Local Transport 3: Strategic Environmental Assessment – Environmental Report: Non technical summary
REDCAR AND CLEVELAND’S
NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY
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REDCAR AND CLEVELAND’S
LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2011 – 2021
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA)
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT: Non Technical Summary
Document: Local Transport Plan 3 – Strategic Environmental Assessment
Environmental Report: Non technical summary
Prepared by: Paul Taylor, Environmental Sustainability Specialist
Revisions approved:
Approved by:
Date: 27 th August 2010
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1. Introduction 4
2. Relevant Plans, Programmes and Objectives 9
3. Key Environmental and Sustainability Issues 13
4. SEA Objectives 21
5. Findings of the SEA Assessment 23
6. Incorporating results of the SEA into the LTP 25
7. Conclusion 30
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1. Introduction
This summary of the Environmental Report has been produced as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s third round Local Transport Plan (LTP3) 2011 – 2021.
1.1. The Redcar and Cleveland Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2011 - 2021 Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is a Unitary Authority. It is therefore statutorily required, under the Transport Act 2000, to produce a Local Transport Plan (LTP). The LTP3 will set out how the Council intends to invest Government funding in transport within Redcar and Cleveland for the duration of the plans’ implementation period and presents the aims, objectives and policies for delivering improvements to the authorities transportation system over the next 10 to 15 years. The LTP process commenced in Autumn 2009 for completion in March 2011.
1.2. What is Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) It is a legal requirement that, under the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, all spatial plans and programmes have to undergo a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), which is ‘the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment’ (the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive).
The objectives of the SEA Directive, as set out in Article 1, are ‘ to provide a high level of protection to the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development’
The most widely used and globally recognised definition of sustainable development is that drawn up by the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987):
"development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
The Government published ‘Securing the Future’, its Sustainable Development Strategy’ in 2005, reaffirming the commitment of the UK to improving performance on sustainable development.
The strategy contained: a new integrated vision building on the 1999 strategy – with stronger international and societal dimensions five principles – with a more explicit focus on environmental limits four agreed priorities – sustainable consumption and production, climate change, natural resource protection and sustainable communities, and
The five guiding principles that bring together and build on the various previously existing UK principles, setting out an overarching approach include:
Living within Environmental Limits Ensuring a Strong, Healthy and Just Society
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Achieving a Sustainable Economy Promoting Good Governance Using Sound Science Responsibly
The document also sets four new priorities for action:
Sustainable Consumption and Production – achieving more with less Climate Change and Energy – minimising release of greenhouse gases and planning for the effects of climate change Natural Resource Protection and Environmental Enhancement environmental limits, environmental enhancement and recovery Sustainable Communities -sustainable communities that embody the principles of sustainable development at the local level
The SEA Directive prescribes that plans and programmes that are subject to an Environmental Assessment are those which:
Are likely to have significant environmental effects Are prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use and which set the framework for future development consent of projects requiring an EIA or require an ‘appropriate assessment’ in accordance to the Habitats Directive. Are subject to preparation and/or adoption by an authority at national, regional or local level or which are prepared by an authority for adoption, through a legislative procedure by Parliament or Government, and which are required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions.
Local Transport Plans fall under this definition as requiring a Strategic Environmental Assessment.
1.3. What does an SEA involve? There are five key stages under SEA:
Stage A: Setting the Context and Establishing the Baseline: Proposal of SEA objectives Proposal of SEA indicators and collection of baseline data Identification of environmental and sustainability problems Identify other plans and programmes and environmental protection objectives relevant to the LTP Consult with authorities with environmental responsibilities on scope of SEA
Stage B: Deciding on the Scope of the SEA and Developing Strategic Alternatives: Test the LTP objectives against the SEA objectives Appraising strategic alternatives Predict the effects of implementing the LTP on the objectives of sustainable development Use significance criteria to evaluate the effects of implementing the LTP
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Develop measures to mitigate against any adverse effects Proposing measures to monitor the environmental effects of implementing the LTP
Stage C: Assessing the Effects of the LTP: Preparing the Draft Environmental Report on the findings of the SEA and make recommendations for improvements to the LTP
Stage D: Consulting and Decision Making: Consult with the public, community groups, authorities with environmental responsibilities and other interest parties Incorporate comments received from consultation and finding of the Environmental Report into development of the LTP Assess significant changes to LTP and produce Final Environmental Report Adoption of LTP with a ‘statement’ of how the findings of the SEA were incorporated into the plan.
Stage E: Monitoring Implementation of the Plan: Develop aims and methods for monitoring Respond to adverse effects
The full requirements of the SEA Directive can be found in Appendix 1 of the Environmental Report.
1.4. Links between SEA and preparation of the LTP The SEA was carried out in parallel to, and integrated with development of, Redcar and Cleveland’s LTP3. It is essential that the SEA and LTP are developed together so that findings from each stage of the SEA can be used to inform the development of the LTP, thus ensuring that it takes the long-term environmental, social and economic implications into consideration from the outset and in retrospect develops objective and policies that will have positive or neutral effects on the objectives of sustainable development.
The following flow diagram illustrates how the SEA process and development of the LTP are linked:
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Figure 1.1: Links between the SEA process and preparation of the LTP
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The Environmental Report contains:
A list of relevant plans, programmes and environmental objectives that were identified as being relevant to LTP3
A summary of key environmental and sustainability issues within Redcar and Cleveland
The SEA objectives used to assess whether the initiatives of LTP3 are sustainable
A summary of the baseline situation and indicators within Redcar and Cleveland
A review of the strategic options for development of Redcar and Cleveland’s LTP3
A test of the compatibility of the LTP3 objectives and the SEA objectives
Matrices presenting the results of the SEA on LTP3
A summary of how results of the appraisal were taken into consideration how they were incorporated into the LTP
The SEA’s conclusion
1.5. What does this non-technical summary contain? This non-technical summary contains:
A list of plans, programmes and policies that are relevant to the LTP3 A summary of the key environmental and sustainability issues within the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland The SEA objectives used to assess whether the initiatives of the LTP3 are sustainable Findings of the SEA of the LTP3 Summary of how the findings of the SEA were incorporated into the LTP3 Conclusion
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2. Relevant Plans, Programmes and Objectives
2.1. Identification of Plans and Programmes that are Relevant to LTP3 The following is a list of the plans, programmes and ‘other’ environmental objectives that were identified as being relevant to LTP3. The ‘other’ environmental objectives were identified from various pieces of EU and UK legislation, Central Government Planning Policy Statements (PPSs). Appendix 3 summarises the relevant pieces of legislation and PPSs.
European plans/programmes European Sustainable Development Strategy UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) Kyoto Protocol (2005) EU Climate Change Action and Renewable Energy Package (2008) EU Covenant of Mayors Initiative on climate change (2008) EU Transport Policy for 2010 (2001) European Landscape Convention (2000)
National plans/programmes: Towards a Sustainable Transport System – Supporting Economic Growth in a Low Carbon World (Oct 2007) Delivering a Sustainable Transport System – Main Report (Nov 2008) The Coalition: Our programme for government on transport (2010) A Safer Way – Consultation on Making Britain’s Roads the Safest in the World (2009) Inclusive Mobility – DfT (2003) Climate Change: the UK Programme (2006) Adapting to Climate Change in England – Defra (2008) The UK Air Quality Strategy – Defra (2007) The UK Renewable Energy Strategy (2009) Better Streets, Better Places – Delivering Sustainable Residential Developments (2003) Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 Power of Place – English Heritage (2000) The Historic Environment: A Force for our Future – English Heritage (2000) Conserving Biodiversity – The UK Approach – Defra (2007) Guidance for Local Authorities on Implementing the Biodiversity Duty – Defra (2007)
Regional plans/programmes: Regional Economic Strategy Action Plan 2006-11 State of the Environment Report for the North East – ONE (2004) North East Strategy for the Environment – Sustaine (2008) Integrated Regional Framework – Sustaine (2008) Climate Change Action Plan for North East England – Sustaine (2008) Regional Freight Strategy (2005)
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Moving Forward -The Northern Way (2004) A biodiversity audit of the North East – North East Biodiversity Forum (2001) Countryside Character Volume 1 North East Region – Natural England (1998) River Tyne to Flamborough Head Shoreline Management Plan (2006) Regional Forestry Strategy
Sub regional plans / programmes Connecting the Tees Valley – The City Region Transport Strategy (2008) The Tees Valley Green Infrastructure Strategy (2008) A19/A66/A174 Study and Area Action Plan (2009) East Middlesbrough Transport Corridor Assessment and Feasibility Studies (2009) The State of the Tees Valley Report (2009) State of the Natural Environment Report for Tees Valley (2009) Tees Valley Climate Change Strategy (2010-2020) Air Quality in the Tees Valley 2006–2009 – TV Environmental Protection Group (2010) The Tees Valley Green Infrastructure Strategy – TVU (2008) The Tees Valley Unlimited Business Plan (2008-11) The Tees Valley Employability Framework (2008) The Tees Valley Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2009) The Tees Valley City Region Multi-Area Agreement (2008) Tees Valley Business Case and Development Programme (2006) The Tees Valley City Region Development Programme (2006) Tees Valley Biodiversity Action Plan
Local plans/programmes: Building a Better Borough – Redcar and Cleveland’s Sustainable Community Strategy (2008) Local Area Agreement 2008-11 Our Plan 2009-14 – Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Corporate Plan The Redcar & Cleveland Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy Development Plan Document (2007) The Redcar & Cleveland LDF Development Policies Development Plan Document (2007) The Redcar & Cleveland LDF Communities DPD Preferred Options Report (2009) Draft Joint Tees Valley Minerals and Waste Submission DPDs (2009) The Redcar and Cleveland Economy DPD Scoping Report (2009) The Redcar and Cleveland Urban Design Guidelines Supplementary Planning Document (2006) The Redcar and Cleveland Landscape Character SPD (2009) The Redcar & Cleveland Regeneration Masterplan (awaiting publication) The Redcar and Cleveland Low Grange Farm SPD (2008) The Redcar and Cleveland Greater Eston Design Code Draft SPD (2009) Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2010) A New Perspective: The Greater Eston Masterplan (2009)
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Destination Plan for Guisborough (2009) Redcar and Cleveland Sustainable Environment Strategy 2006-2021 North and South Tees Industrial Development Framework (2009) Countryside Strategy 2009 – 2014 Physical Activity Strategy 2005 - 2010 A Rural Strategy for East Cleveland 2003-12 Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007 - 2017
A summary of the key objectives and requirements from the above documents is presented in Appendix 3 of the Environmental Report.
2.2. Identification of ‘other’ Environmental Objectives that are relevant to LTP3 This review of other environmental objectives takes into consideration the information presented in Government policy statements and guidance notes. The policy statements / guidance notes issued by the UK Government identified as being relevant to LTP3 are also listed below.
The following pieces of UK legislation were identified as being of relevance to LTP3:
Legislation The Transport Act 2000 Climate Change Act 2008 Energy Act 2010 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW) The Conservation (Habitats & c.) Regulations 1994 (Habitats Regulations) Part IV Environment Act 1995 (England and Wales) Environmental Protection Act 1990 EU Air Quality Directive 08/50/EC 2008 Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003 The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 Habitats Directive 92/43/EC The Birds Directive 97/49/EC Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC Flood Risk Regulations 2009 Flood and Water Management Act 2010
The following policy guidance notes/policy statements were identified as being relevant to LTP3:
Planning Policy Guidance (PPGs) and Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) PPS 1 Delivering Sustainable Development PPG 2: Green belts PPS 3: Housing PPS 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth (REPLACED PPG4)
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PPS 5: Planning and the Historic Environment PPS 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas PPG 8 Telecommunications PPS 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation PPS 10: Waste Management PPS 12: Local Spatial Planning PPG 13: Transport PPG 14: Development of Unstable Land PPG 15: Planning and the Historic Environment PPG 16: Archaeology and Planning PPG 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation PPG 20: Coastal Planning PPS 22: Renewable Energy PPG 24: Planning and Noise PPS 25: Development and Flood Risk
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3. Key Environmental and Sustainability Issues The priority environmental and sustainability issues within Redcar and Cleveland have been identified through a variety of methods including the following:
Review of the Boroughs Sustainable Community Strategy and its 14 priority outcomes and 79 objectives for improvement Review of the ‘Story of Place’ document, the context document for the Sustainable Community Strategy Reference to ‘Our Plan’, the Council’s Corporate Plan, and subsequent performance reports Reference to the Boroughs State of the Environment Report and Sustainable Environment Strategy A review of the information provided in the relevant plans and programs listed in the previous section of this scoping report, Section 3. Internet research on regional, sub regional and local information Discussions with both the Transportation and Planning Divisions of the Local Authority
The key issues in Redcar and Cleveland have been summarised below, under the five priority areas of the Borough’s Sustainable Community Strategy with a background summary section to begin.
3.1. Background Redcar and Cleveland is on the North East coast of England. Lying to the south of the River Tees, it is the southernmost authority in the northeast region and covering nearly 25,000 hectares, is the largest Borough within the Tees Valley city-region. The population at the 2001 Census was 139,132 however, the latest estimate for mid-2006 is 139,500. Population is spread across the main urban conurbation of Redcar and Greater Eston, and many smaller commuter towns, rural villages and coastal settlements.
The population density of only 5.6 persons per hectare, is considerably lower that the 8.2 average of the Tees Valley. Rural areas make up a significant part of the Borough, especially the landscape in East Cleveland which is largely agricultural, making up 90% of the total land area.
Possessing Heritage Coastline, part of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Ramsar and Special Protection Area, a site of European importance for wildlife, Part of the North York Moors National Park and extensive areas of nature conservation sites, woodland and agriculture, the Borough is rich in natural assets. In complete contrast, along the south bank of the River Tees lies a large complex of heavy industry dominated by iron, steel, petrochemicals, process engineering and logistics, including the second largest port in Britain. This area forms the economic powerhouse of the Tees Valley.
As of 2007, almost half of all Super Output Areas (SOAs) within the Borough fall within the top 20% of most deprived areas nationally. The highest concentration is clustered around the South Bank, Eston and Grangetown wards, with smaller pockets across northern reaches. Overall, the Index of Deprivation (ID) 2007
Page 13 of 31 Local Transport 3: Strategic Environmental Assessment – Environmental Report: Non technical summary suggests that the picture is improving. In 2004, we were the 44th most deprived Borough in the country and in 2007 we dropped to 50th. Concentration of deprivation however, is moving in the opposite direction. In 2004 we had the 14th highest concentration of deprivation in the country and in 2007 this had got slightly worse at 12th.
Neighbourhood level data for the Indices of Deprivation (ID) 2007 show that for overall deprivation, of the 92 SOAs in the Borough, 11 are ranked within the 3% most deprived, 9 within the 3-10% most deprived, and 11 are within the 20% most deprived SOAs nationally. Thus, tackling deprivation and “narrowing the gap” between the most and least deprived communities continues to be a major priority for Redcar and Cleveland.
3.2. Children and Young People Real progress has been made over recent years in relation to the achievements with our young people. Our schools achieved the Borough’s best ever GCSE results, with 48.5% of students achieving 5 or more A*-C grades including English and Maths - an increase of 10% in the last three years. Redcar and Cleveland is the 3 rd most improved local authority over this period.
The progress of our pupils in five of our secondary schools places those schools in the top 20% of schools nationally, while our primary schools results for Key Stages 1 and 2 were above the National Average.
The achievement gap for our five year olds has been narrowed for the third consecutive year and Ofsted awarded ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ ratings to 96% of our primary schools. All of our schools have achieved the Healthy Schools Award and all have met the national target of delivering a wide range of extended services within the communities they serve.
There are still a number of challenges facing the Borough. We need to raise the attainment and achievement of young people in the Borough through improving the quality of educational and skills provision in the Borough, and break the link between poverty, low aspiration and attainment of all young people.
Some children and young people experience problems in making positive choices about healthy lifestyles, for example diet, alcohol, drug use and sexual health, while some are living in households affected by poverty and poor housing conditions due to inequalities within our Borough relating to economic well being.
3.3. Health and Well Being Health inequalities across Redcar and Cleveland remain a significant challenge to a range of agencies. Life expectancy remains significantly lower in the most deprived neighbourhoods. On average, life expectancy for both men and women in our Borough is lower than the England average, with a significant difference between deprived areas and more prosperous areas.
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Our ageing population – a combination of people getting older and living longer, will see demand for services rise by about 50% in the next 15-20 years. Access to services like adult education and leisure is often prohibitive denying many people the opportunities to be active in mind and body.
Public transport is inconsistent across the Borough denying many older and disabled people access to community activities and everyday tasks such as shopping.
However good work continues to tackle these priority areas such as the provision of support to 16 community pharmacies helping more than 1,300 smokers to quit and support to reduce teenage pregnancy. Together with Arriva we introduced transport from East Cleveland three days per week providing access for wheelchair users.
3.4. Regeneration (Sustainable Communities)
Economy and employment Although Redcar and Cleveland has the highest concentration of chemical and steel processes in the Tees Valley the area has been subject to considerable decline resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs from the steel and chemical works in recent years.
Along the River Tees, many of the areas of industrial decline, social deprivation and outward population migration are suffering from neglect and abandonment, resulting in a poor quality urban landscape and decaying urban fabric.
Employment in the Tees Valley has been affected by the recent economic downturn and unemployment has been increasing. Unemployment is high (3.9%) compared to the rest of the North East (3.3%) and Great Britain (2.5%).The claimant count rose by 58% in the Tees Valley from January 2008 to July 2009.
However, in comparison with these other areas where new employment in financial services, business and retail replaced lost jobs, in Redcar and Cleveland, such employment has remained constant. This has left the Borough with a weak service sector.
The Local Enterprise Growth Initiative has resulted in the start up of 376 new businesses, 19 social enterprises and a further 558 businesses have been assisted to grow.
Rural areas are experiencing population decreases and abandonment as people move elsewhere for employment. This is especially noticeable in the market towns of East Cleveland that are no longer the major focus for local economies and social activities around the area.
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The industrial decline has left a legacy of derelict and contaminated land with 702 potentially contaminated sites within the Borough.
Biodiversity and geodiversity Redcar and Cleveland has many areas designated for their geological importance. These include three geological SSSIs and 22 Local Geological Sites, covering a wide range of geological features from river cuttings to old quarries and wave-washed scars. Since 2003 Redcar and Cleveland has been covered by the Tees Valley Geodiversity Action Plan and has supported and helped with the delivery of a range of conservation and management activities across these sites. Since 2008 sites formally known as Regionally Important Geological and geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are now designated as Local Geological Sites (LGS) to sit alongside the Local Wildlife Sites designated for their biodiversity importance.
The Borough is an important area for biodiversity with a number of protected sites. Within the Borough the following sites have international protection: the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area (SPA), which is also a ‘RAMSAR’ site, and the North York Moors SPA, which is also a Special Area of Conservation. The Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the Borough (outside the National Park) are the rocks and sands between Redcar and the Tees Estuary (also included in the SPA), and the sites of Lovell Hill Pools, Saltburn Gill, Boulby Quarry and Langbaurgh Ridge. There is a continued threat to biodiversity from climate change and industrial development.
Following the publication of criteria for selection by DEFRA (2006), a review of the ‘Sites of Nature Conservation Importance’ in the Borough is currently being carried out and Local Wildlife Sites are being designated. These sites have been set out in the Schedule of Local Wildlife and Geological Sites.
Landscape and Countryside Green infrastructure is a priority in the Borough with its ability to c reate attractive environments, opportunities for recreation, encourages wildlife, appeals to inward investors, promotes better public health and can help mitigate the effects of climate change. The Tees Valley Green Infrastructure Strategy published in 2008 will help deliver these aims.
Landscape character in Redcar and Cleveland provides a considerable contribution to local distinctiveness. 23 square miles of the Borough is located within the North York Moors National Park and a 12 mile stretch of the Borough’s coastline from Saltburn eastwards to Staithes is defined as the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast, an area protected against any development that may harm its special character.
There are also a large number of historic features in the Borough that need to be protected for their heritage value and need to be preserved. There are 1149 Listed Buildings and 26 Scheduled Monuments, some of which are under threat.
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There are four landscape tracts identified in the Borough represent recognisable areas of landscape that possess distinctive local identity that sets them apart from neighbouring areas. These are Eston Hills, Redcar Flats, East Cleveland Plateau and Guisborough Lowland.
Air quality and climate change Air quality in Redcar and Cleveland is generally good and the Council has not declared any Air Quality Management Areas. River water quality is generally good and bathing water quality is very good, consistently meeting Bathing Quality Standards.
The evidence that climate change is happening, and that man-made emissions are its main cause, is indisputable. Climate change is considered by the Government as probably the greatest long-term challenge facing the human race and following the publication of the UK Climate Change Programme in 2006, the UK is legally obliged to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050.
Redcar and Cleveland’s total CO2 emissions in the Local Authority Area in 2007 were 1,514,000 tonnes, a 1.3% reduction on emissions in 2006 (National Indicator NI 186). Redcar and Cleveland’s medium term target is to reduce emissions by 21% by 2020, working in partnership with the neighbouring four Tees Valley local authorities in delivering the Tees Valley Climate Change Strategy. The Council is also a signatory, and working to deliver, the EU Covenant of mayors Initiative, requiring a 20% emissions reduction by 2020.
Over the coming years, we are likely to see more extreme weather events. In the North East, the climate is predicted to become warmer (3°C – 4°C by 2080). Winters will become wetter with more extreme events and summers will become drier.
Sea level is also predicted to rise which will lead to an increase in flooding incidents and erosion to our coastline. The latest Climate Change Predictions predict that by the year 2050, sea level will have risen by between 24 and 29cm from 1990 levels and by 2100, as much as 86cm.
In order to support the Government’s aims in tackling further climate change, there is a need to urgently reduce carbon emissions from all types of development and transport. When considering new employment opportunities and infrastructure, there is a need to secure the highest viable resource and energy efficiency and implement measures to reduce emissions.
The LTP should seek to mitigate the environmental impacts of increased reliance on the car by minimising the need to travel, encouraging public transport use and promoting the viability of non-motorised transport modes between homes, workplaces and other key trip-generators.
There is a need for the LTP to adopt and implement measures to help Redcar and Cleveland adapt the known impacts and consequences of climate change,
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reducing vulnerability and to provide resilience. The Tees Valley Climate Change Strategy sets out a number of recommendations to adapt to climate change. These include working towards the implementation of an effective, efficient and user-friendly inter-modal transport system.
In 2009/10, Redcar and Cleveland had reached Level 1 of preparedness to the known impacts of climate change against a target of Level 2 (Level 0 is lowest and Level 4 highest state of preparedness).
3.5. Safer Communities A real difference has been made on the streets of Redcar and Cleveland over the last 12 months through joint working with the police and other agencies in the community and particularly with young people. Recorded crime was the lowest for 10 years with criminal damage reduced by 78% over this period.
Reports of Anti-Social Behaviour in our Borough are down 400 successful prosecutions were brought against offenders for fly tipping and allowing dog fouling.
There are a number of challenges to face to achieve safer communities and ensure the well being of our citizens, including the need to do more to address serious crime, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. High levels of crime exist in some areas which are often associated with high levels of deprivation, unemployment and low educational attainment, and the fear of crime which nationally remains disproportionately high compared with recorded levels must be addressed.
3.6. Stronger Communities Good progress has been made over the last 12 months on an integrated community strategy to create stronger communities. Over £1m to local voluntary organisations was awarded to build up capacity to deliver services such as Shopmobility, with the continuation of delivery of local small grants programmes.
Two significant initiatives have recently been delivered including the ‘Take the Lead’ initiative, launched to give people the opportunity to become involved in our decision making on community matters. The East Streetz initiative - a refurbished mobile youth centre which tours the rural areas of Carlin How and Liverton Mines at weekends, was also a significant achievement
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3.7 Addressing key environmental and sustainability issues
In order for LTP3 to support regeneration it needs to consider:
Improving the accessibility, and therefore the attractiveness, of key areas of regeneration from elsewhere within the region and the country (e.g. improved links to the A1 Trunk Road and East Coast Mainline railway)
Teesport is a major employment area, providing 2,500 jobs and supporting a further 2,000 indirectly in the Teesside area. It is one of the top four trade ports in terms of the tonnage handled and is a growing freight port, evidenced by the recent investments in large retail distribution centres within the port estate and the expansion of the road haulage sector, most notably at South Tees Freight Park. The growth of the port and associated developments may necessitate major investment in the strategic road and rail networks in South Tees.
Supporting the regeneration of the derelict and contaminated sites
Providing the transport infrastructure to facilitate the development of business clusters to attract emerging technologies and the renewable energy sector
Improving public transport links between areas of high unemployment/social deprivation and areas of employment
Improving public transport links between rural areas and regeneration/future employment areas to help people in rural areas gain access to employment and to encourage people to move back into the rural communities
Improving transport links to rural areas to support the diversification of rural economies
Improving accessibility of town centres (Middlesbrough/Redcar) to assist with encouraging people to visit the area
Improving the urban street scene
Improving access to primary and secondary schools and further education
Ensuring the transport infrastructure links areas of new housing and housing renewal areas to the employment areas and town and district centres
Improving crime prevention measures on public transport, bus stations, train stations and car parks
Encouraging walking or cycling as a alternative mode of travel to help promote healthier lifestyles
Improving access to the coast and the rural parts of the area to help promote development of the tourism industry
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In addition to supporting regeneration LTP3 also needs to take into consideration the following:
Protection of the Borough’s Sensitive Landscapes and Restoration Landscapes, the historic landscapes, the North York Moors National Park and the coastline, especially the section between Saltburn and Staithes which is a defined Heritage Coast
There is a need to support the delivery of the Tees Valley Green Infrastructure Strategy and protect, manage and enhance the multi functional green infrastructure network in Redcar and Cleveland as part of encouraging walking and cycling
Improved access to areas of public open space, linked to the promotion of green infrastructure
There is a need to protect and enhance SSSIs and LNRs, including Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites and Special Areas of Conservation
Improved access to cultural activities/attractions
Protecting the Boroughs wealth of listed buildings
Improved access to areas of public open space
Protection and enhancement of the Boroughs 9 SSSI’s and 6 Local Nature Reserves
Promoting the development/use of Teesport to encourage a modal shift in the transportation of freight from road to rail and water
Ensuring transportation schemes do not have adverse effects on the capacity of fluvial and tidal floodplains especially around the coast which is at risk from rising sea levels
Encourage the key industries to implement green travel plans (e.g. car sharing schemes, cycling to work) especially for shift workers who cannot always use public transport due to the times that they are required to travel
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4. SEA Objectives
SEA objectives are statements that define what is to be achieved in terms of sustainable development. The SEA objectives were developed to assess the effects of implementing the LTP3 on the environment, local population and economy.
4.1. Development of the SEA Objectives SEA objectives are either measurable or non-measurable statements that define what is to be achieved in terms of sustainable development. Although objectives are not a specific requirement of the SEA Directive they are a recognised way in which the effects of implementing a plan on the environment can be measured, evaluated and compared. Given that the SEA objectives are developed to appraise the whole LTP, including its visions, aims and objectives as well its policies and proposals, they have to be developed separately to LTP objectives, although the SEA and LTP objectives may influence each other and overlap.
Development of the LTP SEA objectives, presented in Table 5.1 of the Environmental Report, also took into consideration the key environmental and sustainability issues in the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland, identified in Section 4 of the Environmental Report.
The LTP SEA objectives were also developed in the context of the required SEA Directive ‘topics’. These SEA ‘topics’ include:
Biodiversity Air Fauna
Landscape Climatic factors Human health
Cultural heritage Soil Population
Water Flora Material assets.
During the development of the SEA objectives it was important to consider their relevance in terms of the deliverables of the LTP. This is an important aspect of the SEA process as it is inappropriate and can be misleading to set objectives that can never be fully achieved by the LTP e.g. encouraging people to produce less waste.
Table 4.1 SEA objectives for Redcar and Cleveland’s LTP3
Core Theme: Protect the Natural and Built Environment 1 To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity 2 To protect and enhance the quality and distinctiveness of the area’s landscapes and open spaces, townscapes and streetscapes 3 To preserve, protect and enhance buildings, sites, features and areas of archaeological, historical and architectural interest and diversity, and their settings, whether designated or not Core Theme: Prudent Use of Natural Resources
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4 To protect and improve local air quality 5 To protect and improve the quality of all controlled waters 6 To reduce the causes of adverse climate change 7 To minimise the risk of flooding 8 To reduce the amount of waste produced and increase the amount recycled, reused and recovered 9 To promote the re-use of previously developed land Core Theme: Community Support and Involvement 10 To promote social inclusion 11 To ensure that the housing needs and aspirations of the community are met locally 12 To enable the development of new and improved educational facilities 13 To create safe communities 14 To provide opportunities for physical activity to promote healthy lifestyles 15 To maintain and improve the accessibility and quality of key services and facilities 16 To encourage the use of sustainable and high quality design in new developments Core Theme: Support the Economy 17 To improve access to employment 18 To diversify the economy of the rural areas 19 To support and facilitate economic growth and provide opportunities for employment 20 To improve the viability and vitality of town and district centres
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5. Findings of the SEA Assessment Development of the third round Local Transport Plans (LTPs) has been guided by the aim to ‘deliver a sustainable transport system’ through the five key goals listed above, published by the Department for Transport in 2008. The goals and the local challenges for city and regional networks are:
Goal 1 – Reduce Carbon Emissions
Goal 2 – Support Economic Growth
Goal 3 – Promote Equality of Opportunity
Goal 4 – Contribute to Better Safety, Security and Health
Goal 5 – Improve Quality of Life and a Healthy Natural Environment
5.1. Assessing the Effects of the LTP The purpose of this stage of the SEA process is to predict and evaluate the effects of the overall delivery plan (under the five goals listed above) presented in LTP3 on the environment, population and local economy.
The appraisal process developed for the SEA of the Redcar and Cleveland LTP involves three phases. These phases include:
1. Predicting the effects of implementing each of the key initiatives in LTP3 on the environment, population and local economy 2. Determining the importance of the receptors 3. Evaluating the significance of the effects of implementing each of the LTP initiatives on the SEA objectives
The following is a summary of the main findings of the SEA.
There are two potential significantly sized transport schemes proposed within the LTP. These are the Teesport Expansion and the Tees Valley Metro project. A screening exercise will be undertaken prior to the implementation of these schemes to determine whether they will be subject to a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). An Appropriate Assessment, under the Habitats Directive, will be undertaken where schemes are likely to affect the River Tees and Tees Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) and RAMSAR site.
Some of the schemes, strategies and initiatives presented within the LTP that involve infrastructure improvements may have localised adverse effects on biodiversity, cultural heritage and water. Any adverse effects can be mitigated against by undertaking an EIA or similar level assessment at the implementation stage, or adhering to construction codes of practice and design guides
The LTP has the potential to contribute significantly to improving townscape and streetscape by improving the quality, design and appropriateness of street
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furniture, signage, lighting, public transport facilities and traffic calming measures
Schemes, strategies and initiatives to increase economic growth and promote regeneration may have significant adverse effect on local air quality and climate change by stimulating growth in the levels of road traffic and road freight. However the significant number of initiatives to protect air quality and reduce congestion will have positive effects on air quality and climate change by increasing the use of sustainable transport modes, managing future traffic growth and removing congestion hotspots
Schemes, initiatives and proposals to promote sustainable travel and improve accessibility, are aimed at improving the accessibility of public transport (e.g. improved information about services, timetables, secure bus stops, stations and train stations) rather than increasing the number and location of bus services, as this depends on the bus providers and funding to support/subsidise the services
Most schemes, initiatives and proposals will have positive effects on community safety and help to promote healthy lifestyles by encouraging people to walk and cycle more
Most schemes, initiatives and proposals will have positive effects on employment and the local economy
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6. Incorporating results of the SEA into the LTP
6.1. Incorporating the results of the SEA into the LTP This SEA has been carried out in parallel to, and has informed the development of the Redcar and Cleveland LTP. Consultation and information exchange between the SEA author and the authors of the LTP has occurred at various different stages during the assessment process, and consultation has also been carried out with statutory consultees.
The following mitigation measures have been developed for both spatially referenced and non spatially referenced schemes and initiatives to ensure that, at the implementation stage any adverse effects are prevented, reduced or minimised and environmental enhancement are incorporated where possible.
BIODIVERSITY AND GEODIVERSITY Protection All schemes that will affect the River Tees or Tees Estuary will be subject to an Environmental Impacts Assessments (EIA) and, due to the designation of the Tees Mouth and Cleveland Coast as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and RAMSAR Site will be subject to an appropriate assessment.
Scheme or initiatives that are likely to affect a SSSI, will be subject to a screening exercise prior to development to determine whether the development will be subject to a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Appropriate surveys will be carried out where there is potential for a schemes or initiative to have an adverse effect on protected species or priority BAP species
Appropriate surveys will be carried out where there is potential for a schemes or initiative to have an adverse effect on priority BAP habitats or sites of local or county level wildlife importance
Appropriate surveys will be carried out where there is potential for schemes or initiative to have an adverse effect on badgers as required under the Badger Act 1992.
Enhancement Biodiversity and geodiversity enhancements will be implemented where appropriate e.g. use of wildflower mixes on grass verges and in other landscape schemes, use of native tree species in landscape schemes, creation of new habitats for protected species e.g. ponds (great crested newts), and the creation of ‘green ways’ and wildlife corridors along footpaths and cycleways, to encourage the movements of species
LANDSCAPE Landscape assessment will be carried out for large schemes (as part of the EIA) to determine the exact effect of the scheme on landscape character, quality and key landscape features
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High quality design and construction principles will be applied to all new developments and scheme involving modifications and improvements
All schemes will be appropriately designed for the location
All schemes will be maintained to ensure that they remain in good condition
Landscaping schemes will be implemented in sensitive landscape areas
All schemes will retain key landscape features (e.g. footpaths, hedgerows, trees) where possible
Where key landscape features have to be removed/modified or landscape character will be temporarily altered Landscape Management Plans will be produced highlighting how the affected areas will be restored, replaced and enhanced
All landscape schemes will incorporate biodiversity enhancements where appropriate e.g. use of native species, creation of greenways and green networks.
The LTP will improve the quality and appropriateness of street furniture (e.g. bins), lighting, public transport facilities and signage to ensure that they are appropriate to the location and do not have a negative effect on streetscape
Reduce parking on grass verges and footpaths to improve the appearance of streetscapes
Improve and maintain the quality of existing roads, footpaths and cycleway
Ensure that all new transport schemes in conservation areas of a high quality and are appropriate to the character of the conservation area and its setting
Ensure that pedestrianised areas are of a high quality design that enhances the appearance of location
Ensure streetscape improvements, where possible incorporate measures to protect and enhance biodiversity e.g. ensure that street lighting schemes do not have adverse effects on bats; identify opportunities for the creation of habitats in pedestrianisation schemes; or create greenways along new and existing public rights of way.
Ensure that planning and transport policy is worked together to ensure that new development in rural areas is appropriate, needed and linked with improved accessibility to local services to reduce the need to travel
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CULTURAL HERITAGE
Surveys will be undertaken prior to the implementation of a scheme to determine the whether it will effect sites or areas of archaeological importance
New transport schemes that are likely to generate an increase in traffic (road or rail) will be assessed prior to installation to determine whether the vibrations that would be generated from the traffic would have the potential to cause damage to listed buildings. Where the levels of vibration would have adverse effects on a listed building the scheme may require modification or removal.
Adverse effects on the character and quality of conservation areas will be avoided or reduced by improving the quality, design and appropriateness of street furniture, lighting, road signs, safety features, public transport facilities (bus stops) and by reducing street clutter. Improvements to the quality and design of new and existing highways, footpaths and cycleways will also have positive effects on the character and quality of conservation areas
By reducing congestion the LTP will also have a positive effect on the character and quality of conservation areas by reducing or removing the intrusion of road traffic
LOCAL AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Achieve the aims of the Tees valley Air Quality Management Strategy and meet the target to not declare any Air Quality Management Areas,
Achieve the targets set for reducing carbon emissions from transport under NI 185 (CO2 emissions from local authority operations) and NI 186 (per capita CO2 emissions from the LA area)
Improve provisions for walking and cycling and improve the accessibility and efficiency of public transport, including deliver the objectives of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Work in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Planning department to ensure public transport improvements and infrastructure improvements target areas of highest demand/greatest need
Ensure that annual traffic monitoring is carried out to identify areas of traffic increase and congestion as they develop so that appropriate measures can be taken to reduce congestion and manage traffic growth as it occurs
Ensure that the schemes to improve rail freight capacity are implemented effectively to promote rail as an attractive and viable alternative mode of transport for moving freight
Ensure that freight transport is managed appropriately to ensure that any increases in road freight generated by increased economic growth and an
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increased capacity of Teesport do not have any adverse effects on air quality and climate change
WATER QUALITY
Ensure that all new transport schemes and transport improvement works involving construction activities adhere to appropriate Environmental Protection Standards, Good Codes of Practice, Construction Principles and design guides to ensure that the correct measures are implemented to prevent the pollution of surface water and groundwater
Ensure all new transport schemes and transport improvement works will implement appropriate measures to minimise pollution from surface water runoff e.g. oil separators and silt traps
Where new transport schemes and transport improvement works are likely to cause disturbance to contaminated land, advice will be sought from Redcar and Cleveland Environmental Health Service and current guidance presented in Planning Policy Statement 23 (PPS23) Planning and Pollution Control, prior to development. Where necessary PPC (Pollution Prevention Control) Permits will be obtained from the Environment Agency.
In areas where there are high water tables (e.g. Redcar Town) surveys will be required prior to the implementation of schemes involving construction activities to ensure that the there are no breaches of the groundwater and there are not future risks of groundwater pollution from road drainage schemes
FLOOD RISK
In accordance with PPG 25 Development and Flood Risk, and on advice of the Environment Agency, Flood Risk Assessments will be carried out for all new schemes and transport infrastructure improvements that are to be located in ‘flood risk zones 2 or 3’ or by their nature have to the potential to cause flooding.
All new transport schemes and transport infrastructure schemes that are located in coastal areas will be assessed prior to implementation to ensure that they do not compromise existing coastal flood defences and do not prevent the installation of future coastal flood defences.
All new transport schemes and transport infrastructure schemes that are located in coastal areas will be assess prior to installation to ensure that they will not increase risk, or current rates of coastal erosion
The Council will promote the implementation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes (SUDS) in all new transport developments
The Council will continue installing surface water filtration drains as part of its highways maintenance and improvements works
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PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND
The LTP will work in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Planning Department to ensure that the all new developments located on areas of previously developed land are accessible by public transport
The LTP will investigate the implementation of schemes that will encourage and support future economic growth and the reuse of previously developed land
Where new transport schemes and transport improvement works are likely to cause disturbance to contaminated land, advice will be sought from Redcar and Cleveland Environmental Health Department and current guidance presented in Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25) Planning and Pollution Control prior to development. Where necessary PPC (Pollution Prevention Control) Permits must be obtained from the Environment Agency
All new transport schemes and transport infrastructure that are located in Critical Drainage Areas will be assessed to ensure that risk from surface water flooding is not increased
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7. Conclusion
This SEA has been carried out in parallel to, and has informed, the development of the Redcar and Cleveland LTP3. The results of the SEA have been used to determine whether the programme of schemes and initiatives that have been identified for implementation during the LTP period (2011 to 2021) will have significant adverse effects on the environment.
The results of the SEA will then be used to assist with the process of prioritising the programme of schemes and initiatives to deliver the best possible value for the indicated capital funds. The programme prioritisation will take place once a detailed programme of schemes and initiatives has been finalised following confirmation of the levels of funding and further public and stakeholder consultation in the autumn. A prioritised programme will be presented in the final LTP which will be submitted to the DfT in March 2011.
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Project Documentation Log Document Person Location Method of responsible storage Strategic Paul Taylor Redclev / Redcar Electronic & Environmental & Cleveland paper files Assessment – House Environmental Report: Non Technical Summary
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