where addressed through policy in the Local Plan. All Land within the developable area identified at Berinsfield, will be developed to deliver up to 2,100 new homes that will deliver the regeneration of Berinsfield village and the necessary community aspirations for infrastructure. Therefore with regard to providing housing, services and facilities required for residents and future residents and combined with the requirements set out in STRAT5 significant positive effects are identified. All The land that will be used for development will be Continue to work with the STRAT8 determined within the required regeneration package masterplan developers to ensure and include a masterplan and delivery strategy, that the regeneration strategy therefore effects on agricultural land, landscape, identifies the most sustainable encroachment on the open country-side remain locations for development. uncertain. 4, 5 As discussed in STRAT1. The South Oxfordshire Local The next stage of work will look Plan Evaluation of Transport Impacts Report, March at transport mitigation options 2017 has been undertaken, further work is required to that assist in improving forecast determine the effects. The next stage of work will look transport impacts on the at transport mitigation options that assist in improving network. This will include review 279

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SA Objectives STRAT8 Land at Berinsfield Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan forecast transport impacts on the network. This will of both highway and sustainable include review of both highway and sustainable transport improvements, and transport improvements, and involve close engagement involve close engagement with with the County Council and where relevant operators the County Council and where of public transport services. Therefore at this stage the relevant operators of public significance of the effects are uncertain in terms of the transport services. effects on air and noise quality 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has Further information will be been undertaken of the Local Plan, as discussed in required from SODC’s transport STRAT1 above, air pollution impacts have been study to determine whether the assessed as uncertain in relation to potential Local Plan proposals will result in increases in traffic. Further information will be required a degree of change in those from SODC’s transport study to determine whether the locations that could have a Local Plan proposals will result in a degree of change significant effect. If the screening in those locations that could have a significant effect. criteria are exceeded in these locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at the next HRA stage.

Table 64 Berinsfield Mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan

Berinsfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

The proposed feasibility study and masterplan for the regeneration of STRAT8 – Land at Berinsfield Berinsfield should take full and proper account of the potential STRTA5 Strategic Allocations archaeological interest of the parish. ENV6 Historic Environment

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Berinsfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

ENV10 Archaeology

A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be STRAT8 – Land at Berinsfield required to inform the final capacity of the site. STRTA5 Strategic Allocations ENV1 Landscape and countryside

Ensure that the identity of Drayton St. Leonard and surrounding ENV1 Landscape and countryside villages are protected, STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Ensure the PRoW are protected and enhanced where appropriate, ENV1 Landscape and countryside

STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Design policies

Community facilities policies

Consider providing more allotments for local use Community facilities policies

Consider expansion of the cemetery for future requirements Design policies

Community facilities policies

No development should take place within flood zones 2 & 3, Environment policies

An FRA should accompany an development proposals Areas of South Oxfordshire are at risk of flooding and the impact of climate change is important. The planning system has an important role to play in minimising flooding, the risk of flooding and increasing resilience. Only appropriate development should take place in areas at risk from flooding, and development should be directed away from

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Berinsfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

areas of the highest risk. A sequential, risk-based approach to locating development, referred to as applying the Sequential Test, and if necessary, the Exception Test should be applied, taking into account climate change.

Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement Design policies schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to ENV5 Green Infrastructure in new developments climate change STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Ensure SuDS are incorporated in all designs Design policies

Environment policies

Remediate any contaminated land ENV12 Pollution - Impact from neighbouring and/or Previous Land Uses on new Development (Receptors)

ENV13 Pollution - Impact of Development on Human Health, the natural Environment and/or Local amenity (Sources)

STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Protect agriculture land were appropriate Policy DES7 – Efficient use of resources

Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey, mitigate where necessary ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species

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Berinsfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

Carry out a Habitats Regulation Assessment of the proposed Local See HRA summary in this report Plan

Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase in STRAT8 – Land at Berinsfield sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include cycle Transport policies ways, linking to green infrastructure

Access to other locations were service provision and employment STRAT8 – Land at Berinsfield options exist, should be improved STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Transport policies

Employment policies

Infrastructure policies

Community policies

Design policies

The addition of new bus stops may be required, to ensure that bus STRAT8 – Land at Berinsfield stops are located near to new residential development STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Community policies

Design policies

Protect mineral consultation zones from development, liaise with EP3 Minerals Safeguarding areas Oxfordshire County Council

Ensure the ETI results inform the decision making process Transport policies

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Berinsfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

See cumulative effects section of this report

Ensure good urban design principles are implemented within the new STRAT8 – Land at Berinsfield settlement and to create good access to Berinsfield Village STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Community policies

Design policies

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Land at Chalgrove

Figure 23 STRAT 9 Land at Chalgrove Airfield

4.28 Policy STRAT9 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 8 of this SA Report.

4.29 Table 65 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented.

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4.30 Chalgrove Airfield has been assessed against the SA Framework. The full appraisal matrices provide further detail on potential effects these are available in Appendix A Table 8 the key issues are summarised in Part one of this report Table 28.

4.31 The proposed mitigation recommended through-out the SA process and where addressed in the Local Plan is within Table 62 below Table 66.

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Table 65 STRAT9 Land at Chalgrove Airfield SA Summary

SA Objectives STRAT9 Land at Chalgrove Airfield Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan All The SA has assessed Land at Chalgrove Airfield, and See SA Report part 2, table below which discusses mitigation provided recommended mitigation. and where addressed through policy in the Local Plan 1, 13, 14, 15 Land within the developable area identified at Chalgrove Airfield, will be developed to deliver approximately 3,000 new homes, 5 hectares of employment land, which will provide significant positive effects towards the economy and skill training. 3, 4 5 plots for travelling showpeople and supporting services and facilities, will result in significant positive effects for the identified needs of this minority group. All Combined with STRAT5 significant positive effects are identified especially with regard to the requirement for a water management proposed in this strategy. 9 The strategy supports protection of the historic and archaeological environment by requiring the masterplan to deliver a layout and form that respects the setting of the Listed Buildings and Registered Battlefield beyond the site resulting in potential significant positive effects 1, 3, 4, 6 High quality public transport facilities and connections within and adjacent to the site is required, resulting in potential significant positive effects in terms of

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SA Objectives STRAT9 Land at Chalgrove Airfield Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan Sustainable transport. 2, 3, 4, 6 Appropriate vehicular, cycle and pedestrian access including safe and attractive connections with nearby communities and good urban design are required resulting in potential significant positive effects 7, 8 Appropriate landscaping and an integrated network of green infrastructure is required which will result in potential significant positive effects towards biodiversity and landscape. 1, 10 The strategy states ‘Where feasible, opportunities for district heating and low carbon on site energy generation’, will be expected to be delivered. It is assumed that a feasibility study will be provided with any planning applications. Resulting in potential significant positive effects. 8 Areas of open landscape on elevated ground and on A full LVIA will be required to the floor of the vale (including airfield sites) are visually inform mitigation to prevent exposed and new development would be highly significant negative effects prominent unless closely associated with existing built form or well-integrated within new landscape frameworks. There are no landscape designation constraints, the site is, however within open countryside and is relatively isolated. The LCA States: It is recommended that Chalgrove Airfield is considered further as a site option on landscape and visual grounds. A full LVIA will be required to inform mitigation to prevent significant negative effects, and this may require reinforcement planting, in the short term 288

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SA Objectives STRAT9 Land at Chalgrove Airfield Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan significant negative effects are likely, however over time these effects will reduce as mitigation is implemented. 4, 5 As discussed in STRAT1. The South Oxfordshire Local The next stage of work will look Plan Evaluation of Transport Impacts Report, March at transport mitigation options 2017 has been undertaken, further work is required to that assist in improving forecast determine the effects. The next stage of work will look transport impacts on the at transport mitigation options that assist in improving network. This will include review forecast transport impacts on the network. This will of both highway and sustainable include review of both highway and sustainable transport improvements, and transport improvements, and involve close engagement involve close engagement with with the County Council and where relevant operators the County Council and where of public transport services. Therefore at this stage the relevant operators of public significance of the effects are uncertain in terms of the transport services. effects on air and noise quality 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has Further information will be been undertaken of the Local Plan, as discussed in required from SODC’s transport STRAT1 above, air pollution impacts have been study to determine whether the assessed as uncertain in relation to potential Local Plan proposals will result in increases in traffic. Further information will be required a degree of change in those from SODC’s transport study to determine whether the locations that could have a Local Plan proposals will result in a degree of change significant effect. If the screening in those locations that could have a significant effect. criteria are exceeded in these locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at the next HRA stage.

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Table 66 Chalgrove Airfield Mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan

Chalgrove Airfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be required STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield to inform the final capacity of the sites. ENV1 Landscape and countryside

STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Ensure infrastructure is phased alongside new housing development STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield and is integrated with the surrounding towns and villages were appropriate STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Infrastructure policy

Affordable homes will be provided within all strategic developments. H11 Affordable Housing

Significant infrastructure development will be required for any new STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield settlement/urban extension it will be essential to work with service STRTA5 Strategic Allocations providers to ensure this is implemented in a timely fashion.

Infrastructure policies

Design policies

A masterplan would need to be developed to encompass all mitigation STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield recommendations. STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Infrastructure policies

Design policies

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Chalgrove Airfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

Ensure good quality urban design is implemented and work with the STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield local community. STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Design policies

Work with Thames Valley police. SODC will continue to work with all stakeholders.

Produce an IDP to ensure that infrastructure is provided in a timely Infastructure policies fashion.

Continue to work with the agents GVA to ensure a masterplan is STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield produced with all mitigation recommendations incorporated. STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Infrastructure policies

Design policies Good urban design principles will be required that ensure accessibility STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield is promoted throughout the development phases, pedestrian access STRTA5 Strategic Allocations should be improved across the B480. Design policies

Ensure any issues of contaminated land are addressed. STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield ENV12 Pollution - Impact from neighbouring and/or Previous Land

Uses on new Development (Receptors)

ENV13 Pollution - Impact of Development on Human Health, the natural Environment and/or Local amenity (Sources)

STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and SuDS, to reduce surface Design policies runoff.

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Chalgrove Airfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

Improve sustainable transport and accessibility to reduce use of STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield personal vehicles use. STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Design policies

Transport policies

Ensure the Evaluation of Transport Impact (ETI) results inform the Transport policies decision making process. See cumulative effects section of this report

Continue to monitor air quality in line with regulation requirements. EP1 Air Quality

Access to other locations where service provision and employment STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield options exist, should be improved by working with infrastructure STRTA5 Strategic Allocations providers to identify where an increase in sustainable modes of Transport policies transport is required. This should include, cycle ways, linking to green Design policies infrastructure.

Biodiversity enhancement schemes. Design policies

Environment policies

Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species

Ensure further HRA Appropriate Assessment is carried out and all See HRA summary in this report recommendations are included in the Local Plan.

Consider mitigation measures to reduce impact on tranquillity. Design policies

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Chalgrove Airfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be required STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield to inform the final capacity of the site. STRTA5 Strategic Allocations

Use of landscape masterplanning to carefully connect the village with the new settlement

A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation. ENV6 Historic Environment

Historic England recommend the following: ENV10 Archaeology

 Oxfordshire Historic Landscape Characterisation should be ENV11 Historic Battlefields, Registered Parks and Gardens and used to inform the layout of any new settlement, Historic Landscapes

 This assessment may require more than a desk-based assessment and evaluation and should consider both above and below-ground features and remains.

Ensure the design manual is implemented. Design policies

Include SuDS in all designs. STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield Design policies Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, water resources and materials.

Consider implementing decentralised energy. For example: CHP

Continue to work with Thames water to ensure water and sewage INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir capacity is maintained. INF5 Water Resources

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Chalgrove Airfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

Consultation comments received raise the following concerns: The Environment policies airfield being topographically higher already contributes to flooding in Areas of South Oxfordshire are at risk of flooding and the impact of Chalgrove. climate change is important. The planning system has an important role to play in minimising flooding, the risk of flooding and increasing resilience. Only appropriate development should take place in areas at risk from flooding, and development should be directed away from areas of the highest risk. A sequential, risk-based approach to locating development, referred to as applying the Sequential Test, and if necessary, the Exception Test should be applied, taking into account climate change.

Encourage local work force and on the job skill training through-out the The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are development of new housing. considered to provide a range of employment opportunities.

Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an increase in The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are skills locally and assist in developing new businesses. considered to provide a range of employment opportunities.

Work with service providers to ensure a fast and reliable access to the Employment policies internet and mobile phone communications is provided through-out the

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Chalgrove Airfield Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan district. INF2 Electronic communications

INF3 Telecommunications Technology

Provide employment within a mix use development STRAT9 - Land at Chalgrove Airfield STRTA5 Strategic Allocations Policy EMP10 – New Employment Land at Chalgrove

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Land at Wheatley Campus

Figure 24 Land at Wheatley Campus

4.32 Policy STRAT10 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 9 of this SA Report

4.33 Table 67 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects 296

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maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented.

4.34 Wheatley Campus has been assessed against the SA Framework. The full appraisal matrices provide further detail on potential effects these are available in Appendix A Table 9 the key issues are summarised in part one of this report Table 40.

4.35 The proposed mitigation recommended through-out the SA process and where addressed in the Local Plan is within Error! Reference source not found. below Table 68.

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Table 67 STRAT10 Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University SA Summary

SA Objectives STRAT10 Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within Brookes University the Local Plan All The SA has assessed Land at Wheatley Campus, and See SA Report part 2, table belowwhich discusses mitigation provided recommended mitigation. and where addressed through policy in the Local Plan 1, 3, 4, 9 At least 300 new homes are expected to be delivered at this location, which largely reﬂects the existing pattern of built development. A large part of the wider site is subject to existing constraints associated with the listed building and Scheduled Monument. The existing playing fields should be retained and a wider community use should be explored through any planning application. Therefore significant positive effects are identified in terms on providing the identified housing need, protection of the historic environment and retention of the existing playing fields 3, 4 Providing a wider community use within the site will be provide significant positive effects towards the communities in Wheatley and Holten and will support social adhesion. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13, Appropriate vehicular, cycle and pedestrian access 15 including safe and attractive connections with nearby communities. High quality public transport facilities and connections within and adjacent the site, this will be provide significant positive effects in terms of accessibility to community services, facilities, education and employment.

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SA Objectives STRAT10 Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within Brookes University the Local Plan 4, 5 Investigation and mitigation by the developer of any contamination within the site through agreed remediation techniques, this will be provide significant positive effects for new residents 4, 5 A Noise Assessment including noise during construction and noise insulation of development, this will be provide significant positive effects for new residents from the impact of the adjacent A40. 4, 5, 7 Appropriate landscaping, including buffers along the A40, and an integrated network of green infrastructure, this will be provide significant positive effects for new residents from the impact of the adjacent A40 and be positive towards biodiversity. 4, 5 As discussed in STRAT1. The South Oxfordshire Local The next stage of work will look Plan Evaluation of Transport Impacts Report, March at transport mitigation options 2017 has been undertaken, further work is required to that assist in improving forecast determine the effects. The next stage of work will look transport impacts on the at transport mitigation options that assist in improving network. This will include review forecast transport impacts on the network. This will of both highway and sustainable include review of both highway and sustainable transport improvements, and transport improvements, and involve close engagement involve close engagement with with the County Council and where relevant operators the County Council and where of public transport services. Therefore at this stage the relevant operators of public significance of the effects are uncertain in terms of the transport services. effects on air and noise quality 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has Further information will be been undertaken of the Local Plan, as discussed in required from SODC’s transport STRAT1 above, air pollution impacts have been study to determine whether the 299

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SA Objectives STRAT10 Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within Brookes University the Local Plan assessed as uncertain in relation to potential Local Plan proposals will result in increases in traffic. Further information will be required a degree of change in those from SODC’s transport study to determine whether the locations that could have a Local Plan proposals will result in a degree of change significant effect. If the screening in those locations that could have a significant effect. criteria are exceeded in these locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at the next HRA stage.

Table 68 Wheatley Campus Mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan

Wheatley Campus Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Care should be taken that any suggested development does not have STRAT10 – Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University an adverse impact on the open character of the adjacent Green Belt. STRAT5 Strategic Allocations ENV1 Landscape and Countryside A full detailed Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be required to inform the final capacity of the sites. Ensure infrastructure is phased alongside new housing development STRAT10 – Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University and is integrated with the village. Design polices Ensure good quality urban design is implemented and work with the STRAT5 Strategic Allocations local community. Community policies

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Wheatley Campus Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Ensure improvements to service provision commensurate with any STRAT10 – Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University increases in population. STRAT5 Strategic Allocations

Work with service providers to ensure this is implemented in a timely Design polices fashion. Community policies The existing sports pitches in the north west of the site should be STRAT10 – Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University retained. Affordable housing and a variety of house sizes should be provided. Housing policies H11 Affordable Housing The positive effect of providing new homes could be enhanced by Design policies ensuring that new homes are built to high standards of sustainable design and supported by appropriate levels of infrastructure. Ensure the PRoW and bridle paths are protected. Design policies

Consider how noise impacts from the adjacent A40 could be mitigated. Design policies ENV12 Pollution - Impact from neighbouring and/or Previous Land Uses on new Development (Receptors) ENV13 Pollution - Impact of Development on Human Health, the natural Environment and/or Local amenity (Sources) STRAT5 Strategic Allocations

Work with Oxford City to ensure the air quality is monitored during both EP1 Air Quality the construction and operational phases

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Wheatley Campus Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Ensure the ETI results inform the decision making process. See cumulative effects section of this report

Improve sustainable transport and accessibility to reduce use of STRAT10 – Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University personal vehicle use. Design policies Work with infrastructure providers to identify where an increase in STRAT5 Strategic Allocations sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure. Transport policies Access to other locations where service provision and employment options exist, should be improved. Employment policies Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and SuDS, to reduce surface Design policies run off.

Incorporate green infrastructure into the design and biodiversity STRAT10 – Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University enhancement schemes. ENV5 Green Infrastructure in new developments Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey, mitigate were necessary. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species

Ensure further HRA Appropriate Assessment is carried out and all See HRA summary in this report. recommendations are included in the Local Plan. Safeguard and enhance the landscape character of the hedgerow Environment policies network, and tree-lined watercourses. ENV1 Landscape and countryside ENV4 Watercourses Historic England consultation response: Wheatley Campus contains a STRAT10 – Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University scheduled monument – the moated site 580m south west of Church Farm. Any redevelopment of the campus should therefore retain the ENV6 Historic Environment

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Wheatley Campus Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan scheduled monument and respect its setting. ENV10 Archaeology Consideration will also need to be given the setting of the scheduled monument of the moated site of Holton House and its associated ice house, the grade II listed Holton Park and six other listed structures, all just to the north-west of the campus. A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and STRAT10 – Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation. ENV6 Historic Environment ENV10 archaeology Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, water Design policies resources and materials. Consider implementing decentralised energy. For example: CHP Design policies Continue to work with Thames Water to ensure water and sewage INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir capacity is maintained. INF5 Water Resources

The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were repealed Construction and demolition waste is addressed in DES7 Efficient on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a regulatory requirement in use of resources. England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice Encourage local work force and on the job skill training through-out the The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are development of new housing. considered to provide a range of employment opportunities. Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an increase in The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are skills locally and assist in developing new businesses. considered to provide a range of employment opportunities.

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Wheatley Campus Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Work with service providers to ensure a fast and reliable access to the INF2 Electronic communications internet and mobile phone communications is provided through-out the district. INF3 Telecommunications Technology Any re-development of Wheatley Campus should be mixed use. STRAT10 – Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University STRAT5 Strategic Allocations

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Henley-on-Thames

Figure 25 Policy HEN1 The Strategy for Henley

4.36 Policy HEN1 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 13 of this SA Report.

4.37 Table 69 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented.

4.38 Growth at Henley has been assessed against the SA Framework. The full appraisal matrices provide further detail on potential effects these are available in Appendix A Table 13 the key issues are summarised in part one of this report Table 43.

4.39 The proposed mitigation recommended through-out the SA process and where addressed in the Local Plan is within Table 70 below. 305

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Table 69 HEN1 - The Strategy for Henley SA Summary

SA Objectives HEN1 The Strategy for Henley Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan All The SA has assessed alternative options for Henley, See SA Report part 2, table belowwhich discusses mitigation and provided recommended mitigations. and where addressed through policy in the Local Plan All The Strategy for Henley identifies significant positive Any further development will be N/A effects in terms of enhancing the town’s environment, in accordance with the Joint improving accessibility, improving employment Henley and Harpsden opportunities, and supporting development for all ages. Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 A number of uncertain effects are identified in terms The Joint Henley and Harpsden N/A of the air quality, historic environment, flood risk and NDP will need to be updated to biodiversity, these effects are determined by the reflect further allocations, the location of further development. NDP will need to produce a SA to inform the decisions made 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has Further information will be been undertaken of the Local Plan, as discussed in required from SODC’s transport STRAT1 above, air pollution impacts have been study to determine whether the assessed as uncertain in relation to potential Local Plan proposals will result in increases in traffic. Further information will be required a degree of change in those from SODC’s transport study to determine whether the locations that could have a Local Plan proposals will result in a degree of change significant effect. If the screening in those locations that could have a significant effect. criteria are exceeded in these locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at the next HRA stage.

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Table 70 Henley Mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan

Henley Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be required HEN1 The Strategy for Henley to inform the final capacity of any further allocations. Development should not negatively affect the AONB or the district character of Henley.

Ensure infrastructure is phased alongside new housing development HEN1 The Strategy for Henley and is integrated with the village. Community policies Ensure good quality urban design is implemented and work with the local community. Ensure improvements to service provision commensurate with any HEN1 The Strategy for Henley increases in population.

Work with service providers to ensure this is implemented in a timely fashion. Affordable housing and a variety of house sizes should be provided. HEN1 The Strategy for Henley Housing policies H11 Affordable Housing Monitor housing allocations as set out in the Joint Henley and SODC will continue to monitor Harpsden Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) officially adopted 14 April 2016 The positive effect of providing new homes could be enhanced by HEN1 The Strategy for Henley ensuring that new homes are built to high standards of sustainable design and supported by appropriate levels of infrastructure. Design policies

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Henley Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Ensure the PRoW and bridle paths are protected. Design policies

Work with Oxford City to ensure the air quality is monitored during both EP1 Air Quality the construction and operational phases Ensure the ETI results inform the decision making process. See cumulative effects section of this report

Work with infrastructure providers to identify where an increase in Design policies sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure. Transport policies Employment policies Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and SuDS, to reduce surface Design policies run off.

Incorporate green infrastructure into the design and biodiversity enhancement schemes. ENV5 Green Infrastructure in new developments Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey, mitigate were necessary. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species Ensure development has no negative effects on the SSSI’s. Ensure further HRA Appropriate Assessment is carried out and all See HRA summary in this report. recommendations are included in the Local Plan. A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and HEN1 The Strategy for Henley evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation. ENV6 Historic Environment ENV10 archaeology Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, water Design policies resources and materials.

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Henley Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Consider implementing decentralised energy. For example: CHP Design policies Continue to work with Thames Water to ensure water and sewage INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir capacity is maintained. INF5 Water Resources

The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were repealed Construction and demolition waste is addressed in DES7 Efficient on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a regulatory requirement in use of resources. England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice Encourage local work force and on the job skill training through-out the HEN1 The Strategy for Henley development of new housing. The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are considered to provide a range of employment opportunities. Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an increase in The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are skills locally and assist in developing new businesses. considered to provide a range of employment opportunities.

Work with service providers to ensure a fast and reliable access to the INF2 Electronic communications internet and mobile phone communications is provided through-out the district. INF3 Telecommunications Technology

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Thame

Figure 26 Policy TH1 The Strategy for Thame

4.40 Policy TH1 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 17 of this SA Report.

4.41 Table 71 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented.

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Table 71 TH1 - The Strategy for Thame SA Summary

SA Objectives TH1 The Strategy for Thame Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan All The Strategy for Thame identifies significant positive Development will be in N/A effects in terms of enhancing the town’s environment, accordance with the Thame improving accessibility, and improving employment Neighbourhood Development opportunities. This Strategy also identifies the need for Plan (NDP). improvements to service provisions and community facilities for example schools, health and other service Neighbourhood Development providers. Plan (NDP). 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 A number of uncertain effects are identified in terms Development will be in N/A of the air quality, historic environment, flood risk and accordance with the Thame biodiversity, these effects are determined by the Neighbourhood Development location of further development Plan (NDP). 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has Further information will be been undertaken of the Local Plan, as discussed in required from SODC’s transport STRAT1 above, air pollution impacts have been study to determine whether the assessed as uncertain in relation to potential Local Plan proposals will result in increases in traffic. Further information will be required a degree of change in those from SODC’s transport study to determine whether the locations that could have a Local Plan proposals will result in a degree of change significant effect. If the screening in those locations that could have a significant effect. criteria are exceeded in these locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at the next HRA stage.

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Wallingford

Figure 27 Policy WAL1 - The Strategy for Wallingford

4.42 Policy WAL1 has been assessed through the SA Process. The full appraisal matrices for all policies can be found in Appendix A Table 17 of this SA Report.

4.43 Table 72 below summarises the appraisal findings and attempts to predict and evaluate the likely significant effects of the policy. In some instances the effects maybe me mitigated by other policies in the Local Plan and when this is the case it is documented.

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Table 72 WAL1-The Strategy for Wallingford SA summary

SA Objectives WAL1 The Strategy for Wallingford Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan All The Strategy for Wallingford identifies significant Development will be in N/A positive effects in terms of enhancing the town’s accordance with the Thame environment, improving accessibility, strengthen the Neighbourhood Development town centre and support the market place as a focal Plan (NDP). hub, these will be beneficial to local people and support social cohesion. Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 A number of uncertain effects are identified in terms of Wallingford is working towards The implementation of the the Wallingfords location by the River Thames and producing their NDP, future combined policies within the proximity to the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs development will be in Local Plan will prevent any AONB, there well preserved historic features including accordance with the NDP. adverse significant effects. a compact medieval central area encircled by Saxon banks and ditches, the castle gardens and meadows and Wallingford Bridge, these would need to be protected. 7 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has Further information will be been undertaken of the Local Plan, as discussed in required from SODC’s transport STRAT1 above, air pollution impacts have been study to determine whether the assessed as uncertain in relation to potential Local Plan proposals will result in increases in traffic. Further information will be required a degree of change in those from SODC’s transport study to determine whether the locations that could have a Local Plan proposals will result in a degree of change significant effect. If the screening in those locations that could have a significant effect. criteria are exceeded in these locations, Appropriate

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SA Objectives WAL1 The Strategy for Wallingford Mitigating adverse effects Where addressed within the Local Plan Assessment will be required at the next HRA stage.

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5. DELIVERING NEW HOMES

5.1 One of our main objectives of this plan is to deliver new homes in places where people want to live and that they can afford. We have set out where we think these houses will go in a sustainable and achievable manner. This chapter provides details of the houses built so far and provides a forecast of future house building in the District. This chapter also contains policy direction for neighbourhood development plans and a contingency if they fail to deliver, and polices for affordable housing, our preferred tenure mix and policies for infilling and extensions.

5.2 The SA has assessed all the housing policies in the Local Plan, they are presented in the Table 73 below and attempt to predict any significant effects.

Table 73 SA of Housing Policies in Local Plan.

H1 Delivering new homes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ Overall significant positive effects are identified because the Policy states ‘subject to the requirements of other policies of the development plan.’ H2 New Housing in Didcot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

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Some of the dwellings proposed in policy H2 have already been completed since 2011 and some are on sites that have consent (including at outline or with a resolution to grant). Policy H2 safeguards sites that were allocated in previous development plans and introduces three new allocations. Significant positive effects are identified in term or providing identified housing needs, the allocation of these sites were subject to the SA process and included within the Core Strategy 2012. Mitigation recommendations were applied, therefore no negative significant effects are identified. The three new allocations have been subject to the SA Process. H2i Didcot A Didcot A has been assessed through the SA process, mitigation and where addressed by the Local Plan is within Table 74 of this report. H2ii Didcot Gateway Didcot Gateway has been assessed through the SA process, mitigation and where addressed by the Local Plan is within Table 75 of this report. H2iii Hadden Hill Hadden Hill has been assessed through the SA process, mitigation and where addressed by the Local Plan is within Table 76 of this report. H3 Housing in the Market Towns 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ Significant positive effects are identified in terms of providing housing, a number of uncertain effects are noted because it is the location of the proposed housing that will determine the effects. Mitigation The NDP’s are required to carry out a SA, the SA process combined policies within the Local Plan will prevent any adverse significant effects.

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H4 Housing in Larger Villages 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ Significant p[positive effects are identified in terms of providing housing, a number of uncertain effects are noted because it is the location of the proposed housing that will determine the effects. Mitigation The NDP’s are required to carry out a SA, the SA process combined policies within the Local Plan will prevent any adverse significant effects. H5 Contingency Policy for Larger Villages 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ Overall significant positive effects are identified because the Policy states ‘ i) Proposals comply with the overall housing distribution strategy ii) Proposals comply with the housing and other applicable policies in this plan.’ H6 Land to the West of Priests close, Nettlebed Land to the west of Priests close, Nettlebed has been assessed through the SA process, mitigation recommendations and how addressed by the Local Plan in provided in Table 77 of this report. H7 Joyce Grove, Nettlebed Joyce Grove, Nettlebed has been assessed through the SA process, mitigation recommendations and how addressed by the Local Plan in provided is Table 78 of this report. H8 Land to the East of Benson lane, Crowmarsh Gifford Land to the east of Benson lane, Crowmarsh Gifford has been assessed through the SA process, mitigation recommendations and

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how addressed by the Local Plan in provided in Table 79 of this report. H9 Land to the South of Newnham Manor, Crowmarsh Gifford Land to the South of Newnham Manor, Crowmarsh Gifford has been assessed through the SA process, mitigation recommendations and how addressed by the Local Plan in provided in Table 80 of this report. H10 Housing in the Smaller Villages 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ Overall significant positive effects are identified. The NDP’s are required to carry out a SA, the SA process combined policies within the Local Plan will prevent any adverse significant effects. H11 Affordable Housing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 x 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ Significant positive effects are identified, affordable housing provision both social and immediate will provide homes for those in need, this policy will also be positive to assisting with social cohesion. Any new development may result in construction and demolition waste which may result in negative effects. At this stage it is assumed that further policies will be produced to mitigate any negative effects. A number of no direct effects are noted, because the site selection process ensures that the most sustainable sites are selected for housing and policies will be produced to mitigate any negative effects at specific locations. The Housing Strategy Report is being produced which will outline the need for different tenures and types of housing and will include supporting evidence. Mitigation The Strategy will need to outline the need for different tenures and types of housing and so will need to understand the characteristics of people living in and moving to the area.

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The SA process identified the need to address the issue of construction and demolition waste, therefore the inclusion of DES7 Efficient use of resources provides mitigation. H12 Exception Sites 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Positive effects are identified, the policy will allow In exceptional circumstances, small-scale affordable housing schemes may be permitted within or adjoining villages, provided that: i) It can be demonstrated that all the proposed dwellings meet a particular local need that cannot be accommodated in any other way or ii) There are satisfactory arrangements to ensure that the benefits of the affordable housing can be enjoyed by subsequent as well as the initial occupants and that the dwellings remain available for local people or iii) There are no overriding amenity, environmental, design or highway objections. Preference will be given to sites where there are adequate local services and facilities. H13 Meeting Housing needs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1 17 6

✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Significant positive effects are noted in terms of meeting housing and ensuring that affordable housing is accessible and adaptable. The exact requirement should be based on evidence regarding current demand and all affordable housing and 1 and 2 bed market housing dwellings should be designed to meet the Nationally Described Space Standards. H14 Self-Build and custom Housing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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Building your own home could be a more affordable way for many people to become home owners. The council strongly supports initiatives that provides opportunities for people to design and/or build their own home. Therefore positive effects are identified when combined with the other policies within the Local Plan. H15 Specialist Housing for Older People 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 x 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ Significant positive effects are identified in terms of providing dwellings to be specifically built to meet the needs of older people. This policy will also be positive to assisting with social cohesion. Any new development may result in construction and demolition waste which may result in negative effects. A number of no direct effects are noted, because the site selection process ensures that the most sustainable sites are selected for housing and policies will be produced to mitigate any negative effects at specific locations. The Housing Strategy Report is being produced which will outline the need for different tenures and types of housing and will include supporting evidence. Mitigation: The Strategy will need to outline the need for different tenures and types of housing and so will need to understand the characteristics of people living in and moving to the area. The SA process identified the need to address the issue of construction and demolition waste, therefore the inclusion of DES7 Efficient use of resources provides mitigation. H16 Provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 This policy provides pitches for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople and therefore significant positive effects are identified, the policy should enable pitches to be in suitable locations and near facilities, and support social cohesion. Pitches are proposed to be provide within Strategic Allocations at Chalgrove Airfield and Culham, these strategic sites have been subject to the SA process and significant effects are discussed in Part1 of this report, Part 2 of this report discusses mitigation and how addressed within the Local Plan. 320

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H17 Safeguarding Traveller Sites 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 This policy safeguards existing pitches for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople and therefore significant positive effects are identified in terms of social impacts. H18 Infill Development 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ This policy will provide housing and promote efficient use of land within towns and villages. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. Proposals for housing on sites within the built-up areas of the towns and villages will be permitted provided that: An important open space of public, environmental or ecological value is not lost, nor an important public view spoilt, therefore no direct impact has been identified. H19 Sub-division and conversion to Multiple Occupation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ This policy will has the potential to provide housing and promote efficient use of land within towns and villages. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. The policy seeks to protect the character of the building or the surrounding residential area; and requires no environmental or highway objections, therefore no direct impact has been identified. H20 Replacement Dwellings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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✓ 0 ✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓ The policy is overall identified as having significant positive effects, the proposed replacement dwelling will need to be in accordance with the relevant policies of the adopted development plan. H21 Extensions to Dwellings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓ 0 ✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓ The policy is overall identified as having significant positive effects, the proposed replacement dwelling will need to be in accordance with the relevant policies of the adopted development plan. H22 Loss of Existing Residential Accommodation in Town centre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Significant positive effects are identified, loss of existing residential accommodation and private garden will be prevented.

5.3

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5.4 Policy H2 – New Housing in Didcot

5.5 In Didcot provision will be made for at least 6,500 homes between 2011 and 2033. Some dwellings have already been developed since 2011 and some will be on sites that have consent (including at outline or with a resolution to grant). We will safeguard sites that were allocated in previous local plans and introduce three new allocations (see Figure 28 below)

5.6 This policy contributes towards achieving Local Plan objectives 1,2, 4, 6 & 7

5.7 *Some of the dwellings proposed in policy H2 have already been completed since 2011 and some are on sites that have consent (including at outline or with a resolution to grant). Policy H2 safeguards sites that were allocated in previous development plans and introduces three new allocations. 5.8 As outlined in policy STRAT4 above, we expect all development to be delivered following the principles of the Garden Town. Some of the sites in the centre of Didcot have the potential to deliver at higher density than shown here – and hence these are indicative numbers – but this will be further explored through the delivery of the Garden Town.

5.9 The three new allocations have been assessed by through the SA process. The reason for inclusion, rejection and selection of these alternative options is outlined in Table 5 and Table 8 of this report. Table 7 of this Report summarises the SA findings and Appendix A Table 14 Contains the full appraisal matrix. The proposed mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan are below in Table 74, Table 75 and Table 76.

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Figure 28 Didcot new site allocations

Policy H4i – Didcot A

5.10 Land at Didcot A is allocated for 270 new homes 5.11 Table 7 of this Report summarises the SA findings and Appendix A Table 6 Contains the full appraisal matrix. The proposed mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan are below in Table 74.

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Table 74 Didcot A mitigation and how addressed within the Local Plan

Didcot A Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment is The site has a resolution to grant planning permission, subject to the required to inform the final capacity of the site. finalisation of the S106 agreement. (P15/S1880/O), landscape is considered within the supporting documentations. STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town Ensure infrastructure is phased alongside new housing STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town development and is integrated with Didcot.

Affordable homes should be provided within all development STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town settlements. H11 Affordable Housing Work with the Masterplan developers and the local community STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town to ensure integration with existing residents and employees, and provide for facilities as required, this should include access Employment Polices to faith and community groups for a range of ages within the Transport policies local population where required. Infrastructure policies A masterplan would need to be developed to encompass all mitigation recommendations. Design policies Town Centre policies Community facilities policies Continue to work with Thames Valley police to ensure extra SODC will continue to work with all stakeholders policing is provided if as population increases. Produce an IDP. Infrastructure policies

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Didcot A Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Infrastructure policies Design policies Any community land, open space and/or recreation land should STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town be provided. Community facilities policies Ensure remediation of contamination issues are resolved. Environmental policies

Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change. Environmental policies Include SUDS in all designs. Consult with National grid and Gas service providers to ensure SODC will continue to work with all stakeholders safety procedures are met and that there is no detrimental impact to new residents. Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town in sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include, cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure. Transport polices Design policies Environmental policies Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town water resources and materials. Design policies Environmental policies Infrastructure policies

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Didcot A Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Consider implementing decentralised energy. For example: Design policies CHP Environmental policies Infrastructure policies The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were Construction and demolition waste is addressed in policy DES7 repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a Efficient use of resources. regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice Encourage local work force and on the job skill training STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town through-out the development of new housing. The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an considered to provide a range of employment opportunities. increase in skills locally and assist in developing new businesses. Ensure the ETI results inform the decision making process. Infrastructure policies Transport policies See cumulative effects section of this report

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Policy H4ii – Didcot Gateway

5.12 Land at Didcot Gateway – south of the railway station – is allocated for a mixed use scheme including at least 300 new homes. 5.13 Table 7 of this Report summarises the SA findings and Appendix A Table 6 Contains the full appraisal matrix. The proposed mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan are below in Table 75.

Table 75 Didcot Gateway mitigation and how addressed within the Local Plan

Didcot Gateway Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be The site has a resolution to grant planning permission, subject to the required to inform the final capacity of the site. finalisation of the S106 agreement P15/S2159/O, landscape is considered within the supporting documentations. STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town

A masterplan would need to be developed to encompass all STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town mitigation recommendations

Consider whether it is a viable sustainable option to allocate The site has a resolution to grant planning permission, subject to the more housing to Didcot on top of existing allocations within the finalisation of the S106 agreement P15/S2159/O. C.S 2012. STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town

Continue to work with Thames Valley police to ensure extra SODC will continue to work with all stakeholders policing is provided if as population increases.

Ensure good quality urban design is implemented and access STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town to services, locally.

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Didcot Gateway Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Design policies Town Centre policies Community facilities policies

Work with the Masterplan developers and the local community STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town to ensure integration with existing residents and employees, Employment Polices and provide for facilities as required. Transport policies Infrastructure policies Design policies Town Centre policies Community facilities policies Any development on the site should include a Green Travel STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town plan or similar scheme to reduce car usage and encourage a Transport policies shift to more sustainable modes of transport. Design policies

Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town in sustainable modes of transport is required. This should Transport policies include, cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure. Design policies Environmental policies Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and 329

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Didcot Gateway Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan resilience to climate change. Environmental policies Include SUDS in all designs.

Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. Environmental policies

Ensure the Habitats Regulation Assessment S is undertaken. See cumulative effects section of this report

A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment ENV6 Historic Environment and evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable ENV10 archaeology and appropriate level of mitigation.

Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town water resources and materials. Design policies Environmental policies Consider implementing decentralised energy. For example: A Design policies CHP Environmental policies

The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were Construction and demolition waste is addressed in policy DES7 repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a Efficient use of resources. regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice

Encourage local work force and on the job skill training The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are through-out the development of new housing. considered to provide a range of employment opportunities.

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Didcot Gateway Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are increase in skills locally and assist in developing new considered to provide a range of employment opportunities. businesses.

Work with service providers to ensure a fast and reliable INF2 Electronic communications access to the internet and mobile phone communications is INF3 Telecommunications Technology provided through-out the district.

Employment should be included in the mix use development. STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town Employment policies

Produce an IDP. Infrastructure policies

Policy H4iii – Hadden Hill (Didcot)

5.14 Land at Hadden Hill (Didcot) is allocated for 74 new homes 5.15 Table 7 of this Report summarises the SA findings and Appendix A Table 6 Contains the full appraisal matrix. The proposed mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan are below in Table 76.

Table 76 Didcot Hadden Hill mitigation and how addressed within the Local Plan

Hadden Hill Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town required to inform the final capacity of the site.

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Hadden Hill Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan ENV1 Landscape and countryside The site has full planning permission. Ensure infrastructure is phased alongside new housing STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town development and is integrated with Didcot and/or GWP as Employment Polices appropriate. Transport policies Infrastructure policies Design policies Town Centre policies Community facilities policies Affordable homes should be provided within all development H11 affordable Housing settlements.

A masterplan would need to be developed to encompass all STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town mitigation recommendations. Employment Polices Work with the Masterplan developers and the local community Transport policies to ensure integration with existing residents and employees, and provide for facilities as required. Infrastructure policies Good urban design principles are implemented that provide Design policies access to facilities via sustainable modes of transport. Town Centre policies Community facilities policies Consider whether it is a viable sustainable option to allocate The site has full planning permission. more housing to Didcot on top of existing allocations within the

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Hadden Hill Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan C.S 2012 Continue to work with Thames Valley police to ensure extra SODC will continue to work with all stakeholders policing is provided if as population increases. Ensure improvements to service provision commensurate with STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town any increases in population and improve access to services. Design policies Continue to work with service providers. Environmental policies Good phasing of development will be required. Infrastructure policies Transport policies Any community land, open space and/or recreation land should STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town be replaced. Community facilities policies Ensure the PRoW are protected. Community facilities policies

Continue to monitor air quality. Environment policies

Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and Environment policies resilience to climate change. Include SUDS in all designs Ensure the ETI results inform the decision making process. See cumulative effects section of this reportTransport policies Infrastructure policies Incorporate green infrastructure into the design and biodiversity STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town enhancement schemes. Design policies

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Hadden Hill Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Environment policies

Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. Environment policies

Ensure the Habitats Regulation Assessment is undertaken. See HRA summary in this report

TPO’s and areas of deciduous woodland should be protected ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species and enhanced where appropriate.

Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town water resources and materials. Environment policies

Consider implementing decentralised energy. For example: Environment policies CHP

Continue to work with Thames water to ensure water and SODC will continue to work with all stakeholders sewage capacity is maintained. Infrastructure policies

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Hadden Hill Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an STRAT4: Didcot Garden Town increase in skills locally and assist in developing new The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are businesses. considered to provide a range of employment opportunities. Work with service providers to ensure a fast and reliable INF2 Electronic communications access to the internet and mobile phone communications is provided INF3 Telecommunications Technology Ensure the ETI results inform the decision making process. Infrastructure policies See cumulative effects section of this report

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Housing Allocations at Nettlebed

Policy H6 - Land to the west of Priests Close, Nettlebed

5.16 The community have decided not to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan and subsequently we are allocating sites on their behalf.

5.17 The sites below have been consulted upon and tested through the Sustainability Appraisal. Table 47 of this Report summarises the SA findings of all the alternatives assessed and Appendix A Table 10 contains the full appraisal matrix.

5.18 Mitigation recommendations from the SA process along with how these are addressed in the Local Plan are within Table 77 and Table 78below.

Figure 29 Preferred Housing Allocations at Nettlebed

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Table 77 Nettlebed Land West of Priest Hill (NET1) mitigation recommendations and where addressed in the Local Plan

Nettlebed Land West of Priest Hill (NET1) Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be Policy H6 - Land to the west of Priests Close, Nettlebed required to inform the final capacity of the site. ENV1 Landscape and Countryside

Provide affordable housing where required. H11 affordable Housing

Ensure improvements to service provision commensurate with Policy H6 - Land to the west of Priests Close, Nettlebed - see section below any increases in population. for full details. Design policies Community facilities polices

Continue to work with Oxfordshire County Council to ensure Design policies school facilities are provided locally. Community facilities polices Produce an IDP.

Ensure good urban design principles are implemented to create Policy H6 - Land to the west of Priests Close, Nettlebed good access and integration with to Nettlebed Village. Design policies Community facilities polices

Resolve access issues with the junction. Policy H6 - Land to the west of Priests Close, Nettlebed - see section below for full details. Design policies

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Nettlebed Land West of Priest Hill (NET1) Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase Policy H6 - Land to the west of Priests Close, Nettlebed - see section below in sustainable modes of transport is required. This should for full details. include, cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure. Design policies Transport policies

Carry out a Transport Assessment Design policies Transport policies

Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species ENV4 Watercourses

Ensure protection of the mature trees that board the boundary. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species ENV4 Watercourses Design policies

Consider impacts on Priest Hill SSSI. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species ENV4 Watercourses

Ensure the Habitats Regulation Assessment is undertaken to See HRA summary in this report. identify appropriate areas for additional housing.

The LCA states: There is potential for harm to landscape Policy H6 - Land to the west of Priests Close, Nettlebed - see section below setting of Nettlebed and AONB as a result of settlement for full details. expansion into wider landscape. ENV1 Landscape and countryside

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Nettlebed Land West of Priest Hill (NET1) Mitigation Where addressed in the Local Plan

A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and ENV6 Historic Environment evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and ENV10 Archaeology appropriate level of mitigation.

Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement ENV5 Green Infrastructure in new developments schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change. Include SuDS in all designs.

Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, Design policies water resources and materials.

Continue to work with Thames water to ensure water and INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir sewage capacity is maintained. INF5 Water Resources SODC will continue to consult all stakeholders.

The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were Construction and demolition waste is addressed in DES7 Efficient use of repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a resources regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice.

Encourage local work force and on the job skill training through- The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are considered to out the development of new housing. provide a range of employment opportunities.

Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an E The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are considered to increase in skills locally and assist in developing new provide a range of employment opportunities. businesses.

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Policy H7 - Joyce Grove

5.19 Mitigation recommendations from the SA process along with how these are addressed in the Local Plan are within Table 78 below.

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Table 78 Nettlebed Allocations Joyce Grove (NET 5) mitigation recommendations and where addressed in the Local Plan

Joyce Grove (NET 5) Mitigation Where addressed by the Local Plan

A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be Policy H7 - Joyce Grove see section below for full details. required to inform the final capacity of the site. ENV1 Landscape and Countryside

Any potential development should be required to submit a ENV6 Historic Environment detailed assessment of the historic value of the park and the ENV8 alteration of and Extension to Listed Buildings ancillary buildings. ENV9 conservation areas Consultation response from English Heritage: NET5 includes the grade II listed Sue Ryder Home. Should this site be taken ENV10 archaeology forward at some point in time, the development should retain and respect the setting of this heritage asset.

Provide affordable housing where required. H11 Affordable Housing

Ensure improvements to service provision commensurate with Design policies any increases in population. Community facilities policies

Continue to work with Oxfordshire County Council to ensure Design policies school facilities are provided locally. Community facilities policies Produce an IDP. SODC will continue to consult all stakeholders.

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Joyce Grove (NET 5) Mitigation Where addressed by the Local Plan

Ensure good urban design principles are implemented to create Policy H7 - Joyce Grove see section below for full details. good access and integration with to Nettlebed Village. Design policies

Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase Transport policies in sustainable modes of transport is required. This should Design policies include, cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure.

Carry out a Transport Assessment Transport policies

Design policies

Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species

Ensure the protection of the Parkland, Designated Gardens and Policy H7 - Joyce Grove see section below for full details. Local Wildlife Site. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species

Design policies

Ensure the Habitats Regulation Assessment is undertaken to See HRA summary in this report. identify appropriate areas for additional housing.

A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and ENV6 Historic Environment evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and ENV10 Archaeology appropriate level of mitigation.

Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement ENV5 Green Infrastructure in new developments schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change.

Include SuDS in all designs.

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Joyce Grove (NET 5) Mitigation Where addressed by the Local Plan

Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, Design policies water resources and materials.

Continue to work with Thames water to ensure water and INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir sewage capacity is maintained. INF5 Water Resources

SODC will continue to consult all stakeholders

The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were Construction and demolition is addressed in DES7 Efficient use of resources repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice.

Encourage green and eco technologies, this will lead to an The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are considered to increase in skills locally and assist in developing new provide a range of employment opportunities. businesses.

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Housing Allocations at Crowmarsh Gifford

5.20 The community have decided not to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan and subsequently we are allocating sites on their behalf.

5.21 The sites below have been consulted upon and tested through the Sustainability Appraisal. Table 47 of this Report summarises the SA findings of all the alternatives assessed and Appendix A Table 11 Contains the full appraisal matrix.

5.22 The preferred housing allocations are - Land to the east of Benson Lane, (part of alternative option CRO2) and Land to the south of Newnham Manor (Alternative options CRO 6 and CRO7 combined) see Figure 30.

5.23 The proposed mitigation and how addressed by the Local Plan is discussed below in Table 79 and Table 80.

Figure 30 Housing Allocations Crowmarsh Gifford

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Policy H8 - Land to the east of Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford

5.24 The proposed mitigation and how addressed by the Local Plan is discussed below in Table 79.

Table 79 Land to the east of Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford (part of CRO2) mitigation and where addressed in the local Plan

Crowmarsh Gifford Mitigation Where addressed by the Local Plan

A detailed landscape and visual impact assessment should be ENV1 Landscape and Countryside carried out to assess the visual impact on the AONB, in particular views from the Ridgeway national trail, whilst respecting the distinctive character of Crowmarsh Gifford and its rural setting.

Ensure that development is designed to reduce crime and the Design policies fear of crime.

Consider how CRO2 could be integrated into the village for Design policies good access.

Ensure good urban design principles are implemented to create Design policies good access to the Village.

Ensure improvements to service provision commensurate with Community facilities policies any increases in population.

Ensure phasing of development occurs to reduce noise Design policies impacts.

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Crowmarsh Gifford Mitigation Where addressed by the Local Plan

Mitigate noise impacts from road. Design policies

Prevent the loss of agricultural land were necessary DES7 Efficient use of resources

Consider impacts on the AQMA and continue to monitor air EP1 Air Quality quality. BAP Phase 1 survey recorded the following: EN V3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species Deciduous woodland across the road to North West, Barn Owls & Adders on North of site. Evidence of badgers Ensure a buffer zone is provided to protect the TPO’S on the site. Ensure measures are implemented to protect the protected species identified. A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and ENV6 Historic Environment evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and appropriate level of mitigation, if any required. ENV10 Archaeology Encourage green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement ENV5 Green Infrastructure in new developments schemes; these are beneficial to flood prevention and resilience to climate change. Include SuDS in all designs.

Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, Design policies water resources and materials.

Continue to work with Thames Water to ensure water and INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir sewage capacity is maintained. INF5 Water Resources

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Crowmarsh Gifford Mitigation Where addressed by the Local Plan

Carry out an ETI See cumulative effects section of this report

Carry out a Habitats Regulations Assessment See HRA summary in this report.

The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were Construction and demolition waste is addressed within DES7 Efficient use of repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a resources regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice

Encourage local work force and on the job skill training through- The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are considered to out the development of new housing. Encourage green and eco provide a range of employment opportunities. technologies, this will lead to an increase in skills locally and Policy EMP8 – New Employment Land at Crowmarsh Gifford assist in developing new businesses. Policy EMP7 – New Employment Land at Wallingford

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Policy H9 - Land to the south of Newnham Manor, Crowmarsh Gifford (part of CRO 2)

5.25 The proposed mitigation and how addressed by the Local Plan are discussed below in Table 80

Table 80 Crowmarsh Gifford Land to the south of Newnham Manor, (CRO6 and CRO7) mjitigation and how addressed in the Local Plan.

Crowmarsh Gifford Mitigation Where addressed by the Local Plan

A full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment will be ENV1 Landscape and Countryside required to inform the final capacity of the site. Ensure that development is designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime

Ensure improvements to service provision commensurate with Community facilities policies any increases in population.

Ensure good urban design principles are implemented to create Design policies good access to the village. Ensure that development is designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

Consider impacts on the AQMA and continue to monitor air EP1 Air Quality quality

Prevent the loss of agricultural land were necessary DES7 Efficient use of resources Consultation has indicated that the junction at Cox’s Transport policies

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Crowmarsh Gifford Mitigation Where addressed by the Local Plan

Lane/A4074 needs improving. Provide an access link for Design policies pedestrian, cycle and emergency vehicle only access to Old Reading Road and vehicular access via alternatives A4074 or The Street.

Carry out a BAP phase 1 survey. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species Ensure a buffer zone is provided to protect the TPO’S on the site.

Ensure no impact on the conservation area and listed buildings ENV6 Historic Environment and avoid loss of local distinctiveness. ENV9 Conservation areas Any development at this site should respect the grade II listed ENV10 Archaeology coach house this should be reflected in any policy setting design requirements for the development of these sites. DES2 Enhancing Local character Design policies

A predetermination archaeological desk-based assessment and ENV6 Historic Environment evaluation should be undertaken to establish a suitable and ENV10 Archaeology appropriate level of mitigation,

Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, Design policies water resources and materials. The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were Construction and demolition waste is addressed within DES7 Efficient use of

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Crowmarsh Gifford Mitigation Where addressed by the Local Plan repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a resources regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice

Continue to work with Thames Water to ensure water and INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir sewage capacity is maintained. INF5 Water Resources

Encourage local work force and on the job skill training through- Employment policies and additional employment land will assist with out the development of new housing. Encourage green and eco providing mitigation. technologies, this will lead to an increase in skills locally and Policy EMP8 – New Employment Land at Crowmarsh Gifford assist in developing new businesses. Policy EMP7 – New Employment Land at Wallingford

Any loss of employment use must be replaced. The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are considered to provide a range of employment opportunities.

Consider how pitches for touring caravans will be replaced. The Employment policies contained within the Local Plan are considered to provide a range of employment opportunities.

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6. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY

6.1 Howberry Park North and Howberry Park Centre employment allocations have been subject to the SA process to inform the decision making process of the Local Plan, the full matrices are located in Appendix A Table 14 key issues are summarised part 1 of this report Table 54.

6.2 The proposed mitigation and how addressed by the Local Plan is discussed below in Table 81

Table 81 Howberry Park and Howberry Park Centre employment allocations mitigation and where addressed in the Local Plan

Howberry Park North and Howberry Park Centre employment Where mitigation is addressed in the Local Plan allocations mitigation Ensure good quality urban design is implemented and access to Design Policies services, locally. Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase in Design Policies sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include cycle ways linking to green infrastructure. ENV5 Green Infrastructure in new developments Consider how noise implications could be prevented. Design policies

Ensure travel plans are produced. Transport policies Work with infrastructure providers to identify were an increase in Design policies sustainable modes of transport is required. This should include, cycle ways, linking to green infrastructure. Ensure a buffer zone is provided to protect the TPO’S on the site. ENV3 Biodiversity – non designated sites, habitats and species

Ensure no impact on the listed buildings. In order to protect the historic environment, the Council should ensure that all new development complies with the South Oxfordshire Design 351

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Howberry Park North and Howberry Park Centre employment Where mitigation is addressed in the Local Plan allocations mitigation Guide. Which will require high quality design and materials, sensitive building heights and would have to preserve and enhance the historic environment. ENV6 Historic Environment ENV9 Conservation areas ENV10 Archaeology DES2 Enhancing Local character

Promote sustainable building practices which conserve energy, water Design policies resources and materials.

Continue to work with Thames Water to ensure water and sewage INF4 Safeguarding of land for a reservoir capacity is maintained. INF5 Water Resources

Include SUDS in all designs. Design polices Monitoring: The Council should monitor changes of employment land SODC will continue to monitor employment land. through planning permissions to ensure that sufficient land is available for economic growth over the planned period. Encourage good maintenance of existing employment land to prevent Design policies degradation and loss of existing sites.

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SA of the Local Plan Polices

6.3 The housing policies are provided in Table 73, the policies relating to Employment including tourism, infrastructure provision, transport, the natural environment, the built environment, town centres and community facilities have been assessed through the SA process, significant effects a have been identified and this is discussed along with mitigation. Many policies provide mitigation for a number of issues raised though the SA process and this is identified within the assessment below in Table 82.

Table 82 Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies

Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies EMPLOYMENT EMP1 The Amount and Distribution of New B-class Employment Land 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ The policy has been developed using the evidence base from the ELR (July 2015), therefore significant positive effects are identified in terms of providing the required employment need for the District, which may assist improving skills and education with on the job training. Southmead Industrial Estate (safeguarded sites) has been allocated within the Vale of White Horse Local Plan 2031 Part 1, the Local Plan 2031 has been subject to the Sustainability Appraisal process and therefore these sites are not assessed by the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal 2016. The redevelopment and intensification of Culham Science Centre, Chalgrove and Berinsfield have been assessed within this SA Report, a number of alternatives have been considered, Part 1 of this report for further detail of the assessments. See part 2 of this report for recommendations and proposed mitigation and where addressed within the Local Plan. Employment sites at Howberry have been assessed by through the SA Process, for further detail of the assessments including

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies recommendations and proposed mitigation see SA Report. Neighbourhood Plans will be produced and/or updated where required to allocate employment sites at the most sustainable locations. Neighbourhood Plans allocated sites not already assessed by an SA will be supported by a Sustainability Appraisal, therefore a number of ‘no direct impacts’ have been identified. Allocating sites through Neighbourhood Plans supports community involvement in decisions and enables communities to provide local services and solutions, therefore significant positive effects are noted. EMP2 Range, Size and Mix of Employment Premises 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ Providing a range, size and mix of premises for employment should result in significant positive effects. This will provide an opportunity for a variety of local businesses to operate in the area including small businesses, which may assist improving skills and education with on the job training. EMP3 Retention of Employment Land previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 This policy should have no direct impact on employment, because any change of use will only be permitted if employment capacity of the district is not lowered and/or no market interest in the site following one year of active and effective marketing can be demonstrated. Significant positive effects are identified because this policy allows change of use if the existing employment land use causes detrimental effects to the amenity of the nearby area – particularly where residential uses are adversely affected. EMP4 – Employment Land in Didcot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies This policy may result in significant positive effects to providing further employment in Didcot, which may assist improving skills and education with on the job training. Proving employment land at Didcot is positive to the strategy for Science Vale and the Garden Town. The Policies within the Local Plan should ensure that there will be no direct impact on any other SA objectives. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation in term of accessibility to employment when combined with housing allocations at Didcot new employment will be beneficial to new residents and may reduce commuting, which is positive to a reduction in personal car usage and air quality. EMP5 New Employment Land in Henley 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 This policy may result in significant positive effects to providing further employment in Henley, which may assist improving skills and education with on the job training where required. Neighbourhood Plans will be produced and/or updated where required to allocate employment sites at the most sustainable locations. Neighbourhood Plans allocated sites not already assessed by an SA will be supported by a Sustainability Appraisal, therefore a number of ‘no direct impacts’ have been identified. EMP6 New Employment Land in Thame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 This policy may result in significant positive effects to providing further employment in Thame, which may assist improving skills and education with on the job training, where required. Neighbourhood Plans will be produced and/or updated where required to allocate employment sites at the most sustainable locations. Neighbourhood Plans allocated sites not already assessed by an SA will be supported by a Sustainability Appraisal,

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies therefore a number of ‘no direct impacts’ have been identified. EMP7 New Employment Land in Wallingford 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 This policy may result in significant positive effects to providing further employment in Wallingford, which may assist improving skills and education with on the job training where required. Neighbourhood Plans will be produced and/or updated where required to allocate employment sites at the most sustainable locations. Neighbourhood Plans allocated sites not already assessed by an SA will be supported by a Sustainability Appraisal, therefore a number of ‘no direct impacts’ have been identified. EMP8 – New Employment Land at Crowmarsh Gifford 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 This policy may result in significant positive effects to providing further employment in Crowmarsh Gifford where required. The Policies within the Local Plan should ensure that there will be no direct impact on any other SA objectives. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation in term of accessibility to employment when combined with housing allocations at Crowmarsh Gifford new employment will be beneficial to new residents and may reduce commuting, which is positive to a reduction in personal car usage and air quality. Employment sites at Howberry have been assessed by through the SA Process, for further detail of the assessments including recommendations and proposed mitigation see SA Report. Policy EMP9 - Employment at Culham Science centre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 356

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies

0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 This policy may result in significant positive effects to providing further employment in Culham, which may assist improving skills and education with on the job training. The Policies within the Local Plan should ensure that there will be no direct impact on any other SA objectives. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation in term of accessibility to employment when combined with housing allocations at Culham, new employment will be beneficial to new residents and may reduce commuting, which is positive to a reduction in personal car usage and air quality. EMP10 – New Employment Land at Chalgrove 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 This policy may result in significant positive effects to providing further employment in Chalgrove, which may assist improving skills and education with on the job training. The Policies within the Local Plan should ensure that there will be no direct impact on any other SA objectives. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation in term of accessibility to employment when combined with housing allocations at Chalgrove, new employment will be beneficial to new residents and may reduce commuting, which is positive to a reduction in personal car usage and air quality. EMP11 Development in the Countryside and Rural Areas 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ x ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ This policy has overall significant positive effects towards the social and economic objectives, by supporting appropriate

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies sustainable economic growth in the countryside and rural areas. The policy promotes the retention and development of local services and community facilities in villages, such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship, which will result in significant positive effects towards health and well-being and community cohesion. Details on sustainable design are contained within the policy, which supports not only sustainable economic growth and protection of the countryside, landscape and cultural heritage, but also promotes protection and enhancement of the environment, which has an overall significant effects towards the environmental objectives. All development can result in construction and demolition waste during the construction phase, therefore a minor negative effect has been identified. At this stage it is assumed that further policies will be produced to mitigate any uncertain/negative effects. Mitigation Design should include the creation of safe places. Encourage considerate constructors schemes for all new developments The SA process identified the need to address the issue of construction and demolition waste, therefore the inclusion of DES7 Efficient use of resources provides mitigation. EMP12 Tourism 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ The policy is identified as having significant positive effects, because no detrimental effects on heritage, amenities or the environment should occur through the implementation of this policy and no inherent objections on these issues or highways are to be received. EMP13 Caravan and Camping Sites 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓✓ In terms of tourism this will policy may result in positive effect No further impacts are identified because an element of the policy is existing and measures are in place to ensure no detrimental effects will occur. EMP14 Visitor accommodation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ High residential land values have resulted in considerable pressure for redevelopment or conversion of visitor accommodation. It is therefore important to control the loss of visitor accommodation in order to prevent the threat to the quality, quantity and choice of accommodation on offer across the district and the resulting negative effects on the district’s economy. Therefore this policy seeks to improve visitor accommodation and to retain existing visitor accommodation, this will have significant positive effects on tourism and the local economy. Infrastructure Provision INF1 Infrastructure Provision 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ? ✓✓ ? ? ? ? ? x ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ A number of significant positive effects are identified, an Infrastructure Delivery Plan will be produced. Infrastructure provision in a timely manner is essential to prevent significant negative effects from occurring during the construction and operation phases. The uncertainties are identified, because the effects will be localised to specific areas where infrastructure improvement is required. Construction and demolition waste will be produced during the construction phase resulting in potential negative effects. New development should provide community benefits where this is appropriate and necessary. Types of community benefit could include improving skills levels of residents, the use of local labour in construction, promoting access to the jobs the development creates, and/or the provision of skills training related to the type of new development, for residents living within South Oxfordshire

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies through a community employment plan, therefore a number of significant positive effects are identified. Mitigation The SA process identified the need to address the issue of construction and demolition waste, therefore the inclusion of DES7 Efficient use of resources provides mitigation. Transport TRANS1 Supporting Strategic Transport Investment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ? ✓✓ ? ? ? ? ? x ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ A number of infrastructure projects are required to ensure deliverability of growth in the district, therefore a number of significant positive effects are identified, and an Infrastructure Delivery Plan will be produced. Infrastructure provision in a timely manner is essential to prevent significant negative effects from occurring during the construction and operation phases. The uncertainties are identified, because the effects will be localised to specific areas where infrastructure improvement is required. Construction and demolition waste will be produced during the construction phase resulting in potential negative effects. Mitigation The SA process identified the need to address the issue of construction and demolition waste, therefore the inclusion of DES7 Efficient use of resources provides mitigation. The combination of all the policies within the Local Plan are expected to mitigate any significant effects. SODC will continue to work with partners including neighbouring authorities, Highways England and the national Infrastructure commission to reﬂect, support and enable the implementation of transport objectives through land-use policies and proposals, it is assumed that all proposals will be required to ensure no damage to the environment occurs and that mitigation will be applied. TRANS2 Promoting Sustainable Transport and accessibility: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ A number of significant positive effects are identified, sustainable transport and increased accessibility will result in current and future residents having improved accessibility to facilities including employment within the County. This will also be beneficial to air quality in the district if car usage does not increase. The greater the improvements the more likelihood of car usage decreasing. Ensuring no decrease in air quality will be beneficial to biodiversity. Mitigation Improved accessibility to sustainable transport provides mitigation for these issues raised through-out the SA process for all proposed development. TRANS3 Safeguarding of Land for Strategic Transport Schemes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ? 0 ✓✓ ? ✓✓ ? ? ✓✓ ? 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ Safeguarding of Land for Strategic Transport Schemes is essential to support all strategic developments within the district, to ensure that existing residents and future residents can access services and employment. A number of no direct impacts are noted, because the policy states: ‘New development in these areas should be carefully designed having regard to matters such as building layout, noise insulation, landscaping, the historic environment and means of access.’ Ensuring no decrease in air quality will be beneficial to biodiversity. Uncertain effects are also identified in the short term, impacts from construction of these strategic transport schemes may impact existing infrastructure, reduce access to road networks and rail networks, reduce air quality and increased noise and air pollution. Mitigation South Oxfordshire District Council are continuing to work with all stakeholders during the development of the Local Plan. The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process for all proposed development.

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies TRANS4 Transport Assessments, Transport Statements and Travel Plans 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ There are several key considerations in relation to transport access and movement that need to be accommodated at both the design and delivery stage. For most new development, this will be looked at as part of the transport assessment, and where relevant a site travel plan. Transport also needs careful consideration as part of the wider master planning and site design development. Promotion of sustainable transport access and provision of facilities on-site will also need to take account of wider environmental impacts and issues such as air quality, particularly where air Quality Management areas are in place. Therefore number of significant positive effects are identified this policy, Ensuring no decrease in air quality will be beneficial to biodiversity. Mitigation Improved accessibility to sustainable transport provides mitigation for these issues raised through-out the SA process for all proposed development. TRANS5 Consideration of Development Proposals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ? ? ? ✓✓ ? 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ This policy has overall significant positive effects, this policy promotes safe and convenient access for all users. This will ensure all new development proposals include good design principles, which will be beneficial to residents and will improve access to employment and services. Uncertainties are identified due to road and transport improvements that may need to be carried out, these could have detrimental effects on landscape, biodiversity flooding and the historic environment. Mitigation South Oxfordshire District Council are continuing to work with all stakeholders during the development of the Local Plan.

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process. TRANS6 Rail 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ This policy will result in significant positive effects additional rail services will assist with providing the required infrastructure requirements for existing residents, future residents and tourists, therefore access to services, employment and education etc will be enhanced. Further significant positive effects are identified in relation to transport and air quality, further rail services complemented by measures to improve access by car, bus, walk and cycle will assist with maintaining air quality and providing access to sustainable transport. The policy states: Where possible, planning will ensure that such improvements are delivered in a way that do not significantly impact on the environment or surrounding residential areas, therefore no direct impacts are identified for a number of options. Mitigation Improved accessibility to sustainable transport provides mitigation for these issues raised through-out the SA process for all proposed development. TRANS7 Development Generating new Lorry Movements 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ It is recognised that development that results in significant increases movements of HGVs such as logistics operations needs careful consideration in planning terms, and that in general these type of operations are more appropriate in locations with good access to strategic transport networks. Detailed transport assessment work will need to be undertaken to understand environmental impacts and appropriate mitigation, and wherever possible sustainable transport access should be promoted for staff and visitors. Therefore this policy will result in significant positive effects in terms of sustainable transport, congestion, air quality, reducing potential health impacts and protection of the environment. Assuring that freight distribution depots should only be permitted in locations where: any increase in lorry movements can be appropriately accommodated on the surrounding road

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies network will also be positive towards the economy, by ensuing that freight can be distributed to required locations. TRANS8 Community Facilities and Rural Transport 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ Sustainable means of transport and access to services and employment can be more diffIcult for rural residents who do not have access to a car. The movement strategy and policies TRANS 2, 3 and 5 seek to support the network of settlements by encouraging the identification of opportunities to improve public transport, cycle routes and public rights of way to local service and employment centres. We will seek contributions to this from development, and support proposals that are in line with neighbourhood Development Plans. We will also support local initiatives and traffic management initiatives which protect local character and addresses air quality issues. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. Mitigation Improved accessibility to sustainable transport provides mitigation for these issues raised through-out the SA process for all proposed development. COMMUNICATIONS INF2 Electronic communications 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 ✓✓ Provision of improved electronic communication across the district and to new development will result in significant positive effects in terms of supporting continued economic development in the district, and supporting growth of high-tech industries. Significant positive effects are also identified in terms of transportation, currently electronic communications are poor across the district, improvement will allow new ways of working such as flexible hours and working at home that help reduce pressure on the transport network, particularly at peak times, and support vitality of our towns and villages.

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies Mitigation The availability of advanced ICT infrastructure including high-speed broadband access is important for the success of the local economy and skills development, the inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through- out the SA process in relation to new housing and employment allocations. Policy INF3 - Telecommunications Technology 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 ✓✓ Provision of Telecommunications Technology were required across the district result in significant positive effects in terms of supporting continued economic development in the district, and supporting growth of high-tech industries. There are a number of no direct impacts noted because the policy states: ‘In accordance with Government advice, if a proposed installation meets the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for public exposure then it will not be necessary to consider further health aspects and concerns’ INF4 Chinnor Reservoir 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ Safeguarding of land for a reservoir will have significant positive effects in providing the required infrastructure in terms of water resources for the district, this policy promotes recreational use, maximising the creation of wildlife habitats and biodiversity and includes measures to avoid and mitigate any other significant impacts identified through the environmental impact assessment of the proposal, including on the local and wider highway networks and on surface water and fluvial flooding. Mitigation Therefore the inclusion of this policy provides mitigation for the issues raised through-out the SA process in relation to further housing allocations and the potential impacts on water resources.

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies INF5 Water Resources 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ All development proposals must demonstrate that there are or will be adequate water supply and water treatment facilities in place to serve the whole development. For phased development proposals, each phase must demonstrate sufficient water supply and water treatment capacity. This policy requires major development proposals to be supported by an integrated water management plan and all development proposals must demonstrate that they meet the highest standard of water consumption as defined in Building Regulations Part L. Mitigation In addition, proposals that increase the requirement for water will only be permitted where adequate water resources either already exist or can be provided without detriment to existing abstraction, river flows, and groundwater flow to and from springs, water quality, biodiversity or other land uses. Therefore the inclusion of this policy provides mitigation for the issues raised through-out the SA process in relation to further housing allocations and the potential impacts on water resources and water treatment facilities. ENVIRONMENT ENV1 Landscape and Countryside 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

? 0 0 0 ✓✓ ? ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ? 0 0 ✓ ✓✓ In terms of providing housing, employment and infrastructure including transport, uncertain effects are identified, the policy could place restrictions in areas of need. Therefore the effects are reliant on implementation of this policy and a number of associated policies. Significant positive effects are identified, protection of landscape, water courses, cultural heritage, biodiversity are all promoted

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies through the implementation of this policy. The landscapes, waterscapes, cultural heritage and user enjoyment of the River Thames, its tributaries and flood plains will be conserved and where possible enhanced, therefore positive effects are identified because this policy will assist with flooding risk and climate change mitigation, although the effects will be strengthened by the implementation of the flood management and climate change policies. Mitigation Ensure an IDP is produced Ensure a policy on climate change and flood management is included. Ensure housing is provided in appropriate locations. The site selection process ensure housing is provided in appropriate locations. The combination of all the policies within the Local Plan are expected to mitigate any significant effects. ENV2 Biodiversity – Designated Sites, Priority Habitats and Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓✓ A number of significant positive effects are identified, designated Sites, priority habitats and species will be protected. The policy will ensure that measures can be provided (and secured through planning conditions or legal agreements), that would avoid, mitigate against or, as a last resort, compensate for the adverse effects resulting from development. This will also be positive to ensuring that any development that is deemed essential will also be provided if mitigation can be met. ENV3 Biodiversity – Non Designated Sites, Habitats and Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ The policy states: Development that will conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity in the district will be permitted. All 367

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies development should result in a no net loss of biodiversity and opportunities for biodiversity gain will be actively sought. Planning permission will only be granted if impacts can be avoided, mitigated or compensated. Therefore this policy has overall significant positive effects towards biodiversity. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process in relation to potential impacts form climate change. ENV4 Watercourses 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ A number of significant positive effects are identified, in terms of biodiversity, flood risk, recreation and climate change. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process in relation to potential impacts from climate change. ENV5 Green Infrastructure in New Developments 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 ? 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ The implementation of green infrastructure will result in significant positive effects. Benefits include: increased accessibility to the countryside which is beneficial to human health and the environment. The following elements are included in green infrastructure: storm water management, climate adaptation, which is beneficial to climate change and flood risk; Some green infrastructure can improve access which is beneficial too sustainable transport and these can link to cycle paths and safe walking routes for residents. In terms of providing safe places, the impacts are uncertain, provision of lighting may be required to ensure the areas remain safe for all users.

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies Mitigation Ensure places remain safe for all users, include lighting where appropriate and other safety measures. Ensure that flood risk and climate change mitigation is included in all designs. Continue to consult residents to improve accessibility in areas where green infrastructure improvement provision and enhancement has been identified. The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process in relation to potential impacts from climate change and biodiversity enhancement. Policy ENV6 : Historic Environment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 The implementation of this policy will result in significant positive effects. The District’s heritage assets, both above and below ground will be protected. To include: Nationally designated assets including listed buildings, historic parks and gardens, historic battlefields and scheduled monuments. Conservation Areas; and their settings will be conserved and enhanced for their historic significance and their important contribution to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place. This will result in significant positive effects for tourism, the historic environment will be conserved and enhanced for their historic significance and their important contribution to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place, and this will result in positive effects towards the social objectives and the economic sectors. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy combined with ENV9 (Conservation Areas) Policy ENV10 (Archaeology) and Policy ENV11 (Historic Battlefields Registered Parks and Gardens and Historic Landscapes), will mitigate any potential impacts on the archaeological and historic environment noted through the SA process, especially with regard to new housing allocations at Chalgrove, Culham, Whealtey, Crowmarsh and Nettlebed. It will also support the strategy for larger villages including Henley. ENV7 Demolition of Listed Buildings

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 0 ? 0 ? 0 0 0 0 ? 0 0 0 ? ? 0 0 0 Proposals for the substantial or total demolition of a listed building will only be granted in exceptional circumstances as they are a finite and irreplaceable resource. Uncertain effects are identified because there is no definition of exceptional circumstances. The prevention of the demolition of listed buildings could potentially effect economic development, social cohesion and not provide safe environments for local residents. Therefore uncertain effects are identified. Mitigation Consider providing a definition of how exceptional circumstances will be identified. ENV8 Alteration of and Extension to Listed Buildings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 ? 0 ? 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 ? ? 0 0 0 The prevention of the alteration and extension to listed buildings could potentially effect economic development, social cohesion and not provide safe environments for local residents. Therefore uncertain effects are identified. ENV9 Conservation Areas 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 This will result in significant positive effects for tourism, the historic environment will be conserved and enhanced for their historic significance and their important contribution to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place, and this will result in positive effects towards the social objectives and the economic sectors. The inclusion of this policy combined with Policy ENV11 (Historic Battlefields Registered Parks and Gardens and Historic Landscapes) Policy ENV10 (Archaeology) and Policy ENV6 (Historic Environment), (Conservation Areas) will mitigate any potential impacts on the archaeological and historic environment noted through the SA process, especially with regard to new 370

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies housing allocations at Chalgrove, Culham, Whealtey, Crowmarsh and Nettlebed. It will also support the strategy for larger villages including Henley. ENV10 Archaeology 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 This will result in significant positive effects for tourism, the historic environment will be conserved and enhanced for their historic significance and their important contribution to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place, and this will result in positive effects towards the social objectives and the economic sectors. The inclusion of this policy combined with Policy ENV11 (Historic Battlefields Registered Parks and Gardens and Historic Landscapes)) and Policy ENV6 (Historic Environment), ENV9 (Conservation Areas) will mitigate any potential impacts on the archaeological and historic environment noted through the SA process, especially with regard to new housing allocations at Chalgrove, Culham, Whealtey, Crowmarsh and Netlebed. It will also support the strategy for larger villages including Henley. ENV11 Historic Battlefields, Registered Parks and Gardens and Historic Landscapes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 The implementation of this policy will result in significant positive effects. The District’s heritage assets, both above and below ground will be protected. To include: Nationally designated assets including listed buildings, historic parks and gardens, historic battlefields and scheduled monuments. Conservation Areas; and their settings will be conserved and enhanced for their historic significance and their important contribution to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place. This will result in significant positive effects for tourism. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy combined with Policy ENV10 (Archaeology) and Policy ENV6 (Historic Environment), will mitigate any potential impacts on the archaeological and historic environment noted through the SA process, especially with regard to new housing allocations at Chalgrove, Culham, Whealtey, Crowmarsh and Nettlebed. It will also support the strategy for larger 371

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies villages including Henley. ENV12 Pollution - Impact from Neighbouring and/or Previous Land Uses on New Development (Receptors) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 The policy will result in significant positive effects in terms of protecting human health and minimising pollution of all kinds especially water, air, soil and noise pollution. Mitigation The implementation of this policy combined with ENV13 Pollution and EP1 Air Quality, will mitigate potential impacts noted through the SA process. The inclusion of a requirement a Health Impact Assessment for Proposals for development at Strategic Allocations in STRAT5 also mitigates potential impacts identified. ENV13 Pollution - Impact of Development on Human Health, the Natural Environment and/or Local amenity (Sources) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 The policy will result in significant positive effects in terms of protecting human health and minimising pollution of all kinds especially water, air, soil and noise pollution. Mitigation The implementation of this policy combined with ENV13 Pollution and ENV12 Pollution, will mitigate potential impacts noted through the SA process. The inclusion of a requirement a Health Impact Assessment for Proposals for development at Strategic Allocations in STRAT5 also mitigates potential impacts identified. EP1 Air Quality 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies

? 0 ? ? ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ? ? 0 0 A number of uncertainties have been identified, the policy may restrict development of new housing, employment and required community facilities. The policy will result in significant positive effects in terms of minimising air pollution and improving air quality, this is beneficial to the environment and human health. Mitigation This policy relates to air quality only, no specific reference is made to contaminated or pollution from other sources. The SA process identified improvements to potential policies with regard to contaminated land and pollution from other sources. The implementation of this policy combined with ENV13 Pollution and ENV12 Pollution, will mitigate potential impacts noted through the SA process. The inclusion of a requirement a Health Impact Assessment for Proposals for development at Strategic Allocations in STRAT5 also mitigates potential impacts identified. The combination of all the policies within the Local Plan are expected to mitigate any significant effects. EP2 Hazardous Substances 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ Development within the vicinity of an installation involving hazardous substances or activities will only be permitted if the health and safety of occupants of that development is acceptable. The Council will seek to reduce the potential for conflicting land uses and promote safety of people and protection of the environment, therefore significant positive effects are identified. EP3 Minerals Safeguarding Areas 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies

✓ 0 0 0 x 0 x x 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 x ✓✓ The Minerals Planning Authority is Oxfordshire County Council. Mineral safeguarding areas will assist with providing the resources required for new homes, within the district. A number of potential negative effects have been identified, further use of existing and potential mineral sites can have a detrimental effect on pollution of all kinds especially water, air, soil and noise pollution, loss of biodiversity could occur, and landscape and soil quality could be impacted. Negative effects on tourism could occur as a result of previously noted effects. Mitigation South Oxfordshire District Council are continuing to work with all stakeholders during the development of the Local Plan. BUILT ENVIRONMENT DES1 Delivering High Quality Development 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ The Government attaches great importance to the design of the built environment, which is a key component of sustainable development. New development should create a sense of place where people will feel safe and be proud to live and work. This policy promotes: good urban design: social cohesion, public spaces, car and bicycle parking, resilience to climate change, energy consumption and flood risk. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. Positive effects are identified in terms benefits to the economy and tourism. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process in relation to new housing and employment allocations. These spaces should be created to prevent crime and provide a safe environment. The combination of all the design policies within the Local Plan are expected to mitigate any significant effects

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies DES2 Enhancing Local character 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ 0 National planning guidance emphasises the importance of promoting and reinforcing local distinctiveness rather than imposing a particular style or taste, which can often stiﬂe innovation. The South Oxfordshire Design Guide sets out what makes up the character of South Oxfordshire. Proposals for new development should demonstrate clearly how the proposed scheme reﬂects this special character as well as the distinct character of the local area. This should be set out as part of the Design and access Statement that supports the application. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. Positive effects are identified in terms benefits to the economy and tourism. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process in relation to new housing and employment allocations. DES3 Design and Access Statements 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 Design and access Statements are an important mechanism for communicating the design of a development to the officer determining the planning application as well as other stakeholders of the application process including local communities. When people do not understand a proposal they can often imagine the worse and this can lead to unnecessary concerns and objections. The Design Guide recommends effective ways of communicating the design of a development. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. Mitigation These spaces should be created to prevent crime and provide a safe environment. The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process in relation to new housing and employment allocations. DES4 Masterplans for Allocated Sites and Major development 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ Policy Design Strategies for Strategic and Major Development Sites, includes the requirements for a full masterplan and an accompanying Design and Access Statement, this policy will result in significant positive effects towards all social, environmental and economic objectives. Mitigation Follow the SA process it was identified that the requirement for a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) for new strategic sites, would mitigate any potential impacts, this has now been added to START5. These spaces should be created to prevent crime and provide a safe environment. The combination of all the design policies within the Local Plan are expected to mitigate any significant effects DES5 Outdoor Amenity Space 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 A private outdoor garden or outdoor amenity space, or alternatively a shared amenity area should be provided for all new dwellings. Therefore significant positive effects are identified for all new residents. Mitigation These spaces should be created to prevent crime and provide a safe environment. The combination of all the design policies within the Local Plan are expected to mitigate any significant effects. DES6 Privacy and daylight

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0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Significant positive effects are identified for all new residents. DES7 Efficient use of resources 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ The implementation of this policy should result in significant positive effects, in terms of protecting natural resource use, the policy is positive towards, construction and demolition waste, agricultural land, water quality, remediation of contaminated land, air quality and energy and water efficiency. Mitigation The SA process identified the need to address the issue of construction and demolition waste, use of agriculture land, remediation of contaminated land, energy and water efficiency. This inclusion of this policy DES7 Efficient use of resources provides mitigation for these issues raised. DES8 Promoting Sustainable Design 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

✓ 0 0 0 ✓✓ 0 ✓ 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ New homes need to be high quality, accessible and sustainable. The Government has created a new approach for the setting of technical standards for new housing. The new system comprises new additional optional Building Regulations (Part M) on water and access (including wheelchair access), and a new national space standard. Together these are referred to as optional national technical standards. This system complements the existing set of Building Regulations, which are mandatory. Local planning authorities can no longer set out any additional local technical standards or requirements relating to construction, internal layout or the performance of new dwellings. Local planning authorities can choose whether or not to impose the additional optional technical standards. If we decide to impose the additional technical standards we need to show that they 377

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies address a clearly evidenced need, and that their impact on viability has been considered. The government has also introduced a new nationally prescribed space standard. This space standard does not form part of the Building Regulations, but local planning authorities will be expected to apply the new national space standard instead of any local standard previously applied. Our preferred approach is to gather evidence on the need for, and impact on viability of, requiring additional technical standards, over and above the minimum required by building regulations. This will be done through a Housing Strategy. This will allow us to ensure we are providing high quality homes that meet the needs of everyone, including older people. Therefore this policy combined with the evidence gathering will result in significant positive effects towards sustainable building design. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process. The combination of all the policies within the Local Plan are expected to mitigate any significant effects. DES9 Renewable Energy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Renewable and low carbon energy generation will be positive to mitigation to climate change and should promote efficient use of resources, therefore significant positive effects are identified. The policy promotes protection of landscape, AONB, biodiversity, the historic environment, visual amenity and residential amenity, therefore no direct impact is identified.

DES10 New buildings or structures in the countryside and rural area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ 0 0 0 ✓ 0 0 0 0

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies This policy identifies positive effects in terms of protecting the country side whilst acknowledging that economic development within the rural areas is necessary. DES11 Re-use of rural building 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ ✓ 0 ✓ 0 0 ✓ ✓ ✓ The policy supports the reuse of buildings which will result in positive effects towards efficient land use and the local economy. Housing is not promoted within this policy, it is however assumed that provision of housing and appropriate sites will be determined within the Local Plan. TOWN CENTRES TC1 Retail and Town and Larger Village Centres 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 The District’s towns and larger villages defined in the Settlement Hierarchy are the preferred locations for larger scale development or redevelopment for retailing and other main town centre uses. These centres will be supported, ensuring all communities have access to the services and facilities they value. The South Oxfordshire District Retail and Leisure needs assessment 2016 updates the Retail and Leisure needs assessment 2009, (updated 2010) and provides the evidence base for the retail strategy and policies. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. TC2 Amount and Location of New Retail Floorspace 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies 2009, (updated 2010) and provides the evidence base for the retail strategy and policies. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. TC3 Retailing in Henley 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 The South Oxfordshire District Retail and Leisure needs assessment 2016 updates the Retail and Leisure needs assessment 2009, (updated 2010) and provides the evidence base for the retail strategy and policies. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. TC4 Retailing in Thame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 The South Oxfordshire District Retail and Leisure needs assessment 2016 updates the Retail and Leisure needs assessment 2009, (updated 2010) and provides the evidence base for the retail strategy and policies. Therefore significant positive effects are identified. TC5 Retailing in Wallingford 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 The NPPF requires local planning authorities to define primary and secondary shopping frontage in their network of centres. Together, the primary and secondary shopping frontages form the “primary shopping area’, which, for the purposes of the NPPF’s retail policies, equates to the “town centre”. Therefore significant positive effects are identified in terms of the economy. COMMUNITY FACILITIES CF1 Safeguarding community Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ✓✓ Significant positive effects for the local communities in terms of health and well-being, if community facilities are safeguarded, this policy will also prevent the need to travel and support social cohesion. CF2 Provision of Community Facilities and Services 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Significant positive effects for communities if community facilities are provide for all needs. This policy will also prevent the need to travel and support social cohesion. CF3 New Open Space, Sport and Recreation facilities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O 0 0 ✓✓ New residential development will be required to provide or contribute towards open space, sport, recreation and play in line with 381

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Sustainability Appraisal of Local Plan Policies the most up to date standards (currently set out in South Oxfordshire District Council Open Space Standards 2013), therefore significant positive effects are identified, this policy will be beneficial to human health and community cohesion, providing local facilities will reduce the need to travel. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process with regard to access to open space for new housing allocations. CF4 Existing Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O 0 0 ✓✓ Significant positive effects for the local communities in terms of health and well-being, by protecting open space, sport and recreation facilities, this policy will also prevent the need to travel and support social cohesion. CF5 Open Space, Sport and Recreation in new residential development 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 0 ✓✓ ✓✓ 0 ✓✓ 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O 0 0 ✓✓ New residential development will be required to provide or contribute towards open space, sport, recreation and play in line with the most up to date standards (currently set out in South Oxfordshire District Council Open Space Standards 2013), therefore significant positive effects are identified, this policy will be beneficial to human health and community cohesion, providing local facilities will reduce the need to travel. Mitigation The inclusion of this policy provides mitigation and enhancement for the issues raised through-out the SA process with regard to access to open space for new housing allocations.

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Cumulative effects

6.4 Cumulative effects can be defined as those that result from the successive, incremental, and/or combined effects of an activity when added to other existing, planned, and/or reasonably anticipated future ones.

6.5 In the context of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan, cumulative effects may arise as a result of interactions between Local Plan proposals and proposals being taken forward elsewhere, including in neighbouring authorities.

6.6 Schedule 2 of the SEA Regulations require the SA Report to take into account the cumulative, synergistic and secondary (indirect) effects of the plan. Whilst cumulative and synergistic effects have been taken into account throughout the SA process, and highlighted in the appraisal findings, two key negative cumulative effects have been identified.

6.7 In terms of secondary effects, it is considered that at this level of assessment, the identification of indirect or secondary effects requires a high degree of speculation due to the uncertainly of the causal links between policy implementation and a secondary effect. Cumulative effects linked to traffic growth

Description of cumulative effect:

6.8 The proposals put forward by the Local Plan, in-combination with new housing and employment provision proposed in the wider Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, have the potential to lead to cumulative increases in traffic flows. This has the potential to have associated cumulative, synergistic and indirect effects on air and noise quality, light pollution, landscape and townscape quality and greenhouse gas emissions in the areas affected, as well as the quality of life and health and wellbeing of residents.

6.9 Where addressed in the Local Plan and/or through other initiatives taking place in the area:

6.10 Following development of an updated transport model for Oxfordshire, the 'Oxfordshire Strategic Model,' the district has been working with the County Council and Atkins to test the impacts of a number of updated local plan development scenarios that could meet the required number of new homes needed for the district. The full results of this assessment are being published alongside this report and the preferred options consultation in the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Evaluation of Transport Impacts Report, March 2017. A summary of key results is given below.

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6.11 The Local Plan development scenarios tested in the latest transport modelling work included committed development (as at Autumn 2016), additional growth at towns and large villages of 10%, South Oxfordshire Core Strategy allocations, brownfield sites at Culham (500 homes) and Wheatley (300 homes) and 1,800 homes assumed to come forward at Berinsfield to deliver regeneration. The variation in scenarios tested was as follows:

 Scenario 1: 3,500 homes at the Chalgrove strategic site

 Scenario 2: 3,500 homes at Culham

 Scenario 3: 3,500 homes at Grenoble Road

 Scenario 4: 3,500 homes at Harington (Junction 7 of the M40 motorway)

 Scenario 5: 3,500 homes at Chalgrove and 3,500 homes at Culham

6.12 The Local Plan development scenarios (1 to 5) were assessed against a 'do minimum' scenario for South Oxfordshire which only included the growth that was committed (i.e. having planning permission as of Autumn 2016), and the 2011 Core Strategy sites. For all scenarios tested, the baseline infrastructure included was that already identified as required to support growth in the Science Vale area, as well public transport infrastructure expected to come forward by 2031. In the Science Vale area this included the Northern Parameter Road in Didcot, the Clifton Hampden Bypass, and the Didcot to Culham River Thames Crossing. The need for these schemes has already been established to support development in Didcot as allocated in the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy and Vale of White Horse Local Plan Part 1.

6.13 Network summary statistics for each of the scenarios are shown in the tables below. These indicate that additional traffic associated with all development scenarios will increase delay and increase overall journey times in South Oxfordshire by some extent. This is somewhat worse with Scenario 1 and Scenario 5, recognising that Scenario 5 includes additional growth of 3,500 more homes than other scenarios, and that transport mitigation options in the vicinity of the Chalgrove strategic site in Scenario 1 have not yet been comprehensively tested.

Table 83 South Oxfordshire Network Performance- % Difference with ‘do minimum scenario’: AM Peak Hour 2031

Scenario 1: Scenario Scenario 3: Scenario 4: Scenario 5: Chalgrove 2: Culham Grenoble Harington Culham and Road Chalgrove

Delay (pcu 65% 25% 27% 25% 71% hr)

Total Time 11% 6% 6% 7% 13% 384

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Scenario 1: Scenario Scenario 3: Scenario 4: Scenario 5: Chalgrove 2: Culham Grenoble Harington Culham and Road Chalgrove

(pcu hr)

Total 5% 3% 3% 4% 5% Distrance (pcu km)

Average -6% -3% -3% -3% -6% Speed (km/h)

Table 84 South Oxfordshire Network Performance- % Difference with ‘do minimum scenario’: PM Peak Hour 2031

Scenario 1: Scenario Scenario 3: Scenario 4: Scenario 5: Chalgrove 2: Culham Grenoble Harington Culham and Road Chalgrove

Delay (pcu 59% 21% 24% 25% 68% hr)

Total Time 11% 6% 6% 8% 13% (pcu hr)

Total 5% 3% 3% 5% 6% Distrance (pcu km)

Average -5% -2% -3% -3% -6% Speed (km/h)

6.14 Mitigation measures to address residual effects:

6.15 The next stage of work will look at transport mitigation options that assist in improving forecast transport impacts on the network. This will include review of both highway and sustainable transport improvements, and involve close engagement with the County Council and where relevant operators of public transport services.

6.16 In particular, the next stage of work will review options for improvements in the central/ north-east part of the district which is outside of the existing Didcot/ Science Vale area where plans for improvements are more developed. It is expected that testing of mitigation will help reduce forecast transport impacts from planned development in this area. 385

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Cumulative effects landscape and visual impacts

Description of cumulative effect:

6.17 The in-combination effects of housing, employment and infrastructure proposals put forward by the Local Plan and neighbouring authorities’ Core Strategies and Local Plans have the potential to have cumulative effects on the integrity of the North Wessex Downs AONB and the Chilterns AONB. This includes through contributing to noise and light pollution, visual effects (including relating to views from the AONB) and through changes in landscape and townscape character. There is the potential for secondary effects with regard to recreation. The cumulative effects identified above may affect the tranquillity and character of the AONB and therefore the enjoyment and cultural value of the area to those that use it for recreation.

6.18 A number of potential significant negative effects are identified in relation to loss of areas of the Green Belt, potential impacts on the AONB and loss of agricultural land Grade 1, 2 and 3a.

Where addressed in the Local Plan and/or through other initiatives taking place in the area:

6.19 The Local Plan contains the following policy, detailed below, this policy will assist with preventing any significant effects on the North Wessex Downs AONB and the Chilterns AONB.

Policy EnV1 - Landscape and countryside

The District’s landscape, countryside and rural areas will be protected against inappropriate development and where possible enhanced.

I. Planning permission will only be granted for major development in the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated to be in the public interest

II. Development which supports economic growth in rural areas will be supported provided it conserves and enhances the landscape, countryside and rural areas

III. Development will be permitted where it protects or enhances:

IV. The landscapes, waterscapes, cultural heritage and user enjoyment of the River Thames, its tributaries and flood plains

a) The attractive landscape setting of settlements or the special character and landscape setting of Oxford. Design must be informed by the South Oxfordshire Design Guide, “made” Neighbourhood Development Plans and where appropriate, by landscape, visual impact assessment and AONB management plans

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b) Local landscape features such as trees, hedgerows, watercourses and water bodies that contribute to locally distinctive landscapes, amenity and biodiversity or have important historical value

c) The landscape setting and positive features of rivers and riverbanks. Outside settlements, proposals for mooring stages will not be permitted. Proposals for posts, earthworks or facing river banks with piles and planking will not be permitted. Where it is necessary to protect a riverbank from erosion, the protective measures must be designed to maintain and enhance the special character of the river and its environment.

Mitigation measures to address residual effects:

6.20 A landscape capacity study has been undertaken which has identified key characteristics and site description for all development sites along with Key landscape planning factors. This study is on-going and will provide recommendations to inform the capacity of all preferred allocations and will include mitigation recommendations. In some case it may be necessary to carry out a full detailed landscape and visual impact assessment, (LVIA) which will provide further mitigation and detailed design to prevent: noise and light pollution, visual effects (including relating to views from the AONB) and through changes in landscape and townscape character.

Habitats Regulation Assessment

6.21 A Habitats Regulation Assessment March 2017 has been undertaken of the Local Plan, the conclusions is summarised below:

6.22 At this stage, with the information available, air pollution impacts have been assessed as uncertain in relation to potential increases in traffic on the following roads within 200 metres of sensitive European sites:

 M40: Aston Rowant SAC;

 A355: Burnham Beeches SAC;

 A404 & A4010: Chilterns Beechwoods SAC; and

 A332 & A329: Windsor Forest & Great Park SAC

6.23 Further information will be required from SODC’s transport study to determine whether the Local Plan proposals will result in a degree of change in those locations that could have a significant effect. If the screening criteria are exceeded in these locations, Appropriate Assessment will be required at the next HRA stage.

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Recommendations that have been integrated in the plan development

6.24 The SA process informs the development of the Local Pan, it’s a tool for decision making. It is not the role of SA to determine preferred options, but it is the role of SA to identify potential significant effects on particular aspects of the baseline associated with particular options or policies.

6.25 At this current stage in the plan-making process it has been possible to identify instances of options and policies potentially leading to significant effects (positive and negative) on one or more element of the Local Plan.

6.26 Through-out the process the SA has made recommendations and these recommendations have been integrated into the Local Plan.

6.27 An Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) has also been carried out recommendations from the EqIA and the SA that have now been integrated into the Local Plan these recommendations are listed below.

 The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations (2008) were repealed on 1 December 2013. Although no longer a regulatory requirement in England, SWMPs are still considered to be good practice. Include requirement for construction and demolition waste.

o DES7 Efficient use of resources provides mitigation.

 The allocation of employment at strategic sites. This is addressed in

o EMP4 - Employment Land in Didcot

o Policy EMP9 Employment at Culham Science Centre

o Policy EMP10 - New Employment Land at Chalgrove

 Design should include the creation of safe places.

o The Design policies in the Local Plan address this issue

 Encourage considerate constructor's schemes for all new developments, to prevent impacts from the construction phase.

o ENV13 Pollution - Impact of Development on Human Health, the natural Environment and/or Local amenity (Sources) has been included.

 Consideration to a requirement for water efficiency measure to be implemented through policy.

o DES8 Promoting sustainable design includes the following requirement: New developments are required to be designed to a water efficiency standard of 110 litres/head/day (l/h/d) for new homes 388

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 Consideration should be given to the requirement for a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) for new strategic sites. This has been included in:

o Policy DES2 - Design Strategies for Strategic and Major Development Sites

 Life time homes standards and homes for older people should be considered in policy, the following has been included in the Local Plan.

o The government has also introduced a new nationally prescribed space standard. This space standard does not form part of the Building Regulations, but local planning authorities will be expected to apply the new national space standard instead of any local standard previously applied.

o Our preferred approach is to gather evidence on the need for, and impact on viability of, requiring additional technical standards, over and above the minimum required by building regulations. This will be done through a Housing Strategy. This will allow us to ensure we are providing high quality homes that meet the needs of everyone, including older people.

 Consideration to including a policy relating to strategic sites requiring renewable energy.

o DES9 Renewable Energy.

 STRAT7 - Land adjacent to culham Science centre: Where feasible, opportunities for district heating and low carbon on site energy generation.

 Ensure contaminated land and pollution from other sources is addressed:

o ENV12 Pollution - Impact from neighbouring and/or Previous Land Uses on new Development (Receptors)

o ENV13 Pollution - Impact of Development on Human Health, the natural Environment and/or Local amenity (Sources)

6.28 Equality Impact Assessment

 The council has reviewed the draft Local Plan objectives and policies in line with our public sector equality duties to have due regard to the need to:

o eliminate any potential for unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act

o advance equality of opportunity in service delivery and employment between people who share a protected characteristic[1] and those who do not

o foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not[2].

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 The equalities officer has reviewed the objectives and policies, making suggestions to strengthen the policies where appropriate to take account of the needs people protected by the Act. Policy officers have considered these and where possible the policy has been updated to reflect the feedback.

 The following has been included within the Local Plan.

 Inclusivity ‘all users’

 Planning for the needs of all users to ensure development design meets their needs. Ensuring the policy does not exclude people on the grounds of their race, disability, age, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.

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MONITORING

A description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring

6.29 The table below suggests measures that might be taken to monitor the effects highlighted by the appraisal of the draft plan, these will be finalised alongside the monitoring indicators for the Local Plan.

Table 85 Monitoring

Monitoring Housing delivery Housing delivery in rural areas Housing Density Range of housing types and tenure Affordable housing Access to services and facilities of current and future residents Educational attainment Loss of community facilities New community facilities provided Loss of open space New open space provided Travel to work patterns Average journey times by mode Average km travelled by mode Modal split Transport and strategic improvements Provision of additional sustainable transport schemes in rural and urban areas. Health Profile for the Vale Delivery of green infrastructure including extent and condition / quality. Index of multiple deprivation. Index of Multiple Deprivation (and sub-domains) Work force classification Provisions of new employment Number of employees providing on the job training Work force classification Job seekers claimants

% of the SSSIs in a favourable or unfavourable but recovering condition BAP species and 391

Sustainability Appraisal Report of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Four of the Process March 2017

Monitoring habitat extent and condition Chemical and biological water quality ‘% of applications granted against the advice of Natural England Number and % of Listed Buildings at Risk (all grades) Number and % of Scheduled Monuments at Risk Number of conservation areas and % of local authority area covered by designation Number and % of Conservation Areas at Risk ‘% of applications granted against the advice of the AONB planning officer

Air Quality (PM10, PM2.5 and NOx) Quantity of noise complaints due to construction and operation of new developments

GHG emissions per capita Water efficiency of new developments Energy efficiency of new developments

Number of developments given permission contrary to EA objections (over flood risk). Number of new developments including climate change adaption designs,

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What happens next?

 The development of the Local Plan follows a number of different stages that are defined by legislation, set out in the Town and country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

 This Sustainability Appraisal Report has been developed alongside the development of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan Preferred Options Stage Three of the Process March 2017 to inform the decision making process.

 The SEA Regulations require the responsible authority to consult the consultation bodies [who] by reason of their specific environmental responsibilities, are likely to be concerned by the environmental effects of implementing plans'. Therefore this SA Report will be provided for consultation with the following bodies:

 The Environment Agency;

 Natural England; and

 English Heritage (now Historic England).

 In addition, the document will placed on the District Council's website and comments are also invited from all.

 The comments received at this Preferred Options stage, and at the further consultation in the autumn, will be used to inform the full draft of our Local Plan. This, again, will be subject to consultation at the end of the year.

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

AQMA Air Quality Management Area

BAP Biodiversity Action Plan

CHP Combined Heat and Power

CSC Culham Science Centre

CTA Conservation Target Area

EMF Electric and Magnetic Fields

ETI Evaluation of transport impacts

FRA Flood Risk Assessment

HRA Habitats Regulations Assessment

IDP Infrastructure Delivery Plan

LCA Landscape Capacity Assessment

LVIA Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

NPPF National Planning Policy Framework

ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now closed)

PRoW Public Rights of Way

SA Sustainability Appraisal

SAC Special Area of Conservation

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SFRA Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

SHMA Strategic Housing Market Assessment

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SODC South Oxfordshire District Council

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

SuDs Sustainable drainage systems

SWMP Site Waste Management Plan

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