NORTHUMBERLAND LOCAL PLAN CORE STRATEGY DRAFT PLAN FEBRUARY 2017 HABITATS REGULATIONS ASSESSMENT

Contents

1. Introduction ...... 3 Purpose of the Habitats Regulations Assessment Report ...... 3 Format of the Habitats Regulations Assessment Report ...... 3 Habitats Regulation Assessment Consultation ...... 4 2. Habitats Regulations Assessment Requirements and Process ...... 5 Assessment Methodology to meet the requirements of the Habitats Directive ...... 7 3. Stage 1A: Identification of European sites ...... 9 4. Stage 1B: Analysis of Trends ...... 31 Air Quality ...... 31 Water Quality ...... 36 Hydrology ...... 36 Tourism and Recreation ...... 36 Large Scale Development ...... 37 Climate Change ...... 38 Invasive Species ...... 39 5. Stage 1C: Analysis of proposals and polices in the Core Strategy - Identification of Likely Significant Effects ...... 40 Strategic Objectives ...... 40 Policies ...... 41 Policies requiring appropriate assessment ...... 49 6. Stage 1D: Consideration of Other Plans and Projects ...... 51 In-combination assessment - Policy 42 ...... 52 7. Stage 2. Appropriate Assessment ...... 54 Introduction ...... 54 8. Assessment of whether there will be an adverse effect on the integrity of any European Sites ...... 55 Policies 4 and 5 – Increased disturbance in the Blyth estuary sectors of the Northumbria Coast SPA and Northumberland Marine pSPA ...... 55 Policies 3, 9,15 and 16 - Increased disturbance in the North Pennine Moors SPA and increased trampling damage in the North Pennine Moors SAC ...... 56 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the North Pennines Dales Meadows SAC ...... 62 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC ...... 68

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 1 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased disturbance to little tern breeding colonies (Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site and Lindisfarne SPA) and arctic tern breeding colony (Northumbria Coast pSPA)...... 70 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased disturbance affecting the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site - Wintering Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone ...... 71 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased disturbance affecting Northumberland Marine pSPA ...... 80 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased disturbance affecting Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site – wintering and migratory waders and wildfowl ...... 81 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the North Northumberland Dunes SAC ...... 82 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Eutrophication from increased sewage discharge affecting the River Tweed SAC and Tweed Estuary SAC ...... 84 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the Simonside Hills SAC ...... 86 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the Harbottle Moors SAC ...... 86 Natural England's Formal Advice Concerning the Northumberland Core Strategy Habitats Regulations Assessment……………………………………………………………………………..87

9. Conclusion ...... 89 Issues to be addressed during the preparation of the Delivery Document ...... 90 10. Bibliography ...... 92 Appendix 1 - Natural England’s response to the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-submission Draft Habitats Regulations Assessment October 2015 ..... 97 Appendix 2 - Record of Screening of Modifications, June 2016 ...... 104 Appendix 3 - Record of Screening of Further Modifications, November 2016……..122 Appendix 4 - Record of Screening of Additional Modifications, February 2017 ...... ……….134 Appendix 5 - Stage 1C - Analysis of draft objectives and policies in the Core Strategy - Identification of Likely Significant Effects Matrix...... 1566 Appendix 6 - Results of Questionnaire Survey of Coastal Dog Walkers………..…..223

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 2 1. Introduction

Purpose of the Habitats Regulations Assessment Report

1.1 Northumberland County Council is preparing its Local Development Plan; with the Northumberland Core Strategy being the first development plan document to be prepared. Once adopted the Northumberland Core Strategy will be the overarching spatial plan for County, excluding the Northumberland National Park, guiding future development and land use planning decisions to 2031. 1.2 As the ‘competent authority’ under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, Northumberland County Council is required to assess its Core Strategy through the HRA process. The purpose of a HRA is to assess possible effects of the Core Strategy on the nature conservation interests of sites designated under the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives. These sites consist of Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and also include Ramsar Sites. The integration of the HRA process as part of the preparation of the Core Strategy is fundamental to the plan making process as policies in the plan can potentially affect designated sites. 1.3 The HRA process is an iterative process. A scoping report was prepared and consulted upon alongside the Core Strategy Issues and Options consultation and this and the remaining stages have been and will continue to be completed alongside, and will inform the development of the Northumberland Core Strategy.

Format of the Habitats Regulations Assessment Report

1.4 This HRA Report establishes the scope of and the process for completing the HRA of the Northumberland Core Strategy and undertakes an assessment of the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-Submission Draft and subsequent modifications. The HRA Report includes the following:

1. Scope of the HRA and work undertaken to date. 2. HRA requirements and process. 3. Stage 1A: Identifies the European sites. 4. Stage 1B: Identifies the Trend Analysis. 5. Stage 1C: Analysis of proposals and polices in the Core Strategy - Identification of Likely Significant Effects 6. Stage 1D: Consideration of other plans and projects 7. Stage 2A: Appropriate Assessment Introduction 8. Stage 2b: Assessment of whether there will be an adverse effect on the integrity of any European sites 9. Conclusion 10. Bibliography Appendices

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 3

Habitats Regulations Assessment Consultation

1.5 It is a requirement of the Habitats Regulations to consult the appropriate nature conservation statutory body (Natural England). Consultations were undertaken on the HRA Scoping Report in 2012, and subsequently for the HRA iterations for the Core Strategy Issues and Options, Preferred Options and Pre-submission Draft Plans, as well as subsequent modifications. Reponses received informed the development of the Core Strategy and of the HRA and can be found in Appendix 1.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 4 2. Habitats Regulations Assessment Requirements and Process

2.1 As a member of the European Union, the UK is bound by the terms of the Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Birds Directive) and the Council Directive9 2/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna (the Habitats Directive). These are implemented in the UK through the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations which provide for the protection of areas of European importance for wildlife, in the form of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), designated under the Habitats Directive, and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), designated under the Birds Directive. Collectively, these are termed European sites, and the overall network of European sites is termed Natura 2000.

2.2 The UK is also a signatory to the Convention on wetlands of international importance especially as waterfowl habitat, which was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. Areas designated under this Convention are called Ramsar sites. Although Ramsar sites are not European sites as a matter of law, the Government has chosen as a matter of policy to protect and manage them by applying the same procedures to them. Consequently, Ramsar sites are treated as European sites in practice.

2.3 Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive states the following concerning European sites:

“Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the competent national authorities shall agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and, if appropriate, after having obtained the opinion of the general public.

If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. It shall inform the Commission of the compensatory measures adopted.”

2.4 For some time, it was the view of the UK Government that land-use plans did not require appropriate assessment. However in October 2005, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that land-use plans should be subject to appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive. The implications of the ECJ ruling were communicated to Local and Minerals Planning Authorities in a letter from the

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 5 Government in March 2006, and in 2007 the Habitats Regulations were amended accordingly. On 1 April 2010 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 replaced the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) in England and Wales. Regulation 102(1) of the 2010 Regulations states that “Where a land use plan - (a) is likely to have a significant effect on a European site in Great Britain or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), and (b)is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site, the plan-making authority for that plan shall, before the plan is given effect, make an appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of that site’s conservation objectives.”

2.5 The purpose of a HRA is to demonstrate that a land-use plan (or other plan or project) will not have any adverse effects on the integrity of any European sites. The assessment determines whether the plan would adversely affect the integrity of any European site in terms of its conservation objectives. Where adverse effects are identified alternative solutions should be identified and the plan modified to avoid any adverse effects. The Planning Authority can adopt the plan only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of a European site.

2.6 When preparing a suite of development plan documents, it is important that the HRA is undertaken in a way that is proportionate to the level of the document, as the Core Strategy is a strategic, overarching plan, while subsequent documents will include site specific allocations and development management policies. This was noted in the Advocate General’s opinion which informed the European Court of Justice in the 2005 judgement that confirmed that land use plans should be subject to HRA. This stated that:

‘The United Kingdom Government is admittedly right in raising the objection that an assessment of the implications of the preceding plans cannot take account of all the effects of a measure. Many details are regularly not settled until the time of the final permission. It would also hardly be proper to require a greater level of detail in preceding plans or the abolition of multi-stage planning and approval procedures so that the assessment of implications can be concentrated on one point in the procedure. Rather, adverse effects on areas of conservation must be assessed at every relevant stage of the procedure to the extent possible on the basis of the precision of the plan. This assessment is to be updated with increasing specificity in subsequent stages of the procedure.’1

The European Commission’s own guidance on the application of the test of likely significant effect accepts that policies in a plan that are no more than general policy

1 Opinion of Advocate General Kokott, 9th June 2005, Case C-6/04. Commission of the European Communities v United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , paragraph 49. http://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?docid=58359&doclang=EN

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 6 statements or which express the general political will of an authority cannot be likely to have a significant effect on a site.2

2.7 This issue has also been addressed in the High Court case of Feeney, in which the judge stated that:

“A core strategy is a high level strategic document and the detail falls to be worked out at a later stage. Each appropriate assessment must be commensurate to the relative precision of the plans at any particular stage and no more. There does have to be an appropriate assessment at the Core Strategy stage, but such an assessment cannot do more than the level of detail of the strategy at that stage permits” 3

2.8 Therefore, there is a balance to be struck between being sufficiently rigorous in the assessment of potential effects, and undertaking a lot of unnecessary work or even causing a plan to fail the appropriate assessment test of ‘adverse effect on site integrity’ on the basis of risks that are more hypothetical than real, or risks that are too poorly defined at the Core Strategy stage to be meaningfully assessed at this stage. Therefore some potential effects may be noted at this stage as requiring more detailed assessment within the later more detailed development plan documents.

2.9 The Feeney caser has also provided helpful guidance concerning the role of protective policies for European sites or protective wording within policies. It is clear that a general protective policy in itself cannot be regarded as adequate mitigation for any significant effects, because planning applications must be determined in accordance with the Development Plan. Therefore relying too heavily on a general protective policy can just create internal conflicts with other policies within the Plan.

2.10 However, an element of a policy that safeguards European sites or a policy qualifying a particular proposal so as to avoid likely significant effect has been found to be permissible4, as has adopting something in principle that will not actually happen if the protective condition or qualification is not being satisfied5. However, it is essential that such safeguards are sufficiently specific that they are not just general safeguards apply to a range of European sites and a range of effects.

Assessment Methodology to meet the requirements of the Habitats Directive 2.11 The Council has adopted the following assessment methodology to meet the requirements of the Habitats Directive:

2 European Commission, 2000, Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC section 4.3.2 at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/provision_of_art6_en.pdf

3 Sean Feeney v Oxford City Council and the Secretary of State CLG para 92 of the judgment dated 24 October 2011 Case No CO/3797/2011, Neutral Citation [2011] EWHC 2699 Admin http://www.oxford.gov.uk/Library/Documents/Barton%20AAP/Barton%20AAP%20CD%207.20.1%20Appendix%20Feeney%20v% 20OCC%202011.pdf 4 Feeney; paragraphs 88, 90 and 92 5 Feeney; paragraph 96

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 7 Stage One – Screening This comprises an initial analysis to determine whether the Northumberland Core Strategy is likely to have a significant effect on any European sites. The Core Strategy will require appropriate assessment unless it is certain that it will not have a significant effect on any European sites.  Stage 1A: Identification of European sites relevant to the assessment, and analysis of them in terms of reasons for designation, factors affecting their integrity and trends affecting them.  Stage 1B: Identification of underlying trends that could affect the integrity of sites.  Stage 1C: Analysis of the Core Strategy objectives, proposals and proposed policies in terms of their possible adverse effects on the integrity of European sites, examination of options and alternatives to avoid or reduce these effects.  Stage 1D: Identification of other plans and projects relevant to the assessment, to identify any likely in-combination effects. Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive requires that plans and projects likely to have a significant effect on a European site alone or in combination with other plans or projects shall be subject to appropriate assessment.

Stage Two – Appropriate Assessment Determination of whether any proposals or policies in the Core Strategy identified at the screening stage as having a likely significant effect would have an adverse effect on the integrity of any European sites, in view of the conservation objectives for those sites and the nature of the likely significant effect that has been identified. Modifications to those proposals or policies are identified to avoid any adverse effects on site integrity.

If mitigation is not possible and adverse effects on site integrity remain, the process must proceed to Stage Three

Stage Three – Alternative Solutions The identification of alternative solutions to the relevant proposals or policies so as to avoid adverse effects on the integrity of European sites. The plan must then be modified in light of these findings.

Stage Four – Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest and Compensatory Measures If a plan or project has adverse effects on the integrity of a European site which cannot be avoided or mitigated for and there are no alternative solutions, consideration must be given to whether there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest for proceeding with the plan or project. This stage involves central Government and must be notified to the European Commission. If there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, compensatory measures must be identified to maintain and enhance the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network. This will only be in exceptional circumstances and must be supported by strong justification.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 8 3. Stage 1A: Identification of European sites

3.1 The following European sites are wholly or partly within Northumberland (including the National Park6) or are considered to have the potential to be affected by the Core Strategy, and so are within the scope of the Habitats Regulations Assessment:

Special Areas of Conservation wholly or partly within Northumberland:  Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast  Border Mires, Kielder – Butterburn  Ford Moss  Harbottle Moors  Newham Fen  North Northumberland Dunes  North Pennine Dales Meadows  North Pennine Moors  River Eden  River Tweed  Roman Wall Loughs  Simonside Hills  Tweed Estuary  Tyne and Allen River Gravels

Special Areas of Conservation outside of Northumberland:  Bolton Fell Moss (candidate SAC), Cumbria  Borders Woods, Scottish Borders  Durham Coast, Durham  Moor House – Upper Teesdale, Durham  St Abbs Head to Fast Castle, Scottish Borders  Tyne and Nent, Cumbria  Thrislington, Durham  Castle Eden Dene, Durham

Special Protection Areas wholly or partly within Northumberland:  Coquet Island  Farne Islands  Holburn Lake and Moss  Lindisfarne  North Pennine Moors  Northumbria Coast  Northumberland Marine pSPA

6 Details of the European sites within the Northumberland National Park can be found at: http://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/144450/ldf_08_core_strategy_appropriate_assessment.pdf

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 9 Special Protection Areas outside of Northumberland  Langholm – Newcastleton Hills  St Abbs Head to Fast Castle, Scottish Borders  Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast

Ramsar Sites wholly or partly within Northumberland  Holburn Lake and Moss  Irthinghead Mires  Lindisfarne  Northumbria Coast

Ramsar Sites outside of Northumberland  Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 10 Site Analysis

3.2 This stage of the assessment details the reasons that relevant European sites have been designated (the qualifying features), the objectives intended to be achieved by designating and managing the sites, and the environmental conditions that are key to maintaining the integrity of the site. Guidance from the European Commission states that ‘a site can be described as having a high degree of integrity where the inherent potential for meeting site conservation objectives is realised, the capacity for self-repair and self-renewal under dynamic conditions is maintained, and a minimum of external management support is required’ (EC, 2000; para 4.6.3)

An asterisk * beside a qualifying feature indicates that the feature is listed as a priority habitat on Annex l of the Habitats Directive.

Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Berwickshire and Large shallow Subject to natural change, to maintain Reefs – no significant change in water clarity (e.g. North inlets and bays in (or restore to) favourable condition due to increases in suspended material), Northumberland Intertidal mudflats the – temperature or salinity, or in the distribution of rocky Coast SAC and sandflats Extent, distribution, diversity and shore communities. Reefs species richness of reef communities. Sea caves – no significant change in water clarity Submerged or Diversity of sea cave communities and (e.g. due to increases in suspended material), partially their characteristic zonation. temperature or salinity, or in the distribution of sea submerged sea The extent of eelgrass and mussel cave biotypes. caves communities and the diversity of Intertidal mud or sandflats – no reduction in extent, Grey seal infaunal communities in the intertidal no significant change in sediment character (particle mud and sandflats size composition, organic content) ensuring no Grey seal habitats, especially the extent increase in the extent of algal mats or significant and suitability of breeding habitat on the changes in the distribution and abundance of Farne Islands eelgrass beds, mussel beds or distribution of infaunal biotopes. Grey seal habitats – human disturbance low enough to avoid reduction in numbers or displacement from key areas; no reduction in extent of rocky and

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 11 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity coarse sediment shores used for breeding and hauling out. Border Mires Blanket bogs * To maintain the qualifying features in Blanket bog – high water table, low grazing levels, Kielder – Petrifying springs favourable condition (or restore them to absence of burning, absence or low levels of human Butterburn SAC with tufa favourable condition) activity that cause erosion (e.g. military activities, formation* recreational pressure), no peat extraction, absence European dry of plantation conifers from hydrological unit or self- heaths seeded conifers from peat body, low atmospheric or Northern Atlantic aquatic nutrient inputs. wet heaths with Petrifying springs – active tufa deposition from very Erica tetralix base-rich water, low fertility, no damage to tufa from Transition mires human or livestock trampling. and quaking bogs Dry heath – grazing pressure not limiting dwarf shrub cover, mosaic of small burns and unburnt areas if burnt, low atmospheric or aquatic nutrient inputs. Wet heath – grazing pressure not limiting dwarf shrub cover, mosaic of small burns and unburnt areas if burnt, low atmospheric or aquatic nutrient inputs. Transition mires – high water table, balance between seepage and surface water maintained, enriched water from land drainage or surface run-off excluded, low atmospheric nutrient inputs. Ford Moss SAC Active raised bog To maintain in (or restore to) favourable High water table, infrequent scrub or bracken, low * condition the active raised bog atmospheric or aquatic nutrient inputs. Harbottle Moors European dry To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Grazing pressure not limiting dwarf shrub cover, SAC heaths condition the dry heathland. mosaic of small burns and unburnt areas if burnt, low atmospheric or aquatic nutrient inputs.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 12 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Newham Fen Alkaline fens To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Flow of spring water sufficient to maintain high SAC condition the alkaline fen, with particular water levels at all times of year, spring water of low reference to the M13 mire. nutrient status.

North Fixed dunes with Subject to natural change, to maintain Fixed dunes – appropriate grazing levels to maintain Northumberland herbaceous in (or restore to) favourable condition species and structural diversity, no increase in area Dunes SAC vegetation * the listed habitats. occupied by invasive species e.g. Dunes with To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Dunes with creeping willow – maintain active creeping willow condition, the habitats for the population successional processes. Embryonic of petalwort. Embryonic shifting dunes – sufficient area between shifting dunes high water mark and stable dunes to allow Humid dune development of embryonic dunes, presence of slacks beach plain at low tide to supply blown sand Shifting dunes Humid dune slacks – maintenance of hydrological with marram regime Petalwort Shifting dunes with marram -sufficient area between high water mark and stable dunes to allow development of embryonic dunes, presence of beach plain at low tide to supply blown sand, no increase in linear extent or area constrained by introduced structures or landforms, no increase in area where vegetation establishment is prevented by human activity. Petalwort – maintenance of very short vegetation in dune slacks North Pennine Mountain hay To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Low nutrient inputs from farmyard manure only; Dales Meadows meadows condition the mountain hay meadows. sufficient removal of biomass, low level of poaching.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 13 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity SAC Molinia meadows North Pennine Alkaline fens To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Blanket bog – high water table, low grazing levels, Moors SAC Blanket bogs * condition the qualifying features. absence of burning, absence or low levels of human Calaminarian activity that cause erosion (e.g. military activities, grasslands recreational pressure), low atmospheric or aquatic Calcareous rocky nutrient inputs. slopes with Petrifying springs – active tufa deposition from very chasmophytes base-rich water, low fertility, no damage to tufa from European dry human or livestock trampling. heaths Dry heath – grazing pressure not limiting dwarf Juniper shrub cover, mosaic of small burns and unburnt Northern atlantic areas if burnt, low atmospheric or aquatic nutrient wet heaths inputs. Old sessile oak Wet heath – grazing pressure not limiting dwarf woods shrub cover, mosaic of small burns and unburnt Petrifying springs areas if burnt, low atmospheric or aquatic nutrient with tufa inputs. formation* Alkaline fens – maintenance of high piezometric Dry grassland head and low fertility, low levels of disturbance by and scrub on livestock trampling or vehicles. calcareous Chasmophytic vegetation and scree – low levels of substrates trampling by humans or livestock. Montane acid Calaminarian grassland – very low nutrient inputs, grasslands appropriate grazing levels, continuation of extreme Siliceous rocky conditions of toxicity and drought stress. slopes with Old oak woods – browsing/grazing by native/non- chasmophytic native/agricultural ungulates low enough to permit vegetation regeneration and avoid undesirable shifts in stand Siliceous scree composition or structure, low levels of pollution

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 14 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Marsh saxifrage including eutrophication from adjacent farmland. River Eden SAC Floating To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Water crowfoot – near-natural baseflows and formations of condition the: flushing flows, high water quality, low suspended water crowfoot Floating formations of water crowfoot solids, clean gravels, low phosphorus, characteristic Oligotrophic to Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing river form maintained mesotrophic waters Atlantic salmon - near-natural baseflows and standing waters Residual alluvial forest flushing flows, high water quality, low suspended Residual alluvial solids, clean gravels, bankside trees with forests To maintain in (or restore to) favourable submerged roots maintained, characteristic river Atlantic salmon condition, the habitats for the form maintained, no obstructions to migration, no Bullhead populations of: stocking of salmonids. Brook lamprey Atlantic salmon Bullhead - near-natural baseflows and flushing River lamprey Bullhead flows, high water quality, low suspended solids, Sea lamprey Brook lamprey clean gravels White-clawed River lamprey Lampreys - near-natural baseflows and flushing crayfish Sea lamprey flows, high water quality, low suspended solids, Otter White-clawed crayfish clean gravels, extensive riparian vegetation, Otter characteristic river form, no artificial barriers to migration. White-clawed crayfish - near-natural baseflows and flushing flows, high water quality, low suspended solids, clean gravels, little fish stocking, none from plague rivers Otter - near-natural baseflows and flushing flows, high water quality, low suspended solids, undisturbed areas with dense riparian vegetation and vegetated islands, good fish populations. Alluvial woodland – grazing pressure low enough to maintain characteristic ground flora and permit

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 15 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity regeneration River Tweed SAC Floating To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Water crowfoot – near-natural baseflows and formations of condition the river as a habitat for the flushing flows, high water quality, low suspended water crowfoot qualifying interest features solids, clean gravels, low phosphorus, characteristic Atlantic salmon river form maintained Brook lamprey Atlantic salmon - near-natural baseflows and River lamprey flushing flows, high water quality, low suspended Sea lamprey solids, clean gravels, bankside trees with Otter submerged roots maintained, characteristic river form maintained, no obstructions to migration, no stocking of salmonids. Lampreys - near-natural baseflows and flushing flows, high water quality, low suspended solids, clean gravels, extensive riparian vegetation, characteristic river form, no artificial barriers to migration Otter - near-natural baseflows and flushing flows, high water quality, low suspended solids, undisturbed areas with dense riparian vegetation and vegetated islands, good fish populations. Roman Wall Naturally To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Water quality maintained within appropriate Loughs SAC eutrophic lakes conservation status the qualifying parameters, sedimentation rates not increased by with pondweed features primary productivity being elevated by vegetation anthropogenic eutrophication. Simonside Hills Blanket bogs * To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Blanket bog – high water table, low grazing levels, SAC European dry condition the qualifying features absence of burning, absence or low levels of human heaths activity that cause erosion (e.g. military activities, recreational pressure), low atmospheric or aquatic nutrient inputs.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 16 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Dry heaths - grazing pressure not limiting dwarf shrub cover, mosaic of small burns and unburnt areas if burnt, low atmospheric or aquatic nutrient inputs. Tweed Estuary Estuaries Subject to natural change, to maintain Nutrient inputs maintained within appropriate levels SAC Intertidal mudflats in (or restore to) favourable condition (large arable catchment) and sandflats the estuaries and intertidal mud and No coast protection works undertaken that would River lamprey sandflats cause adverse impacts on qualifying features. Sea lamprey To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Dredging in Tweed Dock undertaken without condition the habitats for the causing adverse impacts on qualifying features. populations of river and sea lampreys. Tyne and Allen Calaminarian To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Appropriate grazing levels to maintain key species River Gravels grassland condition the calaminarian grassland and bare ground, continuation of extreme conditions SAC of toxicity and drought stress. Bolton Fell Moss Active raised To maintain in favourable condition the High water table, infrequent scrub or bracken, low SAC bogs* active raised bog, and to restore to atmospheric or aquatic nutrient inputs. Degraded raised favourable condition the degraded bogs still capable raised bogs. of regeneration Borders Woods Tilio-Acerion To maintain in (or restore to) favourable No reduction in area, reduction in abundance of SAC forests of slopes, condition the qualifying features introduced sycamore screes and ravines* Durham Coast Vegetated sea To maintain in (or restore to) favourable No increase in area constrained by introduced SAC cliffs condition the qualifying features structures or landforms. Maintenance of natural processes, especially exposure to salt spray, erosion and slippage of soft magnesium limestone bedrock and overlying glacial drifts, localised flushing by calcareous water.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 17 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Moor House – Oligo- To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Blanket bog – high water table, low grazing levels, Upper Teesdale mesotrophic condition the qualifying features absence of burning, absence or low levels of human SAC waters with activity that cause erosion (e.g. military activities, Chara spp. recreational pressure), low atmospheric or aquatic Alpine and boreal pollution or nutrient inputs. heaths Petrifying springs – active tufa deposition from very Alkaline fens base-rich water, low fertility, no damage to tufa from Blanket bogs * human or livestock trampling. Calaminarian Dry heath – grazing pressure not limiting dwarf grasslands shrub cover, mosaic of small burns and unburnt Calcareous rocky areas if burnt, low atmospheric or aquatic nutrient slopes with inputs. chasmophytic Wet heath – grazing pressure not limiting dwarf vegetation shrub cover, mosaic of small burns and unburnt European dry areas if burnt, low atmospheric or aquatic nutrient heaths inputs. Juniper scrub Alkaline fens – maintenance of high piezometric Petrifying springs head and low fertility, low levels of disturbance by with tufa livestock trampling or vehicles. formation* Chasmophytic vegetation and scree – low levels of Dry grassland trampling by humans or livestock. and scrub on Calaminarian grassland – very low nutrient inputs, calcareous appropriate grazing levels, continuation of extreme substrates conditions of toxicity and drought stress. Siliceous rocky Oligo-mesotrphic waters - water quality maintained slopes with within appropriate parameters, sedimentation rates chasmophytic not increased by primary productivity being elevated vegetation by anthropogenic eutrophication. Siliceous Mountain hay meadows and Molinea meadows -

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 18 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity montane screes low nutrient inputs from farmyard manure only; Siliceous alpine sufficient removal of biomass, low level of poaching. and boreal grasslands Molinia meadows Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities Mountain hay meadows Alpine pioneer formations of the Caricion bicoloris- atrofuscae * Calcareous montane screes Limestone pavements * Round-mouthed whorl snail Marsh saxifrage St Abb’s Head to Vegetated sea To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Continued visitor management to prevent Fast Castle SAC cliffs of the condition the qualifying features recreational damage, maintenance of vegetation Atlantic and Baltic structure and composition. coasts Tyne and Nent Calaminarian To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Appropriate grazing levels to maintain key species SAC grasslands condition the calaminarian grassland and bare ground, continuation of extreme conditions of toxicity and drought stress. Castle Eden Represents the To maintain in favourable condition the No loss of ancient semi-natural stands

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 19 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Dene SAC most extensive Taxus baccata wood Site management to maintain current level of northerly native structural diversity (Age/size class variation within occurrence of and between stands; presence of open space and yew Taxus old trees; dead wood lying on the ground; standing baccata woods in dead trees) the UK. Extensive Limited air pollution yew groves are Limited grazing by ungulates where it leads to found in undesirable shifts association with in the composition/structure of the stand ash-elm Fraximus-Ulmus woodland and it is the only site selected for yew woodland on Magnesium Limestone in north-east England. Thrislington SAC Semi natural dry To maintain, in favourable condition, No reduction in extent grasslands and the unimproved calcareous grassland, Continuous management by seasonally-adjusted scrubland facies with particular reference to semi-natural grazing on calcareous dry grasslands and scrubland facies on No fertiliser input substrates. calcareous substrates (CG8 Control of invasive species Contains the grasslands) Control of over grazing largest of the few surviving strands of CG8 Sesleria albicans –

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 20 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Scabiosa columbaria grassland. This form of calcareous grassland is confined to the Magnesium Limestone of County Durham and Tyne and Wear, and is found mainly as small scattered strands. Coquet Island Populations of To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Little or no human disturbance SPA Annex 1 species condition the habitats for the No significant reduction in breeding productivity due of European populations of migratory species; arctic to predation by large gulls, mixture of bare importance: tern, common tern, roseate tern and ground/short vegetation and longer vegetation, open Arctic tern sandwich tern. terrain Sandwich tern Common tern Roseate tern An internationally important seabird assemblage of over 20,000 individuals Farne Islands Populations of To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Little or no human disturbance

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 21 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity SPA Annex 1 species condition the habitats for the breeding No significant reduction in breeding productivity due of European populations of sandwich tern, common to predation by large gulls, mixture of bare importance: tern, arctic tern. ground/short vegetation and longer vegetation, open Arctic tern terrain. Sandwich tern Common tern An internationally important seabird assemblage of over 20,000 individuals Holburn Lake and Wintering greylag To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Human disturbance absent or at very low levels, no Moss SPA goose roost condition the raised mire and dry significant reduction in view lines in roosting area. heathland used by greylag goose Lindisfarne SPA Populations of To maintain in (or restore to) favourable All features – no significant increase in human Annex 1 species condition the intertidal mudflats and disturbance of European sandflats, saltmarsh, eelgrass beds and Annex 1 species – extent and quality of feeding importance: sand dunes for the populations of habitat - eelgrass beds and saltmarsh (for whooper Little tern Annex 1 species; swan), mudflats and sandflats (for golden plover), Roseate tern To maintain in (or restore to) favourable no increase in obstructions to viewlines (whooper Whooper swan condition rocky shores with boulder and swan and golden plover); maintenance of sparsely Golden plover cobble beaches, intertidal mudflats and vegetated dunes for nesting (little tern). Regularly sandflats, saltmarsh and eelgrass beds Migratory species – extent and quality of rocky occurring for the regularly occurring migratory shore feeding and roosting habitat (purple migratory species species; sandpiper and turnstone), no increase in of European To maintain in (or restore to) favourable obstructions to existing viewlines (all geese and importance: condition the intertidal sandflats and waders), extent and quality of eelgrass beds (light Purple sandpiper mudflats, saltmarsh, eelgrass beds and bellied Brent goose and wigeon), extent and quality Turnstone rocky shores for the wintering wildfowl. of sandflats and mudflats (roosting for many

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 22 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Greylag goose species, feeding especially for ringed plover, bar Light-bellied tailed godwit and redshank), Brent goose Wigeon Ringed plover Bar-tailed godwit Redshank Wintering wildfowl assemblage of European importance North Pennine Internationally To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Low levels of human disturbance (heather burning, Moors SPA important condition the upland moorland for the vehicles, livestock, dogs, people), especially breeding populations of Annex 1 species. between April and mid-July, and no illegal populations of persecution or egg collection. Annex 1 species: Abundance of small birds and day-flying moths; Hen harrier areas of tall heather and scattered 0.5 -2ha tree Merlin clumps especially on slopes (merlin) Peregrine Abundance of small mammals and small–medium Golden plover sized birds; tall heather especially on slopes for nesting and grassland and grass-heath mosaics for feeding (hen harrier) Abundance of small-medium sized birds (peregrine) Abundance of earthworms, leatherjackets, beetles and spiders; maintenance of areas of short grassland, grassland with bracken and burnt heather especially on flatter plateaux, with extensive unobstructed views (golden plover)

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 23 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Northumbria Internationally To maintain in (or restore to) favourable All features – no significant increase in human Coast SPA important condition the sand dunes for the disturbance or that caused by off-lead dogs. breeding breeding populations of little tern and Maintenance of sparsely vegetated dunes for populations of arctic tern; nesting (little tern). little tern and To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Extent and quality of rocky shore feeding and arctic tern condition rocky shores with boulder and roosting habitat (purple sandpiper and turnstone) Internationally cobble beaches for wintering purple important sandpiper and turnstone. wintering populations of purple sandpiper and turnstone Northumberland Internationally Ensure that the integrity of the site is Not available yet Marine pSPA important maintained or restored as appropriate, breeding and ensure that the site contributes to populations of achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Annex 1 species: Directive, by maintaining or restoring; Sandwich tern  The extent and distribution of the Roseate tern habitats of the qualifying features Common tern  The structure and function of the Arctic tern habitats of the qualifying features Little tern  The supporting processes on which Common the habitats of the qualifying guillemot features rely Atlantic puffin  The population of each of the An internationally qualifying features, and, important seabird The distribution of the qualifying assemblage of features within the site. over 20,000 birds

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 24 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Langholm – Internationally To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Low levels of human disturbance (heather burning, Newcastleton important condition the upland moorland for the vehicles, livestock, dogs, people), especially Hills SPA population of populations of Annex 1 species between April and mid-July, and no illegal Annex 1 species: persecution or egg collection. Hen harrier Abundance of small mammals and small–medium sized birds; tall heather especially on slopes for nesting and grassland and grass-heath mosaics for feeding St Abb’s Head to Annex 1 breeding To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Continued visitor management to prevent Fast Castle SPA species: condition the site for the populations of recreational disturbance. Common Annex 1 species and species included Guillemot in the internationally important Internationally assemblage of species. important assemblage of breeding seabirds: Fulmar Cormorant Shag Herring Gull Kittiwake Guillemot Razorbill Puffin Teeside and Internationally To maintain in (or restore to) favourable No significant decrease in extent, subject to natural Cleveland Coast important condition the habitats of the populations change (all habitats). SPA numbers of of Annex 1 species of international No significant reduction in numbers or significant Annex 1 species: importance, with particular reference to: increase in displacement of birds due to disturbance

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 25 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Little Tern Intertidal sand and mudflats, sand (all species) (breeding) dunes and coastal waters, for little tern No significant reduction in view-lines in feeding and Sandwich Tern and sandwich tern. roosting areas – redshank need areas with (passage) To maintain in (or restore to) favourable unrestricted views over 200m and an effective field Internationally condition the habitats of the populations size of over 10ha; lapwing need unrestricted views important of migratory species of international over 500m with an effective field size of 16ha (all numbers of importance, with particular reference to: habitats) migratory Rocky shores, intertidal sand and No significant reduction in presence and abundance species: mudflats, saltmarsh, sand dunes and of food species, including Hydrobia, Macoma, Ringed Plover freshwater marsh for redshank and Corophium, Mytilus/Cerastoderma spat and Nereis (passage) knot. for redshank, knot and shelduck and Salicornia and Knot To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Atriplex for teal (intertidal sand and mudflats, Redshank condition the habitats of the populations saltmarsh). (wintering) of waterfowl that contribute to the No significant reduction in presence and abundance Internationally wintering waterfowl assemblage of of food species, including crustacean, annelids, important European importance, with particular sand eels and clupeidae for little tern and sand eel assemblage of reference to: and sprat for sandwich tern (coastal waters) wintering Intertidal sand and mudflats, saltmarsh, No significant change in extent of open, short waterfowl: freshwater marsh, coastal waters, vegetation (<10cm) or bare ground in areas used for Sanderling, standing water and rocky shores. roosting by redshank, knot, lapwing, ringed plover Lapwing, (saltmarsh). Shelduck, No significant change in extent of open ground with Cormorant, sparse vegetation (<10% vegetation cover) and Redshank, Knot bare surfaces used for nesting and roosting by little tern (sand dunes) No significant change in vegetation height (<15cm) throughout areas used for feeding by lapwing (freshwater marsh) No significant reduction in presence and abundance

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 26 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity of food species especially earthworms and leatherjackets for redshank and lapwing (freshwater marsh). No significant reduction in extent of shallow water in fields (<6cm over 20-40% of area for redshank and <10cm over 30-50% of area for lapwing) (freshwater marsh) No significant reduction in area of shallow water (<40cm for shelduck and <30cm for teal) (standing water) Holburn Lake and Lowland raised To maintain in (or restore to) favourable High water table, infrequent scrub or bracken, low Moss Ramsar bog condition the raised bog atmospheric or aquatic nutrient inputs (raised bog). Site Winter roost for To maintain in (or restore to) favourable Human disturbance absent or at very low levels, no internationally condition the habitats for the roosting significant reduction in view lines in roosting area important wildfowl populations (roosting wildfowl). numbers of greylag goose Inland roost for mallard, wigeon and teal during unfavourable weather. Irthinghead Mires Active blanket To maintain in (or restore to) favourable High water table, low grazing levels, absence of Ramsar Site bog condition the blanket bog. burning, absence or low levels of human activity that Notable variety of cause erosion (e.g. military activities, recreational Sphagnum pressure), no peat extraction, absence of plantation mosses conifers from hydrological unit or self-seeded Rare species: conifers from peat body, low atmospheric or aquatic Carex nutrient inputs.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 27 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity magellanica Sphagnum imbricatum S. pulchrum S. magellanicum Eboria caliginosa Lindisfarne Extensive To maintain in (or restore to) favourable No significant increase in human disturbance, no Ramsar Site intertidal flats, condition intertidal mudflats and increase in obstructions to existing viewlines (all saltmarsh and sandflats, saltmarsh and eelgrass beds species), extent and quality of eelgrass beds (light major sand dune for the regularly occurring migratory and bellied Brent goose and wigeon), extent and quality system with well- wintering species. of sandflats and mudflats (roosting for many developed dune Subject to natural change, to maintain species, feeding especially for ringed plover, bar slacks. in (or restore to) favourable condition tailed godwit and redshank). Wintering the sand dune system. Fixed dunes – appropriate grazing levels to maintain waterfowl To maintain in (or restore to) favourable species and structural diversity, no increase in area assemblage of condition, the habitats for the occupied by invasive species e.g. pirri-pirri bur. international populations of petalwort and dune Dunes with creeping willow – maintain active importance. helleborine. successional processes. Internationally Embryonic shifting dunes – sufficient area between important high water mark and stable dunes to allow migratory/winterin development of embryonic dunes, presence of g populations of beach plain at low tide to supply blown sand Light-bellied Humid dune slacks – maintenance of hydrological Brent goose regime Wigeon Shifting dunes with marram -sufficient area between Ringed plover high water mark and stable dunes to allow Redshank development of embryonic dunes, presence of Greylag goose beach plain at low tide to supply blown sand, no Bar-tailed godwit increase in linear extent or area constrained by

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 28 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity Rare plants: introduced structures or landforms, no increase in Petalwort area where vegetation establishment is prevented Lindisfarne by human activity. helleborine Petalwort – maintenance of very short vegetation in (endemic on dune slacks Lindisfarne) Northumbria Internationally To maintain in (or restore to) favourable All features – no significant increase in human Coast important condition the sand dunes for the disturbance Ramsar Site breeding breeding population of little tern; maintenance of sparsely vegetated dunes for population of little To maintain in (or restore to) favourable nesting (little tern). tern condition rocky shores with boulder and extent and quality of rocky shore feeding and Internationally cobble beaches for wintering purple roosting habitat (purple sandpiper and turnstone) important sandpiper and turnstone. wintering populations of purple sandpiper and turnstone Teeside and Waterfowl To maintain in (or restore to) favourable No significant decrease in extent, subject to natural Cleveland Coast assemblage of condition the habitats of the populations change (all habitats). Ramsar Site International of migratory species of international No significant reduction in numbers or significant importance. importance, with particular reference to: increase in displacement of birds due to disturbance Internationally Rocky shores, intertidal sand and (all species) important mudflats, saltmarsh, sand dunes and No significant reduction in view-lines in feeding and numbers of freshwater marsh for redshank and roosting areas – redshank need areas with redshank on knot. unrestricted views over 200m and an effective field passage and knot To maintain in (or restore to) favourable size of over 10ha; lapwing need unrestricted views in winter. condition the habitats of the populations over 500m with an effective field size of 16ha (all of waterfowl that contribute to the habitats) wintering waterfowl assemblage of No significant reduction in presence and abundance

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 29 Site Qualifying Conservation Objectives Key Environmental Conditions to Support Site Features Integrity European importance, with particular of food species, including Hydrobia, Macoma, reference to: Corophium, Mytilus/Cerastoderma spat and Nereis Intertidal sand and mudflats, saltmarsh, for redshank, knot and shelduck and Salicornia and freshwater marsh, coastal waters, Atriplex for teal (intertidal sand and mudflats, standing water and rocky shores. saltmarsh). No significant change in extent of open, short vegetation (<10cm) or bare ground in areas used for roosting by redshank, knot, lapwing, ringed plover (saltmarsh). No significant change in vegetation height (<15cm) throughout areas used for feeding by lapwing (freshwater marsh) No significant reduction in presence and abundance of food species especially earthworms and leatherjackets for redshank and lapwing (freshwater marsh). No significant reduction in extent of shallow water in fields (<6cm over 20-40% of area for redshank and <10cm over 30-50% of area for lapwing) (freshwater marsh) No significant reduction in area of shallow water (<40cm for shelduck and <30cm for teal) (standing water)

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 30 4. Stage 1B: Analysis of Trends

4.1 Trends are influences on a European site other than other plans and projects, which have influenced it and are likely to continue to influence it. It is important that relevant trends are considered alongside the plan that is subject to Habitats Regulations Assessment and other plans and projects, in order to identify the factors which, in combination, may be affecting a European site.

4.2 The following trends have been identified as being relevant to this Habitats Regulations Assessment:

 Air quality  Water quality and hydrology  Tourism and recreation  Large scale development  Climate change  Non-native invasive species

Air Quality 4.3 The most significant pollutants in the UK are as follows:

Sulphur Dioxide SO2 4.4 The main sources of SO2 are power stations and industrial combustion processes burning large quantities of fossil fuels.

4.5 Wet and dry deposition of SO2 acidifies soils and fresh waters, thereby altering the composition of plant communities by causing a decline in species intolerant of more acid conditions. The significance of impacts depends on the levels of deposition and the buffering capacity of the receiving environment; basic environments have a higher buffering capacity while acid soils and waters have a much lower buffering capacity and so are more severely affected.

Nitrogen Oxides NOx (nitrate (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NO3) and nitric acid (HNO3) 4.6 NOx are mainly produced by combustion, with about a quarter of UK emissions from power stations, half from vehicle exhausts and the rest from industrial and domestic combustion.

4.7 Deposition of NOx can lead to acidification of soils and freshwater. As with SO2, the degree of harm depends on the level of deposition and on the buffering capacity of these environments. NOx can also lead to the eutrophication of soils and waters, leading to the competitive exclusion of sensitive species as more vigorous ones take advantage of the increased nutrient levels.

Ammonia (NH3) 4.8 Ammonia is released during the decomposition of animal wastes, and adverse effects are caused by eutrophication, mainly within or near intensive livestock rearing environments in the lowlands.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 31 4.9 Levels have been greatly increased by the development of intensive livestock rearing systems during the twentieth century. However recent agricultural policy reforms and the introduction of agri-environment schemes are likely to facilitate a reverse in this trend.

Low Level Ozone O3 4.10 A secondary pollutant generated by photochemical reactions from NOx and volatile organic compounds.

4.11 Concentrations of O3 exceeding 40 ppb are toxic to humans and wildlife, altering the species composition of semi-natural habitats.

Underlying Trends in Air Pollution 4.12 The National Expert Group on Transboundary Air Pollution report of 2001 Transboundary Air Pollution: Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-Level Ozone in the UK reported the following findings:

1. Total SO2 emissions have decreased substantially in recent decades due to a decline in heavy industry, a decreasing contribution of coal burning in electricity generation, selection of lower sulphur coals for this purpose and cleaner burning of fossil fuels in power stations. Direct effects on vegetation have been virtually eliminated 2. Critical loads for acidification were exceeded in 71% of UK ecosystems in 1997, but this is forecast to drop to 47% by 2010, by which time NOx will have replaced SO2 as the major contributor. 3. Critical loads for eutrophication were exceeded in 25% of sensitive grasslands and 55% of heathland in 1995-97. This is expected to drop to 20% and 40% respectively, due to decreasing NH3 and NH4 emissions. 4. Overall, current deposition of nitrogen is probably changing the composition of vegetation in many nutrient-poor (acidic) habitats, and these changes may not be readily reversible.

4.13 Although technological advances have reduced NOx emissions from vehicle engines, increasing traffic levels are likely to cause NOx levels to start to increase again, and NOx levels are identified as a problem for sensitive sites adjacent to major transport routes.

4.14 Vehicle use is likely to continue to increase in Northumberland for a number of reasons; rising levels of car ownership, increasing levels of economic activity, increasing levels of tourism, population growth (albeit at a very modest level). The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges7 includes an equation describing the characteristic decrease in pollutant concentrations with increasing distance from roads. Based on this and other research, it is considered that NOx emissions generated within 200m of a European site which has interest features which are vulnerable to nitrogen deposition need to be considered in Habitats Regulations Assessments.

7 http://www.dft.gov.uk/ha/standards/dmrb/vol11/section3/ha20707.pdf

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 32

European sites currently receiving acid deposition, nitrogen deposition or both above their critical loads

4.15 Based on the UK Air Pollution Information System (APIS) and the Environment Agency study Impact of atmospheric emissions from JEP coal and oil-fired power stations on sites protected by the Habitats Directive (February 2006), the following table shows European sites where acid deposition, nitrogen deposition or ozone are above their critical loads. The figures show air pollution levels divided by the critical load that the site can carry, so a figure in excess of 1.0 shows that the critical level is being exceeded.

European Acid Nitrogen Features most Largest non-agricultural Site Deposition Deposition Ozone sensitive to N and acid deposition source Acid – Large Combustion Border Mires SAC 4.97 2.67 0.91 Blanket bog Plants (LCP) N - Transport Borders Woods Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes Acid – LCP SAC 0.24 1.86 0.86 and ravines N - Transport Harbottle Moors Acid – LCP SAC 14.2 0.99 0.88 European dry heaths N - Transport Acid – LCP Ford Moss SAC 14.2 2.05 0.92 Active raised bogs N - Transport Moor House – Acid – LCP Upper Teesdale 3.45 2.20 0.99 Alpine and boreal heaths N - Transport SAC North Northumberland Fixed dunes Acid – LCP Dunes SAC 0.25 1.01 0.90 Embryonic shifting dunes N - LCP North Pennine Acid – LCP Dales Meadows 2.89 1.51 0.90 Mountain hay meadows N - Transport SAC North Pennines Acid – LCP Moors SAC 26.7 1.86 0.98 European dry heaths N - Transport

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 33 European Site Acid Nitrogen Ozone Features most sensitive to N and Largest non-agricultural deposition deposition acid deposition sources North Pennines 26.7 3.72 0.98 Blanket bogs Acid – LCP Moors SAC N - Transport Acid - LCP Simonside Hills SAC 14.2 0.99 0.94 European dry heaths N - Transport Acid – LCP Simonside Hills SAC 14.2 1.97 0.94 Blanket bogs N - Transport Fig not Tyne and Allen available, not Fig not Acid – LCP River Gravels SAC exceeded 1.18 available Calaminarian grasslands N - Transport Fig not available, not Fig not Acid – LCP Tyne and Nent SAC exceeded 1.3 available Calaminarian grasslands N - Transport Castle Eden Dene Acid – LCP SAC 2.42 2.72 1.18 Ash and yew woodland N - Transport Thrislington SAC 0.43 1.54 0.85 Calcareous grassland Acid – LCP N - Transport Langholm – Newcastleton Moors Moorland habitats supporting hen Acid – LCP SPA 2.15 1.1 0.808 harrier N - Transport North Pennines Moorland habitat supporting golden Acid – LCP Moors SPA 1.32 2.71 0.94 plover, hen harrier N - Transport

NB 1. Marine and intertidal features were not considered to be at risk due to the buffering effects of seawater. 2. Information was not available for freshwater sites, but the risk presented from atmospheric nitrogen was considered to be de minimus compared to inputs from surface and groundwater runoff.

4.16 The table shows that the most significant exceedences of critical loads of acid deposition occur in heathland and mire communities, and are especially severe in the North Pennines SAC, Simonside Hills SAC, Harbottle Moors SAC, Border Mires

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 34 SAC, and Moor House-Upper Teesdale SAC. Exceedences of critical loads of nitrogen deposition are less extreme but occur in all of the above habitats. Ozone levels are mostly close to, but not above the critical load being exceeded.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 35 Water Quality 4.17 Maintaining high water quality is central to the wellbeing of a number of European sites in Northumberland; most obviously the Roman Wall Loughs SAC, the River Eden SAC and the River Tweed SAC. However, other sites such as Newham Fen SAC and Ford Moss SAC could be adversely affected by raised nutrient inputs from agricultural fertilizer and manure or sewage, reaching these sites via aquatic pathways. Parts of rural Northumberland are not served by mains sewerage, resulting in the usage of non-mains systems such as septic tanks and package treatment plants. Their proper functioning is dependent on appropriate maintenance by their owners, which isn’t always kept up, potentially resulting in a large number of small sources of pollution that can be hard to trace and manage.

4.18 The situation regarding the Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC and the Tyne and Nent SAC is complex, in that maintenance of the calaminarian grassland plant communities that form the interest features of these sites is dependent on the ongoing deposition of heavy metals such a lead and zinc, which are washed out of historic mine workings upstream of these sites. In other contexts, these heavy metals are pollutants, and so there can be a tension between a need to improve water quality in these river systems by ameliorating the discharges from historic mining sites in the North Pennines, and maintaining the conditions required by the calaminarian grassland sites.

4.19 Increased algal growth is of concern in Budle Bay, where it is adversely affecting the intertidal sand and mudflats which are an interest feature of the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC and, by displacing eelgrass beds, adversely affecting Lindisfarne SPA by reducing the quality and quantity of feeding habitat of grazing wildfowl such as light-bellied Brent goose, wigeon and whooper swan. The reasons for the increased algal growth in this area have not been clearly determined; however, nutrient input from diffuse agricultural pollution in the Tweed catchment is likely to be a significant factor.

Hydrology 4.20 The supply of water in Northumberland is divided into two water resource zones, Kielder WRZ and Berwick and Fowberry WRZ. The Kielder WRZ serves most of the population of Northumberland and is supplied via river systems and reservoirs. For the most part, there are no water availability issues within this WRZ, primarily due to the very substantial supplies at Kielder Reservoir; however, both the rivers Coquet and Font have been identified as experiencing water availability issues. The Berwick and Fowberry WRZ is supplied primarily from an underlying aquifer, and supply shortages have been experienced during periods of high demand. Water abstraction for agriculture occurs from the Tweed catchment rivers, potential impacts on the SAC are being managed through abstraction licence reviews.

Tourism and Recreation 4.21 Tourism is concentrated in certain areas of the county, especially the coast, although the Hadrian’s Wall corridor is being increasingly promoted as a tourist destination, as is Northumberland National Park (a separate local planning authority area) and, to a lesser extent, the North Pennines AONB. Disturbance can be a

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 36 significant impact arising from coastal recreation, with potential adverse impacts on nesting and feeding tern species, feeding and roosting migratory and winter waders and wildfowl and on fragile dune communities. Disturbance of breeding birds caused by increasing levels of recreational access can also be an issue away from the coast, especially in upland SPAs, where breeding populations of golden plover, merlin and hen harrier all require low levels of disturbance. Dogs, especially off-lead animals, increase the effect of casual disturbance of birds by walkers.

4.22 European sites at particular risk of disturbance impacts include the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site, Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site and the North Northumberland Dunes SAC. European sites vulnerable to disturbance from increasing visitor numbers include the North Pennines SPA. The Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC is vulnerable to damage from the Pennine Way and from riverside caravan and camping sites.

4.23 Improvements in treatment of sewage arising from coastal settlements in order to meet Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive obligations will help to ensure that increasing visitor numbers do not contribute to the eutrophication of intertidal and subtidal habitats.

Large Scale Development 4.24 Development of land is occurring at a comparatively modest pace in Northumberland, with the bulk of housing and industrial development occurring in and adjacent to the settlements of south-east Northumberland, on the periphery of the Tyneside conurbation. New development causes a range of impacts that can affect European sites, including increased or changing patterns of air pollution from changing or increasing vehicle uses, and increases in water demand and in waste arisings. Urban expansion can also cause loss of or increased disturbance to land which is used as high tide and night time roosts by bird species which are key features of the coastal SPAs, and it can increase disturbance within these SPAs, for example through increased recreational use of the intertidal zone and through light pollution. Recreational disturbance such as dog walking can be a particular problem when new residential development occurs close to the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site; feeding opportunities for turnstone and purple sandpiper are already restricted by the tides and the limited daylight of winter, so lost feeding time and increased energy use evading perceived predators could be significant. Some high tide and night time roost sites used by these species are known to occur in close proximity to development, but overall knowledge of the location of roost sites is incomplete. There is currently a high degree of uncertainty about the breeding locations of the golden plover that winter on the Northumberland Coast; however, adverse effects on the wintering populations could affect the integrity of the North Pennines Moors SPA or other SPAs that they breed in.

4.25 Demand for particular types of building stone, for markets within and outwith Northumberland, can create demand for particular sites to be quarried. In Northumberland, demand for dimensional building stone is generally for sandstone, with a low likelihood of significant effects on European sites.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 37 4.26 The highest quality concreting sands and gravels in Northumberland are derived from igneous rocks, and so occur in the north of the county, in valleys of rivers which are within the River Tweed SAC. Potential significant effects include releases of silt or pollutants to the watercourses and hydrological changes arising from water abstraction for processing.

Climate Change

4.27 Changes in climate arising from increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 are very complex and difficult to predict. However, increasingly warm dry summers and mild, stormy winters along with rising sea levels seem to be the most likely trends. Possible impacts on European sites include the following:  coastal squeeze, as habitats such as saltmarshes and sand dunes are caught in a decreasing amount of space between rising sea levels on their seaward side and human land uses on their landward side. This is likely to affect all coastal European sites, but effects will be felt first and most severely on European sites with intertidal habitats and dunes, which are Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC, Tweed Estuary SAC, North Northumberland Dunes SAC, Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site, Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site. Increased depths of water due to sea level rise may also affect coastal reefs and caves in the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC.  increasing wildfires affecting combustible plant communities such as heaths and bogs, affecting upland sites such as the North Pennines Moors SAC, North Pennines Moors SPA, Harbottle Moors SAC, Simonside Hills SAC, Border Mires Kielder-Butterburn SAC, Moor House – Upper Teesdale SAC, Irthinghead Mires Ramsar Site and Langholm – Newcastleton Hills SPA.  rivers and wetlands increasingly affected by low flows in summer and floods in winter, for example the River Tweed SAC, River Eden SAC, Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC, Tyne and Nent SAC.  distribution patterns of many species affected by shifts in their ‘climate space’ (the geographic area which has the appropriate climate for that species), predominately towards higher latitudes and higher altitudes. This may affect arctic-alpine communities in the North Pennines Moors SAC and Moor House- Upper Teesdale SAC especially severely.  increasing rates of colonisation by new species, including pests and diseases  higher summer water temperatures, with consequent decrease in levels of dissolved oxygen and increases in levels of primary productivity and decay processes.

4.28 Measures likely to assist in reducing the impacts of or in adapting to climate change include habitat restoration to improve ‘ecosystem services’, and land use change to facilitate the movement of communities and species. Examples of ecosystem services include the hydrological functioning of blanket bogs in absorbing large quantities of water from rainfall and gradually releasing it to watercourses, and the flood storage function of river floodplains. The hydrological function of blanket bogs in the uplands of Northumberland and surrounding areas has been adversely affected by the excavation of drainage ditches, especially during the 1950s – 1970s, and through afforestation. Projects to block ditches and restore afforested bogs are underway in the North Pennines and the Border Uplands, but are of a small scale

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 38 compared to the areas affected. The area of functional floodplain in Northumberland has been greatly reduced over a long time period as flood defences have been put in place for settlements and farmland; however, increasingly severe winter storms will increase the need for it. Coastal realignment (the setting back of coastal defences) has the potential to allow coastal habitats such as saltmarsh to migrate landwards rather than being lost to coastal squeeze; projects are currently underway at Alnmouth and Goswick through the Northumberland Foreshores Project which will demonstrate the potential of this approach, although again these are of very limited scale compared to the problem.

4.29 The issue of facilitating the movement of communities and species in response to movements in their climate space is complex, as they vary greatly in their ability to make such movements and they requirements that they have in order to do so; accordingly such changes are likely to be chaotic rather than simple, with more adaptable species and less specialist communities faring much better than more demanding and specialist ones. It is unclear whether beneficial land management practices can be initiated on a significant enough scale to assist in this process; however, those activities that are most likely to have a beneficial effect in this respect include restoring existing habitats to good condition to maximise their resilience, and increasing ecological connectivity by increasing the overall extent of semi-natural vegetation in the wider countryside; reinforcing and expanding features that act as links and corridors such as watercourses and their associated riparian habitats; increasing the density of networks of habitats such as wetlands, semi- natural grasslands and native woodlands; and managing farmland in a way that integrates food production and wildlife conservation. This requires that nature conservation is planned and implemented at a landscape scale, rather than on the traditional site-by-site basis.

Invasive Species 4.30 Thousands of non-native species have become established in the UK, having been brought here either intentionally or accidently by people. A small proportion of non- native plants have become highly invasive, displacing native vegetation and forming dense single-species stands of little value to wildlife. Similarly, a few such animals are displacing native species, either directly or via pests or diseases that they have brought with them. Significant problems within European sites are as follows:  Pirri-pirri bur is adversely affecting dune grassland within the North Northumberland Dunes SAC.  Spartina (a saltmarsh grass) is adversely affecting mudflats within the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC and Lindisfarne SPA.  Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed is displacing native riparian vegetation in the River Tweed SAC, a problem which is being addressed through the Tweed Invasives Project.  Crayfish plague, associated with the introduced signal crayfish, is spreading in northern England, and so the integrity of the River Eden SAC is at risk.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 39 5. Stage 1C: Analysis of proposals and polices in the Core Strategy - Identification of Likely Significant Effects

5.1 As the Northumberland Core Strategy policies and proposals have been drafted, they have been evaluated to identify where there could be a likely significant effect on the interest features of European sites. Where this was the case, the policy or proposal was reviewed to determine whether it could be modified to avoid such an effect. Where it proved impossible to avoid likely significant effects, a detailed appropriate assessment was made of the implications of the policy or proposal for the European site concerned. This process forms Stage 2: The Appropriate Assessment.

5.2 The following paragraphs provide a summary of this analysis together with recommendations, in bold, on the ways in which the likely significant effects could be mitigated.

Strategic Objectives 5.3 It is noted that the objectives are interlinked and are not in any form of priority order.

Delivering a thriving and competitive economy 5.5 The NPPF states that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply to development proposals that require appropriate assessment; in this context this objective is unlikely to have a significant effect on European sites.

Providing existing and future communities with access to a decent, affordable home 5.6 The NPPF states that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply to development proposals that require appropriate assessment; in this context this objective is unlikely to have a significant effect on European sites.

Conserving and enhancing Northumberland’s distinctive and valued natural, water, historic and built environments 5.7 This objective is protective and so is unlikely to have a significant effect on European sites.

Ensuring connectivity and infrastructure delivery 5.8 The NPPF states that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply to development proposals that require appropriate assessment; in this context this objective is unlikely to have a significant effect on European sites.

Community wellbeing 5.9 The NPPF states that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply to development proposals that require appropriate assessment; in this context this objective is unlikely to have a significant effect on European sites.

Addressing climate change 5.10 This objective is protective and so is unlikely to have a significant effect on European sites.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 40 Managing natural resources 5.11 The NPPF states that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply to development proposals that require appropriate assessment; in this context this objective is unlikely to have a significant effect on European sites.

Policies

Policy 1.Sustainable Development 5.12 This policy sets out general criteria for testing the sustainability of proposals and so can be screened out, especially as Paragraph 119 of the NPPF states that: ‘The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where development requiring appropriate assessment under the Birds or Habitats Directives is being considered, planned or determined.’

5.13 Policy 2 High Quality Sustainable Design The nature of this policy is such that it cannot have a significant effect on European sites, and so is screened out.

Policy 3.Spatial Distribution 5.14 A number of the main towns and service centres in which the majority of new development will be focussed are adjacent or close to European sites, or have a significant linkage to them:  North Pennine Moors SPA, North Pennine Moors SAC, Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC, North Pennines Dales Meadows SAC (Allendale)  Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site, Northumberland Marine pSPA (Amble, Blyth, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Seahouses, Seaton Sluice)  Tweed Estuary SAC (Berwick upon Tweed)  Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC (Berwick upon Tweed, Seahouses)  Simonside Hills SAC (Rothbury)  River Tweed SAC (Wooler)

5.15 Given proximity and cumulative disturbance issues (especially for the coastal European sites) and given that the policy specifically directs development to these locations, it is necessary to proceed to appropriate assessment in relation to these European sites. Primary issues concern:  increased disturbance to breeding birds (upland SPAs) and breeding, migratory and wintering birds (coastal SPAs);  impacts on functional land for breeding birds (upland SPAs);  increased trampling damage (upland and coastal SACs);  nutrient enrichment (River Tweed SAC, Tweed Estuary SAC).

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 41 5.16 Policy 4. Employment Land Supply and Distribution This policy will need to go forward to appropriate assessment in relation to the Northumbria Coast SPA, because of the allocation of 91 hectares of land around the Blyth Estuary.

Policy 5. Blyth Estuary Strategic Employment Area 5.17 Protective wording is included regarding significant effects; however, given that this policy makes land allocations close to the Northumbria Coast SPA it will need to proceed to appropriate assessment.

5.18 Policy 6. Home-run Businesses This policy cannot have an effect on European sites due to its nature.

Policy 7.Windfall Employment Development 5.19 This policy is unlikely to have a significant effect due to the protective wording within it and so can be screened out.

Policy 8. Rural Economy 5.20 No effects are likely due to the protective wording within the policy, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 9. Tourism and Visitor Development 5.21 Protection is provided in this policy for designated sites of ecological importance in relation to development proposals in rural locations and the open countryside (para i, j). However, development within main towns and service centres has the potential to have a significant effect, especially on the coast where such settlements are immediately adjacent to European sites, and in some upland areas such as the North Pennines. Therefore this policy will need to go forward to appropriate assessment in relation to bird disturbance and trampling impacts for the following European sites: Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site Northumberland Marine pSPA Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site North Northumberland Dunes SAC North Pennine Moors SPA North Pennine Moors SAC Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC North Pennines Dales Meadows SAC Simonside Hills SAC Harbottle Moors SAC

Policy 10. Hierarchy of Centres 5.22 No effects are likely as this policy encourages the continuation of retailing within town centres in accordance with their existing roles, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 11. The Role of Centres 5.23 No effects are likely as this policy encourages the location of retailing within town centres in accordance with their existing roles, and so it can be screened out.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 42 5.24 Policy 12. Town Centres No effects are likely as this policy encourages the location of retailing and other commercial activity within town centres in accordance with their existing roles, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 13. Office Accommodation within Town and Larger Village Centres 5.25 No effects are likely as this policy encourages the location of office accommodation within town centres in accordance with their existing roles, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 14. Large Scale Leisure Facilities 5.26 No effects are likely as this policy encourages the location of leisure uses within primary shopping frontages centres in accordance with their existing roles, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 15. Housing Provision – Scale and Distribution 5.27 This policy provides for an additional 24,320 houses over the plan period to meet identified needs and projections, and distributes these between the four delivery areas in Northumberland with a focus on Main Towns and Service Centres. A number of Main Towns and Service Centres in Northumberland are adjacent to or close to European sites on the coast and to a lesser extent in the uplands. This policy will need to go forward to appropriate assessment in relation to the following European sites: Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site Northumberland Marine pSPA Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site North Northumberland Dunes SAC Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC Tweed Estuary SAC River Tweed SAC North Pennine Moors SPA North Pennine Moors SAC Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC North Pennines Dales Meadows SAC Simonside Hills SAC Harbottle Moors SAC

Policy 16. Strategic Delivery Sites and Additional Housing Allocations 5.28 The allocated sites at North Morpeth and SW Cramlington are 12.7km and 11.5km from the nearest area of Northumbria Coast SPA respectively. This is beyond the 6 to 8km km zone that studies have shown to be the distance that most people will drive for a daily dog walk, and so significant effects on the Northumbria Coast SPA are unlikely to arise from this policy, and so it can be screened out. Similarly the additional housing allocations at Ponteland and Prudhoe can be screened out as they are beyond the recreational zone of impact for any European sites and the absence of other mechanisms that could cause effects on European sites. The additional housing allocation at Shaws Lane, Hexham is screened in because it is within 6km of the North Pennine Moors SPA and the North Pennine Moors SAC, and so will need to go forward to appropriate assessment in relation to those sites.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 43

(Policy 17 now merged with Policy 16)

5.29 Policy 18 Planning for Housing As this policy only concerns the density and type of housing it will not have a significant effect on a European site alone or in-combination and so can be screened out.

Policy 19. Delivering Affordable Housing 5.30 No significant effects are likely as this is not a locational policy, nor is it one that influences the amount of development, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 20. Rural Exception Sites 5.31 No effects are likely due to the restrictive nature of the policy and the protective elements within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 21. Housing for Older People and Vulnerable Groups 5.32 No effects are likely as this is not a locational policy, nor is it one that influences the amount of development, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 22. Specialist Accommodation 5.33 No effects are likely as this is not a locational policy, nor is it one that influences the amount of development, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 23. Provision for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities 5.34 No effects are likely due to the restrictive nature of the policy and the protective elements within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 24. Strategic Approach to Green Belt 5.35 No effects are likely because of the protective nature of the policy and the location of the green belt in relation to European sites, and so this policy can be screened out.

Policy 25. Safeguarded Land 5.36 No effects are likely given the extent of these areas, their distance from European sites and the fact that safeguarding does not make development more likely, and so this policy can be screened out.

Policy 26. Uses Acceptable in the Green Belt 5.37 No effects are likely because of the protective nature of the policy and the location of the green belt in relation to European sites, and so this policy can be screened out.

Policy 27. Expansion of Employment or Visitor-related Buildings in the Green Belt 5.38 No effects are likely because of the protective nature of the policy and the location of the green belt in relation to European sites, and so this policy can be screened out.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 44 Policy 28. Principles for the Environment 5.39 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 29. Biodiversity and Geodiversity 5.40 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 30. Landscape 5.41 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 31. Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 5.42 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 32. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 5.43 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 33. Historic Environment and Heritage Assets 5.44 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 34. Heritage Assets at Risk 5.45 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 35. Water Quality 5.46 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 36. Water Supply and Sewerage 5.47 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 37. Flooding 5.48 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 38. Sustainable Drainage Systems 5.49 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 39. Coastal Erosion and Coastal Change Management 5.50 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 40 Unstable and Contaminated Land 5.51 Due to its nature this policy and the protective wording within it, it will not have any effect on European sites and so can be screened out.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 45 Policy 41. Promoting Sustainable Connections 5.52 This policy sets out how new development should promote accessibility, particularly by reducing the need to travel, and prioritising pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. Consequently it can be screened out.

5.53 Policy 41A The Effects of Development on the Transport Network Relocated policy 43 with some clarification – previously screened out, remains screened out.

Policy 42. Improving Northumberland’s Core Road Network 5.54 This policy supports the improvement of Northumberland’s core road network. Accordingly, its effects will need to be considered in-combination with other plans and policies concerning transport, including the Council’s own Local Transport Plan, the Northumberland Economic Strategy and plans and projects developed by the North East Combined Authority and the Highways Agency.

(Policy 43. The Effects of Development on the Road Network – deleted)

Policy 44. Rail Transport and Safeguarding Facilities 5.55 This policy is unlikely to have a significant effect because its purpose is only to safeguard land from development, so that it remains available for possible future public transport and rail freight. Therefore it can be screened out.

Policy 45. Newcastle International Airport 5.56 This policy is restricted to maintaining a supply of land that could be available for any future development of airport facilities at Newcastle. This does not have direct implications for any European sites, and in the absence of any current expansion plans it is not possible to identify any indirect effects. Consequently this policy can be screened out.

Policy 46. Ports, Harbours and Beach Launch Facilities 5.57 This policy includes specific protection for European sites and also requires a demonstration of no net loss of intertidal or subtidal habitats. Consequently it can be screened out.

Policy 47. Planning for Mobile Telecommunications 5.58 This policy is unlikely to have a significant impact on European sites given the protection contained within it and the nature and scale of relevant development, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 48. Planning for Broadband Infrastructure 5.59 This policy is unlikely to have a significant impact on European sites given the protection contained within it and the nature and scale of relevant development, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 49. Community Services and Facilities 5.60 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy, and so it can be screened out.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 46 Policy 50. Open Space and Facilities for Sport and Recreation 5.61 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 51. Green Infrastructure 5.62 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 52. Environmental Criteria for Assessing Minerals Proposals 5.63 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy and the protective wording within it, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 53. Criteria for Assessing the Benefits of Minerals Proposals 5.64 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy, and so it can be screened out.

Policy 54. Mineral and Landfill Site Restoration and Afteruse 5.65 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy it its requirement for net gains in biodiversity, and so it can be screened out

Policy 55. Safeguarding Mineral Resources 5.66 No effects are likely due to the nature of the policy, and so it can be screened out

Policy 56. Coal 5.67 Environmental criteria are addressed in Policy 47; this policy concerns specific matters that will be given particular weight in different sub-areas, and includes protection for European sites on the coast and in the uplands. Accordingly, significant effects are not likely as a result of this policy and so it can be screened out.

Policy 57. Aggregate Minerals 5.68 This is a general statement of policy to ensure a steady and adequate supply of aggregates, including the need to comply with Policy 47. Accordingly, significant effects are not likely as a result of this policy and so it can be screened out. Suitable areas for aggregate extraction will be identified in the Delivery Document and so will be assessed at that stage.

Policy 58. Clays 5.69 This policy lists the criteria by which proposals for clay extraction will be considered, including appropriate protective criteria, and so can be screened out.

Policy 59. Natural Building and Roofing Stone 5.70 This policy lists the criteria by which proposals for building stone extraction will be considered, including appropriate protective criteria, and so can be screened out.

Policy 60. Conventional and Unconventional Oil and Gas 5.71 This policy lists the criteria by which proposals for exploration, testing and exploitation of oil and gas will be considered, including appropriate protective criteria, and so can be screened out.

Policy 61 Peat 5.72 This policy will not affect any European sites because of its protective nature and so can be screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 47

Policy 62. Safeguarding Minerals Related Infrastructure 5.73 Safeguarding infrastructure does not in itself lead to development or land use change, and so this policy can be screened out.

Policy 63. Provision for Waste Reuse, Recycling and Recovery 5.74 This policy establishes the criteria by which proposals for waste reuse, recycling and recovery will be assessed, including appropriate protective criteria, and so can be screened out.

Policy 64. Waste Disposal 5.75 This policy confirms Ellington Road Landfill Site as the focus for ongoing disposal of waste that cannot be dealt with using solutions higher up the waste hierarchy, and sets out the criteria for assessing proposals for other sites. The operation of Ellington Road landfill Site does not cause any effect on European sites and the criteria for any other proposals includes an appropriate protective criterion. Accordingly, this policy can be screened out.

Policy 65. Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Development 5.76 This policy establishes the criteria by which proposals for renewable and low carbon energy developments will be assessed, including appropriate protective criteria, and so can be screened out.

Policy 66. Onshore Wind Energy 5.77 This policy is specifically concerned with landscape and residential amenity issues arising from wind turbines. It makes specific reference to policy 59 regarding other environmental impacts, and so can be screened out.

Policy 67. Solar Photovoltaic Farms 5.78 This criteria-based policy for solar arrays refers specifically to the environmental criteria set out in Policy 59, and so can be screened out.

Policy 68. Implementation 5.79 This policy sets out how Northumberland County Council will work to bring about the delivery of the Core Strategy. As the Core Strategy cannot be adopted until it has been demonstrated that it will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of European sites (or that it has met certain very stringent tests to ensure the coherence of the overall network of European sites if such effects are unavoidable and in the public interest), this policy can be screened out.

Policy 69. Planning for Infrastructure 5.80 This policy identifies a co-ordinating role for the County Council in the delivery of infrastructure required for the implementation for the Core Strategy. Infrastructure needs will be set out in an Infrastructure Development Document, and so the effects on European sites will need to be assessed at that point, and this policy can be screened out.

Policy 70. Planning Conditions and Obligations 5.81 This policy sets out the circumstances in which planning conditions and obligations will be used to secure the provision or improvement of infrastructure necessary to

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 48 make development acceptable. As such it will not have an effect on European sites and can be screened out.

5.82 Policy DGV 1 Strategic Policies The proposed garden village is a settlement of upto 2000 dwellings located to the north of Darras Hall. The nearest European sites are Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site (approx. 18km to the east); North Pennine Moors SAC and North Pennine Moors SPA (approx. 25km to the south-west) and Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC (approx. 25km to the west). These are well beyond the 6 to 10km zone of influence for activities that could cause recreational disturbance, and there are no other adverse effects that could cause a significant effect over these distances. Proposed policy DGV3 requires the developer of the garden village to make provision for a relief road around Ponteland and a flood alleviation scheme for the River Pont at Ponteland. Again, given the distance to the nearest European sites there are unlikely to be any significant effects arising from these proposals and this policy can be screened out.

5.83 Policy DGV2 Masterplan As above, given the distance to the nearest European sites there are unlikely to be any significant effects arising from these proposals and this policy can be screened out.

5.84 Infrastructure Provision As above, given the distance to the nearest European sites there are unlikely to be any significant effects arising from these proposals and this policy can be screened out.

Policies requiring appropriate assessment

5.85 The following policies could have a significant effect on European sites and therefore require appropriate assessment:  Policy 3. Spatial Distribution  Policy 4. Employment Land Supply  Policy 5. Blyth Estuary Strategic Employment Area  Policy 9.Tourism and Visitor Development  Policy 15. Housing Provision – Scale and Distribution  Policy 16. Strategic Delivery Sites and Additional Housing Allocations

5.86 The potential effects of Policies 4 and 5 are limited to purple sandpiper and turnstone in the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site. The potential impacts of policies 3, 9 and 15 have much in common and are as follows:

Increased disturbance to breeding upland waders and raptors North Pennine Moors SPA

Increased disturbance to breeding seabirds Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 49 Northumberland Marine pSPA

Increased disturbance to migratory and wintering waders and wildfowl Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site

Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation North Pennine Moors SAC Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC North Pennines Dales Meadows SAC Simonside Hills SAC Harbottle Moors SAC North Northumberland Dunes SAC Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC

Eutrophication from increased sewage discharge Tweed Estuary SAC River Tweed SAC

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 50

6. Stage 1D: Consideration of Other Plans and Projects

6.1 Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive requires that: ‘Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives.’ Accordingly, it is necessary to consider the cumulative impact of relevant plan components (i.e. all components likely to have more than a ‘de minimus’ impact on site integrity), existing trends and other plans and projects on the integrity of relevant European sites.

6.2 In practice, this means that any proposals or proposed policies identified at Stage 1C as having no effect on European sites can be screened out. However, when a proposal or proposed policy in the Core Strategy is identified as having an effect on a European site which in itself is not significant but which cannot be dismissed as being de minimus, it must be considered in combination with the effects arising from other plans and projects.

6.3 At this stage of the HRA, the following list of other plans and projects have been identified for consideration: Regional  The Strategic Economic Plan for the North East (NELEP, 2014)  Northumbria River Basin Management Plan 2009  Solway Tweed River Basin Management Plan 2009  Tweed Area Management Plan 2010-2015  Highways Agency Road Projects - A1 Dualling Morpeth – Felton and Adderstone – Belford, A69 and A66 Trans-Pennines route dualling.

Local  Northumberland Minerals Local Plan, 2000 (saved policies)  Northumberland Waste Local Plan, 2001 (saved policies)  Northumberland County and National Park Joint Structure Plan, Policy S5 (Green Belt extension), 2005  Alnwick District LDF Core Strategy DPD, 2007  Alnwick District Local Plan, 1997 (saved policies)  Berwick upon Tweed Borough Local Plan, 1999 (saved policies)  Blyth Valley Borough LDF Core Strategy DPD, 2007  Blyth Valley District Local Plan, 1999 (saved policies)  Castle Morpeth District Local Plan, 2003 (saved policies)  Tynedale District LDF Core Strategy DPD, 2007  Tynedale District Local Plan, 2000 (saved policies)  Wansbeck District Local Plan, 2007 (saved policies)  North Pennines AONB Management Plan 2014-19  Northumberland Coast AONB Management Plan 2014-19  Berwickshire & North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site Management Scheme 2014

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 51  Northumberland Economic Strategy 2014  Blyth Estuary Local Development Orders 2013  Northumberland Housing Strategy 2011-12  Northumberland Local Transport Plan 2011-2026  Northumberland Cultural Strategy, 2003  Northumberland Tourism Business Plan 2012  Northumberland and North Tyneside Shoreline Management Plan 2 - Scottish Border to River Tyne, 2009

Adjacent Authorities  Northumberland National Park LDF Core Strategy and Development Policies, 2009  Northumberland National Park Management Plan 2009-2014  Cumbria County Council Minerals and Waste Development Framework Core Strategy and Generic Development Control Policies Development Plan Documents, 2009  Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016 (saved policies)  Carlisle LDF (currently in preparation)  Carlisle District Local Plan 2001-2016, 2008 (saved policies)  Eden LDF Core Strategy, 2010  Eden District Local Plan, 1996 (saved policies)  County Durham Local Plan (currently in preparation)  Durham Minerals Local Plan, 2000 (saved policies)  Durham Waste Local Plan, 2005 (saved policies)  Derwentside District Local Plan 1997 (saved policies)  Wear Valley District Local Plan 1997 (saved policies)  Newcastle and Gateshead Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan, 2015  Gateshead Unitary Development Plan, 2007 (saved policies)  Newcastle Unitary Development Plan, 1998 (saved policies)  North Tyneside LDF (currently in preparation)  North Tyneside Unitary Development Plan, 2002 (saved policies)  Scottish Borders Local Development Plan, 2016  Scottish Borders Structure Plan 2001-2018  Scottish Borders Local Plan, 2008  Lothian and Borders Area Waste Plan, 2003

In-combination assessment - Policy 42

6.4 One policy is identified as not having a significant effect alone but requiring assessment in-combination with other plans and policies, which is Policy 42, Improving Northumberland’s Core Road Network. This policy supports full dualling of the A1 through Northumberland and improving local road links to it, and full dualling of the A69 west of Hexham and improving local road links to it. Accordingly, its effects will need to be considered in-combination with other plans and policies concerning transport, including the Council’s own Local Transport Plan, the Northumberland Economic Strategy and plans and projects developed by the North East Combined Authority and Highways England (formerly the Highways Agency).

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 52

6.5 Decisions about the dualling of either road will ultimately lie with central Government and Highways England, which operates, maintains and improves England’s motorways and trunk roads. At present, it appears that further dualling of lengths of the A1 is likely during the Local Plan period, while dualling of the A69 west of Hexham is likely to be subject to further investigation and so is possible during the plan period.

6.6 Direct effects of dualling would arise from the destruction of European sites to the new road and associated infrastructure, or damage caused by changes to hydrological patterns caused by the engineering works. Indirect effects are more varied, and include increased nitrogen deposition to vegetation and soils from increased traffic levels generated by the increased road capacity, and increased development pressure stimulated by the perceived improvement in the accessibility of parts of the county served by the improved roads.

6.7 Direct effects on European sites will not arise from the dualling of either the A1 or the A69, because there are no European sites close enough to either road to be destroyed or damaged by dualling, unless some unexpected and significant deviations from existing routes were considered.

6.8 Regarding increases in nitrogen emissions from vehicle exhausts, effects decrease quickly with distance, with the plume also being affected by predominant wind direction. Newham Bog SAC is the nearest European site to the A1 and is 3.3km away at its nearest point. The Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC is the closest European site to the A69, being 630m from the A69 at Wharmley Riverside and 625m at Wydon Nabb. The IPENS Atmospheric Nitrogen Theme Plan8 has recently been published and this indicates that vehicle exhaust is not a significant contributor to nitrogen deposition on European sites within Northumberland.

6.9 Regarding longer term effects, such as increased development pressure in settlements benefitting from improved accessibility as a result of the highway improvements, it is impossible to undertake any meaningful assessment at the Core Strategy stage as there is too little information as to what these might be. However, any such development will be subject to planning permission and so will be tested against the policies in the Core Strategy and subsequent development plan documents, which themselves will have been through HRA.

8 Natural England (2015) Atmospheric Nitrogen Theme Plan – developing a strategic approach for England’s Natura 2000 sites. IPENS TP013 http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/6140185886588928?category=5605910663659520

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 53 7. Stage 2. Appropriate Assessment

Introduction 7.1 The conclusion of Stage 1 of this assessment concluded that the following policies could have a significant effect on European sites and therefore require appropriate assessment:  Policy 3. Spatial Distribution  Policy 4. Employment Land Supply  Policy 5. Blyth Estuary Strategic Employment Area  Policy 9.Tourism and Visitor Development  Policy 15. Housing Provision  Policy 16. Strategic Delivery Sites and Additional Housing Allocations

7.2 The potential effects of Policies 4 and 5 are limited to purple sandpiper and turnstone in the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site and sandwich and arctic tern in the Northumberland Marine pSPA. The potential impacts of policies 3, 9, 15 and 16 have much in common and are as follows:

Increased disturbance to breeding upland waders and raptors North Pennine Moors SPA

Increased disturbance to breeding seabirds Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site Northumberland Marine pSPA

Increased disturbance to migratory and wintering waders and wildfowl Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site

Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation North Pennine Moors SAC Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC North Pennines Dales Meadows SAC Simonside Hills SAC Harbottle Moors SAC North Northumberland Dunes SAC

Eutrophication from increased sewage discharge Tweed Estuary SAC River Tweed SAC

7.3 One policy was assessed as having an insignificant effect alone, but a significant effect in-combination with other plans and policies; Policy 42 Improving Northumberland’s Core Road Network.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 54

8. Assessment of whether there will be an adverse effect on the integrity of any European sites

Policies 4 and 5 – Increased disturbance in the Blyth estuary sectors of the Northumbria Coast SPA and Northumberland Marine pSPA

8.1 The key issues here concern potential impacts on two interest features from the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site (purple sandpiper and turnstone) and two interest features from the Northumberland Marine pSPA (foraging sandwich tern and arctic tern) arising from industrial development around the Blyth estuary. Purple sandpipers are almost exclusively confined to rocky shore outside the mouth of the estuary and to the breakwater itself, which greatly reduces the potential for impacts arising from these policies. Turnstones are primarily found on the rocky shore but small numbers roost on the North Staithes, which are located just downriver from Battleship Wharf, and at the end of the Mount Pleasant peninsula. Policies 4 and 5 do not have any direct implications for either site, and it should be noted that development permitted under the Bates Colliery and West Sleekburn Local Development Orders was found to have no significant effect with the HRA was undertaken of the LDO. While the tern species do forage within the estuary in small numbers, this is a tiny proportion of the extensive foraging area that these particular populations use, and does not have any particularly important features lacking elsewhere in their foraging area. Given this, and their evident tolerance to current industrial activity, Natural England has advised that there is unlikely to be a significant effect on these species9.

8.2 However, it is important that the Mount Pleasant peninsula is protected from inappropriate development, to prevent any in-combination effects with the LDO. Even a small development that reduced the value of Mount Pleasant peninsula for these species could compromise the development of much more economically important sites within the estuary by increasing pressure on the key species and removing the last remaining suitable mitigation sites within the estuary. Accordingly, it is important that this issue is carried forward to the development of the Delivery Document, to ensure that it does not propose anything that could adversely affect the Mount Pleasant peninsula.

9 Meeting with Katie Finkill-Coombs, Lead Advisor, Natural England, 16/02/16

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 55 Policies 3, 9, 15 and 16 - Increased disturbance in the North Pennine Moors SPA and increased trampling damage in the North Pennine Moors SAC

8.3 Increased disturbance to breeding populations of upland waders and raptors in the North Pennines SPA could potentially arise from housing allocations in nearby settlements such as Allendale, or from tourism development within or close to the SPA.

8.4 Heathland and blanket bog vegetation is sensitive to trampling damage. At high trampling pressure, the woody shrubs that dominate heathland vegetation will be damaged and ultimately replaced by bare ground or trampling-resistant grasses, while blanket bog vegetation will be replaced by bare peat. This can trigger the development of erosion channels. Damage then spreads as walkers avoid the erosion gullies, thereby triggered the creation of new gullies.

8.5 In addition to the network of statutory rights of way (footpaths, bridleways and byways), much of the SPA and SAC has open access, entitling people to walk anywhere on unenclosed land, subject to certain restrictions. One nationally promoted route, the Pennine Way passes through the SPA and SAC.

8.6 The current condition of underlying SSSIs (sites in bold are partially or wholly in Northumberland) is as follows:

Allendale Moors (SPA and SAC) 20% of the site is in favourable condition and 80% in unfavourable recovering. The main reasons for some compartments not being in favourable condition concern issues with land management. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted, and there was an increase in breeding waders between surveys undertaken in 1994/95 and in 2007.

Appleby Fells (SPA only) 8% of the site is in favourable condition and 92%% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Arkengarthdale, Gunnerside and Reeth Moors (SPA and SAC) 20% of the site is in favourable condition, 74%% in unfavourable recovering and 6% in unfavourable no change. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Bollihope,Pikestone, Eggleston and Woodland Fells (SPA and SAC) 15% of the site is in favourable condition and 85%% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Bowes Moor (SPA and SAC) 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 56 Cotherstone Moor (SPA and SAC) 18% of the site is in favourable condition and 82%% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

East Nidderdale Moors (SPA and SAC) 7% of the site is in favourable condition and 93% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Geltsdale and Glendue Fells (SPA and SAC) 57% of the site is in favourable condition and 43% in unfavourable recovering. The main reason for some compartments not being in favourable condition is ongoing work to block grips in blanket bog; no problems with recreational disturbance noted.

Hexhamshire Moors (SPA and SAC) 11% of the site is in favourable condition and 89% in unfavourable recovering. The main reasons for some compartments not being in favourable condition concern issues with land management. No problems with recreational disturbance were noted, and there was an increase in breeding waders between surveys undertaken in 1994/95 and in 2007.

Lovely Seat-Stainton Moor (SPA and SAC) 6% of the site is in favourable condition, 87% is in unfavourable recovering and 7% in unfavourable no change. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Lune Forest (SPA and SAC) 12% of the site is in favourable condition and 88% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Mallerstang - Swaledale Head (SPA and SAC) 10% of the site is in favourable condition, 88%% in unfavourable recovering and 2% in unfavourable no change. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Moorhouse and Cross Fell (SPA only) 5% of the site is in favourable condition, 92% in unfavourable recovering and 3% in unfavourable declining. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Muggleswick, Stanhope and Edmundbyers Commons and Blanchland Moor (SPA and SAC) 4% favourable; 96% unfavourable recovering. The main reasons for some compartments not being in favourable condition concern issues with land management. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Upper Teesdale (SPA only)

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 57 12% of the site is in favourable condition, 86% in unfavourable recovering and 2% in unfavourable declining. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

West Nidderdale, Barden and Blubberhouses Moors (SPA and SAC) 29% of the site is in favourable condition and 71% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted.

Whitfield Moor, Plenmeller and Asholme Commons (SPA and SAC) 18% of the site is in favourable condition and 82% in unfavourable recovering. The main reasons for some compartments not being in favourable condition concern issues with grazing and burning management. No problems with recreational disturbance are noted, and there was an increase in breeding waders between surveys undertaken in 1994/95 and in 2007.

Current impacts of recreational access 8.7 The Natural England commissioned research report Access Management Report: Three Year Monitoring Surveys at Open Access Land 2006-200810 included 19 open access sites in the North Pennines AONB. 11 of these were judged to have no impacts arising from the introduction of open access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and impacts at six were low. The two remaining sites had impacts which were uncertain but probably low. Six of these sites were in Northumberland and within the North Pennine Moors SAC: Blanchland Wellhope Coanwood Kinght’s Cleugh Knockshield Moor Snope Common Whitfield

8.8 The report found that there was no impact arising from the introduction of open access at all but one of these sites, due to the low level of use and the tendency of visitors to remain on public rights of way rather than wandering more widely. At Wellhope there was a low impact arising from the introduction of open access; this was the result of a single person observed walking a dog in an area from which dogs had been banned. However, the low level of use overall resulted in a conclusion of low impact rather than anything higher.

8.9 The main reason why impacts were non-existent or low is the low level of use and the tendency of most users to remain on the established rights of way network, and indeed the North Pennines had the lowest index of visitor numbers of the 12 areas around England sampled for the report (1.9 out of 5, where 1 is very low use and 2 is low use).

10 Johnson, C., Taylor, K., Houldin, C., Race, H. & Birtles, J. 2009. Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 (Part 1): National Open Access Visitor Survey (2006-2008) - Access Management Report. Natural England Commissioned Report, Number NECR036c.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 58

Proposed housing numbers within 10km of the North Pennine Moors SPA and North Pennine Moors SAC

8.10 In order to evaluate the impact of Core Strategy policies and proposals on the SPA and SAC, it is necessary to consider the increase in population being proposed. A 10km buffer zone has been selected for this process, because there is extensive evidence at both inland and coastal sites that the vast majority of people involved in potentially disturbing activities such as daily dog walking live within 10km of the site concerned. For example, household surveys for the South East Devon European Site Mitigation Strategy found that 91% of visits to the Exe Estuary were made by people living within 10km, although the figure for Dawlish Warren was only 47%, illustrating draw of particular ‘honeypot’ sites (Liley, D. et al. 2014, pp. 83-93). Visitor surveys for the Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project found that 90% of visitors by car to Browndown beach came from within 8km, and that even within the very popular site of Chichester Harbour AONB, 56% of visitors by car lived within 8km (Stillman et al 2009, pp.28-32). Winter visitor surveys on the Durham coast in 2012-13 found that 79% of visitors who used the coast at least once per week lived within 8km of the coast (Durham County Council, 2013).

8.11 A survey of coastal dog walkers on the North Northumberland Coast was undertaken in 2015-16, the results of which are included in Appendix 6 of this report. 69% of dog-walkers questioned lived within 8km of the coast.

8.12 For terrestrial sites, visitor surveys have shown that the ‘catchment area’ for frequent visitors tends to be smaller than for coastal sites. A visitor survey in the New Forest National Park found that people who visited the National Park at least weekly mostly came from within 7km of the Park boundary (Stillman et al, 2009 pp.31-32), and mitigation strategies for both the Thames Basin Heaths SPA and the Dorset Heathlands SPA, Ramsar Site and SAC are limited to new housing within 5km of the European sites, because on the basis of visitor surveys it was determined that there would be no significant effect arising from housing beyond that distance (Surrey Heath Borough Council, 2012 and Borough of Poole et al., 2012).

8.13 Proposed new housing numbers within 10km of the North Pennine Moors SAC and North Pennine Moors SPA are as follows:

Northumberland - Core Strategy 2011-2031 Pre-submission Draft: Proposed Major Modifications Haltwhistle 400; Allendale 100; Haydon Bridge 200; Hexham 900 Total 1600 plus a proportion of the 370 for the rest of the West Northumberland Delivery Area

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 59 Durham - County Durham Plan Submission Draft 2014-2030 Consett 1270 Crook 655 Barnard castle 43 Middleton-in-Teesdale 35 Total 2003

Cumbria – Eden Local Plan 2014-2032 Preferred Options Consultation and Carlisle District Local Plan (2015-2030) Proposed Submission Draft Alston 89 Brampton 450 Cumwhinton 35 Warwick Bridge 75 Wetheral 100 Total 749

Tourism policies relevant to the North Pennine Moors SPA and North Pennine Moors SAC

8.14 Policy 9 Tourism and Visitor Development in the Northumberland Core Strategy Pre-Submission Draft Plan includes a protective criterion stating that all tourism development should adhere to the natural environment policies in the Plan. Given this explicit link to these policies and the requirement that the policies in land use plans are taken as a whole, it is considered that robust protection is afforded for European sites from any adverse effects arising from tourism

8.15 Tourism is addressed in the County Durham Plan through Policies 27 Visitor Attractions and Policy 28 Visitor Accommodation. Both policies include protective wording for the natural environment and when recreational disturbance was considered for the North Pennines SPA in the HRA for the County Durham Plan, it was concluded that there would not be an adverse effect in the integrity of the site.

8.16 The Eden Local Plan Preferred Options Consultation Draft addresses tourism in Policy EC4 Tourism Accommodation. This does not refer explicitly to the Natural Environment; however Policy ENV1 Protection and Enhancement of the Natural Environment, Biodiversity and Geodiversity provides strong protection for European sites. The Carlisle District Local Plan 2015‐2030 Preferred Options Consultation‐ Stage Two addresses tourism development in Policy 11 Arts, Culture, Tourism and Leisure Development. This includes a criterion concerning environmental protection, and the Plan also includes Policy 62 Biodiversity and Geodiversity which provides strong protection for European sites.

8.17 Given current evidence that recreational disturbance is not adversely affecting the SPA and trampling is not damaging the SAC, the low housing numbers proposed close to the SPA and SAC and the protection afforded to the natural environment in relevant tourism

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 60 policies, it is concluded that any increase in recreational disturbance arising from Policies 3, 9, 15 and 16 will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the North Pennine Moors SPA or the North Pennine Moors SAC.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 61 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the North Pennines Dales Meadows SAC

8.18 The North Pennines Dales Meadow SAC comprises 58 separate SSSIs in the uplands of Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire. The interest features comprise mountain hay meadows and purple moor-grass meadows. They are mostly in private ownership, but some are crossed by public rights of way.

8.19 The current condition of underlying SSSIs (sites in bold text are in Northumberland) is as follows:

Arkle Beck Meadows, Whaw 88% of the site is in favourable condition and 12% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Ashes Pasture and Meadows 59% of the site is in favourable condition and 41% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Askrigg Bottoms 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Aules Hill Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Barrow Burn Meadows 56% of the site is in favourable condition and 44% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Bell Sykes Meadows 75% of the site is in favourable condition and 25% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Borrow Beck Meadows 99% of the site is in favourable condition and 1% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Bowber Head and Piper Hole Meadows 85% of the site is in favourable condition and 15% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Bowlees and Friar House Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 62 Bretherdale Meadows 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Catton Lea Meadow 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Cautley Thwaite Meadows and Ecker Secker Beck 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Cliff Beck Meadow, Buttertubs 100% of the site is in unfavourable declining condition. This is due to overgrazing and no problems with recreational damage are noted.

Cornriggs Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Deepdale Meadows (Cumbria) 38% of the site is in favourable condition and 62% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Deepdale Meadows (North Yorkshire) 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Durtrees Burn Grassland 51% of the site is in favourable condition and 49% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Far High House Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Fothering Holme 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Gingerfields 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Gowk Bank 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 63 Grains o’th’ Beck Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Grassington Hospital Grounds 96% of the site is in favourable condition and 4% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted

Greenhaugh Meadow 100% of the site is in unfavourable declining condition. This is due to a combination of undergrazing and increased soil moisture. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Hannah’s Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Harker’s House Meadows, Keld 47% of the site is in favourable condition and 53% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted

Heatheryburn Bank 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

High Knock Shield Meadow 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Knarsdale Meadows 23% of the site is in favourable condition and 77% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted

Langcliff Cross Meadow 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Low Redford Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Mere Beck Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Middle Crossthwaite 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 64 Middle Side and Stonygill Meadows 74% of the site is in favourable condition, 17% in unfavourable recovering and 9% in unfavourable no change. No problems with recreational damage are noted

Mill Holme Meadows, Thwaite 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Muker Meadows 91% of the site is in favourable condition and 9% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted

Myttons Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

New Close, Calvert Houses 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

New House Meadows, Malham 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Oughtershaw and Beckermonds 64% of the site is in favourable condition and 36% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Peckriding Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Pry and Bottom Meadows, Mid-Mossdale 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Raisbeck Meadows 91% of the site is in favourable condition and 9% is in unfavourable no change. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Richmond Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Rigg Farm and Stake Hill Meadows 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 65 Sandybeck Meadow 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Scar Closes, Kisdon Side 64% of the site is in favourable condition and 36% in unfavourable declining. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Stephen Ings, Crackpot 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Swindale Meadows 100% of the site is in unfavourable no change condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Thorneyburn Meadow 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Town End Meadows, Little Asby 59% of the site is in favourable condition and 41% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Walden Meadows 95% of the site is in favourable condition and 5% in unfavourable recovering. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

West Newlandside Meadows 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

West Park Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Wet Sleddale Meadows 100% of the site is in unfavourable declining condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

White Ridge Meadow 100% of the site is in unfavourable recovering condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Wilson Place Meadows 91% of the site is in favourable condition and 9% in unfavourable declining. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 66 Yockenthwaite Meadows 100% of the site is in favourable condition. No problems with recreational damage are noted.

8.20 None of the meadow SSSIs that comprise this SAC has open access, although some have rights of way through them. Similar considerations apply as with the North Pennines Moors SAC and SPA regarding very low recreational pressure and this is unlikely to change as a result of Core Strategy policies due to the very low housing numbers within the zone of influence of them and the low levels of tourism. Consequently it is concluded that any increase in recreational disturbance arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the North Pennines Dales Meadows SAC.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 67

Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC

8.21 This SAC comprises a number of small, discrete SSSIs along the course of the Rivers South Tyne and Allen, all of which are in Northumberland. These mostly lack any statutory right of public access, although Williamston has permissive access as an NWT Nature Reserve and both that site and Burnfoot River Shingles and Wydon Nabb have caravan sites adjacent to them which may increase recreational access.

8.22 The current condition of underlying SSSIs is as follows:

Burnfoot River Shingle and Wydon Nabb 88% of the underlying SSSI is in unfavourable declining condition and 12% (comprising a geological exposure) is in favourable condition. The site is declining because of loss of open, calaminarian grassland to coarser vegetation, which is believed to be caused by declining loads of heavy metals in the river as spoil heaps resulting from former mine workings become depleted over time. No problems with recreational disturbance were noted.

Lambley River Shingles 100% of the underlying SSSI is in unfavourable declining condition. The site is declining because of loss of open, calaminarian grassland to coarser vegetation, which is believed to be caused by declining loads of heavy metals in the river as spoil heaps resulting from former mine workings become depleted over time. No problems with recreational disturbance were noted.

Ninebanks River Shingle 76% of the site is in unfavourable declining condition, and 24% in favourable condition. The reasons for unfavourable condition concern the impact of past gravel workings, and no problems with recreational disturbance were noted.

Williamston River Shingle 100% of the underlying SSSI is in unfavourable declining condition. The site is declining because of loss of open, calaminarian grassland to coarser vegetation, which is believed to be caused by declining loads of heavy metals in the river as spoil heaps resulting from former mine workings become depleted over time. No problems with recreational disturbance were noted.

Wharmley Riverside 100% of the underlying SSSI is in unfavourable declining condition. The site is declining because of loss of open, calaminarian grassland to coarser vegetation, which is believed to be caused by declining loads of heavy metals in the river as spoil heaps resulting from former mine workings become depleted over time. No problems with recreational disturbance were noted.

8.23 The circumstances of the Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC are complex and unusual; the calaminarian grasslands that comprise its sole interest feature

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 68 have formed primarily as a result of the deposition of heavy metals leached from historic mining sites in the North Pennines. In all contexts other than the formation and sustenance of calaminarian grasslands, these heavy metals are regarded as pollutants, and indeed there is a direct conflict between the Habitats Directive which imposes a duty on Member States to maintain European sites in favourable condition and the Water Framework Directive, which imposes a duty on Member States to ensure that waterbodies achieve good ecological and chemical status, which cannot be achieved on the Rivers Tyne or Allen without dramatically reducing their levels of heavy metals. The Environment Agency has produced a Habitats Regulations Assessment for the minewater treatment programme that is designed to reduce heavy metal levels in the Tyne and Allen river systems to the point that would enable them to achieve compliance with the Water Framework Directive. In compensation for the impacts of this on the Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC, some habitat management work is proposed within the SAC itself.

8.24 Given current evidence that recreational disturbance is not adversely affecting the SAC, the low housing numbers proposed close to the SAC and the protection afforded to the natural environment in relevant tourism policies, it is concluded that any increase in recreational disturbance arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC.

8.25 However, additional individual sources of pressure such as these can be addressed through the development management process, should any applications come forward. The Core Strategy includes suitable policies to ensure that European sites can be protected in this way.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 69 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased disturbance to little tern breeding colonies (Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site and Lindisfarne SPA) and arctic tern breeding colony (Northumbria Coast pSPA)

8.26 These colonies are located at the mouth of the Long Nanny Burn in Beadnell Bay and within Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. As they nest on the beach they are highly vulnerable to disturbance. The Long Nanny colony is protected by temporary fencing and 24 hour wardening by the National Trust, and the Lindisfarne colony is protected by fencing and wardening by Natural England.

8.27 These colonies are already wholly dependent on a very high level of intervention for their survival, and if the Long Nanny colony in particular wasn’t wardened and fenced it would not survive the existing level of disturbance by recreational beach users that it is exposed to. The continuation of existing wardening arrangements will be sufficient to ensure that the proposals and policies within the Core Strategy will not cause increased disturbance to the colony. Therefore it can be concluded that any increase in recreational disturbance arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 will not cause an adverse effect on the integrity of the Northumbria Coast SPA/pSPA and Ramsar Site or Lindisfarne SPA in respect of the specific interest features of breeding little tern and arctic tern.

8.28 However, the National Trust does not have a statutory obligation to continue the wardening at Beadnell Bay, and therefore when considering specific proposed developments that could affect the colony it is not appropriate to assume that this is adequate mitigation that will be provided in perpetuity at no cost to the developer. Accordingly, impacts on the little tern colony at Beadnell Bay must be fully considered when allocating sites in the Delivery Document and when determining planning applications.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 70 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased disturbance affecting the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site - Wintering Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone

8.29 The site comprises areas of rocky shore scattered along the coast between the Tweed and Tees estuaries, and the relevant interest features are purple sandpiper and turnstone, present between September and March. Disturbance primarily arises from recreational activities such as walking and sea angling, with off-lead dogs being a particular concern because they range more widely tan their owners and because the birds, as species that feed and roost on the ground, have to have a strong predator avoidance response to mammals such as fox and wolf, and therefore domestic dogs.

8.30 Purple sandpiper numbers are declining in the SPA, while turnstone numbers have been stable in recent years having previously been in decline; numbers of purple sandpiper have declined by 39% since the SPA was designated and numbers of turnstone have declined by 29% over the same time11. These patterns are consistent with trends across the North east region and across the UK as a whole. This appears to be related to birds not travelling so far south in winter as they used to, possibly due to climate change. Thus while the Wetland Bird Survey has issued an alert for the Northumbria Coast SPA, this states that ‘Alerts have been triggered for both of the species assessed for this site. In both case, comparison of site trend with broadscale trends do not suggest that the declines underpinning Alerts status are being driven by site-specific pressures’12.

8.31 The current condition of the component SSSI is as follows: 100% of the underlying SSSI units are assessed as being in favourable condition.

Proposed housing numbers within 10km of the Northumbria Coast SPA13

South East Northumberland 8.32 Proposed increases in housing numbers for 2011-2031 amount to 12,840 dwellings, allowing for a population increase in this part of the county of approximately 14% over the plan period. Approximately 70% of this figure (9,126 dwellings) is already completed, consented or minded to approve subject to the signing of S.106 Agreements.

11 http://app.bto.org/webs-reporting/?tab=alerts

12 http://app.bto.org/webs-reporting/?tab=alerts

13 The justification for using a 10km buffer zone is set out in paragraphs 3.15-3.16 above.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 71

Total Minded Sum of Location 2011- Completions Planning to completions, 2031 2011-16 Consent approve permissions (S106) and S106 Main Towns: Amble 600 114 277 0 391 Ashington 1,800 410 1,265 0 1,675 Bedlington 1,280 118 179 0 297 Blyth 3,100 975 2,331 0 3,306 Cramlington 3,820 216 591 706 1,513 Service Centres:

Guidepost/Stakeford/ 380 3 0 0 3 Choppington Newbiggin-by-the-Sea 300 6 55 98 159 Seaton Valley 780 353 499 0 852 Rest of delivery 780 97 622 211 930 area: SE Total 12,840 2,292 5,819 1,015 9,126

North Northumberland 8.33 A relatively small part of the North Northumberland delivery area lies within 10km of the coast, although this includes the two main towns of Alnwick and Berwick, as well as the service centres of Belford and Seahouses. As can be seen from the table below, planned increases in housing are dramatically lower than in South East Northumberland, and a large proportion is already accounted for in completions, consents or applications that are minded to approve subject to the completion of S.106 Agreements:

Total Minded Sum of Location 2011- Completion Planning to completions, 2031 s 2011-16 Consent approve permissions (S106) and S106 Main Towns: Alnwick 1,100 156 476 20 652 Berwick-upon-Tweed 900 177 781 0 958 Service Centres:

Belford & Seahouses 460 167 98 0 265

8.34 A total of 1250 dwellings are also planned for the rest of the delivery area (of which 711 are already accounted for in completions, consents or applications that are minded to approve subject to the completion of S.106 Agreements), a proportion of which is likely to be within 10km of the coast. Overall, these figures allow for a population increase in the North Northumberland delivery area of approximately 9% over the plan period. Total completions, consents or

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 72 applications that are minded to approve subject to the completion of S.106 Agreements equate to over two thirds of this.

Outside of Northumberland 8.35 The Northumbria Coast SPA includes areas of rocky shore southwards to just north of Hartlepool. For this reason and because there is a large population on Tyneside within 10km of sections of the SPA that lie within Northumberland, it is important to consider housing growth in North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Durham.

Tourism policies 8.36 Policy 9 Tourism and Visitor Development in the Northumberland Core Strategy Pre-Submission Draft Plan includes a protective criterion stating that all tourism development should adhere to the natural environment policies in the Plan. Given this explicit link to these policies and the requirement that the policies in land use plans are taken as a whole, it is considered that robust protection is afforded for European sites from any adverse effects arising from tourism polices alone. However, tourism policies will need to be considered again when housing allocations are made during the preparation of the Delivery Document, to establish whether there are any in-combination effects arising from tourism and housing policies together (see paragraph 3.46-3.48 below).

8.37 The table on the following page sets out the distribution and abundance of purple sandpiper and turnstone, based on count sectors used in the long- running Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). The table sets out numbers for: (i) WeBS sectors that are within the Northumbria Coast SPA/Ramsar Site and in Northumberland (ii) WeBS sectors that are within the Northumbria Coast SPA/Ramsar Site but outside Northumberland (iii) Other sites in Northumberland. 8.38 WeBS sectors that have over 10% of the SPA population recorded at the time that the SPA was designated are shaded in red. Those that have 5-10% of the SPA population at the time of designation are highlighted in orange, and those that have 1-5% are highlighted in yellow. Sites or sectors that have nationally important numbers of either species (defined as 1% or more of the estimated British population) are highlighted in purple. 8.39 All of the data in this table was accessed from the ‘WeBS Report Online’ section of the BTO website (http://app.bto.org/webs-reporting/) and was accessed on various dates during August and September 2015.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 73 Table 2: Northumbria Coast SPA Wader Numbers in Northumberland by WeBS Sector 2009/10 - 2013/14

Key Nationally important population in this WeBS sector Over 10% of the SPA population occurs in this WeBS sector 5-10% of the SPA population occurs in this WeBS sector 1-5% of the SPA population occurs in this WeBS sector

Purple Sandpiper Turnstone

SPA population at designation = 763 birds SPA population at designation = 1456 birds Threshold for national importance = 130 birds Threshold for national importance = 480 birds

WeBS Sector (in Northumbria WeBS Sector (in Northumbria Coast SPA and in 5yr av. Coast SPA and in 5yr av. Northumberland) (peak counts) Northumberland) (peak counts) Beadnell to Seahouses 100 Beadnell to Seahouses 172 Seahouses to Budle Point 83 Boulmer to Howick 101 Howick to Beadnell 65 Alnmouth to Boulmer 100 Boulmer to Howick 17 Howick to Beadnell 90 Amble to Chevington Burn 16 Cresswell to Newbiggin 75 Spittal to Cocklaburn 14 Amble to Chevington Burn 68 Alnmouth 9 Seahouses to Budle Point 67 Cresswell to Newbiggin 9 Seaton Sluice to Blyth Estuary 21 Alnmouth to Boulmer 7 Spittal to Cocklawburn 21 Seaton Sluice to Blyth Estuary 6 Hauxley 16 Cresswell to Chevington Burn 1 Cresswell to Chevington Burn 11 Alnmouth 9

Cambois to Newbiggin 1

WeBS Sector (in Northumbria WeBS Sector (in Northumbria

Coast SPA but outside of Coast SPA but outside of Northumberland) Northumberland)

Durham Coast 55 Durham Coast 128 Whitley Bay 23 St Mary's Island 101 St Mary's Island 16 Whitley Bay 94

Northumberland Sites outside Northumberland Sites outside the Northumbria Coast SPA the Northumbria Coast SPA

Farne Islands 251 Farne Islands 592 Berwick North Shore 41 Lindisfarne 153 Lindisfarne 11 Berwick North Shore 103 Tweed Estuary 29

Blyth Estuary 16 Coquet Estuary 10

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 74 8.40 It is evident that the North Northumberland Coast is by far the most important part of the SPA for both species, especially the section from Howick to Budle Point. While it is possible to hypothesise that this is because the North Northumberland coast is less populated and therefore less disturbed than the coast in the much more populated south east Northumberland, it is notable that the areas of rocky shore adjacent to the Tyneside conurbation maintain quite significant populations of both species. In particular, both Whitley Bay and St Mary’s Island WeBS sectors support 1-5% of the SPA’s purple sandpiper population and 5-10% of the SPA’s turnstone population.

8.41 Accordingly, it is clear that there isn’t a simple relationship between the size of the human population close to the coast and its capacity to support populations of these species, and that a range of factors such as the particular physical and biological characteristics of particular sections of rocky shore are likely to affect the bird population’s likelihood of being disturbed by visitors and their dogs, and their ability to cope with increased levels of disturbance should they occur. As housing sites will only be allocated at the Delivery Document stage of the Local Plan process, only limited conclusions can be reached at this stage. However, the following points can be established:  A large proportion of the Northumbria Coast SPA wader population that occurs on the Northumberland Coast occurs in North Northumberland  The level of housing proposed for the North Northumberland coastal zone is very low, especially once the level of completed, consented and minded to approved has been taken into account  The level of proposed housing in south east Northumberland is significantly higher than in north Northumberland, but the section of SPA in this area supports a much lower proportion of the SPA wader population.  Because of the very large variations in the size of purple sandpiper and turnstone populations in different sectors of the SPA, it will only be possible to determine the impact of the proposed housing levels for the Local Plan once land allocations are proposed when the Delivery Document is being prepared.

8.42 Therefore, it is concluded that any increase in recreational disturbance arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 of the Core Strategy will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site in respect of the specific interest features of purple sandpiper and turnstone, given that this is a high-level document that only identifies overall housing requirements across delivery areas and for some settlements, and does not allocate sites. When specific site allocations are being considered during the preparation of the Delivery Document, the impact of these allocations on areas of SPA within 10km will need to be determined, so that the acceptability of specific proposed allocations and the nature and extent of any mitigation required can be determined prior to sites being allocated.

8.43 The impact of such developments on the SPA depends on a range of site- specific factors, in addition to the distance between the development site and

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 75 the SPA and the scale of the development. To improve understanding of these issues Northumberland County Council helped to fund a research project undertaken by a team led by Mark Whittingham, Professor of Applied Ecology at Newcastle University during 2015-16, to explore the effects of disturbance on purple sandpiper and turnstone14. Key findings are as follows:

 WeBS count data from 1980/81 – 2014/15 show that turnstone numbers have declined at a significantly faster rate within the Northumbria Coast SPA than they have nationally or regionally.  WeBS count data from 1980/81 – 2014/15 show that purple sandpiper numbers have declined at a significantly faster rate locally than they have nationally, but that the regional population has declined at a significantly faster rate than the Northumbria Coast SPA population.  When bird numbers in the Northumbria Coast SPA and the Farne Islands SPA are considered together, the decline in both turnstone and purple sandpiper becomes more consistent with national trends, because numbers of both species on the Farne Islands have largely remained stable. Given the proximity of the Farne Islands to the coast, there is likely to be a lot of movement between the two, but further work is needed to ascertain the nature and extent of this.  The relationship between numbers of turnstone and purple sandpiper at 18 sections of SPA (peak WeBS counts) and area of artificial substrate (developed land) within 6km and 10km of them was investigated. It was found that there was no association between turnstone numbers and the extent of developed land within 6km or 10km, and no association between purple sandpiper numbers and the extent of developed land within 6km or 10km.  The relationship between the change in human population (Usual Resident Population) within 6km of 17 areas of SPA between 2000 and 2012 and the change in turnstone and purple sandpiper populations (peak WeBS counts) at those sites over the same period was examined. There was no significant correlation between changes in bird numbers at the sites and changes in human population within 6km of them over this 12 year period for either species.  Behavioural differences between turnstones approached by a walker and turnstones approached by a walker with a dog were analysed for six sites. There were no differences between the control, walker alone and walker with dog for the measures of peck rate, time spent head up (i.e. vigilant) and time spend head down (not vigilant). There was no difference in the likelihood of escaping (flying off, walking or running away) between individual turnstones approached by a walker or a walker with a dog. However, behavioural responses to free-ranging dogs were not tested. This work was undertaken on foraging birds. The very limited use of rocky shore by people and their dogs as shown by visitor surveys and observations in Northumberland and Durham, maintains a spatial

14 Whittingham, et al. (2016) What impact do walkers and dogs have on wintering waders in the Northumberland coastal SPA? Newcastle University Institute for Sustainability Final Report.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 76 separation between people and birds at lower states of the tide, which helps to avoid disturbance to foraging birds. For example, the survey of coastal dog walkers in North Northumberland undertaken in 2015-16, found that only 24% of dog walkers spent any time on the rocky shore, with the majority of these spending less than 10 minutes there. The results of this survey are included in Appendix 6 to this report.  Roosting birds are generally forced by the rising tide into increasingly small areas either on islands (free from disturbance) or the upper shore (maximum exposure to potential disturbance). Accordingly, the pattern of availability of rocky shore as the tide rises and the location of high tide roosts are likely to be key factors in determining the impact of development on these species.  Understanding the extent and way in which birds move between the Farne Islands and the mainland is an important area to explore. They may function as a safe roosting site for a proportion of the Northumbria Cost SPA population, considerably increasing the resilience of the population to increasing levels disturbance. However, the extent to which this is the case, and the length of coast over which this effect occurs has yet to be determined.

8.44 Accordingly, it is clear that the main focus of the assessment of new development on the SPA should be on high-tide roosts. This is because birds foraging during most of the tidal cycle have access to extensive areas of rocky shore, and these areas are comparatively undisturbed given peoples’ preferences to remain on areas of sandy beach. This tendency to a spatial separation is assisted by the geomorphology of most of the Northumberland coast, comprising long sandy bays with rocky headlands between them. This means that all areas of rocky shore SPA have extensive sandy beaches adjacent to them, providing preferential areas for human recreation. However, at high tide the limited availability of roosting sites can potentially expose relatively large concentrations of birds to disturbance, and therefore these are the features which are potentially most vulnerable to disturbance impacts.

8.45 Other factors that are important to consider include the following

(i) The nature and extent of the public rights of way network in the vicinity of a proposed new development Where developments are set back from the coast, it may be possible to divert some forms of recreational disturbance such as daily dog walking (as opposed to more extensive recreational walks) from the coast by ensuring that the new development is well-connected to the public rights of way network and that footpaths are well signed, maintained and offer attractive routes. This can form part of the overall green infrastructure strategy for a development. Addressing daily dog- walking is important, because this is an activity that has to be undertaken throughout the year and whatever the weather, and therefore can impact on waders at times when they are under most stress from other factors such as cold weather and limited daylight foraging hours.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 77

(ii) The scope for developing specific dog-exercise areas Areas can be provided which are designed to offer safe and attractive places for exercising dogs off-lead. To be effective such areas should allow for circular walks of around 2.7km, and have path surfaces that will enable year round use15. Accordingly, this will only be a realistic option for larger developments.

8.46 There is an existing dog control order, The Northumberland County Council (Dog Control) Public Spaces Protection Order 2017. This applies to any land within Northumberland to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access, and empowers authorised officers to require owners to put their dogs on a lead ‘if such constraint is necessary to prevent a nuisance or behaviour by the dog likely to cause annoyance or disturbance to any other person on any land to which this Schedule applies or the worrying or disturbance of any animal or bird’ (Schedule 4 para. 2(2) of the Order). Failure to comply with such a direction is an offence. This could clearly be applied to areas of shore, if for example signage requested that dogs were kept on lead on the rocky shore and alerted people to the existence of the order, and developer funding was used to provide a certain frequency of visits by dog wardens.

8.47 A stricter form of control would be to introduce Orders banning dogs from certain areas of shore or requiring that they be kept on leads. However, the introduction of such Orders requires an extensive consultation process which can become subject to intense public pressure, and so can have uncertain outcomes. As any Order is only as effective as the enforcement provided for it, these stricter Orders would not necessarily be any more effective than the Dogs on Lead by Direction Order that is already in force.

8.48 Based on the above, a range of mitigation options are available, to suit the particular circumstances of a proposed allocation, from the provision of improvements to the rights of way network and specific dog-exercise areas, to more prescriptive measures such as dogs-on-leads orders or dog bans that could be imposed on areas of SPA. Developer funding would be required for the latter to pay for periodic visits by dog wardens to enforce such restrictions. However, it is impossible to determine the mitigation that will be required in any particular location until specific sites are considered for allocation during the preparation of the Delivery Document.

8.49 This staged approach to the assessment of impacts arising from increased recreational disturbance on the Northumbria Coast SPA is consistent with advice from the Advocate General to the European Court16 and the High

15 Hampshire County Council Countryside Service (2013) Planning for Dog Ownership in New Developments: Reducing Conflict – Adding Value: Access and greenspace design guidance for planners and developers 16 Opinion of Advocate General Kokott, 9th June 2005, Case C-6/04. Commission of the European Communities v United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , paragraph 49. http://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?docid=58359&doclang=EN

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 78 Court case of Feeney v. Oxford City Council, the judgement of which states that: “A core strategy is a high level strategic document and the detail falls to be worked out at a later stage. Each appropriate assessment must be commensurate to the relative precision of the plans at any particular stage and no more. There does have to be an appropriate assessment at the Core Strategy stage, but such an assessment cannot do more than the level of detail of the strategy at that stage permits” 17

17 Sean Feeney v Oxford City Council and the Secretary of State CLG para 92 of the judgment dated 24 October 2011 Case No CO/3797/2011, Neutral Citation [2011] EWHC 2699 Admin http://www.oxford.gov.uk/Library/Documents/Barton%20AAP/Barton%20AAP%20CD%207.20.1%20Appendix%20Feene y%20v%20OCC%202011.pdf

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 79 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased disturbance affecting Northumberland Marine pSPA

8.50 The Northumberland Marine pSPA is an extensive site, stretching from Spittal to Blyth bay. It runs up to mean high water, and includes estuaries upto the tidal limit. The seaward site boundaries are defined by the foraging ranges of the breeding arctic terns at Long Nanny, the Farne Islands and Coquet Island, because these are the most wide-ranging of the tern species when foraging. The site includes the whole of the estuaries within the foraging area up to the tidal limit, because surveys have identified the use of estuaries by tern species.

8.51 Although the pSPA includes the intertidal zone, the implications of this are significantly different to those for migratory and wintering waders in the Northumbria Coast SPA. For purple sandpiper and turnstone, the intertidal zone provides the vast majority of the foraging and roosting habitat available to them, and it is used concurrently by birds and people and their dogs (i.e. when it is not covered by water). For foraging terns, the opposite is true; the intertidal zone represents a tiny proportion of their foraging habitat and is only used when it is covered by water. Accordingly, terrestrially-based recreational use of the intertidal zone will not have any implications for the pSPA. Disturbance from terrestrial activities adjacent to the intertidal zone such as construction could cause temporary displacement from adjacent foraging areas where noise levels were high enough to cause disturbance. However, because of the noise level limits imposed through environmental health regulations, this could only affect a miniscule proportion of the foraging areas for any of the species concerned, to the extent that such an effect would be de minimus, as has been confirmed by Natural England18.

8.52 Water-borne recreation, especially powered craft such as jet skis that operate in the shallow bays favoured by tern species could have a significant effect by temporarily excluding birds from favoured foraging areas. However, this is not an issue that can be addressed through a high level spatial plan, but the protective policies in this plan will enable it to be addressed effectively through the development management process where recreational facilities are subject to planning control.

8.53 Accordingly, any increase in recreational disturbance arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 of the Core Strategy will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Northumberland Marine proposed SPA.

18 Meeting with Katie Finkill-Coombs, Lead Advisor, Natural England, 16/02/16

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 80 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased disturbance affecting Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site – wintering and migratory waders and wildfowl

8.54 These are designated for a wide range of migratory and wintering wading birds and wildfowl, and for a small population of breeding little tern. The site extends to over 3600ha, the great majority of which comprises extensive areas of intertidal mud and sandflats, with smaller areas of saltmarsh. There are a number of factors that ensure that disturbance remains low over much of the site; primarily that it is a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and has a full time wardening team employed by Natural England, that NE has byelaw- making powers in the NNR which it uses to manage issues such as bait- digging, and the fact that much of the intertidal zone comprises soft sediments which are inaccessible to people.

8.55 The current condition of the component SSSI is as follows: Natural England’s condition assessment for Lindisfarne SSSI places 100% of the site in favourable or unfavourable recovering condition.

8.56 The proposed increase in housing within 10km of Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site between 2011-2031is extremely low. 900 new houses are proposed for Berwick upon Tweed, but 994 have already been constructed or consented; 460 new houses are proposed for Belford and Seahouses, but 317 have already been constructed or consented; and 1250 new houses are proposed for the rest of the north Northumberland delivery area, a small proportion of which could be within 10km of the SPA, but 711 have already been constructed or consented.

8.57 Tourism is anticipated to increase, but protective policies for the Natural Environment (Policies 28-29) and for the Northumberland Coast AONB (Policy 31) combined with the wording of the Tourism Policy itself will ensure that adequate protection can be afforded to the SPA and Ramsar site when considering tourism-related development. These factors, together with the protective factors outlined above will ensure that any increase in recreational disturbance arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 of the Core Strategy will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 81 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the North Northumberland Dunes SAC

8.58 The North Northumberland Dunes SAC comprises part or all of 6 SSSIs. The interest features of the SAC comprise embryonic shifting dunes; shifting dunes with marram grass; fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (a priority feature); dunes with creeping willow; humid dunes slacks; and a rare liverwort called Petalwort.

8.59 The current condition of the component SSSIs is as follows:

Warkworth Dunes and Saltmarsh 100% favourable condition; no mention of any access-related problems in the ‘Condition of SSSI Units’ report.

Bamburgh Coast and Hills Sand dune units of this site are all in favourable condition; no mention of any access-related problems in the ‘Condition of SSSI Units’ report.

Newton Links 100% favourable or unfavourable recovering; no mention of any access- related problems in the ‘Condition of SSSI Units’ report.

Bamburgh Dunes 100% unfavourable recovering; no mention of any access-related problems in the ‘Condition of SSSI Units’ report.

Alnmouth Saltmarsh and Dunes 100% favourable condition; no mention of any access-related problems in the ‘Condition of SSSI Units’ report.

Lindisfarne 100% favourable or unfavourable recovering; no mention of any access- related problems in the ‘Condition of SSSI Units’ report.

8.60 The effects of trampling on dune grassland can be positive as well as negative; the short vegetation and patches of bare sand provide valuable habitat for invertebrates. Petalwort, a rare liverwort that is one of the interest features of the SAC needs areas of low vegetation with limited completion from other plants, and so the edges of pathways provide one of the habitats in which it will grow. The extent to which mobilization of sand by trampling is a problem has been reviewed in recent years, as the importance of mobile sand to dune ecology has been better understood.

8.61 However, human access also provides the main vector for the spread of pirri- pirri bur, a non-native invasive species that is causing increasing problems within the dunes. This is because the seeds are contained within a sticky bur that is transported on clothing, shoe laces, dog’s fur etc.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 82 8.62 The Core Strategy proposes the delivery of 230 houses in Seahouses (which is about 3km away from the SAC at its nearest point) between 2011 and 2031 as part of an overall increase of 4190 houses across the North Northumberland Delivery Area. The Northumberland Destination Management Plan 2015-2020 has a target to increase the number of visitors to Northumberland by 5% by 2020. Given the Core Strategy’s approach of balancing the growth of tourism with environmental protection and the lack of current evidence of harm, it is concluded that any increase in trampling damage arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of any of the above sites.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 83 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Eutrophication from increased sewage discharge affecting the River Tweed SAC and Tweed Estuary SAC

River Tweed SAC 8.63 The component SSSIs of the SAC comprise the Till Catchment SSSI and the Lower Tweed and Whiteadder SSSI. The interest features of the SAC comprise watercourses with water-crowfoot communities; Atlantic salmon; otter; sea lamprey; brook lamprey; and river lamprey.

8.64 The current condition of component SSSIs is as follows:

Till Catchment 18% of the SSSI is in unfavourable recovering condition, 75% in unfavourable no change and 7% in unfavourable declining. The main reasons for units being in unfavourable – no change condition are agricultural diffuse pollution and morphological changes. The unit that is in favourable – declining is the unit at Wooler, where phosphate inputs from the sewage treatment works raise P levels in the river from very low to above those set in the favourable condition table. Furthermore, the Haugh Head ford and associated check weirs are compromising the morphology of this section of river.

Lower Tweed and Whiteadder 25% of the site is in favourable condition, 19% is in unfavourable recovering condition and 56% in unfavourable no change. The main causes of units being in unfavourable condition are agricultural diffuse pollution and non- native invasive species.

8.65 As the discharge from the Sewage Treatment Works at Wooler causes phosphorus levels in the river to exceed the levels set out in the SSSI condition table, any further increase in housing would worsen this and therefore cause an adverse effect on the integrity of the River Tweed SAC. The installation of equipment to remove phosphorus from the STW discharge is scheduled to take place in years 4 and 5 of the current Asset Management Plan (2019/20)19. This will enable further connections to the STW to be made without an adverse effect on the integrity of the SAC, but it will need to be identified in the Delivery Document that no allocations can proceed to planning application stage until this has been done.

Tweed Estuary SAC 8.66 The component SSSI of the SAC comprises the Lower Tweed and Whiteadder SSSI. The interest features of the SAC comprise estuaries, mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide, sea lamprey and river lamprey. This section of the Lower Tweed and Whiteadder comprises two units, one of which is in unfavourable recovering condition and one of which is in favourable condition. Natural England has advised that phosphorous levels are less of a concern for estuaries but that the potential

19 Email from Alastair Welch, Natural England to David Feige, Northumberland County Council, 03/08/15

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 84 impact of increased nitrogen levels should be considered, because nitrogen is usually the limiting factor for algal growth in the marine environment. However, it is difficult to determine an appropriate target for dissolved organic nitrogen (DIN) for any particular estuary as complex issues such as the flushing time and scour rate influence this. Furthermore, agriculture is likely to account for the majority of DIN in the estuary. Overall, given the lack of evidence of eutrophication in the estuary at present and the low housing numbers for the catchment in the Core Strategy, Natural England has advised that any increases in sewage discharge arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 of the Core Strategy are unlikely to have an adverse effect on the Tweed Estuary SAC20.

20 Email from Bob Cussen, Natural England, to David Feige, Northumberland County Council, 16/09/15

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 85 Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the Simonside Hills SAC

8.67 This SAC is underlain by a single SSSI of the same name. The interest features of the SAC comprise dry heath and blanket bog, blanket bog being a priority feature if it is active.

8.68 100% of Simonside Hills SSSI is in favourable or unfavourable recovering condition, and there is no mention of any access-related problems in the ‘Condition of SSSI Units’ report.

8.69 The Core Strategy proposes the delivery of 200 houses in Rothbury (which is about 3km away from the SAC at its nearest point) between 2011 and 2031 as part of an overall increase of 4190 houses across the North Northumberland Delivery Area. While the Simonside Hills is within the 10km zone of influence for recreational walking, there are a range of sites providing opportunities for walking within this area. Accordingly, and given the absence of any signs of adverse effects at present, it is concluded that any increase in recreational disturbance arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 will not cause an adverse effect on the integrity of the Simonside Hills SAC.

Policies 3, 9 and 15 - Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation in the Harbottle Moors SAC

8.70 This SAC is underlain by a single SSSI of the same name. Dry heath is the sole SAC interest feature.

8.71 100% of Harbottle Moors SSSI is in unfavourable recovering condition, and there is no mention of any access-related problems in the ‘Condition of SSSI Units’ report.

8.72 The Core Strategy proposes the delivery of 200 houses in Rothbury (which is about 12km away from the SAC at its nearest point) between 2011 and 2031 as part of an overall increase of 4190 houses across the North Northumberland Delivery Area. Accordingly, and given the absence of any signs of adverse effects at present, it is concluded that any increase in recreational disturbance arising from Policies 3, 9 and 15 will not cause an adverse effect on the integrity of the Harbottle Moors SAC.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 86 Natural England’s Formal Advice concerning the Northumberland Core Strategy Habitats Regulations Assessment

8.73 In its consultation response to the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-Submission draft and associated HRA, Natural England provided the following advice (letter from Andrew Whitehead, dated 24 November 2015, ref. 168765, Case 7450):

‘Habitats Regulations Assessment – Appropriate Assessment Natural England agrees with the conclusions reached in the Appropriate Assessment that the policies taken forward for consideration will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the European Sites.

We note that the conclusions of impacts in relation to air quality may be updated prior to the publication of the final version of the HRA. It is also worth noting that Natural England considers a 200m buffer to be the maximum distance at which nitrogen deposition from vehicle exhausts is likely to have an effect on habitat.

Furthermore, we agree with the areas identified to be taken forward for further consideration in delivery documents, particularly the protection of Mount Pleasant peninsula on the Blyth Estuary, the identification of housing sites, and the recognition that new connections to the Wooler Sewage Treatment Works should not be considered prior to the installation of phosphorus removal equipment to ensure levels do not rise further.’

8.74 In its consultation response to the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-Submission draft – Proposed Major Modifications and associated HRA, Natural England provided the following advice (online response from Andrew Whitehead, dated 26 July 2016, comment ID CSMM-274):

‘Habitats Regulations Assessment – Appropriate Assessment We previously advised that the policies taken forward for consideration within the Appropriate Assessment would not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the European Sites within Northumberland, or surrounding counties where there is potential to impact these sites. Having considered the revised Appropriate Assessment, Natural England still agrees with the conclusions reached. We note that certain issues will be taken forward for consideration within Delivery Documents, and agree that these areas require further assessment when more details are known.’

8.75 In its consultation response to the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-Submission draft – Proposed Further Modifications and associated HRA, Natural England provided the following advice (letter from Ellen Bekker, dated 9 December 2016 ref. 201180 and 201432, Case 7450):

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 87 Habitats Regulations Assessment (November 2016) Natural England notes that this Habitats Regulations Assessment has not undergone any further modifications in relation to the previous version from June 2016. We agree that the proposed further major modifications do not warrant any changes to the assessment. Therefore, our advice dated 21 July 2016 (reference 189060, Case 7450) still applies:

“We previously advised that the policies taken forward for consideration within the Appropriate Assessment would not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the European Sites within Northumberland, or surrounding counties where there is potential to impact these sites. Having considered the revised Appropriate Assessment, Natural England still agrees with the conclusions reached. We note that certain issues will be taken forward for consideration within Delivery Documents, and agree that these areas require further assessment when more details are known. “

8.76 Natural England’s full responses are included as Appendix 1 to this report.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 88

9. Conclusion

9.1 Having undertaken a screening assessment of the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-Submission Draft and subsequent modifications, Northumberland County Council concluded, and Natural England concurred that the following policies were likely to have a significant effect on the European sites listed as follows:

Policy 3. Spatial Distribution Policy 4. Employment Land Supply Policy 5. Blyth Estuary Strategic Employment Area Policy 9.Tourism and Visitor Development Policy 15. Housing Provision Policy 16. Strategic Delivery Sites and Additional Housing Allocations

9.2 The potential effects of Policies 3 and 4 are limited to purple sandpiper and turnstone in the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site and sandwich tern and arctic tern in the Northumberland Marine pSPA. The potential impacts of policies 3, 9, 15 and 16 have much in common and are as follows:

Increased disturbance to breeding upland waders and raptors North Pennine Moors SPA

Increased disturbance to breeding little tern and arctic tern Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site

Increased disturbance to foraging little, arctic, common, roseate and sandwich terns Northumberland Marine pSPA

Increased disturbance to migratory and wintering waders and wildfowl Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site Lindisfarne SPA and Ramsar Site

Increased trampling damage to sensitive vegetation North Pennine Moors SAC Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC North Pennines Dales Meadows SAC Simonside Hills SAC Harbottle Moors SAC North Northumberland Dunes SAC

Eutrophication from increased sewage discharge Tweed Estuary SAC

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 89 River Tweed SAC

9.3 Accordingly, Northumberland County Council has undertaken an appropriate assessment of these aspects of the Plan on the interest features of the European sites features listed above.

9.4 Northumberland County Council concludes that the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-Submission Draft, the Proposed Major Modifications (June 2016) and Proposed Further Major Modifications (November 2016) will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of any European site. In making that assessment, the Council has taken account of the potential for the Plan to contribute to cumulative effects with other plans or projects.

Issues to be addressed during the preparation of the Delivery Document

9.5 Certain issues have been identified in the course of this assessment that can only be addressed when more detailed plans are developed, such as housing site allocations, as part of the Northumberland Local Plan Delivery Document. These are as follows:

Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site 9.6 It is important that the Mount Pleasant peninsula in the Blyth Estuary is protected from inappropriate development, to prevent any in-combination effects on turnstone with the Blyth Estuary Local Development Order. Even a small development that reduced the value of Mount Pleasant peninsula could compromise the development of much more economically important sites within the estuary by increasing pressure on the key species and removing the last remaining suitable mitigation sites within the estuary. Accordingly, it is important that this issue is carried forward to the development of the Delivery Document, to ensure that it does not propose anything that could adversely affect the Mount Pleasant peninsula.

9.7 It is considered that the Core Strategy will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site in respect of the specific interest features of purple sandpiper and turnstone. However, further assessment will be required when considering specific sites for allocation in the Delivery Document, so that the effect of allocating these sites on the SPA can be determined and the nature and extent of any mitigation required to ensure that there will not be an adverse effect on the integrity of these sites arising from their allocation can be identified.

River Tweed SAC 9.8 As the discharge from the Sewage Treatment Works at Wooler causes phosphorus levels in the river to exceed the levels set out in the SSSI condition table, any further increase in housing would worsen this and therefore cause an adverse effect on the integrity of the River Tweed SAC. The installation of equipment to remove phosphorus from the STW discharge

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 90 is scheduled to take place in years 4 and 5 of the current Asset Management Plan (2019/20). As this will enable further connections to the STW to be made without an adverse effect on the integrity of the SAC and so it will need to be identified in the Delivery Document that no allocations can proceed to planning application stage until this has been done.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 91 10. Bibliography

Alnwick District Council (1997) Alnwick District Wide Local Plan.

Alnwick District Council (2006) Alnwick District Local Development Framework Core Strategy

Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council (1999) Berwick-upon-Tweed Local Plan.

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Blyth Valley Borough Council (2006) Blyth Valley District Local Development Framework Core Strategy.

Borough of Poole, Bournemouth Borough Council, Christchurch Borough Council, Dorset County Council, East Dorset District Council and Purbeck District Council (2012) The Dorset Heathlands Planning Framework 2012-2014 Supplementary Planning Document.

Cadwallender, T. and Cadwallender, M. (2013) A Study of Specified Migrating and Over-wintering Wading Birds of the Northumberland Coast. Report for Northumberland County Council.

Carlisle District Council (2015) Carlisle District Local Plan (2015-2030) Proposed Submission Draft. Castle Morpeth Borough Council (1991) Castle Morpeth District Local Plan.

Cruickshanks, K., Liley, D., Fearnley, H., Stillman, R., Harvell, P., Hoskin, R. & Underhill –Day, J (2010) Desk-based Study on Recreational Disturbance to Birds on the Humber Estuary. Footprint Ecology / Humber Management Scheme

David Tyldesley and Associates (2013) Habitats Regulations Assessment of Preferred Strategy to Inform the Swansea Local Development Plan.

DCLG (2012) National Planning Policy Framework

Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (2012) DfT

Durham County Council (undated) Natural Environment SPD.

Durham County Council (undated) The County Durham Plan, European Protected Sites, Habitats Regulations Assessment & Mitigation Measures

Durham County Council (2012) Recreational and Urbanisation Impacts of the Local Plan.

Durham County Council (2013) Pre-Submission Draft Local Plan Habitat Regulations Assessment Report. October 2013

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 92 Durham County Council (2014) The County Durham Plan: Addendum to the Habitat Regulations Assessment of the County Durham Plan Pre-submission. March 2014

Durham County Council (2014) Addendum to the Habitat Regulations Assessment of the County Durham Plan Pre-Submission

Durham County Council (2014) County Durham Plan 2014-2030 Submission Draft

Eden District Council (2014) Eden Local Plan 2014-2032 Preferred Options Consultation

English Nature Habitats Regulations Guidance Notes:  HRGN 1; The Appropriate Assessment (Regulation 48). May 1997.  HRGN 3; The Determination of Likely Significant Effect. November 1999.  HRGN 4; Alone or in Combination. May 2001.

English Nature and Scottish Natural Heritage (2000) Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site; English Nature’s and Scottish Natural Heritage’s advice given in compliance with Regulation 33(2) and in support of the implementation of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994.

English Nature (2005) Dogs, Access and Nature Conservation. Research Report no. 649

English Nature (2006) Draft Guidance: The Assessment of Regional Spatial Strategies and Sub-Regional Strategies under the Provisions of the Habitats Regulations.

Environment Agency (2009) River Basin Management Plan – Northumbria River Basin District. Annex A: Current State of Waters

Environment Agency (2014) A Summary of Information about the Water Environment in the Northumberland Rivers Management Catchment

Environment Agency (2014) A Summary of Information about the Water Environment in the Tyne Management Catchment

Environment Agency (2014) Water for Life and Livelihoods: A Consultation on the Draft Update to the River Basin Management Plan for the Northumbria River Basin District

European Communities (1992) Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.

European Commission (2000) Managing Natura 2000 Sites; the Provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC.

European Commission (2001) Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 93

Feeney v Oxford City Council and the Secretary of State CLG judgment dated 24 October 2011 Case No CO/3797/2011, Neutral Citation [2011] EWHC 2699 Admin http://www.oxford.gov.uk/Library/Documents/Barton%20AAP/Barton%20AAP%20CD%20 7.20.1%20Appendix%20Feeney%20v%20OCC%202011.pdf

Hampshire County Council (2013) Planning for Dog Ownership in New Developments: Reducing Conflict – Adding Value

HMSO (1994) The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, SI no. 2716.

HMSO (2010) The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, SI 490

HMSO (2012) The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012, SI 1927

Holt, C.A., Austin, G.E., Calbrade, N.A., Mellan, H.J., Hearn, R.D., Stroud, D.A., Wotton, S.R. and Musgrove, A.J. 2015. Waterbirds in the UK 2013/14: The Wetland Bird Survey. BTO/RSPB/JNCC. Thetford. http://www.bto.org/volunteer- surveys/webs/publications/webs-annual-report

Johnson, C., Taylor, K., Houldin, C., Race, H. & Birtles, J. 2009. Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 (Part 1): National Open Access Visitor Survey (2006-2008) - Access Management Report. Natural England Commissioned Report, Number NECR036c.

Liley, D., Hoskin, R., Lake, S., Underhill-Day, J. and Cruickshanks, K. (2013) South- east Devon European Sites Mitigation Strategy. Unpublished report for East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council and Teignbridge District Council

Liley, D. & Tyldesley, D. (2013) Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project: Phase III, Towards an Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy. Footprint Ecology / David Tyldesley & Associates.

Natural England (2015) Atmospheric Nitrogen Theme Plan: Developing a Strategic Approach for England’s Natura 2000 Sites. IPENS TP013

Natural England (2015) Climate Change Theme Plan: Developing a Strategic Approach to Climate Change Adaptation. IPENS TP014

Natural England (2015) Diffuse Water Pollution Theme Plan: Developing a Strategic Approach to Diffuse water Pollution for England’s Natura 2000 Sites. IPENS TP015

Natural England (2015) Public Access and Disturbance Theme Plan: a Strategic Approach to Identifying and Addressing Significant Effects on the Features of Natura 2000 Sites. IPENS TP022

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 94 North East Local Enterprise Partnership (2014) More and Better Jobs: A Strategic Economic Plan for the North East

Northumberland County Council (2000) Northumberland Minerals Local Plan.

Northumberland County Council (2001) Northumberland Waste Local Plan.

Northumberland County Council and Northumberland National Park Authority (2005) Northumberland County and National Park Joint Structure Plan.

Northumberland County Council (2011) Northumberland Local Transport Plan 2011- 2026.

Northumberland County Council (2011) Local Transport Plan 2011-2026 Strategy Document

Northumberland County Council (2011) Local Transport Plan 2011-2015 Implementation Plan

Northumberland County Council (2015) Northumberland Economic Strategy 2015- 2020

ODPM (2006) The Application of Appropriate Assessment under Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC to Development Plans in the transitional period between now and when the Amending Regulations come into force. Letter to Chief Planning Officers of 28/2/06.

ODPM (2005) Government Circular: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System.

Opinion of Advocate General Kokott, 9th June 2005, Case C-6/04. Commission of the European Communities v United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland http://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?docid=58359&doclang=EN

Scott Wilson, Levett-Therivel Sustainability Consultants, Treweek Environmental Consultants and Land Use Consultants (2006) Appropriate Assessment of Plans.

SKM Enviros (2011) Blyth – Cambois Wader Study. Report to Northumberland County Council

Stillman, R.A., Cox, J., Liley, D., Ravenscroft, N., Sharp, J. and Wells, M. (2009) Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project: Phase l Report. Report to the Solent Forum

Surrey Heath Borough Council (2012) Local Development Framework 2011-2028: Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Avoidance Strategy Supplementary Planning Document

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 95 Tyldesley, D. and Chapman, C. (2013) The Habitats Regulations Assessment Handbook (June 2015 update) DTA Publications Ltd

Tynedale District Council (2000) Tynedale District Local Plan.

Tynedale District Council (2006) Tynedale District Local Development Framework Core Strategy.

Wansbeck District Council (2007) Wansbeck District Local Plan.

WeBS Report Online (http://app.bto.org/webs-reporting/) accessed on various dates during August-September 2015.

Whittingham, M.J., McKenzie, A.J., Wilkinson, C., Dick, R., Smurthwaite, B., Major, L., Aynsley, C., Woods, S., Batts, A., Ward, A., McCloud, S., Cadwallender, T. & Percival S.M. (2016) What impact do walkers and dogs have on wintering waders in the Northumberland coastal SPA? Newcastle University Institute for Sustainability Final Report.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 96 Appendix 1

Natural England’s responses to the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-submission Draft Habitats Regulations Assessment October 2015, Major Modifications Habitats Regulations Assessment June 2016 and Further Major Modifications Habitats Regulations Assessment, November 2016

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 97

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 98

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 99 Core Strategy Pre-Submission Draft - Proposed Major Modifications June 2016.

Comment by Natural England (Mr Andrew Whitehead) Comment ID CSMM-274 Response Date 26/07/16 14:23

Question 2 Do you consider that this proposed major modification meets the legal and procedural requirements? Yes

Question 3 Local Planning Authorities should submit a plan for examination which is considered to be ‘sound’. To be sound, the plan must be:  positively prepared;  justified;  effective; and  consistent with national policy.  Do you consider that this proposed major modification has met these tests? Yes

Question 4 Do you consider this proposed major modification to be unsound because it is not:

Question 6 Have you raised issues during previous consultation on the Core Strategy? Yes

If you have answered ‘no’ please explain why this issue has not been raised before

Planning consultation: Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-submission Draft – Proposed Major Modifications Consultation.

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 15 June 2016 which was received by Natural England on the same day.

Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Core Strategy Our previous response of 24 November 2015 suggested wording within Policy 28 referring to best and most versatile agricultural land, and the need to protect. We are pleased to note that a specific reference to best and most versatile agricultural land is now included within the Policy wording.

Habitats Regulations Assessment – Appropriate Assessment We previously advised that the policies taken forward for consideration within the Appropriate Assessment would not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the European Sites within Northumberland, or surrounding counties where there is potential to impact these sites. Having considered the revised Appropriate Assessment, Natural England still agrees with the conclusions reached. We note that certain issues will be taken forward for consideration within Delivery Documents, and agree that these areas require further assessment when more details are

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 100 known.

Sustainability Assessment We have no further comment to make on the Sustainability Appraisal, and agree with the conclusions reached within it.

Soundness Natural England recognises that comments at this stage of the plan making process should be based on the Tests of Soundness as set out in paragraph 182 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Having reviewed the amendments to policies, wording and allocations within the Plan Natural England considers it to be compliant with national policies that seek to conserve and enhance the natural environment.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Question 8

If your representation is seeking a change, do you consider it necessary to participate in the Independent Examination? No

Question 10 Following the consultation on the Pre-Submission, notifications to an email address/postal address can be provided for the following:

 Submission of the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy for independent examination;  Publication of the recommendations of any person appointed to carry out an independent examination  of the Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy; and  The adoption of the Core Strategy for Northumberland.

Please indicate below if you would or would not like to be notified at an address/email address of the following above. Yes - I would like to receive these notifications

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 101

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 102

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 103 Appendix 2 - Record of Screening of Modifications, June 2016

Minor Modifications

Minor modifications are insignificant changes that do not affect the policy framework of the Plan or its interpretation. Consequently they will not have a significant effect on any European sites and have been screened out.

Major Modifications

Major modifications are proposed changes that are significant in nature, affecting the policy framework of the Plan or its interpretation. These have been assed individually to determine if they are likely to have a significant effect on any European sites, and this assessment is set out in the table below:

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 104

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference MAJ/03/01 Paragraph 3.5, Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 2nd bullet point MAJ/03/02 Figure 3.2 (Key Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Diagram) MAJ/04/01 Paragraph General aspiration – screened out. Specific locations assessed below 4.7, 1st bullet point MAJ/04/02 Policy 1: Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Sustainable development MAJ/04/03 Paragraph Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 4.18 MAJ/04/04 Paragraph Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 4.19 MAJ/04/05 Paragraph Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 4.20 MAJ/04/06 Paragraph Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 4.20A MAJ/04/07 Paragraph Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 4.23A MAJ/04/08 Paragraph Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 4.23B MAJ/04/09 Paragraph Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 4.23C MAJ/04/10 Policy 2: High Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out quality sustainable design

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 105

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference MAJ/04/11 Policy 3: Spatial Policy already screened into Appropriate Assessment – remains screened in distribution MAJ/05/01 Paragraph Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 5.19A MAJ/05/02 Table 5.1 Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/03 Paragraph 5.24 Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/04 Paragraph 5.25 General aspiration – screened out. Specific locations assessed below

MAJ/05/05 Paragraph Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 5.25A MAJ/05/06 Table 5.2 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/07 Table 5.2 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/08 Table 5.2 Allocation of the Aluminium Smelter site as a general employment site does not in itself have implications for European sites. Individual development proposals will be assessed through the development management process.

MAJ/05/09 Table 5.2 Minor changes in allocation of employment land west of Morpeth will not have any effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/10 Table 5.2 Minor changes in allocation of employment land at Ponteland will not have any effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/11 Table 5.2 Minor changes in allocation of employment land at Prudhoe will not have any effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 106

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference

MAJ/05/12 Paragraph 5.30 Reduction in area of land to be allocated for employment use - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/13 Paragraph 5.31 Reduction in area of land to be allocated for employment use - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/14 Paragraph 5.32 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/15 Paragraph 5.33 Reduction in area of land to be allocated for employment use - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out. Proposal in Alnwick Neighbourhood Plan screened out through its own HRA

MAJ/05/16 Table 5.3 General aspiration – screened out. Specific locations assessed below

MAJ/05/17 Paragraph 5.34 Reduction in area of land to be allocated for employment use - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/18 Paragraph 5.35 Reduction in area of land to be allocated for employment use - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/19 Paragraph 5.36 Reduction in area of land to be allocated for employment use - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out MAJ/05/20 Paragraph 5.37 The allocation of a new 2ha employment site for b-class uses (offices) adjoining Prestwick Park, Ponteland will not have any implications for European sites given its location, size and nature – screened out.

MAJ/05/21 Paragraph 5.41 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/22 Paragraph 5.42 Protecting land at Wansbeck Business Park East for b-class uses will not affect European sites – screened out.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 107

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference MAJ/05/23 Paragraph 5.43 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/24 Paragraph 5.44 Minor changes in allocation of employment land west of Morpeth will not have any effect on European sites – screened out MAJ/05/25 Paragraph 5.47 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/26 Policy 4: Policy already screened into Appropriate Assessment – remains screened in Employment land supply and distribution MAJ/05/27 Paragraph 5.56 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/28 Figure 5.1 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/29 Paragraph 5.59 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/30 Paragraph 5.60 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/31 Paragraph 5.66 Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/32 Policy 6: home run Change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out businesses MAJ/05/33 Paragraph 5.67 De-allocation - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/34 Paragraph 5.69 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/35 Policy 7: Windfall Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out employment

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 108

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference development MAJ/05/36 Paragraph 5.82 Change confirms existing use of sites - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/37 Policy 8: Rural Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out economy MAJ/05/38 Policy 9: Tourism Policy already screened into Appropriate Assessment – remains screened in and visitor development MAJ/05/39 Paragraph 5.113 Reflection of updated evidence base - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/40 Paragraph 5.113A Reflection of updated evidence base - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/41 Paragraph 5.118 Reflection of updated evidence base - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/42 Policy 10: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Hierarchy of Centres MAJ/05/43 Paragraph 5.129 Reflection of updated evidence base - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/44 Paragraph 5.131 Reflection of updated evidence base - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/45 Paragraph 5.133 Reflection of updated evidence base - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/46 Paragraph 5.134 Reflection of updated evidence base - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/47 Policy 11: Role of Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Centres MAJ/05/48 Policy 12: Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 109

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference Commercial Town Centres MAJ/05/49 Policy 13: Office Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out accommodation within Commercial and Larger Village Centres MAJ/05/50 Paragraph 5.152 Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/51 Paragraph 5.152A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/05/52 Policy 14: Leisure Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out facilities MAJ/06/01 Paragraph 6.16A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/02 Table 6.2 Minor increase in housing numbers in Central Delivery Area – already screened into Appropriate Assessment – remains screened in MAJ/06/03 Policy 15: Housing Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Provision – scale and distribution MAJ/06/04 Paragraph 6.29 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/05 Paragraph 6.29A Clarification of text after merging Policies 16 and 17- change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out MAJ/06/06 Policy 16: Clarification of text after merging Policies 16 and 17- change cannot have an effect on European sites – Strategic delivery screened out. sites Additional housing allocations in Hexham, Ponteland and Prudhoe: Shaws Lane, Hexham – screened in because within recreational zone of influence for North Pennine Moors SPA

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 110

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference and North Pennine Moors SAC (see paras 8.3 – 8.17 above). Ponteland and Prudhoe sites - given distance to nearest European sites and nature of development, cannot have an effect on European sites and so can be screened out.

MAJ/06/07 Policy 17: Policy deleted after being combined with Policy 16 – screened out Additional housing sites MAJ/06/08 Paragraph 6.44A Existing text moved and clarified - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/09 Paragraph 6.44B Existing text moved and clarified - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/10 Paragraph 6.44C Existing text moved and clarified - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/11 Paragraph 6.44D Existing text moved and clarified - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/12 Paragraph 6.44E Existing text moved and clarified - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/13 Paragraph 6.44F Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/14 Policy 18: Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Planning for housing MAJ/06/15 Paragraph 6.46A Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/16 Paragraph 6.65 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/17 Paragraph 6.67A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/18 Paragraph 6.67C Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

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Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference

MAJ/06/19 Paragraph 6.68A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/20 Paragraph 6.69 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/21 Paragraph 6.70 Deleted text - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/22 Paragraph 6.71 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/23 Paragraph 6.72A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/24 Paragraph 6.73 Deleted text - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/25 Paragraph 6.74 Deleted text - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/26 Paragraph 6.75 Deleted text - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/27 Paragraph 6.76 Deleted text - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/28 Policy 19: Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Delivering affordable housing MAJ/06/29 Policy 20: Rural Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out exception sites MAJ/06/30 Paragraph 6.102 Clarifications and deletions - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/06/31 Paragraph 6.103 Deleted text - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 112

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference

MAJ/07/01 Policy 24: Green Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Belt MAJ/07/02 Figure 7.2 Changes to map to reflect green belt deletions – impacts assessed in relation to Policy 3

MAJ/07/03 Paragraph 7.22 Changes to text to reflect green belt deletions – impacts assessed in relation to Policy 3

MAJ/07/04 Paragraph 7.22A Changes to text to reflect green belt deletions – impacts assessed in relation to Policy 3

MAJ/07/05 Paragraph 7.23 Changes to text to reflect green belt deletions – impacts assessed in relation to Policy 3

MAJ/07/06 Paragraph 7.27 Changes to text to reflect green belt deletions – impacts assessed in relation to Policy 3

MAJ/07/07 Figure 7.3 Changes to map to reflect green belt deletions – impacts assessed in relation to Policy 3

MAJ/07/08 Paragraph 7.29 Changes to text to reflect green belt deletions – impacts assessed in relation to Policy 3

MAJ/07/09 Paragraph 7.30 Clarifications concerning Ponteland Neighbourhood Plan, which will itself be subject to HRA so screened out

MAJ/07/10 Paragraph 7.34 Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/07/11 Paragraph 7.36 Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/07/12 Policy 25: Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Safeguarded land MAJ/07/13 Figure 7.5 Minor changes to Morpeth map to reflect changes assessed in relation to Policy 3

MAJ/07/14 Policy 26: Uses Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 113

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference acceptable in the green belt MAJ/07/15 Policy 27: Clarifications - changes cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Expansion of employment or visitor related building in the green belt MAJ/08/01 Policy 28: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Principles for the environment MAJ/08/02 Policy 29: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Biodiversity and geodiversity MAJ/08/03 Policy 30: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Landscape MAJ/08/04 Policy 31: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Northumberland Coast AONB MAJ/08/05 & Paragraph Wording moved to new paragraph - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out 06 8.63/8.63A MAJ/08/07 Policy 32: North Minor changes to wording - change will not have an effect on European sites – screened out Pennines AONB MAJ/08/08 Paragraph 8.67A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/08/09 Policy 33: Historic Changes to policy do not have implications for European sites – screened out. Environment and Heritage Assets MAJ/08/10 Paragraph 8.100 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 114

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference

MAJ/08/11 Figure 8.4 Clarification of plan - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/08/12 Paragraph 8.110 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/08/13 Paragraph 8.112 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/08/14 Paragraph 8.117 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/08/15 Policy 37: Minor changes to policy will have no effect on European sites or possibly a marginal benefit – screened out Flooding MAJ/08/16 Policy 39: Coastal Protection afforded to designated sites strengthened – screened out Erosion and Coastal Change Management MAJ/09/01 Paragraph 9.11A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/09/02 Paragraph 9.17A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/09/03 Paragraph 9.17B Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/09/04 Paragraph 9.17E Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/09/05 Paragraph 9.17F Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/09/06 Policy 41: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Promoting Sustainable Communities

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 115

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference MAJ/09/07 Paragraph 9.19A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/09/08 Paragraph 9.19G Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/09/09 Policy 41A: The Relocated Policy 43 which was previously screened out, with some amendments to improve clarity - change Effect of the cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Development on the Transport Network MAJ/09/10 & Paragraph Paragraph expanded and new paragraph added to provide more details of Highways England’s potential road MAJ/09/11 9.23/9.23A improvement plans for the northern end of the A1 western bypass and junctions on the A19 – this will not in itself have any implications for European sites, and these plans will be subject to HRA if they are developed further MAJ/09/12 Paragraph 9.24B New sentence recognises importance of links to neighbouring authorities, but as an aspiration, without specific measures. This cannot affect European sites – screened out MAJ/09/13 Policy 42: Changes concern general aspirations to support projects that are the responsibility of a different body Improving (Highways England) - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Northumberland’s Core Road Network MAJ/09/14 Paragraph 9.26 Deleted sentence - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out MAJ/09/15 Policy 43: The Policy moved to be Policy 41A - cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Effects of Development on the Road Network MAJ/09/16 Paragraph 9.34A Long term aspiration for metro extension- cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/09/17 Paragraph 9.35A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 116

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference MAJ/09/18 Policy 44: Rail Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Transport and Safeguarding Facilities MAJ/09/19 Paragraph 9.45 Strengthened protection for designated sites including European sites – screened out MAJ/10/01 Paragraph 10.3 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/10/02 Policy 49: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Community Services and Facilities MAJ/10/03 Policy 50: Open Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Space and Facilities for Sport and Recreation MAJ/10/04 Policy 51: Green New clause inserted concerning net gains for biodiversity - change cannot have an adverse effect on European Infrastructure sites – screened out

MAJ/11/01 Policy 52: Minor changes to wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Environmental Criteria for Assessing Minerals Proposals MAJ/11/02 Policy 54: Mineral Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out and Landfill Site Restoration and After-use MAJ/11/03 Policy 56: Coal Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 117

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference

MAJ/11/04 Policy 58: Clays Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/05 Policy 59: Natural Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Building and Roofing Stone MAJ/11/06 Policy 60: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Conventional and Unconventional Oil and Gas MAJ/11/07 Paragraph 11.45 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/08 Policy 61: Peat Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/09 Policy 62: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Safeguarding Minerals Related Infrastructure MAJ/11/10- Paragraph Alterations to supporting text to ensure consistency with amended Policy 62 which has itself been screened out 11 11.72/72A - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/12 Paragraph 11.72B Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/13 Paragraph 11.73 Deleted paragraph - change does not have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/14 Paragraph 11.74 Deleted paragraph - change does not have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/15 Paragraph 11.75 Deleted paragraph - change does not have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 118

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference MAJ/11/16 Paragraph 11.76 Deleted paragraph - change does not have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/17 Paragraph 11.77 Deleted paragraph - change does not have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/18 Paragraph 11.78A Alterations to supporting text to ensure consistency with amended Policy 66 which has itself been screened out - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/19 Policy 65: Clarification of wording - change will not have an effect on European sites – screened out Renewable and Low Carbon Energy MAJ/11/20 Paragraph 11.80A Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/21 Paragraph 11.80B Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/22 Paragraph 11.80C Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/23 Paragraph 11.88 Deleted paragraph - change does not have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/11/24 Policy 66: Changes made to reflect written ministerial statement - changes do not have an effect on European sites – Onshore Wind screened out

MAJ/11/25 Policy 67: Solar Changes to ensure consistency with national policy and improve clarity- changes do not have an effect on Photovoltaic European sites – screened out Farms MAJ/12/01 Paragraph 12.9 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/12/02 Policy 68: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Implementation

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 119

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference MAJ/12/03 Paragraph 12.13 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/12/04 Paragraph 12.16 Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/12/05 Policy 69: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Planning for Infrastructure MAJ/12/06 Paragraph 12.18 Deleted paragraph - change does not have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/12/07 Policy 70: Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Planning Conditions and Obligations MAJ/AA/01- Appendix A: Changes to maps to reflect de-allocations, make corrections and include a small number of new allocations. 30 Employment Land None of these likely to have a significant effect on European sites – screened out. Portfolio MAJ/AB/01 Appendix B: Minor boundary change in Morpeth - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Primary Shopping Area and Commercial Centre boundaries - Morpeth MAJ/AB/02 Appendix B: Minor boundary change in Prudhoe- change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Primary Shopping Area and Commercial Centre boundaries - Prudhoe MAJ/AD/01 Appendix D Heddon map amended to correct error - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 120

Change Policy/Paragraph/ Screening assessment of proposed changes Reference Figure Reference

MAJ/AD/02 Appendix D Pegswood map amended to ensure consistency with Morpeth Neighbourhood Plan – already subject to HRA so screened out

MAJ/AD/03 Appendix D Stannington Station map amended to change inset boundary - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

MAJ/AF/01 Appendix F – Extent of safeguarded area increased – given nature and location change cannot have an effect on European Railhead at sites – screened out Steadsburn

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 121 Appendix 3 - Record of Screening of Proposed Further Major Modifications, November 2016

Major Modifications

Major modifications are proposed changes that are significant in nature, affecting the policy framework of the Plan or its interpretation. These have been assed individually to determine if they are likely to have a significant effect on any European sites, and this assessment is set out in the table below:

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Pre-Submission Draft Schedule of proposed further major modifications, November 2016 Figure 3.2 (Key Amend Figure 3.2 to add a symbol for Dissington Garden Village diagram) proposal and amend the Green Belt boundary designation to reflect changes in relation to the Dissington Garden Village proposal.

Screening Assessment Change to key diagram cannot have an effect on European sites and the Garden Village itself is assessed separately, so screened out.

Table 5.2 Amend to read: Employment land evidence Existing employment land at Fairmoor, both north and south of the recommendations A192,is identified for employment in the plan period is to be safeguarded and Core for development beyond 2031 development accounting for deliverability Strategy issues, removing 11ha from the existing land portfolio for the plan allocations period. When added to the land to be developed for an innovation centre and new trunk road service area (planning consent still pending) west of Lancaster Park, this will represent a quality environment total of almost 15 hectares of new employment of the town centre land at Morpeth during the Plan period. A new employment allocation of 14.5 hectares will be provided west of Lancaster Park, to be accessed directly from the Morpeth Northern Bypass. The land at Fairmoor will provide for specific opportunities for new economic growth. It is anticipated that some of the site will accommodate a new trunk road service area to support the key tourism industry, and a high quality office and research and development scheme with the potential to introduce new sectoral growth. The remainder of the site will be protected for further employment development to support the planned growth of the town to 2031. Land south of Coopies Lane will now be included within the Morpeth Green Belt inset but safeguarded for employment use beyond the Plan period. The plan also supports the development of further office accommodation within and close to the town centre.

Screening Assessment Reconfiguration of an employment land allocation that had previously been screened out – can be screened out.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 122 Paragraph 5.44 Amend paragraph to read: The area has good market demand for Employment employment premises, but a relatively restrictive land supply. In Hexham Sites sites closer to the town centre accommodate a mix of businesses and are allocated for a flexible employment role, with allocated land to the north of the River Tyne protected for B-class uses, recognising the better strategic road access. The Low Prudhoe Industrial Estate is a successful location for manufacturing and this role will continue to be protected. Coopies Lane in Morpeth provides premises for a mix of businesses and the Core Strategy supports the continuation of this role and in addition identifies land to be safeguarded to enable the long term expansion of Coopies Lane for employment development beyond the plan period. Land at Fairmoor has frontage onto the A1 and will have excellent strategic road access and will therefore be protected for B-class uses. In addition, the Council has resolved to grant planning permission for a 2000 square metre innovation centre and to provide for the development of a trunk road service area on adjacent land west of Lancaster Park. Allocated employment sites at Fairmoor with planning permission for housing will be de-allocated and the remainder will be safeguarded for beyond the plan period. Additional land will be allocated in Ponteland adjacent to Prestwick Business Park to support additional high quality office development.

Screening Assessment Morpeth - Reconfiguration of an employment land allocation that had previously been screened out – can be screened out. Ponteland – given distance to nearest European sites (over 18km) and nature of office use, cannot have an effect on European sites and so can be screened out Paragraph 7.7 Amend paragraph to read: Green Belt Since the original designation was made, areas have been added to as well as removed from the Green Belt. Across Northumberland, the current Green Belt covers 71,416 hectares (714.16 square kilometres) which amounts to 17.6% of Northumberland’s Local Plan area, see Figure 7.1. Main Towns and Service Centres that are inset in the Green Belt are Corbridge, Hexham, Prudhoe, Ponteland and Seaton Delaval/Seghill/New Hartley/Holywell. A number of Green Belt releases are proposed through the Core Strategy. These proposed releases amount to 411 hectares (0.58%) of the total Green Belt in Northumberland.

Screening Assessment No likely significant effect due to the location of the Green Belt releases Paragraph 7.27 Amend paragraph to read: Green Belt Further consideration has been given to how to plan for the future development needs of the town, taking into account the feedback received on the pre submission draft plan. The Council proposes to:  Remove the area to the south east of Ponteland; north of Rotary Way, which included the previously developed sites of the Ponteland Leisure Centre and the proposal. Ponteland High and Middle schools (see Policy 1516). This will facilitate

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 123 improvements to the education and leisure facilities as well as meeting the needs for housing;  Remove the area of the former Police HQ, plus some land to the east of this, west of North Road and north of the built-up area of Ponteland (see Policy 1516);  Identify land to the west of Callerton Lane for housing development within the plan period (see Policy 1516);  Remove existing housing on Cheviot View and Ridgley Drive from the Green Belt;  Remove an area of land to the west of Prestwick for employment uses; Remove an area of land to the north of Darras Hall to allow for the development of a Garden Village (see Chapter 13).

Screening Assessment Prestwick – given distance to nearest European sites (over 18km) and nature of office use, cannot have an effect on European sites and so can be screened out. Garden Village – assessed separately and screened out

Figure 7.3 Amend figure to read: Ponteland Green Belt boundary

Screening Assessment Prestwick – given distance to nearest European sites (over 18km) and nature of office use, cannot have an effect on European sites and so can be screened out. Garden Village – assessed separately and screened out

Paragraph 7.29A Insert new paragraph: Green Belt The area identified to the north of Darras Hall is proposed to be developed for a Garden Village. More detail on the Garden Village, including the background to the proposal and the master planning work

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 124 and specific policies relating to the Garden Village, are set out in Chapter 13.

Screening Assessment Garden Village – assessed separately and screened out

Paragraph 7.30 Amend paragraph to read: Green Belt at Ponteland The Ponteland Town Council and Neighbourhood Plan Group will be involved in the development of the Supplementary Planning Document and the master planning of the site. Where other Supplementary Planning Documents/ master planning activities are proposed for sites to be removed from the Green Belt, this will include input from the Town Council and Neighbourhood Plan Group and will be guided by the key principles set out in Policy 16 and Chapter 13. The Neighbourhood Plan will define the Ponteland settlement boundary

Screening Assessment Garden Village – assessed separately and screened out

Paragraph 7.39 Amend paragraph to read: Green Belt at Morpeth As part of the Green Belt review an assessment was undertaken of land parcel areas around the town in terms of their contribution to Green Belt purposes to inform the Core Strategy. This assessment work confirmed that the areas proposed for exclusion from the Green Belt through the earlier Green Belt Review work were appropriate. The Inner Green Belt boundary identified in the Core Strategy is based on the following principles:

 The eastern boundary should be drawn tightly to the existing settlement edges to maintain and protect the strong River Wansbeck green infrastructure corridor and setting of Morpeth. In particular, the railway line and River Wansbeck act as strong boundaries, with the Blue Mountains, Parish Haugh area, Wansbeck river valley, Bluebell Woods and the A197 provide strong boundaries in relation to the preservation of the setting of Morpeth;  Due to the historic setting of the town, the nature conservation, environmental and landscape designations running east west along the River Wansbeck, the western boundary should be tightly drawn to the existing settlement edges. This will protect the strong green infrastructure boundary of Morpeth Common, Athey's Dean, the Borough Woods, the Wansbeck river valley and Scotch Gill Woods as well as the setting of Morpeth;  The northern boundary should allow for most development to take place to the north of Morpeth, including the previously developed St George's Hospital and Northgate Hospital sites and adjacent to theThe recently Government and County Council funded Morpeth Northern Bypass, which will provide better access to promote economic regeneration, access to housing and improve social inclusion across South East Northumberland. It therefore contributes positively to the Green Belt purpose of

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 125 assisting urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of land. The provision of infrastructure is key to the delivery of the strategic site to the north of Morpeth and the overall level of development proposed over the plan period; and  In relation to the southern boundary, it would allow for approved development at South Loansdean within the plan period, and limited long term development potential, south of the A196 and safeguarded employment land for beyond the Plan period. The preferred southern boundary would retain the rural character of the rising ground to the south and ensuring separation from Clifton and Hepscott.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Paragraph 7.41 Amend paragraph to read: Morpeth Green Belt Boundary The proposed Morpeth Inner Green Belt boundary is shown in Figure 7.5. The land uses identified are not all consistent with the Morpeth Neighbourhood Plan but reflect the current planning status of the land. The Morpeth Inner Green Belt boundary gives scope for the planned sustainable expansion of the town during the Plan period and also for safeguarded land to meet long term development needs beyond the Plan period.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out Figure 7.5: Amend figure to read: Morpeth Green Belt Boundary

Screening Assessment Alterations follow the alterations to paragraph 7.39 – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 126

Policy 41: Amend policy to read: Promoting sustainable Policy 41, Promoting sustainable connections connections The Council will work collaboratively to:

 Reduce the need to travel;  Support a range of transport modes with priority given to walking, cycling and public transport; and  Support a local transport system and ICT network that are resilient and responsive to changing needs.

In plan-making and assessing development proposals the Council will:

a. Promote a spatial distribution of development within delivery areas, which creates accessible development, reduces the need to travel by car, and maximises the use of sustainable modes of transport; b. Promote good design principles in respect of the permeability, connectivity and legibility of buildings and public spaces ; and inclusive access; c. Promote sustainable transport choices, including supporting, providing and connecting to networks for walking, cycling and public transport; and infrastructure that supports the use of low and ultra-low emission vehicles; d. Ensure delivery of cycle parking and supporting infrastructure; e. Protect, and enhance and support public rights of way; f. Support the delivery of reliable, safe and efficient networks, in partnership with other organisations, service providers and developers g. Support the roll out of modern digital communications; and h. Require development proposals which generate significant amounts of movements to be supported by transport assessments/transport statements, and travel plans, and where appropriate delivery/servicing plans.

Where there is a justified need for the impacts of development to be mitigated, conditions, obligations and other contributions will be applied and sought.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Paragraph 9.19A Amend paragraph to read: Ensuring connectivity and The wider transport network infrastructure The A comprehensive system of local highways is essential for delivery connecting Northumberland's communities and to ensure a network suitable for the plan period and beyond is evolved.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 127

Paragraph 9.19H Amend paragraph to read:

The Northumberland Delivery Document will also consider the need for a review of local parking standards. As highlighted through Core Strategy consultations, the planning system can only determine parking standards associated with new development. Town Centre on- and off-street parking and general street parking is dealt with by the Council's Parking Strategy. The Council recognise the importance of making best use of space within town centres and will work to improve and enhance areas through development opportunities.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Policy 41A: The Amend policy to read: effects of the development on Policy 41A, The effects of the development on the transport the transport network network In plan-making and assessing development proposals, all developments affecting the transport network will be required to: a. Provide effective and safe access and egress to the existing transport network; b. Include appropriate measures to mitigate its any adverse impacts on the transport network including its any contribution to cumulative impacts; c. Minimise conflict between different modes, including measures for network, traffic and parking management; d. Facilitate the safe use of the network, including suitable crossing points, footways and dedicated provision for cyclists where necessary; e. Suitably accommodate the delivery of goods and supplies; and f. Minimise any adverse impact on communities and the environment, including noise and air quality.

Where there is a justified need for the impacts of development on the network to be mitigated, conditions, obligations and other contributions will be applied and sought.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Policy 42: Amend policy to read: Improving Northumberland’ Policy 42, Improving Northumberland's core road network s core road network In plan-making and assessing development proposals, support will be given to the maintenance and improvement of Northumberland's core road network by:

a. The creation of additional capacity and improvement measures on the

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 128 Strategic Road Network, including for: i. Improvements to the A19/A189 Moor Farm and A19/Dudley Lane junction; ii. Improvements to the A1/A19 Seaton Burn interchange and A19/Fisher Lane junction; iii. Improvements to the A1 southbound merge at Seaton Burn; iv. The A1 south of the North Brunton junction; and v. Junction improvement to be provided at the point where the B6531 meet the A69; and v. vi Any improvement measures emanating from the strategic studies of the 'A1 in Northumberland' and 'Northern Trans-Pennine routes'.

b. Supporting and identifying acceptable lines and areas of improvements through the plan period including for the: i. Full dualling of the A1 through Northumberland and improved local links/junctions to the A1; and ii. Full dualling of the A69 west of Hexham and improved local links/junctions to the A69. c. Working collaboratively with stakeholders, including Highways England, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and North East Combined Authority to deliver continued improvements to the core road network; d. Influencing the management, movement and routing of road freight to best effect, while minimising adverse impacts on the environment and communities.

Where there is a justified need for the impacts of development to be mitigated, conditions, obligations and other contributions will be sought.

Screening Assessment Policy support for junction improvements at Hexham West cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Paragraph 9.34A Add to footnote in paragraph to read:

A further opportunity may be available in the long term, to link Ponteland to the Tyne and Wear Metro system. A dismantled railway alignment[Footnote] suggests a possibility for extension of the existing Metro network beyond its existing terminus at Newcastle Airport. Such potential would need to be subject to further investigation.

Footnote: As identified in the Nexus Metro Strategy 2030 Background Information and the North East Combined Authority document "The combined future of Metro and Local Rail in the North East" Background Information.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Paragraph 9.35A Amend paragraph to read:

Rail lines can have major positive benefits for the local economy and the environment. As well as reducing transport-related emissions, railway

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 129 lines can also provide wildlife corridors and valuable habitats for plants and wildlife. Existing rail services between Newcastle and Carlisle and Newcastle and Edinburgh serve a number of settlements in Northumberland. The Council will work collaboratively with stakeholders along the Tyne Valley Line and the East Coast Main Line to deliver continued improvements to the network, stations and facilities. The Council recognise the benefit of rail services to the most remote communities.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Policy 44: Rail Policy amended to read: transport and safeguarding Policy 44 Rail transport and safeguarding facilities facilities A key priority of the Council is to secure the future reintroduction of passenger rail services on the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne railway line, provided that any significant adverse impact on the environment and communities can be mitigated. Development which would prevent the reintroduction of passenger rail services along with associated stations, facilities and access to them from adjacent highways, and continued rail freight use of the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne railway line, its associated branch lines (including the branch line from Bedlington to Morpeth via Choppington, and the Butterwell line north of Ashington) and supporting infrastructure will not be permitted.

Development which would prevent the reintroduction of passenger rail services on the following lines will not be permitted:

a. South Tynedale Railway linking the North Pennines AONB and South Tynedale with the Tyne Valley Line at Haltwhistle; and b. Aln Valley Railway linking Alnwick with Alnmouth; and c. Former railway track bed between Newcastle Airport Metro Station and Ponteland.

The route and alignment of disused railway lines, together with land identified for potential stations will be safeguarded. Development which would prejudice their future use for passenger and freight transport will not be permitted unless the benefits of the development outweigh the importance of the retention of the facilities for future use. The Council will support proposals for the use of such routes for walking and cycling, where it will safeguard them for future rail use.

Existing rail freight facilities will be safeguarded, including: c. d. Battleship Wharf, Port of Blyth; d. e. Former Rio Tinto Alcan facilities: i. Lynefield Park; and ii. Lynemouth Power Station; e. f. Alumina handling facilities, Port of Blyth; and f. g. Tweedmouth Goods Yard.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 130 Infrastructure associated with the transport of minerals will also be safeguarded.

The Council will work with rail and public transport operators and local communities to maintain and develop existing rail services and connections including along the East Coast Main Line and promote the development of public transport interchanges at key locations along the main East Coast Main Line, including Berwick upon Tweed, and the Tyne Valley rail line.

Support will be given to proposals to improve the flow of passengers and freight by rail, including: i. Improvements to car and cycle parking provision at stations; ii. Improvements to the frequency and quality of passenger rail services stopping at Northumberland stations; iii. Improvements to station facilities provided that they would not result in an unacceptable impact on the environment and communities.

Development which would prejudice the retention of these facilities will not be permitted unless the benefits of the development outweigh the importance of the retention of the facilities.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording and safeguarding of track bed to Ponteland - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Chapter 13: Add a new chapter regarding the Dissington Garden Village proposal. Dissington Garden Village Screening Assessment Draft chapter is included as Annex 1 – assessed below Appendix A Amend figure to read: (Employment land portfolio – Morpeth)

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 131

Screening Assessment Alterations follow the alterations to Table 5.2 – screened out Appendix D: Insert new inset boundary for Dissington Garden Village: Green Belt Inset Boundaries

Screening Assessment Garden Village proposals assessed below – screened out Annex 1: The proposed garden village is a settlement of upto 2000 dwellings

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 132 Proposed located to the north of Darras Hall. The nearest European sites are: Dissington Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site – approx. 18km to the east; Garden Village North Pennine Moors SAC and North Pennine Moors SPA – approx. Chapter 25km to the south-west; Tyne and Allen River Gravels SAC – approx. 25km to the west.

These are well beyond the 6 to 10km zone of influence for activities that could cause recreational disturbance, and there are no other adverse effects that could cause a significant effect over these distances. Proposed policy DGV3 requires the developer of the garden village to make provision for a relief road around Ponteland and a flood alleviation scheme for the River Pont at Ponteland. Again, given the distance to the nearest European sites there are unlikely to be any significant effects arising from these proposals.

Screening Assessment The proposed Dissington Garden Village is unlikely to have any significant effects on any European sites and so can be screened out.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 133

Appendix 4 - Record of Screening of Proposed Additional Major Modifications, February 2017

Additional Major Modifications

Major modifications are proposed changes that are significant in nature, affecting the policy framework of the Plan or its interpretation. These have been assed individually to determine if they are likely to have a significant effect on any European sites, and this assessment is set out in the table below:

Change Policy/ Proposed Change reference Paragraph/ Figure Reference AMAJ/05/01 Paragraph Amend paragraph to read: 5.19A The revised projections are for the period 2015-2031. Employment forecasts indicated a sharp decline in jobs in the 2011-2014 period, indicating a negative need for land for employment. which would suggest that land take-up should have decreased. However, in reality take-up in Northumberland in this period was healthy, with allocated land also developed for other uses. It is therefore more appropriate for land need based on employment forecasts not to consider the initial part of the plan period.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/05/02 Policy 5: Amend policy to read: Blyth Estuary Strategic Blyth Estuary Strategic Employment Area Employment In plan-making and assessing development proposals the Blyth Estuary Strategic Area Employment Area is prioritised for economic development within the low carbon and environmental goods and services,

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 134 offshore and sub-sea engineering, and renewable and low carbon energy generation sectors. Development which will support and strengthen the economic role of the Port of Blyth will also be supported.

Development proposals will be supported where: a. The amenity and functioning of adjacent communities and other land uses is not significantly adversely affected b. There is no unacceptable adverse traffic impact on the surrounding highway network and utilities infrastructure, unless it can be suitably mitigated; and c. There is no unacceptable adverse impact on the landscape, biodiversity, historic and built heritage and the water environment, including designated ecological and heritage assets and their settings.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/05/03 Policy 7: Amend policy to read: Windfall employment Policy 7, windfall employment development development In plan-making and assessing development proposals, large-scale major business development within the B use classes on non-designated employment land, either as a standalone proposal or an extension of an existing business, will be supported provided that it can be robustly demonstrated that: a. The development represents a major inward investment and would provide a significant number of new, permanent jobs; b. The needs of the business cannot be reasonably met on allocated employment land within the North East Local Enterprise Partnership area; c. The proposal would not compromise the viability or deliverability of sites allocated for development; c. The proposal would not compromise the viability or deliverability of sites allocated for development that are demonstrably deliverable within the Plan period d. c. d. The proposed scale, mass and form of the development would be appropriate to its setting and be capable of being integrated into the character of its surroundings, with suitable mitigation measures where necessary; e. d. e. Where the proposed development is located within the Green Belt that 'very special circumstances' exist to allow the development and the potential harm to the Green Belt is clearly outweighed by other considerations; f. e. f. There would be no significant adverse impact on the amenity of adjoining land uses; and g. f. g. The development can be satisfactorily accommodated, including through suitable mitigation measures, in

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 135 accordance with other development plan policies regarding highways, public transport, utilities infrastructure, the historic and natural environment, and archaeology. Proposed mitigation measures will be considered in relation to the capacities of critical infrastructure, and timescales associated with investment works.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/05/04 Policy 8: Amend policy to read: Rural economy Policy 8, Rural economy

To support the growth and diversification of the rural economy, in plan-making and assessing development proposals, new office, manufacturing and distribution workspace that support new economic activity and the expansion of existing businesses outside the Main Towns and Service Centres, will be supported where:

a. The development can be provided through the reuse of existing buildings, as well as appropriately scaled and designed new buildings. Building design should make a positive impact to the locality; b. The development does not have an adverse impact on: the amenity of the local community; the local transport and utilities infrastructure, taking into account reasonable mitigation measures; c. New buildings are located as close as is practicably possible to existing and accessible development; d. Where available, new development utilises viable and suitable previously developed land within the local commercial market, which is within the developers ownership; e. The development of workspace which represents the diversification of an active farm would ensure that the main agricultural function of the farm as a whole is retained and the use of the best and most versatile agricultural land is avoided. Particular support will be given to developments on farms which would add value to farm produce on-site; and f. To ensure balance between the need to support rural economic development and the protection of the character, diversity and tranquillity of Northumberland's landscape and biodiversity, all development applicable to this policy must be appropriate in scale, character and design to its immediate and wider setting, and should adhere to policies on landscape, biodiversity, historic and built heritage, transport and the water environment the plan’s landscape, natural and built heritage, or biodiversity policies , and it should be sited so as to minimise any significant adverse visual impact.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 136

AMAJ/05/05 Paragraph Amend paragraph to read: 5.131 Older centres retain some independent stores which add to their local distinctiveness. However ,the 2015 09 data showed that less than half of Northumberland residents' spending on comparison goods stayed within the County, illustrating the dominance of regional centres some comparison Spending like Newcastle, the Metrocentre and retail parks such as Silverlink. However ,market share has increased since 2009 and in particular, which continues in spite of the addition of new facilities in Northumberland, such as the Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth and developments at Cramlington has resulted in a significant increase in market share within their catchments .These developments have retained some comparison spending that had previously leaked from the area. These developments have retained some comparison spending that had previously leaked from the area.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/05/06 Paragraph Amend paragraph to read: 5.134 This implies that the Council should aim beyond the status quo for centres by supporting at least the delivery of the identified need for new town centre development as the overall growth strategy of the plan is delivered. , especially in relation to There is particularly a need for new retail floorspace in Alnwick, Ashington, Blyth, Berwick , Cramlington, Hexham and Morpeth, given their individual and cumulative strategic importance to the social and economic well-being of the County and the projected growth of these settlements over the plan period. , and also where there are plans and programmes which seek to regenerate town centres . A significant regeneration initiative in Ashington will is being led by Arch, the Northumberland Development Company to bring high quality jobs to the heart of Ashington and transform the physical environment of its centre. The initiative could be a catalyst for the delivery of the significant identified need for comparison and convenience retailing provision in the town. The Council are also considering opportunities to encourage the revitalisation of Merton Way in Ponteland. The overall imperative is to support opportunities for development to enable the County's Town Commercial Centres to keep pace with centres elsewhere for the benefit of residents and visitors alike

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 137 AMAJ/05/07 Policy 11: Amend policy to read: Role of centres Policy 11, Role of centres

In plan making and assessing development proposals for retail, leisure or other service uses, the continuing role, vitality, viability and competitiveness of Northumberland's Town Commercial Centres and Larger Village Centres, will be supported to maintain or increase both the proportion of local spending retained in the centres and the quality of the offer and visitor footfall.

This assessment will include the following:

a. Within Town Commercial Centres - identifying opportunities and supporting proposals for developments which are physically and functionally integrated with and add choice to the existing retail offer in the Primary Shopping Area and the leisure and other central service offer of the wider Commercial Town Centres; b. Within Larger Village Centres - ensuring that new provision is predominantly aimed at meeting local residents' shopping, leisure or other central service requirements and of a scale appropriate to the centres' respective catchments and visitor levels; c. Wherever possible and practicable, taking account of other policies, allowing proposals within defined centres which allow:

i. Existing retail businesses to continue to operate within Primary Shopping Areas or Smaller Commercial Town Centres or Larger Village Centres; or ii. Other existing businesses, including those providing for the leisure requirements and other central service needs of residents and visitors, to continue to operate within all Commercial Town Centres or Larger Village Centres; and

d. In other village centres and local shopping parades, additional shops and other services will be supported where they serve the needs of the local area and are in scale with the existing facilities. The loss of essential shops and services will be resisted unless it can be robustly demonstrated that there is no longer a community need for the facility or an alternative has been provided;

Development should be in scale with the size and function of the centre, in keeping with local character and should not severely unacceptably impact on the surrounding highway network and utilities infrastructure. Consideration will be given to the development in relation to planned growth of that settlement over the plan period and the economic and social benefits of the scheme.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 138

Residential use will be encouraged on upper floors on main shopping streets and elsewhere in defined centres, especially if this leads to the reoccupation of disused premises and provided it would not, individually or cumulatively, lead to an unacceptable reduction in vitality and viability or limit the operation of an existing established business or service.

Proposals beyond Primary Shopping Areas, Commercial Town Centres or other defined centre boundaries (as relevant) should be physically well linked with the existing centre, sequentially tested and assessed for their impact on any existing centre.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/05/08 Policy 14: Amend policy to read: Large-scale leisure Large-scale leisure Leisure facilities facilities

In plan-making and assessing development proposals, the provision of large-scale leisure facilities and leisure facilities integrated with the retail of offer of in Northumberland's Main Town and Service Centres, will be supported, where it can be demonstrated that:

a. For large-scale facilities: i. They are located in Commercial Town Centres or would otherwise meet the tests set out in Policy 12; ii. The proposed scale, mass and form of the development would be appropriate to their setting and capable of being integrated into the character of their surroundings; iii. There would be no unacceptable adverse impact on the amenity of adjoining land uses; iv. There would be no unacceptable severe adverse impact on the surrounding highway network and infrastructure capacity, or such impacts can be suitably mitigated through improvement measures; and v. The development can be satisfactorily accommodated in accordance with other development plan policies.

b. For smaller scale facilities, associated with high streets, it will be sought to provide for residents and visitors, both at daytime and in the evenings, with a range of uses integrated with the retail offer of Northumberland's Main Towns and Service Centres. The Council will support proposals for non-retail uses on primary shopping frontages where it can be demonstrated that: i. Long term vacancy of units within the frontage concerned is adversely affecting the vitality and viability of the centre as a whole and/or the proposed use would maintain or add to the vibrancy of the shopping frontage; and

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 139 ii. The cumulative impact of the non-retail uses would not lead to an unacceptable reduction in the range of the retail offer of the frontage concerned or the retail role of the centre as a whole.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/06/01 Policy 15: Amend policy to read: Housing Provision - Policy 15, Housing Provision - scale and distribution scale and distribution To ensure that housing development helps to support the plan to positively grow and diversify the Northumberland economy and meet housing need, the Core Strategy will:

a. Provide for the delivery of at least 24,320 additional net dwellings over the plan period (1,216 per annum), distributed as follows:

b. b. In accordance with Policy 3, the majority of housing development will be focused in Northumberland's Main Towns and Service Centres. Table 6.2 provides a realistic but indicative scale and distribution of housing across each Delivery Area. The Northumberland Delivery Document and Neighbourhood Plans will allocate land in accordance with this distribution.

Progress of the delivery of the scale and distribution of housing will be monitored by Delivery Area annually through the plan, monitor, manage approach to plan delivery. Where delivery fails to come forward in accordance with the Northumberland housing trajectory, timescales, the mechanisms for the delivery of alternative suitable sites to meet

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 140 the housing requirements will trigger a review of the Core Strategy will be triggered, in accordance with the Monitoring and Implementation Framework.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/06/02 Policy 16: Amend policy to read: Strategic Delivery Sites Policy 16, Strategic Delivery Sites and additional housing allocations and additional housing Strategic Delivery Sites allocations

In order to support the delivery of housing growth the following strategic sites, shown in Figure 6.1 and Figure 7.5 are allocated to deliver at least 1,000 houses on each site:

a. North Morpeth, former St George's Hospital site–to deliver around 1,000 new homes and associated physical community infrastructure; and b. South West Cramlington – to deliver at around 3,000 new homes, education provision, community and sports facilities, and a local centre to provide a range of small shops to serve both the development and the immediate local area.

Additional housing allocations

In order to support the delivery of housing growth in the Central Delivery Area, the following sites and locations in Hexham, Ponteland and Prudhoe, as shown in Figures 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 are allocated for housing:

a. Land at Shaws Lane, Hexham – to deliver around 600 new homes and land for education facilities b. Land east of Callerton Lane, Ponteland – to deliver around 400 homes as part of a mixed use scheme to develop housing, education, leisure and community facilities c. Land west of Callerton Lane, Ponteland – to deliver around 180 homes d. Police Headquarters site, North Road, Ponteland – to deliver around 300 units e. Land south of Highfield Lane, Prudhoe – to deliver around 300 units f. Land at Prudhoe Hospital – to deliver around 480 units

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 141

The development of each of these locations will reflect the sustainable development principles and all other relevant policies in this Plan

In addition, development will be guided by all of the following key principles: c. i. The phasing of development will have regard to the provision and timing of the infrastructure and services necessary to support it; d. ii. Master planning work will be required to define a framework in which the strategic site will develop; e. iii. Proposals for incremental development, not considered to be in conformity with a site's existing or emerging masterplan will not be supported where they may prejudice the comprehensive development of the site; f. iv. Complementary mixed uses which are ancillary to housing development, including shops, services and amenities within Use Classes A1, A2, A3, A4 and D2 will be supported where they do not adversely affect residential amenity and where they can help achieve sustainable and cohesive developments; g. v. Housing development will provide an appropriate mix of house types and tenures to reflect local housing need and market considerations; h. vi. Enhanced connectivity to, from and within the strategic locations will be secured through effective transport planning. Development will be supported where there are no significant adverse impacts on the surrounding road network or where impacts can be suitably mitigated; i. vii. The need to incorporate an interconnected network of green infrastructure including an adequate supply of different types of open space. An appropriate landscape structure with clearly defined boundaries will also be delivered; j. viii The need to incorporate measures to minimise flood risk and have regard to sustainable water management principles; k. ix. The need to have regard to not sterilising mineral resources unnecessarily and where appropriate, consideration should be given to prior extraction of mineral resources; l. x. Development will be supported where they have regard to high quality sustainable design principles; m. South West Cramlington will have regard to the adjacent Arcot Hall Grassland and Ponds SSSI. Appropriate mitigation measures will be required to ensure that the site is protected from the impacts of development.

Progress of the delivery of the sites will be monitored annually through the plan, monitor, manage approach to plan delivery. Where delivery of housing on Strategic Delivery Sites fails to come forward in accordance with the Northumberland housing trajectory timescales, the mechanism for delivery of alternative suitable sites will trigger a review of the Core Strategy

Screening Assessment Addition of land for school will not have any effect on European sites – screened out.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 142 AMAJ/06/03 Paragraph Add paragraph: 6.65 Affordable housing need varies markedly across the County. These variations in need are localised and are not reflected at the Delivery Area level. Where there is an high level of affordable housing need identified in a published document is high, a contribution in excess of the 15% target may be required, up to a maximum of 30% . Published documents will include adopted neighbourhood plans, and housing need assessments prepared or commissioned by the County Council and its partners, available on the Council's website. Where little or no need is identified, a lower contribution may be acceptable.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/06/04 Paragraph Amend paragraph to read: 6.67C The amount of affordable housing delivered, and the number of units forecast to be delivered will be monitored on an annual basis. If delivery falls below the level forecast over a 3 year period, the 15% affordable housing requirement on new market housing developments will be reviewed. Progress on the delivery of affordable housing will be monitored, and the need reviewed periodically when the SHMA is updated . If delivery fails to meet the identified need, mechanisms to increase the delivery of affordable housing will be triggered in accordance with the Monitoring and Implementation Framework.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/06/05 Paragraph Amend paragraph to read: 6.71 A purely target based affordable housing approach can have an inequitable effect,. M most particularly in respect of executive style or high value homes, which are built on large plots and at comparatively low densities. A 30 15 % target for example would equate to a smaller contribution for the developer of a low density scheme, despite such a development often being highly profitable. The Council will therefore seek to address this issue by including a specific policy criterion that can secure an appropriate level of affordable housing contribution. For example, if 15% of new homes were required to be affordable on a low density scheme, a smaller contribution would be accrued than would be the case if the scheme was of higher density, despite the development being of equal or higher value.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 143 Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/06/06 Paragraph Add paragraph: 6.71A Given that affordable housing contributions from low density schemes are usually delivered off-site, the contribution expected will be determined in relation to the value of the development and not the number of units, in accordance with the Council's commuted sum protocol. The same protocol will be used for all developments when a financial contribution in-lieu of affordable housing provision is considered acceptable.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/06/07 Policy 19: Amend policy to read: Delivering affordable Policy 19, Delivering affordable housing housing The overall plan target is for 30% of new homes across Northumberland to be affordable. Given that part of this need will be met by committed development with planning permission consent , 15% of homes on new permissions will be expected to be affordable. In order to achieve this target, subject to viability considerations, all open market residential development proposals of two or more units will be expected to contribute towards the provision of affordable housing. where there is an identified need.

A contribution in excess of the 15% target will be expected, up to a maximum of 30% :

a. If the overall 30% plan target is not being met and / or the level of committed development is reduced; and / or a. Where a higher local target is identified in a neighbourhood plan; or c. b. Where there is an evidenced identified local need, identified in a published document, which justifies a higher contribution. and viability permits.

The amount of affordable housing delivered, and committed will be monitored on an annual basis. If the amount of affordable housing delivered falls below the level forecast over a 3 year period, the 15% target will be reviewed.

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Progress on the delivery of affordable housing will be monitored annually through the plan, monitor, and manage approach, and the level of affordable housing need will be reviewed periodically through an update to the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. If delivery fails to meet the identified need, mechanisms to increase the delivery of affordable housing will be triggered in accordance with the Monitoring and Implementation Framework.

The affordable housing contribution required for a development will be determined taking into account:

On applications which include open market residential development:

c. An affordable housing contribution will be expected on all proposals of more than ten units, and or those which have a combined floorspace of more than 1000sqm; d. In the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty an affordable housing contribution will be expected on all proposals of more than five units; e. The extent of the housing need, and the appropriate tenure mix and type required, will be as evidenced by the latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment, an up to date housing needs study; and local market conditions; and the structure of the local housing market, and interest from Registered Providers; f. In low density developments the affordable housing contribution will be identified as a percentage of dwellings or site area, whichever is the greater.

Where the specific circumstances of a scheme mean a developer considers that an affordable housing requirement would make the scheme unviable and/or the affordable housing is not required , the developer will need to robustly demonstrate this by providing a viability assessment. This assessment will need to be verified by the Council. in accordance with its Viability Assessment Charter and/or evidence to demonstrate that affordable housing is not required.

In order to create mixed and balanced communities, there will be a presumption that affordable housing will be provided on- site. For smaller developments of six to ten units within the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, financial contributions will be expected. If off-site provision or a financial contribution can be robustly justified, the following sequential policy approach will be applied: i Provision to be made in the settlement, or grouping of Parishes or Wards which make up the settlement, where the contribution arises; ii. Provision to be made in an adjoining Parish or Ward; iii. Provision to be made elsewhere in the Delivery Area where the contribution arises;

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 145 iv. Provision to be made to cross-subsidise affordable housing provision where priorities are identified throughout the County.

When a commuted sum is justified in-lieu of provision on or off-site, the financial contribution expected to be provided will be in accordance with the Council's latest commuted sums protocol.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/06/08 Policy 20: Amend policy to read: Rural exception Policy 20, Rural exception sites sites In plan-making and assessing development proposals the development of rural exception sites will be supported permitted if the proposal provides affordable housing in perpetuity and provided that: a. There is evidence of identified need in an up to date housing needs study; b. The development is available for local people identified as being in local housing need or others who have a family or employment connection with the community in which the development takes place; c. The development is within, adjacent or well related to an existing settlement; d. The development is well related to local services and facilities including those outside the settlement in which the development is proposed to be located; and e. The development is in scale and keeping with the form, character and landscape setting of the community in which the development takes and does not significantly adversely impact on the natural and built environment unjustifiably adversely impact on the natural, built and historic environment.

Such developments will have their permitted development rights removed to ensure the properties remain affordable.

Self-build, custom-build and community-led projects will be supported through rural exception sites, if they meet criteria a to e.

The inclusion of market housing within a rural exception housing scheme will only be permitted where:

f. The majority of the development is for affordable housing; g. The provision of the market housing element will be for occupation as a principal residence only; and h. It has been demonstrated that it is essential to the viability and successful delivery of the overall affordable housing

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 146 scheme. and insufficient or no public subsidy is available.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/07/01 Paragraph Amend paragraph to read: 7.22 Following feedback and additional work the Council now proposes to reduce the level of safeguarded land to be removed from the Green Belt to the west of the town (see Policy 25), and identify two additional sites to be removed from the Green Belt, one to provide the required additional employment land (see Policy 4) and the other to ensure there is capacity to meet the housing development needs of the town within the plan period (see Policy 15). Further consideration has been given to how to plan for the future development needs of the town, taking into account the feedback received on the pre submission draft plan, the further work that has been undertaken on the transport capacities within the town and the implications for the location of future development, and discussions with the Local Education Authority on improvements to the education facilities. The Council now proposes to identify land at Shaws Lane to be removed from the Green Belt to ensure there is capacity to meet the housing development needs of the town within the plan period and beyond (see Policy 15) and to provide an alternative site for a new school. The land proposed to be removed from the Green Belt for educational purposes is allocated solely for education facilities. Two further deletions are proposed at Eilansgate and land north of Corbridge Road to reflect recent planning decisions.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/08/01 Policy 30: Amend policy to read: Landscape Policy 30, Landscape

In plan-making and assessing development proposals in relation to the Northumberland landscape, the following landscape considerations will apply:

a. Plans and proposals should conserve maintain and where appropriate enhance important elements of landscape character, as defined in the Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment and other relevant studies, guidance or management plans; b. Consideration should be given to of the impact on the special qualities and the statutory purposes of the

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 147 Northumberland National Park, North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; c. There should be no net adverse impact on the level of dark skies and where appropriate improvements sought, particularly within the International Dark Sky Park and areas from where its light levels may be affected; d. The landscape setting of recognised heritage assets The contribution of the Northumberland landscape to the understanding and enjoyment of heritage assets should be taken into account; e. w Where development may affect the buffer zone and wider setting of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site (WHS) it should, where possible, seek opportunities to sustain and better reveal the significance of its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) as set out in the adopted Statement of OUV, in which the landscape setting is a significant component; development will not be permitted if it would compromise the OUV of the WHS; d. e. f. In assessing development proposals in relation to landscape character, consideration will be given to: i. The guiding principles and other relevant guidelines set out in the Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment; ii. The possibility of wider impacts on the landscape, townscape or seascape or of other significant impacts on the environmental resource, through the proportionate use of landscape and visual impact assessment; iii. The setting and surroundings of the County's historic towns and villages, ensuring that new development on the edge of settlements does not harm negatively impact on the landscape character of the settlement edge and, where possible that it has a net positive impact; iv. The setting of recognised heritage assets including the defined buffer zone of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, within which development will not be permitted if it would compromise the outstanding universal value, including aspects of scale, complexity, group value of features, communal values and the landscape setting of the World Heritage Site itself; v. iv. The Historic Landscape Characterisation; vi. v. The potential impact that small scale development can have on the landscape in sensitive rural settings; and vii. vi. Any net negative cumulative impacts of development on landscape character, taking into account other existing or approved developments that have already been assessed as having a negative impact. f. g. Where it is considered that landscape character may be adversely affected, or aspects of this character that warrant protection would be degraded as a result of a proposed development, then the development will only be permitted if: i. It can be clearly demonstrated how the harmful effects will be satisfactorily mitigated or, as a last resort, satisfactorily compensated; and ii. Where it can be clearly demonstrated that there are significant national or, outside designated landscapes, regional or local planning reasons for allowing the development, these considerations outweigh the landscape considerations.

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Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/08/02 Policy 33: Amend policy to read: Historic environment Policy 33, Historic environment and heritage assets and heritage assets In plan-making and assessing development proposals, there will be a requirement to ensure the conservation, and enhancement of the significance quality, integrity and setting of Northumberland’s historic environment and heritage assets and their setting by ensuring that:

a. Decisions affecting a heritage asset will be based on a sound understanding of the significance of that asset and of the impact of any proposal upon that significance. Use will be made of the Historic Environment Record, the Historic Landscape Characterisation Study and other relevant records to help inform decision making. A heritage statement will be required to support any planning application that will affect a heritage asset; this must describe the significance of the asset, any contribution made to this significance by its setting, and assess the impact of the proposal on this significance. Where development proposals will affect a site of archaeological interest, or which has the potential to be of archaeological interest, an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation will be required;

b. Proposals that would result in substantial harm to or total loss of the significance of designated heritage assets will not be permitted except in exceptional circumstances where the harm is outweighed by public benefit . Where the proposal would cause less than substantial harm this will be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal. Proposals that affect non-designated heritage assets will be considered taking into account the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset; which cannot be met in any other way and is appropriately mitigated against. Where mitigation requires excavation or survey, the results should be made publicly accessible through appropriate archiving and publication. The ability to record evidence of the past should not be a factor in deciding whether such loss should be permitted;

c. Where a decision is made to allow the loss of a heritage asset, in whole or part, developers will be required to record and advance understanding of the asset through appropriate mitigation. The results of such mitigation

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 149 should be made publically accessible through appropriate archiving and publication. However, the ability to record evidence of our past should not be a factor in deciding whether such loss should be permitted; The historical context will be is a key consideration, making use of the Historic Landscape Characterisation study, the Historic Environment Record and other relevant records to inform decision-making; d. New development in historic settlements and conservation areas should seek to reinforce local distinctiveness through appropriate design and the use of appropriate materials. Developments in Conservation Areas should enhance or better reveal their significance ; e. When considering proposals that may impact on the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site and its setting (including any buffer zone) , in addition to (a), factors that contribute to the authenticity and integrity of its Outstanding Universal Value will be taken into account, in line with the World Heritage Site Management Plan. This will include seeking to protect and where appropriate, enhance: i.Evidence of the scale and complexity of the Wall and its associated frontier features; ii The group value of features, including features beyond the World Heritage Site; iii.The landscape value and setting; and iv. Communal values including educational and recreational. f. Recognition is given to the contribution that historic places and sites can make to the visitor economy; g. Where conservation or enhancement of the heritage assets may be required but there are limited resources available, priority will be given to assets that are considered characteristic of Northumberland, important within the context of its history, cultural development or landscape and/or unique to the area and Heritage at Risk; h. The Council will direct available resources towards: i. Preparing, updating and acting on Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Conservation Area Management Plans; ii. Designating additional Conservation Areas; iii. Where there is a case, promoting Article 4 Directions to protect Conservation Areas from harm from Permitted

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 150 Development;

iv. Preparing or supporting master plans or design briefs for significant places or sites, where major change is proposed in relation to heritage assets are affected ; and

v. Promoting and supporting bids for external funding designed to conserve and enhance the historic fabric of towns and villages.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/10/01 Policy 51 Amend policy to read:

Policy 51, Green infrastructure

In plan-making and assessing development proposals, the contribution of strategic and local green infrastructure to the health and well-being of Northumberland's communities and visitors, as well as its economy, will be recognised, promoted and enhanced.

Development proposals should seek to protect and, where appropriate practical and viable , improve and extend Northumberland's green infrastructure. When determining planning applications, consideration will be given to how development proposals:

a. Protect and enhance strategic and/or local green infrastructure assets, provide high quality links between existing assets including links with green infrastructure networks in adjacent authority areas and/or provide additional uses for multi-functionality; b. Secure improved access to green infrastructure, including rights of way, the network of cycle routes and high quality provision for the widest possible range of ages, abilities and interests where this would not have an unacceptable unjustified adverse effect on biodiversity and environmental and heritage assets; c. Secure net-gains for biodiversity through the protection, creation and enhancement of coherent ecological networks; c. d. Improve the potential green infrastructure to support economic growth and sustainable tourism without unacceptable unjustified adverse effects on environmental and heritage assets; d. e. Create a sense of place by fully integrating high quality, green infrastructure into the plan or proposal design to reflect locally distinctive character having regard to rural and urban character, open space, connective corridors and links

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 151 with the wider countryside; e. f. Integrate green infrastructure and with sustainable drainage and the management of flood risk ; f. g . Consider the management and maintenance of new and existing green infrastructure throughout and beyond the plan period; and g. h . Provide opportunities for communities to protect local environments that are important to them, for example through Local Green Space or Local Nature reserve designations.

AMAJ/11/01 Paragraph Amend paragraph to read: 11.80B The Statement also sets out that in applying these considerations, such suitable areas will need to be have been clearly identified in a Local or Neighbourhood Plan. Whether a proposal has the backing of the affected local community is a planning judgement for the local planning authority. It is considered that the criteria in the policy will enable this judgement to be made. No changes have been made to the NPPF as a consequence of the Written Ministerial Statement being issued. Some amendments were, however, made to the guidance in the Planning Practice Guidance.

Screening Assessment Clarification of wording - change cannot have an effect on European sites – screened out

AMAJ/11/02 Paragraph Amend paragraph to read: 11.80C In order to reflect the Written Ministerial Statement, the The policy for onshore wind energy has been amended to be consistent with reflects the policy tests in the Written Ministerial Statement it sets out and the test regarding the acceptability of the planning impacts of renewable energy proposals in the NPPF. Consideration will be given to identifying areas suitable for wind turbine development and if it is considered to be appropriate to take this approach, the identification and allocation of such areas would be addressed in a separate Development Plan Document. Neighbourhood Plans could also identify and allocate suitable areas for wind turbine development and the Core Strategy provides a strategic framework for this. Work to explore whether it is possible to identify any suitable areas for wind turbine development in Northumberland is being carried out separately. The identification and allocation of suitable areas for wind turbine development is to be addressed in a separate Development Plan Document and potentially through neighbourhood plans. It is considered to be appropriate necessary to seek to understand whether it is appropriate to identify suitable areas for wind energy development in Northumberland in order to seek to address the requirement of the NPPF to ‘have a positive strategy to promote energy from renewable and low carbon sources’ as required by the NPPF . If work is not undertaken to at least understand whether it is appropriate to identify suitable areas are not identified it would

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 152 could, in the context of the Written Ministerial Statement, unnecessarily limit opportunities to increase the amount of energy supplied from renewable sources, including, for example, for community-led initiatives and proposals of a smaller-scale that would otherwise be considered acceptable in terms of their planning impacts and would help individual homes or businesses to meet their energy needs.

Screening Assessment General statement in supporting text - screened out

AMAJ/13/01 Paragraph Amend paragraph to read: 13.33 As per the NPPF, Local Plans are required to "respond positively to wider opportunities for growth", such as that presented by DCLG's garden settlements initiative. A strategic objective of the Core Strategy is to provide both existing and future communities with a choice of decent and affordable homes; and whilst the Garden Village is not required to meet Northumberland's OAN, it nevertheless aligns fully with this strategic housing objective, and that of the NPPF to boost significantly the supply of housing. The Garden Village will deliver housing over and above OAN and in addition to this it also seeks to deliver DCLG and wider strategic economic objectives that can only be delivered by the Garden Village proposals. Due to these distinctions the Dissington Garden Village will not be included in the calculation of Northumberland's five year housing land supply.

Screening Assessment Given distance to nearest European sites (over 18km) and nature of development, cannot have an effect on European sites and so can be screened out

AMAJ/13/02 Policy DGV2: Amend criteria 1 of policy to read:

The Masterplan will be required to be submitted to and approved by the LPA as part of an outline or hybrid planning application for the Garden Village and it (and accompanying material) will need to demonstrate:

1. A clear approach that sets out how the Garden Village will be designed and planned in order to achieve the Strategic Principles set out above. It will need to take account of the characteristics of the local existing natural, built and historic environment, landscape and locality, all of which should influence the layout of the built form of the Garden Village and inform the wider masterplan and landscape strategy.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 153 Screening Assessment Given distance to nearest European sites (over 18km) and nature of development, cannot have an effect on European sites and so can be screened out

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 154 AMAJ/AB/01 Appendix B - Prudhoe

Screening Assessment Slight reconfiguration of a commercial centre that had previously been screened out – can be screened out.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 155 Appendix 5 - Stage 1C - Analysis of objectives and policies in the Core Strategy - Identification of Likely Significant Effects Matrix.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 156 Matrix for Identifying Likely Significant Effect - Objectives

= No effect (screened out)

= Insignificant effect that needs to be considered in-combination with other plans and projects.

= Likely significant effect or insignificant effect that needs to be considered in-combination with other insignificant effects and other plans and projects.

Objectives and policies that have been screened out have been assigned to specific categories to explain why they have been screened out. These are as follows:

A. General statement of policy or general aspiration B. Policy listing general criteria for testing the acceptability or sustainability of proposals C. Policy with an appropriate protective element within it D. Environmental protection or site-safeguarding policy E. Policies which steer change in such a way as to protect European sites from adverse effects F. Policy that cannot lead to development or other land use change G. Policy that cannot have an effect on a European site due to its nature, scale or location. H. Policy the effects of which cannot undermine the conservation objectives of European sites, either alone or in combination.

Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Berwickshire and Large shallow inlets A A A A A A A A North and bays Northumberland Intertidal mudflats A A A A A A A A Coast SAC and sandflats Reefs A A A A A A A A Sea caves A A A A A A A A Grey seal A A A A A A A A Border Mires Kielder Blanket bogs * A A A A A A A A

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 157 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 – Butterburn SAC Petrifying springs A A A A A A A A with tufa formation* European dry heaths A A A A A A A A Northern Atlantic A A A A A A A A wet heaths with Erica tetralix Transition mires and A A A A A A A A quaking bogs Ford Moss SAC Active raised bog * A A A A A A A A Harbottle Moors European dry heaths A A A A A A A A SAC Newham Fen SAC Alkaline fens A A A A A A A A North Fixed dunes with A A A A A A A A Northumberland herbaceous Dunes SAC vegetation * Dunes with creeping A A A A A A A A willow Embryonic shifting A A A A A A A A dunes Humid dune slacks A A A A A A A A Shifting dunes with A A A A A A A A marram Petalwort A A A A A A A A North Pennine Dales Mountain hay A A A A A A A A Meadows SAC meadows Molinia meadows A A A A A A A A North Pennine Moors Alkaline fens A A A A A A A A SAC Blanket bogs * A A A A A A A A Calaminarian A A A A A A A A grasslands

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 158 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Calcareous rocky A A A A A A A A slopes with chasmophytes European dry heaths A A A A A A A A Juniper A A A A A A A A Northern atlantic wet A A A A A A A A heaths Old sessile oak A A A A A A A A woods Petrifying springs A A A A A A A A with tufa formation* Dry grassland and A A A A A A A A scrub on calcareous substrates Montane acid A A A A A A A A grasslands Siliceous rocky A A A A A A A A slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous scree A A A A A A A A Marsh saxifrage A A A A A A A A River Eden SAC Floating formations A A A A A A A A of water crowfoot Oligotrophic to A A A A A A A A mesotrophic standing waters Residual alluvial A A A A A A A A forests Atlantic salmon

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 159 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Bullhead A A A A A A A A Brook lamprey A A A A A A A A River lamprey A A A A A A A A Sea lamprey A A A A A A A A White-clawed A A A A A A A A crayfish Otter A A A A A A A A River Tweed SAC Floating formations A A A A A A A A of water crowfoot Atlantic salmon A A A A A A A A Brook lamprey A A A A A A A A River lamprey A A A A A A A A Sea lamprey A A A A A A A A Otter A A A A A A A A Roman Wall Loughs Naturally eutrophic A A A A A A A A SAC lakes with pondweed vegetation Simonside Hills SAC Blanket bogs * A A A A A A A A European dry heaths A A A A A A A A Tweed Estuary SAC Estuaries A A A A A A A A Intertidal mudflats A A A A A A A A and sandflats River lamprey A A A A A A A A Sea lamprey A A A A A A A A Tyne and Allen River Calaminarian A A A A A A A A Gravels SAC grassland Bolton Fell Moss Active raised bogs* A A A A A A A A SAC Degraded raised bogs A A A A A A A A still capable of regeneration

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 160 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Borders Woods SAC Tilio-Acerion forests A A A A A A A A of slopes, screes and ravines* Moor House – Upper Oligo-mesotrophic A A A A A A A A Teesdale SAC waters with Chara spp. A A A A A A A A Alpine and boreal heaths Alkaline fens A A A A A A A A Blanket bogs * A A A A A A A A Calaminarian A A A A A A A A grasslands Calcareous rocky A A A A A A A A slopes with chasmophytic vegetation European dry heaths A A A A A A A A Juniper scrub A A A A A A A A Petrifying springs A A A A A A A A with tufa formation* Dry grassland and A A A A A A A A scrub on calcareous substrates Siliceous rocky A A A A A A A A slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous montane A A A A A A A A screes Siliceous alpine and A A A A A A A A

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 161 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 boreal grasslands

Molinia meadows A A A A A A A A Hydrophilous tall A A A A A A A A herb fringe communities Mountain hay A A A A A A A A meadows Alpine pioneer A A A A A A A A formations of the Caricion bicoloris- atrofuscae * Calcareous montane A A A A A A A A screes Limestone A A A A A A A A Pavements* Round-mouthed A A A A A A A A whorl snail Marsh saxifrage A A A A A A A A St Abb’s Head to Vegetated sea cliffs A A A A A A A A Fast Castle SAC of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts Tyne and Nent SAC Calaminarian A A A A A A A A grasslands Castle Eden Dene Yew woods. A A A A A A A A SAC Thrislington SAC Semi natural dry A A A A A A A A grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates. Coquet Island SPA Arctic tern A A A A A A A A

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 162 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sandwich tern A A A A A A A A Common tern A A A A A A A A Roseate tern A A A A A A A A Farne Islands SPA Arctic tern A A A A A A A A Sandwich tern A A A A A A A A Common tern A A A A A A A A Holburn Lake and Wintering greylag A A A A A A A A Moss SPA goose roost Lindisfarne SPA Little tern A A A A A A A A Roseate tern A A A A A A A A Whooper swan A A A A A A A A Golden plover A A A A A A A A Purple sandpiper A A A A A A A A Turnstone A A A A A A A A Greylag goose A A A A A A A A Light-bellied brent A A A A A A A A goose Wigeon A A A A A A A A Ringed plover A A A A A A A A Bar-tailed godwit A A A A A A A A Redshank A A A A A A A A Wintering wildfowl A A A A A A A A assemblage of European importance North Pennine Moors Hen harrier A A A A A A A A SPA Merlin A A A A A A A A Peregrine A A A A A A A A Golden plover A A A A A A A A Curlew A A A A A A A A Dunlin A A A A A A A A

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 163 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Northumbria Coast Little tern A A A A A A A A SPA Purple sandpiper A A A A A A A A Turnstone A A A A A A A A

Northumberland Sandwich tern A A A A A A A A Marine pSPA Roseate tern A A A A A A A A Common tern A A A A A A A A Arctic tern A A A A A A A A Little tern A A A A A A A A Common guillemot A A A A A A A A Atlantic puffin A A A A A A A A An internationally A A A A A A A A important seabird assemblage of over 20,000 birds Langholm – Hen harrier A A A A A A A A Newcastleton Hills SPA St Abb’s Head to Common Guillemot A A A A A A A A Fast Castle SPA Internationally A A A A A A A A important assemblage of breeding seabirds. Teeside and Little Tern A A A A A A A A Cleveland Coast SPA (breeding) Sandwich Tern A A A A A A A A (passage) Ringed Plover A A A A A A A A (passage) Knot A A A A A A A A

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 164 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Redshank A A A A A A A A (wintering) Internationally A A A A A A A A important assemblage of wintering waterfowl Holburn Lake and Lowland raised bog A A A A A A A A Moss Ramsar Site Winter roost for A A A A A A A A internationally important numbers of greylag goose Inland roost for mallard, wigeon and teal during unfavourable weather. Irthinghead Mires Active blanket bog A A A A A A A A Ramsar Site Notable variety of Sphagnum mosses Rare species: Carex magellanica Sphagnum imbricatum S. pulchrum S. magellanicum Eboria caliginosa

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 165 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lindisfarne Ramsar Extensive intertidal A A A A A A A A Site flats, saltmarsh and major sand dune system with well- developed dune slacks. Wintering waterfowl A A A A A A A A assemblage of international importance. Internationally A A A A A A A A important migratory/wintering populations of Light-bellied brent goose Wigeon Ringed plover Redshank Greylag goose Bar-tailed godwit Rare plants: A A A A A A A A Petalwort Lindisfarne helleborine (endemic on Lindisfarne) A A A A A A A A

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 166 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Objectives Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Northumbria Coast Internationally A A A A A A A A Ramsar Site important breeding population of little tern Internationally A A A A A A A A important wintering populations of purple sandpiper and turnstone Teeside and Waterfowl A A A A A A A A Cleveland Coast assemblage of Ramsar Site International importance. Internationally A A A A A A A A important numbers of redshank on passage and knot in winter.

Notes

An asterisk * beside a qualifying feature indicates that the feature is listed as a priority habitat on Annex l of the Habitats Directive.

Paragraph 119 of the NPPF states that ‘The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where development requiring appropriate assessment under the Birds or Habitats Directives is being considered, planned or determined.’

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 167 Matrix for Identifying Likely Significant Effect – Policies in Full Draft Plan = No effect

= Insignificant effect that needs to be considered in-combination with other plans and projects.

= Likely significant effect.

Objectives and policies that have been screened out have been assigned to specific categories to explain why they have been screened out. These are as follows:

A. General statement of policy or general aspiration B. Policy listing general criteria for testing the acceptability or sustainability of proposals C. Policy with an appropriate protective element within it D. Environmental protection or site-safeguarding policy E. Policies which steer change in such a way as to protect European sites from adverse effects F. Policy that cannot lead to development or other land use change G. Policy that cannot have an effect on a European site due to its nature, scale or location. H. Policy the effects of which cannot undermine the conservation objectives of European sites, either alone or in combination.

Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Berwickshire and Large shallow inlets A B G G G C B B B B B North and bays Northumberland Intertidal mudflats A B G G G C B B B B B Coast SAC and sandflats Reefs A B G G G C B B B B B Sea caves A B G G G C B B B B B Grey seal A B G G G C B B B B B Border Mires Kielder Blanket bogs * A B G G G G C B G B B B B

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 168 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 – Butterburn SAC Petrifying springs A B G G G G C B G B B B B with tufa formation* European dry heaths A B G G G G C B G B B B B Northern Atlantic A B G G G G C B G B B B B wet heaths with Erica tetralix Transition mires and A B G G G G C B G B B B B quaking bogs Ford Moss SAC Active raised bog * A B G G G G C B G B B B B Harbottle Moors European dry heaths A B G G G C B B B B B SAC Newham Fen SAC Alkaline fens A B G G G G C B G B B B B North Fixed dunes with A B G G G C B B B B B Northumberland herbaceous Dunes SAC vegetation * Dunes with creeping A B G G G C B B B B B willow Embryonic shifting A B G G G C B B B B B dunes Humid dune slacks A B G G G C B B B B B Shifting dunes with A B G G G C B B B B B marram Petalwort A B G G G C B B B B B North Pennine Dales Mountain hay A B G G G C B B B B B Meadows SAC meadows Molinia meadows A B G G G C B B B B B North Pennine Alkaline fens A B G G G C B B B B B Moors SAC Blanket bogs * A B G G G C B B B B B Calaminarian A B G G G C B B B B B grasslands

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 169 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Calcareous rocky A B G G G C B B B B B slopes with chasmophytes European dry heaths A B G G G C B B B B B Juniper A B G G G C B B B B B Northern atlantic wet A B G G G C B B B B B heaths Old sessile oak A B G G G C B B B B B woods Petrifying springs A B G G G C B B B B B with tufa formation* Dry grassland and A B G G G C B B B B B scrub on calcareous substrates Montane acid A B G G G C B B B B B grasslands Siliceous rocky A B G G G C B B B B B slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous scree A B G G G C B B B B B Marsh saxifrage A B G G G G C B G B B B B River Eden SAC Floating formations A B G G G G C B G B B B B of water crowfoot Oligotrophic to A B G G G G C B G B B B B mesotrophic standing waters Residual alluvial A B G G G G C B G B B B B forests Atlantic salmon

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 170 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Bullhead A B G G G G C B G B B B B Brook lamprey A B G G G G C B G B B B B River lamprey A B G G G G C B G B B B B Sea lamprey A B G G G G C B G B B B B White-clawed A B G G G G C B G B B B B crayfish Otter A B G G G G C B G B B B B River Tweed SAC Floating formations A B G G G C B B B B B of water crowfoot Atlantic salmon A B G G G C B B B B B Brook lamprey A B G G G C B B B B B River lamprey A B G G G C B B B B B Sea lamprey A B G G G C B B B B B Otter A B G G G C B B B B B Roman Wall Loughs Naturally eutrophic A B G G G G C B G B B B B SAC lakes with pondweed vegetation Simonside Hills SAC Blanket bogs * A B G G G C B B B B B European dry heaths A B G G G C B B B B B Tweed Estuary SAC Estuaries A B G G G C B B B B B Intertidal mudflats A B G G G C B B B B B and sandflats River lamprey A B G G G C B B B B B Sea lamprey A B G G G C B B B B B Tyne and Allen Calaminarian A B G G G C B B B B B River Gravels SAC grassland Bolton Fell Moss Active raised bogs* A B G G G G C B G B B B B SAC Degraded raised A B G G G G C B G B B B B bogs still capable of regeneration

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 171 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Borders Woods SAC Tilio-Acerion forests A B G G G G C B G B B B B of slopes, screes and ravines* Moor House – Upper Oligo-mesotrophic A B G G G G C B G B B B B Teesdale SAC waters with Chara spp. A B G G G G C B G B B B B Alpine and boreal heaths Alkaline fens A B G G G G C B G B B B B Blanket bogs * A B G G G G C B G B B B B Calaminarian A B G G G G C B G B B B B grasslands Calcareous rocky A B G G G G C B G B B B B slopes with chasmophytic vegetation European dry heaths A B G G G G C B G B B B B Juniper scrub A B G G G G C B G B B B B Petrifying springs A B G G G G C B G B B B B with tufa formation* Dry grassland and A B G G G G C B G B B B B scrub on calcareous substrates Siliceous rocky A B G G G G C B G B B B B slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous montane A B G G G G C B G B B B B screes

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 172 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Siliceous alpine and A B G G G G C B G B B B B boreal grasslands Molinia meadows A B G G G G C B G B B B B Hydrophilous tall A B G G G G C B G B B B B herb fringe communities Mountain hay A B G G G G C B G B B B B meadows Alpine pioneer A B G G G G C B G B B B B formations of the Caricion bicoloris- atrofuscae * Calcareous montane A B G G G G C B G B B B B screes Limestone A B G G G G C B G B B B B Pavements* Round-mouthed A B G G G G C B G B B B B whorl snail Marsh saxifrage A B G G G G C B G B B B B St Abb’s Head to Vegetated sea cliffs A B G G G G C B G B B B B Fast Castle SAC of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts Tyne and Nent SAC Calaminarian A B G G G G C B G B B B B grasslands Castle Eden Dene Yew woods. A B G G G G C B G B B B B SAC Thrislington SAC Semi natural dry A B G G G G C B G B B B B grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 173 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 substrates. Coquet Island SPA Arctic tern A B G G G G C B G B B B B Sandwich tern A B G G G G C B G B B B B Common tern A B G G G G C B G B B B B Roseate tern A B G G G G C B G B B B B Farne Islands SPA Arctic tern A B G G G G C B G B B B B Sandwich tern A B G G G G C B G B B B B Common tern A B G G G G C B G B B B B Holburn Lake and Wintering greylag A B G G G G C B G B B B B Moss SPA goose roost Lindisfarne SPA Little tern A B G G G C B B B B B Roseate tern A B G G G C B B B B B Whooper swan A B G G G C B B B B B Golden plover A B G G G C B B B B B Purple sandpiper A B G G G C B B B B B Turnstone A B G G G C B B B B B Greylag goose A B G G G C B B B B B Light-bellied brent A B G G G C B B B B B goose Wigeon A B G G G C B B B B B Ringed plover A B G G G C B B B B B Bar-tailed godwit A B G G G C B B B B B Redshank A B G G G C B B B B B Wintering wildfowl A B G G G C B B B B B assemblage of European importance North Pennine Hen harrier A B G G G C B B B B B Moors SPA Merlin A B G G G C B B B B B

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 174 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Peregrine A B G G G C B B B B B Golden plover A B G G G C B B B B B Curlew A B G G G C B B B B B Dunlin A B G G G C B B B B B Northumbria Coast Little tern A B G G G C B B B B B SPA Purple sandpiper A B G C B B B B B Turnstone A B G C B B B B B

Northumberland Sandwich tern A B G G G C B B B B B Marine pSPA Roseate tern A B G G G C B B B B B Common tern A B G G G C B B B B B Arctic tern A B G G G C B B B B B Little tern A B G G G C B B B B B Common guillemot A B G G G C B B B B B Atlantic puffin A B G G G C B B B B B An internationally A B G G G C B B B B B important seabird assemblage of over 20,000 birds Langholm – Hen harrier A B G G G G C B B B B B B Newcastleton Hills SPA St Abb’s Head to Common Guillemot A B G G G G C B G B B B B Fast Castle SPA Internationally A B G G G G C B G B B B B important assemblage of breeding seabirds. Teeside and Little Tern A B G G G G C B G B B B B

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 175 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Cleveland Coast (breeding) SPA Sandwich Tern A B G G G G C B G B B B B (passage) Ringed Plover A B G G G G C B G B B B B (passage) Knot A B G G G G C B G B B B B Redshank A B G G G G C B G B B B B (wintering) Internationally A B G G G G C B G B B B B important assemblage of wintering waterfowl Holburn Lake and Lowland raised bog A B G G G G C B G B B B B Moss Ramsar Site Winter roost for A B G G G G C B G B B B B internationally important numbers of greylag goose Inland roost for mallard, wigeon and teal during unfavourable weather. Irthinghead Mires Active blanket bog A B G G G G C B G B B B B Ramsar Site Notable variety of Sphagnum mosses Rare species: Carex magellanica Sphagnum imbricatum S. pulchrum

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 176 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 S. magellanicum Eboria caliginosa Lindisfarne Ramsar Extensive intertidal A B G G G C B B B B B Site flats, saltmarsh and major sand dune system with well- developed dune slacks. Wintering waterfowl A B G G G C B B B B B assemblage of international importance. Internationally A B G G G C B B B B B important migratory/wintering populations of Light-bellied brent goose Wigeon Ringed plover Redshank Greylag goose Bar-tailed godwit Rare plants: A B G G G C B B B B B Petalwort Lindisfarne helleborine (endemic on Lindisfarne)

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 177 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Northumbria Coast Internationally A B G G G C B B B B B Ramsar Site important breeding population of little tern Internationally A B G C B B B B B important wintering populations of purple sandpiper and turnstone Teeside and Waterfowl A B G G G G C B G B B B B Cleveland Coast assemblage of Ramsar Site International importance. Internationally A B G G G G C B G B B B B important numbers of redshank on passage and knot in winter. Notes An asterisk * beside a qualifying feature indicates that the feature is listed as a priority habitat on Annex l of the Habitats Directive.

Policy 1 Paragraph 119 of the NPPF states that ‘The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where development requiring appropriate assessment under the Birds or Habitats Directives is being considered, planned or determined.’

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 178 Matrix for Identifying Likely Significant Effect – Policies in Full Draft Plan

= No effect

= Insignificant effect that needs to be considered in-combination with other plans and projects.

= Likely significant effect.

Objectives and policies that have been screened out have been assigned to specific categories to explain why they have been screened out. These are as follows:

A. General statement of policy or general aspiration B. Policy listing general criteria for testing the acceptability or sustainability of proposals C. Policy with an appropriate protective element within it D. Environmental protection or site-safeguarding policy E. Policies which steer change in such a way as to protect European sites from adverse effects F. Policy that cannot lead to development or other land use change G. Policy that cannot have an effect on a European site due to its nature, scale or location. H. Policy the effects of which cannot undermine the conservation objectives of European sites, either alone or in combination.

Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Berwickshire and Large shallow inlets B E G F C G G C G F North and bays Northumberland Intertidal mudflats B E G F C G G C G F Coast SAC and sandflats Reefs B E G F C G G C G F Sea caves B E G F C G G C G F Grey seal B E G F C G G C G F Border Mires Kielder Blanket bogs * B G E G F C G G C G F – Butterburn SAC Petrifying springs B G E G F C G G C G F with tufa formation*

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 179 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 European dry heaths B G E G F C G G C G F Northern Atlantic B G E G F C G G C G F wet heaths with Erica tetralix Transition mires and B G E G F C G G C G F quaking bogs Ford Moss SAC Active raised bog * B G E G F C G G C G F Harbottle Moors European dry heaths B E G F C G G C G F SAC Newham Fen SAC Alkaline fens B G E G F C G G C G F North Fixed dunes with B E G F C G G C G F Northumberland herbaceous Dunes SAC vegetation * Dunes with creeping B E G F C G G C G F willow Embryonic shifting B E G F C G G C G F dunes Humid dune slacks B E G F C G G C G F Shifting dunes with B E G F C G G C G F marram Petalwort B E G F C G G C G F North Pennine Dales Mountain hay B E G F C G G C G F Meadows SAC meadows Molinia meadows B E G F C G G C G F North Pennine Moors Alkaline fens B G F C G G C G F SAC Blanket bogs * B G F C G G C G F Calaminarian B G F C G G C G F grasslands Calcareous rocky B G F C G G C G F slopes with

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 180 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 chasmophytes

European dry heaths B G F C G G C G F Juniper B G F C G G C G F Northern atlantic wet B G F C G G C G F heaths Old sessile oak B G F C G G C G F woods Petrifying springs B G F C G G C G F with tufa formation* Dry grassland and B G F C G G C G F scrub on calcareous substrates Montane acid B G F C G G C G F grasslands Siliceous rocky B G F C G G C G F slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous scree B G F C G G C G F Marsh saxifrage B G F C G G C G F River Eden SAC Floating formations B G E G F C G G C G F of water crowfoot Oligotrophic to B G E G F C G G C G F mesotrophic standing waters Residual alluvial B G E G F C G G C G F forests Atlantic salmon

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 181 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Bullhead B G E G F C G G C G F Brook lamprey B G E G F C G G C G F River lamprey B G E G F C G G C G F Sea lamprey B G E G F C G G C G F White-clawed B G E G F C G G C G F crayfish Otter B G E G F C G G C G F River Tweed SAC Floating formations B E G F C G G C G F of water crowfoot Atlantic salmon B E G F C G G C G F Brook lamprey B E G F C G G C G F River lamprey B E G F C G G C G F Sea lamprey B E G F C G G C G F Otter B E G F C G G C G F Roman Wall Loughs Naturally eutrophic B G E G F C G G C G F SAC lakes with pondweed vegetation Simonside Hills SAC Blanket bogs * B E G F C G G C G F European dry heaths B E G F C G G C G F Tweed Estuary SAC Estuaries B E G F C G G C G F Intertidal mudflats B E G F C G G C G F and sandflats River lamprey B E G F C G G C G F Sea lamprey B E G F C G G C G F Tyne and Allen Calaminarian B E G F C G G C G F River Gravels SAC grassland Bolton Fell Moss Active raised bogs* B G E G F C G G C G F SAC Degraded raised bogs B G E G F C G G C G F still capable of regeneration

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 182 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Borders Woods SAC Tilio-Acerion forests B G E G F C G G C G F of slopes, screes and ravines* Moor House – Upper Oligo-mesotrophic B G E G F C G G C G F Teesdale SAC waters with Chara spp. B G E G F C G G C G F Alpine and boreal heaths Alkaline fens B G E G F C G G C G F Blanket bogs * B G E G F C G G C G F Calaminarian B G E G F C G G C G F grasslands Calcareous rocky B G E G F C G G C G F slopes with chasmophytic vegetation European dry heaths B G E G F C G G C G F Juniper scrub B G E G F C G G C G F Petrifying springs B G E G F C G G C G F with tufa formation* Dry grassland and B G E G F C G G C G F scrub on calcareous substrates Siliceous rocky B G E G F C G G C G F slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous montane B G E G F C G G C G F screes

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 183 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Siliceous alpine and B G E G F C G G C G F boreal grasslands Molinia meadows B G E G F C G G C G F Hydrophilous tall B G E G F C G G C G F herb fringe communities Mountain hay B G E G F C G G C G F meadows Alpine pioneer B G E G F C G G C G F formations of the Caricion bicoloris- atrofuscae * Calcareous montane B G E G F C G G C G F screes Limestone B G E G F C G G C G F Pavements* Round-mouthed B G E G F C G G C G F whorl snail Marsh saxifrage B G E G F C G G C G F St Abb’s Head to Vegetated sea cliffs B G E G F C G G C G F Fast Castle SAC of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts Tyne and Nent SAC Calaminarian B G E G F C G G C G F grasslands Castle Eden Dene Yew woods. B G E G F C G G C G F SAC Thrislington SAC Semi natural dry B G E G F C G G C G F grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 184 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Coquet Island SPA Arctic tern B G E G F C G G C G F Sandwich tern B G E G F C G G C G F Common tern B G E G F C G G C G F Roseate tern B G E G F C G G C G F Farne Islands SPA Arctic tern B G E G F C G G C G F Sandwich tern B G E G F C G G C G F Common tern B G E G F C G G C G F Holburn Lake and Wintering greylag B G E G F C G G C G F Moss SPA goose roost Lindisfarne SPA Little tern B E G F C G G C G F Roseate tern B E G F C G G C G F Whooper swan B E G F C G G C G F Golden plover B E G F C G G C G F Purple sandpiper B E G F C G G C G F Turnstone B E G F C G G C G F Greylag goose B E G F C G G C G F Light-bellied brent B E G F C G G C G F goose Wigeon B E G F C G G C G F Ringed plover B E G F C G G C G F Bar-tailed godwit B E G F C G G C G F Redshank B E G F C G G C G F Wintering wildfowl B E G F C G G C G F assemblage of European importance North Pennine Moors Hen harrier B G F C G G C G F SPA Merlin B G F C G G C G F Peregrine B G F C G G C G F Golden plover B G F C G G C G F Curlew B G F C G G C G F

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 185 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Dunlin B G F C G G C G F Northumbria Coast Little tern B E G F C G G C G F SPA Purple sandpiper B E G F C G G C G F Turnstone B E G F C G G C G F

Northumberland Sandwich tern B E G F C G G C G F Marine pSPA Roseate tern B E G F C G G C G F Common tern B E G F C G G C G F Arctic tern Little tern B E G F C G G C G F Common guillemot B E G F C G G C G F Atlantic puffin B E G F C G G C G F An internationally B E G F C G G C G F important seabird assemblage of over 20,000 birds Langholm – Hen harrier B G E G F C G G C G F Newcastleton Hills SPA St Abb’s Head to Common Guillemot B G E G F C G G C G F Fast Castle SPA Internationally B G E G F C G G C G F important assemblage of breeding seabirds. Teeside and Little Tern B G E G F C G G C G F Cleveland Coast SPA (breeding) Sandwich Tern B G E G F C G G C G F (passage) Ringed Plover B G E G F C G G C G F

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 186 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 (passage)

Knot B G E G F C G G C G F Redshank B G E G F C G G C G F (wintering) Internationally B G E G F C G G C G F important assemblage of wintering waterfowl Holburn Lake and Lowland raised bog B G E G F C G G C G F Moss Ramsar Site Winter roost for B G E G F C G G C G F internationally important numbers of greylag goose Inland roost for mallard, wigeon and teal during unfavourable weather. Irthinghead Mires Active blanket bog B G E G F C G G C G F Ramsar Site Notable variety of Sphagnum mosses Rare species: Carex magellanica Sphagnum imbricatum S. pulchrum S. magellanicum Eboria caliginosa

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 187 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Lindisfarne Ramsar Extensive intertidal B E G F C G G C G F Site flats, saltmarsh and major sand dune system with well- developed dune slacks. Wintering waterfowl B E G F C G G C G F assemblage of international importance. Internationally B E G F C G G C G F important migratory/wintering populations of Light-bellied brent goose Wigeon Ringed plover Redshank Greylag goose Bar-tailed godwit Rare plants: B E G F C G G C G F Petalwort Lindisfarne helleborine (endemic on Lindisfarne) Northumbria Coast Internationally B E G F C G G C G F Ramsar Site important breeding population of little tern

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 188 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Internationally B E G F C G G C G F important wintering populations of purple sandpiper and turnstone Teeside and Waterfowl B G E G F C G G C G F Cleveland Coast assemblage of Ramsar Site International importance. Internationally B G E G F C G G C G F important numbers of redshank on passage and knot in winter.

Notes An asterisk * beside a qualifying feature indicates that the feature is listed as a priority habitat on Annex l of the Habitats Directive.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 189 Matrix for Identifying Likely Significant Effect – Policies in Full Draft Plan

= No effect

= Insignificant effect that needs to be considered in-combination with other plans and projects.

= Likely significant effect.

Objectives and policies that have been screened out have been assigned to specific categories to explain why they have been screened out. These are as follows:

A. General statement of policy or general aspiration B. Policy listing general criteria for testing the acceptability or sustainability of proposals C. Policy with an appropriate protective element within it D. Environmental protection or site-safeguarding policy E. Policies which steer change in such a way as to protect European sites from adverse effects F. Policy that cannot lead to development or other land use change G. Policy that cannot have an effect on a European site due to its nature, scale or location. H. Policy the effects of which cannot undermine the conservation objectives of European sites, either alone or in combination.

Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Berwickshire and Large shallow inlets B D D B B B D B G D C B B C North and bays Northumberland Intertidal mudflats B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Coast SAC and sandflats Reefs B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Sea caves B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Grey seal B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Border Mires Kielder Blanket bogs * B D D B B B D B G D C B B C

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 190 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 – Butterburn SAC Petrifying springs B D D B B B D B G D C B B C with tufa formation* European dry heaths B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Northern Atlantic B D D B B B D B G D C B B C wet heaths with Erica tetralix Transition mires and B D D B B B D B G D C B B C quaking bogs Ford Moss SAC Active raised bog * B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Harbottle Moors European dry heaths B D D B B B D B G D C B B C SAC Newham Fen SAC Alkaline fens B D D B B B D B G D C B B C North Fixed dunes with B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Northumberland herbaceous Dunes SAC vegetation * Dunes with creeping B D D B B B D B G D C B B C willow Embryonic shifting B D D B B B D B G D C B B C dunes Humid dune slacks B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Shifting dunes with B D D B B B D B G D C B B C marram Petalwort B D D B B B D B G D C B B C North Pennine Dales Mountain hay B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Meadows SAC meadows Molinia meadows B D D B B B D B G D C B B C North Pennine Moors Alkaline fens B D D B B B D B G D C B B C SAC Blanket bogs * B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Calaminarian B D D B B B D B G D C B B C grasslands

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 191 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Calcareous rocky B D D B B B D B G D C B B C slopes with chasmophytes European dry heaths B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Juniper B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Northern atlantic wet B D D B B B D B G D C B B C heaths Old sessile oak B D D B B B D B G D C B B C woods Petrifying springs B D D B B B D B G D C B B C with tufa formation* Dry grassland and B D D B B B D B G D C B B C scrub on calcareous substrates Montane acid B D D B B B D B G D C B B C grasslands Siliceous rocky B D D B B B D B G D C B B C slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous scree B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Marsh saxifrage B D D B B B D B G D C B B C River Eden SAC Floating formations B D D B B B D B G D C B B C of water crowfoot Oligotrophic to B D D B B B D B G D C B B C mesotrophic standing waters Residual alluvial B D D B B B D B G D C B B C forests Atlantic salmon

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 192 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Bullhead B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Brook lamprey B D D B B B D B G D C B B C River lamprey B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Sea lamprey B D D B B B D B G D C B B C White-clawed B D D B B B D B G D C B B C crayfish Otter B D D B B B D B G D C B B C River Tweed SAC Floating formations B D D B B B D B G D C B B C of water crowfoot Atlantic salmon B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Brook lamprey B D D B B B D B G D C B B C River lamprey B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Sea lamprey B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Otter B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Roman Wall Loughs Naturally eutrophic B D D B B B D B G D C B B C SAC lakes with pondweed vegetation Simonside Hills SAC Blanket bogs * B D D B B B D B G D C B B C European dry heaths B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Tweed Estuary SAC Estuaries B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Intertidal mudflats B D D B B B D B G D C B B C and sandflats River lamprey B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Sea lamprey B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Tyne and Allen Calaminarian B D D B B B D B G D C B B C River Gravels SAC grassland Bolton Fell Moss Active raised bogs* B D D B B B D B G D C B B C SAC Degraded raised bogs B D D B B B D B G D C B B C still capable of regeneration

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 193 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Borders Woods SAC Tilio-Acerion forests B D D B B B D B G D C B B C of slopes, screes and ravines* Moor House – Upper Oligo-mesotrophic B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Teesdale SAC waters with Chara spp. B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Alpine and boreal heaths Alkaline fens B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Blanket bogs * B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Calaminarian B D D B B B D B G D C B B C grasslands Calcareous rocky B D D B B B D B G D C B B C slopes with chasmophytic vegetation European dry heaths B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Juniper scrub B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Petrifying springs B D D B B B D B G D C B B C with tufa formation* Dry grassland and B D D B B B D B G D C B B C scrub on calcareous substrates Siliceous rocky B D D B B B D B G D C B B C slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous montane B D D B B B D B G D C B B C screes Siliceous alpine and B D D B B B D B G D C B B C

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 194 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 boreal grasslands

Molinia meadows B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Hydrophilous tall B D D B B B D B G D C B B C herb fringe communities Mountain hay B D D B B B D B G D C B B C meadows Alpine pioneer B D D B B B D B G D C B B C formations of the Caricion bicoloris- atrofuscae * Calcareous montane B D D B B B D B G D C B B C screes Limestone B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Pavements* Round-mouthed B D D B B B D B G D C B B C whorl snail Marsh saxifrage B D D B B B D B G D C B B C St Abb’s Head to Vegetated sea cliffs B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Fast Castle SAC of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts Tyne and Nent SAC Calaminarian B D D B B B D B G D C B B C grasslands Castle Eden Dene Yew woods. B D D B B B D B G D C B B C SAC Thrislington SAC Semi natural dry B D D B B B D B G D C B B C grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates. Coquet Island SPA Arctic tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 195 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Sandwich tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Common tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Roseate tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Farne Islands SPA Arctic tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Sandwich tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Common tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Holburn Lake and Wintering greylag B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Moss SPA goose roost Lindisfarne SPA Little tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Roseate tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Whooper swan B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Golden plover B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Purple sandpiper B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Turnstone B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Greylag goose B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Light-bellied brent B D D B B B D B G D C B B C goose Wigeon B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Ringed plover B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Bar-tailed godwit B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Redshank B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Wintering wildfowl B D D B B B D B G D C B B C assemblage of European importance North Pennine Moors Hen harrier B D D B B B D B G D C B B C SPA Merlin B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Peregrine B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Golden plover B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Curlew B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Dunlin B D D B B B D B G D C B B C

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 196 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Northumbria Coast Little tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C SPA Purple sandpiper B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Turnstone B D D B B B D B G D C B B C

Northumberland Sandwich tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Marine pSPA Roseate tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Common tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Arctic tern Little tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Common guillemot B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Atlantic puffin B D D B B B D B G D C B B C An internationally B D D B B B D B G D C B B C important seabird assemblage of over 20,000 birds Langholm – Hen harrier B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Newcastleton Hills SPA St Abb’s Head to Common Guillemot B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Fast Castle SPA Internationally B D D B B B D B G D C B B C important assemblage of breeding seabirds. Teeside and Little Tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Cleveland Coast SPA (breeding) Sandwich Tern B D D B B B D B G D C B B C (passage) Ringed Plover B D D B B B D B G D C B B C (passage) Knot B D D B B B D B G D C B B C

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 197 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Redshank B D D B B B D B G D C B B C (wintering) Internationally B D D B B B D B G D C B B C important assemblage of wintering waterfowl Holburn Lake and Lowland raised bog B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Moss Ramsar Site Winter roost for B D D B B B D B G D C B B C internationally important numbers of greylag goose Inland roost for mallard, wigeon and teal during unfavourable weather. Irthinghead Mires Active blanket bog B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Ramsar Site Notable variety of Sphagnum mosses Rare species: Carex magellanica Sphagnum imbricatum S. pulchrum S. magellanicum Eboria caliginosa

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 198 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Lindisfarne Ramsar Extensive intertidal B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Site flats, saltmarsh and major sand dune system with well- developed dune slacks. Wintering waterfowl B D D B B B D B G D C B B C assemblage of international importance. Internationally B D D B B B D B G D C B B C important migratory/wintering populations of Light-bellied brent goose Wigeon Ringed plover Redshank Greylag goose Bar-tailed godwit Rare plants: B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Petalwort Lindisfarne helleborine (endemic on Lindisfarne)

Northumbria Coast Internationally B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Ramsar Site important breeding population of little tern

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 199 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Internationally B D D B B B D B G D C B B C important wintering populations of purple sandpiper and turnstone Teeside and Waterfowl B D D B B B D B G D C B B C Cleveland Coast assemblage of Ramsar Site International importance. Internationally B D D B B B D B G D C B B C important numbers of redshank on passage and knot in winter.

Notes An asterisk * beside a qualifying feature indicates that the feature is listed as a priority habitat on Annex l of the Habitats Directive.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 200 Matrix for Identifying Likely Significant Effect – Policies in Full Draft Plan = No effect

= Insignificant effect that needs to be considered in-combination with other plans and projects.

= Likely significant effect.

Objectives and policies that have been screened out have been assigned to specific categories to explain why they have been screened out. These are as follows:

A. General statement of policy or general aspiration B. Policy listing general criteria for testing the acceptability or sustainability of proposals C. Policy with an appropriate protective element within it D. Environmental protection or site-safeguarding policy E. Policies which steer change in such a way as to protect European sites from adverse effects F. Policy that cannot lead to development or other land use change G. Policy that cannot have an effect on a European site due to its nature, scale or location. H. Policy the effects of which cannot undermine the conservation objectives of European sites, either alone or in combination.

Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Berwickshire and Large shallow inlets C B B H H C C C C B B C B North and bays Northumberland Intertidal mudflats C B B H H C C C C B B C B Coast SAC and sandflats Reefs C B B H H C C C C B B C B Sea caves C B B H H C C C C B B C B Grey seal C B B H H C C C C B B C B Border Mires Kielder Blanket bogs * C B B H H C C C C B B C B – Butterburn SAC Petrifying springs C B B H H C C C C B B C B with tufa formation* European dry heaths C B B H H C C C C B B C B

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 201 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Northern Atlantic C B B H H C C C C B B C B wet heaths with Erica tetralix Transition mires and C B B H H C C C C B B C B quaking bogs Ford Moss SAC Active raised bog * C B B H H C C C C B B C B Harbottle Moors European dry heaths C B B H H C C C C B B C B SAC Newham Fen SAC Alkaline fens C B B H H C C C C B B C B North Fixed dunes with C B B H H C C C C B B C B Northumberland herbaceous Dunes SAC vegetation * Dunes with creeping C B B H H C C C C B B C B willow Embryonic shifting C B B H H C C C C B B C B dunes Humid dune slacks C B B H H C C C C B B C B Shifting dunes with C B B H H C C C C B B C B marram Petalwort C B B H H C C C C B B C B North Pennine Dales Mountain hay C B B H H C C C C B B C B Meadows SAC meadows Molinia meadows C B B H H C C C C B B C B North Pennine Alkaline fens C B B H H C C C C B B C B Moors SAC Blanket bogs * C B B H H C C C C B B C B Calaminarian C B B H H C C C C B B C B grasslands Calcareous rocky C B B H H C C C C B B C B slopes with chasmophytes

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 202 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 European dry heaths C B B H H C C C C B B C B Juniper C B B H H C C C C B B C B Northern atlantic wet C B B H H C C C C B B C B heaths Old sessile oak C B B H H C C C C B B C B woods Petrifying springs C B B H H C C C C B B C B with tufa formation* Dry grassland and C B B H H C C C C B B C B scrub on calcareous substrates Montane acid C B B H H C C C C B B C B grasslands Siliceous rocky C B B H H C C C C B B C B slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous scree C B B H H C C C C B B C B Marsh saxifrage C B B H H C C C C B B C B River Eden SAC Floating formations C B B H H C C C C B B C B of water crowfoot Oligotrophic to C B B H H C C C C B B C B mesotrophic standing waters Residual alluvial C B B H H C C C C B B C B forests Atlantic salmon Bullhead C B B H H C C C C B B C B Brook lamprey C B B H H C C C C B B C B River lamprey C B B H H C C C C B B C B

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 203 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Sea lamprey C B B H H C C C C B B C B White-clawed C B B H H C C C C B B C B crayfish Otter C B B H H C C C C B B C B River Tweed SAC Floating formations C B B H H C C C C B B C B of water crowfoot Atlantic salmon C B B H H C C C C B B C B Brook lamprey C B B H H C C C C B B C B River lamprey C B B H H C C C C B B C B Sea lamprey C B B H H C C C C B B C B Otter C B B H H C C C C B B C B Roman Wall Loughs Naturally eutrophic C B B H H C C C C B B C B SAC lakes with pondweed vegetation Simonside Hills SAC Blanket bogs * C B B H H C C C C B B C B European dry heaths C B B H H C C C C B B C B Tweed Estuary SAC Estuaries C B B H H C C C C B B C B Intertidal mudflats C B B H H C C C C B B C B and sandflats River lamprey C B B H H C C C C B B C B Sea lamprey C B B H H C C C C B B C B Tyne and Allen Calaminarian C B B H H C C C C B B C B River Gravels SAC grassland Bolton Fell Moss Active raised bogs* C B B H H C C C C B B C B SAC Degraded raised C B B H H C C C C B B C B bogs still capable of regeneration Borders Woods SAC Tilio-Acerion forests C B B H H C C C C B B C B of slopes, screes and ravines*

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 204 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Moor House – Upper Oligo-mesotrophic C B B H H C C C C B B C B Teesdale SAC waters with Chara spp. C B B H H C C C C B B C B Alpine and boreal heaths Alkaline fens C B B H H C C C C B B C B Blanket bogs * C B B H H C C C C B B C B Calaminarian C B B H H C C C C B B C B grasslands Calcareous rocky C B B H H C C C C B B C B slopes with chasmophytic vegetation European dry heaths C B B H H C C C C B B C B Juniper scrub C B B H H C C C C B B C B Petrifying springs C B B H H C C C C B B C B with tufa formation* Dry grassland and C B B H H C C C C B B C B scrub on calcareous substrates Siliceous rocky C B B H H C C C C B B C B slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous montane C B B H H C C C C B B C B screes Siliceous alpine and C B B H H C C C C B B C B boreal grasslands Molinia meadows C B B H H C C C C B B C B

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 205 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Hydrophilous tall C B B H H C C C C B B C B herb fringe communities Mountain hay C B B H H C C C C B B C B meadows Alpine pioneer C B B H H C C C C B B C B formations of the Caricion bicoloris- atrofuscae * Calcareous montane C B B H H C C C C B B C B screes Limestone C B B H H C C C C B B C B Pavements* Round-mouthed C B B H H C C C C B B C B whorl snail Marsh saxifrage C B B H H C C C C B B C B St Abb’s Head to Vegetated sea cliffs C B B H H C C C C B B C B Fast Castle SAC of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts Tyne and Nent SAC Calaminarian C B B H H C C C C B B C B grasslands Castle Eden Dene Yew woods. C B B H H C C C C B B C B SAC Thrislington SAC Semi natural dry C B B H H C C C C B B C B grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates. Coquet Island SPA Arctic tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Sandwich tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 206 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Common tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Roseate tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Farne Islands SPA Arctic tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Sandwich tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Common tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Holburn Lake and Wintering greylag C B B H H C C C C B B C B Moss SPA goose roost Lindisfarne SPA Little tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Roseate tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Whooper swan C B B H H C C C C B B C B Golden plover C B B H H C C C C B B C B Purple sandpiper C B B H H C C C C B B C B Turnstone C B B H H C C C C B B C B Greylag goose C B B H H C C C C B B C B Light-bellied brent C B B H H C C C C B B C B goose Wigeon C B B H H C C C C B B C B Ringed plover C B B H H C C C C B B C B Bar-tailed godwit C B B H H C C C C B B C B Redshank C B B H H C C C C B B C B Wintering wildfowl C B B H H C C C C B B C B assemblage of European importance North Pennine Hen harrier C B B H H C C C C B B C B Moors SPA Merlin C B B H H C C C C B B C B Peregrine C B B H H C C C C B B C B Golden plover C B B H H C C C C B B C B Curlew C B B H H C C C C B B C B Dunlin C B B H H C C C C B B C B Northumbria Coast Little tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 207 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 SPA Purple sandpiper C B B H H C C C C B B C B Turnstone C B B H H C C C C B B C B

Northumberland Sandwich tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Marine pSPA Roseate tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Common tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B

Arctic tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Little tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Common guillemot C B B H H C C C C B B C B Atlantic puffin C B B H H C C C C B B C B An internationally C B B H H C C C C B B C B important seabird assemblage of over 20,000 birds Langholm – Hen harrier C B B H H C C C C B B C B Newcastleton Hills SPA St Abb’s Head to Common Guillemot C B B H H C C C C B B C B Fast Castle SPA Internationally C B B H H C C C C B B C B important assemblage of breeding seabirds. Teeside and Little Tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B Cleveland Coast (breeding) SPA Sandwich Tern C B B H H C C C C B B C B (passage) Ringed Plover C B B H H C C C C B B C B (passage) Knot C B B H H C C C C B B C B

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 208 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Redshank C B B H H C C C C B B C B (wintering) Internationally C B B H H C C C C B B C B important assemblage of wintering waterfowl Holburn Lake and Lowland raised bog C B B H H C C C C B B C B Moss Ramsar Site Winter roost for C B B H H C C C C B B C B internationally important numbers of greylag goose Inland roost for mallard, wigeon and teal during unfavourable weather. Irthinghead Mires Active blanket bog C B B H H C C C C B B C B Ramsar Site Notable variety of Sphagnum mosses Rare species: Carex magellanica Sphagnum imbricatum S. pulchrum S. magellanicum Eboria caliginosa

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 209 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Lindisfarne Ramsar Extensive intertidal C B B H H C C C C B B C B Site flats, saltmarsh and major sand dune system with well- developed dune slacks. Wintering waterfowl C B B H H C C C C B B C B assemblage of international importance. Internationally C B B H H C C C C B B C B important migratory/wintering populations of Light-bellied brent goose Wigeon Ringed plover Redshank Greylag goose Bar-tailed godwit Rare plants: C B B H H C C C C B B C B Petalwort Lindisfarne helleborine (endemic on Lindisfarne) C B B H H C C C C B B C B Northumbria Coast Internationally C B B H H C C C C B B C B Ramsar Site important breeding population of little tern

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 210 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 40 41 41A 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Internationally C B B H H C C C C B B C B important wintering populations of purple sandpiper and turnstone Teeside and Waterfowl C B B H H C C C C B B C B Cleveland Coast assemblage of Ramsar Site International importance. Internationally C B B H H C C C C B B C B important numbers of redshank on passage and knot in winter.

Notes An asterisk * beside a qualifying feature indicates that the feature is listed as a priority habitat on Annex l of the Habitats Directive.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 211 Matrix for Identifying Likely Significant Effect – Policies in Full Draft Plan = No effect

= Insignificant effect that needs to be considered in-combination with other plans and projects.

= Likely significant effect.

Objectives and policies that have been screened out have been assigned to specific categories to explain why they have been screened out. These are as follows:

A. General statement of policy or general aspiration B. Policy listing general criteria for testing the acceptability or sustainability of proposals C. Policy with an appropriate protective element within it D. Environmental protection or site-safeguarding policy E. Policies which steer change in such a way as to protect European sites from adverse effects F. Policy that cannot lead to development or other land use change G. Policy that cannot have an effect on a European site due to its nature, scale or location. H. Policy the effects of which cannot undermine the conservation objectives of European sites, either alone or in combination.

Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 Berwickshire and Large shallow inlets H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H North and bays Northumberland Intertidal mudflats H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Coast SAC and sandflats Reefs H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Sea caves H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Grey seal H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Border Mires Kielder Blanket bogs * H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H – Butterburn SAC Petrifying springs H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H with tufa formation*

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 212 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 European dry heaths H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Northern Atlantic H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H wet heaths with Erica tetralix Transition mires and H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H quaking bogs Ford Moss SAC Active raised bog * H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Harbottle Moors European dry heaths H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H SAC Newham Fen SAC Alkaline fens H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H North Fixed dunes with H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Northumberland herbaceous Dunes SAC vegetation * Dunes with creeping H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H willow Embryonic shifting H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H dunes Humid dune slacks H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Shifting dunes with H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H marram Petalwort H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H North Pennine Dales Mountain hay H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Meadows SAC meadows Molinia meadows H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H North Pennine Alkaline fens H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Moors SAC Blanket bogs * H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Calaminarian H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H grasslands Calcareous rocky H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H slopes with

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 213 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 chasmophytes

European dry heaths H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Juniper H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Northern atlantic wet H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H heaths Old sessile oak H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H woods Petrifying springs H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H with tufa formation* Dry grassland and H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H scrub on calcareous substrates Montane acid H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H grasslands Siliceous rocky H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous scree H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Marsh saxifrage H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H River Eden SAC Floating formations H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H of water crowfoot Oligotrophic to H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H mesotrophic standing waters Residual alluvial H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H forests Atlantic salmon

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 214 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 Bullhead H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Brook lamprey H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H River lamprey H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Sea lamprey H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H White-clawed H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H crayfish Otter H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H River Tweed SAC Floating formations H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H of water crowfoot Atlantic salmon H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Brook lamprey H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H River lamprey H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Sea lamprey H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Otter H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Roman Wall Loughs Naturally eutrophic H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H SAC lakes with pondweed vegetation Simonside Hills SAC Blanket bogs * H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H European dry heaths H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Tweed Estuary SAC Estuaries H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Intertidal mudflats H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H and sandflats River lamprey H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Sea lamprey H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Tyne and Allen Calaminarian H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H River Gravels SAC grassland Bolton Fell Moss Active raised bogs* H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H SAC Degraded raised bogs H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H still capable of regeneration

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 215 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 Borders Woods SAC Tilio-Acerion forests H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H of slopes, screes and ravines* Moor House – Upper Oligo-mesotrophic H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Teesdale SAC waters with Chara spp. H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Alpine and boreal heaths Alkaline fens H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Blanket bogs * H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Calaminarian H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H grasslands Calcareous rocky H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H slopes with chasmophytic vegetation European dry heaths H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Juniper scrub H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Petrifying springs H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H with tufa formation* Dry grassland and H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H scrub on calcareous substrates Siliceous rocky H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H slopes with chasmophytic vegetation Siliceous montane H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H screes Siliceous alpine and H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 216 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 boreal grasslands

Molinia meadows H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Hydrophilous tall H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H herb fringe communities Mountain hay H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H meadows Alpine pioneer H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H formations of the Caricion bicoloris- atrofuscae * Calcareous montane H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H screes Limestone H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Pavements* Round-mouthed H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H whorl snail Marsh saxifrage H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H St Abb’s Head to Vegetated sea cliffs H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Fast Castle SAC of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts Tyne and Nent SAC Calaminarian H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H grasslands Castle Eden Dene Yew woods. H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H SAC Thrislington SAC Semi natural dry H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates. Coquet Island SPA Arctic tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 217 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 Sandwich tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Common tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Roseate tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Farne Islands SPA Arctic tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Sandwich tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Common tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Holburn Lake and Wintering greylag H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Moss SPA goose roost Lindisfarne SPA Little tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Roseate tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Whooper swan H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Golden plover H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Purple sandpiper H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Turnstone H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Greylag goose H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Light-bellied brent H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H goose Wigeon H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Ringed plover H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Bar-tailed godwit H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Redshank H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Wintering wildfowl H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H assemblage of European importance North Pennine Hen harrier H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Moors SPA Merlin H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Peregrine H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Golden plover H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Curlew H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Dunlin H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 218 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 Northumbria Coast Little tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H SPA Purple sandpiper H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Turnstone H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H

Northumberland Sandwich tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Marine pSPA Roseate tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Common tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Arctic tern Little tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Common guillemot H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Atlantic puffin H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H An internationally H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H important seabird assemblage of over 20,000 birds Langholm – Hen harrier H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Newcastleton Hills SPA St Abb’s Head to Common Guillemot H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Fast Castle SPA Internationally H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H important assemblage of breeding seabirds. Teeside and Little Tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Cleveland Coast (breeding) SPA Sandwich Tern H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H (passage) Ringed Plover H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H (passage) Knot H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 219 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 Redshank H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H (wintering) Internationally H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H important assemblage of wintering waterfowl Holburn Lake and Lowland raised bog H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Moss Ramsar Site Winter roost for H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H internationally important numbers of greylag goose Inland roost for mallard, wigeon and teal during unfavourable weather. Irthinghead Mires Active blanket bog H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Ramsar Site Notable variety of Sphagnum mosses Rare species: Carex magellanica Sphagnum imbricatum S. pulchrum S. magellanicum Eboria caliginosa

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 220 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 Lindisfarne Ramsar Extensive intertidal H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Site flats, saltmarsh and major sand dune system with well- developed dune slacks. Wintering waterfowl H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H assemblage of international importance. Internationally H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H important migratory/wintering populations of Light-bellied brent goose Wigeon Ringed plover Redshank Greylag goose Bar-tailed godwit Rare plants: H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Petalwort Lindisfarne helleborine (endemic on Lindisfarne) H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Northumbria Coast Internationally H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Ramsar Site important breeding population of little tern

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 221 Northumberland Core Strategy Full Draft Plan Policies Site Qualifying Features 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 Internationally H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H important wintering populations of purple sandpiper and turnstone Teeside and Waterfowl H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H Cleveland Coast assemblage of Ramsar Site International importance. Internationally H H C C C C C E H C C C C C A A H important numbers of redshank on passage and knot in winter.

Notes An asterisk * beside a qualifying feature indicates that the feature is listed as a priority habitat on Annex l of the Habitats Directive.

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 222 Appendix 6: Results of North Northumberland Coastal Dog Walker Questionnaire Survey

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 223 Coastal Dog-Walker Survey Questions (Northumberland) Results

Number of Dogs (tally) 1 (30), 2 (22), 3 (5), 4+ (1)

Dog(s) on lead? (Y/N) Y = 13 N = 45

Q1. How far have you travelled to get here today?

½ mile ½ - 1 mile 1-5 miles 5-10 miles 10-15 15-20 More than (0.8km) or 0.8-1.6 km 1.6 – 8km 8 – 16 km miles miles 20 miles/ less 16 – 24km 24 – 32km 32km 14 12 14 12 1 0 4

Q2. To help understand where visitors come from it is very useful to know postcodes. Are you willing to provide your postcode? See Map

Q3. Why do you choose to walk your dog at the coast?

Reason Tally Nowhere suitable close to home 6 Convenient/close to home 35 Tranquillity 27 Good Parking 4 Enjoy the beach/sea/views 51 Plenty of space for the dog(s) to run around safely 51 Feels safe 15 Other (on holiday/visiting family/friends) 4

Q4a. Is there anywhere suitable to walk your dog closer to home? Tally Yes No 37 21

Q4b. If so, how often do you use it? Q4c. Are there any particular reasons why you don’t use it more often? Frequencies given & tallies Reasons (if given) & tallies

Frequencies Tally Reason Tally Not very often 2 Prefer beach, can let dog off lead 10 Twice per week 3 Safer on beach, more relaxed 1 Three times per week 4 Variety, more space on beach 4 Every other day 2 Beach is close 1 Most Days 6 Can walk further on beach 1 Everyday 20 Depends on tides 1 Quieter on certain beach 2 Q5. If a suitable area of greenspace was

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 224 available close to your home would you use this as an alternative to walking your dog at the coast?

Yes, most of the time Yes, some of the time No, unlikely Not sure 10 29 15 0 Q6. Do you or your dog/s go on the rocky shore? If so, what proportion of time do you generally spend there? Yes Time spent (minutes) <5 5-10 11-20 21-30 31-45 46-60 61+ 14 Tally 2 6 3 2 1 0

No Reasons why not (if given) Tall y 44 Easier to walk on sand 5 Too dangerous/slippy/uneven 14 Dogs get more exercise on sand 1 Prohibitive 1 Wary of tides 1 Q7. Aside from this location, do you visit any other places on the coast to walk your dog? If yes – which 3 locations do you visit most often? Locations given Tally Locations given Tally Warkworth 7 Craster 8 Boulmer 2 Low Newton 10 Embleton 7 High Newton 1 Bamburgh 22 Alnmouth 10 North Seahouses 8 Dunstanburgh 1 Druridge Bay 2 Budle Bay 1 Annstead 2 Ross Sands 2 Beadnell 18 Amble 1

Q8. How often do you typically visit this site during the winter months (Oct – March) and the summer months (April- Aug)? Tally Winter (Oct – March) Summer (April – August) Three or more times per day 0 0 Twice per day 8 15 Once per day 19 15 A few times per week 9 9 Once per week 8 7 Once or twice per month 7 8 Less than once per month 7 4

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 225 Q9. As the number of people who use the coast increases the pressures on the unique environment will increase. With this in mind, to what extent would you support or object to plans which require…. Tally Completely Support Neither Object to Strongly support to some support some object extent nor object extent A) Visitors only walking on designated paths 14 27 3 13 1 along sensitive areas of the coast B) Dog owners to keep dogs on a lead during 12 32 3 11 0 sensitive times of the year C) Dog owners to keep dogs on a lead when 31 24 1 1 1 walking through specific areas

Q10. How long would you say you spend on the beach/shoreline during your visit? Tally 30 minutes or less 30 minutes – 1 hour 1-2 hours 2-4 hours More than 4 hours 0 22 32 5 0

Q11. Do you tend to visit the coast at a certain time of day? Tally Early Morning Morning Early Afternoon Late Afternoon Evening Varies/First (Before 9am) (9am-12pm) (12-2pm) (2-4pm) (After 4pm) Visit 14 17 5 11 15 17

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 226 Maps

Blue Icons – Alnmouth Survey Green Icons – Annstead Survey Yellow Icons – Boulmer Survey Purple Icons – North Seahouses Survey

Northumberland Local Plan Core Strategy Draft Plan February 2017 Habitats Regulations Assessment 227